CHAPTER 11: NOCTURNAL PLANS AND ORDERLY AFFAIRS
Tonks was invited to spend a few more days at the house. Harry wasn't thrilled because what he wanted was to go anywhere else. He loved being with the Weasleys; they were fantastic, almost like family. But what he wanted most was to be alone with Tonks and show her how much he cared.
Much to Harry's annoyance, she accepted. After everything she had been through, she needed a bit of tranquility, and there was no better place than the Burrow for that. As long as the twins weren't around.
August progressed with its hot days at the Burrow. Everyone was calm and happy, except for Harry and Ron, experiencing an attention drought from their partners.
Since the day they were caught, Hermione didn't dare give Ron even a kiss, afraid they'd be caught again.
Tonks spent almost all her time getting everything ready for Hogwarts. She had to obtain permission from the Auror Department. With McGonagall's request, that was enough since everyone would be happy. The Ministry would have an Auror monitoring everything from the inside, and the headmistress would secure a needed professor. However, she needed to sort out several issues that kept her busier.
When Tonks arrived at the Burrow, the poor boy barely received more than a few kisses and attention, as neither dared to try more out of respect for the Weasleys. The young woman slept with Hermione and Ginny in their room; they had added another bed, and at night the three spent some time chatting. The little time Harry and she had, they used to walk and talk. Tonks quickly incorporated herself into the group and her goal. The idea was to end the nightmare as quickly as possible.
There was just over a week left before classes resumed. The Hogwarts letters had arrived that morning. This year, after everything that had happened, they were delayed.
Harry and the others knew what that meant; they'd have to go to Diagon Alley to buy the necessary supplies. The problem was that it would be crowded with all the students and their families, and this overcrowding, coupled with the limited time to buy everything, posed significant security issues.
The Order was considering the same and discussing a possible solution.
"Lupin, everything will be overflowing no matter which day you choose. I think it's better for us to handle getting Harry's supplies."
"That's quite difficult, Moody. This year, some books need to be collected in person."
"Since when has that been necessary, Minerva?"
"It's my decision. Besides the regular classes, additional ones will be taught. Basically, Harry will be doing the Auror training in his last year."
"Remus, are you crazy? If he can barely pass what's necessary, do you want the boy to study without being prepared?"
"Don't get me wrong. I know he's not ready. What we'll do, with Minerva's agreement," he pointed at her, "is not to emphasize the final year's classes, but the others. You know that even if he doesn't catch up with the necessary pace, he'll get more preparation than his classmates and, therefore, enough to graduate and have advantages in Auror preparation."
The old Auror had to admit they were entirely right; no matter how little he progressed, it would be much more than the others.
"We also need to prepare him for non-verbal spells and wandless magic," McGonagall added.
"I agree, but what books does he need that he has to pick up himself?"
"All the necessary ones for Auror training and some additional ones we've added about wandless magic and control," McGonagall replied.
"I'm looking forward to seeing if the lad can handle it," he recalled something. "He'll surely have no time to get into trouble, and Minerva won't have to watch the young couple," he finished, laughing.
"Moody, I trust Harry and Nymphadora completely. I know that while they're at the castle, they'll behave as they should: teacher and students."
Hestia Jones was the next to speak, intrigued by something.
"I agree Harry should go for the books, but why do the other kids have to go? Wouldn't it be easier to protect just him than everyone?"
Some knew the answer and smiled.
"Do you really think Hermione and Ron won't sign up with Harry? The moment they see his letter, they'll quickly send us an owl asking permission to study the same as Harry."
"Do you think you're exaggerating?" Mr. Weasley asked her.
"Hestia, my son Ron has been with him from the start. I know he's a poor student," Arthur glanced at Minerva, "but I assure you, the moment he learns what Harry will do, it won't take long for him to ask his mother and me for permission to do the same. Plus, he wouldn't miss the advantages of skipping exams for all the gold in Gringotts!" Laughter followed his comment. It was certain that the boy would sign up to help and, needless to say, Hermione would too.
"Then it's settled. Tomorrow, we'll accompany the kids to buy their materials, and the main priority is to avoid any trouble and risks. At the slightest problem, we'll take them out of there. Tonks will be with them; Arthur will brief them on everything."
"Why do they need to know?" Hestia questioned again.
"Again, Hestia, Tonks and Harry are a couple. It's almost impossible for him not to find out; you know how much he hates secrets. Besides, as soon as he knows, the others will know," she paused as she looked at a scroll. "Tomorrow, they'll accompany them; apart from Tonks and Arthur and Molly, Ojo Loco and Arabella Figg. Mundungus, Emmeline, and Hestia will watch Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron in case of problems," she said, pointing them out. "And for heaven's sake, Mundungus, don't even think about disappearing behind one of your deals. It's essential that we all do our part properly," she finished, leaning on the table. "I hope all this security won't be necessary and that everything goes smoothly."
