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The Great Hall had been transformed for the occasion. The long house tables had been pushed against the walls, and a raised platform dominated the center of the space. Banners from all four houses hung from the rafters, and excited chatter filled the air as students packed the makeshift stands that had been conjured around the dueling platform.
Harry found himself wedged between Anna and Hermione in the Ravenclaw section, craning his neck to get a better view of the platform where Professor Flitwick was making final preparations. Despite his recent ordeal, he wouldn't have missed this for anything—especially not when Tonks had made it to the final.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Flitwick's magically amplified voice rang out across the hall, "welcome to this year's Hogwarts Dueling Club Championship Final!"
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Harry spotted Tonks at the edge of the platform, her hair its natural mousy brown but shimmering with nervous energy. She caught his eye and gave him a quick wink, her hair briefly flashing pink before returning to brown.
"Our finalists," Flitwick continued, "are Miss Nymphadora Tonks of Hufflepuff, sixth year—" More cheers, particularly enthusiastic from the Hufflepuff section, "—and Mr. Samuel Blackwood of Slytherin, seventh year!"
Blackwood stepped onto the platform, holding his head high. He was tall with short dark hair, and good-looking; Harry could see many Slytherin girls giggling amongst each other. His dark robes were impeccably tailored, and his wand—Harry caught a glimpse of what looked like dragon heartstring core—was held with casual expertise.
"Bit of an age difference there," Anna murmured beside Harry.
"And experience difference," Hermione added worriedly. "Blackwood was in the third place for the entire Southeast region last summer."
Harry felt a flutter of concern for Tonks, but pushed it down. She'd made it this far for a reason.
"Contestants, please take your positions," Flitwick instructed from his referee's spot at the side of the platform.
Tonks and Blackwood faced each other across the platform, wands raised.
"Bow to your opponent," Flitwick commanded.
Both duelists gave crisp, formal bows—Blackwood's dripping with condescension, Tonks's respectfully brief.
"Wands at the ready!" Flitwick raised his own wand. "Begin!"
"Expelliarmus!" Blackwood called out immediately, his wand cutting through the air in a sharp, practiced arc.
But Tonks was already moving, diving to her left as the red bolt of light streaked past her shoulder. "Protego!" she countered, her wand creating a shimmering shield just as Blackwood followed up with a second spell.
"Petrificus Totalus!" Blackwood's wand work was textbook perfect, the binding curse shooting toward Tonks.
Tonks rolled across the platform, her shield deflecting the curse harmlessly into the air. As she came up, Harry noticed something different about her face—her features had subtly shifted, making her profile smaller, harder to target.
"Clever," Anna breathed. "She's making herself a smaller target."
"Rictusempra!" Tonks retaliated, her wand jabbing forward with the tickling charm.
Blackwood easily sidestepped, his expression showing mild amusement. "Stupefy!" His stunning spell was cast with casual efficiency, forcing Tonks to conjure another shield.
"Protego!" The magical barrier flared bright blue as it absorbed the stunner. Without missing a beat, Tonks followed with, "Expelliarmus!"
Blackwood deflected the disarming charm with a lazy flick of his wand. "Is that the best Hufflepuff can manage?" he called out, loud enough for the crowd to hear. "Perhaps you should forfeit now and save yourself the embarrassment."
Tonks's hair flickered briefly to red—a sign Harry had learned meant she was getting angry—before returning to brown. "Thanks for the advice," she called back sweetly. "Confundus!"
The confusion charm caught Blackwood off guard. His shield charm was a fraction too slow, and the spell clipped his shoulder. He stumbled slightly, looking momentarily disoriented.
"Excellent!" Flitwick called out. "First blood to Miss Tonks!"
Blackwood shook his head, his focus returning. His expression had lost its casual amusement, replaced by something harder. "Impedimenta!" he snarled, his wand moving in a complex pattern.
The impediment jinx was powerful, designed to slow Tonks down, but she was ready for it. As the spell approached, her entire body seemed to shimmer. When the magical effect passed over her, Harry realized with amazement that she had somehow made herself more aerodynamic—her limbs longer, her movements suddenly fluid as water.
"Flipendo!" Tonks's knockback jinx was enhanced by her altered form, and Blackwood had to throw himself sideways to avoid being blown off the platform entirely.
"Protean!" Blackwood shouted, his wand creating multiple false images of himself.
Suddenly there were five Blackwoods on the platform, all moving in different directions. Tonks spun around, trying to track which was real.
