Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

Warnings: Violence , and Mature Themes.

Chapter 10

Hermione nodded her head dumbly; her mind had effectively shut-off trying to process the various occurrences of this night. She walked mechanically towards where she had seen Harry last, absently noting that her parents and Daphne were coming down the stairs, confused and nervous expressions on their faces.

She saw as Daphne scampered towards Harry, who had walked into the living room, her expression full of nervousness and worry.

"Potter, did you find out what made the noise?" she asked hurriedly.

"Oh, it was just a cat. It appeared as if it fell down while jumping between walls." Harry replied, smiling reassuredly at her. Hermione would not have doubted this statement were it not for the significant look that he had shot her. She saw as his eyes widened marginally, before he schooled his features as he caught sight of the other people in the living room.

(Break)

Harry had a hard time not staring at the people gathered in the house. He recognized Perenelle immediately, his Vampire instincts picking her out easily, but it was neither her presence nor her attire that caught his attention. It was a friend that he hadn't expected to encounter so soon.

"Tonks?"

Tonks who was staring in wide-eyed astonishment at Perenelle, the Order member, as Kingsley informed her in vague terms of the significance of the person that she had attempted to attack. It was overwhelming to say the least. As she heard a familiar voice call out her name, she turned towards him . . . and stared.

The first thing she noticed was his eyes. Deep emerald green eyes that shone with absolute power. Just looking into his eyes, she felt her knees growing weak, her heart skipped a beat, her breath hitched and a shiver wracked through her body. Her mind immediately cautioned her not to cross this man. He radiated a presence that screamed power, and yet as she continued staring at him, she caught sight of the amusement flickering in his eyes. That gave her mind a pause, and she forced herself to look over his face properly. Messy black hair, a lithe body not grotesquely muscled, and the faint traces of a scar. . . a very familiar lightning bolt scar.

Her mind screeched to a halt. It was Harry. Her mind processed it, but she still stared.

She stared as he walked closer to her, a confused expression blooming on his face, he raised his hands and waved it in front of her face, and on not getting any reaction snapped his fingers, effectively snapping her out of her daze.

"Harry? Is that you?" Tonks asked in a whispery voice.

Harry just nodded his affirmatively.

"H-How? I-I mean, what happened to you? You look so different now." Tonks said, shakily at first but regaining her normal exuberance as she was able to shake her previous thoughts from her head.

"It has been an year Tonks. I took some potions for supplementing my growth." Harry lied coolly.

"Oh. I guess you finally got around to doing that huh?" Tonks said, a bright smile adorning her face.

"Yeah."

"Now Harry, mind explaining what is going on over here? Do you know this person?" Tonks asked, inclining her head towards Perenelle.

"What is going on over here?" asked the voice of Hermione's dad. The trio of people upstairs had joined the party downstairs.

"Professor." Harry said, catching her attention. Perenelle looked at him expectantly, but Harry didn't say anymore. He gave another meaningful look at her, and she seemed to understand. She cast her consciousness outwards, aiming towards Harry.

"I wasn't aware that you had progressed this far in the book, Harry. Telepathy is something that is towards the end of the Mind Arts." Perenelle thought. She had to guide Harry's mind as well as her own to keep up the connection, and she was sure that she couldn't keep this up for long.

"I just read ahead. Seemed like a good idea, I thought that it would help with accessing my memories." Harry thought back.

"So, why are we conversing like this? I assume that there is something that you would like to tell me privately."

"Yes. There was someone here today. I didn't get a good look at him, but he definitely wasn't here for a pleasant conversation. He fled as soon as the Aurors arrived here." Harry thought with a hint of frustration.

"Where?"

"Down the hallway near the pool."

"I'll take a look. Maybe I can trace him back to his location."

"You can do that?" Harry was a bit amazed.

"Yes. I'll teach it to you later. And I would like to say, it was quite thoughtful of you to inform me of the situation as soon as possible. You will make a fine Order member if you keep this up." Perenelle was definitely amused by Harry's reaction. He just ducked his head slightly at the compliment.

