A/N
Churning these out fairly rapidly whilst my muse is strong.
Updates will more than likely slow eventually but I am persisting at the moment.
Love to you all,
TBR
Chapter 6: Hogsmeade
Lord Voldemort looked upon Pettirgrew as he entered, clutching the early edition of The Daily Prophet that his master had requested, trembling as he bumbled his way towards him. The Dark Lord was ever losing his patience with the ineptitude of his subordinate and was counting down the minutes until he would acquire a new body. The rat would be the first to die, and then, the two Potter brats would follow.
"That will be all, Wormtail," he wheezed.
Pettigrew offered a pathetic bow as he sputtered incoherently and quickly made his exit.
Voldemort's lips curled in distaste at the display before he turned his attention to the front page of the periodical.
Triwizard Tragedy
By Rita Skeeter
The recently reinstated Triwizard Tournament came under heavy scrutiny last night as one of the dragons used in the first task of the competition was killed. The Hungarian Horntail, unnamed, fell victim to what was later learned to be a Rupturing Curse to one of its' glands, causing the creature to burst into flames, eventually bringing about its' demise.
The champion it faced, Harry Black, the wayward son of James and Lily Potter and surprise addition to the tournament, was said to be recovering well from his own injuries sustained during the event.
"It is a very unfortunate incident and one we have investigated thoroughly. Since doing so, we are in agreement that Mr Black carried out his task within the rules and the resulting death of the dragon was but an accident," Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, had to say.
"Mr Black will not be penalised or punished as the score he received reflects," he added.
Many however, are not satisfied with the investigation and the organisers of the tournament are under fire from many sources. Charlie Weasley, a worker from the dragon reserve in which the creatures were supplied from had this to say.
"We are all devastated at the loss of one of the dragons. We were assured that they would be safe. Mr Black fired only what can be deemed a lethal curse which caused the death of our Horntail and we will be seeking recompense from the House of Black for his actions and also the body governing the tournament."
This unpleasant outcome aside, the first event of the task has been heralded by many as quite the success. All four champions were triumphant in their attempts with none being seriously injured. Harry Black, despite the outcome of his portion of the task, is in the lead having been awarded forty-five points followed by Viktor Krum on forty-four. Fleur Delacour sits third in the standings having accumulated a score of forty-two and Hogwarts champion Cedric Diggory is in fourth place on forty-one points.
The Dark Lord discarded the paper as he pondered his next move, pleased that the Potter boy was playing his part, unwittingly as it was. Barty had explained the boys' association with the Black family and the fact that he had taken their name, but it was of no consequence. The brat could call himself Merlin if he so wished, he would still always be Harry Potter, the-boy-that-vanished.
He did however remain an enigma to Lord Voldemort. Try as he might, the memory of Halloween 1981 remained elusive. Still, he remembered crossing the boundary of the property and knew that he conversed with the rat but then he drew a blank. Often, he would dream of the bright flashing light of the killing curse and would wake immediately after in excruciating pain, but then nothing. The memory he knew existed just would not surface.
He growled in frustration and clenched his fists.
It was a trivial matter, one that he would easily forget were it not for the fact that it plagued him so, goaded him from the recesses of his own mind and remained steadfastly unattainable.
He shook his head of the thoughts.
It truly mattered not. Both would be killed and his brief foray into exile would become nothing but an unpleasant memory.
(BREAK)
Harry Black drifted slowly from his slumber, disturbed by the gentle opening and closing of a door nearby. Immediately, his wand was in his hand and he took in the unfamiliar surroundings, quickly deducing that he had been moved to the main infirmary of the school whilst he slept. But something was off.
He chanced a glance towards the door and around the room and saw nothing amiss, nothing that would suggest he was in any imminent danger, yet the feeling of being watched remained.
"You'd better show yourself," he growled as he swept his wand across the expanse of the room.
"It's just me," Charlie yelped, his head appearing in the space at the end of his bed.
Harry shook his head.
"Bloody hell, I almost cursed you," he sighed.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Charlie replied as he became fully visible and stuffed a silver garment into his robes.
"Nice cloak," Harry commented.
Charlie flushed slightly as he shrugged.
"I used to have a handy map too but mum took it off me," he explained with a frown.
"The Marauders Map?"
Charlie nodded excitedly.
"I've heard of it. Dad and James used to get up to all sorts with it and under the cloak. I hope you washed it."
Charlie grimaced at the implication.
"Ergh, please tell me they didn't."
"Would you put it past them?"
Charlie shook his head and scowled.
"Thanks, Harry. They're just the thoughts I needed today."
Harry chuckled.
"What are you doing here?" he questioned.
"I just wanted to make sure you're okay," Charlie explained, "I didn't sleep much and thought I'd come see you."
"So, you snuck in before visiting hours? Would I be right to assume no one knows you are here?"
The sheepish look he received in reply answered both questions.
"I'm with you," Charlie shrugged. "Nothing will happen."
Harry shook his head amusedly.
"I'm fine, Charlie," he assured the boy as he sat up and winced at the pull of the tight burnt skin of his shoulder. "I think it's time for some more that wonderful paste," he grumbled as he reached for the jar of it on the bedside table.
"I'll do it," Charlie offered eagerly, almost snatching the jar from his brother's hand.
"There is a matron, it's her job," Harry pointed out.
"Well, your brother is here now so let me do it."
Harry mumbled under his breath.
"Don't be a baby about it," Charlie sighed as he began applying the ointment to his skin.
"I'm not being a baby," Harry huffed petulantly.
"Of course not," Charlie cooed, "now shut up and I'll get you some ice cream if you're a good boy," he mocked.
Harry frowned at his younger brother but said nothing. He simply shook his head and allowed the boy to continue his work.
(BREAK)
Nymphadora Tonks rose from her fitful rest, sleep having not come easy to her for the duration of the night. Every time she closed her eyes, the image of Harry soaring through the air after being hit by the dragon's tail replayed in her mind over again. When she did manage to sleep, her dreams consisted of seeing Harry being engulfed in fire and her being unable to do anything to help him.
"Pull yourself together, Tonks," she grumbled to herself as she took in her appearance in the mirror.
She always made a point of morphing as soon as she woke. Todays change however, was nothing short of lacklustre. She had aimed for a short, vibrant pink bob, bright blue eyes and a delicate nose. What she saw however was her natural hair length tinged a light pink, dull brown eyes and a rather bulbous nose.
She knew that her morphing ability could be affected by her emotions and the fact that the day before and restless night had left her quite traumatised, it was no surprise to her that she was having difficulty.
She sighed as she focused her mind on what she wanted to achieve and managed it after few difficult moments, something she only ever had to force when she had been at school.
She nodded to her reflection, satisfied with her efforts and dressed before exiting her room.
