Disclaimer: If you recognize it, I do not own it. I hope you enjoy. This is a sort of continuation of the previous chapter.

Tonks shook Harry awake, He jumped slightly but quickly calmed when he realized it was her. He was getting used to her late-night wake me ups. "Dora," he asked rubbing his eyes tiredly. He was slightly surprised since she was dressed up as if to go out. Normally she just wore her pajamas. "What is going on?"

She grinned, "come on kid, we are sneaking out."

He sat up even more confused than when he had woken up. "What? Do you mean Ice cream? Why are you dressed up?"

"No not ice cream this time. We are going to sneak out."

"Why do you have to sneak out, you are of age," he asked.

"Because its more fun this way," Tonks returned easily. "And mum would never let me bring you this late at night."

Harry began realizing what she was saying and could not help but panic slightly. "Tonks what...but what?"

"We are sneaking out," she said wanting to laugh since he was adorable half asleep. "Your kinda slow when you're sleepy."

"I can't sneak out," he said horrified by the idea. "Andy and Ted will be so mad."

"Only if we get caught," she returned understanding why he was so scared of there anger but at the same time, he couldn't always live worrying about that. "I will be in trouble with you anyways. That is only if we get caught. I've done this a tone of times. Worst we will get is grounded. I promise."

Harry did not want to upset Tonks by disagreeing but grounding sounded horrible. He was beginning to realize that they would not hurt him like the Dursleys but at the same time, he had never actually gotten into trouble with them yet. "W-what is their groundings like?"

"No dessert," Tonks said. "A few extra chores like doing dishes. Um, dads majorly against spankings so you don't have to worry about that. You will get an 'I'm disappointed in you' lecture."

That almost scared him worse than potential physical punishments since they had done so much for him. He did not want to ruin that. "I don't want to di-disappoint them."

"Do you trust me," Tonks asked. "The talk is required but Mom will be glaring at dad for hiding laughs and making sure he does not remind her how she loved to sneak out of the house to meet him, they will get awkwardly kissy and we will be sent to our rooms to think about it."

Harry still looked uneasy about the idea but that explanation did sound a lot like his guardians. "I don't..."

Tonks realized that maybe she did not know just how bad his previous guardians were since he shouldn't look that worried. She also realized that she did not know just how bad his previous guardians messed him up. A lot of his life before coming to live with them she was not informed about and she was beginning to wonder if she should ask more questions. Still, she knew he would enjoy tonight so she was not going to let him miss out on a great opportunity. "It is a necessary part of growing up," Tonks said. "There is a party in Ottery St. Catchpoole. Charlie, a friend of mine has gotten some fireworks."

Harry's eyes lit up at that word, "fireworks."

"Yeah fireworks," Tonks agreed seeing how excited he looked she knew he would agree. "Magical ones."

Harry looked hesitant, half wanting to follow her but also not wanting to get in trouble. "I..."

"They won't hurt you," Tonks said. "I promise you. They won't hit you or hex you or hurt you. Trust me. You can't live the rest of your life worrying about breaking the rules. That is no way to live. This way, once and for all, you will know whether or not they are good parents. I already know they are but you need evidence right. You'll have it. And fireworks, I've bet you've never seen them before."

Harry shook his head, it was something he had always wanted to see and he bet that magical ones would be even better then muggle. "No. Uncle Vernan got Dudley some for his birthday once and all the neighborhood kids came to watch but I got locked inside."

Tonks held her temper. How anyone let those people have a child she did not understand. "Really need to find that bastard in a nice, dark alley," Tonks returned. "Come on kid, get dressed quickly."

Harry got up before cringing. He still felt really bad about breaking the Tonks's trust. "Can we at least leave them a note so they don't worry," Harry asked.

"Alright," Tonks agreed writing it as he got dressed. If it made him feel better she would agree. She wanted him to enjoy the experience not stress over it. "I'm going to apparate you, it will feel really dizzy and make you a bit sick but it will get us there safely. It is uncomfortable but you don't have to worry. I am fully licensed."

