A/N: Sorry it's taken so long to update but finally here it is! No duels in this chapter but i hope you like it all the same! RandR!

Chapter 15

"I love you so much," Harry whispered. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you." Clutching both her hands he rested his head on her chest and cried. He closed his eyes refusing to let go of Tonks' hands as the reality of the situation flooded all of his being and made him want to die.

He thought back to the first time he had met Tonks. She had picked him up from the Dursley's with the other Aurors. It always made Harry laugh how clumsy she was and how her hair was always different colours. Then he thoguht back to the time they had spent together over the summer. It all started when she had accidentally revealed herself when watching Harry. Even when she barely knew him she listened to him and comforted him, helping him deal with the grief of losing Sirius. He remembered their first kiss in Grimuland Place which was by far the best moment of his life. How soft her lips felt against his, how he felt so alive. When she said she loved him he knew that she was the person he wanted to spend his life with. She was part of his soul, the other part of him that made him complete. Without her he knew he wouldn't be able to cope. No one can live if they lose such a big part of themselves. All the things he had done to protect her had been in vein. He felt his anger rise inside him and he blamed the world for the curse that affected everybody he loved. All the protection his parents had gone through and still they were killed. Keeping Sirius from the outside world had resulted in his death. Now the one woman who Harry loved and needed to survive was slipping into nothingness and he was powerless to stop it.

Harry felt that part of him slipping away as he saw Tonks' life slowlyebbing away. He closed his eyes in despair and prayed for a miracle.

"Harry!" Hermione said excitedly. "Look at the wound! It's closing!" Harry's head shot up and he looked at the wound which was now slowly starting to close.

"But how?" he asked reeling from shock.

"Your Animagus form is a phoenix remember! Your tears must have the same healing properties as a normal phoenix!" Hermione said happily. Harry looked at the now closed wound and then to Tonks' face which was a lot more relaxed than it had been before. She was still asleep but madam Pomfrey came over and gave her a blood replenishing potion and said she would be fine. Harry felt happier than he ever had before; although how it had happened wasn't completely clear he would get to hear Tonks' voice at least once more.

"I thought you said nothing could save her?" Harry asked Dumbledore who looked deep in thought.

"The book said Phoenix tears shouldn't have worked."

"Then how?" Harry asked bewildered.

"What exactly were you thinking as you were crying?" Dumbledore asked. Harry thought it was an odd question but answered it anyway.

"I was telling myself my self that she couldn't die and I was willing her to come back to me." He said quietly. "Why does it matter Professor."

"Because I believe that it wasn't just the phoenix tears that saved Tonks. I think when the healing tears mixed with your desire to save Tonks that a new type of magic was created, one very specific to you and your strong feelings. I always said your love for others was a valuable thing." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.

"When will she wake up?" Harry asked madam Pomfrey.

"Due to the blood loss, I'll say that she won't wake up until tomorrow. I think it's time I looked at your wounds Mr. Potter. The rest of you can leave, I'll take good care of him." Hermione gave Harry a hug before leaving and Ron smiled at him as they left.

"Harry, if you can come to the great hall after you've finished here. It won't be for long then you can come back to Miss Tonks as I'm sure you want to." Dumbledore said knowingly.

"I'll be there soon." Harry replied.

"Before I go Harry. Well done. For everything." Dumbledore said proudly then he left.

Madam Pomfrey had Harry remove his blood stained battle robes and was shocked to see all the puncture wounds on his body from the shards of ice. Luckily the blood had clotted and prevented any serious blood loss. Harry winced slightly as madam Pomfrey tended to his wounds but felt a lot better afterwards.

When she was finished Harry put his battle robes back on and kissed Tonks on the forehead. "I'll be back soon," he said softly before leaving and heading to the great hall.

&&&&&&

Dumbledore entered the great hall where the whole school had been gathered. The 5th, 6th and 7th years who had been in the battle were recounting what had happened to the younger students and although there had been casualties they had won the battle and were filled with pride. They had all heard about Harry's battle with Voldemort and how he had walked off the battle field carrying a girl, but right now he was nowhere in sight.

"If I could have everyone's attention please!" Dumbledore said. The hall stopped their conversations and paid attention to Dumbledore.

