A/N: This chapter isn't as long as you may be used to, but the chapter break had to happen where it did... We're getting closer, folks... I've sent off 3 chapters to be beta read, and within the next week, I hope to have 3 more! Then this story will be finished. Let's hope it all turns out well ;)
"You're going to be late for your walk, Love!" Tonks called from the kitchen. Harry walked into the room and smiled at the woman before him. Her long, auburn hair was up in a bun and she was dressed in one of his old T-shirts. She smiled lovingly at him as he crossed the room and pulled her into a warm hug, kissing her passionately. "Mmm... I can definitely handle mornings like this..." she said as a goofy grin spread across her face. "You better remember to revert to normal before you go..."
Harry smiled sheepishly and kissed her once more before he reverted to his natural state and with another kiss, apparated to the Hogwarts gates. He couldn't help the smile that lit up his entire face as he nearly jogged to the Quidditch pitch and caught sight of Hermione on the way. She waved to him and jogged slightly to catch up, both of them meeting just outside the stadium.
"Good morning," she said with a bright smile, catching him in a bone-crushing hug reminiscent of the ones she'd reserved for him when they were younger.
Harry laughed, in far too good of a mood not to hug her back. He thought it wise not to break the news to her about his and Tonks' increased level of relationship so he just smiled instead. "Good morning!" he said with another joyous laugh. "Ready for a few laps today?"
"You are certainly in a good mood..." Hermione said with a laugh of her own as they began their new morning ritual. "You're positively glowing!"
Harry blushed and smiled even wider then looked to the ground as they completed the first portion of their warm up. "I finally had a good night!" he said, half-lying. "I've been working so hard that I hadn't had time to really enjoy an evening..."
"I hope you're not going into workaholic mode like you did in seventh year..." Hermione said concernedly. "Even though we shared the suite, I rarely saw you except in the library and classes!"
"Well, I had to work hard, didn't I?" Harry said with a laugh. "If it weren't for Snape, I would have even beat Malfoy!"
They began their walk, sharing tales of what they went through during the last two years at school, Harry wasn't entirely comfortable with the conversation, but he knew it was time to get things out in the open. Truth be told, his mind wasn't entirely on Hermione at the moment, suddenly missing his girlfriend entirely more than he could bear. Harry fought the urge to leave before they were finished, however, and smiled as he contemplated spending what time he did have before classes, during lunch, and after work with Tonks.
"Harry, there's a Hogsmeade trip this Saturday," Hermione said before they went their separate ways for the day. "Would you like to come along with me? I could introduce you to James and Marion..."
Harry smiled apologetically but shook his head. "I can't this Saturday because we might be closing in on our man," he explained quickly. "I'd really like to, but Tonks and I are going to be on stakeout duty most of the weekend and I won't be able to join you on your walks until next Tuesday."
Hermione nodded and looked to the ground. "That's ok," she said with a half-smile, "I'll see you next week then?"
"Oh, I'll be here each morning until Friday," Harry said with a smile and she seemed to brighten a bit, "but the weekend is out..."
"I won't lie, I'm a bit disappointed, but I understand," she said quietly. "I'll see you tomorrow morning then."
He hugged her tightly and smiled as they parted. "See you tomorrow!" Harry called to her as he began to jog back to the gates. As soon as he crossed the wards, he was gone and found himself in the bedroom of his house. Tonks was waiting for him on the bed and smiled as he appeared in front of her.
"Miss me?" she asked teasingly as Harry's eyes took in her nude body hungrily.
He changed into his James persona and smiled cheekily. "More than anything," he whispered before stripping off his clothes.
"Mmm... You're going to be late again..." she said huskily as he rolled to her side, panting.
"I don't care," he said with a grin, "but I guess I should get ready... save some water?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Get in the shower, Love!" she scolded playfully. "If I'm in there with you, you'll definitely be late!"
Harry laughed as he was summarily shoved towards the bathroom and Tonks giggled the entire way. He was quickly cleaned and dressed before he rushed to the sitting room. "I'll see you for lunch, Love." he said before pulling her tightly to him and kissing her deeply. "And you're welcome to visit between classes..." Harry added, wiggling his eyebrows.
