The Aftermath

CHAPTER 2: The Surprise Visit

"Tonks!" Harry exclaimed. He didn't expect to see a member of the Order of the Phoenix.

"Care to let me in," Tonks said with a grin. Harry showed her inside the house. He knew that he had to tell his aunt because she would know sooner than later that he had a visitor so he had to inform her anyway.

"Aunt Petunia I have a visitor," Harry called. Both Dudley and Vernon were out. His aunt hastily came out a bit shocked from the intrusion.

"Who came to see you?" Petunia asked grumpily. She eyed Tonks with much dismay. Harry would have had a good laugh with the expression of outmost disgust on his aunt's face.

"Aunt Petunia this is Tonks. She's an Auror," Harry said as he introduced the violet head to his aunt.

"Please to meet you Ma'am," Tonks said but Harry knew that she was just trying to put up a front and that she hated Harry's aunt as much as her aunt despised her. "I won't be staying long I just came here to check on Harry," Tonks added.

The look on Petunia's face didn't change its expression of disgust. "I'll be back in the kitchen," she said before she left Tonks and Harry in the living room.

"She usually serves something for visitors but she hates our kind," Harry pointed out. "So what brought you here?"

"Well, I was assigned to look after you today and you never go out which is good. I'm not supposed to show myself to you, it's procedure you see, but Hermione asked me to check on you. She owled me this morning and told me to see if you're okay," Tonks replied.

"She did that, didn't she?" Harry said. Hermione was all worried again about him. "Well, tell her I'm okay. I'm doing my homework and I'm practicing clearing my mind," he added.

"She'll be happy to hear that. You know she's all worked up with you learning Occlumency. She sent me this book to give to you. I have to say the poor owl that brought this to me was so tired she couldn't even move her wing this morning," Tonks said as she got a humongous book from inside her cloak. She handed the book to Harry. "This should prepare you to be able to do Occlumency. I know that it's effective, Remus has one of those," she pointed out to Harry.

"Well, I'll owl her tonight. How is Remus by the way?" Harry asked. He was worried about him. He was the next best thing to having Sirius.

"He's getting himself all worked up at the Order. I think he's still upset but he's hanging in there and he wants you to do the same," Tonks replied.

Harry knew she was telling the truth it was difficult for Remus to lose his friend and he was still living his life. Harry figured he had to do the same but it was difficult. He still had the gloomy look on his face.

"Hey, why the sad look on your face. Hermione said I should tell her how you're doing. I don't want to tell her you're in a bad mood she'd be worried sick," Tonks declared and it seemed like she was very amused by the thought.

"Well, tell her I'm fine and that I appreciate her help. She doesn't have to do all those things for me you know," Harry said.

"She doesn't have to but she wants to. She's doing it of her own free will. She doesn't care if she gets hurt. She wants to help you Harry," Tonks said in a sorry tone.

"Well, I'm not worth it," Harry said remembering his dream last night about his friends. "Being friends with me can cause her a lot of danger," he added.

"She knows that and she doesn't care. Harry, Hermione is as stubborn as you are. And you are worth it because you're her friend and that's speaking in behalf or her and Ron. Ron by the way is having the time of his life. Quite the business man actually," Tonks, mused. "Offered me two canary creams for the price of one," she added.

"I'm glad he's okay. At least one of us is happy," Harry remarked.

"Ginny says hi too," Tonks said.

"Well, tell her ditto," Harry replied. "Will you be staying here for a while?"

"I'll be here till I get relieved but you won't see who will take my place. Like I said we aren't supposed to be seen but I asked Dumbledore if I could show myself to you just for today, but on regular days I'm well hidden," Tonks explained. "You want me to help you with your homework? I'm good at DADA but I heard a lot about your little group so maybe you don't need my expertise in that department. I'm good with transfiguration too, maybe I can help you with that," Tonks said cheerfully.

