AN: Hope everyone's ready for the next chapter. I feel like this story is blowing up with comments and support, and it really means a lot.
LadyKitai: Glad you're happy to see more Ginny, and are enjoying the gods/goddesses twist. She, along with many of the other background characters that I feel deserved more love will start appearing more and more as the story goes on before they all become quite key. Much of this story's premise is based on fleshing out those that I think could have been utilized more.
Arctic Wolf Fury: No, thank you! It is good timing. I'm really looking forward to the Percy Jackson Series too. It and the Heroes of Olympus sequel series are one of my favorite fantasy series of all time. Also, doom puppies will continue to be around. I can't escape them.
Quill will 1981, scrappy8, Mewpagano, mwinter1, and guests. Thank you for the kind words and support. I really appreciate them, and I'm glad you are all looking to the next chapters and enjoying my spin on the story.
As for some clarification one review, Dumbledore's title Grand Sorcerer is a recognition of his mastery of the ten magical elements, but he is noted for being an exceptionally powerful fire elemental, and it's his best element. Put it this way, if I dragged this out or found some way for Harry to somehow learn all of the elements before his inevitable battle with Voldemort, he would still be better with shadow compared to the rest, because of his patronage from Hades.
Why the Flamels never picked up Shadow? It's obscure and hard to find, and neither of them really had the connection to darkness to make them all that interested . . . or at least that's what I'm making up right at this moment. You readers keep me on my toes! Why lightning? I guess you'll just have to wait and see
List of gods/goddesses who have primary dominion over elements as well as other deities that have some sway with them. I probably explained more here below than needed, but aw what the hell. Most of these probably won't be used . . . or at least I have no intentions of using them at the moment. This was just procrastination at its finest.
Darkness - Hades, as well as Nyx (night), Erebus (shadow), and even Selene (moon), and Thanatos (death), have some power/control over the element or parts of the magic within the element because of elements of their domains.
light - Aether (more obscure god of light), Hyperion (lord of light, wisdom, and watchfulness) as well as Helios (sun), Selene (moon), Eos (dawn), Hemera (day), and Iris (rainbows)
Earth - Gaia, Ourea (mountains), Nesio (islands), Demeter (agriculture), Pan (nature), and Persephone (springtime)
Water - Poseidon, Oceanus, Pontus, Thalassa (all sea gods or goddesses)
Fire - Hephaestus, Helios
Wind - Aeolus (god of winds and air), other wind gods (Boreas, Kaikias, Apeliotes, Euros, Notos, Lips, Zephryus, Skirion). Zeus has dominion over wind gods.
Ice - Khione
Lightning - Zeus, Astrape, Bronte
Sound - Apollo (choosing not to recognize him or Artemis as Sun/Moon deities for this story), Bronte
Space-Time - Kronos, Aion (eternity/time), Chaos (nothingness/void), Tartarus (abyss), Iapetus (mortal life), Hebe (youth), and Geras (old age),
Chapter 16 (Year 3)
Dora walked into work, and smiled at Kingsley Shacklebolt, her current mentor, who was waiting for her, talking to Captain Rick Savage. It had been a shock to go back in for her first day as after her exams for Kingsley of all people to walk out and bring her onto his team.
(Flashback - A week and a half prior)
Dora was waiting at the entrance to the Auror office for her new mentor to come get her. Her eyes widened as Lieutenant Kingsley Shacklebolt came walking up to her.
"Ah, Tonks," Shacklebolt said with a friendly smile. "It's good to see you again, and I look forward to having you as a member of my team."
"You're my mentor?" Dora asked in surprise. Shacklebolt's seniority and reputation could have easily kept him away from a trainee if he wanted.
"Indeed," Shacklebolt said. "I was impressed by you when we last met, and I have since learned that you're Mad-Eye's protege. Anyone he's willing to mentor both in and out of Auror Training is someone I believe can be trusted and I would want to watch my back. His backing got my interest, your own disposition earned you a spot on my team. Now, come with me and we'll go talk about responsibilities, my expectations of you, and you can tell me your expectations of me and goals. Afterwards, I'll introduce you to the rest of the team and we can get you settled."
"That would be great, Lieutenant Shacklebolt," Dora said eagerly.
"Oh, please just call me Kingsley, unless the situation requires otherwise. I'm not one for formality."
"Will do, Kingsley," Dora said with a grin.
She followed him to his cubicle, and took a seat across from him.
"Alright, I looked over your Hogwarts and Auror Training Records," Kingsley said, much to Dora's surprise. "Unsurprisingly, you've done very well, but with how picky we've become during this peace time, that's not too surprising. I saw that in addition to the standard Auror NEWTS of Transfiguration, Charms, Defense, Potions, and Herbology, you achieved NEWTs in Muggle Studies and Divination. That's good. I expect you to be able to work in the muggle world better than that class teaches, so when available, I'll expect you to spend some free time in the muggle world becoming more acquainted with being there, if you're not, and I would advise you to pick up some books from a smaller muggleborn bookstore rather than Flourish and Blotts. We work with muggle law enforcement often enough and it's a pain to have to obliviate people all over the place due to incompetence and I dislike how often people seem to think wizards are too superior and discard evidence that our muggle allies give us." Kingsley smiled with a sigh. "I'm getting off on a tangent, but do you see what I'm getting at?"
