10

Chapter 10

It started with disappearances. First it was Florean Fortescue from his own Ice Cream Shop. Then someone that really had an impact on the world around us.

Ollivander went missing. No one was able to procure a wand from his shop and had to resort to going to lesser known places. There were others but none hardly as good.

Then came the destruction. Both the Millennium and Brockdale bridges were destroyed. West Country was in disrepair and there were many muggle casualties.

The Giants were the known source, so we know which side they had taken for sure. Thankfully a change on my end had saved a life.

I had sent Kreacher to the Bones' residence some time after the students went home. I made him take with him a portkey for use of escape.

Unfortunately their home was destroyed. Something else unfortunate was the loss of Emmeline Vance.

While I didn't know her and hardly interacted with her it was clearly a loss to the old guard of the first Order. I didn't know enough to save her life in any possible way.

Scrimgeour the rough looking head of Aurors replaced Fudge. His first act was to try and get Harry's support behind the new Ministry rather than just getting things done.

It did not bode well for, Magical Britain not in the slightest. I knew Draco would have been made a Death Eater Jr. before he came to Hogwarts from my knowledge.

It wasn't revealed to me. Snape has been pretty hush hush with me due to spy reasons I'm sure. I also knew that at some point Snape would be taking the vow.

I wasn't sure if Bellatrix would be there after I sent her off. Maybe I should have asked her to spy.

I think that because of the small time task being more of a timer to go off is the only reason she hasn't been discovered or thrown off the curse herself.

Unless she already threw it off. I had no proof of anything, it might still be on or it might just be gone. If it was discovered I wondered what they'd think of my gall.

Dumbledore's had was decrepit. So I think he took care of the ring. That meant he was already dead. The big boss man himself chose to pick up Harry.

Now this is where things became funky. With me being in the position I was, Snape couldn't be moved over.

Dumbledore needed Slughorn to find out how many horcruxes there are. Even if I already knew how many there were.

It was a mission Harry needed to go under to get the picture necessary for next year. So what did Dumbledore do? He pulled Severus back from teaching.

Instead he would just have time to himself brewing and doing Order work. Dumbledore would have a person to help him with his hand.

Snape wouldn't have to teach fools, his words not mine. Dumbledore got Slughorn. I got to keep my job which was cool of Dumbledore. It really was win win win really.

Snape would still need to be part of the school of course just no longer teach. So he'd still be head of Slytherin. He'd also have to do all the paperwork that came with.

I knew Severus loved busy work though, why else would he create brews and spells. Thus Slughorn was successfully recruited to Hogwarts as Potions teacher.

I've yet to meet him even though he has asked to meet as soon as he came to the castle. Our schedules just haven't seemed to click for some unknown reason, hm.

I entered the Burrow at some time after 8 p.m. on the 9th of July. I knocked on the front door twice.

"Who's there?" I heard a slightly fearful Molly on the other side.

"It's me Nymphadora, did you not get my letter I said I'd be here to keep an eye on things for Harry's arrival here."

"What's your middle name?"

"Oh have we started codes already, it's Tonks. After a small familial issue." I tried things she might know about me that only I could know.

"It's really you then." Molly opened the door to her home to me.

"Yes it's really me, though if you're going to start using codes or things only I know." I paused to whisper in her ear, "While I hate quidditch, which is known, what isn't is that I support the Cannons after a gift flag Ron gave me for Christmas one year."

"How kind of you to join in Ron's obsession with such a...special team."

"It seemed cute that he would try to get me to enjoy the game, it didn't work but I rewarded his effort by joining the fan club."

"Go ahead and sit down right here in the kitchen, would you like anything to drink tea maybe?"

"Arthur wouldn't happen to have any muggle soda's would he?"

"Are you a fan of those, maybe I can get one of the boys to pick you up what you want if you're going to be staying here."

"As long as I can pay."

"You shouldn't have to-"

"It wouldn't be fitting for a Head of House to allow someone else to pay for my shopping."

"Fine, dear but don't expect to do anything more than relax while you're here."

"I will do as asked while I am in your hospitality at the Borrow."

"That's right you will." She laughed while leaving me in the kitchen. She came back with a can in her hand, "Will this do?" She placed the can on the table.

"It should do fine." I read the label on the can. 'Irn-Bru'. Seems Arthur was a fan of Scottish Soda. Or maybe it was just the can.

That seemed to sum up my time at the Burrow. I'd help out when it seemed like they needed help around the house. But it was ultimately fun.

I wouldn't describe it as relaxing though. Fleur had been in and out. It seems that she was to be engaged to Bill. I did my best to avoid the two.

It became a sort of fun game of hide and seek. It really got the heart pumping. When it came to sleeping arrangements I got the twins room.

After graduating and having their NEWTs this time. They opened their joke shop in Diagon Alley. Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Which had their house upstairs.

So that was a room for 2 all to me. Ginny was around, she seemed to have a real distaste for Fleur.

It might just be because no one would be good enough for big brother Bill. That's only a theory though. Ron didn't seem to have a problem with her.

He did seem to get over the thrall as well. He asked me once how Fleur fell through for me. I guess it was to try and give me someone to vent to.

I avoided the question well…enough by asking if he planned any maneuvers for quidditch. He reminded me that he was a keeper.

Then seeing the subject change for what it was, he talked about instead the shop his brothers opened and the stuff they sold like the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder.

Two days passed before there was a real change to the Burrow. Hermione had arrived. She was brought by the Knight Bus and seemed to be packed for the rest of the month.

With her was a Trunk for Hogwarts, and Crookshanks as well. She was greeted by Molly right at the entrance so I came out to see her. Molly then went to fetch Ron.

I leaned against the frame of the exit of the kitchen leading to the living room. Crookshanks came running past me. "Well if it isn't the brains of the whole operation."

"Professor Black what are you doing here?"

"Hey we talked about this last year."

"Would Ms. Black work, I only agreed because I was hurt. I was clearly delirious."

"I'm afraid not, if you're going to use Ms. Black I'm going to force you to say 'Ms. Black Head of House Black and Order of Merlin First class'. Like the rest of the masses."

"Ugh...fine, Tonks."

"Good, well I'm here to help watch over the place for when Harry comes here."

"So you'll be here for most of the break until we get back to Hogwarts then?"

"Sure will, I can take your bag and trunk upstairs."

"There's no need, I can carry these just fine."

"Come on, I'll just pop these in Ginny's room and you can go find Ron."

"Okay." She meekly agreed. She held out her bag to me and rolled in her trunk. I levitated the trunk and carried the bag over my shoulder and up the stairs.

