Chapter Five: Plans and Shopping

Hogwarts – September 6th, 1997

Ginny tried not to scowl as she looked about the Great Hall and failed to find the target of her search. She'd been hoping to finally corner Harry and talk about them and their relationship, but it was clear even with the hustle and bustle of a late Saturday breakfast that he wasn't around.

She huffed in frustration before making her way over to her brother and Hermione. She was getting more than a little tired of not being able to just talk with Harry. It wasn't that she thought he was avoiding her – they were just both so busy it was hard to find the time.

"Anyone seen Harry this morning?" Ginny asked in lieu of a greeting as she sat down in the seat next to Ron. "I was hoping to catch up with him."

"You just missed him, actually." Hermione replied, barely looking up from the book she was reading. "He had to take one of the first years to Hogsmeade in order to pick up the rest of their school supplies."

"Oh? I'm surprised they didn't just owl for what they were missing." Hermione simply shrugged and Ginny began making her breakfast. After a few minutes of silence, a sudden thought struck her and Ginny's eyes narrowed. "It wasn't that Ravenclaw girl, Macy or whatever, was it?"

Hermione looked up from her book for the first time since Ginny arrived and locked eyes with the redhead. "Her name's Mackenzie. And yes, it was actually. I thought it rather… interesting that he'd offer to go shopping with her."

Ginny snorted, an unreadable look on her face. "Interesting. Right, that's what I'd call it. Of course it was her."

Ron looked between them, clearly confused. "Wait, which one is Mackenzie? And why's that interesting?"

"The Ravenclaw with the brown, curly hair." Hermione huffed. "Honestly Ron, don't you pay any attention? Harry's been spending time with the Ravenclaw first-years almost constantly since we got back to Hogwarts, and Mackenzie Williams more than any of them."

"So? Didn't you say just last night that it was good that he's been helping out the first-years?" Ron asked as he continued to eat his breakfast. Beside him, Ginny began attacking her sausages with renewed vigor.

"Yes…. but it's… different with her." Hermione said slowly, choosing her words carefully. "You can see it in the way he talks to her."

At this point Ron actually set his fork down, so deep was his confusion. "What do you mean 'different'? How so?"

"I don't know." A look of concentration crossed Hermione's face as she stared off towards the ceiling. It was clear that she was still trying to work out the puzzle that was Harry Potter. "If it were a student closer to our year, or maybe even a fourth year, then I'd hazard a guess that he possibly fancies her."

"But she's just a first year!" Ron exclaimed. "She's a little midget - way too young for Harry."

"Of course she is right now, but she won't always be so young. Harry might be… grooming her."

At this Ron's face once again showed his confusion and he was about to ask another question when Ginny beat him to it as her head snapped back up towards them. "What do you mean, 'grooming her'?"

"Just think about it" Hermione started to quietly explain to her two friends. "Right now the six-year difference between them seems quite large. In a few years however, say when we're around twenty-five, the first years will be eighteen. And when we're all thirty or so, Mackenzie will be twenty-four, which is a perfectly respectable matching and will harldy matter at all. And as wizards and witches, we'll live up to twice as long as non-magicals do, making the age difference even less important."

"But she's only eleven right now." Ginny pointed out, her cold tone showing how little she cared for the idea of Harry and Mackenzie together, regardless of their respective ages.

"And that's what I meant by grooming. It's perfectly reasonable for Harry to start getting to know her now as a fellow student. And if he waits until she's fifteen or sixteen to let her know how he feels about her, he's got five years to help her grow into a young woman that he'd be interested in sharing a long-term relationship with."

From the looks on her friends' faces, it was clear to Hermione that she wasn't doing a great job explaining. "Look, I'm not saying that he's trying to create the perfect girlfriend, I'm just saying that if he finds her attractive now, they have plenty of time to get to know each other before they start dating. They have time to cement how they feel about each other and whether or not they want to pursue a relationship once she's out of school."

"But we don't even know that he does fancy her, do we?" Ron asked, looking between the two girls.

