Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter… I do however own a gyrating monkey that plays, "In the Jungle".
Chapter 21 – Calm before the storm
"Wotcher Punks!" A stern elderly voice grouched.
Harry gaped slightly as he watched his new Defence against the Dark Arts instructor limp into the room.
Her bed headed straggly hair, her wild suspicious eyes, her drably knitted cloak…
The woman was ancient in appearance, as rotund as Umbridge, and as shift eyed as moody… but Harry already suspected deception from her.
She wobbled to the front of the class with her walking stick in hand, occasionally snapping it back and forth between desks to whack the shins of unsuspecting students.
"Listen up you rowdy hooligans… I'll be your new defence against the Dark Arts teacher from now on. I don't want to hear any back talk from yea… If I detect any sass, you'll rue the day you ran into me…." She scolded with ferocity unbecoming of her age.
"And who might you be…" Malfoy's voice demanded arrogantly.
"No Sass!" The women snapped back.
A smattering of murmurs arose; the women with a speed unnatural to her age, snapped her walking stick loudly against the front table.
"Quite you whipper snappers…" She yelled loudly.
"Whipper snappers?" a voice murmured unsurely around the back.
"I said no Sass!" She snapped quickly. Her aged voice starting to strain as her lips twitched.
"For today's lesson… tell me ways a wizard or witch might choose to be stealthy." The women ordered.
Pointing her walking stick immediately at Lavender, eliciting a squeak from the girl at the cane swift movements.
"Umm, Polyjuice mam…"
"Good girl, a fine way to go about without being noticed, though highly illegal to brew unless properly sanctioned by the ministry of magic." She warned.
Pointing her cane again, this time at Neville. "What about you boy, don't think your sexy looks will sway me, name me another method to go unnoticed. something that does not need to be prepared before hand." She ordered.
Neville stuttered at her comment and blushed; but worked up the courage to answer.
"Disillusionment… mam." He answered haltingly.
"Excellent, can you demonstrate the spell…" She cheered leeringly.
Neville fidgeted but quickly tapped himself over the head with his own wand and turned invisible to the room.
Malfoy who had been chuckling to himself as he watched Longbottom fidget under the women perverse stare, halted as the class whispered in respectful aw at the boys accomplishment. Most had been in Harry's D.A. when he had covered the disillusionment spell and knew how tricky it could be.
Turning visible again, the women smiled frightfully.
"Ah, brains to go with that body as well, a keeper you are boy." She congratulated.
Looking around the room in false thought she contemplated her next victim.
"Hmm, let's see. You the boy with the bed head, name me another method." She announced while staring down Harry.
Harry already onto her just stared back slightly amused.
"You could be born a Metamorph mam…" he answered back pointedly but still respectfully.
The women's demeanour suddenly changed. The frightening smile seemed to morph into a true one, a bright and cheery wide grin that brought new life to her aged appearance.
"Sexy buggers they are…" She announced in approval.
Harry grinned in humour at the confirmation.
"Mr Potter has described a fine way to disguise oneself. For instance, a metamorph could be anyone; they could be your friends, your neighbour's… your teachers even." She said with a Cheshire grin.
Immediately the women before them stood up to her full height swung her cane in a circle and held it above her right shoulder like a rifle... and started to change.
Her hair shortened and become a dark purple. Her aged face started to shrink and smooth into a rounded heart shape and her corpulent body shrank down into a more attractive form.
"Wotcha Punks." She announced cheerily.
The class broke out into whispers at the appearance of the youthful teacher who had just transformed before their very eyes.
Tonks waved the cane she still held around her body and her drabs morphed into a long black robe that barely covered her grunge boots, jeans, and shirt which stated that "Wand size does matter."
The cane for that matter itself melted away to reveal a 12 inch wand within her slender hands.
"Name's Tonks, Dumbledore was on the sauce when he hired me so I fear you'll just have to suffer for a while until your next replacement arrives." Tonks announced with cheer.
Some of the students laughed nervously at the Aurors comment.
Harry thought that it would be an interesting few months.
... .. … .. …
Professor McGonagall always prided herself on her relationship with her students; specifically the students of her own house.
She always aimed for a strict exterior, making it obvious that at the end of the day, her word was law. But instead of being impersonal and distant as one might assume, she liked to observe from the sidelines; and when she believed the situation would call for it, she would invite said students into her domain for biscuits and tea while she had a chat to set things down the appropriate path.
Truly, she cared for each of her students in ways they would never fully grasp. They were her legacy; for the rest of their lives, she would have left a mark on them, something intangible that they would never be rid of. Something that whether they admitted it or not would mould them into the people they were going to become.
To some, she was the no nonsense totalitarian, who made it clear that the breaking of rules would not be tolerated.
Some, she was the strict but fair professor who would always know if you weren't giving your all for a particular task...
And to those few… the rare students who needed her most; she was Professor McGonagall, the one who was there.
McGonagall prided herself on finding those rare students who would need her the most; finding them and helping them set their lives straight. Whether it be with firm words admonishing them for taking the foolish path, a motherly gesture of understanding, or simply a shoulder to weep their troubles upon…
McGonagall had found such a person for this generation, that she felt needed her simple yet powerful touch.
Truly this student needed her the most, their life turned inside out and upside down since that faithful day magic was revealed to be real to them. McGonagall often wondered to herself whether it would have been kinder to have kept them from the world they so rightfully belonged to, if only to stave off the torment.
They were simply unable to cope, and the life before them was too much; a whirl wind of activity and mystery that constantly kept them two steps back when they tried to take one step forward.
That student…Hermione Granger.
As often as it appeared to be, the students that needed her the most were often the ones with such promise and potential. Hermione had been a shining star her first year, surpassing all their expectations, overcoming an awkward beginning and making loyal and caring friends.
