Chapter 15: Dumbledore Distractions

"What do you think?" Harry asked. He leaned back against the wall with his arms folded and looked at the Weasley Twins.

"Of course we will do it!" George Weasley said. "You were right to approach us Harry, you can't pull that stunt alone."

"This is going to be difficult though." Fred added. "Dumbledore's office is hard to get into. We know, we've tried lots of times."

"He has to protect himself from pranksters." Harry said. "If it's that difficult, then why did you agree to help me?"

"We like you." Fred grinned. "You're okay in our book, and as a fellow prankster, we are obligated to help you out."

"Besides, no one has yet to successfully breach the Headmaster's office." George said. "We'd be legends if we manage that."

"Good." Harry nodded. "What distraction are you planning?"

"You'll see." Fred said. He rubbed his hands in anticipation for the chaos that they will unleash. "But what will you get from Dumbledore's office?"

"A book." Harry said.

"A book?" Fred asked. "You're going to just steal a book?"

"It's important." Harry replied. "It's a rare book that contains vital information."

"That book must be quite important for you to go through with this." George said.

"It is." Harry said. "Besides, if some of the stuff there is interesting, I'll get it too."

"That's more like it!" George said. "I always wanted to get my hands on those silver instruments of his."

"I'll try to get that too." Harry said. He looked at the parchment that contained a rough drawing of the Headmaster's office and added a few details he missed. "Do you think this is all of it?"

"You have a good memory." Fred said, looking at the drawing. He tapped a corner of the office with his finger and said "there's a cabinet here too, I saw it open once before, and there was this really cool basin."

"How many times have you been to the Headmaster's office?" Harry asked.

"A few times." George grinned.

"Harry, the plans we have are only to keep Dumbledore distracted." Fred said. "How will you get past the stone gargoyle? Do you know the password?"

"No." Harry smiled. "But I have another way. I'll show you, if you promise to keep it a secret."

The twins promised immediately, eager to learn more about their new partner. Harry smiled at them and suddenly vanished, and reappeared behind them. He tapped their shoulders, making the Weasley twins jump up in surprise.

"How did you do that!?" Fred asked.

"Wicked!" George said after he managed to regain his composure.

"I've been able to do that before Hogwarts." Harry said. He faded and returned to his previous spot. "Apparently, it's a unique talent. I call it fading. My friend tried to learn it, but couldn't."

"It's not apparating or a portkey." Fred stood up and prodded Harry's shoulder to make sure he was real.

"And wards don't seem to stop me from appearing from place to place." Harry said. "Are you sure your Occlumency shields are okay? I don't want this getting out."

"Give us some credit Harry." George said. "Otherwise Snape would have caught us a long time ago. We just push unimportant memories into the forefront of our mind, like how Professor Sinistra's bum is better than Professor Vector's or how large Rosmerta's boobs are when she leans down."

"In other words, you use perverted thoughts to keep Snape out." Harry grinned.

"That man is immediately repulsed when he sees those." Fred said. "I think he bats for the other team."

"What other team?" Harry asked. "Do you mean quidditch teams like the Holyhead Harpies?"

Fred and George laughed at Harry's question. "I understand why you don't know about that Harry. You're very much a ladies' boy." Fred teased the young thief.

"Not the Holyhead Harpies, those girls are hot. On the other hand, Snape may be a fan of the Chuddley Cannons." George said. "That all male team full of hunky men that don't know how to play Quidditch."

"You mentioned that your friend tried to learn this 'fading' of yours. Is this the young woman you had a quickie with last Saturday?" Fred asked.

"We just talked!" Harry said. Hanging out with Fred and George, whose secret hideout was littered with adult magazines increased his knowledge. "She's a really good friend."

"Uhuh" Fred said, not quite believing what Harry said. He looked at his fellow twin and smirked as their minds interpreted the 'really good friend' as something else.

*****************

"You seem to have gotten out of that mood, Harry." Hermione said. They had just finished their potion's class and she noticed that Harry was back to his normal, relaxed self.

Harry did not bother to reply and only smiled at his friend as his thoughts were on the mission that he and the twins were planning with painstaking care. The prank will involve all houses, to ensure maximum chaos that would buy Harry precious time to search Dumbledore's library for the rare book.

"Are you planning on staying in school for the Holidays?" Hermione asked.

"No, the Delacours wanted me to spend the holidays with them." Harry replied. "Julian told me that we would celebrate Christmas in Marseilles."

"Maybe we can meet up!" Hermione said eagerly. "My parents are going to Paris for a conference."

"We might, I'm not sure about their plans. Fleur can be quite unpredictable." Harry said.

Hermione pursed her lips when she heard the French girl's name. "I haven't asked you yet about her Harry. Do you get along with her?"

"We do." Harry said. "She's pretty funny, though a bit mischievous at times. Maybe we can meet up and I'll introduce you to her."

"That would be nice." Hermione said. "I'm sure it will be an interesting experience."