"Well, no, we don't." Hermione said slowly, thinking about what she was going to say. "But it is suspicious, all the time that he's been spending with her."

"We'll just have to ask him then, won't we?" Ginny asked rather aggressively as she turned back to her breakfast. "I'm sure once we confront him he'll straighten everything out."

Hermione didn't feel so confident that they'd be able to pull answers out of Harry if he didn't want to give them, but it was clear from Ginny's tone that their conversation on the topic was over.

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The sun shone warmly as Harry and Mackenzie made their way down the path from the Hogwarts gates to the village of Hogsmeade. After a quick breakfast, the two had excused themselves from their respective groups of friends and readied themselves to spend some time picking up the various school supplies Mackenzie was missing.

They were each excited and looking forward to the day in the village. Harry was, quite frankly, happy to get out of the castle for a little while. It hadn't even been a full week since classes had started but he already felt like he could use a bit of a break. He was also looking forward to spoiling Mackenzie a little in what he viewed as one of his first opportunities to put his money to good use. He understood what it was like to grow up with very little or nothing of your own and he was bound and determined to show Mackenzie that she needn't worry about lacking anything from here on out – be it material necessities or simply love and support.

Harry was also excited about being able to see the Tonkses again. He and Andromeda had exchanged a couple of letters since he first owled her about his claiming Mackenzie's guardianship and she was not only supportive of his actions, but had also invited herself and Ted along to Hogsmeade in order to meet the young first-year.

Ever since his birthday, Harry had hardly gone three days without seeing one, both, or even all three members of the Tonks family and he rather missed them now that he was back in the castle fulltime. A certain part of him found it amusing that it wasn't until his final year at Hogwarts that he felt any sort of homesickness. Most students have it well in hand by their NEWT years.

For her part, Mackenzie was looking forward to the day because it was one of her first opportunities to spend time with Harry away from the other students. It was nice to have him around all the time at school, and she was starting to understand that he really cared for her, but it was slightly annoying that he had to split his attention with the other first-years. Of course even thinking this made Mackenzie feel ashamed, she believed she should just be grateful for what Harry had done for her so far. She understood that he was the Head Boy and had lots of responsibilities, and to complain or to wish for more time with him seemed selfish.

She was also a little nervous about meeting his family. Harry had explained that the Tonks family was really only distantly related to him, something about his godfather and maybe his great aunt, but that he considered his "Uncle Ted" and "Aunt Andi" to be the closest thing to family that he had left. She really hoped that they liked her, or at least didn't try to convince Harry that she wasn't worth his time.

Nervousness and excitement continued to war inside Mackenzie until the pair of students rounded the last curve on the path to the village. Suddenly all of her thoughts disappeared as she took in the picturesque thatched-roof structures that made up Hogsmeade. The whole place looked like something out of a storybook as small groups of people made their way up and down the main road.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Mackenzie started slightly as Harry spoke. She turned to find him watching her reaction with a smile. "I remember thinking the first time I walked to the village this way that the whole place looks like it's from a different time. I mean, the whole magical world seems like it's from a different time, but Hogsmeade is something else."

Mackenzie watched as Harry stared off towards the village with a wide smile and eyes seeing something she couldn't. "Of course, that wasn't until my fourth year. Before then I'd snuck into the village from a different direction and didn't get to see this view."

Harry turned back to her and winked. "But that's a story for another time. Now come on, we've got shopping to do!"

Mackenzie hadn't even realized that they'd stopped walking until Harry reached out and took her smaller hand in his before leading her forward. She found herself comforted by his smile and couldn't help but giggle slightly at his enthusiasm.

Before long they were walking past the first of the wooden houses and Harry was pointing out a group of three people standing by a shop not far from them.

"Ah, there they are! And look, they brought Tonks along with them. Or… er." After a half second pause, with an expression of mild confusion crossing his face, Harry simply shrugged. "That's their daughter who only goes by her last name – just call her Tonks."