Gradually, they left the table, leaving Ojo Loco and Lupin alone. When they were alone, he spoke.
"Remus, do you really think everything will turn out fine?"
"The Dark Lord has been silent for a while; he's surely plotting something, but whatever it is, we must be prepared."
"You haven't answered me."
The werewolf got up from the table and turned as he left.
"To tell you the truth, I don't know what to tell you. I hope and wish that everything goes as we want, but we can't rule anything out." He left the room, leaving the old Auror pondering his words.
At the Burrow, Harry couldn't stop looking at his list of materials for the year. He knew he would need special preparation, but the books they were asking for were for Auror students, not for seventh-year Hogwarts students.
Ron and Hermione had the same list, and although the brunette was enthusiastic, she mentioned that something was odd. Ron told her that it would be normal to raise the students' level with the Dark Lord destroying everything and killing whoever he wanted. That way, they'd leave Hogwarts more prepared. The real reason he was so pleased with the list of materials for the year was the postscript at the end of his letter: "It is also communicated that these subjects will not be evaluated in the final exam, but your knowledge will motivate this at the end of the school year." Just knowing he wouldn't have exams put the redhead in an excellent mood.
Harry was waiting for Tonks; it was the last day he needed to sort out all his affairs. All the remaining time before returning to Hogwarts would be spent together, and consequently, they'd return to Grimmauld Place.
He was eager to be alone with her again. But he also wanted to ask her about the strange list of books she had for that year.
Tonks emerged from the fireplace covered in soot. Upon seeing him waiting, she smiled.
"You're always waiting until I come back. Anyone would think you feel something for me?"
"Me? Nooo, I was just waiting for a fabulous girl who I heard would be coming out of the fireplace at any moment," he said as he approached her and kissed her.
"And can you tell me what she's like?"
"To be honest, I have my doubts about that," he said, pondering.
"She's a brunette," her hair changed to that color. "Or blonde?" She changed it again.
"No, I'm sure of this one. She's bald!" He earned a small punch from her. "Alright, alright, she's a beautiful brunette," her hair changed to that color, "with incredible blue eyes," he looked at her, and her eyes changed, "that I get lost in every time I look at her," they ended up kissing, each time with a bit more intensity. In the end, they had to stop as they might get carried away and break their promise, something they didn't want.
"We'd better calm down," he said to Harry.
"Yeah, but it's really hard for me. Every time I see you..." he shivered, causing her to laugh.
"Think that tomorrow night, we'll be alone, and we won't have to hold back. To be honest, I'm looking forward to tomorrow," she said with a smile, teasingly sticking her tongue out to the side in a clearly provocative manner.
"Don't do that, Nym, you know I love that," he said as he kissed her neck.
"Green flames in the fireplace signaled someone's arrival at the house. Arthur Weasley emerged, his robe covered in ash, and smiled upon seeing them.
"Hello, Harry, Tonks." "How are you, Mr. Weasley?" "Hello, Arthur. Are you coming from the Ministry at this hour?" Tonks asked, puzzled.
"Not from a meeting, we were organizing tomorrow's arrangements," Arthur explained. They both looked puzzled. "We had to determine who would accompany you to buy the supplies and set everything up for your safety."
"Wouldn't it be easier for them to stay here and have someone else collect it? It would all be simpler," Tonks suggested, surprised.
"With this year's books, I don't think that's possible," the young woman looked at the sheet Harry showed her and began scanning the titles. "Plus, there are other very peculiar ones that only I have," she pointed to the end of the list.
The young Auror glanced at the books he indicated and was astonished. "But these books are for Aurors! It's impossible for you to learn and use all these spells and potions in such a short time!"
"All of that has already been discussed. Mad-Eye agrees with you. The idea is for me to learn as much as possible this year. Even if I learn just a little, it'll be far more than I would in the last year, and the preparation will be beneficial," Arthur Weasley replied.
"I agree with you, Tonks. I know it's too much, but if I don't do this, I'll always be at a disadvantage."
She wasn't at all in agreement with Harry receiving this kind of preparation. She knew some of the spells required intense concentration and preparation. In some cases, attempting them could lead to harm if they went wrong. She looked into his eyes and could say little more.
"You've already made your decision. Even if I told you not to, you'd do it anyway."
She was about to hug him but stopped. "You don't agree?" "It's not that. I know you need more preparation," she clearly referenced the prophecy, "but what they ask of you might be excessive." He approached, and this time, she hugged him.