"Yes, Kingsley," Dora said with a smile. "Be comfortable in the muggle world and be humble."
Kingsley chuckled. "Good. Now, divination doesn't come into play in our office all that often, but if it does, I'll enjoy having you around if you can help me avoid talking to the Unspeakables."
Dora laughed, having heard Mad-Eye complain about Unspeakables dozens of times.
"Now, most of my expectations of you are straightforward. Show up on time, do what we ask of you, and make sure you pass the remainder of your exams. Outside of that, I encourage you to ask questions or ask for help if you need it, but I expect you to do the research, when time allows, before asking questions that you might have been able to answer yourself. This isn't so much because I don't want to help, but because it will help you develop as an Auror. Aurors are always learning, and I expect my team to follow that mandate. For now, your focus is learning the job, but I would like you to start working on something further."
Dora frowned. "Like a Mastery?"
"That could be it," Kingsley said with a nod. "Before we get to that, let me ask if you have any expectations from me that were not answered in what I've already said?"
Dora shook her head. "Not really. Mad-Eye taught me much of what he thought I needed to know. I know he respects your abilities, so I guess I'm hoping you'll also teach or coach me into the best Auror I can be."
Kingsley smiled approvingly.
"I will indeed. Now, what do you know of Auror Specialties and other qualifications?"
Dora shrugged. "I know there are a lot of things the Auror department will either fund or help its aurors work on to make them better for the department and to help make the department more independent."
Kingsley nodded. "Exactly. There are many branches of magic that aren't taught at Hogwarts or in Auror Training. Other than independent study, most of these branches would be learned through further schooling, apprenticeships, on the job training, or traveling abroad to where the branch of magic is most widely used. For instance, what do you know of contract magic?"
Dora shook her head. "Not much other than you should seek a solicitor if you're given a contract to sign."
Kingsley nodded. "Exactly, and that's unfortunately what we are required to do, which often forces us to reveal case information to someone outside of the department, and it forces us to work on their timeline. For contracts, there are many solicitors both inside and outside the Ministry to work with so that's not a huge issue, but a couple years ago, we dealt with a man who was using voodoo."
"I've never even heard of voodoo," Dora admitted.
"Neither had I," Kingsley said. "It's a branch of magic that comes from the southeastern part of the United States, and we had to coordinate with the Yanks to find someone who could and would advise and assist us. It took forever, and in that time, the perpetrator forced others to steal thousands of galleons worth of art, and used his magic to kidnap and rape four young muggle boys."
Dora grimaced at that, and Kingsley nodded.
"It's important that we are always improving. Now, the Auror library, which you now have unrestricted access to and can check out books from, has the materials needed to gain OWLs, NEWTs, and Masteries in every subject Hogwarts has, and once ready, our department will pay for your first attempt at any exam of each level."
Dora didn't actually know the Ministry would pay for the exams. That was great to know. Paying to take OWL, NEWT, and Mastery exams outside of Hogwarts was expensive. It was a deterrent for a lot of people to pick up other branches of magic or at least the qualifications for them, and a draw for many professions for recruitment.
"In addition, there are many courses that the Department will pay to send you to, with my approval and/or recommendation. Some of those include the Gringotts Warding Course, the Gringotts Curse Breaking Course, and the Aurors Instructors Course. There are also classes for hand-to-hand combat, various forms of weapons combat, mind magic, and many other things."
"So," Kingsley said, leaning back in his chair. "What goals do you have for your next five years in the department?"
Dora frowned thoughtfully. "Well, I kind of thought I'd get my Mastery in Transfiguration and then maybe one in Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Kingsley nodded approvingly. "Both are what I would recommend for you. In my opinion, every Auror should have a Mastery in Defense, and then a Mastery in either Transfiguration or Charms, depending on their strengths. Preferably, they should work to have all three. Those are both worthy goals. It takes work, but is very doable to achieve a Mastery in any of the three subjects while working as an Auror. Routinely the department brings in experts in nearly every field to hold seminars or give classes on some of the cutting edge or advanced magic that exists in that field. We also have plenty of Aurors, including myself, who hold those masteries and can apprentice you to aid your education. In my experience, you should be able to achieve your Mastery in one of those subjects in roughly two or three years, depending on your due diligence."
"That long?" Dora said in surprise, figuring it wouldn't take nearly that long to get her Mastery in Transfiguration."
Kingsley smiled. "That's factoring in you working full time and occasionally very long hours. Most Aurors have families that take their time, and you currently have several exams to study for. Keep in mind, two or three years is common, but I've seen it happen much quicker. For someone very gifted in Transfiguration, like I've heard you are, you might find you can do it in a year to a year and a half, even with your Auror classes."
