"Hey scar-head!"
Harry sighed. His day was going so well up till now. He had come to Hogsmeade with Hermione and Ron and was enjoying walking around, seeing the lovely Wizarding village, exploring the shops. He was truly enjoying himself, and then as per usual, Draco Malfoy had to ruin things.
"Hi Malfoy," Harry replied blandly.
Draco sneered, slightly put off by the seemingly plain response. "Never thought you'd get permission to be let out. What are you even doing here?"
Harry held up a couple of bags. "Well I got some new quills and ink and some candy. Now I'm walking around with my friends before we're going to get something to eat." He looked at Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, Draco's usual two henchmen standing beside him. "Are they really holding your things for you?"
"Why wouldn't they?" Draco asked, confused.
Harry smiled. "Does that make you their girlfriend then? Since they're holding your shopping for you?"
Ron and Hermione burst out laughing while Crabbe and Goyle looked deeply uncomfortable, looking at Draco warily. Draco seethed, face turning red. "How dare you?!"
"You approached me first," Harry shrugged. "Besides, I was just asking a question."
"You think you're so clever, don't you Potter," Draco spat. "You better be careful. One of these days you'll get what's coming to you and If I'm lucky, I'll be the one to do it."
"Oh yeah?" a new voice cut in. "And what does that mean?"
Everyone turned to look and Harry's eyes lit up seeing Dora standing there. She was dressed in her Auror uniform, her hair short and curly and brown today. She winked at him briefly before staring down at Draco and his two henchmen.
Draco bristled. "It's no business of yours."
"Actually, it is my business. Normally when I hear someone threatening someone else in public like this, I get a bit concerned."
"I didn't threaten him," Draco said silkily.
"True, not outright but you certainly implied it. And the Gallows law gives an Auror full discretion in investigation threats: implied or otherwise. Even empty threats can be punishable with fines and forcing you to make very public apologies."
Draco sputtered. "That's not a law!"
"Yes it is. Why don't you run along and ask your daddy?" She sneered at him, her expression much more emphatic than his. "Yeah I know who you and your daddy are and you can ask him about the Gallows. He's had some experience with it in the past. Go on, take your little friends with you."
His face bright red, Draco stormed away with Crabbe and Goyle following dutifully after, though keeping a greater distance after Harry's girlfriend crack.
Dora resisted the urge to spit, watching the retreating Slytherins until they rounded the corner. After another few moments of watch, she shook her head and turned to Harry and his friends. "What a git," she said, hiking a thumb over her shoulder.
"You don't know the half of it," Harry said and he hugged her gratefully. "I'm so happy to see you."
"Aww, missed you too." Tonks kissed him on the forehead and hugged him hard. "Hiya Hermione," she said warmly and gave the girl a light hug. She looked at Ron coolly. "Ron, right? How you doing?"
"Doing alright. That was brilliant by the way," Ron said. He looked a touch awkward but he sounded sincere.
Dora smiled slightly. "Thanks. Look, you don't have a problem with me, I don't have a problem with you. But don't have a go at me or my mum and I won't do the same. Deal?"
Ron shook her hand. "Deal."
"Cool. Glad we can be cordial."
"What is the Gallows law?" Hermione asked.
"It's an old law. At one point the Magical community population was really really low. And there was a spat of duels over people getting offended or insulted and duels back then were mostly fatal. So the Gallows law said that any threat, perceived or whatever, can be officially investigated and if the person is found guilty, they owe a lot of money. Not to mention get publicly humiliated."
"Whoa really?" Ron asked.
"Yeah. I can't remember the last time someone insisted on an investigation but the law is still valid. It's an utter mess and it takes a lot of effort on both sides to resolve it but it is really humiliating to those that care about that sort of thing." Dora shrugged. "Mum likes it though. She always said it wasn't enough to kill someone. You have to kill their reputation and character too."
