The Dark Phoenix

Even though Hermione was better, she was still not her old self. And it was not beyond a group of Slytherin girls to taunt her while Hermione made her Prefect rounds.

Whispering amongst themselves but making sure there conversation could still be overheard as they followed Hermione down the corridor.

"That's the Gryffindor freak ahead of us," said Pansy Parkinson to a sixth year Slytherin.

"Really? I thought she was supposed to be dead. Killed by a Death Eater, oh my. Amazing though she's still walking around, if she's supposed to be dead."

"Dead, or alive? How could you possibly tell the difference. She'd look the same wouldn't she?" The Slytherins giggled. Then one of them let slip out, "Filthy Mudblood." That set off oh's and ooo's

that were followed with more giggles. Hermione stopped in her tracks as though she were staring at something in the floor ahead of her. She turned slowly around facing her mockers.

"What are you going to do Granger? Take away some points? Draco's a Prefect too. He'll…." She didn't finish amongst the gasps from everyone.

"Merlin - Look at her eyes. They're all gray."

"Told ya she was a freak."

"So what's the matter Granger?"

"Oh, sorry. I seem to have forgotten a book back in the library," Hermione said cheerfully. She walked back through the group of Slytherins who parted staring at her strange looking eyes. "Excuse me," she said apologetically, a corner of her mouth twitching, as she made her way through them.

There was all sorts of chatter about Hermione's eyes as the Slytherins continued down the corridor in the direction they were originally going. Hermione however ducked around a corner listening intently.

Suddenly there was a chorus of shrieks, followed by a barrage of curses directed at a certain poltergeist named Peeves. Peeves could be heard above the curses, "Preeety color undies, - Neh heh!"

Hermione covered her mouth and clutched her side, laughing silently.

It was Wednesday morning at Breakfast and owls were flying in, delivering the post. Hermione retrieved her normal subscription of the Daily Prophet from a common barn-owl. There was also Hedwig waiting patiently for Hermione to remove a letter attached to her leg. Hermione knew it was a letter from home because Harry had made arrangements with the Grangers to let them borrow Hedwig the Saturday they came to see her in the Hospital Wing. Hermione had almost smiled when Ron had told her that he'd offered Pig as a back up owl in case Hedwig got tired. Yes, Harry and Ron were good friends. She was feeling less depressed because of their efforts and the efforts of others. She was grateful to them all, but was still feeling dejected. She was surprised when a Barred owl showed up delivering a letter.

"Just a sec Hedwig, I know yours is from mum and dad." Hedwig tried to look offended by turning away as Hermione untied a letter from the Barred owl and then Hedwig. Hermione read the letter from the Barred owl and betrayed nothing of its contents except for her eyes widening briefly. She nonchalantly tucked it away in her robe. She then read the letter from home.

"Wow, Hermione. That must be some letter. I haven't seen you smile like that in weeks," said Lavender from across the table. This one comment brought all eyes at the Gryffindor table to rest on Hermione and it was true, she looked happy enough to burst.

"What's finally brought your 'shine Hermione? Come on, tell us," encouraged Ron.

Hermione looked dazed. "Well, um…" Was all she managed to get out. And a more amplified round of pleading and coaxing ensued.

"Come on Herm, tell us," said Harry looking into her dark brown eyes.

"I - I can hardly believe it," she said smiling even more. "I'm going to be a big sister!" Hermione was inundated with congratulations.

Girls quickly dominated the conversation asking questions about names for Hermione's new sibling. And whether it would be a witch or wizard, and about two dozen more questions in the span of a few minutes. Harry, Ron, and the other guys looked on with bemusement wondering what all the fuss was about. Harry overheard Hermione answer a few questions before he and Ron decided to leave.

"Mum said the baby was due in March. It will certainly be strange, being a big sister. I'm so much older. I've never really minded being an only child but this is so exciting."

All the talk about babies was too much for them. Though they were both glad that something had brought Hermione out of her slump.

It was only a short time later they were on the way to potions class, Hermione was still bubbly about being a big sister and talking about which room would most likely be the baby's room.

"Oh, before I forget. I want both of you to meet me at the Three Broomsticks at one o'clock on Saturday. It's our Hogsmeade weekend and I have a surprise for both of you."

"But I thought you and I could spend the weekend at Hogsmeade," said Ron looking suddenly dejected.

"Don't be presumptuous Ron, you didn't ask. Besides, there are other weekends at Hogsmeade and we don’t have to make our visit exclusive. The three of us have always gone before. And please don't be late, or forget - one o'clock. This will be well worth it. By the way… don't tell anyone else - this is something special.