I went into Ginny's room and put the bag on the second bed. With the trunk going in front of it. Then headed back down to see Ron and Hermione chatting.

"You mean she's staying here too? Won't that be awkward, one year with her was bad enough." Hermione commented.

"Well she's engaged to Bill now, so they share their room. As for awkward, the only times that's come up are when you notice Tonks trying to avoid her...or when you ask her about it." Ron spoke back.

"Ron you didn't!"

"She pretty much let me know it was off limits."

"Well, I'm glad it didn't go farther than it did. Tonks was too good for Fleur."

"Fleur's fine, and are you implying that Bill is just right for her. Cause Ginny and Mom would fight you."

"I don't know about that, I just know that from the times I interacted with Fleur she was just so rude and selfish."

I walked back and made a noise like I was just finished coming down the stairs to hopefully get them off the topic. Then I walked into the living room.

"So, sixth year for the two of you. It's going to be a pretty interesting year for you lot. I know you two and Harry will be in my class this year. I was wondering what you told your head of house that you were pursuing a career with."

"You don't know?" Ron asked.

"Of course she doesn't that's private information." Hermione told Ron.

"Hermione is right, I don't need to know in order to get you through your NEWTs. I just know that you'll be in my class and I plan to make sure you both pass."

"Well I was hoping to become an Auror like Harry." Ron admitted.

"I can't believe you shared Harry's choice what if he didn't want anyone to know." Hermione was on his case again.

"It's Tonks, I think he'd be fine with it. It's not like you who wants to keep it a secret."

"I want to keep it a secret so that if I change my mind I don't make promises I can't keep.I want my option open."

"That's fairly wise, the more subjects you get high NEWT scores in means more possible offers aside from just what you want."

"You see, I've wanted to keep it to myself as not to limit what people might come to offer me."

"Alright, calm down. Keep it to yourself then. I'm going to go out." Ron stepped out of the house.

"Really sometimes I just want to, ugh." Hermione strangled the air.

"It's understandable on his end he shared it with you, so he feels like you don't trust him."

"He should know that we have eyes on us all the time, it should have been made clear to him last year."

"You two will work it out as always. A fight here a make up later after he has time to think and walk it off."

"What if one time he shouldn't just walk it off, what if one time I need him to take a stance and not come around to it later!" She yelled.

"Uh, I don't know." I put my hands up, "Only you can handle how you want to handle it."

"I really am glad you understand, I want all the options before I make that leap."

"Having you as a student has really proved that if you set your mind to something, you'll do your best at it. Like S.P.E.W. while I disagree with some of it.

You want to make a difference for the possibly abused elfs that end up having to deal with it.

Some kind of regulation where elves just have to deal with being abused because they draw their magic of the Wizards that own them. Almost like a house-elf union."

"Thank you, I know you disagree with me on some of it but you do pay Kreacher now right? I really am glad you are our teacher...and friend thank you Tonks."

"No problem, I'm glad I was able to teach you three. Even if you all drag me on wild adventures. I think life would have been much too boring without it."

"Like last year was boring?" She raised her eyebrow.

"Well maybe I can do without all the curses being thrown at me, I'm only a school teacher after all."

"...I need to talk with you about something."

"Sure what is it?"

"It's about Fleur."

"Uh oh."

"I think it's best if you talk about it."

"Why do I need to talk about it. She's about to be married, to Bill someone I've known for a long time. They'll be great together I know it." I did know it.

"Do you wish that wasn't the case?"

"No, not really."

"Then why are you avoiding her, Ron's told me you have been."

"I just find it awkward. It was only a date, there's nothing to have been. Most of my feelings about Fleur were that she pursued me."

"So you just wanted someone to pursue you?"

"I guess, I didn't have feelings for her. Just that it was nice that someone liked me. It's the first thing I can say comes close to a first relationship. It was nice, I wish I was with someone but it didn't have to be Fleur."

"So what would have happened if Krum asked you to the Yule Ball?"

"I would have been flattered but turned him down."

"Why?"

"Well cause he's kinda boring and I'm not attracted to him."

"So you were attracted to Fleur."

"Yes."

"So if someone else you found attractive asked you to date them you'd say yes."

"I would."

"So if Fleur right now said she'd break it off with Bill to be with you would you date her?"

"No, we went on a thing. It was fun, but I don't want to date her."

"So everyone has been thinking it was a bigger deal than it was?"

"Yeah, I just found it awkward. So I've avoided it."

"Good then I can stop worrying about you and Fleur."

"Yeah, it's not that big a deal to me."

That's how it ended. Hermione seemed a lot more comfortable about talking about Fleur with me around after that. Boy did she complain.

She was part of the Anti-Fleur campaign. Along with Molly and Ginny. Ron, Arthur, and I were fine with her. It was up to Bill anyway, so why rock the boat.

I made a conscious effort to not clam up when it came to Fleur things. I made sure to stop avoiding her to stop people from thinking I harbored secret feelings for her.

Then Harry arrived and it added another person to the Fleur-neutral but basically positive ranks. Fun times had by all for the rest of the summer.

OWLs came Hermione was bouncing off the walls with nervousness. I told her that no matter what she did beyond well at her practical Defence test.

I also told the other two they did very well on theirs as well. I was sure Harry would get an O along with Hermione. I wasn't disappointed by my guesses.

All three showed me what they got, Hermione got 11 O's. Harry only got his O in DADA but passed 7 altogether. Ron's looked much the same as Harry's. I was proud as a teacher.

I did notice that because of Harry and Ron's score that they would not be able to become Auror's.

"Don't worry boys." I said, "I have it on good authority that an E is enough to take the potion NEWT classes." Ron and Harry looked relieved.

July 31st was Harry's 16th Birthday. I got him a Bezoar in hopes that if he needed one he would have it this year. Sadly near the end of the party Remus came with bad news.

Karkaroff was dead. He wasn't a pleasant man but putting a name to a face was still a terrible thing.

Some spirits were lifted on August 1st. When Harry got a letter and badge making him Quidditch Captain.

Two days later we went shopping. I was playing bodyguard which meant I would pretty much let them do whatever while keeping my eyes out for others.

First stop with instructions from Molly was Madam Malkin's. For clothes for the three of them. Inside I saw quite the treat. Draco was being fitted and Narcissa was there too.

"Auntie, Cousin!" I spread my arms wide, "It's been some time, I'm glad I've run into you both rather than the other Malfoy. Last I saw of him he was throwing spells at me and my students here." I gathered the three of them in front of me.

