Warrior Mage -
Chapter 7
Living with Tonks
Harry woke up before anyone else the next morning, being used to being woken up at the most uncivilised hours by Leona, usually with a rather large bucket of icy cold water - at least until he had learned a water repellent charm that meant it was Lee who was usually on the receiving end of the iced shower. He padded noiselessly into the living room, drawing the curtains and making sure that no one would be able to see in. Then he began his training routine, with a couple of daggers, some arrows, a sword and a wand. He twirled and sliced the blades through the air, prowling around the room silently in a predatory fashion. He kept at it for a couple of hours, ignoring the fact that Carmen had walked in at some point, and was now gaping in unspoken fear at the person in her living room. Of course, Harry hadn't changed his looks that morning, so she had no idea who he was. It was the first question from her mouth when he paused for a moment.
"I'm Harry - this is how I really look." He said casually.
"Oh - you're like Dora then? A Meta-thingy?"
"Yes and no. I'm not a Metamorphagus, but I can change my appearance at will. It's just part of being a Warrior."
"What is a Warrior?"
"Well, we're not quite like the killing machines everyone believes we are. We aren't emotionless and we do have hearts. We feel guilt as much as every human does. Our purpose is to protect, not to kill. But we will kill, where it is necessary."
"Oh. You're not the best person to cross then?"
"Not particularly." Harry said, sheathing his weapons again. "D'you want some breakfast?"
"Depends what it is."
"Pancakes and muffins?"
"As long as you're buying." Carmen grinned.
"I was actually thinking more along the lines of making them."
"Oh yeah, I remember Dora saying something about you being a good cook."
"Yeah - I'd better save some for Tonks. She'll kill me otherwise. Or just maim me."
"Hmm. So, are you going to tell me some more about your world?"
"Which one - Lesea or Hogwarts?"
"Both."
"Ok, where to start? Oh - is Tonks naturally a klutz? Or is that only in Grimmauld place?"
"She's naturally a klutz - I've known her for like five years and she's always knocking things over - hence the lack of vases and ornamental things in this flat. She managed to knock a TV over once - the entire thing was smashed to smithereens. Then there was the time she almost fell through a window."
"Ooh - sounds painful. She always used to trip over the umbrella stand in the Order Headquarters - waking up that hag that Sirius called his mother."
"Who's Sirius? Dora's mentioned him a couple of times, I think."
"Sirius was my Godfather. He was killed earlier this summer."
"Oh. Sorry."
"Hmm."
"Hey, what are you two talking about? And what smells delicious?" Tonks asked, coming into the kitchen.
"We're swapping stories and I'm cooking pancakes and muffins."
"Great - what stories?" There was an anxious note to her voice, and Harry smirked.
"Just stories - why, are there any that you don't want me to know about?"
"No, of course not." Tonks replied.
"Oh! So I can tell him about that time you got drunk and…"
"NO!" Tonks squealed. "Finish that sentence and I'm not paying any rent this month."
"Tell me and I'll pay your half of the rent as well as Tonks' half." Harry said.
"Hmm, the man is a good negotiator. I'll tell you later." She promised. "But forget about the rent. My dad pays most of it anyway."
"Fair enough." Harry smirked, while Tonks was glaring daggers at the pair of them.
"Tell him and I'll spill some of your worse moments."
"Ok. Truce. No stories." Carmen said hurriedly.
"Oh how boring." Harry grinned. "Anyway, I'm going to the library." He got up, changing his looks as he did so. Back was the red-brown hair and the golden eyes. Tonks stood up hurriedly.
"Tonks, relax. I know that Malfoy's around. It doesn't make much difference. It's not as if he'll recognise me, is it?"
"You might get lost."
"Trust me, I won't. Look, I'll be fine. Remember what happened the last time a group of Deatheaters tried to attack me?"
"Fine. Just…be careful."
"Yes mother." Harry grinned. He waved a hand carelessly and changed his clothes to a pair of baggy jeans and a rather form-fitting T-shirt.
"I'm most definitely not your mother." Tonks replied quietly.
"I know." Harry called as he retreated.
***
Harry stepped out into the warm morning, smiling. He was feeling much better after his training, and he found that he liked Australia. He wandered slowly to the library, toying with the locket at his neck. The wizarding town wasn't too far away, but he stayed to the Muggle town that day, deciding that he would save the wizarding town for another day. He didn't particularly want to run into Malfoy, anyway.
***
The library was relatively old, and Harry found himself feeling right at home amongst the aging tombs. Muggles, he decided, had some fascinating ideas about mythology and other such things. They looked at everything from a completely different point of view to witches and wizards, not to mention Warriors. He spent most of the day immersed in large books, not caring for the fact that someone was staring at him.
"Do you want to take that book away? You don't have to sit in here and read it." A young woman said.
"I know. It's just peaceful here."
"You're not from around here, are you?"
"What gave me away? The accent?"
"That and the fact that you like peace. Busy place you're staying, then?"
"Oh yeah."
"So are you staying long, or just for a couple of weeks?"
"I'm staying the whole summer. Until the end of August."
"Right - so you'll be coming here a lot."
"Very likely." Harry grinned. The door opened and in walked Tonks.
"Hey Harry. I thought you meant the other library." She said.
"What are you doing here, Tonks?"
"Keeping you out of trouble."
"Yeah - right. Nothing could possibly keep me out of trouble - I attract it like a magnet, remember?"
"All the more reason for me to be here."
"Whatever. You realise that after a few days of this I'm going to run away just to get some peace and quiet?"
"You wouldn't dare."
"Wouldn't I?" Harry challenged.
"Ok, ok. I'll back off - but I'm here now. What are you reading, anyway?"
"A book, Tonks. What does it look like I'm reading?" The girl that had spoken to Harry before Tonks walked in giggled, and Tonks turned to her.