Just outside of potions came Malfoy and some other Slytherins. "Tell me it's not true Granger. Another Mudblood is on its way? Or worse - another Muggle. Give me a break." Harry wondered if Malfoy was disappointed that Hermione was no longer sullen and depressed .

"I refuse to let your rude comments spoil my good mood," said Hermione with an air of defiance.

"I'd be glad to give ya a break Malfoy. Where would you prefer the break? An arm, a leg, or a nose?" asked Ron bristling, color starting to rise in his face.

"You can try Weasley…," said Malfoy fingering his wand tucked away in his robe. The ever present Crabbe and Goyle behind him flexing their fists in anticipation. The air was tense and Harry didn't want Ron to end up in detention to ruin Hermione's day. Or worse, himself and Hermione in detention along with Ron, because they would obviously come to Ron's aid. Malfoy would like nothing better, and knew the likelihood of Snape coming around the corner would be high since they were in front of the potions classroom. Harry had to think fast to divert the situation.

"Say Malfoy, you've been claiming there's no more Death Eaters even though we both know that isn't true."

"What of it Potter," snarled Malfoy not taking his eyes off Ron.

"If your dad is a Death Eater, and we both know that's true as well. What does that make you? - A Death Nibbler?"

Ron snorted and Hermione tried not to giggle. There was also laughter from fellow Gryffindor's that had started to gather for class and were wondering if Draco and Ron would soon be dueling. Crabbe and Goyle just looked confused, their normal state of mind.

Malfoy, who had been trying to stare Ron down, turned slowly to Harry and gave him a dark look. Harry gave Malfoy a smug smile as Snape rounded the corner.

"Everyone should already be in their seats and prepared for class," quipped Snape. Then looking at Harry and Ron added, "Or shall I start deducting points."

That evening found Harry, Hermione and Ron waiting at the barrier to the Headmaster's Sanctum waiting for their second special lesson to begin. They were early. Harry and Ron had taken up pestering Hermione about her surprise at Hogsmeade, the next day, to pass the time.

"You may as well give up. I'm not going to tell you."

Ron sighed, "Yeah, I believe she's right Harry. Looks like we'll have to show up to find out." Ron slapped a boulder at the barrier entrance. "Wish we could go on in. I'd like to look the place over."

"I agree. Who would have ever thought the Headmaster had a place to get away from it all." Harry reached out to slap the same boulder that Ron had. His hand went right through it nearly causing him to loose his balance. "What the ….?" Hermione and Ron had come up beside him. Hermione hadn't seen Harry put his hand into the barrier but Ron had. Ron reached out and touched the boulder that Harry had just put his hand through. It was solid.

"Blimey! Do that again Harry."

"Do what?" asked Hermione and then gasped as Harry put his hand into the barrier again. Hermione then tried it herself and was even more surprised when her own hand went into the barrier.

"How come you two can do that and I can't?"

"I don't know," shrugged Harry who looked at Hermione who shrugged back. "Shall we?" Harry motioned to the barrier. "We were just talking about having a look."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," said Hermione. "We don't even know if Ron can go through yet."

Harry stepped half way into the barrier and looked at Ron who eagerly stepped up, tested the barrier with his hand and then stepped in halfway. Both boys looked at Hermione.

"Well, okay. A look around before class shouldn't be any harm."

They made there way toward the main chamber only to find it pitch black.

"I wonder why the torches aren't lit," said Ron.

"Why indeed?" growled a familiar voice. It was the tone of the voice that set Harry's nerves on edge and made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He quickly looked over to Hermione; her eyes were wide, fading in and out of brown and gray. "Drop your wands! – Now!" barked the rough voice of Alastor Moody. "Slowly with two fingers - mind you, I'm watching."

"Is this some kind of lesson professor Moody?" asked Ron. Evidently he had recognized the voice as well.

You're a hair's breadth away from being stunned, the lot of ya. Not another word from any of ya till you drop your wands to the floor."

Three wooden wands clinked to the floor. And just as the wands hit the floor an unfamiliar female voice came out the darkness to their right. "Accio wands ! "

"That's better," growled Moody. "Torches." The main chamber was suddenly lit by dancing torch light. Alastor Moody with his wand outstretched stepped forward, a clunk with every other step, his electric blue magical eye frantically scanning the three of them in turn. A shorter hooded figure whose wand was also pointed at them and holding their three wands in the other hand stepped up beside him.