Ron and Hermione exchanged a look at that and it deepened when they saw that Harry looked utterly unfazed. "Why is it called the Gallows law?" Hermione asked.
"Well if you were found guilty and refused to pay or couldn't pay or refused to apologize, you'd get sent to the gallows."
"They would execute you for insulting someone to prevent a fatal duel?" Hermione looked gobsmacked. "That makes no sense at all."
Dora shrugged. "Lots of Wizarding Laws don't. Mum said the law was successful because no one wanted to be executed like a Muggle, something about it being so undignified so everyone rather be publicly humiliated and pay the fine."
"How do you know Malfoy?" Ron asked.
"He's a cousin unfortunately," Dora sighed. "His mum and my mum are sisters."
Harry patted her arm sympathetically. "I know what it's like having terrible relations."
Dora's eyes flashed with anger before mellowing. "Yeah, guess you do."
"I won't hold you being related to them against you," Harry said slyly.
She laughed, her hair turning pink. She grabbed him in a headlock and ruffled his hair. "You cheeky thing. You better not! Mum is the black sheep of the family. Sirius too actually."
"How'd you do that?" Ron gaped at her.
"Do what?" she replied, arm still around Harry's neck and her other hand messing up his hair further.
"Change your hair."
"Oh. I'm a metamorph. I can change my appearance with my magic. Pretty handy sometimes."
"That's so interesting," Hermione gushed. "Can anyone learn that?"
"No, you have to be born one. Otherwise you have to use transfiguration or charms." She let Harry go and smiled when he leaned on her.
"Are you done with patrolling soon?" Harry asked.
"Will be in a little bit."
"Would you like to get lunch with us?"
Dora smiled wistfully. "I would but don't want to crash in."
"I don't mind, you're pretty cool," Ron said sheepishly.
"I'd love to ask you more questions," Hermione said. She caught Harry's look. "Only if you don't mind answering them of course."
Dora smiled. "Thanks! I don't mind answering some. Let me go finish my patrol and hand off to the next. Meet you lot at the Broomsticks later." She waved at them and as she walked off, her footsteps a little lighter and her hair stayed bubblegum pink.
"Sorry," Harry said. "She's a little touchy about being asked about being a metamorph."
"Oh no, did I offend her?" Hermione gasped.
"No, I think she knows you're just curious. She hasn't told me much but I don't think she had a great time of it while at Hogwarts with them," Harry said.
"Why? I'd think it'd be brilliant to just change your look whenever you want," Ron said.
Harry shrugged. "Just from some of the things she mentioned. People can be really rude about it."
They walked around some more, visiting the last of the shops they wanted to before reaching the Three Broomsticks. It was a very comforting place to be, full of other Hogwarts students and the locals that lived in Hogsmeade. They found a table towards the back and sat down, chatting with one another.
Dora showed up wearing a leather jacket and jeans and a t-shirt. "Have you lot ordered yet? Let me get it."
"You don't have to do that," Harry protested.
"Let me treat you lot this time. I'm the one with a job after all." She placed their order and brought over a bunch of butterbeers. For a little bit she let them talk, immersing herself in the atmosphere and listening to them talk about classes. She looked up at one point. "Hang on, what was that? Someone brought a Boggart to your class?"
"Yes, our Defense against the Dark Arts class," Hermione said.
"Whose bright idea was to bring a personification of fear into a classroom of hormonal teens?" Dora asked indignantly.
"Well, when you say it like that…" Hermione murmured, looking thoughtful.
"Professor Lupin was teaching us the Boggart Banishing spell and was giving us practical experience," Harry said with a sour look.
"Oh no, what happened?" Dora asked, concerned.
"My biggest fear is apparently a Dementor," Harry sighed.
She choked on her butterbeer. "How the hell do you know about Dementors?!"
"I didn't! I didn't know until after I woke up from seeing it. One minute the thing was a spider that was rolling around with no legs courtesy of Ron, the second I was staring at this big shadowy thing in robes. The next I was waking up from a faint."