"I've got to refill my potions anyway and thought I'd stop by Madam Pomfrey's this morning," she announced with a lopsided grin. "I'll see you when I'm done, ok?" Tonks laughed at the excited smile she received and she playfully pushed him towards the fireplace. "Get to work, Love, I'll see you later!"
Harry acquiesced and quickly found himself in his office. He'd just stepped from the fireplace when the bell rang and he grabbed his materials for the start of the day. He couldn't wait for a break in his classes, anticipating Tonks' arrival. Harry wasn't disappointed with the clock today as his third class ended, he noticed several of the sixth year boys stopped at the door, gawking at a beautiful woman with long, auburn hair.
"Out with you all," he said with a smile, "MacNafey, let my wife by, please!" The Ravenclaw student in question stepped aside immediately as every head still in the room turned in surprise to Harry.
"His wife?" He heard whispered in awe across the room as Tonks strolled confidently into Harry's office.
"Class has been dismissed," Harry said again slightly more forcefully. That was enough for the remaining students to suddenly hurry out of the room, whispering madly amongst themselves.
"It seems you've got a fan club, Love," Harry laughed as he stepped into the office, closing the door behind him then catching his girlfriend in a tight hug.
Tonks laughed as she kissed him and wrapped her arms around him in turn. "I really could get used to this..." she said dreamily as Harry kissed her neck.
"Did you get what you needed?" Harry asked after he'd collected himself enough to look into her lovely eyes.
"I did," she said quietly, "but she examined me before she'd hand any over. Poppy kept asking why I needed the stuff if I were married..."
Harry laughed. "Well, she doesn't know who we are so I'd guess that's an honest question," he said with a grin, giving in to his impulse to kiss her once again.
"Mmm... When's your next class?" she asked as she ran her fingers through his hair.
"In four... no, three minutes..." he mumbled against her neck.
"I should get home then..." she said with a laugh. "Lunch is only a few hours away."
"I can't wait," Harry said with a grin, running his hand down her side causing her to jump.
"James!" she hissed playfully. "I'll. See. You. At. Lunch." she said with a laugh, punctuating each word with a kiss.
Harry sighed and let her go, smiling even more broadly than before. "How did the examination go?" he asked while rifling through the papers on his desk.
"She'll have a full analysis ready Saturday morning," Tonks said with a smile. "There were too many bubotuber puss accidents coming in from Professor Sprout's class. She'll give me my refills afterwards."
"So no sex?" he asked bluntly.
"We can, we just have to be careful, the last potion should wear off by Friday night so we'll be just in time," she explained with a laugh as the bell rang. "Get to class!" she said with one final kiss. "You're insatiable, you know that?!"
Harry winked at her and smiled. "You have no idea, Love... See you in a few hours!"
The day sped by at an alarming rate, especially lunch where an hour just didn't seem enough for Harry and Tonks to spend time together. After their midday meeting, time continued at its amazingly fast pace, reaching tea-time far faster than even he thought possible.
Hermione sat next to him at the professors' table, Harry having beaten her to the Great Hall that evening, and they laughed and talked about what was happening at home and during classes.
The dueling club had been going marvelously well and this night was no exception as his pupils began to really shine in their practical lessons. Hermione arrived at nine for their rounds and they spoke more of their past before moving on to their hopes and dreams.
"I'd really like a family," Harry said dreamily as they turned down another corridor. "I know I have Marion, but I really want children," he whispered quietly.
"Harry might agree with you," Hermione said wistfully. "He hasn't had the easiest of childhoods. I, however, am an only child and the closest I've had to brothers and sisters were Harry and the Weasleys..."
"Do you see yourself with children?" Harry asked as they opened another broom closet to find it empty.
Hermione's face suddenly became pained and sadness settled in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?" he asked concernedly.
"No, you didn't," Hermione admitted quietly. "My mother had a difficult time conceiving and it was with great deal of effort that they even had me," she said not much louder. "There's a good chance that I'll have the same difficulties but I do want children... I just don't know if I can."
Harry put a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiled softly. "I'm sure you'll be able to," he said compassionately. "There's far better ways to increase that likelihood these days than when we were born."