********************

Harry had just finished tracing the most efficient path from the great hall to the stone gargoyle, estimating the time it would take for Dumbledore to get there. It took him three minutes at a fast pace and thought Dumbledore could get there in five.

He hadn't visited Tonks for a while since the professors had started piling assignments on them and the Metamorphagus auror was busy with her training with Alastor Moody. He missed running around in his animagus form, and decided to transform to have a bit of fun.

Kit ran through the corridors, amazed at the new perspective of Hogwarts from his smaller height. As he rounded the corridor he immediately noticed a strange scent coming in from the opposite side.

"Merrooowrrr"

Kit's ears immediately perked up when he heard the sound of a fellow cat. Suddenly a large cat, female from what he could smell approached him, its ears lowered in suspicion. The young cat tensed and stared curiously at the cat, and recognized her as Mrs. Norris, the caretaker's pet.

Mrs. Norris stared curiously at the younger cat, and deeming him to be safe, she approached him with her tail raised in curiosity. Apparently she liked what she saw when she started rubbing her head and the rest of her body through his in affection. Kit sneezed as Mrs. Norris' tail flicked in his nose, smelling her pungent scent.

Kit was about to run away when Mr. Filch walked around the corner and spotted the two cats.

"What do we have here?" Filch said in surprise. "A stray pet? Why aren't you hunting with the other cats outside? There are lots of mice this season. "

Mrs. Norris stood beside Kit and rubbed her head, this time on his other side, causing Filch to laugh. "Found another boyfriend did you?"

"Meow"

Mrs. Norris agreed. She licked the younger cat's face and looked up to her owner.

"I don't think he is old enough for you yet sweetie." Filch said. "You should wait a few more months... we better get back and patrol. I heard a few rascals running around tonight."

Mrs. Norris nodded and gave Kit another affectionate rub and continued down the corridor with her owner.

"You better hurry up young one." Filch said affectionately as he looked at the young black cat. "Those owls might get all of the mice if you don't hurry."

As the caretaker and Mrs. Norris disappeared around the corner, Kit shivered and ran down the corridor, determined to take a bath, not caring if it was cold this time of night.

***************

December 18, Headmaster's office

"What brings you to visit Hogwarts Lucius?" Albus asked pleasantly. Lucius Malfoy, a prominent and influential member of the Board of Governors had suddenly decided to make an appearance in Hogwarts, just before the end of turn feast.

The Malfoy Lord did not take the offered sweet and sat down on the chair. "I came to check the status of the school Headmaster. As a member of the board of Governors, it is my duty to do so. Are you questioning my authority?"

"Of course not." Albus smiled, though it was not the warm smile he was usually seen wearing when he was around the students. "I was merely surprised at why you would choose to do so at the end of term feast. Usually, the governors inspect the school at March. I cannot help but wonder what your true purpose is for visiting."

"As I said, I came here to give a surprise inspection. You are not hiding anything are you?" Lucius asked. He noticed the bowl of sweets and snagged a piece, making the headmaster look on with disapproval.

"That's my Lemon Drops." Albus said. "We are not hiding anything Lucius. Are you expecting something to happen?" The headmaster's eyes twinkled and he peered at the Malfoy lord's eyes, probing a weakness at Lucius' Occlumency shields.

"Of course not!" Lucius sneered. "I am only worried since I've heard disturbing reports about some students that were attacked."

"Attacked?" Albus' eyebrows rose up in surprise. "I have not heard any such attacks on my students. Except for the usual magical accidents and arguments between students, there is nothing I have received that is out of the norm. I wonder where you heard such rumors, Lucius... I hope this is not another one of your plots to get me removed from my post."

"I only want to ensure that Hogwarts retains its high standards Headmaster. I must confess that I am not convinced that you are still suitable to govern the school. Sadly some of the governors do not see my point of view." Lucius said.

"And I must thank them for their faith in me. I assure you that I have not turned into a barmy old coot like you said in your last interview.'" Albus smiled. "Would you like to join the end of term feast?"

"Narcissa and I have made other plans for dinner." The Malfoy lord said, standing up from his seat. He suddenly grabbed a big handful of lemon drops and stored them in his pocket, to Albus' irritation. "I will check on my son. I'll see you next term headmaster."

As the door to the Headmaster's office closed, the sorting hat's voice suddenly interrupted Albus' thoughts of revenge. He was pondering if it was a good idea to order Peeves to harass Lucius Malfoy as he made his way out of Hogwarts.

"Hehehe I bet you are mad now Albus. He stole your candy! I know how it annoys you when someone takes one without your permission!"

"Shut up Franz." Albus grumbled.

****************

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked. "It's not like him to miss a feast."

"I saw him packing his bags." Michael Corner said.

"He isn't done yet?" Hermione sighed. "I told him to start packing two days ago!"

"You know Harry. He always waits till the last minute." Padma said.