"Well, Moody? Can't that eye of yours tell if it's them, or not?"

"It looks like them right enough, still….Oh, nice catch with the summoning spell, by the way. It was good to see you didn't drop any."

"Hmph! I'm not that clumsy."

"Of course it's us. Why wouldn't it be us? Were you expecting someone else?" Ron retorted. Harry might have asked something similar except that he had just stole a quick look at Hermione's eyes and was feeling some relief at seeing them back to their normal color.

"We were expecting three Hogwarts students to teach some advanced magic to. However…we were not expecting them to casually walk through a barrier that no one but the Headmaster or members of the Order should be able to go through, and I know for a fact that none of you have been inducted into the Order."

There were three simultaneous "Oh"'s that could have been considered almost comical if not for the circumstances and Moody's suspicious gaze. But the hooded witch seemed convinced by their reactions and removed her hood, poking herself in the cheek with one of the extra wands she was holding. Now rubbing her cheek was a young witch with a pale heart shaped face, modestly short platinum blonde hair and dark twinkling eyes. Harry figured she was maybe six or seven years older than himself.

"Tonks!" barked Moody. "Don't let your guard down. We need to establish their identity. Any witch or wizards powerful enough to get past that barrier could be capable of fooling this eye of mine."

Tonks grudgingly brought her wand back up. "That's a first. I thought nothing got past that eye of yours. And just how do you propose we prove who they are - to your satisfaction?"

"I have a suggestion, if I may. I have a map that shows everyone's identity in the whole school."

"Do you now - Tonks, be a good witch and retrieve it from her." Tonks gave a brief glance to where Moody's wooden leg and clawed foot would be, though not exposed, and complied. Tonks gave a reassuring smile to the three of them and took Hermione's map back to Moody.

"Keep an eye on 'em while I look this over. How does it work?"

"You tap it with your wand and say the words 'For the good of Hogwarts I am about to break the rules'."

Moody opened the map and watched in amazement. "Merlin's beard," he muttered. He quickly caught how to operate it, along with a few hints from Hermione. "I see now. Yes, the color coding is easy enough to understand. And there's Arabella in the Staff Room, no finer Auror I've had the pleasure of working with. And here's myself as well as Nymphadora."

"What? Oh, don't use that name. You know I prefer Tonks."

Moody chuckled and turned his attention to Hermione again. "You made this yourself?"

"With the help of Mr. Lupin, yes." Hermione immediately went into a long spiel about the difficulties and intricacies of making the map. Harry and Ron turned and looked at Hermione and then to each other, some of the complexity of the magic she described was sailing over their heads.

Moody lowered his wand and held up his hand motioning her to stop. "Okay, I believe you. Remus you say? That explains a lot. However, I would like to see how you got past the barrier."

It was a short walk back to the barrier that looked like a tunnel cave in, Moody took up the rear, the clunk of his wooden leg heard behind them. Harry and Hermione demonstrated how they could go right through but Ron couldn't.

Moody stroked what was left of his scarred chin. I heard rumor Mr. Potter, that you and Mr. Weasley performed 'The Breath of Life' to bring back Miss Granger here." The three of them nodded. "Was Fawkes involved in some way?"

"I don't recall much about it. Hermione seems to remember more than either Ron or I do."

"I remember most of what happened within the spell but nothing that might have happened outside of it. I honestly don't know."

"Good enough. We've got lessons to do and we've wasted enough time already."

In the time-delayed training chamber Moody formally introduced himself. To Harry it felt strange to be introduced to someone he thought he had known for a year. Barty Crouch Junior had impersonated Moody the year before. Then Tonks, who gave their wands back to them, was introduced. Tonks was very likeable and had a friendly disposition, quite a contrast to Moody.

"You look just like I thought you would Harry. You know Sirius is my Cousin and if Sirius is your Godfather that makes me your God cousin." Tonks laughed. "I suppose that's a silly way of putting it."

"Yes it is," growled Moody. But Harry was pleased at the thought of having more family even if it was a God cousin.

"This evening's lesson will be about concealment and its many forms. In a battle against dark wizards and witches you may not have the luxury of being able to physically out maneuver your enemy. You could be wounded or otherwise disabled." Moody thumped his wooden foot on the floor giving his words real meaning. "You may not be ale to, for whatever reason, to disapparate. Or, as in your case," looking at the three of them, "may not yet have learned the art of apparition. Regardless, you are left with a choice to hide, or attack. If the number and strength of your enemy is unknown your only choice is concealment.

