Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor make any profit from this. I solely write for fun.

Chapter 10: Life Moves On:

Dora was acting odd; she was quiet and avoiding him and for the life of him Harry couldn't understand why. He thought that they had a wonderful time on his birthday, but after 3 weeks of minimal contact he started to worry that he did something wrong. It was infuriating because he thought they were finally connecting in a meaningful way. All he could think of was that she finally got over her crush and didn't want anything to do with him now that she saw him for who he was.

He brushed that thought out of his head, there was nothing wrong with him, he needed to listen to Ted and stop belittling himself. It was hard though, the years with the Dursleys telling him he was a worthless freak, was hard to break. You can't go most of your life being told one thing and then trying to completely change your mindset in a couple of months, at least that's what Ted had told him.

Merlin how he was coming to think of Ted and Andi as his parents. It had only been a few months, but Ted was the father he wish he grew up with. As much as he would like to claim that Sirius was like a father to him, he knew it wasn't true. He had only really been in contact with the man less two years, and he hadn't spent any significant time with him to neither of their faults.

Ted was there for him in a way no male figure had been, sure Mr. Weasley was a great man, but he was too fascinated in muggles to truly get a sense of. Most of the time he spent with the man was him trying to wheedle out every little facet of growing up in a non-magical household. Ted meanwhile was always kind and supportive, he had welcomed a stranger into his house and treated him like kin. A fact that Harry immensely felt gratitude for.

Andi treated him like a son. He liked to imagine that if his own mother was alive, she would treat him like Andi did. Just like her husband she was there for him, even with the insane hours that the couple worked, they were always there to talk to. When they first had gone back to work, they had pulled him aside and told him that no matter how much they worked they were always there to talk to. Andi had told him quite firmly that she didn't care if he had to owl them at work, if he needed them, they would be there. That conversation had caused him to cry, Andi had just held him as he let it all out.

Mrs. Weasley was always kind to him and treated him well. For a time, he thought of her like a mother, but when Andi started to fill that role, he had let go of that notion. Molly had to be in control of everything. Children make mistakes, learning from them was what made them adults. Molly smothered them; Harry included. Andi let him make his own decisions, even if they were wrong. She was there to help him when it went tits up, or there to encourage him to continue. Without her he doubted he would have kept his drive to better himself scholastically.

The one question on his mind that constantly plagued him though was, was it too soon to think of them in a parental role? He hoped his mom and dad would be ok with him considering the Tonks his family. He realized that he probably was so emotionally stunted due to the Dursley's that he was latching onto the first people who wanted to fill the parental roles he had missed. He realized he didn't mind though, if he could have them fill the gaps in his heart, then he was all for it.

With the Tonks he had a new life, a better one in his opinion. There were no expectations for him to live up to his boy who lived moniker, no adoring fans. He was just Harry Evans, a half-blood metamorph living with family friends. It was the most comfortable he had ever felt, even Hogwarts, Hermione, and Ron paled in comparison. He had a family, a family he would do whatever he had to, to protect.

Speaking of family, the last member of his new family was an enigma to him. For the first couple of weeks, she had hung off every word he said, always within sight of him. Then she had suddenly mellowed and started to truly spend time with him, something which she hadn't really done. Sure, she was present on the previous encounters, but she herself wasn't truly there. Until they went to the amusement park, he was sure she had come to truly care about him, dropping the crush she had on him.

That was another thing that worried him at first, the impossible standards her crush seemed to hold on him. When she had finally seemed to let it go, he had felt happy but also a little sad. It took him a while to understand why he felt sad, he figured it was because she liked him for something other than his name. Although he could say that was better, it still wasn't ideal.

His own feelings for his fellow metamorph were complicated. On one hand he loved being near her, her exuberance was intoxicating. She seemed to always bring joy to her surroundings, he felt as if he could stay near her forever. While the Horcrux being removed alleviated some of his broodiness, he wasn't completely sure if it was its removal or just Dora's presence. Objectively he recognized that she was a beautiful young woman, even without the use of her powers. He could say with 100 percent certainty that he was attracted to her; he wasn't sure though if it was a crush or just because he was living in the same house with a beautiful woman, especially since he was going through puberty with his hormones raging. He had only had two real crushes and he was only 15.

One thing he knew about this situation of this cold war though, was that he was done with it. If she didn't want to be near him, that was fine, but she could bloody well tell him. He wasn't going to sit there and let her treat him like a leper. Even if she didn't want to be friends with him, he was at the end of the day still part of her family and he wasn't going to lose them.

Making his way towards her room, he knocked on her door once he reached as what she liked to call her abode.