"You fainted?!" Dora grabbed his face between her hands, inspecting him closely. "Are you okay?"
Harry's cheeks went pink. "I'm okay Dora, really. It was really intense and I got some really bad thoughts around it. But I'm fine now."
"You didn't tell Mum did you? No of course you didn't. If you did, she would've come to the castle and skin the professor alive."
"I still can't believe Dementors are real things," Hermione said.
"Trust me, they are real and you better hope you never go close to one. I have to go to Azkaban every so often and it sucks. Literally and metaphorically." Dora shuddered.
"Are there ways to fight them?" Ron asked.
"Yeah but the spell isn't easy. Lots of Magicals can't cast it properly. Mine isn't the best but it gets me by."
"Will you teach me?" Harry asked. "I don't fancy my chances if I ever go up against another Boggart or Dementor."
"Sure, we'll try at Christmas time, how does that sound?"
Their orders arrived and Hermione and Ron blinked at the large plate that sat in front of Dora. "And I thought I ate a lot," Ron joked.
Dora shrugged, slightly embarrassed. "Metamorphing burns a lot of energy so I eat a lot."
"So what's your excuse then since you're not one," Hermione asked Ron with a smile.
"I just like to eat," Ron said defensively.
They continued to talk as they ate. Hermione asked questions about metamorphing, visibly showing some restraint in asking them, and Dora answered them readily enough. As they talked, Hermione noticed that Harry had also gotten a large plate of food, somewhat larger than he usually ate at one time at Hogwarts. Every so often he would surreptitiously sneak food onto Dora's plate from his own. Dora had not noticed, readily eating what was on the plate and not questioning the appearance of more food.
Dora saw Hermione's soft look and caught Harry mid-food sneak. "Harry," she chided, her face red. "I can always order more. You don't need to do that."
"Dangit Hermione," Harry said with a smile. "It's a game we play. We always see how long we can get away with it without her noticing."
Dora huffed but could not keep the smile off her face. "You're the one that needs the extra food. You're still too skinny."
"Uncle Ted says I'm in an acceptable weight range," Harry replied blandly.
"He said you were barely in an acceptable weight range," Dora corrected. "At the very lower end."
"Well I hope to one day eat as much as you do. Then probably go into hibernation from the ensuing food coma."
"Harry!" Hermione giggled. "Don't be rude!"
After more banter and teasing, they finished their meals and left. Dora sighed as they approached the carriages that would take the trio back to Hogwarts. "Well, try to be careful in your classes. Hopefully there won't be a repeat of the Boggart thing. Still can't believe your professor did that."
"Yeah, well, I'll wait for the holidays and hopefully you can teach me the spell. Here, do you mind taking this to Auntie Andi and Uncle Ted? Theirs is the green box. Yours is the yellow one. I got Sirius one, hopefully he will like it. It's the red one."
She smiled as she took the Honeydukes bag. "Aww thanks Harry. I'll do that. Let me know when your next Hogsmeade weekend is and I'll try to come over that day. Otherwise, see you at Christmas." She hugged him hard and kissed his cheek. After bidding the other two goodbye, she waved and watched the carriage leave.
She walked to the Hogsmeade apparition point. It was really good to see him and though she wished they had more time together; she was thankful for the time they did spend together. Every time she saw him, she kept thinking about comparing him to the first time meeting him, a few months ago. The change was startling and she swore to keep things better for him. Her life had definitely improved after finding him.
She would gladly ensure that his was the same.
-0-
Sirius looked up when Dora walked into the room. "Hey Nymmie! How was Harry and Hogsmeade?"
Dora rolled her eyes and threw the red box at him. "Stop calling me that Dogbreath. Also Harry was good, Hogsmeade was fine. He got that for you by the way."
Sirius caught the box and tore open the wrapping eagerly. "Ah my godson is such a good lad. Also, tell your daughter to stop calling me that."
Andromeda did not look up from the paper. "Then stop having dog breath."