She was unbelievably mature for her age, reasoning things that often the wiser and more experienced would overlook.
And unfortunately that is as far as she went.
McGonagall often wondered to herself whether that maturity was actually a sign of her prodigy like intellect, or what she believed was expected of her. She tried so hard, made so much effort to fit in, but she always went that extra step too far.
It wasn't just in her homework, which was something to be commended usually; it was in her personal life as well.
Socially, she had never advanced past her eleven year old self, and in there lay the problem.
For years that prodigy of an eleven year old had survived the school experience, simply because she was just that much more prepared for the world around her than her peers were; but as time went on, that initial step was no longer enough. The other students were beginning to catch up, and soon they would surpass her.
If that were to happen McGonagall wondered what would happen to the girl that she had introduced into the world she was truly unready for.
Through a series of gossip starved students, the whispers of paintings, and her own variants on gaining information, she knew for a fact that the situation was already set in motion.
Harry Potter, almost the polar opposite of Hermione; started out as an average student, always aimed to go unnoticed by teachers and peers alike. Gradually he started to progress though, started to grow into a more confident and outspoken young man who took his responsibilities and tragic adversities at a commendable stride.
He had his dark moments, the darkest she had ever seen, but he also seemed to have the opposite as well. He had achieved so much this year. Unfortunately in the process he had surpassed Hermione Granger and the girl had not been ready for it.
There was an easy solution to the entire situation, have Harry Potter revert backwards into the shy and quiet boy he once was.
That was clearly not an option. She could not scold him for doing what everyone was meant to do; growing up. She stared down unnoticed from her seat at the head table with the other teachers.
Hermione Granger sat alone at the Gryffindor table.
On either side of her, her fellow gryffindors were chatting up a storm, discussing there weekends and other youthful things. Her friend, Mr. Weasley sat chatting amicably with Neville Longbottom not two seets away. Both had become surprisingly close over the year, something that pleased the Professor for Neville's sake.
But truly Hermione sat alone. She was seated amidst the chaos of her table, between friends and peers, yet she made no move to interact with anyone… and likewise, no one made any move to interact with her.
Every now and then, when she wasn't spooning herself soup or reading through another library book, she would stare with unfocused eyes toward the seat opposite her. The seat which was empty for more than a few meals.
"Knut for your thought…"
"I'd like to think my thoughts were worth more than that…" McGonagale briskly retorted turning away from her observations of the girl.
"Of course, but I am quite frugal…" Dumbledore shot back amusedly.
McGonagale tutted to herself, not really interested in the banter they were accustomed to.
"Do you know where Mr. Potter is…?" She asked while turning back to stare at the empty seat.
"He is within the castle… Do you need to speak with him?" He asked curiously.
McGonagall tutted once more, simply because she knew somewhere beneath the twinkling eyes it aggravated the man to no end.
"Mr. Potter has been absent from quite a few meals lately." McGonagall commented airily.
"Is that all, I believe the house elves have taken to feeding him directly as of late." Dumbledore stated in reassurance.
"Shouldn't we put a stop to that, the house elves do have other duties to attend to…?" McGonagall asked in annoyance, thinking up excuses for the boy to interact more with Hermione.
She had concluded that the only approach she could take at the moment was to bring the two together and hopefully their proximity would patch up their friendship. She tempted herself with the idea of pulling a Serverus and giving them both detentions for no good reason, if only to allow for it.
In her mind, Hermione needed that support her friendship with one Harry James Potter had provided. She needed to gradually wean herself off whatever it was that the boy had been providing her, as going cold turkey was clearly not working for her.
"I dare say, the house elves beg for more work to do. Considering Hogwarts core Nodes… I'm surprised they haven't built new turrets for the castle with how much energy they have." Dumbledore answered jokingly.
"...And I see nothing wrong with students visiting the kitchens; I myself find it quite enjoyable to be down in the house elves abode."
"But surely, you can see how this can negatively affect Harry…" McGonagall asked.
She was grasping at straws now and she knew it, but feeling it important to convince another to see it too was all she could think of.
She could really do very little without revealing her hand. Pairing the two Gryffindors together in her class really did very little considering how much she had emphasized quiet work in her class room. Especially considering Mr. Potters surprising grasp of the new material she was covering in class, often finishing practical exercises within minutes, with Hermione following in his tracks soon after. A situation that only left for awkward silence between the two, they refrained from communicating to each other during this this period of silence. something the Professor would have encouraged this once.
She often wondered how he she had managed to pull those others out of their dark places, but then again each student was unique in their own rights; she had never taken the same approach twice.
"Oh?"
"He is cutting himself off from his friends, all his time is spent studying and training… It can't be healthy for him, he needs to socialize and not withdraw from those that care for him." McGonagall lectured.
That was more than a slight exaggeration on her part, as she knew that Harry was still amicable with Ron and Neville, though they spent so little time together, and the relationship between him and Ms. Lovegood was still the talk of the school grapevine…
But in essence that was what his life had boiled down to. She often wondered how he had managed to do it all. She could remember her own youth, and though she was a fair student, she often felt the strain of maintaining her grades and balancing her social life. The boy had much more on his plate and still seemed to be doing commendingly well.
Dumbledore seemed to catch on to what McGonagall was not saying.
Turning his head he stared at Hermione Granger in a pondering fashion.
"I take it you are concerned about Ms. Granger as well…" He stated.
She fumbled for a second, hating the man for being so intuitive, but quickly regained her bearings.