When the door opened, "What the hell did I do?"

Dora looked at him in shock, "W-w-what?"

Harry let out a sigh of annoyance, "You've been avoiding me and I'm tired of it. What did I do. " Enunciating every word carefully.

"You didn't do anything." Dora said shuffling her feet nervously.

Harry beamed at her, "Then good, get ready were going to the movies."

Dora squeaked, "W-what l-like a date." She stammered out.

Harry's face scrunched up in contemplation, "Do you want it to be?" Was this why she had been avoiding him, did she think of his birthday as a date.

Her face went bright red before she looked down, "Maybe." She barely whispered out.

Harry with the aid of occlumency held his emotions in check, he started to contemplate if dating his housemate was a bad idea. Honestly, he had never really been on a proper date, he choose to discount the yule ball simply because he was an ass to his 'date'. What the hell, he thought there was worse people to have a first date with, least with Dora he was comfortable being around her.

He reached out and lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes, her face was red, but she managed to hold his gaze.

"Good, then get ready. I'll meet you downstairs in ten minutes." He said smiling at her in a way that sent her stomach fluttering.

With his departure, Tonks had one thought run through her head. That thought was a repeat of OH MY God. The boy she had been crushing on was finally looking at her in a way that she craved. Oh Merlin, was this too fast, was he just taking her on a date so that she would stop being distant.

Smacking both her hands to her cheeks she snapped out of her stupor to get ready, if it was a proper date she would find out, no need to fret about it.

Scene Break

Oh, Merlin. What did he do, he was pretty sure that was the boldest move he had ever done. This wasn't like him; he didn't have confidence with women. Merlin, he acted like was someone else, someone like Cedric or even the Twins.

Taking a slow deep breath he controlled his emotions, how he remained composed near Dora was a miracle. He was surprised he didn't become a stuttering wreck.

Did he want to even be with Dora? He wasn't sure, while he knew he liked her as a friend, could they even become something more?

Shaking his head at his turbulent emotions he decided firmly that he would take it slowly. He was 15, 15-year-olds dated all the time. There was no Voldemort yet, he had 7 years of relatively peace. Besides 1 date didn't equal marriage, he had plenty of time to get to know Dora as a possible romantic partner.

It was as he thought in his own opinion, there were worst people he could have a first date with.

Whatever, these thoughts didn't do him any good. He would go to the movies and just spend time with his friend. If it became something more, he would worry about it later. He needed to boost his confidence anyway, what better way than going on a date with what was becoming a great friend.

Deciding that he had enough silent contemplation he made his way to the front door to wait for Dora.

Scene Break

The walk to the movies was filled with great conversation in Dora's opinion. Harry had been extremely talkative. She was honestly thrown off a little at his attitude, not that she was complaining mind you. She expected him to be his normal quiet self, he was acting like he did when they bantered back in forth at dinner. Usually when the topic of dating came up, he would be a stuttering mess.

She knew her Mum and Dad had been working with him to help build his confidence up. Merlin, how she hated those muggles, they had destroyed Harry's self-worth. Listening to her Mum mutter about their pending doom was something she whole heartedly agreed with. Even if her and Harry only ever stayed friends, she wanted those monsters to pay for how they treated him.

"DORA!"

Harry's shout broke her out of her negative thoughts.

She looked at him questioningly.

Harry laughed at her expression, "We're here."

Dora let loose a deep blush, "Sorry." She muttered.

"It's fine, what do you want to watch?"

"You can choose." Dora said, her head not in the moment.

"Comedy it is then."

A grin tugged at her lips, "Don't want to see another horror movie."

"Merlin, No! How you can stand that crap astounds me." Harry shuddered.

Looking at him innocently, "But, then I can't hide my head in your shoulder when it gets scary."

Harry snorted, "Please, like you would get scared. You would be the one shouting for the mayhem to continue. I'd be the one hiding in your shoulder."

Grinning at him, "Then we're definitely going to watch a horror movie."

"No."

"But then you won't cuddle with me." She pouted.

Shaking his head in amusement, "Little early to be cuddling, this is only our first date."

Hooking his arm with hers she looked up into his emerald eyes, "So does that mean there's going to be another one?"

Deciding to be bold he whispered into her ear, "I guess you'll have to wait and see Luv."

Unhooking his arm he made his way to the ticket booth, leaving a gobsmacked Dora behind.

Broken out of her stupor by his chuckling she made her way to him.

After getting their tickets they got some drinks and snacks and made their way to their movie.

Even years in the future neither of them could remember the movie. Too nervous and happy to even remember what happened or even the title. What they remembered was their light banter got them kicked out of the movie, apparently people didn't appreciate talking, what made it so funny was there were less than a dozen patrons including them.