Dora looked triumphant when she handed Andromeda her box. Sirius huffed. "The daughter is as rude as the mother," he muttered as he took a bite out of the fudge he pulled from the box.
"I taught her well," Andromeda said dryly. She smiled as she opened the box. "Oh he is a darling. Teddy and my favorites in equal measure. I should send him something the next time I send him post." She popped an ice mice into her mouth. "So how was he?"
Dora sucked on the end of a sugar quill. "He's doing pretty good! Looks good. Seems to be doing alright in class." She frowned. "He apparently learned his greatest fear is a Dementor of all things."
Sirius and Andromeda looked up at that.
"How the hell did he find that out?" Sirius asked, shivering at his own memories of the Dementors.
Dora told them what Harry told her. Andromeda looked angry. "Who the hell brings a damn Boggart to a classroom? Who is this professor of his?"
Sirius looked startled when Dora said who the professor was. "Lupin?" he repeated.
"Wasn't he a friend of yours?" Andromeda asked.
"He was. Though he never wrote me or anything when I was in prison." Sirius scowled. "Has Harry ever mentioned anyone seeing him from our world when he was younger?"
"He told us he never knew magic was real until he went to Hogwarts. Why?"
"That means Remus never visited Harry at all. He should have, he was close to James and Lily." Sirius glowered.
"Hmmph. He can join the list of people that utterly failed Harry then," Andromeda sniffed.
"So our collective shit list then?" Dora asked.
"Indeed," Andromeda said primly. "Normally I would be upset to see that many names on a list but it does give us ample opportunity for revenge so there is that at least."
"And what revenge are you thinking of?" Sirius asked with interest.
"Unknown as of now. I promised Harry that he would have final say before we execute any sort of decision. I will not betray his trust." Andromeda sighed. "He is a kind soul, somehow. It does interfere with the fun somewhat but what can you do."
"Oh speaking of shit lists, I had an encounter with little Malfoy. He was trying to start some trouble with Harry and I reminded him of the Gallows law."
"Oooh, please tell me he did something that I can work with," Andromeda asked with shining eyes.
"Sadly not really," Dora said. "Not enough to legally pursue anyways."
"Damn." Andromeda looked distinctly put out. "That would have been very satisfying to do."
Sirius grinned. "Still, more than enough reason to mess with Lucius and his boy regarding Black finances. We have the legal right and now we have the moral high ground."
"That will almost be as good," Andromeda admitted.
"Cheer up Andi. We can really stick it to them and write them basically out of everything. You can even add your favorite legalese double talk that will require at least five other solicitors and a language master to suss things out."
Andromeda smiled. "That does sound like fun."
"You two are nerds," Dora smiled.
"Always like what you do," Andromeda said airily. "That way you glean the most satisfaction out of doing it well."
-0-
"Why are you so nervous?" Hermione asked with a smile.
Harry smiled sheepishly. "Am I that obvious?"
The first term had gone by in a flash, at least that was how it felt to Harry. Aside from the disastrous time against the Boggart, classes were going well overall. He was doing better in his classes, encouraged by Andromeda, even potions of all things. Having people that he wrote to regularly was a wonderful feeling and Hedwig had been very happy to do proper post work this year. This would be the first time leaving Hogwarts for the holidays and he was really excited as well as nervous.
"Not to Ron but he's sleeping currently," Hermione said, gesturing at the third person in the compartment.
Harry chuckled. "I haven't met my godfather yet and I'm going to now. We've exchanged letters but it's not the same you know? What if he doesn't like me?"
She felt a small pang in her chest and tried to smile encouragingly. "I'm sure he does. The Tonkses adore you, so I think he would too."
Harry took a deep breath. "I'm not used to having family," he confessed softly. "Family that cares about me. The Dursleys hating me was one thing. I don't care anymore if they don't like me. I don't want to disappoint Sirius or the others."
She patted his hand. "I'm sure you don't at all."