"Finite Incantatem!" she tried, but the counter-spell only eliminated one of the duplicates.
Two of the remaining Blackwoods raised their wands simultaneously. "Stupefy!" they called out in unison.
Tonks dove between the stunning spells, but one of them caught her wand arm. She stumbled, her grip on her wand loosening momentarily.
"Now I have you," the real Blackwood said, stepping forward from among his duplicates. "Expelliarmus!"
But as the disarming charm shot toward her, Tonks did something extraordinary. Her entire body seemed to compress and shift, and suddenly she was several inches shorter with completely different proportions. The spell passed harmlessly over her head.
"Rictusempra!" she countered from her new position.
Blackwood, caught off guard by her sudden transformation, couldn't dodge in time. The tickling charm hit him square in the chest, and he doubled over with uncontrollable laughter.
Tonks didn't waste the opportunity. "Petrificus Totalus!"
But Blackwood, even while laughing, managed a desperate "Finite!" that ended the tickling charm just in time for him to throw up a shield.
"Protego!" His barrier absorbed the body-bind curse, but he was breathing hard now, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Getting tired already?" Tonks taunted, her form shifting again. This time she made herself taller and broader-shouldered, projecting an image of greater physical strength.
"Impedimenta!" Blackwood tried to slow her down again.
But Tonks was ready. As the spell approached, she shifted once more, this time making herself impossibly thin. The impediment jinx passed right through the space where she should have been.
"Expelliarmus!" she called out, her wand work becoming more confident as she found her rhythm.
Blackwood deflected, but he was being forced increasingly on the defensive. Every time he thought he had her positioned for a decisive spell, she would shift her form and slip away like smoke.
"Confundus! Stupefy! Flipendo!" Blackwood fired off a rapid combination, trying to overwhelm her defenses.
Tonks's response was breathtaking. Her body constantly shifting—sometimes shorter to duck under a stunner, sometimes sideways to slip between two spells, once even seeming to become temporarily ethereal as a jinx passed through her.
"Protego Maxima!" she called out as Blackwood's final spell in the combination reached her, and the enhanced shield charm not only blocked the flipendo jinx but reflected it back toward its caster.
Blackwood threw himself sideways, barely avoiding his own reflected spell. As he rolled across the platform, Tonks saw her opening.
"Petrificus Totalus!" she shouted.
Blackwood tried to conjure another shield, but he was off-balance and his spell was poorly formed. The body-bind curse caught him full in the chest, and he toppled over like a felled tree, completely rigid.
The hall erupted in cheers. Tonks stood over her defeated opponent, breathing hard but grinning widely. Her hair was cycling rapidly through a rainbow of colors—pink, blue, green, gold—reflecting her excitement and triumph.
"The winner," Flitwick announced, his voice carrying clearly over the crowd, "Miss Nymphadora Tonks!"
The Hufflepuff section had gone completely mad, students jumping up and down and chanting Tonks's name. Harry found himself on his feet, cheering loudly alongside Anna and Hermione.
Flitwick ended the body-bind curse on Blackwood, who climbed slowly to his feet, looking stunned and not a little embarrassed. To his credit, he managed a grudging nod of respect toward Tonks.
"Exceptional work, Miss Tonks," Flitwick said as he joined them on the platform. "Your innovative use of your metamorphmagus abilities made for a truly impressive display."
He produced an elegant wooden box from his robes. "The Hogwarts Dueling Club Championship comes with several prizes. First, this set of advanced dueling texts, personally selected by myself and Professor McGonagall."
Tonks accepted the box with obvious pleasure, her hair settling into a warm golden color.
"Second," Flitwick continued, "fifty points to Hufflepuff House for your outstanding achievement."
The Hufflepuff cheers reached new heights at this announcement.
"And finally," Flitwick smiled, "during the summer holidays, you are invited to attend a week-long intensive dueling seminar conducted by the International Dueling Federation in London. All expenses paid, of course."
Tonks's eyes went wide. "Professor, that's... that's incredible! Thank you!"
As the platform began to clear and students started filtering out of the Great Hall, Harry pushed through the crowd toward Tonks. She was surrounded by congratulating Hufflepuffs, but she spotted him approaching and broke away from the group.
"Harry!" she called out, practically bouncing on her toes. "Did you see that? I actually won!"
"You were brilliant," Harry said sincerely. "The way you used your abilities—I've never seen anything like it."
"Thanks," she beamed, her hair shifting to a pleased pink. "Though I have to admit, for a while there I thought Blackwood had me. He's really good."