Dora nodded in understanding.
"So, before we go introduce you to the rest of the team, I want you to tell me exactly what you plan to work on, and give me ideas for your other future goals so that I can help to facilitate you accomplishing those goals," Kingsley said, writing up what they had discussed into a formal counseling and goals sheet.
"Well, I guess my main project, outside of passing the remainder of my classes, would be a Mastery in Transfiguration. Secondary would be a Mastery in Defense."
"Tertiary?" Kingsley asked. "I believe that you could accomplish both of those within three years because of Auror Training and your personal tutelage under Mad-Eye. I am certainly willing to apprentice you for both."
"I guess tertiary would be to become an elemental of some kind," Dora said after thinking it through. It helped that her mentor had masteries in Charms, Transfiguration and Defense, meaning he could help her with any of those masteries she desired. "Probably Shadow or Lightning since I have access to tomes for both."
Kingsley nodded and wrote her response down into her file.
"Very well, Tonks. From now on, I expect you, when not actively engaged on the job or studying for your exams, to generally spend your time working towards those goals. If any seminars or classes come along in regards to those, I'll help clear your schedule, and quarterly, we'll sit down to talk like this, to talk about how you've been performing and how your goals are coming along. This will help me feed into your annual review. Any questions?"
Dora shook her head, and Kingsley smiled.
"Alright, let's go meet the team."
(End of Flashback)
"New fashion statement?" Kingsley asked with a chuckle as glitter continued to fall off of her robes and out of her currently multicolored, wavy, shoulder-length hair.
She shook her head and laughed.
"My twerp of a little brother can't use magic, but has decided that muggle pranks are just as good as magical ones, if not better," Dora said, and then gestured to her Ministry robes which were glittering with muggle glitter. "It got everywhere, and vanishing isn't completely working for some bloody reason. There's just so bloody much of it!"
Kingsley and Savage laughed.
"Seems the kid might have the right of it," Savage said with a chuckle before he turned to Kingsley. "Let me know if you need help with the Jameson case."
"Will do, boss," Kingsley said with a grin and Savage rolled his eyes, however the good mood left quickly when Rufus Scrimgeour came in with Amelia Bones, looking beyond serious.
"Savage, gather everyone into the conference room. Priority One," Scrimgeour ordered.
Dora exchanged a startled glance with Kingsley who also looked surprised and they quickly made their way to the large Auror conference room. It wasn't long before the rest of the corp, outside of those on night shift, had gathered.
"Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban as of early this morning," Director Bones said, and gasps filled the room.
Nobody had ever escaped Azkaban. It was completely unheard of, especially when one considered that Black was in the high security cells which were patrolled by Dementors day and night. Dora felt rage rising up, remembering the fun cousin he'd been before he betrayed them all. She didn't know the worst of it, but she did know that he was Harry's godfather and that he'd murdered thirteen people, including Peter Pettigrew, before being taken in.
"As of right now, we know very little," Bones said. "What we do know is the guards have reported that Black has been muttering the same thing in his sleep each night for a while now: He's at Hogwarts."
Dora felt her rage rise up further as she jumped to what Bones was insinuating.
"We believe that he's going to attempt to kidnap or harm Harry Potter to avenge the defeat of his master," Bones said. "Our priority is to catch him before that happens."
"What about security for Potter himself? Or security at the school?" Auror Williams asked, and Dora grimaced as Kingsley shot her a glance.
"We're looking into security for Potter, but that's outside the scope of your current orders," Bones said. "Dementors will be securing Hogwarts and assisting with the search. Your jobs will be trying to run down where Black might be, who he might have gone to, and how he escaped. Black is to be considered armed and extremely dangerous, and the whole department will be on standby for apprehending him."
"Captains, remain for further instructions and assignments," Scrimgeour said. "Everyone else, dismissed."
Dora walked out with Kingsley, but they'd only gone a few steps when Kingsley pulled her off to the side and glanced around.
"Tonks, where's Potter currently?" Kingsley asked.
"At Mad-Eye's," Dora answered. "He spends his day there while I'm at work, unless he has plans to visit some of his friends."
Kingsley sighed. "That's good for me on the security side, but I suspect you're about to come under serious scrutiny from other factions who won't agree, especially with your relation to Black. I'm going to release you for the day, and you need to get your ducks in a row. Think about and find answers to any of the various reasons why people might want to take Harry from you. Make sure you're fully prepared for a welfare check. Understand?"
Dora grimaced, suspecting that Kingsley knew more than she realized.
"Understood, Kingsley," Dora responded gratefully. "Thanks."
The first thing Dora did wasn't go to pick up Harry, but instead went to find the landlord for the new apartment that she and Harry had decided on. Despite Harry's insistence that he was fine, Dora had decided it was high time he had his own room, and own furniture. They could then think about house shopping in a year or two after Dora was an Auror in full and was much more financially capable.