"I'm sorry it came to that Ms. Black." Narcissa bowed at the shoulders.

"Ah, I see you've found out. No need to be so formal, I hold nothing against you two for the crimes of another. Draco what are your thoughts on me getting a tattoo do you think that it wouldn't stay properly because if I shifted?"

Draco seemed to almost grab at his forearm before Narcissa wrapper her own hand around it stopping him. Bingo, poor Draco then.

Conformation and sympathy must have shown through my face, because when I looked into the eyes of my aunt all I saw was greif.

"I don't think tattoo's look great on much anyone." Draco softy replied, "They are permanent, and some people live to regret them."

Translation, "I'm forced to get this to protect myself and my family. Even if I regret this later."

"Well sometimes we get tattoos out of comfort, to remind us of what choices we make."

Translation, "I won't judge you do what you need to, in order to make it through this and survive."

Harry seemed to be itching to go for his wand but my hand digging into his shoulder deterred him.

"Come along Draco, we can find another place to buy robes." Narcissa dragged along Draco after Draco pulled off the nearly fitted robe.

"Send me the bill Ms. Malfoy, I'll cover the cost."

"Yes, Ms. Black." She replied before hurrying out with a stiff Draco in toe.

"What was that about? I'll cover your bill?" Harry asked seething just a little.

"Didn't you pick up on it Harry, they were speaking in code...a not so clever code."

"Hey!" I put my hand over my heart.

She lightly glared at me, "But still a code."

"They were?" Ron looked at me.

"Later." I told him, "All of you need fitted."

So after getting them all fitted we met back up with the rest of the Weasleys. Harry would shoot me looks of question every once in awhile. I'd mouth back a 'soon'.

Then we were at the Twins' shop. Molly, Arthur, and I let the four of them explore as I waited outside for them to be done in the joke shop.

Then when everyone was inside I started walking to Knockturn Alley. I looked for any signs of bright whitish blonde. Then saw Draco go into a shop. I checked the sign.

'Borgin and Burkes' I read. It sounded close enough. Then I waited. I cast a revealing charm every few seconds from outside the shop.I saw three spots next to each other.

I approached the three, "Back to the joke shop now, or I'm going to make sure you are all punished. If you really want to know I'll let you but go back now."

I watched as the three spots went away and heard footsteps walking away. Then I rejoined the rest of the Weaslys as we made our way back to the Burrow.

I made them follow me to my bedroom and silenced the room so no one could hear us outside. "Alright out with it." I gestured to Harry.

"What did Malfoy want at Borgin and Burkes?" He asked.

"He said he wanted something fixed to go along with another thing, he made sure to threaten him in order to get it done. With the...message I received from Malkin's that would be him acting in character."

"So what's this code then?" Ron asked. I looked to Hermione to see if she could really parse it. Though it was pretty simple.

"The tattoo was the Dark Mark."

"So Malfoy is a Death Eater just like his father!" Harry jumped up.

"Not just like his father." I corrected, "He clearly needed to do it."

"You think he doesn't want to be one?" Harry asked looking very unsure of my point.

"No she doesn't, and neither do I." Hermione stepped in, "Both Draco and his mom were clearly on edge."

"Of course they were on edge, Lucius is in Azkaban."

"Voldemort needs someone to fund the Death Eaters. Lucius is stuck in Azkaban as you've noted. Draco has to take his spot. I bet he didn't need to make more than one threat."

"Why don't they just run away if their scared?" Ron asked.

"You heard what Remus said." Hermione spoke, "It didn't work out well for him."

"Just what I'd need more dead relatives." I grimaced.

"Don't you compare them to Sirius, he was worth more than both of them combined!" Harry shouted at me.

"Draco is as young as you, don't think Sirius wasn't just as bad a bully as Draco was." I stepped up to him, "Imagine if your father was a Death Eater pushing off his prejudices onto you. He may be a prick but he's no real Death Eater. Not before he...does what he can't take back."

"You mean he has to kill someone before you think he's a lost cause?" Ron asked seemly unsure.

"I don't think he's capable, he may be a bully but murder in cold blood isn't Draco."

"I don't believe so either." Hermione sided with me.

"Yeah mate it's just too far for even Draco." Ron nodded.

"Fine, but whatever he was up to with needing repaired is suspicious." Harry pointed at us.

"I agree, I will look into it fully." I took away the spell, "That got a bit heated from all of us but I'm glad we were adult enough to hear each other out. Don't worry we'll make sure nothing happens. We always save the day."

Then it was time to leave for Hogwarts. I made a big choice this year to forgo wearing a coat. Instead I wore a black cotton dress that still allowed for movement.

Underneath I wore a long sleeve dark solid pink shirt with sleeves that were purple and white striped. I had purple and black striped stockings.

I still wore my dragon skin boots. My hair I chose to make a deep purple for the start of the year. With changes to come as I felt my way through my time.

I walked down the stairs of the Burrow to eat with the rest of the Weasleys,Fleur, Harry, and Hermione.

"You are wearing a dress? Does zat mean you are expanding your fashion sense because I 'ave just ze idea." Fleur commented while looking at me.

"Dunno about expanding, I just felt like it." I shrugged.

"All the same, would you like to be one of my bridesmaids for ze wedding?"

"Sure, just send me the color scheme when you can, I'll find something."

"Oh wonderful, you will look great of this I 'ave no doubt."

I walked around to an empty chair before going for a lightly toasted bit of bread. I saw Hermione staring at me. "What?" I asked, "Something on my face? Or did something shift away?"

"No I just didn't expect you to wear a dress even if it isn't a formal one, the only other time I've seen you wear one was to the Yule Ball." Hermione looked me over.

"Yeah, just felt like wearing one. Plus I wanted to flip people's worlds upside down when I changed this up. Always fun making them think twice."

"Yes...flip people's worlds." She repeated, "I think you look really...pretty."

"Thanks, it's nice to be complemented so early in the morning. Here's one for yourself you look great in a badge really have the whole perfect prefect look down."

Ron snorted. He was then promptly hit in the arm by Hermione. Then we made our way to the station. I let the rest of them go first and followed them through the barrier.

I told them to board the train and for Hermione and Ron to do their prefect duties. Then because I missed her I stood in my spot. Watching as the people boarded.

I greeted all my second years and up. The first years avoided the strange purple haired adult. It was like old times, but really everything had changed somewhat.

It was seen on the tired parents dropping off their kids. You could see them glad to have them at Hogwarts where they could worry less about them.

