Chapter 8

Sergeant Tonks

When they returned to Gryffindor tower Professor McGonnagal left a note with Harry.

Dear Master Potter,

I would like to start our private lesson this Saturday. Kindly come to my office at 8 P.M.

I hope you are enjoying your first day back at school.

Give my regards to Miss Weasley.

Yours Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

P.S. I enjoy Acid Pops.

"Well at least he chose Saturday, and not Friday night." Harry summarized aloud as he pocketed the note.

"What's going on Friday?" Ron asked from across the common room table. Harry smiled as he looked directly at Ginny on his left.

Ginny smiled wide and gave an exaggerated wave. "Hello Ron, I exist, I am here, and I am still dating him."

Ron actually chucked, "Okay thick again, sorry. I guess I'm surprised by Monday night and you two already have plans for Friday night. Barely 24 hours, you know?"

"Harry and I made plans last night before bed, so less than 6, if you're keeping score." Then she smiled. "Please tell me you're keeping score. You know it makes things so much more fun."

"Ease up on him, Gin." Harry asked as slipped an arm around her shoulder. "He's been pretty chill with the 'us dating' thing. Remember you like that."

She sighed with a smile. "True."

"Actually it's alright mate, though I never thought you'd be saving me from Gin. I was actually just surprised you're planning that far in advance. You usually are a bit more fly by the seat of your pants."

"Things change. Like when you have a steady relationship, you know the odds of them saying yes to date are pretty high, so why not? Gives you both something to look forward to."

Hermione looked up from her Ancient Rune book. "So where are you two lovebirds off to Friday? Sneaking out with a certain cloak?"

"Not even." Harry answered.

"Ya, the school grounds are pretty large. Just be a little creative and I think anyone could have a good night." Gin replied leaning in to arm but also grudgingly getting her Muggle Studies book.

"Okay, stop, stop," Ron begged with hands up. "Before you get me in real trouble. 'Mione dear, may I take you out Friday after class?"

"Hmm, I don't know, I have to check my schedule." Harry and Ginny suppressed giggles. Ron smiled and nodded. He'd walked into this. "Yes, I think I can fit you in."

Harry and Ginny's snickering intensified. Ron held back his own laugh, and chose to go with the safe answer of, "Thank you."

Finally, Hermione replayed her answer in her mind. "Merlin… NOT LIKE THAT! I hate you, I hate you all."

Ron rubbed her cheek. "Na, no you don't."

"Not even close."

"You agreed to be my big sis, like hell you do."

Neville found a spot on the great wooden bridge to the school where he could get a good view of the sunsetting horizon. His gaze pointed in that direction but his thoughts were much further away.

"Hey you," Hanna greeted with a warm smile, as she curled her arms around his left. "Was looking for you."

"Sorry, just taking a moment to think. Thanks for thinking of me." He pressed a kiss to her hand.

"I wondered if you might have some things on your mind, after A.C.T." She let the wind blow through the bridge, then smiled again. "You know Nev, I still have two ears and two shoulders and they are right there for you. "

He smiled, "Just some random things going on up here."

"Oh, c'mon. It's not that random. Your mum and dad on your mind, right?"

"I'm that obvious?" he smiled."

"You are to me. But I'm sure I am to you, to it all evens out. So since I'm already in the neighborhood why don't you share?"

"Well, you know they were aurors." Hanna nodded. "With my skills being more with plant studies, I NEVER planned on following their footsteps that way. Didn't feel pressure or anything but never felt I had the skills for it. Once upon a time I couldn't even hit the right side of the blood castle."

"I remember, you were cute when you were frustrated. But you have come a long way, Master Longbottom. Are you thinking of transferring back to normal Defense?"

"That's just it, no. I never would have chosen this, but now that the seats are being pulled out for me; auror, house master, alliance with Harry. I can't help but feel like I am getting front row tickets to this damn war and …"

"Scared?" a pair ao blue-green eyes showing nothing but kindness asked. "It's totally okay if you are."