Harry liked the idea he had a little company. He had never hung out with Tonks before except for the time she helped him pack for his trip to Grimmauld Place but he realized she was a very nice person, more like a big sister he never had. "I'll just get my things upstairs and we'd start with my Transfiguration Homework. I was actually working on it when you came here. Hermione's really good at this but she's not here so I guess a Metamorphmagus like you who's expertise lie in changing your features will have to do," Harry joked and it was the first time he ever did since he got back from Hogwarts. Harry went up to get his transfiguration books, some parchments, his quill and inkbottle. He went down carrying the lot.

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After almost two hours of studying Harry had finished his essay. Tonks had finished reading it and checking it for errors, which Hermione usually did for him.

"I think McGonagall will be proud of you after she reads this," Tonks exclaimed after she handed Harry the parchments. "I have to say it's almost like the good old days," she said reminiscently.

"I can't believe I just finished one essay in just a day. Hermione would be proud," Harry said imagining the look on her face. He grinned.

"She would really be proud. Well, I have to go my substitute is outside and I'm off to see Hermione.

"Why? Is she in danger?" Harry suddenly felt worried. Tonks understood the look on his face.

"No, she's fine. I just promised her I'd visit her that's all," Tonks reassured him. "You two are so funny all worried about each other. If I hadn't known better I'd say you have a thing for each other," Tonks teased.

"She's my friend and well, I'm just concerned," Harry said but he felt his face glowing a little red. 'She's putting silly thoughts in my head. Hermione and I are just friends,' he told himself.

Harry led Tonks to the front door.

"I better be going now," Tonks said. "If you are in any danger just call us, okay?" she added.

"What do you mean? I'll call out for the Order and you guys will just pop up?" Harry said as he found the idea quite amusing.

"Well, the one looking after you would show up in case you're in danger. Well, just stay out of trouble or let's hope trouble don't come after you," Tonks said knowingly. Harry just gave her a faint grin. "I really have to go. I might be late for duty."

"I thought you were visiting Hermione?" Harry asked out of curiosity.

"Well, I am visiting her and I'll be going off to another mission afterwards," Tonks said in discomfort. "I'd better be off. No more questions, okay?" she said and she went running of like a wild goose being chased.

Harry found it funny but he was too caught up with something. 'She's going to see Hermione? I think she's also being guarded but why?' he thought as he closed the door behind him and started clearing up his school things. He took the huge Occlumency and Legilimency book and put all his other things on top and headed back to his room.

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Harry had finished all his homework. It was a record-breaking event for him actually. It had only been a week. He had planned to get started with his Occlumency training. His first task was to learn how to concentrate he had been doing the exercise every night before he would go to bed and he managed to have three nightmare free nights because of it and the other four were spent talking to Hermione on the phone in the middle of the night. Hermione had informed him through a letter, which he found in the book she lent him that she would try and tap into his mind at night so she could see if he was making any progress.

Harry didn't have dreams with Voldemort in it, but he still had dreams about his godfather's death. Luckily Hermione would be his company in his head.

He had started reading the Occlumency part of the book and noticed that Hermione had given him the right mind exercise for clearing his head and concentrating.

While he was inside his room doing his mind exercise Pig, Ron's owl came flying in. The ruddy bird went swooping over his head and dropping a parcel on top of him in the process

"Ouch! Be careful Pig!" Harry said as he picked up the parcel and the owl extended his little leg for Harry to get his letter. "Thanks go help yourself in Hedwig's cage," he said as he untied the letter. Harry opened the letter and read it.