It was earlier than she thought judging by the emptiness of the corridors within the castle but she continued on her way, nonetheless. For her own peace of mind, she needed to see that he was okay. She had no doubt that he was truly, but she had to see it for herself before she could relax.
She reached the entrance to the Hospital Wing and pushed the door open gently, not wanting to disturb any of the patients only to be greeted by the sight of Harry sat up in his bed and another boy she didn't know caking his burns in a paste.
"Are you done yet?" Harry grumbled.
"That's it, no ice cream for you," the other boy chastised.
"I don't want the bloody ice cream, that stuff is cold enough," Harry griped.
Tonks snorted at the pair and entered the room as they turned to face her.
"Wotcher Harry, you wouldn't happen to be misbehaving, would you?" she questioned with a raised eyebrow, already feeling better in herself.
"I'm not misbehaving, he's taking forever. I'd rather let the healer have at me," Harry complained.
"I doubt even Pomfrey would put up with you," Charlie muttered.
"Are you not going to introduce me?" Tonks questioned, nodding towards the boy.
Harry grinned evilly.
"Of course, where are my manners. This is my little brother, Charlie. Charlie, this is Nymphadora," he explained as he hit the unsuspecting girl with a silencing charm.
"Nice to meet you, Nymphadora," Charlie offered in greeting as he continued rubbing the salve into Harry's shoulder, not noticing the look of fury that had formed on the woman's face.
Tonks attempted to correct the boy but found she could not speak, So, turned her glare towards Harry before firing a stinging hex at the younger boy and undoing the spell of the elder.
Charlie yelped and looked towards the red-faced woman in shock.
"My name is Tonks, don't you forget it, little Potter," she warned.
Harry laughed heartily as Charlie rubbed his arm.
"She does that if you use her name."
"Then why didn't she do it to you?" Charlie whined.
"Because I'm better than her," Harry replied with a wink.
Tonks growled.
"I came here to check you were okay, I wish I didn't bother now," she huffed as she turned and began walking towards the exit.
"Tonks, I'm sorry," Harry called. "You wouldn't leave me here alone in pain, would you?"
The woman turned and narrowed her eyes at him and shook her head at his fake pleading look.
"One more out of you and you'll be in here longer," she threatened.
Harry held his hands up innocently.
"I will be on my best behaviour," he promised solemnly.
Tonks sighed as she took a seat next to the bed.
"How are you?" she asked worriedly.
"I'm fine," he assured her with a smile. "I guess it will take more than a dragon to finish me off."
Her eyes narrowed at him again.
"I think she's more than enough," Charlie broke in as he nodded towards the unamused woman.
"You might be right," Harry agreed. "Honestly, I am fine," he added.
"Good," Tonks breathed, annoyed but relieved that he was back to himself despite his gift at frustrating her. "Do you know when you are getting out?"
"As soon as the healer get's here, I'm off," Harry vowed. "I think I might have a look around the village if you can find the time to come? Being a busy auror and all."
Tonks scowled at him.
"Well, being a busy rookie doesn't pay much so if you buy me lunch, I might consider it," she offered casually.
Harry nodded.
"Sorry little brother, no leaving the school grounds for you today. I won't be blamed for leading you astray."
Charlie shrugged and smirked as he stood and removed his cloak from his pocket. Draping it over his shoulders he looked between the two and gave them a waggle of his eyebrows.
"I wouldn't want to impose on your date anyway, even I'm not that sad," he quipped before disappearing under the cloak and laughing as he sprinted towards the doors to the infirmary.
"It's not a date," Harry shouted as he fired a Stinging Hex after him. "Cheeky git," he added as the doors opened and his spell splashed harmlessly against the wall.
"I wonder where he get's that from?" Tonks asked sarcastically.
"James," Harry answered immediately.
"You too," Tonks replied.
Harry sobered immediately and Tonks chided herself for making the comparison.
"I'm sorry," she offered, "I didn't think before I spoke."
Harry waved her off.
"Don't worry about it."
She took one of his hands in her own and shook her head.
"No, it's something that bothers you, so I will worry about it."
Harry gave her a weak smile.
"It's just hard to think of them as my parents. They gave me away like I meant nothing and it was Sirius, my father that raised me."
"Does this have something to do with why you hate Dumbledore?" Tonks probed.
Harry nodded.
"He messed with everyone's memories; James', Sirius' and Lily's, even mine. He's the one that left me with the muggles and made Sirius forget about me. He tricked James and Lily into thinking that they were visiting me at Petunia's but Aunt Cassie and Dad rescued me when I was four."
"Bastard," Tonks hissed. "The muggles were that bad?"
Harry deflated.
"I kind of spoke to you about them before. They were nice to everyone else but they despised me. I lived in a cupboard under the stairs and would be dead now if they didn't come when they did," he explained, his vulnerability showing through.
"And Dumbledore knew about this?" she questioned angrily.
"He did," Harry confirmed. "He even tried to find me to take me back there. If it wasn't for Lord Black, he probably would have managed it."
Tonks' hair began to cycle through numerous colours until Harry gave her hand a squeeze.
"It's fine, Tonks. It happened a long time ago. I've got Dad and the others, that's all I need."
"It's not fine, Harry," Tonks hissed.
Harry chuckled.
"Why don't you get the healer so I can finally get out of here. I might even get you a dessert if you're lucky."
Tonks sighed.
"I think I need more than a dessert," she muttered as she headed towards the office at the far side of the ward to rouse Madame Pomfrey. Before she could even knock, the Matron exited the room and headed towards the bed to check on Harry. With a shrug the metamorph followed the woman, laughing at Harry's expression as she began to fuss over him.
"I take it back," he groaned. "Get my brother back in here, I prefer his bedside manner."
"Oh, do be quiet, Mr Black," Madame Pomfrey scolded lightly, "you're upsetting the other people in here."
"I'm the only patient here," he pointed out irritably.
"I was referring to myself and Miss Tonks," the healer returned.
Harry pouted and shot the giggling Tonks a glare.
"I'm not getting you dessert now," he grumbled.
"Aww poor, Harry," Tonks mocked, "can he not handle a little TLC?"
"TLC? Just fire few Bonebreakers at me and be done with it."
Tonks shook her head.
"Madame Pomfrey is a very good healer, Harry."
"You yourself would know, Miss Tonks. Several times I had to patch you up after one of your misadventures," the woman reminded her.
Tonks flushed a bright pink but was saved from any further embarrassment by the arrival of Sirius and Arcturus Black.
"How's he doing Madame Pomfrey?" the younger of the two questioned.
"Considering he has spent the past five minutes whining like a child, I would say he is recovering remarkably well. Once you're dressed, you can leave, Mr Black," she finished sweet smile.
"Thank Merlin," Harry sighed. "Thank you, Madame. Your efforts to injure me further are much appreciated."
Madame Pomfrey shook her head and walked back towards her office.