"Actually no, and that's the strangest thing. Maybe I've been sharing a room with Harry too damn long, but not really. I mean, of course, yes there are some obvious nerves and concerns, but it feels manageable, sometimes calm? I mean, I remember First Year, damn near begging the Sorting Hat to put me in Hufflepuff, and then it spits out the hero house of Gryffindor. But after the Ministry and the Alley… and this is the most insane part that I'm out here for… I'm okay with it, but I have no idea how or why I'm okay with that. If any of that makes sense."

Hanna slipped into a full hug. "Nev, remember all those stories you told me about 'Neville when you're in charge…'" she impersonated Augusta.

"Yes, I remember." he chuckled.

"So, you've been raised for years for this. Whether you realized it or not. So you're just coming into your own. Maybe a little sooner than expected and not the way you expected, but still." She finished with a shrug.

"Thank you, Han."

Harry took a moment to remember how the morning had started. He headed up to his dorm room before his room mates did. He didn't want to annoy his mates every morning, but he was also sure as hell not giving up the morning routine. Mr. Weasley was completely right. The exercise and punching bag venting out his frustration and anger issues allow him to think and feel calmer in the day. And he didn't mind the muscle mass he was starting to build up And as Harry had his halfstack trunk with him, he had options. He knew he wanted his main Hogwarts trunk front and center at the foot of the bed like everyone else. But he tried putting the half stack to either side of his bead, and it just didn't work. It was in the way and Harry detested being in the way. 'Damn Dursley's.' Then he had an aggressive idea, one that he figured, 'What the hell?'

He tore the blankets and sheets off the mattress. Then came to the side of the bed and pulled the entire mattress off, and found sturdy oak slats beneath. Harry grabbed his halfstack trunk and replaced the mattress with it. It fit with room to spare, and Harry was smiling. He opted to focus on the obvious next hurdle, the mattress. Then he decided not to complicate things and just play full switcheroo. So he slid the mattress under the bedframe, where it fit fine. His grin continued. Rising back up to the top of the new bed. He grabbed his wand and empowered the trunk's resizing charm. He kept the depth the same but stretched the length and to the mattress. He tested the opening and closing of the lid, it worked perfectly. He opened it again and checked inside. Due to the resizing the stairs were a little wider but that was the only change. Everything was normal. Already a passing grade he wanted to try subtlety. He grabbed his top blanket of Gryffindor red and threw it over the trunk bed. Obviously it laid flat. He opened the trunk lid… and watched it slide to the ground. He reset, but then remembered from hanging pictures he cast a line adhesive charm on the edge of the lid. He tried again, and it worked perfectly. He got in, got out, repeated. Charm worked fine. Then just to sell the decoy he grabbed his Gryffindor pillow and charmed it to the head of the trunk lid. With that, he was done. He did draw the drapes around his bed as an extra level of privacy. Then he lifted the door and slid onto his stairs and walked down to his room, making sure to close his lid. Harry did it, he achieved the dream. His own private room at Hogwarts. "Brilliant!" he cheered in victory, and largely because he knew no one would hear him.

Tuesday, 3 September 1996

Early in the morning Tonks sat down at her desk, reviewing her notes from her element scry of the squadron as she heard an angry and determined set footsteps down the corridor. She smiled a bit as she wondered how long it would take for this encounter. But she continued to focus on her work. The doors burst open to show Snape marching with his black robes billowing like he owned the place, like he owned HER classroom.

"Do you think you're funny, Tonks?" he sneered.

"I admit to being klutzy and I appreciate a good joke, Snape. Did you have something more specific you were referring to?" she answered not even looking up from her papers, and in fact sipping her coffee.

"That's Professor Snape," he corrected.

Tonks put her quill down and slowly sat back in her chair and looked up to him coldly. "You will be called Professor when you call me Sergeant."

"Poppycock, I'm not an auror."

"Irrelevant, that is my earned rank and title, which was recognized and approved by both Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore. Oh, they offered to grant me 'Professor', but I declined as my duties and assignment here are more unique. I have no issues with the unique title. But make no mistake, Snape we are separate but equal peers."