"Mr. Potter has much on his plate, but Ms. Granger does draw some strength from their friendship. I understand that they have had an argument which has led to the end of that relationship. I am more than concerned Albus… as you should be." McGonagall stated crisply. Technicly the teachers were supposed to be impartial to their students, but one could not help it if they took more interest in certain students than others. As long as the other students weren't suffering as a result, McGonagall felt no remorse in taking an interest in particular students lives.
"You are correct, but this is a matter between those two, we have no authority to intervene." Dumbledore stated sadly.
"They are but children Albus, they need guidance, with the proper support and motivation the two could be proper friends once more…" McGonagall urged.
"You are correct in many ways Minerva, but you are wrong in one aspect."
"Oh…" She stated; her voice laced with warning.
"They are no longer children, they may be young but they have each earned the right to be given the same privacy you or I would ask for… you must look past their age and see them for who they are and not how old they are…" Dumbledore said with a significant stare.
McGonagall hated it when the man became preachy, simply because he held too much sway with his words and often convinced her.
"Never the less, you can not deny that it would be better for the two to resolve there differences. Surely you could suggest to Mr. Potter how difficult it has been for Ms. Granger."
"I can suggest all I want Minerva, but it would do no good if it falls upon complacent ears. Let them try to resolve things at their own pace first." Dumbledore suggested.
"You know I do not like to put things off Albus…" She harrumphed.
"True… but humour an old man this once." He suggested.
McGonagall tutted once more in reprisal, but acquiesced. She couldn't help but feel that by doing so, she might have failed her charge.
… .. … .. …
The end of November came and went with an early bout of snow announcing the approach of the winter holidays.
The sign up sheets had already been posted up for those who wished to stay for the holidays. Harry was pleased to note that for once he could actually claim to be going home for the holidays and actually look forward to it. Remus had started to send him almost daily letters asking him questions like his favourite foods, to updates on their plans for the break.
Harry was looking forward to the time together with the werewolf… yet there was also a part of him that was more nervous than he could ever truly remember.
He felt like he had to be on his best behaviour, as if he were staying at the Weasley's. No matter how many times he had read Remus write "our home," he could not picture it as his just yet.
He suddenly realized how little he knew the man in general. A year as a teacher and some semi casual conversation at Sirius's did not a family make.
Doubts started to cloud Harry's mind as he hoped he wouldn't put the man off after living with him. He feared being rejected by the man once he had no one left to accept him.
He feared being rejected at all…
Walking down the halls alone as today was the last Hogsmead trip before break, he idly wandered the corridors until he stopped to spy Professor Flitwick and Hagrid decorate the great hall.
Watching the large Christmas trees being placed carefully and decorated with baubles and trinkets, led Harry to a frightful realization.
'Presents…'
He had forgotten completely. He also had no current way to go and do such necessary shopping as he was currently imprisoned within the castle for his own safety.
He was about to bang his head roughly against the stone wall in despair when his eyes latched onto his only possible saviours.
Lounging at the head table chatting amicably with a green and red themed headmaster was Tonks, who's hair and eyes, respectively, were just as festive as the mans clothing.
"I'm on the sauce am I…?" The man laughed.
"You heard about that…" the women said in askance.
"Oh you have so much to learn my dear…" the man said amusedly.
Seeing the smiling and lounging two Harry resolved his will and strode foreword with his back straight and his head held high.
Both faculty members spotted his approach and turned in greeting.
"Good afternoon Mr. Potter."
"Wotcher Harry."
"Professors…" Harry greeted with a nod to each.
"The decorations are coming along quite nicely; I believe the school will be as enchanting as ever…" Dumbledore stated in pleasure as he observed Hagrid and Flitwick work.
Immediately a cackling noise emanated around the room before a tree tilted over smashing into the Ravenclaw table sending baubles crashing in all directions. Professor Flitwick, who had been on top of a tall ladder by the large fir, wobbled precariously. Hagrid positioned himself below the man as he tried to prepare to catch him should he fall.
"Eventually…." Dumbledore added in optimism.
He waved his wand, pulling the tree back to its upright position, earning a thankful nod from the two teachers after they had steadied themselves.
"Sir, I have a favour to ask…" Harry stated hesitantly. He might as well come out and say it; there was no need to pussyfoot about the subject.
"Oh, by all means…" Dumbledore asked intrigued.
"You see, I haven't had a chance to get presents yet and seeing how close it is to break, and how I'm not sure when or if I'll see my friends before school starts again… I was hoping I could go shopping today." Harry asked.
"Say no more Harry; in all honesty I had expected you to ask me sooner to be let out of the castle. As charming as it is, a person does need an escape from it every now and then." The man smiled.
Harry returned a smile in relief.
"So you're buying presents… what'cha getting me?" Tonks asked innocently.
"I, uh…"
"Don't worry, I'll take you Harry. I assume you'll need a guard?" She questioned while turning to stare at the headmaster for confirmation.
"Very true, I find myself with quite a bit of spare time today as well, I shall accompany you, if only too keep Nymphadora from finding out what she will receive." Dumbledore cheekily answered.
Tonks winced as the man intoned her most hated name, but said nothing in reprisal.
Harry, himself was unsure how he had managed to wrangle a metamorph and a headmaster to accompany him to go Christmas shopping.
Peeves cackles were ominous and forboeding as wreathes started to attack a group of first years, wrangling them together and pulling them into the belly of the large fir trees like a demented life preserver.
… .. … .. …
At Tonks Suggestion, they decided upon Diagon alley as their shopping district of choice.
Dumbledore agreed and with a generous amount of floo powder from within the headmaster's office, they converged in the Leaky Cauldron. Landing in a private room Dumbledore immediately waved his wand about his person and blinked in and out of existence before becoming visible once more.
"Corr…" Tonks whistled, impressed at the feat of magic.
"Why thank you Ms. Tonks. " Dumbledore's remarked humbly.