He hesitated again, realizing he had something else to worry about. She said party, which meant other people. He did not have much luck meeting strangers and there was a fair chance some people from Hogwarts would be there. "Wh-who all will be there? Will there be a l-lot of people from Hogwarts."

She remembered mention of him being cruelly bullied but it was something else that was skimmed over. After this was all finished she would be asking her parents some questions. "It's going to be filled with people but anyone tries anything, I'm of age and will hex them myself."

He nodded taking her hand as they apparated from the house, just as Andromeda and Ted came out from where they were watching.

"Nymphadora is even more trouble now that she is of age," Andromeda said with a shake of her head.

Ted however just laughed. They had heard them early on. His daughter never could sneak but they let her have the little rebellions. "Yes, but it was sweet of Harry to leave a note."

Andromeda could not disagree but it was no surprise to her that that was what her Hufflepuff husband would pick out of that. He was always quick to pick up on those things. "You are such a Hufflepuff."

"Come on dromeda, its fireworks, I'm jealous they didn't bring me along," Ted returned with a laugh. She just rolled her eyes at him but he pulled her into a hug. "Besides, we have the house to ourselves for the next few hours."

They landed in a field and Tonks led them to another with about thirty people from ten and eleven years old to in their twenties, people from all houses at school as well. It was rather an odd group of people to be all gathered together. "Tonks," a redhead said pleased to see her. "Surprised you could make it, I've not seen you since I came home. Who is the kid?"

"This is my brother Harry," She said her hair lighting up happily. "Took mom and dad long enough but they finally got me a brother."

Harry loved being introduced as her brother as if she was happy to claim a relation to him. "Hey kid," Charlie said nodding though he was a bit confused at the fact that Tonks all of a sudden had a brother. He would ask later in a more private setting how that came to be. "I'm Charlie Weasley. I also think it is not fair she got to skip the diapers and 2 am feedings."

His eyes widened slightly, panicked at the Weasley portion of his name as he shied in on himself a bit more. "Hey, that's not fair, I wake him up at 2 am and we pig out on ice cream," Tonks returned cheerfully. "That counts. Diapers are yuck."

Any worries about the Weasley's faded a bit when he heard his name being called. "Potter," Adrian said seeing him. "Wasn't expecting you here."

"Hey Pucey," he said slightly relieved to see a friendly face. It was at least one person besides his sister who wouldn't be interested in hurting him.

"We were planning on inviting you but figured you'd rather avoid Weasleys," he said having known they were some of the worst in the tormenting of Harry at least the youngest. Harry cringed slightly before nodding. "But fuckin glad your here. We have had to put up with Gryffindor and puffs. Honestly," he said mockingly. "Least you are a claw, you're halfway respectable."

There were a few laughs and Harry realized many from dueling were there. "Hey, I can uninvite you," Cedric challenged.

Instead of being bothered, Adrian just laughed at him. "You know you love me Diggory."

"I put up with you, there is a difference," He returned.

Their friendly banter was interrupted by a not so friendly voice. "Oy what's freak Potter doing here," Ronald Weasley said loudly and mockingly causing a few with him to snicker, Harry just looked at his feet but Tonks's hair turned as red as her face.

She stalked over to him a picture of anger and he flinched back scared, "What did you just call my brother you little worm," She demanded, pointing her wand at the edge of his nose as he swallowed turning white.

Harry grabbed her and pulled her back, "Dora," he said pushing down her wand. He was amazed at how she instantly jumped in to protect her, but he did not want her to get into trouble. "If you h-hex him y-you w-will get in trouble," he said softly. "Y-your an auror now."

"Harry, the rules of breaking rules is not to have any witnesses, scare them into submission so you are never caught," she said. "We really need to work on your rule-breaking. I mean rules..."

Ron gulped slightly since she looked ready to kill him, as did Charlie. "Ronald Bilius Weasley," Charlie growled unable to believe those words came out of his brother's mouth. How could he just so easily say something that horrible? Not to mention to Tonks's brother. "If I hear something like that come out of your mouth again I will send you home and you won't be allowed to remain here to watch the fireworks."