Their whole interaction had barely taken a second, thus, no one was alerted to it.

"Who are you?" Dan continued, looking at the mass of wizards and witches at his door.

"I am Harry's mentor. I'm sure you daughter has informed you of this fact. I believe you have much to talk about, I'll just get back to you shortly." Perenelle said. She ignored the wide-eyed Aurors, and the slight fearful look that Hermione's parents had in their eyes. She made her way towards the place that Harry had mentioned.

"Hermione?" Emma asked weakly.

"Mum, Dad, there are a few things that happened to me that I haven't told you about. Not the whole truth at least . . ." Hermione started, and glanced at Harry.

"Is this about your recent drastic physical changes?" Emma asked, an anticipated yet nervous look flittering across her eyes.

Hermione winced. That was not exactly what she was talking about, but she conceded that her parents might think that. Their excuse was pretty; to put it bluntly, lame.

"Not exactly . . ." Hermione then started her tale of what was really going on with her and to some extent Harry.

(Break)

Perenelle reached the pool, and took out her wand. She cast several revealing spells, and confirmed that the attacker was definitely here. There were various spell residues left in the air, and judging by the feel of them, most were very unfriendly. This worried her greatly. She hadn't counted on Voldemort to make a move this soon; she had thought that they would have at the very least, two more years to prepare Harry and the Order, as under-staffed as it was, for the upcoming confrontation with Voldemort. That is if the attacker was here for Harry at all.

She was aware of the Gree- Daphne's situation, and judging by what she knew of her parent's, it could very well be her that the attacker was after. But it wouldn't matter, he had definitely seen Harry, and if he had successfully recognized him, it wouldn't take long for the more loyal Death Eaters to learn about this.

She would need to do some serious Warding around the Granger's residence, and it would take up most of the week to do. Pushing such thoughts out of her mind, she concentrated on the point that her spell indicated that someone had Apparated away from. It appeared as a small tiny suction, drawing in all that was around it, the remnants of her spell.

The sucking sensation of Apparition was caused by travelling through something that she called the Slipstream. Wizards used this to ride to their destination, and due to this fact, Apparition could be traced.

Drawing her wand resolutely, she cast the Disillusionment Charm on herself, her skill with it rendering her completely invisible. Concentrating on the Slipstream, focusing her mind to concentrate on both the spells simultaneously, she Disapparated with barely a sound.

(Break)

" . . . and then Sirius left on Buckbeak." Hermione finished. Shocked silence met her ending statement. She had altered her tale significantly, making sure to never mention Voldemort at all. Thus, Quirell was responsible for stealing the stone, the Heir of Slytherin was an un-named person, and the events of third year didn't have much to do with Voldemort at all.

Before her parents could get their muddled minds in gear, Kingsley suddenly whipped out his wand and pointed it directly at Hermione.

Before anyone else could react to this new development, or Kingsley could offer an explanation to his actions, he found himself staring down the business end of a wand. Absently noting the runes carved into the wand, his eyes followed to the arm that was clutching the wand steady, and as his eyes caught sight of the person staring at him, be barely could repress the urge to step back in irrational fear. But he was a Senior Auror, and had dealt with his fair share of fights, and was able to hold his own. Barely.

"And what do you think you are doing?" Harry asked. His voice was unnaturally calm, but the threat in it was more than obvious. Kingsley tried staring the slightly shorter wizard down, but immediately averted his eyes. Those weren't the eyes of a kid, reacting foolishly. No, Harry's eyes radiated a cool confidence and overwhelming power that unnerved Kingsley.

"You have just admitted to aiding and abetting a dangerous criminal. I am under orders to detain you for further questioning." Kingsley replied, his voice normal. He saw anger flash through Harry's eyes for just a moment before the cool look was back.

"Hermione has already told you all that we know about Sirius. We have no further information to share with you. And if you had bothered to listen to the story carefully, you would realize that you are hunting for the wrong man. Sirius is innocent, and the same cannot be said for Pettigrew." Harry replied.