"What?" Harry asked dumbly as he stared at the two.
"I think both you and I, Mr. Potter, would attract too much attention; as such, I have localized a notice me not charm around my person. It does help when one does not want to be seen. You only see me now because I wish you to."
"That seems useful…" Harry remarked in slight envy, he could see the use for such a charm, especially in his life.
"Indeed, unfortunately a person must place it upon themselves for it to work otherwise their own magic would resist… I shall teach you at our next appointment." Dumbledore offered pleasantly while walking quietly towards the door.
Walking outside, following Dumbledore's lead, they followed a corridor towards the familiar interior of the Leaky Cauldron. It was packed full of holiday shoppers and other clientele.
Tom was busy at the counter taking orders and serving meals. A festive garland wrapped jauntily about his head as he served mead to a group of burly wizards who guffawed loudly.
Harry was glad the man was too distracted to notice him as he was not in the mood for another round of "bless my soul, it's Harry Potter."
Dumbledore himself, walked confidently on; the crowd's stair simply rolling off the man. As Harry had been behind him, they never seemed to notice him as well.
Deciding to use the anonymity the public had given him, Harry Tonks and the invisible Dumbledore followed the familiar path to the entrance of the alley.
Harry just barely avoided being run over by a woman who was so laden with packages and other knick knacks that she barely noticed the boy in front of him.
Sliding past, Harry walked into the small dead end.
Tonks immediately tapped the correct stones and Harry was privileged to see the alley for the first time during the winter holidays.
The heavy snow that had only been getting thicker and fluffier fell heavily from the sky. The streets were covered in the white fluff. The normally crowded alley was just as crowded as ever as witches and wizards went from one store to another trying to rush in as much Christmas shopping as possible.
Children clad in the fluffiest and most appallingly embarrassing parkas, and other winter apparel, flounced about joyously in the snow; happily trudging through the soft powder.
The store fronts themselves were as festively decorated, with fairy lights or garlands, spewing forth cheery seasonal music.
Harry couldn't help but smile to himself as he watched the parade of shoppers going about their business. The Dursley's had never taken him out to go Christmas shopping, and he often spent his time holed up in Mrs. Fig's house helping her wrangle her cats into bows and other odd decorations.
"Do you have enough money or will we be stopping off at Gringotts as well." Dumbledore asked pleasantly as he watched Harry watch the masses.
Patting his pocket Harry noted the fairly full sack of coins, having not visited a wizarding establishment in forever; he had plenty of gold left to spend.
"I should be fine, do you need to go?" Harry asked back.
Dumbledore shook his head pleasantly while reaching into… of all places, his beard.
He pulled out a violently purple sack which jangled happily.
"I believe I should be fine." He proceeded to place the bag back into his beard, confounding Harry with the physics and oddness of such an act.
Harry was still debating on commenting, when he felt the back of his head get thudded by cold powdery balls of snow.
Straitening his glasses as they had slid to the tip of his nose upon impact he quickly turned around and spotted his attackers.
"You don't write…"
"…you don't call."
"A bloke might start to think you didn't care." A familiar set of red heads said while preparing another set of snow balls.
Lobbing another ball, Fred or George, proceeded to huff indignantly.
"It's like he forgot about us already…."
Ducking the ball… "Oy, watch it." Harry cried indignantly.
"Where's the love Harry…" George or Fred asked in sadness.
Tossing another ball in sync Fred and George each lobbed a ball at the ducking teen... It appeared as though his minders would be of no help in this attack as he heard clear chuckling from the headmaster and Tonks seemed to be egging the pair on with tips.
Having enough of that, Harry took a hold of his wand and waved it in the twin's general direction.
Each immediately raised shields in preparation for spell fire. Neither however were prepared for Harry to banish the snow off the roof tops at them.
Harry particularly enjoyed the wide eyed stare of each twin as they took in their fate.
The last thing Harry saw from the two before they were buried under the pile of snow was one twin's respectful nod and the others salute to Harry before they vanished under the white.
… .. … .. …
"I don't see why you two didn't just apperate away…" Harry asked as he handed each of the twins a towel.
"No can do Old Chap, the suppressor field from them muggle has leaked off into the alley some how. It makes apparition right tricky in some areas… though we can still do magic for some reason?"
"Tom's been making a fortune in customers since he has one of the few places with an open floo access…" the other twin said in envy.
"We're on the waiting list to get one installed but it takes forever for the people at the ministry to get one set up, and then we have to put out the word as well…" the other said with a pout as Angelina tsked at him disapprovingly while checking a thermometer.
After the three had unburied the two mischief makers, the group had decided to make their way to the twin's store.
It was a first for Harry, having never visited the twin's creation.
Harry honestly didn't expect what he saw.
He had expected some outlandishly colourful, bordering on debaucherus building that paid testament to the twins unique… personalities. What he found however was anything but.
Upon spotting the sign written in a loopy cursive, and the opulently decorated window, with shiny trimmings and other little accoutrements to add to the oddly classy appeal; Harry was ready to tell the twins he was lost.
Upon entering the building he was greeted by the oddest display of class he had ever seen.
Butlers with serving trays were waiting by the door, and following customers along politely.
"What's this…?" A child asked innocently. Her pigtails bouncing around her head while she observed a bin full of a familiar candy.
"Ah an excellent choice madam. This is a Weasley wheeze classic. The nosebleed nougat…" The man expunged in a haughty attitude.
He proceeded to describe to the child the effects of the candy, possible uses, and how the nougat flavour accentuated the chocolaty texture of the candy.
The entire store was like a high class restaurant from some Saturday morning cartoon, complete with a violinist who played wizarding rock music, with a man who stood beside him who every now and then lightly tapped a miniature gong during the songs.