"I never thought you'd be such a wimp being healed," Tonks snorted.
"Harry hates healers," Sirius broke in with a grin. "He hates relying on anyone for anything but he is useless at medical spells," he explained.
"I'm better than I used to be," Harry defended.
"The last time you tried to bandage one of Leo's wounds, it wrapped itself around his neck instead of his arm. You nearly killed him," Arcturus interjected.
Harry shook his head and lifted his duvet before pulling it back down and blushing.
"Who took my clothes off?" he questioned; his eyes wide.
Sirius scratched his chin.
"Well, since Tonks wasn't here to help with it, we let a few of the seventh-year girls interested in healing do it. A few of the boys too," Sirius answered.
"WHAT?" Harry yelped as Tonks aimed a kick at the man, almost tripping over in the process.
"I'm joking," Sirius placated as he guffawed. "I did, I also took your egg to our rooms"
Harry released a deep breath and nodded.
"Now get out so I can change," he commanded.
"Are you sure you don't need help? We don't want you making your injuries worse. I'm sure Tonks…"
That was as far as he got before the furious woman drew her wand and chased him from the room.
"She certainly got her mothers' temper," Arcturus commented as he followed the pair from the room leaving Harry to get dressed.
"I need to shower," he muttered as he caught the lingering smell of burnt flesh and sweat that clung to him from the previous days' activities.
After carefully pulling his clothes on, he exited the hospital wing to clean himself up properly, hoping that he would not find himself back in here any time soon.
(BREAK)
Having made his escape unscathed from the Hospital Wing, Charlie made his way back towards Gryffindor Tower to meet Ron and Hermione before they would go to the Great Hall for breakfast.
"Fortune favours the bold," he said to the Fat Lady who opened-up to admit him but not without a suspicious glance at the boy.
He entered the common room to find it mostly empty. It was Saturday after all and most of the house would be enjoying the rare chance of a lay in.
"Fred, George," he greeted the twins who were huddled in one of the corners.
The boys hastily packed away what they were working on and shoved it into a bag, poorly concealing the fact that they were as usual, up to something.
"Little Charliekins," one of them replied.
"The Potter of all Potters," the other followed up.
"Not sneaking about, are we?" the first accused.
"No," Charlie denied, "I was just visiting my brother."
"A fine show he gave us," Fred, he believed, praised.
"A most resplendent display," George agreed.
Charlie shook his head in frustration. He should have known better than to approach them.
"Ron and Hermione still asleep?" he questioned.
The two laughed heartily.
"Little Ronnikens could sleep for England," Fred responded.
"A lazy sod that one," George added in a tone of disappointment.
"The bookish beauty however, left just before you arrived," Fred continued.
"Bee in her bonnet and all. Didn't even take the time to make slanderous claims against us," George sighed.
"I'd better catch her up," Charlie muttered.
"Farewell, Charliekins, give her a kiss from us."
Without responding, Charlie left the two to continue with their mischief. The less he knew about what they were up to, the better.
He left the seventh-floor corridor, his eyes darting to every nook and cranny that he could be attacked from. He couldn't trust some of the Slytherins to not be waiting for the opportunity to attack him, it had happened before. He was startled as he turned a corner and came face to face with Harry's friend, jumping at how uncomfortably close he appeared in front of him as he rounded the corner.
"Easy there, fella," Leo said calmly.
He looked around the corridor and frowned.
"Shouldn't you have people with you?"
Charlie sighed.
"Ron is still in bed and Hermione already left. I'm only going to the Great Hall," he explained.
Leo shook his head.
"Harry told me that you shouldn't be alone, it's not safe, now more than ever. Come on, I'll go with you, I've not been in the hall yet" he offered.
Charlie nodded and relaxed with his escort. He hadn't spoken to the boy much but had no doubt he could trust trust him.
"You're up early for a Saturday," he commented.
"I've not been to bed yet," Leo chuckled. "Cassiopeia is a taskmaster. I was going to get some breakfast and see Harry before I get some sleep."
"He'll probably be gone by the time you've eaten," Charlie replied. "I saw him earlier and that Tonks girl is with him," he added with a frown and rubbed his arm where she had hexed him.
"You didn't call her by her first name, did you?"
Charlie nodded and the boy laughed.
"Yeah, she got me too. She's a fiery lass."
"Harry is taking her on a date, I think," Charlie revealed.
"Is he?" Leo returned in surprise. "A first for everything, I suppose."
"Doesn't Harry date?" Charlie asked interestedly.
"Not that I know of," Leo answered. "He's more interested in practicing magic or his fighting."
"Fighting?"
"Aye, you don't want to get on the right side of him with or without a wand in his hand. Nasty bastard, your brother."
"Would you fight him?" Charlie asked as he took a seat at the Gryffindor table.
Leo pulled his gaze away from the enchanted ceiling and shook his head.
"I can handle myself well enough and we train together when we can. Aye, I can hold out against him for a while but he is something else. As quick as anything and just as ruthless as Lord Black," Leo answered honestly. "I've no shame in admitting that I wouldn't stand a chance against him."
"Are you talking about your brother?" a female voice broke in.
"Yeah," Charlie confirmed. "This is Alicia, she's on the quidditch team," he introduced the girl. "And this is Leo, he is Harry's friend."
"Nice to meet you, lass," Leo greeted her with a smile.
"And you," she replied warmly. "Is your brother okay?"
Charlie nodded.
"He'll be out today, if he ever stops complaining," he mumbled.
Leo laughed.
"Aye, he's whingey one when he's hurt. Who are your friends?" he asked noticing two other girls sat with her, listening to their conversation.
"Oh, this is Angelina and Katie," Alicia introduced. "They are on the Quidditch team too, with Fred and George. We don't have a keeper at the moment and we need a new seeker. Danvers is useless."
"You don't mean them to ginger chappies?" Leo questioned with a frown.
"What have they done now?" Angelina huffed.
"Nothing yet, but I'm watching them. Trouble written all over them," Leo replied.
"You don't know the half of it," Charlie chuckled. "Angelina and Alicia are dating them."
Leo shook his head.
"How have you not killed them?"
"We've both been close a few times, but they are really sweet when you get to know them. It's just surviving the first few years," Alicia explained.
"What about you?" Katie interjected, "do you have a lady waiting for you at home?"
"No, I've been at all boys' schools since I was nine, I only just graduated," he answered with a shrug.
"An all boys' school?" Katie questioned.
"Aye, one in Japan and one in Russia. It's military school and they don't admit girls. They have girls' ones but they keep us separate. We can't be trusted even with our vows," he added in disbelief.
"Vows?" Charlie asked.
"Aye, vows of celibacy whilst we are in service to the school. Vows to aid the school should we be called upon until we are twenty-five and a vow to the ICW should they need to mobilise a force until we are forty," he reeled off.