They hadn't planned on moving in for another week or so, but now they needed to get on top of it because while it shouldn't be anyone's business, Dora knew that people might judge how Harry was living with her, and Kingsley was right, it would be all too easy for someone to try and claim her as unfit.
It was a quick meeting with the landlord and half an hour later, Dora had the keys to the apartment. She hoped that the Ministry was starting with Dumbledore for talking about Harry's protection as she made her way to Mad-Eye's house, and smiled, feeling some of her nerves fade, as she saw Harry and Mad-Eye slowly moving through sword positions.
"What task must Harry Potter complete by the time he turns seventeen?" Mad-Eye's voice rang out, not having moved from Harry, but Dora suspected Mad-Eye's wand was ready to strike.
"He must become a Shadow Mage," Dora responded, and she saw Mad-Eye relax slightly.
"Why aren't you at the Ministry?" Mad-Eye asked. "What happened?"
Dora grimaced, thinking of it all and glanced at Harry.
"Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban," Dora said grimly.
Mad-Eye swore. "How the fuck did that happen?"
"Nobody knows," Dora said. "He disappeared from his cell early this morning. The Aurors are obviously going to be searching for Black, but the Ministry will be looking into the protection around Harry."
"What? Why?" Harry asked, confused.
"I'll explain everything, but let's start with just the fact that Black was a supporter of Voldemort," Dora said, "and his words he's been mumbling in his sleep recently suggest you are his target."
Harry slumped. "Of course I am."
Dora snorted at that.
"Regardless, I need to prepare for possible welfare checks, so I just signed for the new apartment, and we need to go pack up our place and move in to not give the Ministry any chance to do anything."
"Why would the Ministry do anything?" Harry asked.
Dora grimaced with Mad-Eye.
"Lad, Tonks taking custody of you was kept mostly under wraps," Mad-Eye said. "Most of the Ministry probably assumes you're still with those muggles under Dumbledore's blood protections, where you would be completely safe from any of Voldemort's people."
"And I'm an unmarried, young, halfblood, Auror Second Class," Dora said. "I'm not exactly an ideal guardian. It won't be easy for the Ministry to take you from my custody, but they can, especially if we give them any reason to decide I'm unfit."
A slight look of panic entered Harry's face.
"But, you're a fantastic guardian," Harry said, and Dora beamed at that, though she wasn't completely sure that was true.
"The problem is, Harry, that other families could provide for you better," Dora said grimly. "You're famous, and I have no legitimate family or anything to help out in times of trouble. Mad-Eye's the closest thing I have. In addition, the Ministry won't love that I've left you alone during the days."
"I'm not a bloody child that needs minded," Harry said heatedly.
"I know you're not," Dora said placatingly, "but others may disagree, especially if they feel I'm unfit. Regardless, let's get back to the apartment and start packing up." She turned to Mad-Eye. "I'm sorry to ask, but would you mind helping me set up protections at the new apartment?"
"No problem, lass," Mad-Eye replied. "Just write down the coordinates and I'll head on over."
"Thanks, Mad-Eye" Dora said with a grateful sigh and then she quickly wrote down the coordinates, grabbed Harry, and she quickly apparated them back to their now old apartment.
"Alright, grab everything of yours and put it in your trunk, and throw all of my books into your trunk as well," Dora said, thinking it through. "When you're done, let me know and I'll send it over to the new apartment. Let Hedwig out to fly, and she can make her way there at her own pace. After that, clean up everything else in the living room so that the couches, bookshelf, and end tables are all that really remains so I can banish those over as well. For now, I'm going to start throwing clothes into my old trunk, and deal with the few pieces of furniture in my room.
It really wasn't that hard of a job. While Dora didn't consider herself the cleanest of people, and Harry wasn't either, they weren't slobs, and with the small living quarters, things could only travel so far. Despite her nerves, she couldn't help but smile every time Astra would approach her or Harry carrying something for them to pack up, helping out to the best of her ability. It was adorable. After an hour of work, Dora had been pleasantly surprised to find that her room was done, though it certainly helped she was just using charms to throw clothes into a magically expanded trunk, without any effort of organization, and she had banished all of her furniture to the new apartment. Harry had also completed with all of his stuff and her books, effectively making the living room done after she banished the furniture and Harry's trunk. She then quickly banished her small table that served as her dining table and the few chairs, leaving only the kitchen and the bathroom left.
She was about to have Harry help her tackle the kitchen when an owl came flying through the window. She felt a bit nervous seeing that it was clearly an official Ministry owl. Dora collected the letter and opened it.
Dear Ms. Tonks,
As the current guardian of Harry James Potter, you are required to attend a hearing with Mr. Potter regarding his future custody and protection at the Ministry of Magic at 9 a.m. on July 16th. Hoping you are well.