"Do you have any evidence to support your claims?" Kingsley asked, after a moment of hesitation.

"Would a memory or even an oath suffice?" Harry asked after a short pause.

"I am afraid it won't. The Wizengamot does not consider them as sufficient evidence." Kingsley replied, his voice a bit bitter. He had worked alongside Sirius during the last war, and had respected the man. If not for his maturity, then his loyalty. He didn't believe Sirius was capable of betraying his friends, but his actions the past year had confirmed that Black was dangerous. He wouldn't be surprised if this was all a very imaginative story spun by Black to get close to The-Boy-Who-Lived. He needed to intimidate the two teens enough so that they would begin to question their loyalty to a man that he thought was a Death Eater.

Hermione's parents, who had moved to stand behind her, were staring at the two wizards apprehensively. They didn't understand much about the situation, but knew that the Wizard and Witch were some sort of policemen, and were talking about taking Hermione into custody. Knowing that it was best to cooperate, Dan spoke up, "Uh, Officer, Why don't you ask your questions here? I'm sure that this is all a big misunderstanding."

Hermione shot an annoyed look at her parents, and motioned at them to keep silent. Dan bristled slightly, but kept quiet as Emma place her hands on his forearm. Daphne was standing a little ways away, observing the events that were happening here.

"Regardless, you are not authorized to arrest Order members. They do not answer to the Ministry, the only one that they are answerable to is the Head of the Department Of Mysteries." Harry said.

"While that may be true, you cannot be members of a Ministry Office while you are underage." Kingsley shot back at Harry. He was getting a tad bit annoyed with him.

"True, but I believe that Apprentices are exempt from this rule?" Harry replied, raising his eyebrows questioningly.

Kingsley faltered. He didn't know that. He narrowed his eyes at Harry, trying to determine whether he was lying or not. He couldn't glean a thing, neither from his expression nor his eyes.

"Very well. But rest assured, if your claim doesn't check out, you can expect Aurors to be arriving at your doorstep soon." Kingsley inclined his head slightly, and turned around to leave.

"Hold on just a moment . . ."

(Break)

Perenelle materialized in a dark alleyway. After making sure that her Disillusionment Charm was still working perfectly, she observed her surroundings. Stone pavements, matted with dirt and grime, rats scampering off in haphazard directions, shady buildings, and a rather questionable presence of people. She walked off slightly, not wanting to bump into anyone and alert them of her presence yet.

She recognized this place immediately. She had landed in Knockturn Alley. She cursed inwardly. She wouldn't be able to follow anyone here. Half the people in here matched Harry's description of a hooded figure. Nevertheless, she opened her mind and began scanning the thoughts of the people surrounding her, searching for a memory of anyone who seemed to want to disappear in a hurry. Not finding anyone worth investigating, and frankly disturbed by some of the thoughts that she had picked up, she Disapparated back to Hermione's house, arriving near the pool again.

As she walked back into the house, she began to make a mental list of the various Wards that needed to be put up. Anti-Apparition, Anti-Portkey, and judging by Harry's past, some Anti-Animagus wards would need to be put up immediately. She had previously thought that just the Intrusion Ward would be enough. It was a muggle neighborhood, and the presence of strong wards would certainly attract unnecessary attention to the house, but tonight's events made that thought process backfire. She arrived back at the house just as Hermione had finished her tale. She stood back slightly, curious about how Harry would handle the situation. She watched, feeling strangely proud as Harry handled the situation wonderfully. Never giving out information needlessly, taking full advantage of her earlier appearance. She knew that Harry was the Head of House Potter, and as such if he were to claim that, the Auror would have no choice but to back off. But he didn't use it. He opted to keep that information to himself, and Perenelle was happy with his decision.

She was wary at first, when he had just joined the Apprenticeship; when she had told him that she would not give him orders to how to proceed in every situation. He was just a child, after all. But she had a feeling that it would be the right choice to make, and was happy to see that she had made the right decision. She had been surprised when he had asked for a copy of the memories of the last war that she had shown the both of them when they had arrived that first day, but nevertheless had given them to him, along with a small portable Pensieve. She had an inkling as to the reason that he had asked for them, but had given them to him, she had promised to give them any information that they asked for after all.

