Harry Potter and the Tails of Change

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, nor do I own any of the settings that JKR created in Harry's world.  Any resemblance to anyone; living, dead, or imagined, is purely coincidental, and not intended on my part.

A/N: This is a work of fiction, and I have altered reality from how JKR wrote things.  First off, Nymphadora Tonks is a 6th year when Harry is in his first.  Second, this story starts off in the summer between Harry's third and fourth years, so he has met Sirius, and knows he's innocent.  Third, I'm having Harry be just a wee bit more intelligent, and have something more of a backbone by this time in his life.  This story may include relations between two consenting females, so if that doesn't float your boat, you have been warned here, and can take appropriate action.

A/N1: For those of you who are saying there's not enough reaction to the bond, or the fact that I didn't write Harry's reactions to the binds being released … I have my reasons.  For the Bond, it truly won't 'take off' until the third partner joins into it.  Dora and Harry will explore, some, if simply to teach Harry how to properly treat a woman.  As for the reaction to the binds releasing, well, the full explanation will take a bit, but the basics will be discussed while shopping.

Chapter 6: Diagon, Discussions, and Discoveries (Day One)

	As Harry and ‘Dora left Gringotts, they were unaware of the brewing storm behind them, as the Goblins dealt with the aftermath of what treating Harry wrought.

	Dora smiled at Harry, “Shall we head to Madame Malkin's first?  That way, you can be better attired for the rest of your shopping...”

	Harry nodded, “Mind if I ask you questions as we shop, beloved?  I know you were brought up around Magic, so you might know the answers I need.”  He then held open the door to the Clothier, letting Dora enter before him.

	The young Auror nodded, then smiled to herself as Harry held the door open for her, “If I don't know the answer, I'm sure we both know places to look for the information.”

	Madame Malkin smiled at the couple, “Is there something I can help you with?  We just got in a new line of clothes which is supposed to help blend in with both societies.”

	Harry smiled, “I need a completely new wardrobe, as I just underwent a massive growth spurt.  I wouldn't mind looking at the new stuff, help drum up business for an up and coming tailor, if I like what I see.”

	Madame Malkin beamed, then looked Harry up and down before calling, “Katie, could you come up front?  We have a Wizard here who's in need of the full kit?”  She then points Harry and Dora to a side area, “Katie will be with you shortly, this area over here is set up with charms to keep prying eyes away.”

	A young Witch, not much older than Harry, appeared behind Madame Malkin, and smiled, “I'd be glad to help them, Ma'am,” then, getting a closer look at the couple waiting, “Harry?  Is that you?”

	Harry studied the Witch briefly, before laughing, “Katie Bell, How's your summer treating you?  Yes, I had a severe growth spurt, which I'll tell you about later.”  He then turned to Dora, then tilted his head as if asking for permission, then getting what he felt to be an affirmative, he smiles, “Katie Bell, I'd like you to introduce you to someone who has become exceedingly special to me, though you might remember her from Hogwarts … Meet my Bonded Wife, Nymphadora Potter nee Tonks...”

	Katie blinked, then did a double take, “You and she have a soul bond?”  At Harry's nod, she smiles, shaking her head, “Well, I can only say that you've broken many witches' hearts, 'Dora, snagging this man here.”  She then giggled, “Seems like a lot of the crew are pairing up, this year.  George and I are going to see how well we suit each other.  And I know Angelina and Fred are an item.”

	Dora blushes at how Harry introduced her, “Could we get my stud muffin of a husband some better clothes?  I'm sure he'd be much more comfortable wearing things that actually fit him.”

	Harry rolled his eyes at his wife, “Not to mention we'll likely need robes that fit my new station in life,” letting his Head of House Potter ring catch some light, “though, I can't wait to see Malfoys reaction to this.”

	Katie shook her head, then gestured for Harry to stand on the low platform to her right, “Well, since we're doing a full kit, we need to measure you fully.  So, first we need to get you in your skivvies, Harry, so that our measurements are as accurate as possible.”

	Harry blushed to the roots of his hair before slowly taking off everything save the speedos that kept him at least visually decent, “Good thing you and the other two Crimson Vixens got me less body shy than I was when I came to Hogwarts, isn't it, Katie?”