"Before I say anything else I think we should all raise our glasses in memory of those people who gave their lives today." Everyone in the hall raised there glasses. "To fallen heroes." Dumbledore said and the great hall echoed his words. When the toast was over Dumbledore put his glass down and continued speaking.

"There is no way I can thank you enough for the amazing bravery and strength you showed in the face of extreme danger today. For the younger years, your older peers fought powerful Deatheaters and were victorious. If it wasn't for them Hogwarts may have been lost today. I think a round of applause is in order for our valiant warriors!" he said and the hall erupted in applause and cheers.

"As you all no doubt know, there is one person who single handedly fought lord Voldemort and no doubt would have been the victor had Voldemort not decided to flee. His coming turned the tide of the battle and I freely admit, I did not have enough strength to stop Voldemort." the students gasped when they heard this, they had always seen Dumbledore as an all powerful being who was the strongest wizard alive.

"We are lucky to have Harry Potter on our side," Dumbledore continued. "Not only did he show phenomenal strength but compassion and love. Today, a person he cares very much about was as close to death as a person can be before his love was able to save her. I tell you this because I want you to realize that hate and anger don't make people powerful. Loving and caring for people and fighting for what you believe in can make you equally as strong." As he finished his sentence the doors to the great hall opened and Harry walked in. All eyes fell on him but Harry was surveying the great hall thinking how good it was to be back. When he realized everyone was staring at him he felt slightly nervous but his nervousness was replaced by embarrassment when the whole hall stood up to clap and cheer. Harry was surprised to see the teachers applauding as well and was even more surprised when he saw professor Snape clapping even it was for a lot less long than everyone else.

Harry just stood there until the noise died down and Dumbledore beckoned for him to come forward. Harry reluctantly made his way to where Dumbledore stood, his eyes focused on the floor as he tried to suppress his nervousness.

"I think the school would like to hear a few words from their hero Harry," Dumbledore said with a sly grin. Harry turned to face the school who all had their attention fixed on him. Harry did his best to shake off his nervousness and addressed the great hall.

"Thank you for all your applause," Harry started tentatively. "But I'm not a hero. Sure I fought Voldemort," a few people gasped at the name but Harry ignored it. "But my fight would have been in vein if all the students who risked their lives today would have stayed hidden in the castle. I need you all as much as you need me and I am proud to fight along side you." If it was possible, there was more applause when Harry finished his speech than there was when he had come into the great hall. The people in the great hall had found the hope they needed; they had a leader who treated them as equals, who they knew would fight with them to the end. As the noise died down the doors to the great hall burst open and Harry saw a long stream of reporters come flooding in. Harry turned to Dumbledore who smiled knowingly. He pulled out a piece of paper and said, "Portus." Before he handed it Harry he said, "There's a five minute delay on it so you can find a guest to take with you."

Harry smiled and cast a disillusionment charm on himself before sneaking past the throng of reporters and quickly heading to the hospital wing. There he found Tonks still sleeping peacefully with a slight smile on her face. Now he knew she was going to be alright he picked her up in his arms, still with the portkey in his hand and soon felt the familiar tug at his navel as they both were transported away.

Harry carefully lay Tonks down on his bed, transfigured her blood stained robes into an appropriate nightgown and tucked her in beneath the covers. He then left her to sleep while he went to prepare the house. Tomorrow was Valentines Day and he was determined to make it perfect, especially in a time of war when love was even more precious.

"Dobby!" Harry called and the elf instantly appeared beside him. "I need you to do me a favour."

Harry explained to dobby what he wanted him to do and then looked at his watch. It was only three o'clock in the afternoon. The battle for Hogwarts had been only a few hours ago but already it felt like a lifetime to Harry. He took a quick shower and put on hooded robe before flooing to Diagon alley to get Tonks' valentines present.