"But not good enough," Anna said, appearing beside them with Hermione in tow. "That was absolutely incredible, Tonks. I don't think anyone expected you to win."
This earned an eye roll from Tonks, who mumbled. "Thanks, An."
"Well," Harry said with a grin, "I hate to rain on your victory parade, but I should probably warn you—next year I'll be eligible for the full dueling club season. And next time, there won't be any evil professors or rescue missions to keep me from the final."
Tonks raised an eyebrow, her competitive spirit clearly piqued. "Oh really? Think you can take the reigning champion, do you, Potter?"
"I know I can," Harry replied confidently, thinking of all the Force techniques Anakin had taught him—and would continue to teach him.
"Well then," Tonks said, extending her hand for a shake, "it's a deal. Next year, may the best duelist win."
Harry clasped her hand, grinning widely. "Deal. Though I should probably mention—I've been practicing."
"So have I," Tonks shot back, her hair flashing through several colors in rapid succession. "And I'll have a year's worth of International Dueling Federation training by then."
The Great Hall had been restored to its usual grandeur for the end-of-year feast, though Harry could still picture the dueling platform that had occupied the center of the space just hours earlier. The four long house tables groaned under the weight of the farewell banquet, and the ceiling reflected a perfect summer evening—stars just beginning to twinkle in a deepening blue sky.
Harry sat between Anna and Hermione at the Ravenclaw table, picking at his roast beef while his mind wandered to more pressing concerns than food. Tomorrow, he would board the Hogwarts Express, and then... well, that was what he needed to discuss with Dumbledore tonight.
"You're brooding again," Anna observed, nudging his elbow. "It's very un-Ravenclaw-like. We're supposed to be celebrating potential House Cup victory, not contemplating the mysteries of the universe."
"Though contemplating mysteries is quite Ravenclaw-like," Hermione added thoughtfully. "So really, you're being perfectly in character."
"I'm not brooding," Harry protested, though even to his own ears it sounded weak. "I'm just... thinking."
"About summer arrangements?" Anna asked quietly, lowering her voice so the other Ravenclaws couldn't overhear.
Harry nodded. The invitation to spend summer at Bones Manor was incredibly generous, but he wasn't entirely sure Dumbledore would approve. The headmaster seemed to have very specific ideas about where Harry should spend his summers, and those ideas generally involved Privet Drive.
Though considering how well that's worked out so far, Harry thought with a touch of bitterness, remembering years of cupboards and cold dinners and casual cruelty.
"Students!" Dumbledore's voice rang out across the hall, his tone warm and ceremonial. "Before we bid farewell to another year at Hogwarts, it is time to award the House Cup."
The hall fell silent except for the nervous shuffling of feet and the occasional clink of cutlery against plates. Harry felt his stomach tighten despite himself. He'd never really cared about house competitions before this year, but Ravenclaw had become home in a way he'd never expected.
"The points stand as follows," Dumbledore continued, his eyes twinkling in the candlelight. "In fourth place, Hufflepuff, with four hundred and twelve points."
Polite applause filled the hall, though the Hufflepuffs looked disappointed. Harry caught sight of Tonks at their table, still glowing from her dueling victory but now looking resigned to losing the House Cup.
"In third place, Gryffindor, with four hundred and thirty-seven points."
The applause was notably less enthusiastic from the Gryffindor table. Harry spotted Neville looking particularly downcast—apparently his house had lost significant points over the course of the year.
"Slytherin, with four hundred and seventy-three points."
"And in first place, with four hundred and seventy-four points, Ravenclaw House!"
The Ravenclaw table exploded. Anna threw her arms around Harry's neck, nearly knocking him off the bench, while Hermione clapped so enthusiastically her hands were probably stinging. Around them, their housemates were cheering, laughing, and in Michael Corner's case, apparently trying to start a conga line.
One point, Harry thought with amazement. We won by one point.
"However," Dumbledore continued, raising his hand for silence, "recent events must be taken into account."
Harry's stomach dropped. Oh no. He's going to give Slytherin bonus points for something. Malfoy's about to get insufferable.
"I have a few last-minute points to award," the headmaster said, his gaze sweeping across the hall before settling unmistakably on Harry. "To Mr. Harry Potter, for exceptional courage in the face of darkness, and for choosing to act when action was desperately needed, I award fifty points."
The hall erupted again, this time with mixed emotions. Ravenclaw cheered even louder, while Slytherin looked murderous. Harry felt his cheeks burn as hundreds of eyes turned toward him.