Harry had no words to describe how bizarre the entire scene was to his eyes. A snooty looking man who had a well trimmed mustache was staring at them haughtily while looking pointedly at the wet footprints they had tracked into the snow.
The twin who Harry had reasoned to be Fred had explained that they couldn't decide on a theme for the store so every month they made a new one. Last month it was Dark arts with the store attendants dressed as ghouls and vampires, the month before that it was knights of the round table, where the now butlers would act like Sir Cadogen and challenge each other to joust and quests to prove their bravery to the customers.
George led the two through a door to the back where Harry had quiditch flashbacks as he saw Angelina Johnson, Lee Jordan, and Alicia Spinnet sitting at a table with papers, products, and other paraphernalia that boggled the mind.
Angelina had quickly latched on to Fred and scolded him for playing in the snow again…
"If you would like Mr. Weasley, I can have some one from the Order come by tomorrow to set up a floo Access, my only condition is that you allow it to be used as an emergency exit and entrance for the order and other bystanders should the need arise." Dumbledore offered.
"Deal!" The two said immediately.
"Excellent…" Dumbledore agreed genially as he shook hands with each.
"I must also compliment you on such a fine shop; I passed by more than one item I am afraid I will have to ban from Hogwarts." Dumbledore remarked with an impressed tone.
The twins seemed to puff up in pride at that. Harry couldn't help but snort as the twins still clad in towels to dry off from the snow, gave the man an in depth tour of the store pointing out other items he might consider banning.
… .. … .. …
After bidding the twins fare well and escaping with complimentary pranks and a set of canary creams for Neville, Simply because Harry thought he would see the humour in getting the candy; they proceeded to shop. Harry felt odd leading an Auror and military leader around while he went in search of gifts.
The public at large never noticed Dumbledore unless he greeted them first, shocking them as they suddenly noticed the man who would smile at them genially unfazed by their ignorance of his presence...
In the end Harry had bought a gift for Ron, the Weasley family as a whole, Tonks ( which took some doing considering she looked over his shoulders constantly), a book on knitting your own socks for Dumbledore, which Harry suspected the man had seen, as he had a bright cheery smile the rest of the day, and Remus.
He had gotten the marauder a book entitled "So you've fallen for a muggle"; feeling a joke gift, being the only thing appropriate to give the man.
The only gift he had left to get was for Luna.
"So what's next…?"Tonks asked pleasantly as she took a sip from a thermos full of hot coco that Florens Fortescues had been selling.
"I just have the one gift left…" Harry said distractedly as he walked dazedly through the alley trying to find a store that might have something appropriate.
"Who for…?" Tonks asked curiously as she followed the boy along.
"Luna…" Harry said automatically before he could stop himself. Immediately a chill went down his spine as he realized what a mistake that had been.
"This wouldn't happen to be Luna Lovegood, would it…?" Tonks asked lecherously.
Harry turned his suspicious eyes upon the metamorph already seeing the humour dancing within the women's corneas.
"Maybe…" Harry said unconvincingly.
"The one the prophet had written an article about a few weeks ago…" she coaxed teasingly.
"The Prophet writes a lot of articles…" Harry replied back stiffly.
Tonks wouldn't stop grinning as she followed Harry around. Dumbledore just strolled with an amused smile as he watched the pair.
Harry stopped as a particular item caught his attention.
"Don't you dare…" Tonks warned seriously.
"What…" Harry asked in confusion as he turned away from the window.
"Do you want to scare her away… don't give her that until your married and it's your 40." Tonks warned.
"Now really, it would be a lovely gift to give to Ms. Lovegood." Dumbledore defended for Harry as he took in the necklace glittering against the velvet cushions in the window.
"Men…" She huffed tragically while dragging Harry away from the window.
"I was just looking." Harry defended himself. He wasn't willing to admit that he was seriously considering buying the necklace until the women had scolded him.
"That's enough of that then, no jewellery for girls you've only been dating for…." She stared at the teen curiously.
"2 weeks…" Harry admitted, starting to see how ludicrous the idea sounded.
"My god you're dumb…" Tonks huffed fondly when she had finished dragging Harry away from the shop.
Dumbledore caught up with them and stared at Tonks bemusedly.
"Now really, in my day jewellery was a perfectly appropriate gift to give a young woman…" Dumbledore stated confidently.
"Sir, you do realize you just said 'in my day'… right?" Tonks asked gently.
Dumbledore turned affronted eyes toward the women. Harry could have sworn he heard the man mumble that 'in his day, teachers were less mouthy towards their headmasters…' but he couldn't be sure.
"Right, well what do you suggest then?" Harry asked the women deciding to break up the strange by play.
"Personal, cheap, significant, and something she's not expecting." She stated right away.
"And that would be…?" Harry asked.
"I'm not dating the girl, you are… get hopping. And nothing more than ten galleons!" she warned.
For the next hour Harry was stuck in-between the two adults as they argued the finer points of gift giving. It was very conflicting to have both of them tell him the positive and negative aspects of a gift, often causing Harry to immediately put the item down when one would criticize the appropriateness for a love interest.
Harry hoped the girl would appreciate the amount of time and suffering he had put in to get her a gift. He now wondered whether the Dursley's had truly done him a favour in not taking him along for their Christmas shopping.
… .. … .. …
Tomorrow the Hogwarts express would arrive to take the student's away for the beginning of their Christmas holidays.
Harry had spent the last few days organizing his gifts and wrapping them accordingly. He had decided to treat himself by skipping his independent study sessions for the day. He was well ahead in terms of runes, just starting the fifth year material and projects. He was fairly current with his potions as well and he saw no reason why he shouldn't be able to maintain his Exceeds for the subject.