"Hi, I'm Tonks." She said.
"Yolanda." The girl replied.
"And this git is Harry."
"Do you want to get into this again Tonks? This summer is going to get extremely repetitive if you do."
"Oh shut up. I'm putting you up free of charge, aren't I?"
"Free of charge? Yeah - you just use me as your own personal chef instead."
"So? You enjoy it!"
"Good job too." Harry turned back to his book, still catching the roll of Tonks' eyes. "I saw that." He said.
"What don't you see?"
***
Harry and Tonks made their way from the library later that day, heading into the Muggle shops. Harry told Tonks that he wanted to get some new Muggle clothes. They trailed from shop to shop before going to a café for lunch, where they met Malfoy Jnr. and his mother. Harry was more than glad that he was disguised. Malfoy wasn't pleasant at the best of times.
"Oh joy - trust them to spoil our day." Tonks muttered.
"Spoil it? It's only Malfoy and his mother - it's not even as if they're going to harass us."
"Maybe not you, but they know me."
"Damn. They're coming over."
"Nymphadora!" Narcissa said with false jollity. Tonks scowled heavily, and Harry managed to keep his face admirably expressionless.
"Narcissa." She returned stiffly.
"It's been too long."
"What is it that you want, Narcissa?"
"Want? Nothing - I just thought it would be nice to catch up."
"We have nothing to catch up on." The two Malfoy's sat down anyway, Narcissa sitting next to Tonks while Draco sat next to Harry.
"And who is your charming friend?"
"My name is Evan." Harry said smoothly, his voice altering slightly to disguise his true identity.
"How nice to meet you, Evan. I'm glad you've found such a lovely boyfriend, Nymphadora."
"He's not my boyfriend." Tonks said. "And I would appreciate it if you left now."
"Very well. We shall have to get together sometime." With this, Narcissa and her son swept away regally, talking in low voices.
"Well that was…bizarre."
"I hate it when she does that."
"Does she do it often?"
"Too often for my liking."
***
Harry went into his room when they got back to the flat, deciding that he wanted some time alone to think. Once in the room, he headed outside into the paddock and conjured a target before drawing his bow from thin air, along with a quiver of arrows. He fired of arrow after arrow, getting annoyed when most of them missed the bullseye completely. "Argh!" He cried in frustration, setting a patch of dry grass alight rather spectacularly. The anger left him at that point, making him feel drained and weary. He cast one more arrow in the direction of the target, and his spirits lifted when it hit the centre of the target with a resounding 'ping'. He decided to leave it at that, knowing that he had other things to be worrying about apart from his archery skills. He sat down underneath a tree, pulling out a notebook. He needed to plan what he was going to do first as Mage. The Warrior World needed to be brought up to date with what was going on in the human world - it affected them as much as it did the humans. Then he would need to do something about the human world - he would need to let those humans who he would be fighting with that Warriors were not simply killing machines. It seemed like once again, Harry had been chosen to do a seemingly impossible job.
Harry wasn't sure how long he had stayed in the room, only knowing that by the time he returned to Tonks' flat, everything seemed much clearer than before, and he had more hope than he had done.
"Hey Harry, what are you up to?" Carmen asked as he walked from his room.
"Not much." Harry replied, toying with the locket unconsciously.
"In your room?" Tonks asked.
"Yeah."
"How's Elementa?"
"Fine." Harry said. He paused for a moment, cocking his head slightly.
"Draco and Narcissa are coming to spy on you." He said, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh for goodness sake!" Tonks muttered. "I wish they would just leave me alone!"
"Me too." Harry agreed, effortlessly slipping into his disguise. He felt the two Malfoys round the corner.
***
"She must know something - she's an auror and a member of Dumbledore's little group. Potter can't have just disappeared." Narcissa was saying.
"He's done it a few times though, hasn't he?" Draco replied.
"Yes, but we have to find him this time because he has completely left the Muggles - took all of his stuff with him. And it was Tonks who took him away."
***
Back in the flat, Harry swore loudly. Both Tonks and Carmen watched in surprise as he ran a hand distractedly through his hair.
"What? What's going on?" Tonks asked.
"You'd better come up with a damn good lie about what you did with Harry Potter, and quickly. They know that you were there when we left the Muggles - they know that I won't be going back." Harry said quietly.
"How? How can they know?" Tonks asked in dismay.
"I don't know." Harry replied quietly. It seemed like things were beginning to heat up - he would need to make his move sooner than he had planned.
"What do I say?" Tonks was bordering on hysterical now, and Harry hurried to calm her.
"It's fine, honestly. No problem. Just say that you don't know - and if Narcissa offers you something to eat, take it - here, drink this." He pulled a vial from his pocket and handed it to her.
"What is it?" She asked, eyeing it cautiously.
"An antidote for truth serums. No matter what type of truth serum." Harry said, grateful for the fact that time didn't pass when he was in his hidden room.
"Oh. Good thinking."
"Come on, lets go to the room. I think you need some time to calm down. Carmen, are you coming?"
"Coming where?"
"My training area." Harry grinned, opening the locket.
"Sure." Carmen shrugged.
"Right. Hold on to Tonks' hand. Tonks, give me your hand." Harry waved his free hand over the locket and everyone disappeared in a flash.
***
When they landed in the room, Carmen looked around in shock.
"This is where you train?"
"Yeah - time doesn't pass while we're in here, so it means that I can train for however long I want - plus a kitchen, living room, several bedrooms, a library or two, stables out the back for Elementa, fields, and probably quite a lot that I haven't found yet." Harry explained.
"Wow." Carmen muttered. "You're not poor then?"
"Nope. I have more money than I know what to do with." Harry said, sadness tinged in his voice.