"Furthermore," Dumbledore continued, "to Miss Nymphadora Tonks, for loyalty beyond measure and for facing danger to protect others, I award fifty points to Hufflepuff."
Tonks looked stunned, her hair cycling rapidly through surprised colors. The Hufflepuffs were on their feet again, chanting her name.
"Which means," Dumbledore concluded with evident satisfaction, "the final standings are: Gryffindor in fourth with four hundred and thirty-seven points, Hufflepuff in third with fifty and two points, Slytherin in second with four hundred and seventy-three points, and Ravenclaw in first with five hundred and thirty-four points!"
The noise was deafening. Harry found himself swept up in the celebration despite his embarrassment at being singled out. Around him, Ravenclaws were hugging, cheering, and in some cases crying with joy. Even Hermione had abandoned her usual composure and was bouncing in her seat.
Across the hall, Harry caught sight of Malfoy's face, which had gone an interesting shade of purple. The Slytherin was staring directly at Harry with undisguised hatred, his hands clenched into fists on the table.
Well, that's going to make next year interesting, Harry thought, meeting Malfoy's glare steadily. Though I suppose we were already going to be enemies.
The feast continued for another hour, filled with laughter, congratulations, and more food than Harry thought was physically possible to consume. He found himself relaxing despite his earlier worries, caught up in the genuine warmth of his housemates' celebration.
"I can't believe we actually won," Hermione said for the fifth time, shaking her head in wonder. "By sixty-one points! That's the largest margin Ravenclaw has won by in seven years!"
"Believe it," Anna grinned, raising her pumpkin juice in a mock toast. "To the best first year Ravenclaw has seen in decades!"
"I don't know about that," Harry protested.
"Oh, please," Anna scoffed. "You single-handedly saved the Philosopher's Stone, rescued a sixth-year from a possessed teacher, and won Ravenclaw the House Cup. I'd say that qualifies as exceptional."
And learned to use the Force, nearly fell to the dark side, and developed a mysterious connection to what might be an ancient Sith Lord, Harry added silently. But I suppose those bits aren't really House Cup material.
As the feast finally wound down and students began filing out of the Great Hall, Harry felt a familiar flutter of anxiety return. He needed to speak with Dumbledore about summer arrangements, but the headmaster had a talent for being both available and completely unapproachable at the same time.
"Harry," came the very voice he'd been thinking about. "Might I have a word?"
Harry turned to find Dumbledore standing beside the Ravenclaw table, looking as serene as ever despite the chaos of celebrating students around them.
"Of course, Professor," Harry replied, shooting Anna and Hermione a quick look that he hoped conveyed 'wait for me.'
Dumbledore led him to a quiet alcove near the staff table, where the noise of the departing students was muted to a dull background hum.
"Quite an eventful year," Dumbledore observed mildly. "I trust you're looking forward to a restful summer at Privet Drive?"
And there it is, Harry thought. Straight to the point, in his roundabout way.
"Actually, Professor," Harry said, "I need to inform you about my summer arrangements."
Dumbledore's eyebrows rose slightly. "Oh? I was under the impression that returning to your relatives was the established plan."
Harry straightened his shoulders, meeting Dumbledore's gaze directly. "The Bones family has invited me to spend the summer at their manor. Anna and Susan both asked, and their aunt—Amelia Bones—has confirmed she'd be happy to have me. I've accepted their invitation."
Good, came Anakin's approving voice in his mind. You're not asking permission. You're stating a fact.
"I see." Dumbledore was quiet for a long moment, his blue eyes studying Harry intently. "And you would prefer this arrangement to returning to Privet Drive?"
Harry felt a flash of irritation at the careful way Dumbledore was dancing around the obvious. Just like he'd danced around the question of who betrayed his parents. "With respect, Professor, this isn't about preference. I'm not going back to Privet Drive this summer."
Careful, Harry, Anakin warned. Conviction, not defiance.
"I believe you would be safer in Private Drivey—" Dumbledore began.
"But Amelia Bones is the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Her wards are more than adequate protection." He paused, letting his words sink in. "Unless you think the head of magical law enforcement can't keep one eleven-year-old safe?"
Dumbledore studied him for another long moment, and Harry could see the headmaster reassessing him. "You've given this considerable thought."
"I've had plenty of time to think while recovering," Harry replied, his voice carrying an edge of the anger he still felt about their last conversation. "I've realized that I deserve to spend my summer somewhere I'm actually wanted. Somewhere people don't lie to me or keep me in the dark about my own life."