Mackenzie didn't respond as Harry led them across the street, still holding her hand. The three Tonkses were talking amongst themselves and hadn't seen the two students enter the village, allowing Mackenzie to observe them for a moment. The family was made up of a middle-aged regal-looking woman with black wavy hair, a slightly older looking man with a friendly face and a head of thick dark-brown and slightly graying hair, and a younger woman who had a bright pink spiky hairdo. It wasn't long before the three noticed the pair approaching and a chorus of greetings was called out. Mackenzie found herself nearly overwhelmed with nerves and tried to hide behind Harry.

"Wotcher, Harry!"

"Hello, Harry."

"Harry, dear! There you are. How are you?"

Harry almost immediately found himself engulfed in a hug from Andromeda, his left arm wrapped around behind him where Mackenzie was hiding. "I'm doing fine, Aunt Andi. How are you lot? I didn't realize you were going to be here, Tonks."

Tonks let out a typical, rather unlady-like snort.

"What, and miss meeting the newest member of the family? I think not." Tonks rolled her eyes before leaning a bit to the side in order to peer around Harry. "So this must be her, then?"

"Yes, I'd like you to all meet Mackenzie Lynn Williams – my ward." Harry gently pulled the shy Ravenclaw out from behind and in front of him before placing his hands on her shoulders. "Mackenzie, I'd like you to meet my aunt, Andromeda Tonks, my uncle Ted Tonks, and my cousin, 'She-Who-Goes-By-Just-Tonks'."

"Hello. It's nice to meet you." Mackenzie's voice was barely audible as she shyly looked up through her bangs at the Tonks family. She knew she probably wasn't making a good first impression, but she was just so nervous – she so wanted Harry's family to like her. She relaxed a bit as Harry gave her shoulders a comforting squeeze.

"It's lovely to meet you, Mackenzie. Please call me Aunt Andi if you'd like, Harry does and we're all family." Andromeda beamed down at the shy girl. "My, don't you have such lovely hair? It's a shame my own daughter can't manage to maintain a respectable style."

"Oh come off it, mum." Tonks said with a groan and a roll of her eyes. "Can't you lay off for one day?"

"I would, Nymphadora, if you wouldn't walk around looking as though you lost a fight with a coloring charm. It's simply not respectable."

"Respectable? What have I got to be worried about respectability?"

The two women were quickly immersed in their own world, rehashing an argument that even Mackenzie could tell had been fought countless times. She was distracted from the mother and daughter as Harry greeted a chuckling Ted Tonks.

"Hi Uncle Ted. Same old, same old, eh?" Harry said as he shook the other man's hand.

"It always is with them. As much as I love them, I enjoyed having another sensible man about this summer." Ted said with a wink before turning his attention fully to Mackenzie. "It is great to finally meet you, Mackenzie. Harry's written almost non-stop about you since Monday. I've not seen him so excited. Please feel free to call me Uncle Ted if you'd like, or just Ted, whatever you feel comfortable with."

Mackenzie absently shook Ted's hand as she looked up at Harry in amazement. He'd been writing to his family about her? She noticed Harry's cheeks redden a little, but he smiled down at her and softly squeezed her shoulder again.

"Yes, well, it's not every day your new ward starts at Hogwarts, is it?" Harry mumbled out trying to lesson his embarrassment. "And Uncle Ted's the one who helped get all the custody paperwork filed for me, so I had to write him about that, too."

"Oh, don't let him fool you, Mackenzie. He's been telling Andi and I all about how well you're doing in classes and how many great friends you're making. It's not all been business." Ted said with another wink to the girl. "I think he's even said something about telling you and your friends stories?"

"Yes, well, I'm just… proud, that's all." Harry mumbled. By this time, he was almost as red as a tomato and looking about everywhere but at them. "I know what it's like, to start Hogwarts not knowing anyone, and… yeah."

Mackenzie couldn't seem to wipe the amazed expression off her face and she was vaguely concerned that her eyes might pop out of her head. Not only had Harry been writing to his family about her, writing good things even, but he was proud of her, too?