Sincerely,
Beatrice Jones
Wizengamot Administrative Services
Dora's hands started shaking, reading the words future custody. It made it sound like they'd already made up their minds. Tomorrow morning might mean Harry being taken from her. She'd gotten so used to him being a part of her home. Steady hands grabbed the letter from her, and she turned to Harry with scared eyes, who was looking at her in concern. He read the letter and his face went stony. At their feet, Astra was whimpering, clearly sensing their distress.
"It's going to be okay, Dora," Harry finally said softly. "I'm not going anywhere. You'll see."
Dora breathed heavily. "I hope you're right, but I think they're about to see that I need you more than you need me, and that's not how a guardianship is supposed to be."
"You don't need me more, Dora," Harry said sternly. "I need you just as much as you need me, and even more when it comes to living my life and having a home. You were the first person to really show you cared, and you saved me by getting me away from my relatives, and then you went a step further and gave me a home. I'm not losing you, and you're not losing me. Okay?"
Dora chuckled weakly. "Okay. I'll stay positive. Still, let's finish up moving everything over and then go get you a bed and dresser for your room. That way we can at least claim that you have a real bedroom."
"Okay," Harry said. "You conjure some boxes and I'll start pulling everything out of the cupboards and putting them in the boxes."
It was nearly another hour of work before Dora felt like they'd moved everything out of their small apartment. Now, the place needed to be cleaned before she was done with it, but that could wait for another day. She had till the end of the month to get out.
She glanced at her watch, seeing it was about lunch time.
Dora treated Harry to burgers for lunch and then they went and found a dresser, bed, and a bookshelf for Harry's room at her place. Dora only hoped he'd get to use them. That took them to about two in the afternoon, and it was time to go check on Mad-Eye and get their new place sorted out and let him know about the custody hearing.
Dora and Harry walked into the apartment, honestly expecting to find the apartment a complete mess since Dora had just been banishing their stuff to the place, but to their surprise, much of the stuff had been somewhat organized or placed roughly or exactly where they would have wanted it. Mad-Eye was finishing up carving a set of Runes into the baseboards, and then he stood up, and swiped his wand, causing the Runes to glow before fading away, leaving no proof of them.
"Mad-Eye," Dora said in awe, "This is incredible. I didn't expect you to pretty much unpack for us, nor did I expect such extensive wards. I was just expecting some basic protections."
Mad-Eye waved her off. "It was nothing. Not like I have much going on, and these might save your lives. I placed silencing charms and protective enchantments to protect from spell fire as well as a few security spells. I placed a trap over your door that will activate if anyone tries to force their way in, and it's tied to an intruder alarm which will alert you both as well as me. I placed the ward stone powering these in the small closet where the water heater is."
Dora went over and even though she knew the old Auror wouldn't overly like it, she hugged him tightly and kissed him on his cheek. He batted her off, but she thought he might have been suppressing a grin.
"Thanks Mad-Eye," Dora said with a sigh. "There's a custody hearing for Harry tomorrow morning."
Mad-Eye scowled.
"I'll let Albus know, if he isn't already aware. I'm sure Karla will be there, representing WCS. We'll get some character witnesses for you, and it should help your case. It's going to be okay Tonks."
Dora smiled gratefully.
"Between you and Harry, I don't see how I can be anything but positive."
**HP**
"It's going to be okay, Dora," Harry said firmly, and she nodded, feeling like she should be the one making him feel better, but instead she just pushed ahead with him to the courtroom that was used for custody hearings.
She and Harry entered, and Dora felt a bit of relief to see Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout, Madam Pomfrey, Kingsley and even Savage, Mad-Eye, Karla Walburton, and to her shock, her friends, Skye Parkin, Chiara Lobosco, Erika Rath, Penny Haywood, and from her time in the DMLE, her friends Kelly O'Donnell, Nicole Spathers, Stacey Johanson, and fellow Auror on her team Lexie Greene. It warmed her heart that so many people had come to show their support for her. Also in attendance, to her slight detriment and shock, was Minister Fudge, his undersecretary Dolores Umbridge, Dora's superior Madam Bones, Lucius Malfoy, and three members of the Wizengamot that Dora didn't recognize.
"Harry," Karla greeted politely, and she frowned in confusion at Astra who had shadow traveled past all the guards to join them, but she decided not to say anything. "You will be seated over in that section," she said pointing to a section off to the side. " Ms. Tonks, you will be in the section opposite Mr. Malfoy."
Dora scowled, realizing that meant that Malfoy must be attempting to gain control of Harry. She wouldn't let that happen, no matter what, even if it wasn't she who ended up his guardian.
"Now that you are here," Fudge said, looking friendly, "we can start this custody hearing for Harry James Potter."
"Why is this a custody hearing?" Dora asked hesitantly, and saw approving nods from most of her supporters. "I've been Harry's guardian since I rescued him from his relatives last summer, and up to this point, I've certainly never failed a welfare inspection."
"That may be," Fudge said politely, "but that was mostly because you obtained his guardianship rather quietly. Current affairs brought the situation to light, and many believe that Mr. Potter's guardianship deserves an open debate. In addition, there are many who question whether or not you are a suitable guardian."