"Good evening!"

The noise in the great hall gradually stopped as everyone looked at the podium where the Headmaster stood.

"Another term has finished. I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and hope all of us enjoy our well deserved holidays." Dumbledore looked at the sea of happy faces, their spirits high as they eagerly anticipated the long break. "Do not forget to finish your assigned homework..."

Albus stopped when a unified groan erupted from the students, causing him to chuckle. "Very well, I shall refrain from mentioning the huge pile of homework that our professors will be expecting you to finish. Let the feast begin!"

"Do you have to do that?" Minerva asked. "Look, I think you ruined Ronald Weasley's appetite when you mentioned homework."

"He should focus more in his studies rather than his food." Snape said. "Have you seen the potion samples he submitted to me?"

"Not everyone is an expert potions brewer." Minerva said from Albus' other side. "You should see young Draco's transfiguration. He still has problems with the simplest spells."

Dumbledore ignored the latest argument from his Potions Master and Transfiguration Mistress and concentrated on his food. As he was about to cut a piece of the turkey, he moved back when the cooked turkey suddenly jumped up and started running down the length of the head table. He looked back and noticed the same thing from the other tables as the large turkeys dodged forks and knives from amused students.

"Impressive animation charms." Flitwick observed. "I haven't seen those in quite a while."

Albus noticed movement in the end of the corridor and he tapped his glasses to zoom in at what he guessed were the culprits for the prank. He was pleasantly surprised to see young Harry Potter laughing with the notorious Weasley twins. The headmaster was relieved to see that young Harry was finally starting to act like the Gryffindor hero he needed.

The animated cooked turkeys stopped in their tracks and fell down on the various tables. The students thought that the prank was over and started laughing and cheering at the entertainment.

Draco Malfoy poked the turkey lying in front of him, wondering what type of charms were used when suddenly smoke came out of the turkey. A moment later the other turkeys started releasing vast quantities of smoke that smelt like they were from stink bombs.

The students and the teachers started coughing and Severus Snape finally lost patience and waved his wand, trying to vanish the Turkey. It was the wrong thing to do, as the turkey suddenly exploded, covering the potion master's hair and robes with pieces of turkey and stuffing.

Unfortunately because of the smoke the students and other teachers did not notice Snape's attempt and tried to vanish their own Turkeys, causing simultaneous explosions on all four tables. The students panicked and ran around the great hall, blind from the thick smoke of the dung bomb.

Albus pointed his wand near his throat and attempted to calm down the students, who by now overturned the tables in their rush to get out of the Great Hall.

"Sileeeence!" Albus immediately coughed as he felt the foul stench fill his mouth. He spat the vile taste and heard McGonagall shriek beside her.

"Who did that? Who did that?" McGonagall demanded as she wiped the saliva on her face with her hanky.

"I think it must be Severus." Dumbledore said. He looked around and sighed in relief when he saw Severus' silhouette at the other end of the staff table, busy trying to remove the smoke with little progress. "There is something in the smoke that resists the vanishing charm."

"Where is he?" McGonagall shrieked. "Spit on me will he?"

"It was just an accident Minerva." Albus tried to calm down the enraged Scotswoman. He suddenly straightened up when he felt the intruder wards in his office go off. "Take over from here Minerva, there is some urgent business I need to attend to."

McGonagall nodded but her eyes continued to look for Snape's silhouette through the smoke. She spotted him and in righteous anger she transfigured the potions master's robes in to something she was sure the students will find entertaining once the smoke clears. She created an air bubble with clean air around her head and turned to the students, determined to restore order.

Dumbledore focused on his familiar and Fawkes sensed his master's need and immediately flamed into the Great Hall. The immortal phoenix tried to sing but like his master, the stench of the concentrated dung bomb smoke got inside his beak. Fawkes tried to fly around the great hall but collided against Lockhart who was trying to find the staff door behind the head table. Gilderoy screamed as Fawkes latched into his hair and ran around, colliding with students and teachers alike.

Dumbledore grew impatient and used his glasses to see through the smoke. Unable to find his familiar, the headmaster ran towards the exit, using the sleeve of his robes to cover his nose and mouth.

As he made it past the entrance to the great hall, Dumbledore yelped when water balloons filled with ice cold water fell on top of him. Usually he enjoyed a good prank or two, and he did not even mind getting caught in the few tricks that the Weasley twins planted.

The timing of this school wide prank however frustrated him, since there was a real emergency that he needed to see too and these traps were just causing him precious time. As he rushed through the corridors, he made a mental note to give the twins detention after this business was done.

************************

"Whose there!" The portrait of Amando Dippet asked when the glass door to the headmaster's private book case opened by itself. "You are not authorized to be here!"

"Is it Peeves?" One of the portraits asked. The other portraits started talking, trying to guess the true identity of the intruder. The young thief grew tired of the portraits and waved his wand and used the same ward he had seen Nicholas used against the fat lady to protect his identity. The portraits could not see or hear him, but he could hear the indignation and shouts of anger in their voices.

