Chapter 5: Back to School
Tonks
Tonks had come to care a great deal for Percy Jackson in the past two months that she had known him. There was just something about him… She couldn't pinpoint exactly what had drawn her to the slightly younger man, but the attraction was there nonetheless. Maybe it was the way he carried himself, not cockiness, but the confidence that he could handle anything thrown his way, the belief that he had faced, and conquered, much worse than what the universe could throw at him. When Tonks was with him, she felt safe, safer than she had ever felt, even in her childhood home. Tonks knew she was no slouch in a fight, she had been training for a good deal of time, after all. But, Percy just made her feel that she wouldn't have to fight. Not that he could take care of any threat that came to pass… but that he would, without hesitation. Tonks found it truly intoxicating.
It doesn't hurt that he was bloody attractive, either. Tonks had seen books about Greek mythology, her mother was always fascinated with it. Books with photos of busts depicting what the Greek gods would theoretically look like littered the library in her family home, she wasn't exaggerating when she said Percy wasn't far off.
It wasn't just the godlike looks, or his confidence, it was the kindness in his eyes, the kindness that had been translated to the real world. Tonks had never had an easy time with the opposite sex, especially in school. Once the word got out that she was a metamorphmagus, that spelled the end of any romantic hopes she ever had. Every boy she had ever been with had always wanted her to change. Whether it be their celebrity fantasy or their childhood crush, it didn't matter. Nobody ever wanted her to look like herself. That was, until Percy.
Being an Auror, Tonks had been taught the skill of reading people, discovering their motives and desires without with not input on their end. When Tonks had first met Percy, her intuition told her he was a good person. Every interaction she had with him after that had only reinforced that sentiment. She had always been hesitant to get into relationships after her school experience, but this young man checked three of her boxes. He carried himself well, was attractive, and most importantly, he never asked her to change.
So, she acted on her feelings. She had been admittedly disheartened when he shared that he was not looking for a relationship, Tonks would admit. If she couldn't be in a relationship with this great man, maybe she could keep him interested until he was ready, plus, she needed some good relief. It was a win-win for her. She proposed her idea very enthusiastically, having thought of the moment previously, and prepared. She put on a brave face, but she had hoped beyond hope that he would reciprocate her feelings. It took all of her seduction skills, but she finally got him to agree, and it filled her chest with a beautiful warmth. She was filled with something else later… but that's for another time.
Tonks knew he must feel something for her, or else he would not have agreed. Tonks got the feeling that Percy wasn't one to enjoy a myriad of one-night stands. He would only share in carnal pleasures if there was a connection, at least she hoped that was the case, she didn't want to be discarded when he got bored. Percy wasn't like that though, she just knew.
When the time had come, and Percy had only agreed on the condition that she didn't change, that sealed the deal for Tonks. He may not be looking for a relationship now, but Tonks would be ready whenever he decides he is, that's for damn sure.
"Hey, Tonsky." She raised her head from its position on his bare chest, pulling the blanket up slightly. They were in the queen bed in Percy's home, a night of pleasure having just been concluded. They had been lying under the covers, their naked bodies molded together under the sheets, sharing their warmth, his left arm draped behind her head and over her shoulders. Their clothes littered the floor around the bed, having been discarded hours ago. Tonks was really comfortable, before he spoke that is.
"I'm leaving for Hogwarts tomorrow, Dumbledore insisted I take over for Hagrid during his absence."
A disappointed noise came emmenated from her throat, a frown tugging on her lips. "When will we be able to see each other again?"
"Not sure." He replied with a shrug. "Probably going to be pretty busy with everything going on."
A wave of uncertainty, of irrational fear overtook her being for a moment. There were a lot of pretty witches at Hogwarts… no, she shouldn't think like that, Percy isn't like that, right? "I can try and visit sometime." The sultry smile she had worn earlier in the night returned. "Besides, you'd have your own housing, we wouldn't be disturbed…"
Percy let out an amused snort. "I think I would like that." A smile appeared.
"Well, it looks like we'll just have to spend the night cuddling, make up for what is going to be lost time." Tonks joked, laying her head back down on his chest, draping her left leg over his thighs, the rhythm of his strong heartbeat comforting. "Just don't find a pretty witch at Hogwarts and forget about little old me."
"Tonksy…" She swiveled her head to look into his stormy eyes, keeping her ear on his chest. His eyebrows were scrunched, staring into her dark eyes. "Wouldn't dream of it." His reassurances allowing a smile to grace her face, her trust in him strengthened.