"What kind of school does that?" Katie queried, horrified.
"Only the best," Leo replied with a wink. "Seven tough years but worth every second and now I'm free unless I'm needed."
"What will you do now?" Angelina questioned.
Leo shrugged.
"I'm doing my apprenticeship with Aunt Cassie and then maybe I'll be a hit-wizard or an auror or maybe get into private security. I'm not decided yet."
"Will you do that in Ireland?" Katie asked.
"No, there's nothing there for me. I'll probably head back to Russia eventually," he replied guardedly. "Anyway, I'm going to get some sleep, can one of you lassies make sure he gets back alright?"
"I will," Alicia offered.
"Thanks, it was nice meeting you all," he offered and left abruptly.
"Did I say something wrong?" Katie questioned with a frown.
"He was born in Ireland but he's an orphan," Charlie replied. "Hermione said he had a bad time there and has been with Harry since they were young."
"Oh, I feel bad for mentioning it now," Katie said.
"You didn't know," Alicia comforted her.
"I'll apologise when I see him next time," the youngest chaser vowed.
(BREAK)
Having showered and dressed in some jeans, trainers, a jumper and a charcoal winter coat, Harry had barely wrapped a scarf around his neck before he had been dragged out of the castle by an excitable Tonks who, in the time he had been away, had somehow planned out their entire day.
With an amused smile at the girl, he followed her lead as they exited the grounds and made their way towards Hogsmeade.
"We have to go to Honeydukes first and then Zonkos, oh, and then the Shrieking Shack," she insisted.
As he entered the quaint village, it was clear to see why the wizarding populous held it in such high esteem. In itself, it was beautiful, tranquil in its' own unique way and the surrounding mountains and scenery only added to this notion. Harry had visited many magical dwellings, but there was something genuine about Hogsmeade that he found appealing. It was honest and without the usual exaggerated flair that most iconic locations projected.
His observations of the place lasted but a few moments before he was unceremoniously shoved into one of the shops, his nose instantly filling with an array of sweet smells.
Tonks handed him a basket and proceeded to guide him around the shop, taking it upon herself to fill it both with what she liked and what she thought he would enjoy, commenting briefly on each of the treats before moving on to the next display.
Harry, having never experienced such a fevered approach to shopping, did his best to take it in his stride but quickly realised that it was better to just let the metamorph do as she please and for him to keep us as best he could. Not that he had anything to complain about, the woman was positively entertaining to watch, her hair and features shifting as she went about the task of providing enough sweets that would more than likely be able to feed half of the school they had left behind.
"That will be 26 Galleons and 6 sickles," the cashier announced as she finished adding up their total, a lot of gold to spend on sweets.
Harry simply grinned as he produced his Gringotts card.
"You have to let me pay for half," Tonks insisted.
Harry shook his head.
"I invited you here, so I will pay," he countered firmly. "Besides, it was worth it just to watch hurricane Tonks sweep through here."
The words were sincere. Harry rarely took time to relax and Tonks' attitude was quite infectious. It warmed him to see her so carefree as she perused the shelves.
Tonks flushed as she jutted her chin forward defiantly.
"I like a lot of things in here," she defended.
Harry simply grinned and pulled her out of the shop before she spotted anything else that took her fancy. Remembering that he was not familiar with the village, he followed Tonks once more and the pair emerged from Zonkos almost an hour later, weighed down with even more purchases where the woman proceeded to drag him towards what could only be described as a dilapidated building on the outskirts.
"The most haunted house in Britain," Tonks declared proudly.
Harry chuckled and shook his head.
"It's not haunted."
"Yes, it is," Tonks argued, "the villagers and the press have all heard the screams coming from here."
"They were the screams of Remus Lupin. He used to come here to transform on the full moons."
Tonks gaped at him before swatting him on the shoulder.
"You're such a spoilsport, Harry," she grumbled. "For that, I will be having two desserts," she demanded haughtily as she turned and walked back towards the village.
"You wouldn't be sulking would you, Tonks?" he mocked as he caught up with her.
He received an unamused look in response before she entered The Three Broomsticks and found the pair a table towards the back of the pub.
Harry took a seat and simply stared at her.
"What can I do to make it up to you?" he sighed.
Tonks smiled demurely at him as she leaned forward.
"The caramel bubbles. I want all of them."
Harry narrowed his eyes at her.
"You only want them because you know they're my favourite."
Tonks nodded.
"They're my favourite too, and since you ruined the mystery of the Shrieking Shack for me, I think I need all of them to get over the upset."
"Fine," Harry agreed, "but the chocolate frogs are mine."
Tonks shrugged.
"I don't like them anyway," she replied with a dismissive wave.
Before the back and forth could continue between them, they were interrupted by the arrival of the server.
"Hello, Mr Black, what can I get you?" she questioned nervously.
Harry frowned as he looked towards the hesitant girl. He'd been stared at for most of the day but had simply ignored it along with the pointing and whispering. Instead of making anything of it, he gave her a warm smile.
"I'd like a medium rare sirloin and salad, please," he requested, "and a butterbeer."
"Of course," the girl complied as she noted down his order. "And for you, my lady?"
Tonks was taken aback by the address and she sputtered as Harry attempted to conceal his mirth.
"I'm no lady," she corrected hotly. "But I'll take the same as this idiot," she added as she shot Harry a glare.
The server looked at Tonks wide-eyed before making a hasty retreat from the two.
"It's not funny," Tonks growled.
"It is," Harry retorted. "I just wish they would all stop staring."
Tonks glanced around the room and immediately became conscious of the fact that the two of them were indeed being unashamedly observed by the other patrons.
"Well, you did kill a dragon. I don't know how many people alive could manage it, let alone be walking around the next day."
Harry shook his head.
"Everyone will remember that and the fact that you are going to be the head of a very influential family one day," she explained. "At least none of them will try to mess with you."
Harry exhaled deeply.
"It's not as though I will be here" he replied. "I'll find a suitable proxy to act in my steed."
"Oh, I forgot you're going to be leaving," she muttered.
Remembering such a thing did not sit well with the woman. She liked spending time with Harry. She felt as though she could be herself, she felt comfortable when he was around.
"Yeah, but you can always come and visit whenever you like," he offered with a smile. "There's lots of places that I can show you."
Tonks shook her head.
"I don't think Lord Black would allow it."
Harry took her hand from across the table and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"You will be there as my guest, and trust me, if he had a problem with you being around, he wouldn't allow it here, let alone back home."
"I guess we will just have to see what happens," Tonks replied with a shrug. "You never know, you might get sick of the sight of me before the end of this year," she added with a smirk.
Harry snorted lightly.
"I doubt that," he denied. "I'm getting used to seeing you every day."
"It's not every day," Tonks bit back.