"Pssst!"

"Pssst!"

Harry looked up from his search and noticed that the sorting hat was trying to talk to him.

"I know it is you, young thief."

"Hey Franz." Harry said, though he still didn't remove the invisibility cloak in case monitoring charms were in place around the office. "You look terrible."

"Don't remind me." The sorting hat said. "A piece of advice, my young friend. Never allow Hagrid to wash your clothes."

"Is that what happened to you?" Harry grinned. He looked back at the bookcase and started looking for the book the old man needed.

"You need help?" The sorting hat asked. "I'll help you, if you get me out of here."

"Sorry Franz, that will only draw more attention to me." Harry said. "Maybe some other time, okay?

"I'll look forward to that." Franz said. "You better hurry, I sense Dumbledore is coming. You're quite lucky Fawkes is out hunting today, or else you'd be having a much harder time dealing with that over grown turkey. I'm pretty sure he'll help if you if he senses your intentions are good."

"You can sense if Dumbledore's coming?" Harry asked. He moved to the next shelf and started looking at the titles. The books in this shelf looked worn and old and he hoped that the book was in there.

"Of course, since I am connected to the wards." Franz said. "How else will the Headmaster know who is coming to visit him without me?"

"So that's the big secret... Ahah! I got it!" Harry said. The young thief pulled the old tome from the shelf and checked if it had the correct title. Satisfied, he carefully placed it in the pocket of his robes and pulled out Padma's trashy romance paperback pocketbook and transfigured it to look like the old tome. Though not quite perfect, he knew it would serve its purpose as a decoy and buy him time before the headmaster realized the book was stolen.

"You may want to look inside that drawer Harry." Franz said. "I think the envelope in there contains some information that I am sure you will find interesting."

"What is this supposed to be?" Harry stared at the collection of magazines that had scantily clad women on their glossy covers. "Penthouse?"

"Wrong drawer." The sorting hat chuckled. "That's Albus' private porn magazine collection. Pull the drawer on the left."

Harry followed the sorting hat's suggestions pulled out a piece of old parchment with a strange crest on it.

"That's your parent's will." Franz said. "Don't take it though. Just make a copy or else Albus will notice that it's gone."

Harry nodded and absently copied the contents of the will to a piece of blank parchment on the desk while his eyes continued to admire his parents' signatures.

"Kit!" Franz shouted, snapping the young thief from his reverie. "Albus is nearly here! You better get out fast!"

"Oh right! Thanks!" Harry said. He quickly looked around for a suitable souvenir for the twins. When a shiny bowl caught his eye, he made sure it had no tracking charms on it and vanished just as the door to the office burst open and a worried Headmaster walked in.

"Now that's a natural smell. Take a bath Albus, you stink." The sorting hat said.

******************

"You got it?" Fred Weasley asked.

"Yeah..." Harry grinned. "I wasn't able to explore the office thoroughly since the headmaster arrived earlier than we expected."

"Where is it?" George asked. The three stood just outside the entrance, admiring the chaos inside the great hall. The smoke from the dung bombs began to disperse and the professors were now able to restore some sense of order among the students.

"I stored it in my primary safe house of course." Harry said. "I wouldn't want to be caught with that in my person."

"Good thinking." Fred said. "Harry those animation charms on the turkey was brilliant. How did you mange that? That's practically Newt Level!"

"Fred, this is Harry Potter. You think the defeater of You-Know-Who cannot do a simple newt level animation charm?" George grinned as he patted Harry's shoulder. "I'm so proud... our little sex god thief is growing up."

"I'm no sex God." Harry muttered, causing the twins to laugh. "Anyway good job guys, and thank Lee for me will you?"

"I'll pass it along" Fred said. "He used his entire supply of Dung bombs so that we can pull this one off."

"We're not out of the woods yet." George said. He pointed at the great hall and saw the four furious heads of houses walking towards them.

"Crap." Fred said. "We should have hid away instead of observing the prank. But that won't work anyway and we need Harry here with us so that they can't connect us to our real mission. They will eventually blame us for this, like they always do."

"Who knows, maybe we will get off lightly this time. We have Harry Potter with us after all." George whispered. "I'm sure they'll show some kindness."

"You three, in my office. Now!" McGonagall hissed.

******************

"Kindness my ass." Fred grumbled.

"Shut it Fred." His twin said. They had been cleaning the Great hall for six hours straight while the other students slept peacefully after they ate their meals at their respective common rooms. "I never saw McGonagall mad like that."

"Apparently, she's disappointed at me." Harry said.

"Quiet you three!" Filch snapped. "You little rascals are only halfway done. There's much more to do."

The three pranksters chuckled and continued working and after half an hour they heard Filch snoring as the caretaker slept sitting in a chair.

"It's too bad the McGonagall took our wands." Fred whispered. "We could have done this in a jiffy."