	'Dora tilted her head at Harry, asking to have that clarified, but it was Katie that answered, “Little Harry here was so shy when he came to Hogwarts, he wouldn't shower if there was anyone else in the bathroom.  Especially the co-ed showers that seem to be enforced upon the Quidditch teams.”  She took her time measuring Harry's inseam as she paused, “So, Alicia, Angelina, and myself took it upon ourselves to help Harry overcome that.  Though, we did learn that not all of it was due to shyness, he didn't want anyone to see the scars that litter his back, thanks to those awful people he grew up with.”

	Harry nodded, “The three Chasers treated me like their little brother, though I do believe Alicia was hoping I'd notice her, last year, given how often she'd let the soap slip from her hands…”

	Katie giggled, then shook her head, “I think Alicia was aiming more for Wood, but I do think she wouldn't have minded teaching you a few things about girls, Harry.”  She laughed harder as this caused the younger Wizard's blush to get stronger, “So, what caused this growth spurt?  You've certainly turned into quite a hunk, though you still have the lines of a Seeker.”

	The young wizard shook his head, partially in reluctant exasperation, “There were blocks on my magic, some left there from when my parents were alive, some put there by myself to survive my relatives, but the biggest surprise was that there was still a magical residue left over from when HE tried to kill me.  There were even a couple there that seem to have been placed by Dumbledore, but the Goblins say that they were more preventative than malicious in nature, but they should have been taken off me when I came to Hogwarts the first time.  Just one of the questions I have for him, the next time I get to see him.”  The last being said more to himself than anyone in particular.

	'Dora nods, “The Goblins put him through a Cleansing Ritual to free him of the remaining taint that Voldemort left behind, as well as free him of the blocks that were there.  I don't know what it was like from Harry's perspective, but what I saw, other than the release of Magic, was rather mundane.”

	Harry turns his head to speak to 'Dora, “The reason that there wasn't much to see on the outside was that the ritual starts by invoking something similar to a Petrificus Totalus on the being who's at the center of it.  Believe me, even with my pain tolerance being what it is, I would have been screaming bloody murder before even the first half hour was over.  Having all your bones virtually re-grow themselves in the matter of minutes, while also adding several inches in length isn't the most pleasant sensation, and I've had to take Skelegrow, this was a thousand times more painful.”  He then looks at his hands, “Then I could feel the blocks being undone, which was a weird sensation, almost as if reality had put on its brakes and I could literally feel the ambient magic in the room, not to mention locate all the magical beings and objects within Gringotts, once the Ritual was over.”  He then tilted his head to one side, obviously thinking, then holds out his right arm moments before Hedwig came in for a landing, he turns his head to the Snowy Owl and smiles, “You knew I was thinking of sending a letter, didn't you, girl?”  He then turns to Katie, “You have a piece of parchment I could use?  I need to send a note to the Goblins, what I just said triggered a memory of a feeling I got off an object within Gringotts...  and if I'm right, the Goblins aren't going to be happy with one of the older Families.”

	Katie turns and gathers up a spare page of parchment, before turning to 'Dora, “What colors do you think he'll need?  The measurements I've made have already been transferred to the tailors, we just need to discuss what colors, and what fabrics.”  She then smiles, teasingly, “Though, if you show him off too well, wife or not, you'll need a Beater's bat to drive off the drooling masses at Hogwarts, with how yummy he looks.”

	The young Wizard, shaking his head at the teasing Witch, quickly scrawls a missive to Ragnok, then curls it up and ties it to Hedwig's proffered leg, “Take this to Ragnok, Hedwig, you don't need to wait for a response, but it is vital he gets it as soon as possible.”  He then turns back to Katie, deciding to tease her back, “Would you be one of the witches I should worry about, I wouldn't want to have to watch out for multitudes of pranks being sent my way by George for stealing his girl away...”

	Katie shook her head, laughing softly, “As much as I'd like to see exactly what you're hiding underneath those robes, I don't feel that you'd be more than a brother to me, Harry.  Something in my magic is telling me that we're not meant to be more than good friends.”