"Yes, it is," Harry corrected. "Ever since you woke me up in the middle of the night you've been there every day."
"Oh," Tonks muttered.
When she thought back on the past few weeks, she realised that he was right. She had visited him every day once her shift had finished.
"I can always stop coming," she offered with a forced grin.
Harry shook his head.
"You're welcome any time," he offered sincerely. "I quite like having you there. It makes me forget that I hate this place and that I'm stuck in this stupid tournament," he explained with a thoughtful frown. "I should be thanking you really."
"What for?" Tonks asked.
"For just being here. For making this place bearable, fun even."
Tonks smiled at him.
"Looks like I'll have to stick around for a while. We can't have you getting all depressed on us now, can we?" she returned with a wink.
"I'd like that," Harry replied with another smile.
The two enjoyed their meal and even stayed on for a few more butterbeers before they decided to call it a day. The sun had already set as they exited the pub and began making their way back towards the school, so they opted to head straight towards the third floor and to the quarters that Harry shared with the rest of his entourage.
After being greeted by the flamboyant Sir Cadogan, they entered the room to find Sirius, Arcturus, Leo and Cassie gathered around the table, his golden egg placed in the centre.
"Is something wrong?" Harry questioned.
"No, nothing like that. We were just discussing what the second task could possibly be," Sirius explained.
"Sorry, I should have come back earlier," Harry apologised.
Sirius waved him off.
"You earned a day off, Harry. How did you find Hogsmeade?" he questioned as he nodded towards the bags that each carried.
"I like it. There's a lot there and I only spent just under 30 Galleons on sweets," he added with a veiled gesture towards Tonks.
Sirius barked out a short laugh.
"Aww, your first shopping trip with a woman. You'd best take a firm stance or you'll be employed as a personal bag carrier and dress up doll for the rest of your life," he advised with a suggestive wiggle of his eyebrows.
"I carry my own bags, thank you very much," Tonks retorted.
"For now," Sirius commented.
"Shut up, Sirius," Arcturus broke in. "Come, Harry. Let's open this up and see what the clue is. We don't know how long it will take to work out."
Harry nodded and placed his bags on one of the sofas before approaching and retrieving the egg. The pattern on it was intricate but not compiled of runes or any other familiar scrawl. He noticed the hinged top and pulled it open. Immediately, he dropped it and covered his ears as it wailed, the others in the room mimicking his reaction.
"FOR THE LOVE OF MERLIN, SHUT IT," Sirius yelled over the screeching.
Harry kicked the egg closed and glared at it.
"Bloody hell, it sounds just like my mother when she went off on one," Sirius groaned.
"Walburga was worse," Cassiopeia deadpanned.
"What was that?" Tonks questioned as she rubbed her ears.
"It can't be a banshee, we'd all be deaf if it was," Leo sighed.
"No, but it has to be a language of some kind," Harry speculated.
Arcturus nodded his agreement.
"Maybe try a translation spell. I doubt it will be that simple though," he suggested.
"I'll have to think about it," Harry decided. "Take it somewhere quiet and see if I can work it out."
"A good idea. You should prioritise it," Arcturus advised.
Harry nodded.
"They also announced the ball today," Sirius added. "Something else for you to think about."
Harry groaned.
"Can I not just skip it?"
Arcturus shook his head.
"You need to be well versed in events like this. You will receive many invites to them as the Lord Black and you can't snub all of them, Harry," he explained.
"Fine, I'll go," he conceded irritably.
"You'd best find a suitable partner, you will have to open the ball with a dance after all," Sirius informed him with a smirk.
"Great," Harry replied sarcastically.
"Best make it quick," Sirius urged, "you don't want to be left without much choice of a date."
"He's a champion, he could probably take anyone he wanted," Leo mused aloud.
"Then you'd best get yourself one too. If I have to go, then so do you," Harry returned with a grin.
Leo shook his head in horror and looked at Cassie for support. The woman simply shook her head and raised one of her delicate brows at him.
"Speaking of going," Tonks broke in, "I'd better be off. See you later, Harry," she bid him farewell and exited the room before he could reply.
"I'll get on with it tomorrow," Harry sighed and grumbled under his breath incoherently as he rubbed his eyes tiredly. "But for now, I'm going to get an early night," he announced as he headed towards his bedroom.
"Bloody dragons and now this," he huffed as he settled down to work on his occlumency.
(BREAK)
Nymphadora Tonks entered her own room, an unpleasant feeling having settled in her stomach since leaving the Black quarters. She had enjoyed her day with Harry and nothing had overtly happened that would leave her feeling such a way. It confused her and the only thing she was certain was that she couldn't be around him at the moment, but she didn't want to be alone either. She wanted something to distract her from the foreign negativity that was irking her so.
Seeing that it was still only early, she showered and left the castle to clear her head, still no closer to figuring out what was bothering her. She left the castle grounds and paused as she looked towards the village ahead, her stomach tightening uncomfortably at the thought of going there.
She shook her head and apparated away, her frustration mounting, wanting nothing more than this feeling to abate. She arrived outside the home of her parents and breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of street she had spent her childhood.
She hadn't visited her parents since the start of her tenure at the school and approached the front door, feeling easier now that she was away from Hogwarts but now guilty instead. She usually made a point to visit at least once a week, something she had neglected in favour of her duties and spending time with Harry.
"Dora," her mother greeted her with a smile as she pulled her into a hug. "Are you okay?" she questioned as she noticed the forlorn look that adorned her daughter.
"Yes, I'm fine," Tonks snapped, "I think. I don't know," she finished with a huff.
Andromeda smiled at her as she pulled her inside.
"How about I make us some tea?"
Tonks nodded as she followed the woman, wishing that she hadn't come. She didn't even know why she did, she wanted only to escape the castle for a while.
"Ted," Andromeda called as they entered the kitchen, "Dora's here," she announced as she busied herself with filling the kettle and fetching some cups.
A moment later, Ted Tonks entered the room and immediately pulled Nymphadora into a tight hug.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" he questioned with a frown of concern.
"I'm fine, Dad," she sighed.
Ted chuckled and shook his head.
"You can't lie to your father, Dora. I raised you and can see that something is bothering you."
Tonks gave the man a half-hearted smile as he took a seat at the table opposite her.
"I'm okay," she tried to assure the man.
"Something is bothering you," Andromeda interjected as she filled their cups and added milk and sugar to her daughters'. "Unless you chose to wear your hair like that?"
Tonks frowned and checked her reflection the back of her spoon. Her hair was once again hanging limply, a dull brown in colour with pale pink streaks throughout. Her eyes had become almost black and she sighed defeatedly, not understanding why this was happening.
"I just wanted to get away from the castle for a while," she muttered.
"And how is it going there?" Andromeda questioned.
"It's better than I thought," Tonks replied with a shrug. "It's nice seeing Sirius again. He did say he would write to you."