After escaping the shopping trip from hell, he had bid the two professors adieu and bolted for his room. Neither paid him too much mind as they had gotten into an argument about giving scented bath supplies as gifts.
"What could possibly be wrong with giving such a gift…?" Dumbledore had asked unbelievably.
"Oh, it's a wonderful gift… if you want to tell the girl she smells." Tonks said sarcastically.
Harry was currently in his bed with the drapes covering him as he accounted for all his gifts.
A sack full of candies and treats for Ron, as it was the standard gift the pair gave each other every Christmas.
A set of wheezes for Neville, all the ones that he had been pranked with before hand…
Dumbledore's book on knitting socks and a set of knitting needles and yarn…
A new wizarding wireless as the Weasley's old one was loosing reception…
A novelty alarm clock for Tonks with an old lady on top who waved her fists about yelling odd phrases to get the sleeper up…
Remus's book on how to date a muggle, with a note warning him not to even bother listening to any of the suggestions within as they bordered on ludicrous. A particular chapter on anunciation came to mind. It had warned the reader to speak slowly and clearly... a sketch of a women with more hair than head and a vapid smile stared back at Harry as he read the chapter...
Luna's gift sat at the centre. It had taken some doing, and he had to have the shop owner mail it to him with the necessary changes but it was finally ready. Harry wasn't sure how the girl would take his gift, but he hoped it would be positively.
The only other gift left was a tightly wrapped rectangular package to his right.
He had struggled with himself on this gift.
He wasn't even sure whether he should get it or not, simply because he wasn't sure whether it would have been received well by the recipient.
When Harry had been buying his gift for Luna, he had spotted a rack that had proudly displayed a fancy gold printed, leather bound book.
Hogwarts: a History
Limited Edition
Immediately he knew that the book was meant for Hermione, yet with their current relationship, he couldn't imagine giving her a gift.
Seeing as the book was quickly being sold out, Harry, on a whim bought the last and only copy, adding it to his purchase.
He had wrapped the book up in red wrapping paper with a silver bow, but left the card unsigned.
He had half hoped that maybe Ron may have forgotten to go Christmas shopping, and he could pass the gift along as his, but sadly the boy had already bought and wrapped all his presents.
'This is ridiculous…' Harry huffed mentally.
Opening his bedroom curtain he grabbed the present and marched out of the room.
Passing students as he marched grumpily away from Gryffindor tower, towards the home of his only constant companion.
stomping up the spiral stairs toward the owlrey, Harry wondered whether he should really be this preoccupied with a girl who had insulted him more than Malfoy this term.
Putting that thought aside as he entered the avian abode, Harry searched the ceiling, glaring warningly at the other owls lest they try and steal from him like the last had.
His eyes finally landed on a flying white form that was streaking majestically towards him from the west.
Hedwig, had always had an odd way of knowing when he wanted her, and she did not disappoint as she landed upon his outstretched arm and hooted at him in greeting.
It was about eight at night, and Hedwig and the other owls had just left for their hunt. Hedwig had a blood stain on her beak which Harry rubbed off gently with a conjured cloth, not as repulsed as he would have been earlier in his life.
"Had a good hunt…" Harry asked the bird while stroking her between the wing joints.
Hedwig cooed proudly while leaning into his touch.
"You up for a little job for me?" Harry asked with a smile.
The owl in answer, raised out her right talon expectantly.
Harry smiled and pulled out the gift.
"This goes to Hermione's house; you've been there before, no need to wait for a reply." Harry instructed.
Hedwig nodded while nipping his fingers affectionately like she always had.
"Thanks girl, I'll be with Remus down by Sloan square… you think you'll have trouble finding me?" he asked.
Hedwig gave him a stare that clearly mocked his intelligence before nipping at his fingers once more and taking flight.
Harry watched as his bird flew away, disappearing into the falling snow to give a gift to a girl who wasn't really his friend anymore.
Harry turned away and started his trek back to the Gryffindor common room, trying to let his mind wander onto other subjects but all he could think about was the special edition book he had bought for his once friend.
They had been close once, frightfully so. Every now and then in the past, he had even entertained the thought that maybe something might have happened between the two, but things had changed so much since they had first met.
That caring streak the girl had had suddenly started to become mothering, and soon after smothering. The intelligence he had once admired had started to leave Harry feeling like his personal life had been violated. His being judged and condemned… his soul inadequate.
Every time the girl stared at him in accusation or suspicion, Harry couldn't help but wonder if she had ever truly trusted him. Whether all those adventures that had been dangerous and life altering had shown the girl how truly horrendous it was to be a friend to Harry Potter.
He had often thought of doing the noble thing and pushing his friends away, simply because his life was too dangerous, but he had always shoved that thought aside, as being ludicrous and premature. But when the opportunity had come he had done it, he had cut the strings and ended a six year friendship.
The gift did not so much feel like indecision on his part, but more like a final goodbye, with it he had packed away all the memories and emotion he had felt for the girl, and shipped them away in a red wrapping paper, silver bowed book on a place they had once been more than friends, a place where they had something unique… something that was no more.
… .. … .. …
The horn to the train had blown wildly, announcing the lurch that was to come as the train moved off towards London. Students excitedly strolled the corridors, visiting friends and exchanging gifts and cards.
As a treat to the prefects Professor Sprout, Flitwick, and Tonks strolled the cars for them; often smiling cheerily and spreading the festive cheer.