"Thanks. Plus I'm pretty excited to have a Christmas at home. I have a home I want to go back to now." His smile was bright and pure. "I've never had that before either." He blushed. "Sorry for saying weird things."
Hermione smiled sadly. "You're not. I'm really happy for you too. I'm sorry I never picked up on it before."
"I'm not. I didn't want people to know, like I told you." He shook his head. "I'm just happy things are different."
She squeezed his hand. "Me too."
-0-
"Why are you so nervous?" Andromeda asked, looking at Sirius.
Sirius bounced up and down on his feet. "I'm meeting Harry for the first time in years. What if he doesn't like me?"
"There's a chance he might not. I think he's more of a cat person," Dora mused.
"That's not true, don't even say that. Andromeda, tell me that's not true," Sirius pleaded.
"I have no idea if Harry is a dog or a cat person," Andromeda replied thoughtfully. "Also Dora, do not be too cruel to Sirius. You know how delicate he is."
"Yes Mum," Dora replied insincerely.
Andromeda snorted. "In any case, you have done well in sending him letters and speaking frankly with him. Harry is a lovely boy and as long as you are honest with him, then you will have nothing to worry about."
Sirius breathed a sigh of relief, pushing Dora when she snickered.
"Oh hello there!" Andromeda said out loud as they walked up to Platform 9 and 3/4s. David and Jean turned and smiled when they saw Andromeda, Sirius, and Dora.
"So good to see you," Jean said happily. She and David had spoken to Ted over the phone many times now and they were still grateful for having met Andromeda that day. Ted had been very nice and answered a lot of questions for them.
"David and Jean, this is Sirius Black, my cousin and Harry's godfather. Sirius, this is David and Jean Granger, Hermione's parents," Andromeda said.
"Nice to meet you. Hermione's Harry's best friend so I'm glad to make your acquaintance," Sirius said warmly, shaking their hands.
"Nice to meet you and congratulations on getting exonerated," David said. "What happened to you was the real crime."
"Yeah. Hopefully after some more changes it won't ever happen again," Sirius said. "But I'm still recovering for now. Healer's orders and normally I'd argue but in this case I better not."
"Why not?" Jean asked.
"His wife will cripple me and that'll be the opposite of what I'm trying to accomplish," he said and hiked a thumb at Andromeda.
"Please, I would not cripple you," Andromeda sniffed. "That would create more work for Teddy. I would simply kill you and do away with all the work altogether."
David and Jean laughed, assuming Andromeda was joking. She was joking, mostly, but she truly would do the latter to make things easier for her husband.
"Would you like to come onto the Platform with us?" Andromeda asked.
"Are we allowed to? It wasn't ever clear if we were," David asked.
"Bah. Come with us. When they see you with us, no one will question you," Sirius said. "No one with a sense of self-preservation anyways."
Delighted, the Grangers crossed through the magical barrier. They looked around with interest, chatting with Andromeda, Sirius, and Dora. They smiled as they saw the big red Hogwarts Express come chugging down the track, coming to a stop. The doors opened and students poured off the train, reuniting with their families.
"Oh I see them!" Jean waved her arms.
Dora smirked as Sirius seemed to shrink down a little. "Aren't you supposed to be the brave one?"
"Aren't you supposed to be the nice one?" he retorted.
"Mum! Dad!" Hermione hugged her parents happily. "You came to this side of the Platform!"
"Andromeda and Sirius brought us over with Dora," David said as he picked her up and hugged her.
Andromeda hugged Harry hard. "Oh you've grown a bit," she praised.
He flushed happily. "I think so. It's really good to see you!" He turned and looked up at Sirius who was staring at Harry with wonder. "Hello Sirius," Harry said a little awkwardly.
"Look at you," Sirius said softly. "You're huge now. It's really nice to finally see you again." He looked torn for a moment, as if not sure to hug Harry or not. He laughed when Harry offered a hand and he shook it warmly. "You really do resemble James, but way better looking, I think. Lily's influence, I'm sure."