"Over him, he's a freak," Ron said as the twins facepalmed at his stupidity. Charlie was there easy-going big brother but if he said something, especially in that tone of voice, you would be stupid to ignore it. "Everyone knows it. No one likes him so why is he here."

"Now listen here you little freckled-faced brat," Tonks said angrily. Clearly, the bullying wasn't an exaggeration since he did not even hesitate to be rude to her brother. "Unless you want your wand shoved so far up your ass your spitting sparks, you will shut your little mouth and walk away. No one wants to hear you talk and if you weren't twelve years old I'd of already hexed you senseless."

Harry however just cringed a bit further by the 'no one wanted him here' though he was thankful for Tonks still defending him. "Don't worry Tonks, I'm going to teach my idiot brother why he shouldn't open his mouth, your brother is more than welcome here," Charlie stated. "And my brother will be leaving him alone."

"I for one like him," Cedric said getting gapes from some of the people from his house and the other students. None of them were expecting him to support the school's freak.

"He is cool with me," Endric added. "For a claw."

"I like him more than you red," Carista Knott returned never one to ignore the chance to speak up.

Harry gaped shocked at there support. "And last I checked, we were on Diggory land," Cedric challenged him. "So you have no say at all Weasley. You were invited because fireworks are brilliant and we all pooled money together to get an awesome selection but you are free to leave. I will not abide by bullies on my property."

Charlie pulled Ron off by the ear, "Th-thanks," Harry said surprised.
Tonks ruffled Harry's hair, "I'm going to go eavesdrop on Charlie reaming him out baby brother, are you okay if I leave you with them? Mom and dad will kill me if anything happens."

Harry nodded. They had never hurt him before and he was still just shocked that anyone would defend him.

"Brother," Cedric asked. "Since when does Tonks have a little brother?"

"I l-live w-w-with her and her p-parents. They were f-friends with my parents and th-they are m-my guardians c-currently."

None of them really knew how to take that. Especially Cedric who knew the other Hufflepuff. That was clearly a new arrangement which made them wonder what happened to the old one? "You just became ten levels of terrifying," Cedric declared. "That girl is as scary as hell. She hexed someone so badly it took three teachers to pull her off him. One of the spells was a castration hex. She is really cool though, your lucky to have her as a sister."

"Sh-she's brilliant, The b-best sister anyone c-could ask for," Harry said. Tonks who had overheard melted a bit more. No one would be allowed to hurt her baby brother.

Carista scoffed, "Typical Gryffindor's not knowing when to shut up. Cedric's parents said he could have a party here, and everyone put together some fireworks. You do not act like that at another person's event. Clearly, he has no class. Are you going to the last competition of the summer?"

Harry nodded quickly, happy to be back on common ground with one of his favorite topics. "Yeah," he said.
"It is going to be bloody brilliant is what it is," Adrian said. "First-prize is higher then we thought, overall, 750 galleons, 500 for second, 250 for third, each category is 250 first, 100 second, 50 third. I mean...that is a bloody fortune for people our ages. That's a minimum. Rumors are it might be higher because they have some sponsors"

Even now knowing his family had left him a lot of money, Harry could not help but be amazed at that amount. It was a fortune for a competition. "D-d-do you know how many are competing?"

"There's twenty," Adrian stated. "They are the ones that placed in the other comps or are high enough ranked in the league overall. People from all over the UK. Ireland, England, Scotland. there are ten qualifiers, three for England and the other seven spread out. you have to take part in at least two, preferably more if possible and place at least once in staff and wandwork. The end number this year was 20. Not just our usuals a bit more varied. There's a couple I've never even dueled."
Harry soaked in the information. With everything going on, he had not had as much time to read up on dueling facts or talk with Master Flitwick. Any time they saw each other they focused on training. "I'm still pissed I never qualified but Edmund did," Endric admitted.

"Next year," Adrian returned.