	'Dora smiles at the friendly teasing then tilts her head at Katie's words, “You've learned a lot, if you can listen to your magic that way, Katie.  I'd suggest you do a bit of studying in Arithmancy if you're not already doing so … it'll help with developing that sense so you can get the job you desire.”

	The younger witch nods at this, “I did take Arithmancy, and am planning on getting the NEWT in it.  Professor Vectra gave me extra credit papers and study aids that she said should help me hone my feelings, especially once she learned I planned to try and become a Healer.”

	Harry nodded at this, “Well, you're the unofficial healer for the team before we go to Madame Pomfrey, you've got a nature about you that puts folks at ease.  I know I trusted you quite quickly, despite my past.”

	The young Auror nods at this, having a slight hint that Harry's growing up wasn't the best, “If you want, I can put a good word in with my boss … there's a track for Healing Aurors, they don't do patrols like the normal Aurors do, but they are sent to situations where there's known to be wounded … might be different from the track that leads to St Mungo's.”

	Katie beamed at this, “I won't turn down the chance to learn more about Healing, if I can help it.  Though, Madame Pomfrey said that she might take me on as an Apprentice, if I do well enough.  I like the idea of helping younger folks, though I'll wait and see what happens.”

	Harry smiles, “I'm sure you'll be brilliant at whatever you choose, Katie.”  He then stretches, twisting his back a bit to settle himself, “Going back to colors, I figure the majority, at least for school use, would need to be the Traditional black.”  He then turns to 'Dora, “Color suggestions, dear?”

	'Dora smiles, “A little bird told me that you'll need Dress Robes for this year, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a few for formal occasions.”  She then turns to Katie, “I think Bottle Green, Crimson Red, and Traditional Black would be a good start, until we determine which colors truly suit Harry, and he's done growing.”

	The younger Witch nods, checking off the colors on her order parchment, sending the selections to the back where the items would be manufactured, “Two good colors, they should bring out his eyes magnificently, and there's nothing wrong with classic black.”  She then looks at Harry, “Do you trust me to choose a style for those, Harry?  I've made a note of the ones you've tried on, and have an idea of the ones that'll show you off to your benefit.”

	The young Wizard shakes his head, “I'm relatively clueless as to things such as cut and style, at least right now.  I suspect that my lovely wife will be teaching me about that, along with a lot of other things that come with my new status.”  He then tilts his head, turning to his wife, “Where should we head after here?  I should tell you that I need to talk to Olivander, I think he might need to tweak my wand so it works with my new power level.”

	‘Dora smiles, “Well, I think that Flourish & Blotts should be next, especially since you told me you’re wanting to drop Divination and see if you can study up Runes enough to catch up and attend this year’s classes. Then a trip to Scrivener’s Supplies, which has all the tools you’ll need for inscribing runes.  I think we should hit Olivander’s after that, just in case the tweak, as you put it, takes longer than we expect.  Then we’ll see what has to be done next.”

	Harry nods, “Yes, I sent the Deputy Headmistress a letter stating that I would be exceedingly grateful if I could drop Divination and take up Runes.  I also stated that if it wasn’t possible, I’d like to know exactly why, and not just because the Headmaster said so.”

	The young Auror nodded at this, then smiles, turning to Katie, “Is there an outfit Harry can wear out of here while the rest is tailored?  I know, even with Magic, properly tailored clothing isn’t instantaneous.”

	Katie smiled, “Yes, we have a set of casual clothes that’s already in Harry’s size, which he can wear out of here.  We’ll take care of disposing of the ‘old rags’ that he wore in.”  She teases Harry, “I took the time to mark on the Parchment that you’d need something appropriate to wear out, given that what you wore in wasn’t in the best of shape.”

	The young Wizard shook his head, then shrugged, “Figured I could at least wear something better home than what I wore in.  If it keeps my wife happy, all the better.”

	As Harry spoke, a younger girl, at least a year younger than Harry, comes up with the casual clothing, and deposits it next to Katie, before blushing to her roots when she sees just how little Harry is wearing.  She then stutters an apology, before scampering back to where she came from.

	The young Witch shakes her head, “Demelza’s a good girl, but she’s not quite used to seeing folks in their skivvies yet.”