"Oh."
"Hey Tonks, are you calming down any?"
"A little." Tonks said. "I would be calmer if I had some pecan pie." Harry rolled his eyes. She was obviously much calmer than she had been.
"Sure. Then d'you mind if I train for a bit?"
"Can I watch?"
"Sure." Harry shrugged.
"Great - but food first."
"There's nothing wrong with you, is there?" Harry teased.
"Oh shut up you." Tonks said. "Shouldn't you have known that someone was spying on you, oh great Warrior?"
"I'm not infallible, Tonks. Besides, there are ways to spy that are undetectable."
"Fine, ok." Harry walked through to the kitchen, pulling out ingredients for a pecan pie.
***
Harry practiced his spells while Tonks and Carmen watched closely. Even Tonks couldn't help but stare at some of the spells that Harry was using - most of them she had no idea about, and some of them were so obscure that she didn't even know what they did. All of the time, Harry was wondering whether he would be able to try the block for the killing curse without scaring them both out of their minds. He decided that he would wait and see what their reaction to his other spells was before launching into that one.
Tonks took another bite of pecan pie, watching as Harry threw spells about in rapid succession. He glanced up, looking as if he was deep in thought. He shook his head quickly, striding towards them.
"You'll have to teach me some of those spells." Tonks grinned.
"Wouldn't work - well, some of them would, but the majority are Warrior spells."
"What does that mean? Does it make a difference?"
"Yes. Warrior Magic is different to Wizard Magic."
"How so?"
"More powerful - hence the reason for Warrior's not starting training until they're around twenty - until they can safely manage the power."
"But you're only sixteen?" Carmen asked, confused.
"I'm currently breaking every rule ever written in any world." Harry shrugged lightly.
"Nice." Carmen commented. Tonks smiled as Harry smirked.
"How do you seem to know everything about the Warrior world?" She asked.
"I spent a year there - I'm a quick reader and I have a slave-driver as a trainer."
"Ah yes, how is Leona?"
"She's fine, but she objects to being called a slave-driver."
"How...?"
"We have a mind link." Harry explained. "Now, I have work to do." He led them both to a room that he had found only recently. He watched as Carmen's jaw dropped.
"Incredible. You have almost every piece of gym equipment available?"
"Just about, I think."
"Wow, so there is more to Warrior training than weapons and magic." Tonks teased.
"Actually it's not really necessary, but as I have the time, why not?"
"Can we use this? Just now, I mean."
"Sure. Just don't hurt yourselves. If you ever want to come down here just ask."
"Thanks."
"No problem. The changing rooms and showers are over there." He pointed to the other side of the room.
"But we don't have anything to change into."
"Just ask the changing rooms then - but remember to be specific." Harry replied.
"Where are you going?" Tonks asked as he started to walk away.
"Swimming pool. There is more than the one set of changing rooms, you know."
"Damn. What a shame." Carmen muttered. Harry just smiled and walked away.
"Is he off-limits?" She asked Tonks.
"No, I don't suppose he is." Tonks replied thoughtfully.
***
Harry changed quickly and dived into the swimming pool. He surfaced after a few moments, quickly tying his long hair back. Tonks and Carmen watched as he went under again, resurfacing at the other end of the pool. Tonks immediately noticed the changes in him. Carmen was staring openly at him, but he took no notice, despite the fact that Tonks was sure that he knew they were there.
"Are you just going to stand there all day?" He asked eventually, piercing them with an amused emerald gaze.
"Well it is a very nice view." Carmen said flirtatiously. Tonks rolled her eyes while Harry raised an eyebrow. Tonks grinned as she noted that Harry was sitting in the deep end of the pool. Perfect for diving in and drenching him. She wandered casually to the edge of the pool, dive-bombing in. When she surfaced again, Harry was shaking his head and wiping his eyes.
"You want war?" He asked.
"No magic involved."
"Deal." Tonks groaned as Harry's eyes lit up in a very dangerous way.
"Me too!" Carmen said, oblivious to Harry's manic grin.
"Two on one. Fair enough."
"Or just everyone on everyone else."
"Now there's an idea." Harry smirked. "We'll do that."
"What have you done?" Tonks murmured to Carmen. "We'd have had more chance with two on one."
"Nah - this way is more fun." Carmen assured her.
***
Twenty minutes later, Carmen, Tonks and Harry sat back. All three of them were worn out, though Harry was less so than the others. It had been a mad battle, and eventually, a truce was called.
"So, what happens when you go back to school?" Carmen asked.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked as he floated on his back.
"Well will you still train? And will you go to Lesea?"
"Yeah. Training isn't a problem - I can just come in here whenever I want, and I can go to Lesea at the weekends."
"And no one will mind?"
"No one will have much of a say in the matter." Harry replied succinctly. "I have to go to Lesea every so often anyway - if I am not allowed to go, I will go anyway."
"That'll please Professor Dumbledore." Tonks said.
"Won't it? Oh well, I'm an adult now, if not in the eyes of the Ministry then in the eyes of my people."
"Fair enough." Carmen said, looking rather startled.
"Are you going to invite this Mage over anytime soon? I want to meet him." Tonks said.
"Yeah - maybe. He might visit the Australian Ministry while he's here. Probably best to visit Fudge first though."
"Rather him than me." Tonks muttered.
"Hmm. Idiot."
"Who's Fudge?"
"The Minister for Magic in Britain. The man is the most incompetent Minister we've ever had." Tonks said harshly.
"You don't particularly like him then?" Carmen said, making both Harry and Tonks snort.
"Understatement of the millenium."