He shrugged. He would not dwell on it clearly. "Yeah who all made it from the normal groups," Endric asked knowing Adrian always had all the facts.

"You had to place twice in these competitions, once in each type. We got Potter, Diggory, me," Adrian said. "Knott, Octoven, Tieren Adderson (2nd-year Durmstrang), Mitchel Micheal's (3rd year), far as I know Potters the only first-year who made it that far. Seven of us, plus one other, can't remember who, then a couple from the competitions we weren't eligible for."

"It is going to be downright vicious," Carista said grinning. "I can't wait."

"W-will be interesting," Harry agreed. He was excited about the competition since he knew he had improved since the last time he took part in one. He wanted to see how he faired this time since he had been working really hard.

"Beyond interesting, scouts from all over the world go to these events looking to sponsor or claim a connection to new coming duelists," Adrian returned. "If you make a name early enough, in these competitions you can really get people to sponsor you when you are in the adult league. This is bigger than last year. Duelings coming back to interest more and more."

"M-m-maybe if th-they had a c-class at Ho-Hogwarts about dueling it w-w-would be m-more popular."

They were surprised to hear Harry offering his opinion. Usually, he just listened. It was a welcome change. Though he still had the nervous stutter they noticed came out more with larger groups near them. "Damn straight," Carista said. "But we don't even have a proper duel club. I know Marcus has made requests every year since his first and others have too but they never get around to making it. Flitwick will not teach it. No doubt, someone of his talents would be wasted with such a large group."

"M-most people at Hogwarts d-d-don't give him the r-r-respect he deserves," Harry stated. "Th-they j-just see him as s-s-some small b-but he is one of th-the best duelists in th-the world. B-bet no one really knows."

Not one of them was willing to deny just how great of a duelist Flitwick was. "Agreed," Adrian said. "I mean, to have someone of his capabilities as a professor at Hogwarts and not have him teaching dueling is depressing but I think a lot of the idiots would ignore his talent anyways. Even that fluffy french school Beauxbatons offers a dueling elective. England literally has some of the worst dueling selections. I know that I saw a competition in Bulgaria with almost 50 duellists in the under third-year and under group," Adrian said shaking his head. "I mean, we think its a big tournament when we get 24. I can't wait until next year since the competition is much larger."

They all stopped dueling talk to hang about. Chattering about other classes and what they had been up to during the summer. Harry listened in but chose not to talk much for now. He appreciated how they actually seemed to listen when he spoke though. He took the time to look around at the large groups of people. He saw Tonks was nearby keeping a watch on him while talking to the oldest redhead. He also after a moment noticed one girl off on her own hearing her go talk to the youngest Weasley, a girl who called her loony and walked away. Harry slipped away to approach her. "H-hi," he said gently not sure what caused him to seek her out. Perhaps it was how lonely she looked. He knew how that felt though suddenly he was realizing he had likely made a group of friends, it was still hard to accept.

She looked up at him sadly. "Hi."

"What's wrong," he asked.

"My friend Ginny doesn't want to be my friend anymore," She admitted. "She said that now that she is going to Hogwarts she doesn't need to be my friend because she will meet people who are normal and will make lots of friends that way so she doesn't need me anymore."

Harry felt like that would feel worse than having never had friends at all. To have your friend dump you so brutally. "That is not really nice of her," Harry said sitting down. "You can join us, I d-d-don't think th-they will m-mind if you s-sit with us."

She was slightly taken back by the request. "Really," She asked surprised.

Harry nodded, "yeah, and wh-when you st-start at Hogwarts I'm s-sure you w-will m-make l-lots of f-friends."

"Ronald called you a freak."

"He d-d-does that," Harry said blushing slightly at the blunt statement that did not feel like she was trying to be mean, just that she was stating a fact.

"He likes to call me Loony, he is not very nice."

Harry shook his head in full agreement, "N-no he is not."

"Will you be my first Hogwarts friend?"