Hermione looked into his eyes and smiled gratefully. "Thank you for letting me talk to you, I feel like I can tell you and Marion anything, you're very good friends."
"That's what we're here for," Harry said with a smile. "I think I hear Severus and Filius coming down the hall..."
No sooner had he made the observation than had Snape and Flitwick joined them in their usual meeting spot. With pleasantries spoken only between Harry, Hermione and the diminutive charms professor, the two groups of professors split off and went about their new tasks.
Harry walked Hermione to her door as he always had and waved goodnight. She disappeared behind her tapestry and Harry nearly ran to his office, locking it off and flooing home. To his delight, Tonks was sound asleep on the sofa and he wasted no time carrying the woman he loved to their bedroom. It turned out that she'd been pretending and the night went in the direction that he had hoped it would.
The week raced by and Harry soon found himself walking happily up the road to Hogwarts, arm-in-arm with his girlfriend, the morning of the first Hogsmeade visit. He had been to the school earlier that morning, teaching Hermione a new set of stretching exercises and coaching her first jog around the pitch. Harry had looked over her logbook and congratulated her on her progress, having slimmed down considerably from when he'd first met her after their long separation, and she was now in excellent health.
Harry and Tonks entered the castle and went their separate ways in the entrance hall, he heading for the staff room and Tonks to the hospital wing. They abstained from public displays of affection due to the rules of the school but that didn't keep them both from smiling brightly as they left in different directions.
"You're just in time, James," Dumbledore said with a smile as Harry entered the staff room. "We have everything in order, the Ministry has agents posted in the village and with the increased number of professors we should be able to keep the students safe."
Snape whispered something in the old wizard's ear before leaving for the dungeons and Albus smiled at Harry. "Thank you for offering your help and expertise, James," he said as they walked out together. "Is everything squared away with Marion?"
"You're welcome and she's going to join me on the trip, if that's alright," Harry said as they stepped onto the spiraling staircase that lifted them to the headmaster's office.
"That's quite fine," Dumbledore said as he closed the door and offered Harry a seat. "Severus just informed me that it seems our plans for this weekend were known and the attack has been canceled."
Harry nodded as a frown settled on his face. "I had a feeling that might happen, almost as if we have a leak..."
"He thought so too, but I'm not going to let our guard down. Things will go according to plan as a precaution." the old wizard said with a grim smile. "Keep your eyes open, there might be scouts lurking in the shadows..."
"I will, thanks for the update," Harry said absently as he rose to his feet. "I should meet Marion, she attracted the attention of several of the sixth years... who can tell how many know about my wife now..." he smiled at his old mentor before leaving the office.
Tonks was waiting patiently in the courtyard when Harry arrived. She had a nervous look on her face as she rocked on the balls of her feet.
"Hey, Love," Harry said with a soft smile as he took her in his arms. "What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing," she smiled sweetly at him, "I was just getting nervous waiting for you."
He raised an eyebrow but smiled as he kissed her. "How did everything go?"
"Everything's fine, I'll get my potions via the Floo later today," she said with a smile. "And you know what that means?" she added seductively in his ear.
Harry's grin grew wide and he'd just given her a kiss when Hermione's voice floated over to them.
"James, Marion!" she called with a wave. They broke apart with wide smiles on their faces, waving back at Hermione. "You're both in a good mood," she said with a smile.
"Just enjoying life," Harry said with a shrug, feeling a ball of ice form in his stomach as he saw Hermione's smiling face. "You seem equally happy..."
"More energetic, but I've been able to read, my classes are going well, Harry's back in my life, though not as much as I'd like..." Hermione explained with her smile still firmly in place. "And I've got two great, new friends to keep me company in Hogsmeade!"
"That you do," Tonks said with a laugh. "I think her energy might be a bit contagious!" Harry smiled at the two women in his life and saw the other professors start to file into the courtyard.
"How's the decorating going?" Hermione asked with a modicum of interest to her voice.
"We haven't started yet," Tonks said with a shrug.
"You've started on the garden, Love." Harry said with a wink. "But she's right... we haven't done anything inside yet..."