"I could go and get it, but I haven't been to her office yet." Harry said.

"At last! Dobby has finally found the Great Harry Potter sir!"

Fred and George looked at the house elf that suddenly materialized in front of them. Unlike the Hogwarts elves, its clothes were worn and dirty and it was obvious its master did not take good care of it.

"That's not a Hogwarts Elf." George said. "Who are you?"

"I am Dobby sirs." The House elf said. "Dobby tried to look for the Great Harry Potter Sir but could not find him!"

"Why are you looking for me Dobby?" Harry dropped the brush inside the bucket and faced the elf.

"To warn you sir... There is an evil plot in Hogwarts sir... to harm Harry Potter!" Dobby squeaked. "Harry Potter must get away from Hogwarts!"

"Who is your master?" Fred asked.

"I am unable to betray my master's secrets!" Dobby said. "Dobby has to punish himself just for coming here!"

"Fred, that looks like the Malfoy's family crest." George pointed to the House elf's clothing. "He must be talking about a plot by Draco or his father."

Harry frowned when he realized how the evil diary ended up in Ginny Weasley's hands. "I'll talk to you later Dobby."

"Dobby cannot do so! Dobby has many chores to do!" The house elf said sadly. "Harry Potter must leave Hogwarts!"

"I was about to leave." Harry said as an idea came to his mind. "I'll be leaving Hogwarts tomorrow, but I might not be able to catch the train because Dumbledore ordered me not to leave until the Great Hall is clean."

"That is terrible news!" Dobby exclaimed. "Dobby will help Harry Potter!"

The house elf snapped his fingers, and from where his bare feet touched the stone, the floor became spotlessly clean.

"Blimey." Fred said. "Can I take you home to the burrow?"

After Harry gave the house elf assurances that he will definitely leave Hogwarts tomorrow the house elf vanished, leaving the three students looking at a snoring Filch.

"Do you think we should wake him up?" Harry asked, pointing to the sleeping caretaker.

"Nah, let's leave him alone." George said. As the three students left the great hall George turned to the young Ravenclaw. "Sit on our compartment tomorrow alright?"

"I'll drop by." Harry smiled. "By the way, the souvenir is in the hideout."

"What is it?" Fred asked eagerly. "You still haven't told us!"

"You'll see."

**********************

"So nothing is missing Headmaster?" Severus asked.

"My monitoring equipment is still functional, and nothing seems to be stolen." Albus said. "Except..."

"What is it?" McGonagall asked. She was worried since she has never seen the Headmaster that sad before in many years. It was disconcerting to see the usually calmed and collected leader of the light pouting and having a tantrum like a young boy.

"My... my lemon drops!" Albus said gravely. "It's gone. Someone stole my bowl of lemon drops."

"That's it?" Snape asked.

"That's it? Severus, I do not think you understand the gravity of the situation! My lemon drops are gone!" Albus said. "The bowl where it is placed is a unique magical artifact. It has a unique ability to replicate any object as long as it is not bigger than bowl."

"It can replicate Galleons?" Severus asked.

"No, not metals, but simple things, like food, books... and candy." Albus said sadly. "Do you know how hard to get lemon drops these days?"

"I have no idea." McGonagall said. "Do you have a suspect headmaster?"

"It must be those pranksters." Severus suggested. "I know they are responsible for this."

"They are responsible for the prank at the feast, but I do not think they had anything to do with this most heinous crime." Albus said. "Two fourth years and a second year are not capable of entering my office, and the three of them stayed outside the great hall during the duration of the prank."

"Yes, we saw those three laughing just outside the door." Minerva said. "Who do you suspect headmaster?"

"A dark wizard." Albus said seriously. "One who is also fond of my lemon drops, and visited me minutes before the feast."

"You couldn't think..." Severus asked.

"I suspect it is Lucius Malfoy." Albus nodded. "He took a handful of my lemon drops right in front of me without asking for permission."

"Enough of this lemon drops business Albus." Minerva said. "Obviously Lucius knew of the bowl's magical properties and wanted it for himself."

"Severus, I want you to visit the Malfoy Manor this break." Dumbledore ordered his spy. "See if you can recover my lemon drops."

***********************

"Where is he?" Hermione yawned. "It's getting late, and if he doesn't get back soon, he won't be able to pack! The carriages will leave in a few hours!"

"I guess he is still cleaning the great hall." Padma said. "Why don't we pack for him?"

"That's a good idea." Hermione agreed. "I'm sure Michael won't mind."

The two girls headed Harry and Michael's dorm and looked around. They heard Michael's snores in the opposite bed and headed to the empty one near the window.

"Harry's very tidy." Padma commented. She noticed that most of Harry' clothes were still properly folded and tucked inside his trunk, and only a few books and toys littered his bed. "Does he even take a bath? His clothes are all properly folded and cleaned, it's like he doesn't even use them."