Harry knew it was actually for the protection of the student's to have competent teachers aboard, and auror around. Tonks may have been fun loving and whimsical, but she certainly knew what she was doing. She spent the first few classes teaching students different methods to go unseen from disillusionments to glamour's. Covering ways to uncover the unseen as well… the last few classes though had been on shielding, and Harry had already learned four separate methods to protect himself. The last class had been more fun as the women went through some healing spells. At the end of the day he had learned enough to be able to heal small cuts, disinfect wounds, partially mend broken bones, lessen bruises, and diagnose injury. Tonks had commended him on his skill and suggested he look into becoming a field medic. Something that harry gave a brief moment of thought to.
Harry wandered the corridors dragging his trunk behind him as he tried to find an empty corridor. Ron had warned him that Mrs. Weasley had helped move Remus in when she got off work and had taken to almost daily visits to ensure Harry had a good first Christmas with the man.
More than likely the Weasley's would be visiting so he would see those friends over the holidays.
Neville's gran had picked him up before the train had arrived, using the floo pads. The devices that Remus had used a few months earlier.It was a public transportation system that had stops all over the isle but was in accessible from private fire places. Harry had handed the boy his gift before he vanished in a puff of green vapour.
Tonks would be spending time with her own family for the holidays so Harry had planned of giving the metamorph her gift early. Though she hinted at stopping by for Christmas Eve.
Walking by corridors he was currently in search of a specific person to spend the rest of his train trip with.
Ron understood that it would be uncomfortable at the moment for he and Hermione to spend time in a cramped space together; he understood Harry's excuse that he wanted to spend time with the loveable Ravenclaw and told him he would catch up with him later.
Harry's eyes focused on a blonde flash and quickly walked backwards and looked into the compartment he had just passed by.
Smiling to himself he slid the door open and stuck his head inside.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked rhetorically.
Luna turned and smiled happily as she spotted the tussle haired lad.
"Harry…" She said out loud with a bright smile.
"Sorry about earlier, I got lost in the crowds." He apologized as he entered the cabin. They had walked together to the train but got separated when Harry had excused himself to wish Neville a merry Christmas.
Luna smiled and patted a seat next to her.
"Do you know what you and your dad are going to do for the holidays…?" Harry asked as he took a seat by the girl.
"Not sure, I think we'll probably be spending the holidays at home this year, we didn't make any real plans…" Luna said absentmindedly while leaning into his shoulders while staring out the window.
Harry put his arm around the girl to support her while he too looked outside.
It was still snowing. There was talk about there being a snow storm this Christmas. Not much had accumulated though, as during brief lulls in the flurries much had melted or was shovelled aside, but there was always another bout of snow around the corner waiting to take the place of its departed brethren.
"Well, I know the Weasley's are coming over for Christmas Eve, and I think Tonks as well, I don't think Remus would mind if you and your dad came as well…" Harry invited.
"Really, I thought that maybe you might have wanted to spend some time with Remus alone, considering it being your first Christmas and all…" she asked curiously.
"Nah… I think it's a conspiracy for me to always have a red head around for the holidays, haven't had a Christmas with out Ron about. "Harry said jokingly as he thought back to his previous Christmas's.
"I'll ask daddy, I know he want's to meat with you again…" Luna said enthusiastically.
Suddenly warning bells started to flare within Harry's mind.
"Does your dad know about… us?" Harry asked in slight trepidation.
Luna turned her head to stare at Harry amusedly.
"Of course silly…" She admonished.
Suddenly Harry hoped Mr. Lovegood would decline the invitation… He definitely wanted to stay as far away from the man while he had interests in his daughter.
… .. … .. …
Arriving at platform nine and three quarters, Harry and Luna exited hand in hand. Upon noticing the familiar father walking towards them Harry quickly let go and took a step away and behind the girl.
Luna looked at him in amusement as she reattached their hands and dragged the reluctant boy forwards.
Harry suddenly realized just how much taller the man was than him. It may have been Harry's imagination but the man seemed much more sinister than ever before.
"Daddy!" Luna cried happily while letting go of Harry and giving the man a warm hug.
"Hello Pumpkin, I've missed you." The man said warmly while returning the girls hug.
Harry fidgeted uncomfortably; not sure whether he should say or do something.
Quickly letting go, Luna walked back and dragged Harry forward.
"Daddy, you remember Harry." Luna introduced.
Harry awkwardly put his hand out…
"Hello Sir…" Harry greeted uncomfortably.
The man eyed him for a moment his smile slipping slightly before reaffirming itself on the man's face.
"Why hello Mr. Potter…" He reached out and took Harry's hand, squeezing it a little firmer than Harry thought necessary.
"Luna's been telling me the most interesting things…" He said pleasantly.
Harry panicked for a moment wondering what the girl had been telling the man, they had not even kissed so he did not think he could be in trouble, but the panic was there.
Luna noticing Harry's slight panic turned stern eyes toward her farther for a moment.
The man innocently stared at her daughter.
Harry's eyes tracked over the man's shoulder and spotted the most welcome sight he had ever seen.
"Remus! Remus over here…!" Harry cried out, spotting the man walk over happily.
"Harry, my you've grown…" Remus said while giving Harry a half hug.
"Hello Professor Lupin…" Luna Said shyly upon spotting the man. Harry wasn't entirely sure why she was being shy but thought it might have been for the same reasons why he was nervous.
Turning around to stare at the girl Remus brightly replied.
"Ms. Lovegood, I have been looking forward to seeing you again…" Remus said a little too brightly for Harry's sake.
Luna pinked a little, but smiled.
Grabbing a hold of her father's hand she introduced him.
"Daddy, this is Professor Lupin, from my second year…" she reminded the man.
"Mr. Lupin, I believe we've met. You were two years above me in Hogwarts at the time. A Gryffindor correct?" the man asked with a more genuine smile as he took his hand.
"Ahh yes, I do recall meeting a Lovegood back in the day, prefect from Ravenclaw…?" he asked in recognition.