"Would you like to come over for tea tonight and see what I have planned?" Tonks asked with a grin. Hermione nodded with a returned smile as the students began to file into the courtyard.
"I don't have anything planned for tonight," Hermione said with a smile. "Should I bring anything?"
"Just yourself and a few color ideas," Tonks returned happily.
The three of them followed the first group of students through the gates and into Hogsmeade. The morning and afternoon slipped by uneventfully as they each enjoyed an icecream treat just after lunch. The day went by without the predicted attack, as Snape had informed Dumbledore, and the last of the students were accounted for just before tea-time.
That evening went by just as quickly, their meal was a treat and the evening wore on with Tonks and Hermione talking animatedly about different wallpapers, colors, and draperies. Harry had relegated himself to listening and working on his lesson plans for the following Monday. He was also bogged down with more paperwork from his true profession and spent the majority of the evening at his desk.
"James, Love? Wake up..." Tonks said quietly as she gently shook his shoulder. "You'll catch cold if you sleep at your desk, Love..."
Harry opened his eyes groggily. "What time is it?" he slurred, still overcome with sleep.
"It's just past midnight," she whispered with a kiss. "Come on to bed..."
Harry did as he was requested, slipping out of his clothes and slumping into his pillows with a yawn. Tonks followed afterwards and laughed softly, covering them both with their thick coverings.
"I love you..." she whispered, kissing him gently on the lips.
Harry smiled and pulled her to him, kissing her in return. "I love you too," he whispered before his eyes shut of their own volition. He felt Tonks snuggle into him before he was sound asleep.
Harry woke with a start, looking at his clock and throwing his covers off of him, madly attempting to dress himself though he was still half asleep.
"What are you doing?" Tonks asked him crossly as he jostled the bed.
"I'm late for exercise with Hermione," Harry said hurriedly.
"You told her you wouldn't see her until Tuesday, remember?" Tonks said with a huff, falling back into her pillows and pulling the blankets over her body.
Harry stopped what he was doing immediately and sat on the bed. "I did, didn't I?" he asked rhetorically and shook his head. He undressed and slid back under the covers, slipped an arm around Tonks, and scooted closer to her. Taking a deep breath with his face buried in her hair he said, "Sorry about that..." followed by a slight chuckle.
"That's ok," Tonks said quietly and closed her eyes. "You can sleep in for once, why don't we do that?"
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Love," Harry mumbled as he kissed her neck. Sleep quickly overcame them both moments later.
A few hours later, Harry woke and patted the space next to him, only to find it empty. He opened his eyes, wondering where Tonks was, and glanced around the room to find it empty as well.
"Marion?" he called out tentatively to hear her respond from downstairs. Harry smiled and dressed in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt before heading downstairs to find Hermione and Tonks sitting at the kitchen table talking. "Morning!" Harry said cheerfully.
Hermione smiled at him and waved while Tonks glared at him.
"Is there something wrong?" he whispered as he bent to kiss her on the cheek. Tonks replied with a fake smile and shook her head. Harry looked at her curiously before pouring himself a cup of tea.
"We were just talking about the colors that would go well in the kitchen," Hermione supplied with a smile. "Did you know that the distance it takes to jog around the pitch twenty times is exactly the same distance it takes to get here?"
Harry laughed. "I hadn't considered that," he admitted.
"I was wondering... Would you be interested in meeting my friend Harry on Tuesday?" Hermione asked with a hopeful grin. "I was just telling Marion that I've been trying to get him over here to meet you but his job has him on a pretty tight timetable. The only time I could get him here would be in the morning..."
"If it's fine with him, I don't see why not..." Harry said with a nervous smile. Tonks closed her eyes when Hermione smiled at the news.
"I'll owl him when I get back to the school then," Hermione said excitedly. "Are we still on for lunch, Marion?" Hermione asked with a grin and a raised eyebrow.
"Ah, a girls' day out?" Harry asked cautiously, watching Tonks' reaction intently.
"If you don't mind, James..." Tonks said sweetly. "Would it be ok if I spend some time with Hermione?"