Andromeda nodded.
"I got his letter but if he thinks that I will forgive him so easily, he's got another thing coming. He can stew for a while before I even consider writing back," she declared.
Ted simply grinned and hid his mirth by taking a sip of his tea. His wife was a stubborn woman and not one any would wish to be on the wrong side of.
"Have you met my grandfather yet?" Andromeda asked casually though her tone was clipped.
Ted's mirth vanished entirely, his jaw setting firmly.
He had no need for reconciliation with the man but would be very unhappy were his daughter to be treated with scorn for his and Andi's perceived slight against her bigoted family.
"I haven't spoken to him much but he's been okay," Tonks replied. "He's not stopped me from being there," she added.
Andromeda nodded.
"What about Aunt Cassie?"
"I don't see her much at all. She's got an apprentice and they're always busy. I see Harry more than any of the rest," she shrugged.
"The Potter boy?" Andromeda questioned with a deep frown. "We saw the paper, quite the feat for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old."
"He's not a Potter," Tonks retorted hotly her hair flashing a deep red.
Ted and Andromeda shared a look of surprise at the outburst and the latter held up a placating hand.
"Sorry," Tonks mumbled, "but they have no right to be called his parents. He's a Black."
"So, what's he like?" Andromeda asked as she sipped her drink.
Nymphadora smiled.
"He's fun, really smart and a prodigy with magic, I doubt even Mad-Eye could beat him. I spent the day with him in Hogsmeade. He'd never been before," she defended as her mother rose an eyebrow in her direction.
"And quite the looker," Andromeda added with a smirk causing her husband to sputter and Tonks to blush uncontrollably.
"Mum," she whined.
"I am here," Ted pointed out.
"Oh, Ted," she cooed, "he's far too young for you to worry about. I was just pointing out a fact, he's a very desirable catch even without the looks. I imagine he has a lot of witches clamouring after him," she finished as she glanced towards her red-faced daughter.
Ted followed suit and shook his head in despair, catching on to his wife's game immediately.
Nymphadora ground her teeth at the topic of conversation. She did not want to think about Harry right now, especially in such a context.
"He's good looking, so what?" she returned evenly, the knot she had felt in her stomach returning tighter than before.
"I was just saying," Andromeda replied innocently. "Did you enjoy your day in the village?"
Tonks nodded.
"It was nice. We went to Honeydukes, Zonkos and had dinner in The Three Broomsticks," she explained. "He said he liked it there," she added with a small smile.
"So, you went on a date with him?" Andromeda pressed.
"It was not a date," Tonks denied vehemently.
"It sounds like it was, dear," Ted gave his input. "That's what we used to do at school," he added gesturing between himself and his wife.
The younger of the three growled before sinking further into her seat.
"It wasn't a date," she reiterated.
Andromeda gave her a smile.
"Did you enjoy the day with him?" she pried.
Tonks gave her a glare but nodded.
"Yes," she sighed, "but it wasn't any different to any other time I spend with him," she added hurriedly.
"How much time do you spend with him?" Ted broke in.
"I see him every day," she replied with a slight frown, "I didn't even really think about it until he pointed it out today."
Ted nodded.
"It's just natural spending time with him," he stated.
Tonks' frown deepened but she nodded nonetheless.
"And nothing happened today to upset you?" Andromeda questioned.
Nymphadora shook her head firmly.
"No," she said firmly. "It was as it always is. We spent the day in Hogsmeade and went back to his rooms and he opened his egg, the clue for the next task," she explained irritably.
"Anything else?" Andromeda pressed.
Tonks shook her head.
"Only that they announced the Yule Ball."
"That Harry will have to find a date for," Andromeda pointed out.
"He doesn't even want to go but Sirius said he has to because he has to open it with a dance," Tonks huffed.
Andromeda gave her daughter a sympathetic smile.
"Could that be what is bothering you?"
"Why would it?" she growled. "It's just something he has to do."
"With a girl on his arm," Andromeda reminded her. "It bothers you."
"It does not," Tonks hissed angrily, her hair cycling through a multitude of colours.
"Of course, sweetie," Andromeda sighed though she couldn't hide her smile. She had never seen her daughter outwardly jealous like this. She knew that she didn't date because of what happened at school which had been a worry for the woman over the years. She had spent many nights comforting the girl after and it took all her willpower to not curse the boy that had upset her.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Tonks growled.
"Nothing at all, Dora," her mother replied. "But look at it in another way. How would it make you feel if your saw Harry with another woman the same way he spends time with you?"
Tonks grimaced and swallowed deeply as the knot in her stomach tightened uncomfortably.
"Do you not think that you might like him, just a little?" Andromeda pushed.
"Yes," her mind answered immediately but she shook her head.
Yes, she liked spending time with him. He was easy to be around, teased her as much as she did him and it never felt strange or wrong when she was in his presence but that was it, there was nothing else to it. He was attractive and treated her with respect but she didn't think of him that way. She didn't think of anyone that way, she couldn't allow herself to since school.
"It's not like that," she denied as she stood. "He is just a friend," she said firmly before taking her leave.
"She's scared," Andromeda sighed. "The girl has no self-esteem."
Ted nodded his agreement.
The suspicions of how their daughter felt only increased when The Daily Prophet arrived the next morning. On the front cover was a picture of Harry and Nymphadora, the former holding the hand of the girl across one of the tables in The Three Broomsticks, each sporting a comfortable look of admiration as they gazed at each other.
The article of course speculated on the potential romance between the two and commented on how cosy they were in the company of the other. The accompanying photo did nothing to dispute this, if anything, it added credence to the claims.
"They are either both clueless or that is a very good fabrication," Ted stated as he pointed to the picture.
"You know as well as I do that is no fabrication," Andromeda sighed. "If it is, then the prophet can expect retribution. Grandfather does not take slander lightly."
(BREAK)
Sirius Black cursed under his breath as he rubbed his eyes tiredly. Harry was not going to take the article well, even in the face of the damning evidence. Not only that, he would have to explain himself to his grandfather. Arcturus despised the press but the report did not contain anything other than speculation and little could be done about such a thing, particularly with the nature of the picture that only supported the comments of the writer. The two of them certainly hadn't helped matters with how close they appeared, something that Sirius chastised himself for not noticing.
Tonks had spent a lot of time within their rooms since they had arrived but he had thought nothing of it until he had seen the photo and then the realisation had set in. Initially, she had come to visit him but this had quickly turned into her coming to spend time with Harry. He had not even considered that anything could develop between the two. Harry had never expressed any interest in dating. The picture however, caused Sirius to have doubts.
The door to the quarters opened admitting the head of the family, clutching his own copy of the paper, his lips in a tight line.
"What do you make of this?" Arcturus growled as he slammed it on the table.
Sirius sighed.