"Correct. Luna's talked quite highly of you, it's a shame that you left teaching, you were a welcome change from that Lockhart fellow." The man smiled sardonically.
Remus laughed to himself amusedly, "Well after following Gilderoy, if rumour is true, wouldn't have been too difficult." The man said humbly.
"Luna was an excellent student, quite creative with the wand if I remember… a pleasure to teach." The man praised.
Luna pinked a tad more, and her farther pulled her close proudly.
"Listen, Barry was it…?" Remus asked. The man smiled, pleased that he had been remembered.
"A couple of friends and family are coming over for the holidays, I'd be delighted if you and Luna would join us… give us some time to plot ways to make Harry uncomfortable, eh…" Remus coaxed pleasantly.
Harry turned betrayed eyes toward his guardian, ignoring the chuckles Luna's farther let out.
"I wouldn't want to be a bother…" Barry said with a smile.
"No bother at all, would you mind Harry?" Remus asked.
"Harry actually invited us on the train…" Luna chipped in.
"See, we'd be delighted…" Remus said happily.
"Very well then, we will look forward to it. Do you have floo access?" the man said. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a notepad and quill.
As the two exchanged floo coordinates, Luna and Harry stood aside feeling slightly lost in the conversation.
Deciding on something, Luna reached out and pulled Harry away from the pair unnoticed.
"I wasn't sure whether we were… and I completely understand if you didn't… but, here." Luna said awkwardly while pulling out a small rectangular box. It was wrapped in simple white wrapping paper with a card tucked in under the red bow.
Harry took the gift and smiled.
Sticking out his hand with his finger up in a gesture indicating he wanted her to wait. Harry dug into his trunk and pulled out a rectangular box for her.
Luna smiled brightly.
"Thank you Harry…" She said gratefully while taking the gift.
"Thank you Luna…" Harry replied back while holding his gift up significantly.
Luna put her arms around him and hugged him gently.
"I'll see you in about a week then I guess…" Harry asked.
"I'll look forward to it..." Luna said in a half whisper.
Hearing a cough, Harry whipped his head around and spotted the two adults staring at him. One with a blank face, and the other in amusement.
Quickly letting go, Harry stood beside the girl who just now spotted the pair and paused before standing straight backed with a defiant tilt to her head as she stared at her farther.
Surprisingly the man smiled widely at that and walked forward while enveloping his daughter in a hug. He stuck his hand out toward Harry...
"I look forward to seeing you again Mr. Potter." The man said genuinely.
"Me too sir." Harry said, taking the mans hand and returning a shake.
"Come on Pumpkin, I made a pie!" The man said while leading the pair away.
Harry was amused to note that he sensed dread coming from the girl at the remark about baked goods.
Remus walked up beside Harry and looked on as the Lovegoods disappeared into the crowd.
"So… she seems nice." Remus teased innocently.
Harry Groaned...
… .. … .. …
After much teasing on the part of the last Marauder as he got his revenge upon Harry, the pair finally arrived at their place.
Harry had to admit, it was quite lovely during the winter.
The snow covered tree's the park opposite filled with snowmen and children playing happily. Christmas lights decorated the building and he could see that their own flat had a wreath and a multicoloured lighting around the living room window.
Remus smiled and unlocked the front door.
Pausing for a second, Remus turned around and stared at the teen in apology.
"I'm sorry Harry, I almost forgot…" Digging into his pockets, Remus pulled out a red, plastic tag keychain, that connected to a wired ring holding a bronze square key.
Taking the key's happily and feeling the weight in his hands Harry put them into his pockets with a warm feeling emanating within his chest.
Remus smiled and pushed the door open.
Harry couldn't help but smile as he walked inside. Garlands and bobbles decorated the banister and a mat with another set of shoes sat to the left. A coat rack stood beside it where Harry hung his winter coat the Weasley's had given him.
The living room had a set of couches and a coffee table, to one side, by the window, a fireplace sat adjacent to the far wall, and a simple desk with a moderately sized Television sat in one corner, while an undecorated tree sat beside a pair of red and white stockings by the fireplace.
Some boxes littered the floor with chords of tangled Christmas lights, and boxes of freshly bought ornaments sat to one side.
"I thought that you could help me set up the tree." Remus informed Harry as he watched him take it all in.
Harry didn't let on to how much it all meant to him, turning around and smiling at the man teasingly.
"You just want me to untangle the lights…"
"You… Go put your things away smart Alec." Remus ordered mock sternly as he tussled Harry's hair.
It was going to be an interesting few weeks… more so than anyone would ever know.
AN: Alright, I've really moved the timeline along in this chapter. Everything seems fairly straight forward to me, so I don't think there needs to be much explanation….
Tonks is how I pictured her, a funloving goofy gal who likes to cause a scene every now and then; once she loosened up around Dumbledore, she was able to argue with the man in a friendly manner.
I wanted to poke fun at all the fics where Harry goes on a shopping spree and buys his girlfriend a ton of jewellery and junk just because he can. You know the fics, where Harry makes grand gestures, long speeches and marries's the girl within the first few days. Harry's a kid who is in his first relationship and has access to a ridicules amount of money; he needs those limits Tonks set for him to set some perspective, as I personally don't see giving jewellery to a girl you had just started dating being a very good idea.
The scented soaps thing was just something I remember arguing with one of my friend about in high school, I always thought giving away that stuff just felt like you were calling the girl smelly… it could just be me.
This chapter was surprisingly hard to write; quite a few rewrites took place before I was somewhat satisfied with this version.
Anyway, the chapter I've wanted to write forever… that's the next one.
Many things will start to take shape; some answers about the secrets I have kept will have to be answered soon… Action Mayhem… Let's see if I can do my vision justice.
Till next time.
Quazi