"Your duties… you mean stealing damn near my entire Sixth Year class?" he yelled as he threw down a paper with the nearly empty registrations.

"If by stealing, you are referring to the invitations of a truly talented group of young people who have excelled in battlefield experience to harness and focus their efforts during a time of war, then yes."

"What am I supposed to do then?" he asked mockingly.

"I am assuming command over less than one full year of students. You have the other six years worth to teach as you see fit. Just as I will with mine."

"Oh as simple as that. Well, what happens next year when they need to study for their N.E.W.T.s? I suppose I'll just cover 2 years of course work in one?"

"No Professor, that won't be necessary. I'm doing that already." she said flatly.

"You're what !?"

"My intention is to have A.C.T. ready for Defense N.E.W.T. by June, if not sooner." Tonks took a sip of her coffee while holding the Professor's glare without so much of a flinch.

"Do you think I would honestly approve of 6th years sitting for N.E.W.T. without so much as a single class from me?"

"No, fortunately I am their training instructor. I shall make arrangements for any tests that I feel they are ready for."

"And what makes you qualified to make such decisions in regards to student education?"

With that she rose from her chair. She took off her leather jacket and let it land perfected over the back of her chair and stood firmly at attention. More importantly she revealed a black commando sweater beneath. Three chevrons that looked like open books Sergeant insignia on her shoulders and her auror badge over her heart. "Nymphadora Tonks, Sergeant, Ministry of Magic, Auror Division. 1991 graduate of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with focus in Defense Against Dark Arts. 1994 valedictorian graduate of Auror Training including earning Wand of Honor. 1995 awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal. Most importantly, effective 15:02 yesterday, I am the commanding officer of this squadron and …" her eyes focused to stare squarely at the Professor unflinchingly "...I am NOT some student you can intimidate. I have arrested far scarier individuals than you."

He shook an angry finger at her. "If you think I'm going to feed into the continued arrogance of Potter's -"

"Mine," she corrected, sternly.

"What?"

"Again Professor Snape, this unit and its staff are mine, not Cadet Potter's. I will manage AND DEFEND it as I see fit until otherwise directed by my chain of command, which YOU are not a part of. Additionally, I would be very careful of pointing out issues with arrogance. Frankly, I read through the reports of that team over the last year and I see they have every damn reason to take pride and have confidence, which are exactly qualities I want in my aurors before I deploy them."

"Deploy them? You all are insane. You will send children into a WAR?!"

"Lower your tone, Professor." she spread her legs shoulder width apart and clasped her hands behind her back. "As Cadet Potter has accurately pointed out, we don't need to deploy this unit anywhere. The war comes to them quite easily enough, or have you been playing your little spygames so damn much over the last few years you have failed to notice that Hogwarts itself is one of the damned front lines. So do not stand there and tell me that individuals who have twice now defeated Death Eaters should be called 'children'."

"Luck, which eventually runs out." Snape sneered.

"Which is why I intend to TEACH them. Now, do you have any genuine reason to be in my classroom or was your failed attempt to rattle my cage the entirety for your visit."

She looked at him expectantly waiting for an answer. When Snape stalled in surprise for a moment, she claimed the ground. "Well then Professor, let me make this trip worth your while. You have cast a long shadow and I am no fool. I have read both your Hogwarts files and the Ministry files. There are ten times as many complaints filed against you than any other professor on staff. Now Professor Dumbledore may feel you have worth that justifies the levels of distaste that you create around you, but would do well to remember I have OTHER options. I also report to Captain Moody, and will have no issue reporting any new violations."

"You don't know-" he warned.

"I don't care. I am an auror. I protect, serve, and uphold the law. Tread lightly, Professor. Now you are dismissed, sir." she said bluntly.

Only the Dark Lord had ever addressed Sname so directly and emotionlessly before, and he certainly didn't expect this from a girl in her mid twenties. For the first time in quite a while Professor Severus Snape was surprised and at a loss for words. Rather than say or do something that could be used against him, he left as agitated as he arrived. Tonks sat down, returned to work and her morning coffee.