A concealment spell works best for a room, or hiding place. Whether the hiding place is a closet or under a table doesn't matter. The major advantage of a concealment spell is that it conceals the three senses, sight, sound and smell. Once cast the area of concealment will appear to any onlooker as it did, without you in it. You can talk or yell it doesn't matter, they won't hear you. The disadvantage is that if the area of concealment is entered, the spell is broken. In other words, if you have placed a concealment spell on a room and someone enters it they will suddenly see and hear you. If you are hiding under a table with a concealment spell and someone sticks their head under it they will see you. However the look on someone's face about to be stunned, point blank between the eyes, can be very amusing." Moody gave a nasty chuckle. "And let that be a lesson to ya. If you suspect someone might be under a table with a concealment spell don’t stick your head under it. Tip it over from a distance."

"A disillusionment charm is more local in nature and more permanent. You will need to undo the charm once it has been put in place. The advantage is that you will not be revealed if someone were to enter a room. The disadvantage is that it only conceals sight. Also be aware that someone with exceptional eyesight may see some blurring if you move. So it's very important to remain silent, as well as still, if using a disillusionment charm. Step forward Potter, it's important you all see and experience what a disillusionment charm is like. Tonks, you take Weasley."

Moody rapped Harry hard on top of the head and Harry felt a curious sensation as though Moody had just smashed an egg there; cold trickles seemed to be running down his body from the point the wand had struck. Harry heard Ron say, "Ow!" and Tonks reply "Sorry, did that a little hard." Harry turned and watched as Ron seemed to have invisible paint, starting from his head and going down to his feet, melt him away into nothingness.

"Hey look at me. I'm invisible," chortled Ron. "No, wait. I'm not invisible. This is something else."

Harry noticed some blurring at what must have been Ron's hands waving around as Ron said, 'look at me'. It wasn't invisibility but more like a chameleon effect. After Hermione had been disillusioned they all had the charm removed. It felt like something hot instead of something cold as the charm undid itself starting from the head down to the feet.

"Another useful item is an invisibility cloak." Moody continued. "You have James' cloak don't you Potter?"

"Not with me, but yeah I have it."

"Good. Anyway, the main advantage of an invisibility cloak is that it doesn't need magic."

"How's that helpful?" asked Ron.

Moody said slowly with ominous implications, "There are ways of detecting when magic is being performed, as Mr. Potter is painfully aware. If I remember correctly you received notice of an illegal hovering charm once."

"Yeah, but that was Dobby."

"Then you've realized by now that the detection for the use of magic is not discriminatory." Moody paused letting that sink in. "The disadvantage of an invisibility cloak is that a strong gust of wind could expose you if the hood comes off or the cloak lifts too high off the ground. And it does not conceal sound or smell."

"We now come to disguises, and this is where Tonks will demonstrate." Tonks threw her hood up and turned away from them. "If I were a dark wizard in pursuit of a young Auror witch who had just turned the corner in front of me I might say something like. 'Halt! We've got you now Tonks. Reveal yourself'"

Harry, Hermione and Ron were shocked when Tonks turned around and lowered her hood revealing an old hag with long gray hair and nasty looking teeth. In a crackling voice she replied, "Wha's this about? I know not of anythin' called Tonks. I was on my way to the Hog's Head for a pint a' brew, if ya knows what I mean. Care ta join me?" winked the old hag.

"Pay special attention that Tonks had something to say, a reasonable explanation, to go with her change in appearance. This is what makes a good disguise and can mean the difference between life and death."

"Always so gloomy Moody," said Tonks in her normal voice, still looking like an old hag. She then had a concentrated look on her face as if she were trying to remember something and her face changed back to normal but her hair was now short and black with white tipped spikes. "You make it sound as though there's a Death Eater around every corner."

"We're living in dark times again," growled Moody. "You'd all do well to develop a suspicious nature."

"Well I'd like to know how you do that," Hermione asked Tonks.

"Oh, I'm a Metamorphmagus. That means I can –"

"Change your appearance at will," Hermione finished for her.

"Oh, you're a sharp one," commented Tonks as Hermione beamed.

"Let's get on with the lesson. The main objective this evening is to teach at least one of you to master the concealment spell. You will need a means of practicing what you learn in these special lessons, unobserved. You may also want to discuss matters of the Order that you cannot dare let anyone else overhear. This is an advanced spell and not an easy one to master and it could be a long night, even for a time-delayed room."