What they remembered most years later was that it was the perfect date. Nothing significant happened, they didn't even kiss, but in that moment, they felt comfortable with each other's presence. They didn't even realize when they made it home still wrapped up in the others laughter and banter. Not even realizing the looks the Tonks were showing, Teds look of smug rightness, and Andi's look of Happy remembrance of her first date with her husband.

Years later they would realize that was the moment that the crushes got discarded, and they started to see each other completely. That was the day their relationship changed, even if it would be months before they acknowledged or realized it.

Scene Break

Returning to Hogwarts was approaching the duo fast. They had less than two weeks until they returned to the hallowed halls of the castle. Andromeda had decided that they needed to resupply their Hogwarts supplies. Harry mostly had his supplies, Dora on the other hand was woefully unprepared.

"Harry! Dora! Get down here." Andi yelled up the stairs, Zephyr draped around her shoulders.

Harry made his way out of his room only to be shoved back in by Dora who laughed and passed him. He rushed to her intent on beating her at her own game. Before she made it to the top of the stairs, he reached her and started tickling her sides, while she was laughing he pushed past her down the stairs.

"Cheater!"

"Takes one to know one Nymphadora." Harry dodged a stinging hex meant for him by a scowling Dora.

"WHY do you two insist on calling me that dreaded name!"

Clicking his tongue at her and wagging his index finger at her, "Why must you insist on hating it so much?"

"It's a horrible name!" Dora said finally reaching the landing of the stairs to glare at her boyfriend/friend?

"I think it's a lovely name, why else would your mum name you it."

"Because she wanted to torture me!" Dora said getting in his face, Andi just watched on in amusement.

Harry rolled his eyes at her, "Please, if she wanted to torture you she would have given you a worse name.

Dora stomped her foot in frustration, "Like what?"

"I don't know, Agnes, Prudence, Dolores, I even heard a story of a woman names Chlamydia." He finished with a shudder.

"You're making that up." Dora said with a scowl.

Holding his hand ups, "I swear I'm not, Dudley asked Aunt Petunia what the name meant when some kids mom picked up their kid. She went by Chloe, not that I blame her."

Narrowing her eyes, "I can't tell if you're messing with me or not."

Leaning into whisper in her ear. "I guess you'll have to wonder luv."

Harry had been tired of her teasing for a while now, after their first date he recognized her reaction of him whispering in her ear and ending the statement with a luv. It was a very effective tactic to combat her, so of course he abused the hell out of it.

He was proven right when she blushed and turned her head away from him, unfortunately for her she turned her head towards her mum. Her mum just gave her a knowing look, which deepened her blush and caused her to flee the room.

Looking at Andi innocently, "Something I said?"

Andi snorted and walked away, with the now snickering or snake equivalent from Zephyr.

Harry smiled to himself at a job well done as he made his way to the entry way. Adopting his standard morph of short blue hair, no scar and adjusted facial features, just enough to throw people off his James Potter doppelganger look.

Looking at his family, "So, we ready to go?"

Dora glared at him and made her way out the door as Andi and Ted prepared to side apparate them away.

Popping away and one bout of nausea later saw the group at diagon alley.

"So, what first mum?"

"Gringotts first Nymphadora, then I think you need new robes, then books, then finally potion ingredients."

Dora scoffed, "I don't need new robes, I can just adjust myself accordingly."

With a sigh Ted explained, "Dora you haven't had new robes since you entered your third year, even with the charms the wear and tear is still noticeable. Professor Sprout mentioned they were looking a little worn."

"Professor Sprout? What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"Well, it's the responsibility of your head of house to write to parents and make sure that not only are you properly outfitted but in good health." Andi looked at him quizzically, "I'm guessing Minerva didn't?" she added lowly.

With a scowl, "No, she bloody didn't. Would Professor Sprout have said something about my cast-off clothes if I was in Hufflepuff?"

Dora felt anger at her transfiguration Professor, how the hell was she not blind if she didn't see the effects of living with those monsters and why didn't she do anything.

Ted hoping to stem his daughter's rising ire, "Pomona would have, Minerva could have been too busy, she holds three jobs. Things slip."

Andi glared at her husband, "Then she should have resigned as Deputy Head, the whole point of a head of house is to protect and make sure her students are not only safe, but happy."

"Please, the staff didn't do anything when the chamber was opened, and everybody thought I was the heir because I was a parselmouth. Don't even get me started on the Triwizard Tournament." Harry muttered lowly, but not lowly enough that the Tonks didn't hear him.