Sleeping in his actual bedroom was glorious to Harry, no snoring, no one offended by his alarm clock going off. He got up, got changed, slipped out his trunk lid and out his bed curtains all very smooth and quiet. When he got out to the dorm room, Ron was sleeping and felling a forest. Seamus not far behind him. Surprisingly, Neville was tying his shoes. "Still room for one more, mate?" he greeted in a whisper.

"Absolutely, Master Longbottom!" Harry welcomed in a whisper but happy to see him hopping on. The boys made it out to the Common area with Ginny waiting. "Morning babe. Nev, welcome to the party!"

"Thank you, figured if our fearless leader is inviting would be best."

Harry sighed. "I just think that those of us with … issues, this morning work out holds additional benefits."

"Harry, are you accusing me of having issues?" Ginny actually tried to ask with a straight face.

Harry laughed and held his hand up counting allowed. "Authority, self restraint, bound-"

"Shut up!" she laughed and kissed him. "Bastard."

Harry shrugged, "Your kind."

"Oh, Luna said she'd like to join today."

"Luna?" Neville asked.

"Problem?" Ginny asked.

"No problem. Surprise, you two are athletic and… no offense, fairly aggressive personalities."

Harry and Ginny shared a look, then replied together. "Yep."

"I will cop to some frustrations I need to work through. Luna just strikes me as one of the fairest and peaceful people I know. "

"I'll agree she's not likely coming for the exercise specifically. She seemed to get really excited when I mentioned we are running the lake path. She wondered if maybe we'd get a look at the squid."

"Hey, Luna is always welcome in my book." Harry said as they headed for the maid door.

The second day of class wasn't too different from the first. Harry did have to apply himself in potions class, but frankly one of the major differences this year was he actually was trying to apply himself in general. Also when he had a rather positive professor instead of Snape, and some positive experience from Mrs. Weasley brewing potions this summer, he was only slightly behind Hermione, which he took as high praise.

Ancient Ruins had his attention as he was determined to learn the options and abilities to secure a location. Battle of the Burrow hand made the lesson painfully clear, and now he felt he had more to protect and more to lose. He had motivation.

Truly the next surprise came when they sat for Muggle Studies, which they did with smiles. However just before class was about to begin, Sgt. Tonks entered the room as well, still without her jacket and in her commando sweater uniform. Tonks spoke quietly to Burbage who then advised. "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, It seams Sgt. Tonks needs you this period. Obviously, you are excused."

The teens exchanged curious glances, but gathered their things and followed Tonks out the class and down the hall. The Sergeant made use of the time as she led the way back to the Training Hall. "Thank you for your additional time today, cadets, we have precious little of it these days."

"Sergeant," Hermione began, "May one ask what you need us for?"

"Application and leadership." Tonks replied.

"May one ask more specifics?"

"No. Cadet."

Hermione was taken back. Harry just smiled. He was quick to learning that keeping his mouth shut was the smartest policy.

Tonks led them back to the Training hall where in front of the long table along the side where the books had been held two chairs were now placed. "Have a seat please, take out your ink and quills." She grabbed two packets off her desk and approached them. "Cadets, consider this your first stress test," she introduced as she laid a packet before each of them. The covers read:

N.E.W.T.

MUGGLE STUDIES

FINAL EXAM

"Your 45 minutes start now." Tonks said as she started a mechanical timer.

Harry had never felt so busted before in his life. If Snape catching him doing things was average, this was a GOD tier play by Tonks. He shook his head and bit his tongue and started working.

"Final N.E.W.T. Exam?!"

"Thank you, Cadet Granger, but I assure you I am literate. " she said as she squared her shoulders and stood behind and between the pair.

"Sergeant Tonks, I - we've only had a single class."

"I am aware, Cadet. Just as I am aware that each of you literally grew up in the muggle world before enrollment and still largely summer there. And as I said, stress test. 44 minutes 30 seconds remaining." Tonks smiled at the younger witch.