Harry caught the minor irritation in her voice but smiled to keep Hermione, who looked to him hopefully, unaware of the friction. "I don't mind at all," he said cheerfully. "I was going to walk around town anyway... maybe I'll meet you on your way back to the house."
"Great!" Hermione said with a wide smile. "See you back here at eleven-thirty?"
"That's fine," Tonks said with a smile as the two women left the table for the front room. Harry watched as Tonks acted cheerful for Hermione's sake and he braced himself for the tongue-lashing he knew was coming his way.
Hermione waved to him from the door and he waved back with a smile. He had no sooner set his mug down than Tonks stormed into the kitchen.
"What did I do?" Harry asked before she opened her mouth to say anything. "Was it getting up to exercise with my friend like I have for the past two weeks or was it getting back into bed with you and sleeping in?"
Tonks' glare burned into him and he saw the anger boiling behind her hazel eyes. He looked at her and crossed his arms, waiting for her to explode, but to her credit, she calmed herself down and took a deep breath. "I was angry this morning, yes," she said calmly, "and I would have been alright had you not promised that you'd meet yourself Tuesday morning..."
"I've got that covered," Harry said with a smile. "I have to call in a favor, but there won't be any problems with me meeting myself and we'll both know what's happening..." He grinned devilishly.
"Two places at once?" Tonks asked skeptically when her eyebrows shot up. "You aren't..."
"I can," Harry said with mischievous grin then bent to her ear and whispered something that made her blush a vivid, deep red.
"Don't screw this up!" she hissed, though a small smile played at her lips and her blush persisted well throughout the morning whenever she looked at him.
Hermione arrived at the exact time agreed upon and the two women went about their day in Hogsmeade. Harry, however, had a few calls he had to make to a few friends that owed him favors. Things went well for the young man and he found himself walking around Hogsmeade enjoying some window shopping, analyzing his life and where it was headed.
His mind was mainly on Hermione and Tonks. He could tell that Tonks was still jealous of his friend and it pained him that she was acting like people did when he was back in school. Until the schism in their friendship that following school year that is.
Harry began mental lists between the two, comparing their qualities, their pros and cons and realizing that Hermione didn't love him, not in the way that he wanted her to, but Tonks, she had professed her love. Both women had been close to him for some time, Hermione just recently making her way back into his life. He shook his head, trying to piece everything together when something sparkly caught his eye. He turned towards the large, plate-glass window and his eyes fell on the perfect ring.
"She'd love that ring," he said breathlessly as he took in the twin diamonds and gold band. Harry caught sight of the price tag and frowned in thought, trying to calculate how long he'd have to save his paycheck to buy it. His mind made up, he entered the store and had it put on hold for him, setting down an initial payment and smiling to himself as he left the store.
Harry was back at the house, smiling as he cooked. He made a bit extra just in case Hermione happened to be with his girlfriend when they returned.
"James, could you give us a hand?" Tonks called from the front door. Harry bustled out of the kitchen wearing his apron and took the bags out of Tonks' and Hermione's arms.
"Good lord, did you buy the entire store?" he asked with a laugh as he set the bags down in the sitting room and helped them with two more trips.
"There's a lot to decorate!" Tonks said with a sarcastic grin. "I'm tired of looking at shades on the windows and white walls!"
Harry laughed and caught her in a hug, kissing her tenderly as she smiled. "I've got tea almost ready, are you two hungry?"
"Famished!" Tonks said with a smile. "You're welcome to join us, Hermione."
Hermione smiled and accepted the invitation eagerly. Afterwards, the three friends sat in the sitting room chatting about everything and anything but the conversation kept swinging back to the colors Tonks and Hermione picked for the sitting room.
"Just as long as I don't have to look at pink walls around my desk, I'm fine with whatever you want to do," Harry said with a laugh.
"We won't touch your precious walls," Tonks said with a faux sneer then laughed when Harry's face fell.
The evening went by quickly, Hermione excusing herself so she could rest for classes the next day, leaving Harry and Tonks alone. They retired rather early as well, Harry exhausted from the amount of paperwork he'd been working on and Tonks from the amount of shopping she'd done. They were sound asleep quickly and the next morning reveling in the fact that Harry could sleep in.