Dear Harry,

How are you doing mate? I'm having the bloody time of my life here in the Weasley Wizarding Wheezes, 3W for short. I actually convinced the twins to call it that. I'm earning some money to buy me a new broom. I'm hoping I can get a better broom this year maybe a Nimbus 2003 perhaps. I know it isn't as good as your Firebolt. How is your Firebolt anyway? I hope they gave it back to you soon enough. I mean we need the Gryffindor Seeker back. Ginny wants to try out for Chaser and I hope we'd have new Beaters, I mean Fred and George's replacements were really bad. So have you heard from Hermione yet? I've written to her twice but she only answered my first letter. I wonder what she's up to. Come visit me sometime here in Diagon Alley or better yet I'll be back at the Burrow next month and maybe you can join us there. I asked Hermione and she only said she was busy but she said she'll be joining us before school term starts.

('Why wouldn't Hermione want Ron to find out she's helping me with Occlumency?' he thought.)

I hope she isn't spending any time with Vicky?

('What would Ron say if he finds out that Hermione would be spending the next month with me Grimmauld? Would he be upset with us?' he asked himself. He didn't know why but he had a bad feeling that Ron might have a bad idea about him spending some alone time with their other best friend. 'Hermione is my best friend too I think there isn't anything wrong with spending some time with her,' he told himself. It was more like convincing himself that everything is just the same although he knew pretty well that some things did change.)

Harry, I hope you can join us this summer and I know we'll have loads of fun together.

Your Best friend,

Ronald Weasley

3W store Manager

Harry grinned Ron was probably the happiest among the three of them. Actually Hermione really didn't have to drag herself into his problems but she wanted to help him so badly and he couldn't bring himself to refuse her. At first he found the whole ordeal very annoying. He didn't like Hermione lecturing him in his dreams especially when he gets nightmares but later on seeing her with him even only in his mind it was comforting. He really was never alone. He had only blocked Hermione's Legilimens twice and on those nights he had spoken to her on the phone and she was really delighted.

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"Harry," called his aunt Petunia. It was his third week in the Dursley home and he can't wait till the end of the month when he can finally be away from them. "Telephone, hurry up and answer it."

Harry dashed down the stairs. The phone call could be from anyone but he hoped it was someone he really wanted to talk to.

"Hello?" he said. His aunt Petunia was slowly pacing around the living room as if trying to listen to what he was going to say.

"Harry it's me, Hermione," her cheerful voice had boomed from the receiver.

"Nice to hear from you Hermione, not that we haven't talked on the phone lately," Harry said, remembering the many nights they stayed up late talking to each other on the phone. His aunt Petunia raised an eyebrow and went back to her kitchen.

"Guess what Harry? Dumbledore finally agreed that we go to Grimmauld next week. I had to reason with him of course and he said that Remus and the rest of the Order would be happy to have us there only he said that we shouldn't get in the way of the Order's business," she mused. Reading from the tone of her voice she was really excited.

"Great! I can't wait to see you and the rest of the Order," Harry exclaimed. He felt sorry though that Ron wasn't coming with them. "So have you told Ron about this?" he asked.

"Well, I haven't. I just don't want to spoil his fun. I mean he's having a great time. By the way did you tell him?" Hermione asked.

"I thought it was best if you write to him instead. He said you didn't answer his second letter," Harry replied. He wanted to hear what Hermione's reasons were for not telling Ron but he had a slight idea about it but he really didn't want to open it to her.

"I haven't had the time to write him a letter lately because we've been working very hard with your Occlumency. By the way Harry. Dumbledore said I have actually mastered two of the most difficult skills and that is Occlumency and Legilimency. He said this would greatly protect me from harm," Hermione exclaimed.

Harry's expression changed. A thought suddenly came to his head. He couldn't quite put it together but he had a feeling that Dumbledore also wanted Hermione to study Occlumency and Legilimency he just didn't know why.

"Err... Hermione did Dumbledore tell you if you're being guarded or something like me?" Harry asked.

"I never asked him but sometimes when I go out alone I feel like I'm being followed and one time I tried to channel to whoever was following me and I stumbled upon Mandungus. I asked him why he was following me but he didn't say anything. I thought it was best not to ask him again. I tried to ask Tonks but she wouldn't say either," Hermione said.