Watching them all was a bit hard. There were no big teary eyed moments though. Just smiles and happy goodbyes. Strong faces worn on everyone separating.

Then having done enough of my people watching I hopped onto the train and looked for some of my students. Ginny was sat with a Dean Thomas. Forgot that was a thing.

I explored and found a Neville sitting with Hufflepuffs. I think one was Bones. When I sent the portkey I didn't think either of them knew it was my house-elf.

In any case, it was good to see the youngest Bones talking happily with another student. I other Puff was Hannah after getting a better angle.

After exploring more I saw Hermione doing her rounds. Ron wasn't anywhere to be found. Harry was sitting alone with Luna seeming to be having a humorous time.

Well it was only Harry seeming to laugh. Luna seemed to be doing most of the talking at Harry. It was nice seeing people get along. Luna had a soft smile to her.

I made sure to inform Flitwick about behaviors around bullying Luna as soon as I saw signs start.

Kids always had a bit of a mean streak to them when there was something they just didn't understand. I thankfully got to avoid those types of kids.

Then I saw Ron making his way towards me. He gave me a nod before heading inside the compartment with Harry and Luna. I guess he decided his job was done.

I chose to join the group at that point. After awhile Hermione arrived and joined us too. Once she had just gotten settled the door slid open and Emma Dobbs a now third year stepped in.

"I have an invitation for Harry Potter." She held the scroll out to Harry. He took the scroll and read it.

"It's from the new teacher, I have to go."

"Ah, yes...the Slug Club." I spoke when Harry left.

"The what?" Ron asked looking slightly grossed out.

"It's just influential people Slughorn collects. It used to be a thing he did when he was a teacher here before. I guess he's started it back up."

"I take it he was a Syltherin too then?" Hermione looked at me.

"Used to be the Head of Slytherin House, so that'd make sense. It was before my time obviously so I don't know exactly what it was like."

I then had the strangest feeling I was forgetting something. For the life of me I couldn't remember what. We were pulling into the station and there were no signs of Harry.

The rest of the cabin was clearly starting to worry. Around then is when I started to remember. I didn't expect him to go through with it this time but it turns out he did.

Probably had his nose broken as well. Harry would be spying around and for his troubles he'd get caught out. He just couldn't let things be as they were.

I got up as soon as the train stopped and made my way down the train looking for Draco and other Slytherins.

I saw Draco confidently walk out of one of the doors farther down ahead of me.Then after waiting for people to clear out.

I opened the door where my little cousin had come from. Then grabbed at the floor until I found the cloak. "You really need to tone this obsession down."

I then undid the spell cast on him and conjured a hand towl for his nose. "I wunded da find oud wud Drago was ub do." He said with a proper broken nose.

"Stop talking, I'm going to get you to the castle. We know about how pants I am at healing." I then pushed his back escorting him off the train.

There would be no thestral riding to the castle this year. I found the others waiting for Harry in one of the carriages and pushed him. "Is dat wud dey loog lige?" Harry asked.

He was pointing ahead of the carriage at one of the thestrals. "Yep, now back to silence."

"What's happened with Harry?" Hermione asked.

"A broken nose from snooping, from the looks of things." I told her.

"Mate, we expected you to be wined and dined with powerful people. But here you are with blood coming out of your nose, really throws a guy for a loop." Ron lauged.

"Please don't laugh at him...even if he deserves it." Luna spoke up while the smile and tone never changed in her voice the ice still came out to us.

"Wow, got a fierce protector here." Ron seemed to back off, "It's always the quiet ones that are the scariest." He said to himself.

Then we were at the castle, we weren't the last ones in thankfully. However we did come across a Severus.

Who seemed upset at having to attend the feast when he wasn't even teaching. "What's happened to Mr. Potter's nose?" he asked me.

"Broken for what I can tell, I'm going to take him to Pomfrey to get him fixed." I told him.

"No need." He then pulled out a wand and with a bit of sadistic glee spoke, "Episkey."

There was a crack from Harry's nose as it reset. Harry made an audible groan of pain.

"Now to the feast with all of you." Snape told the students. Then sped walked off to The Great Hall. I shrugged at my students, and then followed after my old potions teacher.

Snape sat next to Slughorn. His other side was empty but I saw Hagrid making his way to it. With the quicker speed I beat him to it.

Then like the adult I was I stuck out my tongue. He seemed to take it well as he now had to take the seat next to the Headmaster. It worked out for us both.

"You must be Ms. Black." Slughorn smiled at me, "It must have taken quite some skill to get the position you're in. I've known a few students that would have…" he paused seemly a distant look in his eye, "Loved to have that spot you're in now."

"Well skill and luck, for me. Along with planning out some things with the Headmaster."

"How wise of you." He then went back to his own thing. Then Dumbledore addressed the school. He informed them of the changes taking place.

Snape would be stepping back as potions teacher but would stay in his position as Head of Slytherin House. Slughorn would instead be teacher potions.

He then warned all the students of the times that were coming. The fact that Voldemort was out there and how new rules would be in place for security and protection.

Dumbledore then dismissed the students sending them off to bed. His hand was hidden inside his sleeve. It really was going to be a harsh year for everyone.

Now the fun bit of classes. Yes. Plans to rattle off years and changes depending on who was in my classes and what they needed.

First Years, same lesson plan as every year. Second Years they just needed to stay the course. It was one of my most average classes.

Third Years needed to cut back on theory and focus on practicals and creatures. Fourth Years I think only half of my class would do well. So I bogged them down with theory.

Fifth Years my most balanced class kept being their balanced selves this year. Though theory of spells seemed to be weakest for them.

That's where the OWLs test would get them if they wanted to stay. So I made sure to focus them on writing many essays for the start of the term.

My Seventh Years were a smaller class that knew theory well, and everyone would at least pass. So I focused them on in class duels.

Now for the Sixth Years, The Golden Trio made it. Like their OWLs told me they would. As well as their drive with two of them to become Aurors.

Neville was in. Dean made it in Seamus did not. Susan and Hannah got seperated, with only Susan making it in. Ernest Macmillan was in my class.

From Slytherin were Daphne Greengrass, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, and Blaise Zabini. They did well with a few of them getting O's.

The year plan for them was to get them used to casting non verbally and by the second semester to not say a word while casting.

As far as creatures we would go into detail on dementors and start on Inferius...fittingly and conveniently enough.

I planned on teaching the class some fire spells that would work best in hopes of later use. Those were my plans for all my years.