"I never pegged you as the cuddling type."
"Every girl needs a good cuddle." She pulled herself closer to his body, melting into his side. "Especially this one, with you, right now."
"You know, Perce." She began after a while. "I know you don't want a relationship… but this kind of feels like one." Tonks could hear the hope dripping from her own voice, her eyes shyly finding his once again.
"Tonksy, it's only been two nights."
"I know Perce, it's just…" Tonks was trying to convey how she felt without words alone, her eyes pleading with him. "I know that I really fancy you. When I spend time with you, I just feel so much better, ya know? And I know that I want to spend more time with you. I just wanted to tell you before you leave…" She finished softly.
The warmth of Percy's arm left her back, finding its way to her chin, forcing her head to tilt up. "I can't pretend that I don't feel the same." The familiar warm feeling of hope blossomed in her chest. "It's just hard for me after… Let's just see where this goes, okay?"
Tonks slowly nodded. That was probably the most she was going to get out of him, but she was happy with it. "Deal." Her head found the comfortable position on his chest again, listening to his heartbeat. She began to run her index finger along the white scar tissue on his chest, tracing the line down to his abdomen. He shivered slightly under her touch and Tonks enjoyed the little bit of control she had over him.
"Perce?" Tonks wasn't sure if he would answer her intended question, but she felt comfortable enough to go for broke. "How did you get all these scars?"
His breath cut itself short. She looked up at him, his head angled towards the ceiling, muttering incoherently under his breath. He seemed to be contemplating what to tell her. She hoped he would, she desperately wanted to know more about him, about his past.
"It's not a pleasant story." He deadpanned after a few moments of silence. Tonks didn't care. If he was willing to share, she was willing to listen, no matter how terrible it is.
"I want to know your story, Perce. I want to know what makes you, you."
He sighed again, running his hand through his messy, black hair. "It's not that I don't trust you, Tonksy. It's just…I can't tell you right now" He must have seen the disappointed look on her face, he quickly rectified his statement. "I promise I will tell you someday, just give me time."
Tonks figured that was the best she was gonna get. She couldn't pretend she wasn't disappointed, but she was willing to give him time… whatever it takes. She rested her head back onto his chest, the spot seemingly made to fit her cheek way more comfortably than it had any right to be.
"I'm nervous about this whole teaching thing."
"You? Nervous?" Tonks asked, her tone exaggerating her question.
Percy raised an eyebrow at her. "Give me something to fight anyday, anytime, I'd have no issues. But teaching hormonal teenagers… I have no idea what I'm doing."
"I don't think anybody really does." She answered truthfully. "Besides, its care of magical creatures, just show them Blackjack. That lesson will be the talk of the school for the whole year."
"What if I'm terrible?"
"Well, I know one thing for sure."
"What's that?"
"All the witches will be very, eager, to attend your classes." Tonks said, knowingly.
"Really? Why is that?" He looked genuinely confused.
"Really, Perce?" She rolled her eyes at him, a smirk on her lips. "You're quite an attractive bloke. In fact, you kind of look like the statue of a Greek god in a book I read once."
He laughed, a short laugh, like he was privy to some sort of inside joke. "Was it Poseidon?"
"We- Yeah it was." She gave him a weird look. "How did you know?"
"I've seen the same statue in person. I do kind of look like him, now that you mention it."
"You've seen it in person?" Tonks asked, excitement coating her words. "My dad is big into Greek and Roman mythology. He taught me all about it."
"Oh yeah! I've been to both Greece and Rome, seen all the sites." He was waving his arms around excitedly. "I went with my, uh… friends." His face fell slowly, retreating into his own mind. Tonks had no idea why. Something must have happened on that trip. Maybe it was part of the trauma that still haunts him. Tonks desperately wanted to keep that frown off his face, it didn't belong on the man she lo-...facied a lot. Alright, fine, maybe Tonks was moving a little fast with her feelings, some might call it an obsession. She just felt so good when she was with him, so… right. Pushing herself into his side, greedily hogging the warmth that emanated from his body; Tonks felt she was right where she belonged.
His hand started to move on her back, rubbing up and down her spine, sending tingles through her body. From the back of her neck, down to the crest of her buttocks, it felt great… maybe a little too good.
Finally reaching a breaking point, Tonks shifted. Rolling over till her legs were on either side of his hips, her groin hovering over his. She placed kisses up his torso, making a trail from his abs to his neck. She finally reached his head, her mouth slightly parted, resting inches from his.