&&&&&&

Tonks woke from her deep slumber the next day and stared at her surroundings amazed. She had no clue where she was and had no memory of getting here. She consciously rubbed her shoulder were the wound had been and tried to recall what had happened. But that didn't matter to her at the moment. She was too amazed at her bed which was covered in gorgeous red and white rose petals. Getting out of bed she felt the smooth petals under her feet as well as realizing she was in a beautiful silk night dress. She picked her wand up off the dresser just in case and confusedly made her way to the door of her room which seemed to be filled with Harry's things. Opening the door she gasped when she saw a giant, lavish corridor which was regally decorated. The floor here was covered in rose petals but this time they seemed to form a path, which she followed along the corridor until she reached the stairs. Even though she didn't know where she was, she excitedly followed the petal path down the staircase and through the giant foyer until she reached a big wooden door. She cautiously opened it up and stepped inside in nervous anticipation. As soon as she did she saw Harry standing in the middle of room and he fired a curse at her. She instinctively ducked and fired a stunning spell back and as her spell hit Harry he suddenly exploded and giant heart shaped confetti flew everywhere. She stood in stunned wonder at the sight in front of her and felt a pair of hands wrap around her waist and a voice whisper in her ear. "Happy Valentines day." Harry said.

Spinning around she kissed him fully on the lips as the confetti still fell on them. When she finally pulled away she was smiling from ear to ear and so was Harry. "Thank you," she said softly.

"I'm so glad you're ok." Harry said his voice filled with relief. "You almost died." Tonks remembered being hit with the curse from Voldemort and how painful it was but the rest was a blank.

"What did he hit me with?" Tonks asked seeing pain in Harry's eyes.

Harry collected himself before answering. "It was an ancient spell that makes the victim die painfully. Dumbledore told us there was no cure for it."

"Then why am I alive?" Tonks asked slightly confused.

"When you were lying there I felt so helpless." Harry said. "My tears are the same as any other phoenix so when I cried and the tears fell into your wound they started to heal it. Dumbledore thinks that along with my love the tears were able to produce a powerful magical healing spell that negated the effects of the curse." When Harry finished Tonks threw her arms around him and held him tight. She knew that Harry was the only person she could ever love. Not because he had saved her life but because of what he meant to her.

"I love you so much," she said to him. "Just one question; where are we?"

Harry smiled at her and said, "We're at my home." Tonks stared around in disbelief.

"This is your home?" she asked incredulously and Harry just nodded. "This is where you've been for the last few months?"

"Yep." Harry said. "How about I give you the tour and then we can just relax before we go out for dinner."

"Dinner?" Tonks asked.

"You didn't think this was all I had planned for Valentines Day did you?" Harry asked grinning.

"But what about the press? After yesterday they'll be following you everywhere."

"That's why I've booked us into a restaurant in muggle London. No press, just me and you." Tonks smiled lovingly at Harry who took her hand and directed her out of the library to give her the tour of the house.

&&&&&&

For the rest of the day Harry and Tonks were content to just sit snuggled together in the library and enjoy the pleasure of each others company. Both forgot about the fact that they were in the middle of a war or that Tonks had nearly died. When it was time to start getting ready to go out Harry let Tonks use the bathroom in his room and he used one of the others.

While in the shower Tonks realised that she had nothing to wear and started to worry about what to do until she stepped into her room and lying on hers and Harry's bed was a beautiful, low cut, black dress that shimmered in the light. Also lying next to the dress was her phoenix necklace that Harry had given her and a gorgeous set of diamond earrings.

Tonks picked up the dress and slipped it on. It fitted her perfectly and clung from her figure. She was still in her normal form and decided to stay that way since the dress fitted perfectly and she had to wonder how Harry had gotten the size right. With the necklace on and the diamond earrings dangling from her ears she made her way downstairs where Harry was waiting for her.

He was dressed in black pants, a long-sleeved black shirt and a black jacket which was set off by the silver phoenix on his belt clasp. He'd managed to get his hair straighter than usual and he looked a lot older in his new attire. His mouth dropped when he saw Tonks coming down the stairs.

"You look amazing." He said truthfully. Tonks blushed and linked her arm through his.

"You look pretty handsome yourself. Thank you for the dress and the earrings, I love them."

"I hoped you'd like them," Harry said shyly. "Shall we go?"

Tonks nodded and Harry pulled out a coin form his pocket and got Tonks to touch it and they were both transported away. They landed in a dimly lit alley so no one would see them and Harry quickly checked around to make sure no one was there. They headed out of the alley and Harry hailed a cab.

"Where to?" the taxi driver asked.

"The Ritz please," Harry replied. Tonks looked at Harry in shock.