On that Monday after my 6th years had already done their lesson. As well as the rest of my years Hermione came into my class to complain to me.

It was a shocking start to the year. "I think Harry cheated!" She came in.

"On what we've not done any tests yet in this class to cheat."

"No I mean in potions."

"Why?"

"He didn't follow the instructions, and even though he's been worse than me at them throughout all of his years. He did better than everyone in our class and won the liquid luck."

"Is Slughorn just giving Felix Felicis out as a prize, he already has more of an upside than Snape has."

"That's not what I want you to focus on."

"Well you think Harry cheated, I think that even if he did, it's not like he's going to become a master at brewing. He just needs to pass to become an Auror."

"It's just frustrating that he did better and got rewarded for being good when he clearly isn't."

"Obviously this is a pride thing, you don't get like this when he does better at DADA than you."

"That's because that's his class, my classes are the one that require studying and for lack of a better word brainy stuff."

"Well, if you get frustrated like this and you need someone to vent at I'm always here. Like I am now, Harry needs all the help he can get with that prophecy looming over him.

He also has to take classes with Dumbledore for some reason, the Headmaster wouldn't tell me. So I assume it's something Order related."

"That's another thing he hasn't told us about the prophecy yet, it's getting frustrating."

"He'll tell you when he feels he's ready don't rush this stuff."

"You're right Tonks. I'm just upset and needed to talk with someone who I know would listen."

"Course I am, and don't worry about Ron. One day he'll really mature and become the man he needs to be." Yes, just like Bill and Fleur things would happen as they needed to.

It wasn't long before Hermione once again came to see me, "What's Harry and/or Ron done this time?" I asked the intelligent witch.

"Nothing, that's the problem." Hermione seemed worried.

"Right go on then explain."

"Well Professor Slughorn invited Harry and I to his club, and Harry didn't want to join so he made an excuse about quidditch.

Now I have to go alone and Ron wants to be invited by Slughorn himself before he thinks about going. He's also using quidditch as an excuse not to go."

"Why does this feel familiar in some way." I said to myself.

"So…" She looked up at me, "I want you to go with me, you're Head of House Black and you are Order of Merlin First Class. Slughorn will eat it up and you can keep McLaggen away from me."

"There it is…" I sighed might as well help out a student and friend, "Sure, I'll be your plus one."

"Excellent!" she clapped, "Thank you so much for doing this, you won't regret going with me."

"I'm sure it will be fine, maybe I can make connections that I may need in the future."

So in the middle of September on Saturday I accompanied Hermione to the Slug Club party. She was right Slughorn ate it right up.

I got to personally meet some of my students and learn a bit about them. Melinda Bobbin was a person I didn't know having graduated the year before me.

Her family owned apothecaries, I made connections with her with plans to forward them to my Mom. A nice supply of thing might be useful for any potions she might make.

McLaggen did indeed try to talk to Hermione a few times. He clearly had an interest in her.

She was not interested in the least and any time he came near she would retreat to my side.

It was very cute how Hermione would take on Death Eaters but be afraid of a boy with a bit of a crush on her.

Though at least Death Eaters just tried to kill you and not just brag about themselves. Though Lucius made the exception of doing both.

The second gathering during the school year was in October around the same time in the month. Hermione seemed a lot less stiff this time around.

She even felt free to try the food there, dragging me along after her. She'd eat a bite of some snack or candy before feeding me things like crystallized pineapple on a toothpick.

It was definitely far better than going to a quidditch game. It helped that Hermione seemed to find her footing making connections too.

She had an in depth conversation with someone I remembered from my school days. I didn't remember his name so I had to ask Hermione when she got back to me.

Barnaby Lee it turned out his name was. His uncle Cecil Lee was in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, or DRCMC.

The third party took place the first weekend of November. This one had music to dance to, it seems Slughorn had connections to Spellbound to get them to perform as a small time albeit private party.

It wasn't like the Yule Ball it was very much a pop group. So there would be no formal dancing. It was more of a club feel than anything.

I still wasn't a great dancer and Hermione seemed to only know how to dance within rules like a waltz.

However we made the best of it I'm sure we looked like we didn't know what we were doing but I'm also sure it looked like we were having a fun time.

The fun times came to an end when on the first Hogsmeade trip came the first attempt to kill Dumbledore by Draco.

It was on November 19th. The results were that Kaite Bell was cursed and had to go to St. Mungo's for most of the year to get healed.

Harry had properly deduced that it was something Draco had purchased. He was wrong about a few facts surrounding it.

After the weekend Ron came to visit me in my office, "I heard something from Slughorn in Hogsmeade."

"Is this about the Slug Club, I heard from Hermione you weren't invited by Slughorn. Sorry about that you're not missing much really plus quidditch seems much more up your alley."

"Well you're right I do have quidditch I just wanted to make sure that Hermione wasn't having any problems at the parties?" He phrased it like a question.

"She seems to be having a fun time from what I can tell, McLaggen has seemed to get the message to leave her alone."

"Good...good, you really have no clue, do you?"

"Clue about what? That Slughorn is only using people for his own goals. Sure I know that."

"...yep, I thought you didn't but you do. Thank goodness." He faked a laugh replying stiffly, "Well I'm just gonna go then, because you already know."

He then left me. He had behaved so strangely, Hermione was right his pride really wouldn't just let him ask Slughorn for a spot.

Monday night was the first one Sulghorn held on a weekday. It ended early I had asked about Ron's behavior. She too agreed he was just being stubborn.

She also shut down my idea to just ask Slughorn to invite Ron. She claimed it'd just hurt his pride further like offering to buy him things.

I knew how Weasleys were about money things so I found the logic in it. Then came the Gryffindor Slytherin game. I went to do my yearly show up.

Draco wouldn't be in this game. I assumed he'd be preparing another plan. Ron played well knowing he was the keeper I watched him with Hermione sitting next to me.

"Harry slipped him liquid luck."

"Nah, Felix Felicis takes over the body in a way. If you watch him he has full control over his movements. That's all on his skills."

I both knew that and knew that Ron wasn't using it as Harry was saving it. It was cheating really.

"You know a lot about potions then?" Hermione asked.

"It was one of my better classes, Snape himself said and I quote 'wasn't a total dunderhead when it comes to potions.'"

"That's basically saying you're great." She paused, "How come you didn't become a potions professor or sell your own potions?"

"While I was a natural at it, I get it from my Mom, it didn't interest me the same way as charms or defense did."

"You really are so smart you know that?" Hermione complimented me.