"I don't know," he mumbled as he rubbed at his eyes once more. "I don't know a thing," he added seeing the look of disbelief from the older man.
Arcturus shook his head as he took a seat.
"What are we going to do about it?" he questioned.
"What can we do?" Sirius countered. "If there is anything in that," he said pointing to the article, "then there is nothing we can do. Harry is stubborn and if it is true, are you going to stop them?"
Arcturus banged his fist on the table.
"The girl is a disgrace to this family," he spat.
"And if you voice your opinion to Harry, what do you think will happen?" Sirius returned.
Arcturus shook his head.
"He won't listen to me. He's not the same little boy who used to tremble when I walked into a room."
"He's almost a man," Sirius pointed out. "He has to make his own decisions. You're the one that has drilled it into him."
"I know," Arcturus conceded. "But he is my heir. He will do as I instruct."
Sirius snorted.
"He loves and respects you but if you push him in a direction he doesn't want to go, he will turn his back on you," Sirius said knowingly.
"So, we just let them carry on with this?"
Sirius nodded.
"He's been so much more relaxed since she has been around. It's the happiest I've seen him even though we are here. You said yourself you would have made a match between him and a daughter of Narcissa or Bellatrix if they had one. Why not Andi's? You can't deny that she has Black blood."
Arcturus flared his nostrils at his grandson. He had entertained the idea of such matches were they to be a possibility. Harry was no doubt a Black but his parentage gave him cause for concern. He wanted more Black blood in the next generation and with Bella in Azkaban and Narcissa only providing a fool for a son, he had long given up on the idea.
"I don't like it," he sighed, "but for once you might be right. The girl is just like her mother."
"Then let us just leave them," Sirius implored. "There may be nothing to it anyway," he added doubtfully.
Arcturus snorted as he pointed at the picture.
"Does that look like nothing, Sirius?"
The younger man shook his head.
"It looks like two people who care a lot for each other," he admitted. "But I think we should still speak to Harry and see what he has to say."
Arcturus nodded his agreement.
"Where is the boy?" he questioned.
"Running," Sirius replied rolling his eyes, "where else would he be at this time?"
(BREAK)
Having finished his morning workout, Harry pulled himself from the lake and applied Drying and Warming Charms to himself as he made his way back towards the castle. He hadn't had a swim for some time and the lake proved to be interesting enough garner his attention. He had seen more creatures in the depths than he imagined possible and even had to fend off an attack from a swarm of Grindylows that had attempted to drag him to the murky bottom.
That notwithstanding, he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
As usual, the corridors of the castle were devoid of any activity as he made his way back to the third floor and entered the Black common room to be greeted by a severe head of house and father.
"What's wrong?" he questioned.
"Take a seat, Harry," Arcturus instructed.
With a frown, Harry did as he was bid and took a seat opposite the two men, his grandfather sliding a copy of the morning paper to him immediately. His frown deepened as he absorbed the cover, his eyes drawn straight to the photo on the page.
"Can you explain this?" Sirius questioned.
"There's nothing to explain, we were just eating lunch," Harry replied defensively.
"Look at the photo, Harry. Really look at it and tell me what you see," his grandfather urged.
Harry shook his head but looked. There was himself and Tonks in The Three Broomsticks at there table with him holding her hand and leaning towards. Even to his inexperienced eye, there looked to be more intimacy to it than he remembered.
"It wasn't like that," he denied forcefully.
"Then why don't you tell us how it is," Arcturus offered. "Is this picture not real?"
Harry sighed as he dragged a hand through his hair.
"She was upset because I told her I'd be leaving at the end of the year," he explained. "I just said that it would be fine for her to visit if she wants to."
"That's all there is to it?" Arcturus questioned sternly, "because to me it looks a whole lot more. To everyone else it will come across the same."
"For Merlin's sake," Harry growled as he shot to his feet, "it's not like that. I like spending time with her but that is it. We are just friends."
Arcturus held up a hand to calm him.
"It matters not to me, Harry," he assured the boy, "and quite frankly it is not the business of anyone besides yourself and Nymphadora but you have to be careful, more so than anyone else. You will one day be the head of this family and such displays will not endear you to potential allies."
"I don't care what anyone else has to say or what they think," Harry seethed, his eyes flashing dangerously. "I will spend my time with whomever I wish and in whatever context. This," he declared as he snatched up the offending article, "is just two friends eating dinner together. Ask her and she will tell you the same," he finished with a glare.
Arcturus nodded calmly.
"It may not matter to you, Harry, But what about Nymphadora? How do you think this is going to make her feel?" he questioned as he pointed to the newspaper.
Harry exhaled a deep breath as he took his seat once more.
"I don't know," he muttered. "I'll speak to her when I see her," he promised.
The two men nodded their agreement.
"Have you thought of any prospective dates for the ball?" Sirius asked with a smirk receiving a glare in response.
"I think I have other things to worry about first, don't you?" he bit back irritably.
Sirius shook his head. Harry, in his naivety, could not see what was right in front of him, but he could and he was certain that his grandfather could see it also. It, however, was not his place to pry any further than he had. If Harry chose to remain ignorant of what he believed to be true, then that was his decision to make.
(BREAK)
For two days since the article had been published, he hadn't seen her. She hadn't come to him as she usually did when she finished work nor had he seen her on his travels through the castle, something with the impending Yule Ball approaching, he was loath to do often. It seemed that, even despite the prophet article, many girls were vying for his favour as a date. Whenever he had left his rooms, it didn't take long for the pointing and whispering to ensue. At first, he believed that it was because of the article but had overheard a few hushed conversations of a different topic entirely, namely his being the prime target as an escort to the ball.
Most had kept their distance from him, whether that was due to nervousness or fear he couldn't be sure. Others were much bolder in their pursuits. He had already turned down offers from two girls from Beauxbatons and three from Hogwarts, though it achieved nothing in deterring the talking nor hungry looks he received.
To avoid this, he decided to remain in his room for the most part. He neither had the inclination nor the mindset to be polite any longer. The truth was, he missed Tonks. She would know what to do to handle this and he just missed her being around. Sirius had taken it upon himself to enquire as to his progress in securing a date at every possible moment and had not been happy when Harry told him that he had declined several offers to date.
The girls hadn't been unattractive, on the contrary, they had all been very comely in their own way, particularly the seventh year Slytherin that had asked, but he didn't know any of them. He'd never dated before and knew he was out of his depth when it came to the opposite sex. This was more Sirius' forte and he had no desire to discuss it with the man. He was being annoying as things were and Harry had no desire to press the issue.
Leo was just as inexperienced he himself was and Cassie would simply tell him to find the best match politically. He was not going to take a girl to his first ball just because she could be a beneficial contact later.
He shook his head as he exited his room, already expecting to not find Tonks there. Still, the disappointment at finding Sirius at the table made itself known.