Moody was right. They had used the Sanctum's lavish bathroom as a practice room for the concealment spell and after six hours, and two breaks, a lot of one on one and two on one instruction; Hermione was the only one showing promise of getting close. She hadn't vanished from sight but she had managed to conceal sound. Harry had watched her go through the motions of a triumphant "YES!" but hadn’t heard a thing.

"Excellent Hermione!" exclaimed Tonks. "You've almost got it. Go ahead and remove the spell. Remember? Retego." Hermione nodded and removed her incomplete concealment spell. Harry watched Hermione mouth the word Retego and Tonks went in to give her a few last tips. Hermione cast the spell one more time 'Obumbro', she and Tonks disappeared.

"Good, this evening's lesson is over. Granger evidently has the hang of it, very adept. With her help I think you two may have it down soon."

Harry looked back at the bathroom doorway and there were suddenly two Hermiones. The one in Tonk's robes said, "Okay, which is the real Hermione."

"The one in Hermione's robes of course," replied Ron.

"Ha, we had enough time we could have changed robes. Tells us, who's the real Hermione." They both strode out so Harry and Ron could get a good look.

Ron circled the two and shrugged. "I dunno. I can't tell. Can you tell Professor Moody?"

"'Course I can tell. Tonks broke her leg once while going through Auror training. I can see the fracture." Moody's magical eye didn't betray which one might be Tonks but did its normal thing of constantly surveying the surroundings.

Harry took a turn and circled the girls. They looked exactly alike down to the curls, hair color and eyes. Then he looked deep into a pair of dark brown eyes, the one wearing Tonks' robes. Something seemed to be missing. He looked deep into the next pair of brown eyes. The thing he was looking for was there, a feeling, the urge to lean forward and kiss her. He had to will himself not to do it. It would have been embarrassing for both of them. Still…..

"You. You're the real Hermione," Harry said grinning. The Hermione in front of him beamed.

The other Hermione pouted, gave a concentrated look and reformed into Tonks. "Darn, what was it? A tint too much purple with the brown eyes?"

"No, you both looked exactly alike. I'm not sure how to explain, how I knew. I just did."

"Very good Potter, I'm surprised you could tell the difference. Tonks is probably the best at disguise the Order's got. I'm calling it a night. I'm not as young as I used to be. How about you Tonks, ready to go?"

"Not just yet. I'd like to relay a message to Harry from Sirius."

Hermione figured that was her queue to leave. "You can tell me what Sirius said later Harry. I'm tired. I'll wait for you both on the other side of the barrier." Hermione didn't need to force a yawn, it came on its own. "Yeah, big day at Hogsmeade tomorrow. Don't stay too long."

Hermione left while Moody was picking up parchment and illustrations he had brought to teach concealment.

Tonks eyed Harry and Ron. "Are you two sure she doesn't know about your dance lessons?"

"I don’t think so," Harry said uncertainly remembering Hermione's suggestion on how to take care of sore feet.

"How could she?" interjected Ron. "And why do you ask?"

"Lupin told me you two would like some lessons. And I'd be more than glad to help."

Moody coughed. "I'd recommend that you remove the breakables before you begin. See you at the next meeting Tonks." Moody turned and headed for the threshold as Tonks stuck her tongue out at his back. "I saw that," said Moody just before he stepped across.

"I was pretty sure you would," replied Tonks.

Tonks turned to the two boys. "Are you sure you don't want to go and bring Hermione back? I'm sure it'd be a lot more fun to learn with her." Harry raised an eyebrow at Ron and didn't say anything.

"Uh, no. It'll be more of a surprise this way," Ron said sounding more as if he was trying to convince himself more than anyone else. Harry shook his head and rolled his eyes at the ceiling.

"Suit yerselves then. I brought my music player so we can practice to some real music rather than count off steps." Tonks pulled out a small wooden box with hinged lid, placed it on a table and opened it. The box was slightly larger than a ring box and had a treble clef symbol on the lid. It was lined with dark red velvet and had a circular indentation. Harry thought it could easily be a coin display case. Then she pulled out a half dozen multicolored discs that Harry realized had miniature wizarding pictures and titles, with fancy lettering.

"Nice," said Ron as he scanned the titles. "Oh yeah, you've got Lovefire's latest songs too. They're going to play at our Fall Dance," Ron said smugly.