	Harry nodded, “I remember her from school, barely. She’s a fellow Lion, if I don’t misremember.”  He then slips into his new outfit, “Now that the fun part’s over, how much will this set me back?”

	Katie smiles as she turns to Madam Malkin, who had just returned from dealing with another client, “How much will this run this young man here?”

	The older Witch smiles, then chuckles, “Total will be Sixty Galleons, tax included.”  She then winks at Katie, “That includes Owl Delivery, in case things take longer than expected.”

	Harry nodded, then reached into his new wallet, and counts out 65 Galleons, “Take the seamstresses out to lunch on me, as a way to thank them for their work.”

	Madame Malkin smiles and nods, “Not many Wizards acknowledge those that make their lives go by more easily, Mr. Potter Thank you.”

	‘Dora smiles as she exits the clothing shop, steering Harry towards what he thought of as Hermione’s third home, after her own and the Hogwarts Library, that is, Harry asking, “Is it that odd, in this world, to acknowledge the craftsmanship of artists?  I would think, that with where the Wizarding world seems to exist, that recognizing good talent would be second nature.”  She nods, “Though it’s more something that’s come up lately, with the Pureblood movement, a lot of the more ‘high crust’ members of society, such as the Malfoys, look down on those who take up what they consider the ‘menial’ jobs, without a thought as to how much harder their life would be without those people.  Though it’s also true that, lately, it’s more common for Half-Bloods and Muggleborn to take up these jobs, as they’re unlikely to get a Ministry job.”

	Entering Flourish and Blotts, Harry looked around, reacquainting himself with the layout of the store, while also noticing that the Wizard running the store seemed to be a bit frazzled as he dealt with a tiny little wizened Witch, who seemed to be exceedingly hard of hearing, and needed assistance finding all the books she required for the library she was creating.  Once he had his bearings, Harry headed towards the section of the store dedicated to studying Runes, and the massive books associated with the study of said symbols.  There was the Reading Runes by Futhark Wardsmith, Solving Symbiology by Ogham Mock, Warding Weirdness by Glyph Goderick, and Scribing History by Dethek Damian.

	As Harry gathered his Runes books, ‘Dora gathered the needed books for Fourth year, and included several ‘recommended reading’ books, which were supposed to help with subjects such as Potions.  She then picked up several Practice books, which were used by those taking runes to not only draw out the rune, but also describe what effects it was supposed to have, as well as any effects that altering the rune might bring about.

	The bonded couple slowly came together and checked their list, harry raising an eyebrow at the additional reading, “Most of the extra books are for use in keeping things safe when you’re back in Snape’s class, dear.  It’s how Hermione keeps her potion going rather than exploding when an idiot lobs something into it; or your classmate is so scared of the professor that he doesn’t do everything exactly correctly, and needs help getting things fixed.”

	Harry nods at this, “I can see the use of the books, and I do know that the books I used this summer went into a greater depth than the books that Snape usually seems to require for class.  Though, I bet that he does suggest to the Slytherins that they buy the additional books, so he doesn’t have to worry about their potions as much while he harasses the other three quarters of the school.”

	‘Dora nodded, while giggling, “Wouldn’t put it past the Dungeon Bat to do something like that.”  She then placed her pile on the counter, waiting for Harry to put his pile up too, “I was one of the few non Slytherins to make it into NEWT Potions, and he gets nastier if you manage to pass your OWLS well enough to make it into his NEWT classes.”

	The young Wizard nods at this, “Wonder why he bothers Teaching at all, since he seems to hate doing it.”  He then looks around for someone to ring his purchases up, finally a tiny Witch pops up behind the counter, “Sorry, hon, got busy helping Madame Friedriche find the books she thought she’d need for the library she’s building for her Great Grandchild.”  Harry nods at this, “No problem, Ma’am, I didn’t mind browsing on my own.”

	 The older Witch smiled at this, glad to see at least one Wizard who didn’t seem to think that the world came to a stop if he needed help, “Taking up Runes, hon?  I’ll include an Owl Order catalog, just in case you run into needing a book that you didn’t think you’d need right now, or need for further study.”