***
When Harry, Tonks and Carmen got back they were much more relaxed than they had been. Tonks had taken the antidote for truth serums and they had discussed what was going to be their story - she had taken Harry to Dumbledore. She did not know where he had taken him. Now they were waiting for the two to arrive. Harry was disguised differently this time, and was posing as Carmen's boyfriend, much to her delight, and his caution. It would be Carmen who opened the door. He would be right behind her.
***
"Now, Draco, leave all the talking to me." Narcissa warned as they stood on the doorstep of Tonks' flat. She rapped smartly on the door.
"Is Nymphadora in?" She asked sweetly as a woman, plainly a muggle, answered. A young man, her boyfriend, had his arms around her waist. "She is. Come in, come in. Are you friends of hers?"
"Family, actually." Narcissa said loftily as she surveyed the flat with dispassionate eyes.
"Oh. Yes, well she's just through in the living room."
"Indeed." Harry and Carmen watched carefully as the two walked in. They followed them in, sitting in the kitchen and murmuring quietly so that the Malfoys believed they were quite safe from eavesdroppers.
"Nymphadora, my dear, you wouldn't happen to know where Harry Potter is right now, would you?"
"Actually no. What makes you think I know anything?"
"Perhaps because I saw you go into the Muggle house with him, and I saw you both leave - together - with Potter's things."
"You did, did you? And how exactly did you see that? Spying for your master, were you?"
"How dare you!" Narcissa hissed.
"You're avoiding the question."
"And you are changing the subject. Tell me where you took him or I'll hex you!" Narcissa pulled her wand, throwing a contemptuous glance at Harry and Carmen. "Really, Nymphadora, sharing a flat with a couple of Muggles! Disgusting, really." At this, Harry decided to step in, pulling his wand silently and deftly.
"Muggle? I assure you, Narcissa is it? I am no Muggle." Harry stood at Tonks' side, his wand in front of him. Tonks raised her own wand. "You want to know where I took him? Tell me how you were spying on us."
"Fine - Potter's house contained a see-all orb disguised as a figurine - Potter's Aunt took it from me personally, believing that it was a free gift in return for her answering a few questions - like how many lived in the house. Amazing that she denied her darling nephew's existence, don't you think? Now, why don't we sit down, have a cup of tea and you can tell me where you took Potter, and the circumstances of his...rather dramatic change in appearance." Tonks glanced at Harry to find him smiling as he put his wand away, though Tonks had no idea what was amusing about the situation - maybe he knew something that she didn't.
"Carmen and I will leave you to talk." He said, inclining his head towards Narcissa, and smiling charmingly. Then he turned to Tonks and winked.
"Remember - let her spike the drink." He told her in an undertone as he passed.
"And who is he?" Narcissa asked, watching him leave.
"That is one of my friends." Tonks replied.
"Pureblood?"
"Yes." Tonks replied through gritted teeth. Not that it was any of Narcissa's business anyway.
***
Tonks watched from the corner of her eye as Narcissa pulled a vial from her pocket and dropped three drops of its contents into Tonks' cup. Veritaserum. Colourless, odourless, tasteless. Virtually undetectable. She was glad that she had taken the antidote, otherwise...she shuddered to think what information Narcissa would be able to get from her.
"So, where is Harry Potter?"
"I don't know. All I know is that I was told to deliver Potter to Dumbledore."
"Where did you take him?"
"I don't know. I was given a map and told where to apparate - it was practically the middle of nowhere."
"Do you still have the map?"
"No. I think the place was called Sarah, or something. Very hot place - sandy."
"The Sahara desert?" Narcissa asked, with something approaching excitement in her voice.
"Yes, that's it. That's where I took him."
"And Dumbledore was there to pick him up?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Thank you Nymphadora, you have been most helpful." Without a second glance, Narcissa excused herself and Draco from the flat, leaving Tonks grinning widely.
"Hook, line and sinker." Harry smirked as he walked back in, still in disguise. He quickly scanned the flat for any recording or spying devices that they might have left behind. He was relieved to find none.
"I can't believe that worked!" Tonks breathed in sheer relief.
"Of course it worked. I reckon that I need to get in touch with Simba soon - Voldemort's getting more active. Have you noticed? Attacks, spying...he's up to something. Something big. I'm sure of it."
"Like what?"
"I don't know. But whatever it is, we need to get all the allies we can to counter."
"Right - so will you be going to Lesea?"
"Yeah - for a while, I guess. Better check what else he has to do before dragging him here."
"Right. He'll come though?"
"Of course he will. Simba understands how much of a threat Voldemort is to everyone - not just humans."
"Right. So when will you be going then?"
"Tomorrow, probably. I might stay in Lesea for a few days too."
"Their time or ours?"
"Theirs." Harry replied with a smile.
"I should contact Professor Dumbledore - let him know that we arrived safely and that the Malfoys are sniffing around."
"How were you thinking of doing that?"
"Floo, I guess." Tonks replied after a moment.
"Let me spell the fireplace first - so that the call can't be tracked or listened to by anyone we don't want it to be tracking or listening."
"Right. You can do that?"
"Yeah."
"How do you know all this stuff?"
"There are huge libraries in Lesea - plus the one in here isn't small by any stretch of the imagination." Harry said, pointing to his locket.
"Oh. Ok then. Spell the fireplace." Harry did so quickly and quietly, stepping back and watching as the flames popped up blue instead of green.
"Er...are they supposed to be that colour?" Tonks asked, somewhat nervously.
"Of course they are - you worry too much."
"Can't possibly think why." Tonks retorted.
"Me neither. I'll be in my room."
"Right." Tonks nodded as she called Dumbledore's name.
***
Back in Britain, in Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a very tired looking Albus Dumbledore sat with Severus Snape, talking quietly. "The Dark Lord suspects that there's something going on with Potter. He hasn't yet worked out any details, just knows that something's changed. He has several Deatheaters working on it, and I also believe that he has spies casing the Muggles' - he knows that Potter has left, but doesn't know where. He's working on it." Severus said gravely.