"As long as I have you close, I'll face any training." "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to inform you about tomorrow."
In a few words, Mr. Weasley informed them about the Order's plans for the next day. Who they would meet at Diagon Alley and how everything would be arranged. Also, the possible exit routes if something happened and the meeting points if they got separated.
"So, we'll go with the kids: Molly, Mad-Eye, and Arabella." "That's the best in case we get separated for some reason; there will always be an adult with one of the kids." "I agree. What do you think, Harry?" "The same as you. Besides, this way, it'll be more natural. It's normal for the Weasleys to accompany their kids to buy Hogwarts supplies."
"If everything is clear, I'll take my leave. Tomorrow will be a very long day, and I'm very tired. Goodnight, Harry, Tonks." "Until tomorrow, Mr. Weasley." "Goodbye, Arthur. I'll see you in the morning."
Mr. Weasley went up to his room, leaving the two by the fireplace.
"Do you think something will happen?" "I don't know, Harry. I sincerely hope not, but with him, you never know."
"It's better if we go to bed, each in our own bed," he said quickly, "although I hope soon…" He looked mischievously at her.
She laughed and kissed him, then stood up and headed for the stairs, followed by Harry.
Shortly after, and after saying goodbye at the door, Tonks entered the girls' room and lay down quietly, though it was useless because the girls were waiting for her.
"What will happen tomorrow?" "Damn it, Ginny, you scared me! Are you still awake?" "We were waiting for you to say goodbye to Harry and tell us. I'm not sleepy, and Hermione doesn't dare to approach my brother with my mother around." She threw a pillow. Every time she mentioned it, someone was nearby, and she felt embarrassed.
Tonks chuckled at the situation. "I'm sorry, it's true!" she said as she threw the pillow back.
"Okay, listen. Tomorrow morning, we'll go to Diagon Alley, and as you've guessed, there's exceptional security. With the books Harry has to buy, it's necessary that he personally collects them, so…"
"Ron and I have the same books, except for the advanced wandless magic." "How is that possible?" "How long do you think these two would take to follow in Harry's footsteps? The Order thinks it's better for them to study the same things," the redhead explained, slightly annoyed.
"This way, it'll be less suspicious when more students are studying the same subjects," Hermione finished.
"What annoys me is that they won't let me do it. I can only use several seventh-year books, but I can't even look at the rest. Do you think that's fair?" Ginny was very upset.
Tonks and Hermione laughed at the situation. What bothered the youngest Weasley was being treated like a child. She was adequately prepared to use those books.
"Don't be mad! As I was saying, tomorrow, you'll go for the books, and we'll accompany you. This is important; no matter what happens, don't separate from the adults." "Ginny tried to ask something, but she guessed," your parents, me, and my friend Arabella Figg. The Alley will be watched by Order members, so nothing will happen. That's all, so if you'll let me, I want to sleep; it'll be a fun day."
"After saying this, she got into bed and fell asleep, just like the girls, awaiting the next day.
Harry had no trouble; Ron was asleep when he entered, and he knew waking him was very difficult.
Harry and Ron were awakened very early by Mrs. Weasley; they had to go by Muggle means to the Leaky Cauldron. Like all magical families, they wanted to do their shopping, and any magical transportation was almost overloaded and encountering certain issues.
They took two taxis that dropped them near the Leaky Cauldron. It was a quiet journey except for Mr. Weasley's barrage of questions to the taxi driver about everything he saw, making the man very nervous with his passengers. With the already strange attire of the Weasleys and the other wizards – pants and shirts of different colors and very eye-catching dresses – coupled with their odd behavior, the taxi driver was relieved to drop off such a picturesque group at their destination.
The experience wasn't pleasant for the other driver either. Seeing Mad-Eye Moody suspiciously eyeing him the whole way and analyzing his movements made him very nervous. He even thought more than once that they were armed, as he tried to pull something from his jacket multiple times but was stopped by his companions.
When he saw where they wanted to go, he wasn't as surprised. The appearance of the building matched theirs. Before entering, Mad-Eye gathered them all.
"From this moment on, I don't want anyone to trust anyone else. It's crucial that no matter what happens, you don't separate from the group and never lose sight of anyone," he glanced at everyone. "There are more Order members in the alley, so if something happens to you, find them. Don't trust anyone; if someone approaches you, ask for a specific number, and he'll know what it means."
"What number, Mr. Moody?" "It's the number of a certain house we all know, Miss Weasley, and it belongs to Mr. Potter," he said to Ron while scanning around in case someone was listening. "Let's go in!"
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