"Of course he takes a bath!" Hermione said. "Harry smells like strawberries. I know it's unusual for a boy, but I like it in him. "

"Looks like someone is still not over her crush." Padma smiled and nudged her friend's shoulder. "Be careful Hermione, I heard Veela can get nasty if they get angry."

"They're not the only ones who can get nasty." Hermione fought against the blush developing in her cheeks. "Why did Harry decide to pull that stunt with those twins? Everyone knows they're nothing but trouble!"

"What will you do when you get your hands on Harry?" Padma asked. "Kiss him?"

"Well, no." Hermione said.

"Or maybe give him a nice tight hug and get a good sniff of his strawberry scent?" Padma grinned.

"Stop it!" Hermione snapped back at her friend. "It's not funny!"

"It is Hermione." Padma laughed. "You should see your face. You're as red as a tomato... or even a strawberry."

Hermione did not bother to reply and continued packing Harry's books and toys in his trunk.

*****************

"It's okay Kit, Mum's away with some friends. She's coming back in a few days." Tonks said. She scratched her familiar behind the ears and gently placed him down on the couch beside her.

The young cat transformed and Harry sat there smiling at his companion. "How's the training? Sorry I couldn't come with you Tonks, it was the end of term feast."

"Hard." Tonks grumbled. "I just got back in myself. Ever since that fight at Knockturn Alley, Moody stepped up my training."

"I think he's impressed with you Tonks." Harry said. "You're really getting good."

"You think so?" Tonks asked. She removed her boots and placed them on Harry's lap and lied down on the bed.

Harry crinkled his nose when he smelled his companion's smelly feet and covered them with a throw pillow. Tonks saw his face and laughed and ruffled Harry's already messy hair.

"Take a bath Tonks." Harry said. "You stink."

"I'm not the only one." Tonks grinned. "How will you spend your holidays Harry?"

"Julian's going to pick me up at King's cross, then portkey me back to France." Harry said. "Do you want to come along? I'm sure Julian won't mind."

"Harry, I don't speak French." Tonks said.

"Do I look like I could speak another language? The Delacours speak English as a courtesy to me, but I'm slowly picking up their native language. I can understand a few words, but I still find it hard to pronounce them. So will you go with me?"

"I'll think about it." Tonks smiled.

"Please?" Harry asked. "You don't want me to go Kit on you."

"I'm immune to that." Tonks giggled. Her legs suddenly dropped down on the couch as Harry transformed into his animagus form and the young cat leapt into the pillow Tonks was hugging in her chest.

Kit stared at her face with his wide green eyes, with his tail twitching and his ears erect, trying to look cute. Tonks couldn't take it anymore and snatched the young cat from where he stood and hugged him closer to her neck. His whiskers tickled her skin and she laughed aloud. "Okay, okay Kit. Maybe I'm not immune. I'll go with you, let me clear it up with Moody first."

"Mrooow!" Kit said in triumph and leaped off the pillow and landed lightly on the floor. The young cat immediately ran into the bathroom ready to take a bath. He liked Tonks' strawberry shampoo, and he found the shampoo in Hogwarts caused his hair to dry up and stand like he was being electrocuted.

******************

"Harry!"

The Boy-Who-Lived looked up and waved when he saw Julian standing in the platform, smiling at him.

"Is that your guardian?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, that's Julian Delacour." Harry said.

Once he came back to the common room that morning, most of the Ravenclaws, including Hermione, gave him disapproving looks for getting associated with the Weasley Twins. He was expecting harsher treatment from his fellow ravens for causing them fifty house points, but the general consensus among them was that Harry was just caught at the wrong place and at the wrong time. Most of the teachers, even Flitwick, find it hard to believe that the usually aloof and apathetic Raven was in cahoots with the notorious twins.

"Why don't you stay for a moment and greet my parents?" Hermione suggested. "They wanted to see you too."

"Uhhh sure." Harry said. He dragged his trunk with him and greeted Julian and looked at Hermione who was dragging her parents along with her to meet Harry and his new guardian.

After everyone was introduced to each other, Harry saw darkness as a pair of hands covered his eyes.

"Guess who"

"Hey Flour." Harry grinned. His betrothed chuckled and hugged her future husband while her mother and younger sister walked beside her.

"I told you not to call me that." Fleur chided. In retaliation, she decided to embarrass him by kissing him in the cheek, aware that many boys were looking at them.

"I thought Julian will be the only one to pick me up?" Harry asked. He hugged his future mother in law and teased young Gabrielle's nose causing the young girl to laugh and started talking in rapid French. Fleur latched to Harry's arm, missing his long absence from the Delacour manor, and smiled sweetly at Harry's friends.

"Fleur decided to surprise you." Julian said. "And I thought a quick lunch in England will be nice."

"Harry?"

The young thief noticed Hermione was looking at him and he realized that another round of introductions was in order.