Thankfully for Harry's sense of embarrassment, the moment was interrupted as a frustrated Tonks abandoned her argument with her mother.

"Alright, are we going shopping or not? Best get going before Christmas comes around." Tonks looked between her father, Harry, and Mackenzie. "Someone got a list then, or are we starting from the top?"

"Oh, er… yes, I've got a list." Harry jumped at the change of topic like a drowning man and quickly pulled a piece of parchment out of his pocket. He glanced at it before looking about at some of the shops nearby. "Mackenzie needs a trunk. Is that something we can get here in Hogsmeade?"

"Yes, I should think so." Andromeda said as she collected the list from Harry. She nodded to herself after looking it over for a moment. "Yes, we should be fine. If we can't find something here, one of us can pop over to Diagon Ally while we get lunch. Best start with Dervish & Banges. Come along."

With no further fanfare the group of five took off, Andromeda in the lead and Harry still holding Mackenzie's hand. They spent the next couple of hours moving from Dervish & Banges for Mackenzie's trunk and a better set of scales, to Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop for all of her writing supplies, and then on to Dogweed and Deathcap in order to complete her collection of potions supplies.

After an uncomfortable half-hour or so getting used to being doted on by Harry and the Tonks family, Mackenzie actually began to enjoy herself. She'd never been shopping with the opportunity to just browse before. She certainly had never had so many new things all of her own.

The only spot of trouble occurred when Harry went to pay for Mackenzie's things at Dervish & Banges. Mackenzie attempted to promise that she'd pay him back, but Harry of course wouldn't hear of it. Both Andromeda and Ted tried to explain to her that it was a guardian's prerogative to purchase things for their children and wards, but Mackenzie wasn't convinced to accept, fearing it would make her a burden. Harry eventually told her that he had more money than he knew what to do with and that it made him happy to spend his money on things that would make her happy.

After that, Tonks explained to Mackenzie that she was a Metamorphmagus and simply distracted her by changing her facial features every time Harry went to pay.

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"Alright, the only thing left is to pick out some robes and clothes." Andromeda checked over the list Harry had made as they all exited Tomes and Scrolls. "Nymphadora and I can take Mackenzie to Gladrags and you boys can go rest your feet at the Three Broomsticks. You'll just get in the way and we can meet you there in a bit for lunch."

Harry looked first at Mackenzie, concerned about how she would feel with him leaving. He needn't have worried however, as the young girl didn't seem bothered in the slightest and was actually in the process of asking if Tonks was able to change her hair into a rainbow pattern. Harry couldn't help but smile at the sight of Mackenzie getting along with Tonks and her parents – while he hadn't been worried, per se, it was still a relief to see that his ward fit in well with his new family.

"Alright, sounds good to me. Come on, Uncle Ted, I've been wanting to talk to you about something I've been thinking about anyway."

With that, the two men said their goodbyes and made their way to the popular inn. Harry was at first surprised to see how empty the place was, but then he remembered that he'd only ever been there on Hogsmeade weekends with all the other students running around. As such, he and Ted had the pick of the place and were quickly seated in a booth with a pair of butterbeers.

After a few moments of silence where they simply sat and drank, Ted spoke up. "It's a good thing you've done for her, Harry. I'm proud of you, and I'm sure Sirius and your folks would be proud, too."

Harry tried to hide how much his newly adopted uncle's words affected him, but he wasn't sure how successful he was. It meant more than he could ever say to hear that Ted not only thought his parents would be proud of him, but that he himself was proud as well.

Harry sat silently sipping his butterbeer before giving a shrug. "She doesn't deserve to be treated the way she was. I just did what I thought was right."

"And that's what makes you a good man, Harry."

Ted's simple statement almost pushed Harry over the emotional edge, but thankfully, a waiter came by just then and asked if they needed anything, breaking the moment.

After yet another few minutes of silence, Harry cleared his throat and looked up at Ted. "I was wondering if I could ask you something, Uncle Ted. Um, about after school."