"I believe I can help with that, Sir." Tonks said. Both men span to see Tonks' head in the fireplace.
"Are you completely stupid?" Snape hissed, "Anyone could be tracing this link!" Tonks raised an eyebrow and grinned.
"You underestimate Harry." She informed them. "Apparently this link is untraceable, and eavesdropper-proof. It's really quite amazing what he's learned." Tonks said off-handedly. Professor Dumbledore's curiosity was piqued now, and he wanted to know more. Unfortunately, Tonks was already recounting the event which she had Flooed to inform him of.
"Narcissa thinks that I took Harry to the Sahara desert to meet you." Tonks finished.
"Let me get this straight - you lied through Veritaserum?"
"Yes. Harry gave me a potion to counter it."
"Ridiculous. There is no such potion. The Veritaserum must have been brewed incorrectly."
"I thought that you brewed all of Voldemort's potions." Tonks smirked. Snape's eyes narrowed, and Dumbledore felt that then would be a very good time to interrupt.
"May I speak with Harry, please?" He asked. Tonks nodded.
"Just a minute. Carmen, can you please go and tell Harry to come through here for a minute, please?"
"Who is Carmen?" Dumbledore asked
guardedly.
"My flat-mate - she's a Muggle." Tonks answered.
"I see."
"Here's Harry." Tonks said, her head disappearing from the flames to be replaced with Harry's.
"You wanted a word with me, Sir?"
"I did. Tonks was telling us that you made her an antidote for Veritaserum?"
"Actually, it's an antidote which counters all truth serums. Why?"
"Could you teach Severus how to make it?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Potter, this is not the time to be holding grudges. With this, the spies in Voldemort's service stand a better chance of surviving to pass on information!" Snape growled.
"You misunderstand me, Sir." Harry said, shaking his head slowly. "I cannot teach you it because it must be made in carefully controlled conditions, the ingredients can only be found in Lesea and it is a Warrior potion - no human can make it. I can make some for you, however."
"Potter, as your Potions teacher, I am painfully aware that your potion-making leaves rather a lot to be desired."
"Severus!" Dumbledore scolded quietly. "Does the potion keep well, Harry?"
"Around one month, in cool and dry conditions. The hotter and wetter the conditions, the shorter the life of the potion."
"And the ingredients?"
"They must be picked within a day of making the potion."
"Will you make the potion for us?"
"Of course - I have some here, if you want that just now, there's enough for around three or four doses - I can make you some before the next Order meeting and get Tonks to bring it along, if you want."
"How long does it take to brew?"
"Six days."
"Potter, the next Order meeting is the day after tomorrow."
"I know. I have my ways."
"That would be very satisfactory, Harry." The headmaster said, while Snape frowned. Harry passed the vial of potion to Dumbledore through the flames.
"Is that all?" He asked.
"For now, Harry. I may need to speak to you again soon, but for now you may go."
"Thank you Sir." Harry said, smiling at how ironic it was that if the headmaster knew his true identity as the Warrior Mage, then he would never dream of telling Harry what he could and couldn't do.
The next few days passed with relative peace and quiet. Harry spent his time split between exploring the area, going to the library and training. He finished his homework with ease. He already knew most of the Hogwarts sixth and seventh year courses, and so the homework was no problem at all. He wrote letters to Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Daniella, remembering how his neighbour had said that there was no one to have a decent conversation with.
Meanwhile, Simba was planning his move. He decided that Dumbledore would be his first visit, then Fudge and the Australian Minister of Magic, a woman named Marguerite Webster. From what he could find out about her, she seemed much more competent than her British counterpart.
Tonks watched Harry as he went about his business, completely unaware of Carmen's attempts to snag him. Or maybe he did notice and simply ignored it. She saw a pensieve look cross his face on many occasions when he thought no one was watching.
***
It was a week before Harry decided that it was time for Simba to meet his friends. He decided that 'Harry' would have to stay in Lesea while Simba came to visit - after all, Leona was a slave-driver, she wanted to make the most of Harry being back in Lesea, and it wasn't as if Simba needed babysitting. He left early in the morning, watching as Tonks went crazy with anticipation. She and Carmen had spent the previous day in a cleaning frenzy, despite Harry's insistence that Simba really wouldn't care. He smiled as he Tripped to Lesea. It felt good to be going back to the place that he had began to call 'home'.
***
"Harry! You're back! It's been over six months, you know." Arian Snr said as Harry appeared in the living room.
"Yeah, sorry about that. Was kind of busy back there - Deatheaters, Voldemort, spies, antidotes for truth potions and two women that seem intent on making my life hell." Harry smirked.
"Sounds like fun to me." Arian Jnr quipped, making Harry roll his eyes.
"Yeah, right. Ever lived with two women?"
"Yeah - mum and Lee."
"On your own, with two women under thirty?"
"Ah. Nope."
"Harry dear! How have you been?" Serena asked happily, wrapping him in a tight hug.
"I've been ok." Harry nodded.
"Good. Leona tells me that you're living with two young ladies?"
"Yeah - Tonks is going to be my Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher when I get back to Hogwarts, and Carmen is her Muggle flat-mate."
"Oh. Will you be bringing them to Lesea any time soon? And Ron, Hermione and Ginny, for that matter?"
"Perhaps. Look, I have to go back in an hour or two - Simba has a couple of appointments."
"It's starting then?" She asked, almost fearfully.
"Yes it is. Voldemort is working hard to find me, and as soon as he finds out that I am a Warrior, he's going to try his damnedest to recruit some Warriors of his own. I guess I'll be doing quite a bit of talking around here - I might organise that for within the next few days. Probably between Dumbledore and Fudge - I know speaking to that git of a Minister is going to get extremely annoying."