"I thought you were tired?" He asked, amused.
She shrugged, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "Gotta make up for the time we're going to lose." She gave him a sultry smile, "Maybe we can do a practice lesson, Professor." She felt him shiver at the way she said his new title.
"Oh? And what do you want to learn?"
Tonks leaned in real close, her breath tickling his ear. "I think you can figure that out."
She yelped as Percy spun them around, her back hitting the mattress, pink hair splayed out on the pillow. Her legs found their way around his waist, pulling him closer. "Just make sure you pay attention, there's a test on tonight's lesson." Her laugh quickly turned into moans as Percy began trailing kisses down her jawline.
Tonks was standing outside with Percy the next morning, her head leaning on his shoulder, Percy's arm wrapped around her shoulders. They were waiting for Blackjack to make his appearance, the pegasus providing Percy transport to his new job. Tonks wouldn't mind if he were a little late. She breathed deeply, the scent of the beach filled her nostrils. She didn't know why Percy smelled like that, but she was not complaining.
"I'm going to miss you, Perce."
"Won't be that long before we can see each other."
"It's going to feel longer. My bed is going to feel empty without you hogging all the blankets."
"Tonks, we only slept in the same bed for two nights…"
"Best two nights of sleep in my life, though." Tonks countered, daring him to say different. He muttered under his breath, she thought he heard him say something along the lines of , 'me too'.
"You can use my house when I'm gone, I know you like that bed."
She smiled at his offer, plans already forming in her head. "I think I'll take you up on that. Better than living in a one room flat." She smiled teasingly. "I'll throw a boat load of parties, gonna trash the place."
"You do whatever you want." He laughed. Percy stepped forward, her head leaving his shoulder. Tonks looked up, disappointed at the loss of contact, only to see a black dot approaching their location. The black pegasus landed, cantering to their location. He took two steps before pausing, turning back to Tonks and plating a searing kiss on her lips. Her toes curled, her mind left blank as he pulled away. That was their first kiss that he initiated, and it left her wanting more.
"I'm going to miss you too, Tonksy." Speechless, she watched him mount the gloriousness that was Blackjack, she would never get tired of looking at them - separately or together. A sad smile crossed her face, watching the black dot grow smaller and smaller, heading towards the clouds. How she wished she could go with them, if only to experience flight on the back of the pegasus again.
She knew she couldn't, not right now at least. She had to see to her Auror duties and order business. They disappeared into the clouds, and a part of her soul left with them. Oh yeah, she would be here when he decided he was ready, she swore on it.
She checked the surroundings, looking for any muggles on an early morning jog. Seeing nobody, she spun on her heel, apparating back to Grimmauld place, a meeting having been called for tonight. Percy was exempt, his new duties to the school preventing him from attending. She was jealous, it was probably going to be the same old things again - Voldemort's gaining followers, the order trying to counteract those efforts. Just a lot of sitting back and doing nothing, she was hoping for more excitement when she signed up - to make a real difference in the war effort that the majority of the wizarding world refused to believe was beginning.
She disappeared from the spot with a small crack, leaving the backyard empty. She didn't notice the figure watching her. From the upstairs window of Percy's house, a middle-aged man stared at the spot the young woman had been. A fishing hat covered a mop of jet black hair, a beard framing his mouth, running up his jaw to meet his hair. The mustache covering his lip moved, his mouth forming a small smile that reached his sea green eyes, a spark of genuine happiness shining in those eyes. He remind for a minute longer before slowly dissolving from the window, a warm sea breeze flowing through the blue house.
Harry
Harry walked down the aisle of the Hogwarts express, his eyes peeled for an available compartment to spend the train ride. Hermione, Ron and Ginny followed him, marking the fifth year they would take the trip. Somehow, it gets more magical every year. Despite all the life-threatening events of the past years, Harry would not change it for a single thing. Hogwarts was his real home, but maybe that will change when Sirius' name gets cleared, he was confident it would happen soon.
"Every compartment is full, mate. I'm tired of walking." Ron complained from behind Harry. He spotted a compartment with two occupants, one of them he recognized. Neville was a shy boy, but quite nice when it comes down to it. Harry had always gotten along with Neville, so this compartment was as good as any. He pulled open the door, Neville shooting his head towards their direction, a relieved look crossing his face as he realized who it was.