Something flickered across Dumbledore's face—regret, perhaps, or approval. It was gone too quickly for Harry to be sure.
"Amelia Bones is indeed a formidable witch," the headmaster said slowly. "And Bones Manor has protections that rival those of the Ministry itself." He paused, seeming to weigh his words. "I suppose an arrangement could be made. Perhaps the majority of your summer at the Manor, with a brief return to Privet Drive to... renew certain protections."
Harry's heart leaped. "Really? You will allow this?"
"I would prefer it if you considered it less a matter of my allowing and more a matter of ensuring your safety," Dumbledore said gently. "But yes, Harry. I believe such an arrangement could work."
Don't push your luck, Harry warned himself, but he couldn't resist asking one more question.
"Professor, about the prophecy you mentioned—"
"Ah." Dumbledore's expression grew more guarded. "I was wondering when you would return to that subject."
"It's about me, isn't it?" Harry pressed. "Don't I have a right to know what it says?"
Dumbledore sighed, suddenly looking every one of his considerable years. "You do, Harry. But rights and wisdom do not always align." He placed a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder. "When the time is right—when you are truly ready to bear that burden—we will discuss it fully. I promise you that."
Harry wanted to argue, wanted to demand answers, but instead, he nodded reluctantly.
"I suppose I'll have to trust your judgment," he said, though his tone made it clear exactly how he felt about that.
"Indeed," Dumbledore replied, either missing or choosing to ignore Harry's skepticism. "Now, I believe your friends are waiting for you. Enjoy the remainder of your evening, Harry. And congratulations on Ravenclaw's victory."
As Dumbledore moved away, Harry stood in the alcove for a moment, processing what had just happened. He was going to spend the summer at Bones Manor—with people who actually cared about him, in a place where he was wanted rather than merely tolerated.
And I'm still no closer to understanding the prophecy, he thought with frustration. But at least I won't be spending three months with people I despise.
"Harry!" Anna's voice called from across the hall. "Come on! We're going to celebrate properly in the common room!"
Harry pushed away his lingering frustration with Dumbledore and jogged over to rejoin his friends. There would be time to worry about prophecies and mysterious Sith Lords later. Tonight was for celebrating with people who genuinely cared about him.
And tomorrow, he would start planning for a summer that might actually be enjoyable.
Who knows, he thought as Anna linked her arm through his and began dragging him toward Ravenclaw Tower, maybe this year won't end in complete disaster after all.
Ravenclaw Tower - Tomorrow
Harry folded his school robes carefully, a small smile playing at his lips as he placed them in his trunk. For the first time in his life, he was actually looking forward to summer holidays.
"You're humming," Anakin observed with amusement. "I don't think I've heard you hum since you were ten years old and successfully levitated your first object."
Was I? Harry thought back, pausing in his packing. I didn't even realize.
"It's a good sound," Anakin continued, warmth evident in his voice. "You've grown considerably this year, Harry. Not just in power, but in confidence. In understanding of yourself."
Harry resumed folding his clothes, considering this. I suppose I have. A year ago, I thought magic was just a fairy tale. Now I'm... well, whatever I am.
"You're someone who has friends worth protecting," Anakin replied simply. "That's perhaps the most important thing you've learned."
As if summoned by the mention of friends, the dormitory door swung open and Anna Bones bounded in, her hair slightly mussed from sleep but her eyes bright with excitement.
"Morning, Harry!" she called cheerfully, perching on the edge of his bed. "Ready for the best summer ever?"
"I think so," Harry grinned, holding up his communication journal. "I was just about to write to your aunt, actually. Confirm the arrangements and all that."
"Oh, she's absolutely thrilled," Anna said, waving a hand dismissively. "She's been planning activities all week. Apparently, she wants to take you to see the Department of Mysteries—well, the parts civilians are allowed to see. And there's a Quidditch match in July she thought you might enjoy."
Harry's eyebrows shot up. "She really doesn't have to go to all that trouble for me."
"Are you mad?" Anna laughed. "You saved my life from a troll, and then you saved Tonks from a possessed professor. As far as Aunt Amelia is concerned, you're practically family already."
Family, Harry thought, the word settling in his chest with a warmth he was still getting used to. That's what this feels like, isn't it?
"Speaking of which," Anna continued, "she also mentioned she wants to discuss what happened with Quirrell in more detail. Nothing invasive," she added quickly, seeing Harry's expression. "Just... professional curiosity. She's been investigating his background, you know."