Dora waited mostly patiently for the other two to greet Harry, but her smile was widest and brightest when Harry hugged her. She squeezed him as tight as she could, her hair shifting from light blue to bright pink and back to a soft brown. She reluctantly let him go for a moment before hugging him loosely from behind, resting her chin on his head.
They waited for the crowd to thin out some, letting the crush of people go through the barrier at their own pace. They chatted and laughed sharing traditions and funny stories before finally exiting the Platform themselves. After fond farewells, the Grangers left for the carpark and Andromeda, Dora, Sirius, and Harry left for the apparition point.
They got back to the Tonks home and after unpacking, Harry went to the kitchen to cook with Sirius following after. Andromeda left to run an errand to her office and Dora left to run her own errands.
"Andi told me you could cook, that's really impressive," Sirius said as he watched Harry.
"I like cooking for Auntie Andi and Uncle Ted and Dora," Harry said with a smile. "Hopefully for you too, if you like it of course."
"I'm sure I will." Sirius sighed. "Harry, I'm really sorry for my part in what happened to you. If I didn't run off on my need for revenge, you would have a much better childhood."
Harry shrugged awkwardly. "I mean, I suppose so. Auntie Andi told me how much you cared about my parents and well, I don't know. I wish I didn't go through what I did either."
Sirius looked pained. "I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for it."
"It's okay. I don't want you to feel guilty for the rest of your life," Harry said firmly. "Just, promise me you'll be around from now on. That you'll talk to me and stuff."
Intense relief flooded Sirius' face. "Done. That's more than I can ever ask for. Thank you, Harry. I swear I will always do right by you."
"That's all I need then," Harry said. "Are you going to take over as my Guardian?"
"I'll do it with Andi if that's okay with you. She's done a great job and she adores you."
Harry nodded, smiling wide. "That's great with me. Auntie Andi is awesome."
"Yeah she is. That's why I thought she'd take great care of you from the beginning and, well, at least now she can, you know? So how did the term end for you?"
"Pretty good I think. I did well on my end of term exams. Nothing crazy is going on this year which is kind of nice. It's refreshing to have a normal school year."
Sirius raised an eyebrow at that but decided not to pry when Harry did not explain. "And…how has Professor Lupin been treating you?"
"Okay." Harry looked at Sirius. "Should he treat me any different?"
"He hasn't mentioned anything to you?"
"No." Harry's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why?"
"We used to be friends. He used to be friends with your parents."
"Oh." Harry sounded a little hurt. "He never mentioned that at all."
Sirius growled slightly. "Well, hopefully he has a reason. At least he hasn't treated you poorly. I still can't believe Snivellius is a professor."
Harry looked surprised at Sirius' venom. "You knew him too?"
"Yeah." Sirius rubbed his neck. "He was in our year at Hogwarts. We didn't get along."
"How about him and my dad?"
Sirius snorted. "They definitely didn't get along."
"Maybe that's why he treats me so poorly."
"What do you mean by that?" Sirius got progressively angrier as Harry recounted all the times Snape had treated him badly. "That greasy git. I'll go up to the castle and put a stop to it."
"I don't think that'll make things better," Harry said. "As much as I'd like to see him be put in his place."
"Well, let's make a note of it and if things come to it, I'll come up and smack him down for you. It'll be an honest pleasure for me to do it really." He caught Harry's bemused expression. "What's that look for?"
Harry smiled softly. "I'm just not used to having people that care about me. Wanting to help me and do things for me."
Sirius growled again. "Fucking Dumbledore," he said to himself. "Well get used to it Harry. You got me and the Tonks family behind you now and we're family. You're not alone anymore."
Harry looked away to hide building tears. "That sounds really nice," he said.
-0-
"Hmm, that is odd," Andromeda mused.
"So you think that he might've had some issues the last two years?" Sirius pressed.