Hermione turned to look at her paper, then looked at Harry. Not his test, she wasn't a cheat at all, but he looked at Harry himself, who surprisingly was working through the material much quicker and relaxed than she had seen him do so … ever. Then she remembered the conversation that got her to enroll in this class. Harry's voice echoed, "You two want an easy O for O.W.L.S. and N.E.W.T.?"

Hermione's response was the same now as it was then. "Harry, I could school you under the table."

Once she accepted the reality of her situation, stopped spiraling in nerves, she started working the problem. Then a second voice came to mind, Ginny's, saying "Competition makes it more fun." She never worked harder on a test before. When she turned she registered when Harry turned pages and tried to loosely track where Harry might be compared to her. But from what she could tell Harry didn't seem to care. Forty minutes later they tied, saying "Done…. What?" looking at each other.

Tonks collected the tests. "Excellent, I'll have these graded and advise you at A.C.T. but based on your finish time and background I have confidence."

Harry was smiling. "Sergeant, May I ask why our A.C.T. instructor had us complete the N.E.W.T. for Muggle Studies?"

"Asking the right questions, thank you Cadet Potter. Yes, frankly there are several … issues that I am looking to resolve. First is time. The war is here and I literally can NOT have too much time to train you all fast enough. So cadets testing out and completing courses is a mutually beneficial dynamic. We don't have time for students to take 'fluff' classes and don't try to tell me it was anything more than that."

Hermione looked sheepishly. Harry grinned, nodding his head. "You caught us, Sergeant. Fair and square."

Tonks shrugged. "Cadet, I wouldn't even call it 'catching you'. You didn't even know A.C.T. was going to exist when you registered and there are far worse things than trying to raise one's grades. But we no longer have the luxury of the scenic route. One of my primary goals is to have every cadet of . test out of at least one year's worth of courses, preferably get to N.E.W.T."

"The entire class, sergeant?"

"Yes Cadet Granger, because if I can get the entire squadron with a free period A.C.T. can double its daily time."

Harry hesitantly and was very careful NOT to look at Hermione, "Do some of us need to look at dropping classes?" He could feel her head turn and glare at him.

Tonks shook her head. "No, not the way I want to do things. Aurors have always been made of the mages willing to do the hard things. We are already flexing far more than many would like to see. This squadron showing progress on all levels both for Hogwarts and for the ministry will be the best path forward for everyone concerned. Regardless, that is my concern. What is your concern is the reality that I am fully aware that you two founded this group last year, correct?"

"Yes ma'am." they replied.

"Excellent, then you will have no issues assisting with leadership roles within it."

Harry raised his hand. "You'll find out when you need to. For now, " She looked at her watch, "We're coming to the end of the period. Just be aware it's coming and don't be surprised when it does. Get to your next station and be prepared for the work. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Dismissed."

Hermione waited until the doors to the Training Hall and even when they walked past the gym and showers before slapped Harry hard on his shoulder. "Easy O you said!"

"I thought the test was easy! How was I supposed to know this was going to happen?"

"That's not the point! If I have ruined my record because of this I will be so mad! Who does this?! No study time, no pretests, no warm up."

Harry started grinning.

"Why the bloody hell are you so happy?!" she huffed.

"Language," he smiled, "You missed it didn't you?"

'Damn his charm.' She thought. "Missed what Harry?"

"Cadets, consider this your first stress test," he repeated. "Legitimately caught on trying to play an angle, she busted us for it. She's testing to see how we operate under pressure… and with respect … I think I'm beating you." and he could resist… he winked.

"Harry Potter, you… you…!"

"Friend? Mate? Genius? Bloke who set up your first N.E.W.T. completion?" He offered.

Hermione's eyes shot open. Taking a test was one thing, realizing she had completed her first N.E.W.T, nearly 2 years early, shocked her. She fell silent.

"'Mione? Earth to Mione?" Still silent. "Alright, well I'll get you to the next period."