"Oh, hey Harry." Neville greeted him as he stepped in, taking a seat next to the blonde girl with the newspaper stuffed in her face. Ginny slid in across from Harry, sharing the bench with Neville. He looked expectantly towards Ron and Hermione, expecting them to join. Hermione shared a nervous glance with Ron.
"Actually, Harry. We just remembered we were supposed to go to the prefect's cabin for the train ride."
Oh, right. How had he forgotten? Hermione, he had expected to receive the accolade. Ron, however, came completely out of left field. He had never had good marks in his classes, constantly getting in trouble and was one of the laziest people he had ever met, honestly. How had Harry been passed up for his best mate? Harry, admittedly, also got in as much trouble as Ron, but at least his marks were good, and he was certainly not lazy. He couldn't help but think this was another move by Dumbledore to keep him at an arm's length, like he had been doing all summer. Instructing his friends to not write, ignoring his attempts at a conversation, even when he did rarely see him. It did not sit right with Harry.
"Right…See you at Hogwarts, then." Harry replied, trying to keep his frustration in check. Hermione and Ron awkwardly stepped out of the compartment, leaving the four occupants in a tense silence.
"Harry, this is Luna Lovegood. She is a Ravenclaw in my year." Ginny broke the silence with introductions. Harry was grateful for that, the silence was beginning to get suffocating.
"Hi Luna. I'm Harry."
The girl slowly lowered the newspaper from her face and Harry noticed for the first time, she had been reading it upside-down. She had an unfocused look in her eyes, like she was constantly thinking of something else. "Oh, I know who you are." She said dremily. Luna paused for a moment, looking around Harry. "There's a lot of wrackspurts buzzing around your head. Might want to get that looked at." She slowly raised the newspaper, covering her face once again with the upside-down words.
He turned to Ginny, silently asking about wrackspurts. Ginny had no clue either. He was relieved that he was not the only one who hadn't heard of these things. There was still much that Harry didn't know about the wizarding world, it was entirely possible wrackspurts existed somewhere, just not around his head.
"Have you seen my new plant, Harry?" Neville asked.
"No I haven't. Let's see it, Neville." Harry jumped at the opportunity Neville provided, a relief from the strange girl he had just met, her odd presence somehow intimidating him. He let the thought leave his mind, focusing his attention on the plant that Neville had retrieved from his bag.
The rest of the train ride was relatively quiet, not even the annual Malfoy visit occurred this year. Is it odd that Harry almost missed it? It would be some semblance of normalcy in these bonkers last few weeks of summer he had just lived. He must be going insane, nobody would like to see that ferret.
Stepping off the train with the other occupants of the compartment, he waded through the throngs of students all trying to get to the castle first to get a desirable seat for the welcome feast. There was a suspicious absence of the booming voice of Hagrid yelling for the first years, making the platform eerily quiet to Harry. Everything felt different this year. Not sitting with Ron and Hermione, Malfoy not paying his annoying visit and no Hagrid to greet them when they stepped off the train. It left an ominous feeling in the pit of Harry's stomach.
"C'mon, Harry. Let's go find a carriage." Ginny broke him out of his thoughts. Shaking it off, he followed her to a carriage, Neville and Luna already seated. He raised a foot to the step, hauling himself in the self-moving piece of wood - they were self-moving, weren't they? He stood frozen on the step, eyes locked on the strange creatures at the front of the cart. They were some sort of horse, but they were pitch black, almost sucking the light out of existence. The fact that the outline of their bones were showing through their skin added to their creepy factor. They looked like skeletal horses with a layer of black skin molded to their bones, and two of them were pulling the carts.
"What are those… pulling the carts?" Ginny leaned to the side, peeking around him towards the front of the carriage. She scrunched her eyebrows together, probably out of concern for his mental wellbeing. Frankly, he was concerned too.
"There's nothing pulling the carriage, Harry. They're moving by themselves, like always." Ginny answered hesitantly, her eyes boring into his, searching for something.
"You're not crazy." Luna's voice came from beside him. "I can see them too. You're just as sane as I am."
Great. Now Harry felt much better. Not that there was anything wrong with Luna, per se. It's just that he didn't want to compare his sanity to the girl who reads newspapers upside-down and sees small creatures flying around people's heads.
This is going to be a strange year. Harry shook his head as the cart jerked forwards, the mysterious horse-like creatures pulling the carriage from their position in the front. He was going to have to ask Hermione about that one, why were he and Luna the only ones who could see them?
His thoughts were pushed away as he realized where the cart was headed. A smile graced his features as they headed towards the castle, the best magical school in England, and his second - no, first - home.