Harry nodded, opening the journal and dipping his quill in ink. "I figured she would be. There were definitely things about that whole situation that didn't add up."
That's an understatement, Anakin remarked dryly. A Sith Lord possessing a wizard alongside Voldemort? I'd say that raises a few questions.
As Harry began writing his letter to Amelia, Anna continued chattering about summer plans. "Oh, and Susan's been practicing her hexes all week. She's determined to beat you in a proper duel by the end of summer. Fair warning."
"I'll try to be appropriately terrified," Harry replied with mock seriousness, not looking up from his writing. "Though I should mention I've been practicing too."
"Wandless magic?" Anna asked, leaning forward with interest.
If only she knew, Harry thought. Though I suppose Force techniques and wandless magic probably look pretty similar from the outside.
"Something like that," he said aloud.
Dear Madam Bones, he wrote, Thank you again for your incredibly generous invitation to spend the summer at Bones Manor. I'm looking forward to it more than I can properly express. Professor Dumbledore has agreed to the arrangement, with a brief return to my relatives' house at some point to "renew protections," but otherwise, I'll be free to stay with your family for the duration.
I'm also prepared to discuss the Quirrell incident in whatever detail you feel is necessary. I understand you've been investigating his background, and I may have information that could be helpful.
With sincere appreciation,Harry Potter
"That's quite formal," Anna observed, reading over his shoulder. "You know you don't have to be so stiff with Aunt Amelia, right? She's not going to bite you."
"I know," Harry said, signing his name with a flourish. "But she's doing me an enormous favor. The least I can do is be polite about it."
And it never hurts to maintain good relationships with powerful allies, Anakin added approvingly. Especially ones who seem genuinely concerned with your wellbeing.
"You're really not going back to your relatives at all?" Anna asked, her voice gentler now.
Harry's expression darkened slightly. "Only for a few days, apparently. Something about maintaining blood protections. At least that's what Dumbledore said." He shook his head. "But mostly, no. I'll be with people who actually want me around."
"Good," Anna said firmly. "From what you've told me about them, they don't deserve you anyway."
Before Harry could respond, there was a knock at the dormitory door, followed by Hermione's voice calling, "May I come in?"
"Course!" Harry called back, and Hermione entered carrying a small wrapped package.
"I wanted to give you this before we all get caught up in the chaos of leaving," she said, offering him the package. "It's just a little something for the summer."
Harry unwrapped it carefully, revealing a leather-bound notebook with his name embossed on the cover in gold lettering. "Hermione, this is beautiful. Thank you."
"It's for your thoughts and observations," she explained, looking slightly embarrassed. "I noticed you sometimes seem to be working through complex problems in your head, and I thought you might benefit from writing them down. It has an expansion charm, so you'll never run out of pages."
That could be useful for recording your Force training progress.
"This is perfect," Harry said sincerely. "Really, Hermione. Thank you."
"You're welcome." She smiled, then sat down on the bed beside Anna. "I'm going to miss you both terribly this summer. My parents have planned educational trips to half the museums in Europe."
"That sounds awful," Anna said with mock horror. "All that learning and culture. How will you survive?"
Hermione threw a pillow at her. "I'll write to you both constantly. You'll probably be sick of my letters by August."
"Never," Harry said firmly. "Besides, I want to hear about all those museums. Some of us are still catching up on the basics of... well, everything."
You're hardly behind anymore, Anakin pointed out. Your magical education has progressed remarkably quickly. And as for your Force training...
I know, Harry replied mentally. But there's still so much I don't understand. About the wizarding world, about what happened with Quirrell, about that prophecy Dumbledore mentioned.
"Earth to Harry," Anna said, waving a hand in front of his face. "You're doing that thing again where you stare off into space and think deep thoughts."
"Sorry," Harry said, shaking himself back to the present. "Just... processing everything, I suppose. It's been quite a year."
"That's an understatement," Hermione said. "You've probably had more adventure in your first year than most wizards see in their entire lives."
And if Anakin's suspicions about that Sith Lord are correct, Harry thought grimly, this might just be the beginning.
The Hogwarts Express
The Hogwarts Express steamed through the Scottish countryside, its scarlet engine pulling them inexorably toward London and the end of Harry's first year. He sat by the window in a compartment packed with friends, watching the familiar landscapes blur past while trying not to think too hard about how much everything had changed since September.