"Of course you can, Harry. Have you decided what you want to do? I believe Nymphadora said that you'd been thinking about being an Auror."

"Oh, I was for a while, but I don't think I want to anymore." Harry stared off past Ted's shoulder, thinking about his future. "With Voldemort and the Death Eaters gone, and now with Mackenzie, I don't know if I want to be an Auror. I mean, if something happened and all…"

Harry's eyes flicked back to Ted's as he trailed off with a shrug.

"That's a very mature attitude, Harry. Being responsible for a child does amazing things to one's perspective. I'm glad that you're taking the job seriously, just as I knew you would."

Ted was treated to the sight of Harry's cheeks reddening once again. "I know she's not actually my kid, but yeah, I guess."

"Even so…" Ted trailed off with a shrug. Neither really knew what else to say about Mackenzie's guardianship. "So if not an Auror what were you thinking about doing?"

"Well, I have a bit of money, right?" Harry ignored Ted's snort at his understatement. While not the richest person in the world, Harry certainly had more than 'a bit of money'. "After meeting Mackenzie, and what happened with me… with the Durselys… I was thinking about maybe starting a magical orphanage… er, an orphanage for magical kids."

Harry's face heated up for what he felt was the thousandth time that day as he stuttered through his idea. He'd been thinking about the lack of a place for magical orphans to live and grow up since he'd sat with a sleeping Mackenzie on the Hogwarts Express. After hearing tales of Hermione's childhood, he knew that it was hard enough for muggleborn students to grow up when they did have loving family and people to support them. He knew first hand what it was like to be thought of as a freak in his own home (or what passed as a home), and at least in his case the Dursley's had known about magic and what was happening – an orphanage worker would likely have no clue.

Harry was pulled out of his thoughts as Ted spoke. He was dismayed to find that he couldn't tell from his expression what Ted thought about his idea, but at least he wasn't scowling.

"Ah, yes. I can see how that would appeal to you." Ted said slowly, clearly thinking through the idea. "You should know that there are many different aspects to consider if you want to open an orphanage. A place for magical children without family – or without family that wants them – has been considered many times by the ministry over the years, but it's never gotten the support it needs."

Harry's shoulders drooped a bit in disappointment. He wasn't sure what he was going to do if Ted tried to tell him why it wouldn't work and that he needed to think of something else to do with his life. Harry knew that he was stubborn enough to try it anyway, but he would much rather have the support of Ted and Andi – they were the only people he really considered family.

Them and Mackenzie.

Mackenzie was family, too, and Harry told himself that he would always try to do what was right by family. There were others in situations just like Mackenzie's who needed his help just as much as she did, and if he had to make all of them his wards to help, then he'd do it.

Ted waited a minute to see if Harry would say anything. He watched as the young man first seemed to wilt and then after a moment's thought, Ted could see determination fill Harry's features. Hiding a smile behind his butterbeer, Ted took a drink before continuing.

"Of course the problem has always been the matter of money. Orphanages are expensive to run and unlike most businesses, have no source of income. Asking the rich pureblood families to fund an orphanage more than likely to house muggleborns or asking the Wizengamot to levy additional taxes for the same purpose goes over about as well as you'd expect." Ted stopped and chuckled as Harry snorted derisively. Yes, the idea of families like the Blacks, Malfoys, or even the Crouches funding anything for muggleborns was rather absurd. "That said, you have a much better chance of convincing the Ministry to help fund an orphanage than anyone who's ever asked before. And even if you don't, you have enough money to at least get it started."

Harry nodded slowly, thinking about what Ted was saying. "That's true. I worked a lot with the Ministry this summer, and people listened to me because I defeated Voldemort. Do you think I'd have a good chance convincing them to help?"

"Like I said, I think you'd have a better time of it than anyone else. Given your, now twice, defeat of Tom Riddle, I think that if anyone can pull this off, you can."

"So, you think it's a good idea, then?" Harry asked cautiously.

Ted took a moment to look the younger man in the eye. "Let me ask you a question, will doing this make you happy?"