The Blunt question caught Harry off guard and he wasn't sure how to respond. but then glancing over he saw a red-faced Ronald Weasley glaring at them. He did not want the other girl to be bullied by association. The other duelists were strong enough to defend themselves. He did not want to ruin her chances at Hogwarts before she could even start. "Y-you d-don't want t-t-to be my friend. P-people w-will hate you if you are."

"You do not choose friends on what other people think," she stated. "That's what my mama use to say. She said that you only find true friends every once and awhile. They are special. I don't think Ginny was my true friend."

Harry shook his head. "I d-d-don't think so either." He liked the sound of what she said though.

"So you don't mind me sitting with you for the fireworks. I really love them They are dozens of beautiful colors and shapes."

"I've n-never seen f-fireworks before," he admitted.

If it was possible, her wide blue eyes became even wider. "They are amazing. My mama used to love them. It was really nice of Cedric to invite me. Its almost like having friends."

Harry offered her his hand, "I'm Harry."

"Luna."

They rejoined the group as they all sat down as Charlie began setting them off. He stared amazed as the colors flared up. Often turning into shapes of animals and letting off shocking noises. He couldn't believe how many colors and shapes there were. The sky was filled and it was beyond anything he had expected.

"Was this worth sneaking out," Tonks asked from where she was sitting beside him. She loved the amazement on his face.

Harry nodded, scared of what will happen when they are caught but even with Ronald Weasley, he had a lot of fun. Tonks, of course, noticed he had not ever let go of Luna's hand. She'd tease him about it later.

They stayed an hour after the final firework before apparating back home. "Shh," she said before tripping. The light just went on and she saw Ted sitting on Harry's bed.

Harry paled, cringing backward. They were clearly busted and he couldn't help but wonder if he would lose everything he had gained. "So...enjoy the fireworks?"

"Yes," Tonks admitted not too bothered about being caught but she made sure she looked repentant. "Hi, dad."

"It is four in the morning Nymphadora, your of age but Harry is only 11 still," Ted stated. "It is far too late for him to be out. Your mother and I discussed it, figured you'd be happier knowing your punishment tonight."

That part was clearly directed to Harry who looked down shaking. He would accept his punishment though. He just hoped they'd not kick him out. "Y-yes, sir."

Ted internally cringed seeing how clearly terrified the boy was. "Okay, no desert for two weeks," Ted stated. "Harry you have to do the dishes after supper for a week, Nymphadora you have to do the laundry for two weeks. Both of you have to clean the yard and paint the fence without magic. Also Nymphadora, no convincing your brother to break the rules."

"Yes dad," she said smiling slightly.

"Now, how did you like the fireworks Harry?"

Harry was just looking confused. "I...I don't understand," Harry admitted, he didn't even look angry. Why did he not look angry? How was that a punishment? "I...is that it."

"Harry, that is a normal punishment," Ted stated knowing why he found it so hard to believe. "A loss of privilege so dessert, extra chores so dishes and cleaning the yard, painting the fence, the last two you have a week for. We don't hit here. We don't skip meals, the worst, in that case, is being sent to bed without supper but we tend not to do that past the beginning of Hogwarts. That is a fair punishment. I believe a friend of mine, he frequently has his children de-gnome the garden when they misbehave. Its a fair punishment and now the matter is settled. Next time, I would prefer you both to ask permission. I'm sure I could convince Andromeda to allow you to go."

Tonks looked at her feet but Ted was not finished. "But Harry, I am very happy you chose to leave a note so we didn't worry something I know did not come from my daughter. Now that, that is settled, bed both of you. Nymphadora you have to get up for training in two hours and Harry, I believe you are supposed to meet Flitwick at ten tomorrow for training as well."

"Th...thats really it," Harry asked shocked unable to believe that that was his punishment. "Y-your not going to kick me out."

"Harry," Ted said gently hating the fact that the child was hurt so badly hed think that was an option at all let alone for such a minor breaking of rules. "There is nothing you can do to ever make us kick you out. Your ours now. That is your punishment and besides the extra chores, things will return to normal tomorrow. We aren't angry. Okay. Once the punishment is settled, everything's done."