"Thanks, but they don't call you the smartest witch of her age for nothing eh?" I laughed.

It was then it was announced that Gryffindor won with Harry catching the snitch as usual. Hermione left to go apologize to Ron.

December came, and with it decorations were put up. Ron started dating Lavender Brown. Though I don't think there was as much spite about the choice as before.

Then again I wasn't there to tell, just from the outside looking in, things seemed at least calmer than say Harry and Ron's falling out during their 4th year.

Slughorn was having a Christmas Party. I was going with Hermione again. Harry had asked Luna to another Holiday function, rumors really bubbled up about them then.

The party was in Slughorn's office. When we arrived, Harry was pulled away by Slughorn.

Luna was latched onto Harry's hand and being carried along with the introductions. Hermione had pointed out the Weird Sisters or at least some of them had come.

I didn't remember their looks all that well from the Yule Ball so I took her word for it. Trelawney was also there, Hermione made sure to avoid her.

At some point I felt I heard a big belly laugh from Harry somewhere in the party. Then suddenly I was being dragged down. There was a pressure on my lips.

I looked ahead at Hermione's face who had closed her eyes. After a few seconds she let go of the front of my dress. Then she said in a breathy voice, "Mistletoe."

Right then she took off running out of the party. I looked around for people looking at me or where I was but only found that Snape was dragging Draco out of the party.

I continued my scan and found Luna looking up at me, "It was the nargles that made her do it."

"Right...nargles." I agreed. Then knowing that no one else saw what could have been really bad for me and my career I left the party.

When the Holiday break came I chose not to go with the to the Burrow. In my stead Remus would be the extra defense for the Burrow.

I spent my time going over essays and over moments regarding Hermione. Hermione had sent a letter from her home, explaining that she had a lapse in judgement and knew I wouldn't bring the kiss up.

She explained that she found me inelegant, funny, and attractive but wouldn't act on it knowing that I'd turn her down as a teacher.

When everyone was back from break almost everything seemed to be back to normal. I don't know if Hermione told anyone anything about what happened but I seemed to be in the clear.

Apparition lessons were available for any 17 year olds who wanted to take them. I heard about a splinching that had taken place during lessons.

Then near the end of February I was approached by my would-be admirer, "I need your help."

"y-Yes, sure...Ms. Granger what can I help you with." I opened up the map and looked for anyone nearby.

"Oh stop it, no one suspects a thing. I can also hold myself back...no this is something else."

"Okay, is this about lessons?" I asked a bit worried.

"Sort of...I can't tell you why I want to know, but do you know anything about Horcruxes?"

"What!?" I stood up and locked the door behind her making sure to silence it so no one could hear, "There, you shouldn't go around talking about horcruxes in public like that!"

"So you know what they are, I was thinking to ask you since you told me about Harry's prophecy so you might be able to help out."

"Is this about Harry?" I asked.

"It's about his lessons with Dumbledore, the subject came up and we have no idea what they are."

"Dumbledore didn't explain what they were to Harry?"

"No, he didn't."

"Then I'll ask that you wait until Harry has learned whatever lesson Dumbledore wants Harry to learn. He has a plan and all that. It's a test of some sort I'm sure of it."

"If Harry solves it can you tell me then?" Hermione looked a bit annoyed but understanding.

"Yes, if that's the subject of conversation, it's best to know everything necessary. But for now you'll have to wait. Sorry."

"Thank you To-I mean Professor." And back to awkward it was. She then left the office after silently dispelling my locking and silencing charm.

"Wow." I sighed at her mere flicks of her wand to get rid of them. Yes she's already showing signs of being better than me at charms at least.

That March 1st Hogsmeade trip was canceled due to the cursed necklace that nearly killed Katie Bell.

Ron had been doused with love potion but Harry had used my gift to him to get rid of that. Unfortunately that wasn't the worst of the news. Slughorn had been poisoned.

It turns out my giving Harry the bezor had stopped Ron from drinking the poison. Which Slughorn had to deal with on his own.

He was saved by another bezor which had been in the room with him as Harry had used another bezor to turn in for a class assignment.

Slughorn was then kept in the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts in order to recover. Snape requested a strange change.

"Since my break Slughorn has made the choice to allow in less than stellar students in the NEWT classes. It is my request to instead take on Defense.

I feel that the benefits of my teaching would help in the time coming. I also know that Nymphadora would fill the spot well as a natural potion brewer and teacher."

"This seems needlessly complicated, surely this isn't something you're considering Albus?" McGonagall pressed the Headmaster.

"I can see the benefits of having Severus take over your position, Tonks. I feel this decision should be best left up to you then. As DADA teacher." Dumbledore reasoned with deep breaths. He really wasn't doing well at all.

"Well I guess I can gift it to my teacher for old times sakes. I feel like you'll find most of the students very teachable. I have a whole lesson plan for each class and what they need." I informed Severus.

"I will take it under advisement." Snape looked down at me. So I made myself taller than him. Take that.

So that's how I ended up with teaching potions in the dungeon while Slughorn recovered. I wonder how this sped up or slowed down what Dumbledore needed done.

It also meant having a whole new schedule and plans for each year. It was actually quite thrilling. It wasn't just making potions it was teaching others to.

I got to introduce safety to each class which while very muggle of me I think really made a few of the older students happy.

They seemed to love the idea of not spilling or causing harm to themselves over a simple mistake.

Goggles, masks, lab coats for layers to drop if spilled on, electronic scales, and a shower in case you dropped something on yourself that could be washed off.

It turned into an old chemistry class I remembered taking in another life. It was one of the most interesting times when it came to just teaching alone.

Even if I did flip how it had been done for years. There was always room for innovation.

Harry had gotten injured during a game by McLaggen. The poor guy couldn't catch a break all year. Noses breaking, Draco snooping around, and a cracked skull.

Sadly or not so sadly my position as Potions Master came to a close on March 10th. As Slughorn had recovered enough to come back to teaching.

I don't know if Harry made his move during that time, but he was back in the swing of things. Which included taking on only some of my ideas for safety in his class.

The rest had been binned. I'd seen them being taken out of the school by Filch. It was sad to see. Snape seemed bummed out but resigned.

He also looked a bit happy at having gotten to try at all. I knew what was coming so it was nice to give him some happiness in the days that were coming.

In April Hermione had come to me after class to talk once again. "I've passed my appreciation test!"

She told me joy in her voice then she ran up to me and hugged my middle. I gave her a tentative hug back. I smelled soap and vanilla from the top of her head.