Harry thrived when he was working on his own, and she would only step in if absolutely necessary. People that can't think for themselves didn't belong in the Order.

And one such situation presented itself, just as the Auror turned to leave. Perenelle walked forward, and was interested to notice that Harry had glanced at her briefly just as she had appeared in his field of vision, which was odd, considering she was still under her Disillusionment Charm. Putting her observation aside for the moment, she cancelled the charm and said, "Hold on just a moment . . ."

(Break)

Harry had thought that he had felt someone arrive just as soon as Hermione had finished her tale, but wasn't sure about it. If he had to take a guess, he would say that it was Perenelle. He was curious to note that the person had stayed hidden, somewhere close to where he was. His suspicions were confirmed as he glanced at the person as soon as they started moving, he didn't see anyone there, but felt them, along with a curious haziness in that area. So he wasn't too surprised when Perenelle just seemed to pop up in their midst with her statement.

"Yes?" Kingsley asked, pausing slightly to get his rapidly beating heart under control. Tonks had no such issues.

"Merlin woman!" Tonks exclaimed. She then seemed to realize it, and held her head down to hide her embarrassment. Perenelle ignored her.

"Auror Shacklebolt, are you aware about the rules regarding the Department OF Mysteries' information protection?" Perenelle asked in an even voice. Harry stood up a little straighter and glanced at Tonks worriedly.

Kingsley stiffened. He was aware of it, and had hoped to get out before a situation, exactly as the one he currently found himself in, arose. He wasn't afraid of being subjected to the Memory Charm. But the thought that things were going on in Wizarding Britain, measures that hadn't been taken since the last war against Voldemort, were being adopted again, was what scared him. It was almost as if . . .

"Yes." Kingsley's voice broke slightly for the second time this evening, a hint of nervousness noticeable in his voice.

"Splendid. I assume you have no objections?" Perenelle asked. She glanced at Harry curiously, taking note of his change in expression.

"No." Kingsley answered shortly.

"Kingsley what's going on?" Tonks asked, worry creeping into her voice. She glanced at Harry, and wasn't comforted in the least to see the worry shining in his eyes. She had been very surprised by his behavior tonight. She had always thought of him as a relatively cute, and happy person, if a bit mature beyond his years. A good friend. To see him act so . . . professional tonight had really caught her off-guard.

Kingsley turned serious eyes towards his partner and spoke, "The Department Of Mysteries had the right to perform the Memory Charm on any member of the population if they deem it necessary."

"WHAT?" two simultaneous voices rang out. Hermione and Tonks had shocked expressions on their face. Hermione turned towards Harry, a bit surprised at his lack of reaction. She caught him looking at Tonks worriedly, and was happy to see that he hadn't changed . . . much. He still cared about his friends.

"You can't do that!" Tonks continued vehemently. She was a bit disappointed at Harry's lack of reaction. She was beginning to think that he didn't care about their friendship. Last time she checked, friends didn't consent to subject their friends to a Memory Charm. She was surprised how much his reaction, or lack thereof hurt her.

"Keep silent Tonks, they have the right to do this." Kingsley said warningly.

"But . . ."

"No"

Tonks slumped. She glanced briefly at Harry again.

"Very well."

"Wait! This isn't necessary. They might have learned about the Order and our part in it, but I am sure that they can give an oath to not mention tonight's occurrences to anyone. Wouldn't that be enough?" Hermione asked. She had waited for Harry to speak up, but seeing that he wasn't going to, she did.

Tonks turned hopeful eyes towards Perenelle. She had learned many exciting things tonight, including her cousin's innocence and so many exciting things about Harry that she didn't know. She didn't want to simply forget about them. It wasn't that she was scared of Memory Charms, she had also used them, thrice. But she knew that she definitely didn't want to forget about tonight.