A few periods later they and the rest of the squadron reported back to the Training Hall, where Sgt. Tonks stood waiting for them. "Welcome back Cadets. Stow your gear on the table. Keep your auror manual. Give me a single column down the center line." As they fell in line Tonks took inspection. "Excellent no one quit. Just what I hoped to see. Now as I had assigned chapters 1 and 2 last light, I trust my cadets followed their orders and actually read them. Therefore you should be versed with standard terms and protocols. Let's see how you can interpret them. Squadron, Attention!"

Everyone tried to fall into position, various degrees of success. Tonks walked by each cadet correcting them. "Some of you are wondering what the hell this has to do with the war. Several reasons. First, can you follow orders? If I can't even get you to stand in place right, why the hell am I going to send you into a mission where your mistakes cost lives. Second, attention to detail. Sloppiness can be just as deadly as disobedience. Finally, self control: do you control you body or does you body control you. In the line of duty we will encounter all manors of hell. You need to develop the discipline to control yourself in crisis."

After getting everyone set, "Squadron, At ease!"

The cadets spread their legs shoulder width apart and clasped their hands behind their back. Tonks inspected and corrected.

She ran them through another round, then was satisfied. "Not bad for a Day 2. Yesterday we scryed your elemental alignment, today I want to assess where you are. Everyone spread out. Along the perimeter you will find a target dummies. Choose one and light them up. The purple target is Cadet's Granger's and Granger you are first up with me."

Hermione stayed behind and the rest of the squadron started up. "Granger, what do you have?"

"Permission to …ask a question?"

Tonks smiled. "'Speak freely' is the phrasing you are looking for, Granger, granted. And when we are in a practice setting, generally always."

"Yesterday, we said I was an intellect elemental."

Tonks nodded, "Considering your academic history, it is hardly surprising."

"I have more … moral concerns of mental focused attacks versus traditional physical."

Tonks nodded. "I'm listening, explain further. What makes the difference to you?"

"Physical injury, causes pain and such. But messing with someone's mind, doesn't that fundamentally change who that person is?"

Tonks nodded. "Nice to see your conscious still intact. Two points I will say. First, the kind of spells that can even come close to that are advanced and further down the line for you. Two, I thought you were friends with Harry?"

"You know damn well- sorry sergeant. You know I am."

Tonks smiled. "Actually I appreciate a fighting spirit. Last I knew Harry was known to get nightmares and headaches from Riddle."

"Still does ma'am." Hermione nodded.

"Granger, I'm asking you to return the favor. Not so much to Riddle himself but to any of his lackeys we encounter. I suggest you start with 'mens argentos'. It's a good headache and spell. Work up to confusing and even try to put people enchanted to enchanted sleep. That's what I'm suggesting for you. Purple target has an enchanted jewel in it to be a suitable mental target for you. Brighter it glows, the harder you hit it. '' Hermione nodded and Tonks moved on.

Next in the Sergeant's sights was Ron. "What do you have for me, water boy?"

Ron shook his head and bit his tongue. He was bound and determined not piss off this teacher and she could feel his restraint. "Mr. Weasley, this is combat spell training. So long as you maintain appropriate focus, it is okay to smile and enjoy things, including a bad joke."

"Even one from a superior officer?""

"Especially those." Tonk grinned. "Show me what you have."

"Well… I can successfully make frost." Ron turned to the dummy, "Congelationis." The brown wooden dummy soon glazed over with show white crystals.

"I wouldn't downplay that, cadet. Yes, it may be boring on dummies, but it sure slows down running perps. Now if I may?" Tonks approached the Ron's dummy and with a few waves of her wand she raised small walls around all four three sides of it against the wall. The six foot six foot dummy then stood waist deep in a brick basin. "Mr. Weasley, fill the tank with water please." Ron complied and the water rose to just an inch beneath the edge of the walls. "Excellent, now I want you to focus on 'agumenti figuara'. It seems like a simple spell but the ability to shape and freeze water is ridiculously useful. It is a perfect compliment to a tactically creative mind like yourself…Iceman." Ron cocked his head to the side and smiled at the name.