Harry thought for a moment before speaking. "I don't know. But I do know that if I don't do it, I will regret it. I can help these kids. I know what they're going through and the idea of not doing something to help them when I can makes me sick. I know it won't be easy, but I have to try."

Ted simply watched as Harry became more self-assured and determined as he spoke. Once he was done, Ted simply sat and watched the young man for a moment, impressed once again by Harry's strength of character. Finally, when Harry started fidgeting and becoming nervous, Ted let his mouth grow into a wide smile.

"Then I think you should do it, Harry. And I would be honored to help you. Because like I said, if anyone can do this, you can." Harry shuddered a bit and let out a deep breath in relief as Ted clapped him happily on the shoulder. "And Harry, know that no matter what you decide to do, Andi and I will always support you. You're the son we never had, and we're both so proud of you – for what you've been through, for what you've done, and for all the great things you have yet to do."

As the two lapsed back into silence, Harry once again found himself fighting tears –reassured that he had a family now that would support him unconditionally.

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Headmistress McGonagall looked up from her desk, quill still poised over parchment, as a large silver stag appeared in her office. She took a moment to appreciate the impressive patronus before it began speaking with her Head Boy's voice.

"Professor, Mackenzie and I have returned from Hogsmeade. We managed to get everything she needs. Also, the Tonks family all say hello."

With its message delivered the magical construct dissolved, leaving the Headmistress alone in her office once again.

Minerva was self-aware enough to admit that she had been rather caught up in post-victory euphoria when she had selected Harry Potter as the school's Head Boy. She'd been so relieved and thankful that he had managed to end the latest bought of violence before the entire country was plunged into chaos that she'd written his name down and had the badge in the mail before she'd even stopped to think.

While she had later justified the decision by acknowledging the numerous times he'd gone out of his way to "save the day", his growth as a leader during his fifth year, and his overall popularity amongst students, faculty, and parents alike, the fact of the matter was that he'd never been a prefect and was only a slightly-above-average student. Just like his father, a part of her was forced to admit.

That said – she'd not for a moment regretted her decision.

The seriousness in which Harry had approached his duties from the very beginning impressed and surprised not only her, but many of the professors on staff. He brought up valid ideas regarding many subjects and wasn't afraid to point out faults in how things had been run for decades if not centuries. One of these ideas, simply having someone stand on the other side of the barrier to platform 9¾, led to what Minerva considered one of the smoothest Hogwarts Express departures of her entire career.

Of course, that same idea had somehow resulted in a first year ending up in her Head Boy's custody. Minerva had been ready to skin the boy alive after receiving the owl from the Ministry of Magic Department of Welfare for Magical Children. Again, however, Harry had impressed her with his passionate reasoning and the seriousness in which he took his new duties as the girl's guardian. As she should have expected, he'd done what he thought was right and he wasn't about to let anyone, his headmistress included, tell him it was the wrong choice.

Within the week, Minerva had been forced to acknowledge that Harry's connection to the first year Ravenclaw had led to an all-around better experience for all of her first years. The staff meeting held earlier that day had seen many professors of the core-subjects discussing how much better prepared the first-years from all the houses were with their attendance of Harry Potter's nightly after-dinner study sessions.

Pulling herself from her reverie, Minerva prepared to return to her never-ending paperwork. After several months in the position she still wasn't certain how Albus had managed the headmaster's position for so long with all of his other duties and responsibilities. This thought caused her eyes to flicker to the still sleeping portrait of the former headmaster. He'd yet to awaken and past experiences with headmaster and headmistress portraits showed that he may not for a while yet. She'd just have to keep slugging through things for the time being without the great man's advice.

Even with how busy things were for her these days, she was happy to have a front row seat to Harry Potter's continued growth. Minerva was certain that they hadn't exceeded his quota of surprises for that year.

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AN: Again, the first part of this chapter draws a lot of inspiration from "The Little Child To Lead Him" (see Ch1 AN). I really liked the way the original author wrote their similar scene and I wanted to preserve some of the same feelings that they invoked.