"You do know that you can go and find her," Sirius commented over a book he was reading.
"Who?" Harry replied grumpily.
"Tonks," Sirius sighed, "if she won't come here, then go to her."
Harry shook his head as he took a seat opposite the man.
"She's probably just busy," he dismissed.
Sirius closed the book and looked at his son in exasperation.
"Or upset about the article," he shrugged.
Harry simply narrowed his eyes at the man.
"You know, I never thought you were a coward," Sirius said offhandedly as he picked up the tome and continued perusing it.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Harry returned heatedly.
"You're too scared to see her," he accused. "Instead you've spent the past two days moping around here like someone has taken your favourite toy."
"She is not a toy," Harry hissed, "and I am not a coward."
Sirius shrugged.
"It's not me you have to prove it to," he replied as put the book down once more and looked imploringly at the teen. "Go and see her, Harry. The worst she can do is slam the door in your face and tell you to piss off."
"She doesn't want to see me, Dad," Harry huffed.
"Or maybe she thinks that you don't want to see her," Sirius pointed out. "Sometimes Harry, you just have to stop thinking so much and just do something. Sitting here isn't making you feel better but I bet my life that seeing her will."
"We are just friends," Harry mumbled.
"Then go and see your friend," Sirius advised. "If that's all she is then you should have no problem in straightening all this out."
Harry shook his head.
"I don't know where her rooms are and haven't seen her around the castle."
"Doesn't mean she hasn't been around," Sirius shrugged. "Great gift being a metamorph."
"Do you know where her rooms are?" Harry questioned irritably.
"No," Sirius denied, "but I'm sure on of the elves can point you in the right direction."
Harry let his head hit the table at the simplicity.
"Not a word," he growled as he stood and exited the room hurriedly.
"For a bright kid, he's bloody dim that one," Sirius muttered as he resumed his reading.
(BREAK)
Since the day she had spent in Hogsmeade, Nymphadora Tonks had been unable to shake the bad mood she had found herself in, if anything it had only worsened. The article in the prophet the following morning had bothered her more than her parents had but both had paled in comparison to seeing several girls accost Harry and witnessing the discomfort he felt under the attention. She wanted to curse them all but managed to control herself. It was not her place to do such a thing despite the way she knew it bothered him and herself if she was being honest.
It made her very uncomfortable and for that reason, she distanced herself from him over the past couple of days. She cared for him, she could admit that but being away from him served only to worsen her mood and increase the hurt she was feeling to the point that her transformations would not work the way she wished. As things were, she could only maintain the most minor of changes. Gone were her vibrant colours of choice and now both her hair and eyes were dull, something that she had no control over.
To avoid notice, she had donned her Hogwarts robes and told Dumbledore that she would be taking some time undercover, to look out for any potential problems or gain some intelligence.
The man had praised her ingenuity and sent her on her way and Nymphadora had breathed a sigh of relief but she knew the measure could only be temporary. It however gave her some much needed time to regain control of her abilities, though they showed no signs of resurfacing yet. Try as she might, she just could not shake the mood she was in and she knew that it was this that was hindering her abilities.
She was pulled from her thoughts by a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" she called as she approached.
"It's me," the voice of Harry replied nervously, halting her in her steps.
"What do you want, Harry?" she sighed, her stomach clenching at her biting tone.
She heard him sigh deeply before he replied.
"I just wanted to see if you're okay."
"I'm fine," she answered sadly, though she hid it well.
The silence between them extended, her unmoving and uncertain if he was still even there.
"I'm sorry," she heard him say in little more than a whisper. "If I've done anything to upset you or if it is the article, then I'm sorry. The last thing I wanted was for you to look bad."
The clenching shifted from her stomach to her chest at his tone and she immediately stepped forward as she heard his footsteps recede and pulled the door open.
"It's not you," she said to his retreating back.
He turned to face her and smiled at her appearance.
"You didn't write it," she sighed.
"Then why have you avoided me?" he asked with a frown.
Tonks shrugged and hung her head slightly.
"I don't know. I thought you wouldn't want to see me. That picture didn't look good."
"I don't care about the picture," he returned. "I don't care what anyone says. You're my friend and you mean more to me than any of them or their opinions."
"It could have made it harder for you to get a date for the ball," she pointed out.
"I wish," he muttered.
"Not happy with the French girls or the Slytherin?" She questioned with a forced smirk.
Harry shook his head irritably.
"I don't even want to go," he sighed. "But if I have to, I'd rather go with someone I know." He frowned in thought before his eyes lit up. "Would you go with me?"
Tonks' eyes widened and she shook her head.
"That's not a good idea," she replied weakly. "I'm a terrible dancer," she tried.
"Please?" Harry pleaded as he took one of her hands. "I'm asking you as a friend."
She felt her mouth go dry as she fixated on their intertwined hands. How could she say no to him? The truth was, she knew she couldn't even if she knew it would hurt her in the long run.
Unable to speak, she nodded her head and genuinely returned the smile she received.
"Thank you," Harry breathed, "for everything."
"You'd better make it worth my while," she warned managed to quip. "I don't wear dresses for anything but I suppose I will have to for this," she added with a frown.
"You can wear whatever you like, Tonks. It doesn't matter to me," he replied with a shrug.
She felt her heart warm at his words and sink soon after. He was so understanding of her and he didn't even know how much such a simple gesture meant. It ached just as much as it filled her with happiness that he could treat her in such a way.
"What is with your hair?" he questioned suddenly, pulling her from her musings.
"Oh, I've been doing some undercover stuff around the school," she explained quickly.
"It suits you," he replied with a smile. "It's strange. I see you with different hair and different eyes all the time but this is what I see when I think of you or feel your magic."
Tonks swallowed deeply before shaking her head.
"It's boring," she huffed as she pulled at her naturally light brown.
Harry chuckled.
"No, it isn't," he denied. "You are far from boring even without the coloured hair or eyes."
"I've not looked like this since I was fourteen," Tonks shrugged pushing his comment aside. "Even like this they all hated me."
"Who did?" Harry asked, confused.
"The girls at school," she whispered in response.
Harry gave her hand a squeeze.
"Jealousy does that," Harry sympathised. "But you should always do what makes you comfortable. If that's your colourful hair then that is up to you. I was only saying that it looks nice," he explained.
Tonks shook her head.
"You know I'm not mad at you, you don' have to say it to make me feel better."
"I wasn't," Harry denied sincerely, "I meant every word. Now how about we go for a fly. I'm sick of being inside the castle and you can scare away anyone that bothers me," he offered with a grin.
"I'm a disaster on a broom," Tonks muttered shyly.
"Then you can come on with me," Harry insisted as he pulled along the protesting metamorph in his wake now sporting red locks and a matching blush.
A/N
Another one down.
Up next, the Yule Ball.
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TBR