Then the hug went on...and on. Finally I had to clear my throat to make sure she stopped. "Sorry...Tonks, but that's not the only reason I came here."

She had a huskiness to her voice. She then shook her head and turned around locking the door behind her and silencing the room.

"Uhhhhhh?" A confused noise came out of my throat.

"Harry has figured it out, he said it was a soul container. That Voldemort would have created more than one in a chance at immortality."

"Oh right, yes horcruxes are bits of your soul you put into objects, animals, and sometimes depending on how they are split on humans."

"What?"

"Well it's not exact cause it wouldn't be an exact possession like Quirrell. It can only be shared with the other. The only way to create a horcrux is with an exchange of a life for splitting off your soul."

"He also said that Tom Riddle's diary was a horcrux."

"Indeed it was...I think I need to speak with the Headmaster now."

"What?"

"I'm going to leave I've...just figured something out." I was putting my acting skills to use. I then ran out of the class after getting rid of the unlocking charm.

Which I definitely didn't forget was put on and didn't have any trouble leaving the room at all.

I ran up to the Headmasters office who was breathing heavy at his desk. "So I assume the news has gotten to you?"

"The locket, it was Voldemort's soul!"

"That confirms it then, Harry had told me he'd been asked to open a locket that looked like the one in one of the memories I had."

"You already knew that one then? Do you know how many more there are?"

"One from Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor would be my guess."

"Ravenclaw's Diadem, and Hufflepuffs Cup I assume…I don't think it can be the sword of Gryffindor can be the horcrux it was bathed in basilix blood."

"Then you know of the ways to destroy them as well, extraordinary. There was a snake which he used to bring himself back."

"The substitute was a horcrux, he sacrificed his soul to bring his body back." I pretended to put together there that clue.

"I will take Harry with me somewhere I expect another one to be by the end of the year."

"I wish you luck, it will be trapped."

"Yes, I believe so."

Then with those seeds planted for Dumbledore I left him to his suffering. I found myself in my password protected private bathroom crying and dry heaving.

Near the end of the month of April Hagrid brought a giant big fuck of spider onto actual school grounds. It was dead and I knew it was Arogog.

I'm glad the hairy fucker was dead. Someone who wasn't dead was Katie Bell who came back to Hogwarts right after that.

It seems Harry didn't almost murder Draco this time. Only content to fine with just snooping in on him.

I did however confiscate the book from him as I saw him walking around with it and reading from it.

I made it seem like I wanted to look what had him so interested in potions. Then shock among shocks I made it seem like I had discovered his cheating.

I told him he didn't need to worry about me telling Slughorn but that I was still taking it from him. He seemed to glumly accept the defeat.

That night I made a big show of visiting Snape. I told him I'd found one of his books being used by one of his students. I then teased him calling him Prince.

He didn't take well to the name. He kicked me out and asked for the book. I told him I didn't bring it with me.

He seemed disappointed but more interested in kicking me out then getting more information about his lost book.

The Ravenclaw versus Gryffindor game had something I definitely didn't see coming. I wasn't there to watch it go down as I had already gone to my one game.

However it seems I missed something, juicy gossip had spread through the school on the 10th of May.

Luna who had taken to doing commentary did the match in a very bad but entertaining way again.

Then right when Harry caught the snitch he flew right to the commentator herself and in front of the whole school snogged her senseless.

The details about it made me cringe on how much people paid attention to how two other students snogged including form and proper use of tongue.

It was not as side of students I wanted to know or hear about in all honesty. In June exams were held. Everyone seemed to do well.

Hermione, Harry, and Ron were spared from having to take them this year. However, when it got to the end of June. I was quite worried of what was to come.

On the morning of the 30th I knew it was going to be the night of the attack and murder of Albus Dumbledore. So I prepared.

I got a large amount of black powder I had bought from the Twins' shop. I prepared werewolf treatments for when Fenrir showed up and started biting and scratching.

I also stayed on top of all the students' movements. They were not to leave the castle on the last day of the school year. I made sure to make them stay inside.

I found Ron and Hermione with my map. Hermione had Harry's. "You two need to prepare something is off about tonight."

"Harry said Draco had finished whatever he was working on." Ron told me.

"Then it seems that we must prepare for anything to come." I reached around my arm to make sure my quick draw wand holster was secure.

"We can make sure students are ready for something to come." Hermione offered.

"Do it, nothing has gone wrong enough this year. Much like last year it has all really come near the end. However I fear it will be much worse and with more innocents in the way."

The sun had set and it was really starting to feel heavy. The younger students from all houses were in their dorms. While the older students all seemed on edge.

I met back up with Ron and Hermione, "Still nothing but don't let your guard down. It would be perfect for something to happen at night with everyone's guard down."

"Lucky for us we have luck," Ron pulled out a sock, "And all of us know something is coming."

That's when the Dark Mark appeared overhead from the courtyard. There were clearly people running down the stairs from the 7th floor.

"Fuck it!" I spoke as I twisted around Hermione by her shoulders in a dip to give her a kiss that would come before a battle that I knew would happen.

I let the kiss convey as much as I needed to before running up the stairs to make sure there were no students in the Death Eater's path.

There were fifth years on the staircase which I told to retreat down them as I heard cackling from stories above as explosions slammed into portraits.

The first person I ran into was a short heavy set Death Eater. I grew out my nails into points as I charged him dodging spells by shrinking or jumping out of the way.

I ripped at his mask taking it off, blood streaming down where my nails dug in. I didn't recognize him as a person I knew.

I stuck my fingers into the top of his head with my thumbs grabbing hold beneath his cheekbones.

With my hands secure and the man screaming I brought his head nose first into the top of my knee which I had driven upward at the same time.

Then as soon as he dropped to the floor I drew my wand and made sure to tie him up. I then continued my climb making sure to protect any students I saw along the way.

After making sure all the students were in rooms such as classes or cupboards I made my way back down to the bottom where other Order members had arrived.

I saw Fleur fight off one while Bill had her back with another. That's when Fenrir came in he went into get in a scratch at Bill.

I was ahead of him I cast a flash of Lumos Maxima right in the now partially transformed man's eyes blinding him.

Then with my left hand, I reached for my dagger gifted to me by Bill. I pulled it upwards in an angle allowing it to come free with a slice. I watched as blood fell from his throat.

It wasn't enough to kill him with the slash, but the poison in the knife would kill him quickly. No matter what happens after. They lost a great asset.

Then they fled after clutching their arms. It seems that they were being summoned their mission a success. I watched as Hagrid's hut in the distance lit up.