"You are Hermione yes?" Fleur smiled at the young girl, looking her up and down.

"Yes, I'm, Harry's best and first friend." Hermione smiled tightly.

"It was a pleasure to meet Harry's little friends." Fleur smiled back, tossing her long silvery hair.

Dan Granger continued to ogle the beautiful Frenchwoman by Julian Delacour's side and he swallowed, mesmerized by her beauty. He looked at Harry's betrothed and grudgingly admitted that Harry was one lucky son of a... gun. The young teen who attached herself to Harry's side was a real looker, with the promise that she will grow into a very, very beautiful woman. And if she inherited her mother's traits, the young woman would have a figure all women will be envious of in the future.

He suddenly realized that his wife was beside him and quickly averted his gaze, relieved that he wasn't caught ogling another man's wife. He patted Harry in the shoulder and gave him a quick wink, subtly telling him that he made quite a catch.

"Yes, I think that will be wonderful." Apolline agreed with Emma Granger's idea.

"What's wonderful?" Harry asked.

"The Grangers has invited us for lunch." Apolline said.

"Good idea. I'm quite hungry." Harry grinned and he took hold of little Gabrielle's arm and headed through the barrier, unaware of the silent war brewing between Fleur and Hermione.

********************

"I thought the practice of betrothal stopped years ago." Emma said. They had finished a very heavy lunch, and the two families were now finishing their desserts. Hermione and Fleur continued to trade looks, while Harry ate to his heart's content and keeping Gabrielle entertained.

"You can do it Gabby." Harry encouraged the young girl.

"Is it alright?" The young girl asked.

"You like it don't you?" Harry asked.

"It will be a nice comb for my doll." Gabrielle agreed.

"I'll give you the thumbs up and when you see that, place that in your pocket." Harry whispered. He smiled when the young girl nodded and he looked around for a distraction.

He noticed a group of loud men from the other table that continued to leer at Fleur and her mother, and Harry decided that they were a suitable distraction.

"Watch this." Harry whispered to Gabrielle and as the waiter moved across them carrying a large tray full of food, he moved his chair and the waiter tripped and crashed into the other table. Everyone at their table stopped talking and they all looked at the commotion where the men from the other table continued to berate the waiter.

Harry immediately gave a thumbs up sign and young Gabrielle nodded and stored the comb like clip used for the napkins into her small bag. Harry beamed, he was so proud. Gabrielle made her first ever heist and she wasn't even caught.

"Good job Gabby." Harry grinned. "Don't tell anyone okay?"

"Oui Harry!" Gabrielle said happily.

"What are you two talking about?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing." Harry said.

"It is none of your business." Gabrielle raised her chin, copying her older sister whenever she turns down suitors.

Fleur laughed and clapped her hands, praising her younger sister and Harry hid his smile in a cough as Hermione looked at the young girl, her mouth wide open in shock.

***************

"Are we ready?" Fleur asked.

"Almost." Harry said as he looked outside the window of the car. "It's that house Julian with the purple mailbox."

"Whose house?" Fleur asked.

"Tonks." Harry grinned. "I asked her to stay with us for the holidays."

"It's a very small house." Fleur observed.

"Not everyone lives in a thirty bedroom palace Fleur." Harry said. "And I like Tonks' house. It has a homey feel to it."

"And what about our house?" Fleur frowned.

"I like your house too." Harry said.

"You should, we are going to live there when we get married." Fleur crossed her legs and looked outside the window of the car. "Where is this Tonks?"

"She's late as usual." Harry said. He leaned across Gabrielle's seat and pushed the horn in the steering wheel, telling Tonks to hurry up.

"Is that her? The one with the... purple hair?" Fleur asked.

A young woman ran across the damp footpath, carrying a bag in each hand.

"What is she doing?" Fleur asked. The young auror trainee looked like she was sliding across the stone footpath as she neared the car, her two arms waving frantically.

"EEK!" Fleur shrieked when the distorted face of Tonks slammed into her window.

"That's Tonks." Harry said.

He got off the car and helped his companion to her feet and dusted the blades of grass and dirt from her clothes. "I see someone's excited."

"Of course I am." Tonks said. She immediately hugged her familiar and for once she started patting down Harry's messy hair. "I've never crossed the channel to mainland Europe before."

"Let's get into the car... I'll introduce you to the Delacours." Harry grabbed the bag in Tonk's left hand and knocked on the end of the car, asking Julian to pop the boot.

"Are you sure they are nice?" Tonks asked.

"Don't worry Tonks." Harry said. "You spoke with Julian over the Floo, and you didn't find him snobby. Besides, he is a master dueler and a retired auror, I'm sure you'll get tips from him."

"I only agreed to this because I wanted to make sure your new guardians are all right. Where is this Fleur of yours?" Tonks lifted her other bag into the trunk and looked at her familiar.

"She's inside." Harry said. "I'm sure you'll get along." The Boy-Who-Lived opened the door for Tonks and the Metamorphagus auror sat down on the empty seat and found herself looking at four pairs of eyes.