"But maybe it's just for usual protection. You know even Ron could have someone guarding him too," Harry replied.

"Actually since you brought that up I tried to ask Dumbledore about it but he only told me it was for my best interest. I'm trying to figure out why I guess we'll have to wait till we get to Grimmauld," Hermione answered.

"So how's Vicky?" Harry joked. "He's still writing to you, isn't he?"

"I can't believe you're actually making fun of me Harry. I thought I only have to put up with Ron's immaturity," Hermione retorted. "So have you written to Cho lately? Have you asked her whether she'd want to go out with you again?" she snapped.

"No I haven't but since you've mentioned it I just might write to her. Oh I can't Hedwig's with you," Harry teased.

He and Hermione had been going on like that for a whole week trying to unnerve each other but to no avail they still end up laughing their hearts out. They simply had chemistry. It could have been the fact that they had been friends for quite a while. Hermione could sense if Harry was in a bad mood and would find a way to cheer him up maybe through a phone call or through owl post. Harry on the other hand also found Hermione's constant concern a haven in which he could feel safe where his worries would easily drift off to the back of his head when they talked.

"I know what will convince her to go out with you?" Hermione mused.

"Well, what is it?" Harry said with mock interest.

"Tell her you think I'm ugly and that she shouldn't be jealous of me," Hermione muttered.

"You actually think I'd say that about you just for her to go out with me again?" Harry said in outrage. Cho was a part of his horrid past. She reminded him of things and events that surely made him want to die or disappear. "You know I don't think you're ugly Hermione," he added.

"That's very flattering Harry but I know you like her and she's only acting that way because she thought you were cheating on her with me," Hermione pointed out.

"Well, I hate to tell you this but I'm over Cho. I actually want to move on with my life now and just so you know she isn't actually the type of person I'd like to bring along," he replied.

"Okay, let's just drop that one. I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want to do. Just promise me you won't tease me about Viktor. He's just a good friend," Hermione offered a truce.

"Deal, but may I point out to you the fact that you may see Viktor as just a friend but he sees you as something else," Harry smirked. Viktor Krum, the Durmstrang champion and youngest Quidditch player had shown liking for his best friend. He didn't find anything wrong with it until now. Hermione was after all his best friend and just like Ron he was looking after her best interest.

"Well, if that were true I can't offer him anything but my friendship and beside you need me too much and I would never leave your side just for him or for any guy for that matter. I'm your best friend and I'll be here as long as you need me," Hermione said and you could hear the conviction in her voice.

"I'm really touched Hermione. You're willing to sacrifice your love life for me," Harry said jokingly but he surely was grateful for what Hermione just told him.

"I don't have time for one and beside I don't think any guy would meet my standards," Hermione said.

"You're right, you're too good for just any guy to have and you need someone who'd be as accomplished and as good a person as you are. I don't think such a man exists," Harry admitted.

"Actually I think I know someone but I'm not sure whether he's aware of how capable he is," Hermione said and Harry could hear that she was giggling.

"What's so funny?" Harry asked. He sometimes couldn't figure out his best friend and it doesn't help that she's a girl too. For no matter how understanding she is and no matter how long they have known each other. Hermione still was a mystery that needed to be explored and understood.

"I better hang up Harry. Mum and dad need my help in the kitchen. Try to visit you later, you know what I mean," she said.

Harry knew she'd probably visit him in his sleep again and he had to start with his mind exercises to make it a lot easier for her. The book said that he can actually control whom he would allow to enter his mind and in this case if he willingly would allow someone to enter his mind it would be more relaxing and less stressful to the person who would use Legilimens on him and he could also block the person who might want to intrude.

"Harry, put the phone down. I need you to tend the flower beds for me," Aunt Petunia called out from the kitchen. Harry knew that he would only wait for a week and he'll be back to the wizarding world. A few weeks back he would dread the idea but knowing that he wasn't alone made it more bearable for him.