"Do you want a hand organising it? I could start getting everything ready, if you want."
"Would you? Thanks Serena, that would be a great help." Harry said sincerely.
"No problem - I'll do that now."
"Thanks." Harry said again. "Arian, can I talk to you please?" He and Arian Jnr walked out, talking quietly.
Tonks and Carmen only had to wait moments before a man about Harry's height, or perhaps a few inches taller appeared beside them.
"Simba?" Tonks asked, holding out her hand. Simba, smiling widely, kissed it.
"You must be Tonks." He turned to Carmen, kissing her hand too. "And you must be Carmen." Carmen nodded dumbly, staring at him. Tonks watched Simba closely. His honey-coloured eyes sparkled with good humour as he watched both women. Tonks was immediately put at ease, despite the fact that she knew this man was an extremely powerful person.
"My Lord Mage." She said, bowing her head respectfully. A hand tilted her head back up and she found herself facing a slightly annoyed - or perhaps disappointed - looking Mage.
"You don't have to do that." He said softly.
"Sorry."
"Don't apologise. You weren't to know."
"So what do we call you?"
"My official title is 'Lord Mage', so you were quite correct, but my name is Simba - please feel free to use that."
"Right. Well, Simba, welcome to Australia. Why don't you sit down?"
"Thank you. I can't stay very long, I'm afraid. Today is going to be a very long day, I believe." Simba smiled easily, once again putting both women at ease. There was a sharp knock on the door, and Simba's attitude flipped one-eighty. "Ah yes. The Malfoys." He said icily.
"Narcissa? Again?" Tonks asked in disbelief.
"Yes. If you'll excuse me, I was rather hoping that I'd meet the Malfoys at some point." Without waiting for a response, he strode to the door and opened it. Narcissa barely cast a glance at him before storming in.
"Really, Nymphadora, why is it that every time I come here, you have another man with you? Trying to get with every male in Australia? Not that it should surprise me - your mother was the same." Narcissa sniffed. Meanwhile, Draco kept glancing fearfully at Simba.
"Mrs. Malfoy." Simba ground out.
"What?" Narcissa snapped.
"You would do well to show some respect."
"To whom? Her? You? Give me one good reason."
Simba's eyes glowed with power, and Narcissa gasped.
"Who are you?" She asked.
"Your worst nightmare." Simba smirked. "I am the new Warrior Mage."
"Impossible. Warriors are extinct."
"Would you care to test that theory?" The temperature of the room dropped several degrees, and Narcissa's eyes widened.
"My Lord Mage." She mumbled reverently. "Forgive me, I had no idea."
"That much is obvious." Simba said coldly. "Now why don't you run along and tell Voldemort that I'll be paying him a visit soon." Narcissa bowed her head respectfully, backing away. Draco looked terrified as he followed his mother.
"Whoa." Tonks muttered as Simba sat back down again. Simba smiled, glancing at his watch. He would have to leave soon. "So when's your first appointment?"
"Fifteen minutes. I'm meeting Your friend Professor Dumbledore."
"Not Fudge then?"
"No. That meeting is later on."
"Joy. Good luck."
"Yeah. Well, it will be interesting, at least."
"I'll bet - you'll have to tell us what happened."
"I'm sure Harry will fill you in." Simba smiled.
"Right."
Simba Tripped to Albus Dumbledore's office ten minutes later, despite the Anti-Apparition wards. He waited just outside, knocking before he entered.
"My Lord Mage." Dumbledore said, inclining his head. Simba returned the gesture.
"Professor Dumbledore. Professor Snape." He nodded again, this time to the Potions professor. While Harry and Snape shared a mutual hate, he hoped that they would at least be able to work together with him as Simba.
"My Lord Mage."
"I asked Severus to join us for this meeting - do you have any objections to this?"
"Not at all."
"Thank you." Snape said. Simba smiled at the novelty of the Potions Professor being nice to him.
"No problem. In fact, I would have needed to speak to you anyway. Now, first things first, I need you to educate the people contained in the Order as to the fact that Warriors are not evil - I believe that there are two Warriors that will be only too happy to assist." Simba paused, thinking for a moment. "I am currently trying to gather support for your cause - but it will take rather a lot of work, I'm afraid."
"Why is that?"
"There is a lot of prejudice and ill-feeling towards humans in Lesea. Many Warriors believe you to be a lower form of life - they are blind to the fact that your problems are ours also."
"Lower lifeforms?" Snape spluttered. "Coming from Warriors? Ridiculous - they are the ones who find it necessary to solve all of their problems through warfare and killing!"
"SEVERUS SNAPE! That is exactly the attitude that will endanger the chances of an alliance." Simba said, his eyes glinting with unspoken anger. He would always defend his people - it was his job.
"As I was saying, if this alliance is to succeed, we will have to put our previous prejudices aside. There is no room for enmity between allies." Simba skewered Snape with a gaze and the greasy Potions master bent his head, ashamed of his outburst.
"I will immediately call the Order - would you stay and talk to them?"
"Only for a short while I'm afraid, I have several other appointments today - I fear it is going to an extremely long and busy day."
"Ah yes, I can certainly sympathise with that." Dumbledore smiled. He quickly summoned the rest of the Order, including the Houstons.
"My Lord Mage." Rebecca and Phillip said in unison, bowing to their leader. The Weasleys (all of them were present, minus Percy) watched on in awe. Hermione was staring at the young man she had read about - he was cute, in an odd, powerful and strong sort of way. He exuded confidence and power, yet at the same time seemed friendly and easy-going.
"One day I'm going to change that title." He muttered. A few people laughed, most looked cautious and wary - they still believed Warriors to be evil - they had grown up with the idea that they were killers, but a Warrior Mage was an unknown and terrifying entity to them.