Harry nodded and Ted pulled his shaking form into a hug. "I hope you had fun at the fireworks. I bet they were brilliant. Wizard fireworks are much better then muggle."

Harry nodded again finding his voice. "They were brilliant and...and Dora, Diggory, Knott, Pucey, and Ectoven didn't let Ronald Weasley pick on me either."

Ted smiled down at him. "I'm glad you had fun, Harry."

"You really don't hate me?"

"Harry, you are a child, you broke a rule. We won't hate you for breaking rules. You'll be grounded if you sneak out of the house but it doesn't make us love you any less."

"L-love me." Harry was shocked. He said it so easily. Did they really love him?

"Yes Harry Potter, we love you. You've not been our son long but you are our son," Ted stated. "No matter what."

"Love you too," Harry whispered in a small voice.

"Now let's get you tucked into bed," he said gently. Tonks watched from the door, hesitantly as Harry laid down.

Tonks waited until they had shut the door. "He...he really thought you'd throw him out, just over that," Tonks said horrified. That had never even dawned on her that he might worry about that.

"The most kindness anyone ever showed him has been in this house," Ted stated, as much as he wished it was different, he knew better. That boy had never really had a chance to understand what a real family was. "This is the only childhood he has had. Freedom. We've hinted at the abuse but even we don't know all the details Nymphadora. He has grown up being hated for something out of his control so yes. He is going to worry about every little mistake and in a few years will probably try testing just what he can do like any other child. For now, we just need to keep reminding him that we want him and care about him no matter what. he may never really believe it but we can hope."

Tonks bit her lip but nodded. "Dad...I'm so glad you were my parents. I don't know if I have ever said it before but seeing...seeing what he lived with, just the little things I don't think I've ever noticed, I love you."

"Love you too Dora...Now you'd best get to bed. I'm sure Alastair's going to run you through your paces tomorrow."

HHH

It was another scheduled interview with the Aurors but since they had already done the June ones, Harry wasn't as worried about it now.
"Hello Harry," Kingsley said as they sat down. "How are you doing today?"

"G-good," he said but even Kingsley could notice that he seemed much less nervous. Honestly, despite the slight stutter that came out when he was nervous, he was a different child completely compared to the one he first met.

"Good, so why don't we have some tea and talk a bit. I'll be quicker than last time I promise."

Harry nodded as Kingsley brought out some treats. "I c-can't," Harry said. "I'm g-grounded."

"Oh are you," Kingsley asked surprised, especially at how easily he said it and with a slight smile. He had never seen a child happy to be grounded before. "Why?"

"D-Dora and I snuck out t-t-to w-watch fireworks," he admitted.

"I see," Kingsley said slightly amused. That was something he could see her doing. "So no treats? What else did the Tonks do."

"I have to do the dishes for one week and we had to clean the yard and paint the fence," Harry listed smiling. "They weren't even really mad and t-they still w-want me even if I broke the r-rules and its n-nothing like the Dursley's. I never got treats there and I h-had to do all that all the time."

"I'm glad your happy here," Kingsley said. The child really deserved a place he was happy at. "So Dora and you snuck out. She should have been able to do that without getting caught, she is training to be stealthy."

"I th-think that is my f-fault I made her leave a note so th-they didn't worry," Harry admitted.

"Harry dear, we heard her the first three times she fell sneaking into and out of your room," Andromeda pointed out. "I don't think that she's ever actually managed to get away with sneaking out. I'm a mother, I know these things."

Harry just gave her a small smile. She said it with such friendliness while talking about rules being broken. "Well I think I've heard all I needed to," Kingsley returned. "I think your happy living here. I think they will still do a check-in august and once every summer for the next two but I don't see any issues."

"I can really stay," Harry asked hopefully.

There was absolutely nothing Kingsley could see that would say otherwise. "I'd be afraid of getting between your parents and sister to even try to drag you away," Kingsley returned. "As long as you are happy here I don't think anyone is ever going to take you away."

Harry grinned brightly, "thank you."