Tonks clasped her hands as she saw Ginny pelting a target with firebolts from 15 feet away. "Miss Weasley, step back 10 feet, give me five shots." Ginny nodded and did, landing all five square in the chest.

Tonks nodded in approval. 'Potter, Longbottom, cease fire and make a hole for the lady. Miss Weasley, Ten more feet, again." Another five shots square in the chest.

"Miss Weasley, wall to wall, five more shots." Same results. "Excellent! Someone can shoot straight. I'll talk with the Headmasters office about getting an exterior sniper range. Merlin knows we have the ground for it. Come here Weasley."

Ginny smiled and slipped Harry a wink as she walked past to which he smiled and warmly praised. Nice shooting, Crimson"

Ginny reported back to Tonks. "Weasley, clearly you have mastered incindo. When we have the range up I want you on it working on distance shooting. It will make the most sense for you and who ever we assign to flight duty."

"Yes, ma'am."

"As for ground combat spells, move up to 'ardere fluctus'. But I want you with like 20 feet of clearance on it. That wave of fire can be just as lethal as a Killing curse. But, impressive beginning." she summarized as she finally returned to Harry.

Harry was in rapid fire succession pelting his target with stunners. "Wait.. cease fire. Cadet Potter, are you really throwing stunners?"

"Entry level lighting spell, yes ma'am. I am trying to work on my fire rate."

"Exactly Cadet, entry level spells, and you are NOT an entry level student." Tonks smiled and Harry nodded. "In here, go ahead and work on fulgur flagellum. That lightning whip is damn handy in a lot of situations. When we get the exterior rage up I want you with Miss Weasley and I want you drilling fulgur fulmenso.

"Lightning bolt?" Harry blinked, but grinned. "You actually want me to get up to speed on the lightning bolt spell?"

"You are a lightning elemental, I call that a logical next step. Problem?" she looked and him expectantly.

"Not if you are authorizing it, I've just been told that's one of the more powerful and dangerous spells. Your predecessors weren't really keen on me picking it up."

"My predecessors weren't trying to build a tactical squadron. I need some heavy hitters. So far you and Miss Weasley are my front runners." Then she smiled and raised her voice. "Until someone else wants to impress me.. This WAR with Riddle cadets. We are NOT going to STUN our way to victory."

"Now, Potter, lightning whip if you please." Harry nodded as he returned to his station. He couldn't help but grin. "Fulgur flagellum" he said as a coil of sparking white electricity came from his wand. He then started working on his striking. Already a decent aim it was more learning the particulars of the whip. But within a few short minutes he was hitting the dummy regularly.

"Good," Tonks nodded. "Now striking is one thing. But you have a whip. It will take your concentration at first. But you can use it to lasso. Damn handy when chasing perps. Go for the neck… and remember to concentrate."

Harry tried again, not much better. He took a breath and focused, and got the whip to wrap around but, only for a moment. Harry was getting frustrated. So like a patronus he decided to used his emotion. Unseen from anyone a few extra sparks of electricity started to arc in Harry's eyes. "To hell with it." he growled and with a yell he lashed out again strongly wrapping the dummy's neck. The noise and light quicking getting the attention of the rest of the squadron.

"Nicely done Potter!" Tonks agreed.

Still feeling the moment Harry barked at the dummy as he pulled back with a jerk. The lightning whip cut through the neck, popping the head off the dummy like a cork from champagne. It sailed through the air then fell and rolled to the ground between Harry and Tonks. "VERY nicely done, Potter. Ten points Gryffindor for that one." The squad agreed with applause. Harry grinned. He could get used to lightning magic.

Towards the end of class Professor Burbage entered the training hall carrying two packets and gave them to the sergeant and quick departed as the training hall was a much more active environment than what she was used to. Tonks flipped through the papers and smiled. "Squadron, fall in!" Once they did, she smiled, " At ease. Cadets Potter and Granger. Front and center. " The pair guessed what this would be about. Hermione prayed to the powers that be for grade mercy. "Cadets, it is my duty to inform you, you have both passed your Muggle Studies N.E.W.T.s with O's." Harry grinned. Hermione kept from swooning by will power alone. The squad quickly broke into applause. Tonks let it go for a moment as it was well earned.