"How are things in Lesea, My Lord Mage?" Daniella asked - she had always been fond of her birthplace.
"Things in Lesea are the same as always - though I am hoping to change that soon."
"What do you mean, My Lord Mage?"
"You know about the prejudice in Lesea?"
"Against the humans - Harry told me about that." Ron piped up, after a glare from Hermione, he hurriedly added "My Lord Mage."
"Did he? Yes, well that is exactly what I'm trying to stop. It is totally unnecessary not to mention ridiculous. Their opinions are false, and based on the fact that we have long been believed 'evil', however you would wish to define that word. We, of course, are not. Simply grouping us all together as evil is like saying that all wizards support Voldemort, or, on the other hand, that all wizards are completely good and true."
"So what are you saying?"
"Well, I have no doubt that there will be at least one Warrior that will join Voldemort's cause - several, perhaps. However, it is my job to make sure that the majority do not. Many will stay neutral, but this is a much better option than them turning to Voldemort."
"Why don't you stop them? Aren't you supposed to be their leader?"
"I am." Simba said with a frown. "But I have no inclination to make decisions for my people - in doing that, I would cause more harm than good, I'm sure."
"Why would they join Voldemort anyway? You say they hate humans, yet they are willing to join with one? That makes no sense at all."
"It makes perfect sense. Voldemort, human or not, is killing off humans in great numbers - the end justifies the means. Besides, have any of you seen Voldemort lately? I'm not sure that he is human any more - he sure doesn't look it." There was a moment of rather shocked silence, before everyone began murmuring at once. No one except Simba, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Albus Dumbledore noticed when Leona appeared beside Simba.
"There you are - mum has set up the meeting for in about an hour, ok?"
"Sure - I should be finished here by then."
"Good - how did things go with Tonks?"
"Brilliantly. We were paid a little visit from Narcissa and Draco - such fun."
"What did you do to them, Sim?"
"Nothing! Well...not much. Oh don't look at me like that - I simply put that awful woman in her place - and gave her a message for her precious Master."
"You didn't curse her or anything?"
"Now why would I do that? That would spoil my plans most effectively." Simba grinned.
"So you mean to go through with it? This loopy plan that you came up with in Lesea?"
"Naturally. It's a good plan." Simba insisted.
"That, my dear cousin, is not the opinion of everyone. What you're planning is dangerous - do you think that everything will go smoothly?"
"No. In fact, I should be really rather disappointed if everything did go smoothly, because then my plans would not be working out."
"What? Simba, can you please stop speaking in code? Tell me what's going on!"
"Sorry, Lee, but I can't." Simba said with a sigh.
"Why not?"
"Because you definitely would not like this plan - in fact, I think I may be the only person in the entire universe to like it."
"That sounds ominous." Albus Dumbledore said with a smile.
"Doesn't it?" Simba agreed, with a small smile.
"May I ask what it is you are planning?"
"Certainly, you may ask, but I will not answer." Simba said. Everyone went quiet - how powerful was this man to talk to Dumbledore like that? Surely this young man knew how great the elderly man's power was? And why was Dumbledore not demanding to know?
"Very well." The old man smiled. "If you need any assistance at all, you need only ask."
"Thank you. And the same goes for you. There will always Warriors that are willing to help - Warriors that stick to the old ways." Simba nodded, turning to Leona.
"I'm going in five or ten minutes - are you coming?"
"Sure, why not?" Leona shrugged, glancing at Ron and Hermione, who were making their way over.
"Hi Lee - how's Harry?" Ron asked.
"He's fine - getting on well, in fact. Plus, he's flat sharing with two females - what's he got to complain about?" Lee smirked as Simba shook his head.
"You're staying there too?"
"No - don't be silly. Then there would be three females - apparently Tonks has a flatmate."
"How do you know she's trustworthy?" Hermione asked, beginning to panic.
"She's a Muggle, Hermione." Simba cut in.
"You...you know my name?" She stuttered in response.
"Of course - Harry talks of you." He replied.
"Oh. Right."
"Can we visit him anytime soon?" Ron asked.
"Sure - Tonks and Lee are planning a surprise party for his birthday - I'm sure you'll be invited." Simba grinned mischievously, as Leona glared at him.
"SIM! That is so not fair!" She whined.
"Will you be there?" Ginny asked, standing beside him. He looked about the same height as Harry, she thought - perhaps slightly taller. He had the same sort of build. That was where the similarities ended, though. Where Harry had long black hair, Simba had shorter, dark, chocolate brown hair. Where Harry's eyes were a startling green, Simba's were a warm honey colour, and while Harry's skin had a slight tan, Simba looked as if he had been living in the Caribbean all of his life - or somewhere equally as exotic. He was extremely attractive, she thought, but she was mildly surprised to find that she wasn't interested in him romantically - though having him as a friend would be good, she decided.
"I don't know - I'll try to be there." Simba said, freeing her from her thoughts.
"Right - I might see you there then." Hermione said, smiling shyly. Simba had to force himself not to groan - why did she have to be attracted to him? He wasn't sure whether to be worried or not - after all, she had fancied Lockhart.
"Maybe." He said. "Lee, shall we get going?"
"Sure - see you later." She smiled at Harry's three friends before they disappeared.
Tonks watched Simba closely throughout the entire meeting. She took in every detail of his appearance, and every small action - the small smile that caught his lips every now and then, the fire that lit his eyes as he talked to the members of the Order, the way that he bit his lip when he was thinking about something. He was...mesmerising, she decided.
"Tonks, will you give the guy a break? Stop staring." Remus said quietly.
"Sorry - it's just...I don't know." Tonks shrugged helplessly, not knowing how to explain it.
"I thought you liked Harry anyway?"