"I swear I'm going to hex half of Hogwarts in 7 years." Dora said looking downright pissed.

Andi moved and put her hand on her daughter's shoulder, "Don't worry dear, I'll help you."

Dora looked positively gleeful at the prospect of hurting those that had hurt someone she was coming to care deeply about.

Ted shook his head at his family's antics, "So, son have you decided what you're going to do about Zephyr?"

"I'm bringing him with me, I don't care if anyone knows about my gift. I'll make something up in 5 years when things happen, maybe that I'm overseas. I don't know I'll worry about it later. I'm not going to hide anymore, outside of my identity." Harry said resolutely as they made their way into Gringotts to get some gold.

Harry who still had enough from his earlier trip in the year stayed in the lobby with Andi as Ted and Dora went to collect some gold.

Andi smiled at her ward, "I think it's very brave what you're doing. You shouldn't have to hide what you can do just so others feel comfortable. Besides anyone that spends a minute in Zephyr's company will realize that he's more of a cuddly teddy bear than anything."

Harry snickered about his familiar's description, "Don't tell him that, I don't think it will end well."

Andi smirked at him, "He knows who runs the household."

It was true Zephyr seemed to adore but also fear the middle Black sister.

"Besides we can work up an excuse through work, so that you're not considered a suspect." She whispered into his ear, not wanting anyone to hear about her job.

Harry merely nodded his head at her.

10 minutes later the family reunited with a new sack full of galleons.

It only took two hours for them to finish their shopping. The longest wait was for Dora's new robes. Madam Malkin's was packed, and she had to wait her turn, Harry was glad that he shopped earlier in the year, he only needed to pick up a few books on Runes and Arithmancy. He was happy he had caught up to the 5th year curriculum. While he wasn't sure if he could achieve an outstanding in 4th year material he was sure he could get an easy Exceed Expectations.

After they returned home, he became excited to return to Hogwarts, but he was also a little scared. For the first time he wouldn't have Hermione or Ron to back him up, not even the twins would be there. His eyes went wide when he thought of the twins. They had the marauders map, he remembered them saying they got it from Filch in their first year.

Quickly explaining his thoughts to his family, Ted and Andi started to think of what to do, whereas Dora thought of the pranking potential the map would hold.

Ted and Andi had a silent conversation with their eyes. "Can you get the map and bring it home for Christmas."

"Y-you want me to be here for Christmas?" He managed to get out, pushing down the emotion coursing through him.

Dora grabbed him into a hug, "You're with us for the long-haul Potter, we aren't letting you go. Even after the timeline crap is over with. Get used to long embarrassingly filled Christmas'" Andi and Ted put one hand on his shoulders.

Harry let out a deep sigh, one filled with happiness and hope. "Well then I guess you're stuck with me too."

"Wouldn't have it any other way." Dora said pulling away and kissing him on the cheek, which elicited a light blush from him.

Harry smiled at them. Everyday they showed him more and more why he was starting to consider them his world. Andi was like a mother, Ted like a father, and Dora was someone who made him feel things he had never felt before. What he had with Cho, and Fleur was a straight crush, he didn't really know them all that well. With Dora, he liked her not only as a person, but he knew he was attracted to her.

If Ted and Andi weren't there, he was pretty sure he would have started snogging her then and there. He was glad they were their though, he wasn't sure if he was ready for a full relationship yet. While they had become inseparable, he didn't want to rush into anything due to hormones. Although he wasn't sure if it was just his hormones anymore.

As he went to sleep that night his thought we're encompassed with one person, one Nymphadora Tonks.

AN: I know it's been a while since I last updated, I've been busy and not really wanted to write. I had ¾ of this chapter done for about two weeks, just no motivation to finish it. I know that I've been getting messages/reviews about my update schedule, unfortunately I'm going to be moving this story to one chapter a week (hopefully I can keep at it), I'm going to also make the chapters longer, instead of 2k words, I'm hoping for 3 to 5k words minimum.

Now onto the story notes. The romance is now truly about to start, I'm going to keep it slow burn. A bunch of OCs will be making an appearance in the coming chapter (We don't know who Tonks went to school with after all. Other than Charlie so I will be making up characters, they won't be supremely important, some will be more background characters, others more than but not chiefly important.) I will be aging Bill down (I don't think they gave us his age; I couldn't find it anyway), he will be a 7th year, Hestia Jones will be in the same year as Tonks (one of her best friends.) There will be a character that will be integral to the plot that isn't an OC but isn't overly important to canon introduced in the next chapter. (His age isn't known so I'll be taking liberties.)

Thank you for reading, I'm sorry for the delays and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.