I then started running to where the fire was. I saw Snape and Harry dueling. Harry was outclassed but it kept going. I stepped in as Harry cast a spell I knew the name of.

Snape's on curse. Who deflected it easily. I then moved in as Snape explained who he was. Who owned the book.

Then I cast an exploding charm at the dirt in front of Snape's feet blasting him away. I pulled back Harry and quickly went about putting the fire out.

From the corner of my eye I saw the Death Eaters apparate away after passing the school gates. Harry got up to help me put out the fires. Hagrid joined in with his umbrella.

I listened as Harry explained that Snape had killed Dumbledore. Hagrid didn't believe him so Harry turned to me. I said nothing as we made our way back to the castle.

A crowd had seemed to gather around something. I let them both go to him. I walked away as people all around me mourned for the fallen Headmaster.

I looked up into the sky and saw the Dark Mark blemishing the night sky with it's glowing green glow.

Harry had come to me telling me that he and Dumbledore went looking for the Horcrux in a cave.

How they had arrived at the destination only to find a locket similar to the one he had helped destroy.

About how Dumbledore then stood there pondering what to do next before they had to fly back and saw the Dark Mark over head.

How their mission had been for nothing and it ended with Dumbledore dying. I did my best to comfort him.

I told him that we only needed to find what needed to be found and carry out his last mission. It seems Dumbledore did not tell Harry that I had figured out a few things.

I made sure to hand Harry off to Luna as she took him to the Hospital Wing. I followed slowly behind as they made their way.

At the Hospital Wing I saw an injured Flitwick and Neville. I saw my students, Lupin, Bill, and Fleur all standing next to each other talking.

Harry then joined them. As they all mourned together at the death of Albus Dumbledore. I stood back at the entrance and watched them all grieve.

Outside I heard the singing of what could only be Fawkes. Mcgonagall passed by me walking up to Harry to question him. He explained how it happened with Snape.

They talked about the Death Eater losses with the biggest loss being that of Fenrir. It also seemed that Flitwick was only stunned.

They put together that it was Snape as well. Then Arthur and Molly arrived they looked over their children as if looking for scratches and major injuries that weren't there.

Fleur had dragged me over to Molly as they both embraced me in a wet tear soaked hug. Thanking me for my stepping in. Bill grimaced but flashed me a thumbs up.

I watched as McGonagall brought Harry out of the room for more clarification. I made plans to go up after to talk with the possible new Headmistress?

I waited at tick then broke free from the two and left them to each other. I then ran up the stairs until I was outside the stairs that led to the Headmasters office.

I waited for Harry to leave before going up myself. "Nymphadora, we plan to be open next year. We also plan...if the Ministry allows it a funeral here before the students go home for the year."

"That sounds lovely I'll be sure to come to the funeral. However I would like to resign from my post as DADA teacher."

"What? Is it because of Dumbledore? Snape?"

"A mix of a lot of things, I just know that next year I can't be here to teach. It will be a break that I very much need to take."

"While I can't exactly stop you I wish you would reconsider."

"I can't change my mind. I thank you for trying to convince me but I feel like I'd be better suited for Order work outside the castle."

I then made my exit from the room and went to my chambers. I levitated my trunk and started filling it with my things. My pictures, my notes, my gifts from over the years.

I decided to leave behind the basilisk skull and other fitting items around the room for whatever happened here next if they even used this room at all.

Hermione came running up the stairs to my office. As I was putting my final things away.

"What are you doing in here?"

"Packing up." I pulled out a few books from my bookshelf to put them into my ever filling trunk.

"Why?" She asked.

"To leave the school, I've decided to stop teaching."

"You're leaving."

"Well not until after the funeral, then I'm going to live at Grimmauld place. Where the Order and others will be free to come within reason."

"It's not because of the kiss is it?"

"No, even though I kissed you as a teacher before a battle filled with witnesses, it's not because of the kiss. I assure you.It's because out there I know that there are horcruxes. And I need to spend as much time as I can to find them "

"When will I see you again, after Professor Dumbledore's funeral tomorrow?" She seemed worried.

"Probably at Bill and Fleur's wedding." I informed her, "Don't worry you know where I live if the three of you need help…at any point in the future."

"If your not a teacher anymore…?" She left it in the air.

"If this is something you want to willing pursue then I won't be against it. Just know that I have hard lines that cannot be crossed."

"Oh thank you." She ran at me I was almost thrown off balance as she jumped at me. Her legs wrapped around my waist as her arms went around my neck and shoulders.

Hermione kissed me once as a peck, twice a bit longer, and a third she held against. I carried her weight as she explored my bottom lip with her tongue.

Then when she explored enough there she pressed in the middle asking for passage which I allowed. There were tentative touches as both of us met.

Then she coaxed my own tongue out past my lips. She put her mouth around it as she sucked lightly on it. I let out a squeak at the new sensation.

I didn't even know people did that when they kissed. Most of my experiences only went as far as a wee tiny bit of frenching. I had to stop her when I got really light headed.

I pulled away my head from hers, "We need to stop, and I need to clear my head right now."

"y-Yes, I think that's for the best." She nodded and her hair tickled my face. I slowly let her down as she slid off from me I was acutely aware of how we touched.

"I'll see you tomorrow Hermione."

"I'll see you too." She spoke with a lot of air that made her voice barely more than a whisper.

The funeral was attended by many, there were hundreds of golden chairs that faced the Black Lake. Hermione, Harry, and Ron sat at the front with Harry leaning all the closer.

Cornelius Fudge, Rufus Scrimgeour, and Percy Weasley were the Ministry representation who sat on the other side of the aisle in the front row.

Hagrid and Madame Maxime sat next to each other overlooking the lake with their height. Aberforth I saw near the back of the funeral watching on.

Every single student currently enrolled was there...skipping the few that had to leave and those that refused to be there.

The Merpeople of the Black Lake watched from the water. The ghosts and staff were there of course. The Order were scattered around the seats. The Weasleys with Fleur.

Whole groups I couldn't name, even if I knew their names, their numbers were too great. Hagrid carried a purple velvet star covered sheet that held Albus Dumbledore inside.

A man in black performed the service, but it really wasn't enough to sum up all Dumbledore had done for the world.

The ceremony ended with white flames that became marble that encased the body of Albus and became his tomb. I watched as the crowd seemed to move away.

Hermione, Harry, and Ron walked away talking to each other at some point I didn't see when they stood up through the crowd.

Then an hour after the funeral the Hogwarts Express left the station heading back to the world.