	Harry nods, “Thank you, Ma’am, I appreciate it, especially since I’m trying to study enough to skip to Fourth year in the class.”  At this, the older Witch nods, “Professor Vectra is my son’s fiancée, she’ll be glad to allow you to test out of the Third year class, she just expects you to do the best work you can.”

	The older witch then rings up the books, placing them in a backpack, “This pack is charmed to be weightless, no matter what you put in it, as long as it can fit into the opening.  I add this to any Student’s order that’s taking an intensive subject such as either Runes or Arithmancy.  One of my kids got me started with the idea when I saw them struggling to cart around the supplies they needed for Runes, and I knew Arithmancy wasn’t much better, trading off tools for books.”

	‘Dora nods at this, “One of my dorm mates claimed there were two settings for the Weightless Charm, one for when she carried it, and one when her boyfriend carried it, based on the amount of grousing that he did when he carried her books for her.”

	Harry shook his head, laughing at this, “I’m sure that your dorm mate paid her boyfriend pretty well for the ‘effort’ he was putting into helping her with her books.”

	The Witch behind the counter grins, “Your total is Eighty-Five Galleons, Twelve Sickles, and Three Knuts, including the backpack.”  Harry got out the required amount, then added another three Galleons, “Take your staff out, on me.  By the way, there’s a set of books in the far back right corner, that seem to be invisible, I think I remember one of the other clerks saying that you needed to find them.”

	The older witch blinks, then goes to check out the corner indicated, “Thank you, young man, these Invisible Books of Invisibility cost us a mint, and they’re just so hard to keep track of.  They even make any markings on them invisible, so we can’t even make them visible other ways.”

	Harry just nods at this, “I just noticed the aura of magic around them, figured you’d like to know, in case it was something you didn’t want around.”

	‘Dora stares at Harry for a moment, before shaking her head, “Harry, hon, sensing auras isn’t something most Wizards can do.  I’m guessing this might have been something unlocked by the ritual the Goblins did.”

	The young wizard simply shakes his head, “Just another thing that we’ll have to learn about, my lovely wife.”  He then hefts the backpack into place and leads the way out of the store, and towards the store that specialized in implements and paraphernalia related to the study and use of Runes, “I’m slowly getting used to the things that I can sense, now.  It’s like the ritual put a time delay on how strongly the abilities were released, so I would have time to adjust to them.”

	The young Auror nods, “I wouldn’t be surprised, as I have a feeling that if you were just to be aware of the ability without growing used to it, would cause quite a few bad things to occur.”  She then opens the door to the next store, “I definitely think a trip to Olivander’s is due, if only to fine tune your wand, I don’t think you’ll need to get a new wand just yet.”

	A middle aged Wizard greets the couple as they enter the store, “Welcome to Scrivener’s Supplies, where we supply what any beginning Runes student needs, my name’s Saul Scrivener, what may I help you find, today?”

	Harry smiles, “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Scrivener, my name’s Harry, and I’m looking for the kit that Third and Fourth year Rune students would buy.”  He then looks around the store, taking in the minute glows around certain spots, then seeing the minuscule runes that make up either the enchantments or wards that were emplaced upon the object, before blinking a few times, which causes everything to go back to ‘normal’, returning his attention to the Wizard behind the counter, “Sorry, thought I saw something.”

	Saul smiles at Harry, “No worries, young man, I can understand.”  He then places on the counter the various supplies that he had gathered, “These supplies will fit nicely into the outside pockets of the Backpack that Madam Flourish provided you,”  Seeing Harry’s startled look, the older wizard smiles, “Once she started getting the backpacks, I helped her a little, and there’s now three models, one for Runes students, one for Arithmancy students, and one for those rare students that take both.  Each is tailored a different way, so I can automatically tell which of the two varieties that I tend to get here.”

	The younger wizard nods at this, “Makes sense, and also getting the backpack tailored so that it has pockets for the supplies needed makes more sense too.” Harry then studies Saul, “That’s more common sense than the typical Wizard shows, though it does make good business sense.”

	‘Dora shakes her head, “How much will this run?”  She is smiling as she takes in how Harry thinks and operates, getting a feel for how her husband does things.