Dora nodded thoughtfully before she spoke, even if inside she was feeling severely crushed, knowing she needed to appear strong if she wanted to keep Harry. "What reasons are being used to claim I'm unsuitable as his guardian?"
"My dear, why would you ever think you could be his guardian?" Umbridge simpered and Dora immediately wanted to recoil. "You're barely of age yourself, unmarried, an unstable career, and are the daughter of a disgraced and disowned pureblood."
Dora's eyes narrowed and she scowled at the dig to her mother.
"Madam Umbridge, you go too far," Madam Bones spoke firmly, but Umbridge looked like she was more than happy with the minor rebuke.
"If you don't mind, Madam Bones, I'd like to address those accusations," Dora said.
Bones looked at her and nodded to continue.
"While age is debatable, the fact is that I am of age. By all accounts, I could very well have a child of my own by natural means. Then I would be caring for a newborn or toddler at this point rather than a teenager and unless there was proof I was unfit, my age wouldn't even be brought up as a reason to remove a child from me. So, why is that a justification to pull Harry from his home now?"
"You presume that your home is his home?" Umbridge shot back.
"Madam Undersecretary, allow her to finish," one of the Wizengamot members said firmly, a scowl appearing on his face.
Dora suspected he was one of the WCS members who normally sat over these cases, and was unhappy that so many uneducated people were trying to force themselves on his system.
"Next was being unmarried, I believe," Dora said. "How does my marriage status have anything to do with being able to care for Harry? I've known Harry since I was a young girl and he was a newborn and then a toddler. His parents, and my parents, disowned pureblood mother and muggleborn father they may be," Dora said, with a glare at Umbridge, "were very close. We consider ourselves family in bond, even if not by blood, and my marriage status plays no part in that. As for my job? I'm an Auror Second Class, hardly unstable," Dora finished fiercely, getting a smile from Bones.
"Your marriage status comes into play because somebody needs to be able to teach Mr. Potter what it means to be the heir of a pureblood house, even if he is not pureblood himself," Umbridge said with her raised sweetened voice. "How can you do so?"
"How could his muggle relatives have done so?" Dora retorted, and Umbridge scowled.
"Regardless, it should be noted that other families could be more suited," Fudge said simply. "Lord Malfoy, here, would be delighted to take in Mr. Potter, instruct him in proper etiquette, and treat him as a member of his family. Indeed, Lord Malfoy already has a son, Harry's age and has proven to be a good father and member of the community. With current circumstances, perhaps it would be better for him to be with someone more secure."
"Current circumstances meaning Sirius Black?" Dora clarified, and Fudge glanced at Harry in concern, but Harry didn't even react. "Minister, Lord Malfoy has never served as a member of the DMLE. I am an Auror Second Class. How is Lord Malfoy able to keep Harry safer than I am?"
"Lord Malfoy fought in the last war," one of the other Wizengamot elders said.
"For the other side," Mad-Eye's voice rang out.
"He was cleared of those charges," Fudge said, eyeing Mad-Eye with distaste.
"Because he was under the Imperius Curse," Dora said smoothly. "That tells me that he is susceptible to the Imperius Curse. Are you telling me that Sirius Black is incapable of doing that spell? Again, I fail to see how Lord Malfoy is able to provide better individual protection. Are you saying that Aurors aren't trained to combat dark wizards like Black?"
Fudge glanced at her warily, knowing he couldn't say that, and he seemed to be taking her more seriously, which she liked.
"But you are not an Auror in full yet," Umbridge said with a wide grin.
"She has completed all of the combat portions of training. The final year is on the job training and mostly administrative work," Amelia Bones said. "By all accounts, she is a combat ready Auror, and according to several of our instructors, her tutoring from Alastor has ensured that she is as fine an Auror as we have. Indeed, there are several members of the DMLE here today that all approached me to offer testimonies as character witnesses for Ms. Tonks, including Captain Auror Rick Savage and Lieutenant Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt, as did many of our esteemed Professors from Hogwarts School. I listened to them ahead of time to make things easier on the court, and they all agree she's a fine Auror and cares very much about her ward, and that Harry is doing much better living with her, both physically, mentally, and emotionally, and his marks at school have improved since she took over his care."
There were various approving nods at that, and Dora felt some pressure pull off of her chest.
"Back to Lord Malfoy, I do not believe he is right for Harry," Dora said, trying to go for the kill, "Personally, I would think the court would have been told, by Lord Malfoy, that his son and Harry absolutely despise each other."
"Schoolboy problems. Nothing more," Lucius said smoothly.
"Draco routinely tries to get me in trouble and calls my bestfriend a mudblood," Harry responded coldly, causing some angry muttering to occur.
"Are we supposed to take your word on that?" Umbridge asked sweetly. "If, as Ms. Tonks says, you despise each other, then you'd say anything to paint Lord Malfoy in an unflattering light."