"I do - but...Simba...he's...different. He's...I don't know how to explain it."
"You like them both."
"Yeah - and why do I feel bad about that?"
"I honestly couldn't tell you." Remus replied, watching as both Simba and Tonks disappeared. He noticed that Hermione was gazing at he spot where the young Mage had disappeared.
"I think you have a little competition for Simba though." He said, nodding to Hermione.
"Great - so Carmen fancies Harry and Hermione fancies Simba. That's just great." Tonks muttered.
"Who is Carmen?"
"My flatmate. She's been chasing Harry for weeks."
"Oh. And what has Harry done?"
"Ignored her - it's almost as if he's used to it, y'know. Ignoring admiring females, I mean."
"Tonks, he's famous - he has to ignore a lot of stuff."
"I suppose. I'll bet something happened in Lesea."
"Tonks, are you possibly jealous? You don't know that Harry has met anyone else in Lesea - you don't even know what he did over there."
"I know." Tonks muttered in a defeated tone. Remus put an arm around her shoulder.
"Come on, I'll take you home - haven't seen Harry in a while anyway."
"Right. Hold on tight." With that, Tonks apparated them to her flat in Australia.
"Hey, d'you reckon that there's something between Remus and Tonks? They seem very...friendly." Ron said, watching Remus put his arm around her shoulders. Hermione and Ginny scrutinised the pair for a few moments before shaking their heads in unison.
"I thought she was interested in Harry." Ginny said.
"I don't know how much of their flirting was just a game." Hermione said, after a little thought. "She definitely looked interested in Simba though."
"You mean you managed to take your eyes off of him for long enough to see that she was staring too?" Ginny teased, making Hermione turn red. Ron groaned, wishing that Harry was there - at least then he wouldn't be outnumbered.
Tonks introduced Carmen and Remus, waiting impatiently for Harry to return. She guessed that he would want to stay in Lesea for a few days - but four hours had passed already - the equivalent of four days in Lesea - and still there was no sign of him.
"Lee! Stop encouraging them! It's not like they need the help!" Harry said loudly, appearing from nowhere alongside Leona.
"I didn't encourage them! They did it all on their own!"
"Yet you didn't think to stop them?"
"No?" Leona admitted sheepishly.
"Why in god's name not?"
"I don't know. It didn't seem all that harmful at the time."
"Not that harmful? Lee, they almost ruined the whole thing!"
"I'm sorry." Lee sniffed, tears welling in her eyes
"What's going on?" Tonks asked. Tears began falling from Leona's eyes, and Harry sighed heavily, pulling her into a hug.
"I'm sorry Lee, I shouldn't have shouted at you like that. I'm just a little...stressed at the moment."
"I know. I should have done something though."
"It doesn't matter now. What's done is done. At least there was no lasting damage done." He glanced up at Tonks, silently asking her not to interrupt.
"But there could have been! I could have ruined it all! It would have been all my fault!" Lee wailed into Harry's shoulder.
"If it had all been ruined, then it could not have been very well planned in the first place." Harry told her. He was biting his lip, Tonks saw - just like Simba did.
"Think of it as a test - if Simba couldn't have handled that, what chance would he have at anything else?"
"I think he handled it very well." Lee said, with a weak smile. "Do you think he'll be very mad at me?"
"No. You're part of his family - he won't get mad at you just for this - besides, you're doing a good enough job of being mad at yourself." Harry said soothingly. Tonks began to wonder if there was more to this than met the eye - it was something in the way they were speaking. Something wasn't quite right. How did Harry know what the Mage would and wouldn't do? She noticed several things - several mannerisms - that both Harry and Simba shared. She also knew that Harry was more than capable of changing his appearance at will. Could they be one and the same person? Was Harry really the Mage? And if he was, why did he become Simba? Harry glanced up at her, seeing the light of understanding in her eyes - she knew.
"I'll be back in a few minutes." He told Leona, wiping a few tears from her face. She didn't argue, hearing the serious tone in his voice.
The speech in Lesea had begun perfectly - there was an almost perfect turnout, and they seemed to be listening to what he was saying. It was half-way through before he was mobbed by the girls - lots of girls, vying for his attention. He had let them all know that now definitely was not the time, solving the problem without hurting anyone's feelings. He had later found out that Leona had known, and had not stopped it, or thought to warn him.
Luckily, the meeting with the Australian Minister went much better than he had expected. Ms Webster was very pleased to meet him, and seemed very aware of the rising problem of Voldemort. He was pleased with how that meeting had gone, unlike the meeting with Fudge.
Harry really wanted to forget that experience - he wouldn't be in any hurry to repeat it, either. Fudge had blustered about, completely terrified of him. He had even gone so far as to call some Aurors to arrest him - that was mildly amusing, at least. Kingsley Shacklebolt had been one of those to answer the call, a look of incredulity. For the first time, Simba had lost his temper, getting so angry with the idiotic man that several things from the desk exploded. Kingsley had hidden a grin at the sight of Fudge's terrified face as things began blowing up.
"Do not underestimate me, Fudge." He growled.
"Out! Get - get him - OUT!" Fudge screamed. One of the other Aurors moved forward, and Simba had thrown him such a glare that the man had immediately backed down.
"I am leaving." He said, nodding to Kingsley on the way out.
"My Lord Mage." Kingsley murmured as he left. He nodded firmly to the Minister and followed the Mage out of the door. The other Aurors followed suit, looking both confused and worried.
Tonks waited. She watched as Harry walked in, looking deadly serious. She gulped - she had never really felt afraid of Harry before, but at that point, she was terrified of him. Harry's deep green eyes bore through her steadily. He didn't blink once.
"Why are you scared of me, Tonks?" He asked, his voice soft and quiet.
"I... I don't know."