	Saul smiles, “Since I included a couple duplicates of the first Rune scribing tool, this’ll run the young man one hundred fifteen Galleons, three Sickles, and five Knuts.”

	Harry smiles, then takes out the amount required, then thinks a moment before taking out another Galleon, “Why don’t you buy your sweetheart a bunch of flowers, on me.”

	The older wizard blinks for a moment, before taking the money, and nodding, “May you have a good life, Harry.”

	Harry nods, before placing the supplies in the pockets designed for them, then shouldering the pack once again, leading ‘Dora out of the store. He waits for the door to close all the way, and a few steps to have been taken before turning to his Bonded spouse, “I detect at minimum, a knowledge of the Muggle world, at hand there.”

	‘Dora nods as she leads Harry towards Olivander’s, “You may be right.  I also guess that you sensed things in that store that most folks wouldn’t.”

	The young Wizard nods, then opens the door to Olivander’s, once again breathing in the sense that the store exudes, the air heavy with potential magic.  Once the door closes, he becomes almost excruciatingly aware of the potentials of each wand, and the tiny runes that seem to dance over the length of them, even within the boxes that enclose them.

	Mr. Olivander appearing and coughing, “Interesting to see you back so soon, Mr. Potter, knocks Harry from his state of overload.  I trust everything is in order with your wand?”

	The younger wizard shakes his head for a moment before turning his attention to the Wand maker, “So far, Mr. Olivander, but I went through a Goblin Cleansing Ritual, and several blocks on my magic were released, as well as a piece of Evil Magic was cleansed from my Core, so I came here because I felt it would be a good idea to see if any tweaking would be needed to allow my wand to continue functioning well for me.”

	Mr. Olivander blinks his silvery eyes, then reaches out for Harry’s wand, “If I may, Mr. Potter?  You’re absolutely right, in thinking that having more magic available will affect how your wand reacts.”  He then gets out another measuring tape, “This tape measures not the physical you, but the Magical you, and will help me sort out what’s needed.”

	The tape then begins spinning around Harry, seemingly measuring odd little things, before suddenly zipping over to Nymphadora and doing the something there, causing the elderly Wand maker to blink then smile, “Am I to guess you tow are magically Bonded?”  At the couples’ nods, he smiles, “Congratulations, you two.”  He then captures the measuring tape, and studies the readings, “Oh, my.  Merlin, this is odd.  Haven’t seen something like this in a long time.  Should be an interesting challenge” are some of the things the couple hear muttered by Mr. Olivander.

	Harry looks expectantly at the old Wizard, “Something interesting occur, Mr. Olivander?”  He then looks to ‘Dora and shrugs, “I hope its good news, at least.”

	Mr. Olivander shakes his head then turns his attention to Harry, “It is good news, just very odd.  I need to add three cores to your wand, and a jewel to the outside.”  He places Harry’s wand on a cushion, before looking at Harry, “Fortunately for you, young man, I have all three ingredients at hand, or I’d have to keep your wand until I found them.”

	The younger Wizard nods, “And what are these three cores, sir?”

	The Wand maker smiles, “The tail hair from a White Kitsune, a crushed claw of an Arctic Nundu, and a hair from your bonded wife’s head.  The jewel is an Emerald, which should fit right above where you hold your wand.”

	‘Dora blinks at this news, before growing her hair out so that it barely brushes the floor, and assumes its natural color, “Be gentle, Mr. Olivander, I haven’t gotten a hair cut since my abilities manifested.”

	Harry also blinks at this news, then peers at Olivander, “Would an animagus form influence the ingredients, sir?”

	Mr. Olivander tilts his head, thinking for a moment, “It can, for those who haven’t finished the transformation fully.  I’ve even seen it change an entire wand, such as in the case of your Father, young man.  Shortly before he graduated, he came to me, to get his wand checked out, and he needed several changes made, to the point that it was easier to craft a new wand rather than fix his old one.”

	The younger Wizard nods, “I can only hope that no future changes occur that will require such drastic measures, sir.”