"If you'd like, I'd provide memories, but if that won't suffice, you can interview nearly every student at Hogwarts and they can almost all provide testimony that Draco routinely refers to muggleborns in derogatory manners," Harry said coldly. "He was heard multiple times being overjoyed over this past year while the Chamber of Secrets was being opened. We have different philosophies in how we treat people, and if he learned that from his father, then I want nothing to do with that family."
Dora was starting to wonder if Harry was the one fully in control of his words and emotions. She was starting to wonder if Hades might not be assisting his vassal. She was fairly certain Harry knew nothing about providing memories, nor would he talk so smoothly about others providing testimony. Still, she wasn't going to complain.
Astra barked, a deep toll that seemed to put a level of finality and assurance to Harry's words.
"Still, Ms. Tonks apparently hasn't taught you manners and etiquette," Umbridge responded, glaring at Astra. "You should be aware that pets are not allowed in these proceedings."
Umbridge raised her wand and cast a binding charm before anyone could raise their wands to stop her, but it proved for nothing as Astra simply disappeared into darkness and appeared on the other side of Harry, and she grew to the size of a full sized grim, and snarled at the offending witch who backed off with a look of fear.
"She's not a pet," Harry said coldly, while many in the room gawked. "She's a Grim and my familiar, and you would be wise to not attack her again."
"A familiar? At his age?" one Wizengamot elder said in surprise.
"Harry has patronage from the Lord of the Underworld," Dora said, causing gasps. "He was offered the gift after he helped end the Chamber of Secrets incident."
"Regardless," Bones said, severely, regaining control in the room. "Madam Umbridge, if you cast another spell in this room without approval, you will face criminal charges. Familiars are allowed, and an attack on one is tantamount to an attack on the bonded partner. You should hope that Mr. Potter does not choose to level charges against you, or we will be facing another hearing immediately following this one."
Umbridge's eyes widened and she sat back down, looking defeated, though Dora thought she saw a nasty glare shot at Harry before Umbridge seemed to back out of the fight. Astra shrunk back down to her puppy form.
"Can we get this back on track?" Karla Warburton asked. "I oversaw Harry's transfer to Ms. Tonks, and back then he was quite adamant about living with her, and it seems to me that he still is quite adamant. She has passed her welfare inspections. Why are we trying to tear a child away from a loving home?"
Fudge licked his lips nervously, obviously thinking the same thing.
"I was misinformed, I believe," Fudge responded, with a glance at Malfoy. "However, I do believe this needs to happen. While Ms. Tonks's career is admirable and she seems to be taking good care of Mr. Potter, with Sirius Black on the loose, we need to think of the boy's protection." He turned to Dora. "Where does Mr. Potter stay while you are at work?"
"He spends most days at Alastor Moody's home," Dora said, wincing internally as she saw concerned looks appear on the various people in the stands. "If not at Moody's home, he spends time with his friends, like many kids do at their age."
"Before people start talking about Alastor," Bones interjected, "let me remind everyone that he is an Order of Merlin, First Class recipient, an international dueling champion, and is one of the most successful and decorated Aurors in our country's history. His history has resulted in his retirement from the force, but that doesn't mean he is incapable of caring for another human being, and with Sirius Black on the loose, I'm rather glad to know that one of the best duelists in the country is watching Mr. Potter during the day."
Dora wanted to jump with joy as she saw various members of the Wizengamot nodding ruefully to her words, and even Fudge seemed to be nodding in agreement. If she didn't think it would get her fired, she'd hug Amelia Bones on the spot.
Fudge finally turned to Harry.
"Harry, we've heard from the people wishing to claim guardianship, and some of those willing to offer testimonies in defense. Before this court listens to anymore, I would like to ask what you want?"
"I want to live with Dora," Harry replied firmly. "She's family, and she's been the best thing to happen to me in my life."
Fudge nodded thoughtfully, as Dora felt her heart contract at Harry's statement.
"Very well, I think we've heard all that we need to hear. I vote for Mr. Potter to remain with Ms. Tonks."
Dora was holding back tears as around the room the rest of the panel members all voted for Harry to remain with her, even Umbridge, though she thought Umbridge looked unhappy to do it.
"It is this court's decision to leave custody of Harry James Potter with Nymphadora Tonks," one of the panel members said, and the hearing was adjourned.
Dora grinned over as Harry moved over to her and they hugged happily, and laughed as Astra ran around their feet before they separated enough for her to jump up into Harry's arms, lick Dora's face, and then immediately wanted to hop back down.
Dora glanced up as various people came over to talk to them and congratulate them.
"Thank you for your support, Professors, Madam Pomfrey," she said starting with the Hogwarts staff.
"Of course my dear," Dumbledore said, with the rest of them saying variations of the same thing.
"We'll always help our students, present or former, if we can," Sprout said, and Dora nodded appreciatively at her former Head of House.
The Professors all started moving on, which gave an opening for Kingsley to move in next.