She was surprised when Kingsley was the one who answered.

"No, the Oath that Aurors take will not allow me to willingly lie, or falsify a report. The DMLE knows that I am here, and I will be expected to write a report about my findings. This would be the only way to protect the information." Kingsley said.

"If we could continue . . ." Perenelle said.

"Of course. If you could just answer one question?" Kingsley asked.

"Very well." Perenelle replied expectantly.

"Why now? Why re-construct the Order now?" Kingsley asked, a bit fearful of the answer.

" . . . the same reason as last time." Perenelle replied, her voice a bit subdued.

"You mean . . ."

"Yes." Perenelle cut him off.

"Does anyone else know of this?" Kingsley asked alarmed.

"Amelia is aware of the situation."

Kingsley took a bit of time to come to grips with this horrifying news, and then said, "I Kingsley Shacklebolt, allow the Memory Charm to be cast on me." It was always easier to modify someone's memory if you had their consent. Less chances of unintended wipes occurring too.

Perenelle took out her wand, and Kingsley braced himself.

"Obliviate" Perenelle enunciated each syllable carefully, leaving no room for mistakes.

As soon as the spell hit Kingsley, his eyes gained a glassy look, and he stared blankly ahead at Perenelle.

Harry was wracking his brains for any information that would help him justify not wiping Tonks' memory. It would be selfish of him to simply ask her not to do it, but he was ready to do it if he couldn't come up with a suitable reason for sparing Tonks' memory. She was his friend, and her knowing about Voldemort being alive would enable her to better prepare herself. Perenelle had told him that Amelia, the head of the DMLE was made aware of the situation, but her hands were tied as long as Fudge was the Minister for Magic. He had another year left as the Minister, before the next election would take place. If he were to be chosen as the Minister in the next election as well, Magical Britain would be seriously crippled, and totally vulnerable to Voldemort.

Amelia had repeatedly put forth requests to increase the funding for training Aurors, and increasing their training drastically. Fudge had repeatedly declined her requests, stating that Wizarding Britain was in a time of peace, and thus such measures were unnecessary and would send the wrong message to the people. Perenelle had told him that she had no doubt that it was Lucius Malfoy that was responsible for this oversight. His 'generous donations' of gold had ensured that Fudge would follow Lucius around like a lovesick fangirl. If he were to catch wind of any information regarding their knowledge of Voldemort's continued existence, Lucius would be the first one to know, and it wouldn't be long before the Dark Lord was made aware of that fact. Something that they wished to avoid at all costs.

So, Harry wanted Tonks to know about Voldemort and the danger that the Wizarding world will soon be in. But he realized that he couldn't let personal feelings interfere now. He realized it, but he didn't like it.

"Auror Tonks, if you would please consent . . ." Perenelle spoke.

Hermione watched as Harry seemed to struggle with himself, as if he would like nothing more than to stop Perenelle.

Tonks cast one last glance at Harry, and sighed. She gave her consent as well.

"Obli-"

"Professor." Harry spoke, stopping Perenelle mid chant. Perenelle smirked inwardly, she had expected him to stop her a lot earlier. But appearances had to be kept, and it would be a valuable lesson for him.

"Yes?" Perenelle hissed out coldly.

Harry resisted a wince. But ploughed on, "Professor, as I understand it, Junior Aurors don't have to take their oaths yet, so Tonks oath of silence should suffice. Am I right?"

"And why make an exception? It'd be easier to simply make her forget." Perenelle said in the same cold tone.

Harry hesitated before answering. "She's my friend. And I don't want to see her hurt."

"So it's personal? That's not the kind of thinking that I encourage. Making decisions on the basis of personal motivations is not good for people in our line of work. You know better than that."

"I know. But I can't help it." Harry replied.

Perenelle sighed, but put down her wand. "I'll see you tomorrow." Saying that she Disapparated silently. She had some things to take care of.

The remaining occupants of the house turned almost simultaneously towards him, each wearing different expressions on their faces.

'It's gonna be a long night.' Harry thought.

(Chapter End)