	The Wand maker smiles, “One never knows where the future may lead, Harry.”  He then takes the wand to the back of the store, where rustling, humming, sizzling, and assorted other noises happen, before the aged Wizard reappears with the improved wand, which, when Harry grasps it, emits a bright Emerald glow, while an audible ‘snap’ of energy ensues as the magical discharge grounds through Harry, “Your ‘new’ wand is very good at Defense against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and Charms, Harry.  You should practice a bit to get used to the new feel of it.”

	Harry nods, “How much do I owe you, sir, if you include a wand holster?”

	Mr. Olivander smiles, “These additions will run you One Hundred Fifty Galleons, Harry, due to the rarity of at least one of the ingredients.”

	Harry nods at this, getting the required money out, then retrieving another ten Galleons, “Something to go toward your next ingredient gathering safari.”

	The older Wizard smiles, then nods, “Be well, Harry, and take good care of this amazing young Witch you’ve bonded with.”

	As Harry places the wand holster on his wrist, then slipping his wand into it, he nods, “I wouldn’t dream of mistreating her, I wouldn’t want to mimic my relatives’ behavior.”

	‘Dora shakes her head, then escorts Harry out of the store, shortening her hair back to its normal length, and shifting its color to an Emerald Green, “I think that’s enough shopping for today, Harry.  We can continue on Monday, after you’ve had a chance to crack your books, and get return mail from your friends.”

	Harry nods, “I agree, plus I’m getting a mite peckish for some of that magnificent food that your House Elves produce.”

	The young Auror shakes her head, then leads Harry over to the Apparition spot, before linking hands with him, and, teasingly hugging him so his chin rests on her bosom, apparating them back to their house.

	Harry, blushing to the roots of his hair, looks up into ‘Dora’s eyes, then kisses her on the lips, “I do want to get to know you better, my lovely wife, but I don’t yet feel the urge to take things beyond exploring each other’s bodies.  Something is telling me I should wait until we meet the other Witch who is to Bond with us.”

	‘Dora nods, “Doesn’t stop me from teasing you, my love.”

	At that point, they’re interrupted by the arrival of several Owl post owls, each bearing what seemed to be several important letters, the letter held aloft by Ron’s tiny owl seeming almost too big for the minuscule bird.

	Harry quickly gathered a handful of Owl Treats, then began relieving the birds of their burdens, “Let’s see; we have Ron, Ginny, the Twins, Hermione, Dumbledore (the last being delivered by Fawkes), and Sirius.”

	‘Dora nods, “Well, let’s see how everyone’s taking the news.”  She seats herself in a nearby love seat, leaving room for Harry to cuddle into her, which he does.

	Hermione’s letter reads:

	Dear Harry,
	
	That’s awful, what’s happened to your relatives, but it’s incredible the news about you and Tonks.  I’m sure that the reason you felt the need to give yourself a new nickname will be revealed in time, I just hope that it isn’t anything too dangerous.

	I’ve completed all my homework as well, and I am happy to hear that you’re taking your studies seriously, for once.

	I’m also happy to hear you’re planning on switching from Divination to Runes, and I’ll be glad to share any notes that might come in handy.

	I’ll most likely see you on the Express, unless you are going shopping for school supplies tomorrow.

	Be well, my friend.

	Hermione.

	Each of the letters from the various Weasleys caused Harry to laugh, especially the Twins, who tried to guess the reason for the nickname.

	Dumbledore’s letter, however, was opened with much trepidation, which, after reading the first few paragraphs, was proven to be unfounded, “Professor Dumbledore agreed to let me switch to Runes, he’s also setting aside rooms for us, and he wants to hear everything I can tell him about the Goblin Ritual that I went through, as it sounds a long sight safer to deal with than any other method of ridding the world of the Evil Magic that seems to be holding Voldemort to this plane.”

	‘Dora nods, reading over Harry’s shoulder, “Sounds to me like Dumbledore knows there’s other bits of the ‘Dank Lord’ lurking out there, and wasn’t sure how to eliminate them safely, so that Voldemort is finally mortal, and can be put down for good.”

	Harry then snuggles against ‘Dora, “This day took more out of me than I thought it would.”  He then slowly falls asleep, causing ‘Dora to smile, then call for Vilma and ask for a blanket, murmuring to Harry, “Rest well, my husband, I’ll be here for you.”