"You didn't say we were going there!" she said and Harry started to worry that he'd done something wrong.

"We can go somewhere else if you want," he said nervously. To his surprise Tonks laughed and just rested her head on his shoulder.

"No Harry its fine. It's just the Ritz is one of the most expensive restaurants in the country." Tonks explained.

Harry shrugged. "I just asked a few people about good muggle restaurants when I was in Diagon alley yesterday."

"Here we are," the taxi driver said. "That's £4.50 please." Harry pulled out his wallet and handed the driver the money before getting out. He held out his arm for Tonks who took it appreciatively.

"Thank you kind sir," she said playfully. Harry led her up to the entrance of the Ritz and through the main doors. The foyer was elegantly decorated with crystal chandeliers and dark mahogany furniture. Harry couldn't help but smile when he saw the expression of wonder on Tonks' face. They reached the entrance of the dining room and were met by the maître de.

"Good evening Mr. Potter," he said bowing slightly. "Your table is ready if you'll follow me?" He made for a table on the far side of the room.

"You know him?" Tonks asked incredulously.

"I stopped by yesterday to arrange everything. I think tipping him quite a bit makes him more friendly." Harry said smiling slyly. They reached their table which was set for two and right by a window overlooking Green Park. The table had a single red candle in the middle and a lovely red and gold table cloth. Harry pulled her seat out for her and then sat opposite her. A waiter brought over two menus and asked them what drinks they would like.

"A bottle of red wine please," Harry asked politely.

"And what type of red would you like sir?" the waiter asked.

"Err." Harry said. He didn't know about the different types of red wine, he just knew you drank it with a meal. Tonks interjected to save him from embarrassment.

"We'll have a bottle of Merlot please," Tonks said to the waiter who nodded and went to fetch the wine.

"Thanks," Harry said appreciatively. "I forget there's more to life than learning spells." Harry said mirthfully.

Tonks reached over and took his hand in hers. "Well we can learn together." Harry felt butterflies in his stomach when Tonks looked into his eyes. She was so beautiful and Harry felt truly happy just being there with her. He wanted tonight to be perfect.

They ate their meal slowly, savouring the time they had together, chatting about life and the future. It was clear from both of them that their futures included each other and just saying it out loud deepened their connection. When they finished everything they were both feeling very happy and Harry generously tipped the waiter before leaving.

"Harry, that was perfect." Tonks said as they appeared back at Potter mansion.

"It's not over yet," Harry said mischievously pulling out a blindfold. "Put this on, I've got one more surprise left." He fastened the blindfold on Tonks and led her outside.

"I hope your not going to leave me out here in the dark Mr. Potter." She said mock angrily. Harry guided her a bit further until he reached the edge of the lake where a single row boat was floating on the shimmering water. He told Tonks to lift her leg up and helped her into the boat.

"Are we on water Harry?" she asked nervously. Harry ignored her and got in opposite her and started rowing out into the lake. The silent night was broken only by the oars as they broke the surface of the water. In the centre of the lake was a small island no bigger than 10 metres either way. He helped Tonks out of the boat and into the centre of the island where he sat down beside her. He carefully removed the blindfold and could hear Tonks sudden intake of breath. They were sat on a small blanket on which there were two wine glasses and a bottle of champagne. Floating in the air around them were white candles that illuminated the small island they were on.

"You like it?" Harry asked nervously.

Tonks kissed Harry tenderly on the lips. "It's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me." She said honestly. Harry smiled and uncorked the bottle of champagne. The cork popped out and landed in the water and Harry poured the drink into each of their glasses. Harry wrapped his free arm around Tonks' waist and she rested her head on his shoulders and they both gazed up at the shining stars.

They sat in peaceful silence for a long while before Tonks said, "Everything tonight has been perfect. I love you Harry potter." Harry lightly kissed her forehead.

"I love you too."

"I'm sorry I didn't have chance to get you anything or do anything for you," she said sadly. Harry turned round so he was facing her.

"It's ok. I wouldn't change a thing." He said softly. "But there is one thing you can do for me," he added almost as an afterthought. Tonks looked at him expectantly and Harry knelt in front of her and pulled out a small box.

"Nymphadora Tonks. Will you marry me?"