"I still can't believe you get to spend the whole summer with us," Susan said for what had to be the fifth time, bouncing slightly in her seat across from Harry. "It's going to be brilliant! Aunt Amelia's already planning to take us to see the Quidditch World Cup trials."
"That's assuming I survive your aunt's interrogation about Quirrell first," Harry replied with a wry smile. "I get the feeling she's going to want a very detailed account."
She should, Anakin's voice observed in his mind. The more the authorities understand about what they're dealing with, the better prepared they'll be.
Hermione looked up from the book she'd been reading—something called "Magical Theory: Advanced Applications," because of course it was. "I think it's rather exciting that you'll be staying with the head of Magical Law Enforcement. Think of all the insider knowledge you'll gain about how the wizarding government actually works."
"Assuming I don't get arrested for knowing too much," Harry muttered.
Neville, who had been quietly munching on Chocolate Frogs in the corner, looked alarmed. "They can't arrest you for being a victim, can they?"
"I'm joking, Neville," Harry assured him quickly. "Though I suppose stranger things have happened in the wizarding world."
Your dark humor is developing nicely, Anakin noted with what sounded like approval. Though perhaps ease up around your more anxious friends.
"What about you, Neville?" Anna asked, clearly trying to steer the conversation to lighter topics. "Any exciting summer plans?"
Neville shrugged, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Just staying with Gran, mostly. She's got some garden projects she wants help with. Nothing as interesting as Harry's summer."
"Are you kidding?" Hermione said earnestly. "It's said that some plants can produce liquid that can make people tell the truth, and another called Ironlungs produces the same liquid needed for Dark Paper, and —"
"Only you would get excited about homework during summer holidays," Anna laughed.
"It's not homework if it's interesting," Hermione protested. "My parents and I are visiting magical communities across Europe. Did you know that the oldest continuously operating magical library is in Prague? It dates back to—"
The compartment door slid open, interrupting Hermione's impromptu lecture, and Tonks stuck her head in.
"Room for one more?" she asked, though she was already squeezing inside. "The compartment I was in was boring, and I heard actual conversation coming from this direction."
"Tonks!" Susan beamed. "We were just talking about summer plans. Tell us about your Auror training program!"
Tonks settled onto the floor between the seats, her hair shifting to an excited shade of gold. "It's not proper Auror training yet—I've got to finish Hogwarts first. But the Ministry's running a summer program for students interested in law enforcement careers. Two weeks of basic defensive magic, investigative techniques, that sort of thing."
"When do you start?"
"Not for another month. Which means," she grinned at Harry, "I'll have plenty of time to visit you at Bones Manor and make sure the famous Harry Potter doesn't get too comfortable being the center of attention."
"I'm never comfortable being the center of attention," Harry protested.
"Could've fooled me with that dramatic rescue in the dungeons," Tonks teased, though her expression grew more serious. "Speaking of which..."
She wants to talk, Anakin observed. This is important to her.
"Actually," Tonks continued, glancing around the crowded compartment, "Harry, could I borrow you for a minute? There's something I wanted to say."
"Sure," Harry said, following her out into the corridor. The train swayed gently as they found a relatively quiet spot near the window.
Tonks was uncharacteristically quiet for a moment, her hair cycling through subdued colors—brown to dark blue to a soft purple. Finally, she looked up at him, her expression more serious than he'd ever seen it.
"I never properly thanked you," she said quietly. "For what you did. For saving my life."
Harry felt his cheeks warm. "You don't need to thank me. You're my friend. Of course I was going to help."
"But you didn't just help," Tonks insisted. "You risked everything. You went up against a possessed professor and You-Know-Who himself. For me." Her voice cracked slightly on the last words.
"Tonks," Harry said gently, "what happened wasn't your fault. You were trying to protect the school, same as me. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat."
She stared at him for a long moment, then suddenly wrapped him in a fierce hug. "You're something else, Harry Potter," she murmured against his shoulder. "Don't ever change."
When she pulled back, her eyes were suspiciously bright. "Right then," she said, her voice back to its usual cheerful tone. "Enough of the mushy stuff. We've got the rest of the journey to plan how we're going to beat you at your own game next year."
"Good luck with that," Harry grinned. "I've got all summer to practice."
As they made their way back toward the compartment, the train began to slow. Through the windows, Harry could see the familiar outskirts of London approaching.
"Nearly there," Tonks observed. "You ready to face the Dursleys one last time?"