"Mr. Potter, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," Kingsley said, shaking Harry's hand. "My name's Kingsley Shacklebolt."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Shacklebolt," Harry said with a smile, "and please, just Harry."
Kingsley grinned. "Ah, a man after my own tastes. Not big on formality either? Well, just Harry, I'm just Kingsley. Hopefully we'll become more familiar with each other since Tonks is a member of my team. Maybe we can even get you into the office to see the practice facilities, since I understand you're quite talented at Defense yourself. Congratulations to the both of you, and Tonks, take the rest of the morning if you need to."
"She'll be in immediately," Harry said with a grin, and Dora mock frowned at him while Kingsley laughed.
"Little bugger just talked me up and now he's already trying to get rid of me," Dora said with a shake of her head.
"Well, then, Harry. I expect you to make sure she reports as soon as she can," Kingsley said with a chuckle and then moved on to where Savage was waiting for him. Savage sent her a thumbs up and friendly smile before the two Aurors departed.
Dora glanced around only to find herself mobbed by her friends, both from Hogwarts and from the DMLE.
"You little witch!" Kelly said with a laugh. "You never told us that Harry was Harry bloody Potter. No wonder you complained about finding a sitter."
Dora chuckled and rubbed the back of her neck. "Well, it just seemed better to keep it kind of low profile. Guess that's out the window now. I can't believe you all managed to find out about this and came to support us. It means a lot."
"Please, we're here for Harry," Skye said with a grin, nodding towards Erika. "Word is he's a wicked Quidditch player, and that makes me realize you've been holding out on us. There will be a cost for that, you know."
Dora sighed and nodded ruefully, grinning internally that some things never change.
"Holding out on you?" Harry said quizzically. "She's been holding out on me! She never mentioned she was friends with Skye Parkin and Erika Rath!"
"Sounds like Tonksie owes double," Erika said with an evil grin.
"Poor Tonks," Chiara said with a sigh. "I come back to visit and you're already on death's door."
Dora chuckled before looking at Harry fondly.
"Let me introduce you to some of my friends. You obviously have heard of the great Skye Parkin and Erika Rath, mentally impaired though they are. This poor lost soul is Chiara Lobosco. She's currently in medical school."
"And will be for the rest of time, it feels like," Chiara muttered ruefully.
Dora grinned and continued. "This is my dear potion-mad friend Penny Haywood," Dora said gesturing to her cute blonde friend, "who had the audacity not to mention she'd gotten back from America," Dora said in a highly offended voice, "and last but certainly not least," Dora continued, "these are four of my friends from the DMLE. Kelly O'Donnell here," she gestured to her tall and thin brunette friend, "is still in Auror Training with me and became an Auror Second Class with me."
"Not sure how most days," Kelly muttered and Dora grinned at that.
"These two are quite fearsome witches themselves. Met in Auror Training, but they decided they actually liked doing their jobs, being Hitwitches for the Ministry instead," Dora said, gesturing to the next two black haired girls. "This is Nicole Spathers and Stacey Johanson, and this last beauty is on Kingsley's team with me. Lexie Greene."
Dora introduced the last frankly stunningly pretty brunette that had caught the eyes of many in the office . . . men and women.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you all," Harry said politely, and in a bland tone, which should have sent Dora's warning lights off. "Dora told me some good things about . . . well, some of you."
Dora felt all of her friends turn and level glares at her, well all except Chiara who was too busy lavishing attention onto Astra (oh, you're an absolutely adorable little Grim), and Dora glared at Harry who smiled innocently at her.
"You can't get me murdered just after we get custody or your going to the Malfoy home," Dora said arching a finger at Harry who grimaced in disgust. She grinned at her friends. "Now I have the perfect threat for good behavior!"
Dora grinned as her friends laughed and then she glanced over to where Mad-Eye was not-so patiently waiting.
"We'll have to all meet up after work or this weekend or something," Dora said, "but apparently, I have to go to work," Dora said, gesturing towards Harry who grinned ruefully.
Dora smiled as her friends broke off to get back to their own things and let her take care of Harry before going to work. Erika and Skye, who both played for the Wigtown Wanderers, said they'd send her tickets for her and Harry to catch a game the following weekend. Chiara and Penny said they'd drop by an evening or two, and her DME friends all said they'd catch her for lunch, which was pretty standard for them, except for Kelly and Lexie, who she would see at work.
Dora glanced towards Harry who was already making his way to Mad-Eye.
"You all jabber too much in an open space," Mad-Eye grumbled, and Dora rolled her eyes fondly at the paranoid man.
"Thanks Mad-Eye. I know a lot of the people showing up was because of you," Dora said.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Mad-Eye growled out. "Now, would you like me to take Harry here back to my place for his day's training? Then you can head off straight to work."
"Sounds great, Mad-Eye," Dora said, as Harry nodded. "I'll pick him up this evening, and you'll join us for dinner."
"Only if the lad's cooking," Mad-Eye responded with a savage grin as he started moving on, with Harry laughing next to him, while Dora did her best not to look offended, but failed.