Harry moved across her and sat down in the middle seat beside Gabrielle and Tonks shut the door of the car. "Tonks, these are the Delacours, and everybody this is Tonks."

"I'm pleased to finally meet you in person." Julian smiled. He adjusted his rear view mirror and shifted the car into gear and they took off from the street in an instant. "Harry told me many things about you."

"Likewise." Tonks nervously smiled back. She relaxed a little when she felt Harry give her a comforting pat on the knee and fondly ruffled his hair. She looked over Harry's head and noticed a young woman with striking looks giving her the eye, and she raised an eyebrow in question. This must be Harry's betrothed, the French quarter veela girl.

"Can't we activate the portkey here?" Apolline asked.

"I'm afraid we have to pass by portkey control first." Julian said. "So Tonks, Harry here tells me that you are training to become an auror."

"I just started this year." Tonks said. She narrowed her eyes when Fleur flicked her hair in her direction and grabbed Harry's left hand and gently massaged his palm.

"Who is your auror trainer?" Julian asked curiously.

"We call him Mad Eye, but you probably know him as Alastor Moody." Tonks said proudly. She took Harry's free hand grabbed it and intertwined her fingers with his while the poor boy tried to break out of both grips to no avail.

"You must be quite talented for Moody to pick you. He's one of the few aurors in the British Ministry that I actually respect." Julian said. He realized that his statement might have offended the trainee auror and apologized.

"You don't need to apologize Mr. Delacour. Moody always tells me that the quality of aurors has really gone downhill ever since You-Know-Who was defeated." Tonks said. "My boss, Amelia Bones tried to reintroduce the old training course but it was blocked by Fudge and his allies in the Wizengamot."

"How is Amelia?" Julian asked. "The last I saw her was three years ago."

"She's doing fine." Tonks said. "She still joins the dueling exercises from time to time."

Julian laughed and stopped the car as they reached the long line for the car portkey control. "Now that's an opponent I want to duel someday. It looks like we'll have to wait for quite a while."

"We didn't wait this long on our way here." Apolline observed.

"I think we got caught up with the other wizards who are planning to spend their Christmas in the continent." Julian said.

"Papa, couldn't we expand the car? I need to stretch my legs." Fleur complained.

"I'm sorry dear, the enlargement charms will interfere with the portkey." Julian said.

Apolline looked back when she heard her youngest daughter squeal and she saw Harry's animagus form settling down on Gabrielle's lap.

"At least someone will get to sleep comfortably." Apolline smiled.

Twenty long minutes passed and they moved slowly as hundreds of cars waited for their turn to pass through the portkey control station.

Gabrielle slept peacefully, cuddling a sleeping Kit in her arms while Fleur and Tonks continued to exchange looks with one another.

"Yes?" Tonks finally asked while Fleur again gave her a look.

"I am just puzzled why you colored your hair purple." Fleur said. "It is... very unusual."

"It's my favorite color." Tonks replied. She took Kit from a sleeping Gabrielle's lap and gently placed her familiar on her lap.

"What are you doing?" Fleur asked.

"Kit... Harry always sleeps in my lap." Tonks smiled at the sleeping cat. "It relaxes him when I scratch him behind the ears and the nape. See?"

Tonks scratched the spot behind Kit's ears and the young cat purred in his sleep.

"How did you know that?" Fleur asked. Tonks hid a smile when she heard a slight pitch tone in the young witches' voice.

"Kit... I mean Harry's my familiar." Tonks bragged. When he stayed at my house in his animagus form, we formed a familiar bond with each other."

"Well, I'm Harry's betrothed." Fleur sniffed. She tried to remove Kit from the older witches' lap but Tonks stopped her.

"He's sleeping just fine. No need to disturb Kit." Tonks said firmly.

Fleur mimicked Tonk's facial expression and crossed her arms, irritated and bored at the long wait.

"I do not like you." Fleur mouthed to Tonks so that her parents could not hear her warning. "Stay away from Harry."

Tonks grinned and cupped a hand in her ear, telling the irritated Veela that she could not hear her.

"Hmphh!" Fleur turned up her chin, and immaturely stuck her tongue out to the Metamorphagus auror. Her eyes widened when she found herself staring at her own face, and it took all of her self control not to scream in surprise.

The new Fleur had other ideas and decided to push the Delacour heiress' buttons.

"You wouldn't." Fleur harshly whispered. "You wouldn't dare."

The new Fleur did not heed her warning and started picking her nose, to the young witches' irritation.

"Mama!" Fleur shrieked.

"Yes dear?" Apolline looked back at the rear seat.

Fleur looked back and saw Tonks was in her original form and she dropped her shoulders in defeat.

"Nothing Mama, just a bad dream." Fleur said. She gave a nasty glare to Tonks and made a slicing gesture at her throat in warning.

************