Hardly the last time, Harry thought grimly, remembering Dumbledore's insistence on a brief visit. But he pushed that aside. "I'm more ready to see Amelia Bones put them in their place."
Tonks laughed. "Oh, that'll be worth seeing. Amelia in full official mode is quite a sight."
They rejoined the others just as the train pulled into King's Cross Station. The compartment exploded into activity as everyone gathered their belongings and prepared to disembark.
"This is it," Hermione said, hefting her overlarge bag. "End of first year."
"Beginning of an excellent summer," Anna corrected, linking arms with Harry and Susan and walking out of the train. Soon, they made their way out of Platform Nine and Three Quarters.
"There!" Susan pointed across the platform. "I see Aunt Amelia!"
Harry followed her gaze and spotted the formidable witch standing near the barrier, her official robes making her easy to identify even in the crowd. She looked every inch the head of Magical Law Enforcement—authoritative, competent, and just slightly intimidating.
"And there," Neville said nervously, "are your relatives."
Harry looked in the other direction and saw the Dursleys clustered near a pillar, looking distinctly uncomfortable and out of place. Vernon's face was already approaching purple, Petunia looked like she'd swallowed something sour, and Dudley was staring around at the people wearing strange clothes.
This should be interesting, Anakin observed with what sounded suspiciously like amusement.
"Right," Harry said, steeling himself. "Time for goodbyes, I suppose."
He hugged Hermione first. "Have an amazing time with all those museums," he said. "And write to us!"
"Every week," she promised. "Try not to have too many adventures without me."
"No promises," Harry grinned.
Neville was next, awkward but sincere. "Thanks for... well, for being a friend this year. For helping me believe I could be braver."
"You were already brave, Neville," Harry replied honestly. "You just needed to see it for yourself."
As Neville walked away toward his grandmother—a formidable-looking woman with a stuffed vulture on her hat—Tonks stepped forward.
"My turn," she announced, then surprised him by pulling him aside again. "One more thing, Potter."
Before he could ask what, she leaned down and kissed his cheek, her lips warm against his skin. "Don't get used to it," she said with a wink. "But you did save my life, so you get one per year. And who knows?" Her hair shifted to a playful pink. "One day you might get more."
Harry's face went bright red, which only made Tonks laugh harder.
"Do I get a kiss too?" Anna asked innocently, appearing beside them. "I mean, Harry saved my life from that troll. Surely that's worth something."
"Nice try, Bones," Tonks grinned. "But I think one kiss per rescue is quite generous enough."
"That's discrimination," Anna protested.
Your friends certainly know how to keep you off balance, Anakin observed with amusement.
As Tonks headed off toward the Auror who'd come to collect her, Harry turned to Anna and Susan. "Ready to face the music?"
"Oh, this is going to be good," Anna said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
They made their way across the platform toward where Amelia Bones was standing. As they approached, Harry could see the Dursleys reluctantly trudging in the same direction, Vernon's face growing more purple with each step.
"Ah, Harry," Amelia Bones said warmly as they reached her. "Right on time." She turned to the approaching Dursleys with a expression that was professionally pleasant but unmistakably authoritative. "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, I presume?"
Vernon looked like he wanted to be anywhere else. "Yes, well, we're here for the boy," he said gruffly.
"Actually," Amelia replied smoothly, "there's been a change of plans. I'm Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Harry will be spending the summer under my supervision at my family's home."
Petunia's mouth fell open. "Under supervision? What's he done now?"
"Nothing wrong, I assure you," Amelia said, her tone becoming noticeably cooler. "Quite the contrary. Harry has shown exceptional courage and loyalty this year. We simply feel he deserves a summer holiday with people who appreciate those qualities."
The implication hung in the air like a challenge. Vernon's face cycled through several shades of red before settling on a mottled purple.
"Well," he blustered, "if that's what... that is, if the... magical people think..."
"We do," Amelia said firmly. "Harry will return to you briefly before the start of next term for... administrative purposes. But otherwise, he'll be with us."
"Come along then, Harry," Amelia said, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Anna and Susan are eager to show you the improvements we've made to the garden since Christmas."
As they walked away, Harry could hear Vernon sputtering behind them, but he didn't look back. Instead, he found himself flanked by Anna and Susan, with Amelia Bones leading the way like a general claiming victory.
"You know," Anna said conversationally, "I don't think I've ever seen someone look quite that purple before."
"It's rather impressive, actually," Susan added. "Like an overripe eggplant."
Harry burst out laughing, the sound echoing off the station walls.
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