But shortly the Sergeant took back command. "Now that these two have blazed the trail, the rest of you are following suit. Potter, Granger, I need the rest of the squadron N.E.W.T ready 90 days."

Harry winced, but took it on the chin. Hermione… not so much. "Ninety days?!"

Tonks was expecting that and began pacing in front of the squadron. "Auror work is far more than shooting spells at bastards. MOST of it is academic. Working the case. Book work, using the gray cells between your ears. Welcome to your first case load simulation. Now all questions and concerns I shall now direct… " she stopped and turned on a dime looking straight to Harry and Hermione "... All questions and management of this mission fall to your new tutors, Potter and Granger. Dismissed, but you are welcome to discuss among yourselves." Tonks smiled as she walked out of the Training Hall.

The squadron immediately fell into chatter… and panic.

"N.E.W.T. in 90 days, that's mental that is."

"What is she expecting?"

"How the hell do we do this?"

Harry looked over to Hermione to see she was circling her own panic attack. He looked over the team, a group he largely still considered his own team and he decided, this was not how today was going to happen. With the greatest lung full of air he cut through the chatter. "QUIET!" That got him a moment. "Fall in!" he ordered.

"Um, technically Harry," Seamus pointed out, "You don't outrank us anymore."

Crack! Came a swift swat to the back of his head. Seamus looked around to see a very pissed off redhead with rage in her eyes. "Anyone ELSE who has killed a dragon, dementors, AND a fucking basilisk? What's that? No?! Ya, I think Harry can have the floor. And he just said to fall in!" To which she matched to the center line.

"Now!" Harry repeated, so vehemently it jarred them. Even Hermione head back till Harry stopped her, albeit in a much gentler tone. "Stay 'Mione, Tonks made us partners."

He waited for the line to form. "What the hell was that? A year ago, the lot of you all signed up to make an underground resistance cell. Two weeks ago we charged Death Eaters, and fucking won! Yesterday we all find out we've been selected to be aurors… trained to keep our arse alive and protect the people we care about. Today Sergeant Tonks assigns homework, and we all start bitching? NO!" he started pacing.

"Mione and I took that test cold and aced it. And we're not asking anyone to take it cold."

"Harry," Ernie pointed out. "You two are muggle-born."

"Half the fucking team is muggle born. And thank god for that! I think the muggles have a bit more fighting spirit. Or have we all decided we're going to lay down and let fucking paperwork do us in?" Finally silence.

"Mione, you still pretty solid with that doubling charm?"

"Absolutely." she nodded.

"Well we've got copies of at least one version of the test. I dare say that's one hell of a study guide. Can you make some blank copies?" She nodded."

"Alright, we run everyone a pretest A.S.A.P., See where everyone is at. And 'Mione for this one, E's are fine." She nodded. Everyone plan to go through your current level book over the next month. Do it smart. A quarter a week, break it down to chapters per day. We'll set up study sessions. Based on the pretests we'll see if anyone is close, and if so you get to be rushed to the finish line to turn around and help Mione and I. We will work the problem people. I refuse to let a god damn paper test shake us like this. Questions? No? Dismissed."

The squad fell out far more calmly this time. The quartet came together. "How you doing Miracle?" Harry asked.

She shook her hand. "Better, thank you, I… panicked."

"That's why we're a team babe." Ron said as he rubbed her shoulder.

"Gin, I owe you." Harry acknowledged as she slipped next to him.

"Harry, all I did was remind people." she smiled.

"Oi, now who won't take a compliment. Thank you, Gin. 'Mione, textbooks for the next obviously, but if you can think of anything we need that would help. Say the word and I'll order it. Guys, we can do this. It's a test. It's academic, no Death Eaters, no monsters."

As they left the hall, Sgt. Tonks leaning on the wall by the door, stopped him. "Cadet Potter," she smiled, "Well done."