"Aww, now I wish I was a Hogwarts student. Maybe I could impersonate one, eh? It looked as though she gave it a fleeting thought and just as quickly dismissed it. "Anyway, you guys are really lucky. I hear Cheryl Silvertone and her group are booked up at a lot of events and are difficult to get. Extremely popular this year. Have you ever heard them Harry?"

"Ah, no. Living with muggles and all."

"Thought so, by the way Sirius described it, nasty lot. Let's put Lovefire in first." She placed a disk with a smiling silver haired young witch on it inside the music player and closed the lid. She tapped it once with her wand and Harry was immediately enveloped in theatre quality sound. It didn't make any difference where he stood, or even if he walked around it sounded perfect, as though he were at the center of every note. It seemed to be the same for Tonks and Ron as well. Cheryl Silvertone had a beautiful voice.

Tonks had a variety of music ranging from fast to slow. She admitted that she wasn't that good at slow dancing and proved it by stepping on Harry and Ron's toes almost as much as they stepped on hers. However, when it came to the fast dancing Tonks was good. She had a few fancy moves that Harry and Ron caught on to quickly. In the process of fast dancing Tonks managed to accidentally kick Ron once and knock over a chair. Harry was beginning to see what Moody had meant, that she was somewhat clumsy, but it was easily overlooked because of her friendly personality.

"Whoo," she said breathing heavily, her face flushed. She had been dancing almost non-stop for an hour alternating between Harry and Ron or dancing with both of them when playing faster music. "Hermione's been waiting almost ten minutes. Now before we go Harry I can tell you that the place Sirius is staying at is the Order's new headquarters. I can't tell you where specifically because Dumbledore is the Secret Keeper, but I believe he will tell you before Christmas. Sirius is so looking forward to seeing you again and hearing all about Quidditch. He's been bragging about you being made captain of the Gryffindor team."

"I'd like to see him as well."

"So would I," said Ron.

"I think you will," smiled Tonks, "Hermione too."

They found Hermione asleep, sitting down and leaning against the wall of the tunnel. Harry smiled and gently shook her shoulder. "Hey… Herm."

She woke and looked into his eyes and said groggily, "Harry, is it over? Have we waited long enough?"

Harry knew instantly that she was referring to their agreement to wait before giving into the feelings they had for each other. It took him by surprise and knew she wouldn't have asked the question in front of Ron if she hadn't been half-asleep.

"Yes, we're done talking with Tonks sleepy head." Ron extended a hand to help her up and Harry did the same.

She looked at Ron and remembered where she was. "Oh," she said and let the two of them help her up. "Thanks." They secretly made there way back to Gryffindor Tower looking forward to some sleep and a Saturday at Hogsmeade.

A little while latter at the Headquarters of the Order Tonks had entered quietly only to trip over the umbrella stand next to the door. Tonks and the umbrella stand were deftly caught before they crashed to the floor.

"Dang, did it again. Thanks Sirius."

"No problem, cousin. What news of my Godson?"

"I believe he and Ron Weasley will do just fine at the Hogwarts Fall Dance. Maybe just a little more practice, it wouldn't hurt. And you're up late. Having trouble sleeping again?"

"As if there were anything for me to do," said Sirius dryly. "To tell the truth I wanted to hear about Harry." Tonks relayed what Harry and Ron had said about Quidditch and how much Harry was looking forward to seeing him at Christmas. She also told him how she had made herself look like Hermione to see if the boys could tell them apart.

"Showing off again, eh?" Sirius grinned.

"Umm yeah, but thing is Harry could tell the difference."

"You don't say." Sirius looked thoughtful.

"It was the way he looked into Hermione's eyes… It reminded me of when I was a little girl and you used to look into Sarah Campbell's eyes. Have you ever tried to find out what happened to her Sirius?"

"Tonks, please, you know what she did. Besides, she will have found someone and have a family by now." Tonks and Sirius made there way to the kitchen. Sirius put water on to boil for tea and they both sat down at the kitchen table to wait. Sirius sighed. "Ever hear of a love potion that's lasted almost seventeen years?"

"Nope. I could put out an inquiry for her if you like."

"No, don't do that," Sirius said quickly. "I've still got a price on my head and if any unscrupulous witch or wizard thought she could be used against me…. Well, you understand."

"I see what you mean. But will you ever look her up, find out what became of her?" Tonks got up and poured tea. She turned to give Sirius a cup, almost dropping it in the process but Sirius was ready again.

"If we ever get through this, this war. If we finally get rid of Voldemort and his Death Eaters….maybe." They both sipped tea in silence thinking personal thoughts and of dark times that may lie ahead.