"It certainly sounds like it from what you said. Still, before we jump to conclusions, we should ask him if he wishes to divulge anything. Now on the other hand, he definitely has a case against Snape if he wishes. That man is the definition of petty."
"Glad you think so too. I'll admit I'm not unbiased when it comes to him," Sirius said.
"I will put it on the list of grievances to get to when we can," Andromeda said. She smiled at her husband. "And what has you looking so happy, Teddy bear?"
Ted put a finger to his lips, his smile spreading wide on either side of it. "Look at this adorable scene." He pointed into the living room. Sirius and Andromeda poked their heads in and sighed softly.
Dora and Harry were snuggled together on the couch. He cuddled against her; her arms wrapped protectively around his middle. Her hair was long and black. The lines in her face were completely soft and languid. They napped together, the wireless playing softly. Andromeda waved her wand and a quilt floated into the air and tucked itself around the sleeping pair. His glasses flew off his face gently and came down to rest on the coffee table.
"Just like when she was a tiny sprog and he was a baby," Sirius sighed gustily.
"Simply adorable," Andromeda sighed lovingly.
"I'm glad she found him," Ted said seriously. "She's been much happier and at ease since she did."
"Really?" Sirius asked.
"She took his disappearance incredibly hard," Andromeda said softly. "Bit of a surprise really considering her age at the time. Then again, perhaps not, she does have the blood of the Blacks in her. But I knew she never quite got over the loss. She stopped bringing it up after a while but she did seem like a part of her was missing."
The three adults stood and watched them for a few moments.
"Well, it might be late but at least it isn't too late," Sirius said. "We got our family now and it's up to us to make things better for everyone in it."
"And remove anyone and anything that dares threaten it," Andromeda said.
-0-
Harry finally understood the term coming home.
He never understood it and on reflection, it was because he never had a real home before. Now that he did, he knew the comfort it brought, the joy and peace it represented. He always felt either deep envy or even confusion when others looked happy about going home. The short time he spent at the Weasleys was intensely chaotic and very pleasant, but the time here was even more pleasant.
He woke early enough to make breakfast for everyone, something he liked doing despite literally everyone telling him that he could sleep in. Seeing everyone eat the food he made gave him a deep sense of satisfaction, a pleasure he never got when he cooked at the Dursleys.
When Andromeda, Ted, and Dora went to work, Sirius would tell him stories of his parents and their times at school. Ted and Dora set up a physical exercise program for them and they took to it fairly well. Sirius delighted in telling Harry all sorts of stories, even those he made Harry promise not to tell Andromeda.
In the evenings and nights, the family would sit together for dinner and chat about their days, joke around and play games afterwards. Again, the difference compared to the Dursleys was staggering. Vernon would either be constantly angry about any slights or boastful of his exploits. Dudley would consume all he could and brag about the terrible things he and his friends did. Petunia would describe scathingly of the going-ons of their neighbors. The only time they unified was when they were cruel to Harry.
The Tonks and Sirius were a stark contrast. Andromeda would share interesting bits of her day that she could speak, the same as Ted. Then they and Sirius would talk about their times at Hogwarts. Dora talked about what she could as well and she shared of her time at Hogwarts too, though it was obvious she was not saying everything that she did. They all listened to Harry with plain interest, including him in their conversations.
If the Dursleys were 'normal' and the Tonks and Sirius were 'freaks', Harry would rather be one of these kind of freaks any day.
Sirius and Dora started helping him with his spellwork too. They went over spells he should know, helping him refine his casting, and helped him in all sorts of ways. As promised, Dora started teaching him the Patronus Charm. It was as difficult as she warned but he did not mind. He enjoyed learning from her and he was able to produce a shield soon enough and a few times he was able to create a very hazy indistinct shape.
Harry never dreamed he would ever have a life like this and he loved it.
-0-
Harry groaned softly, slowly realizing someone was shaking him. "Hunh?" he grunted. "Wuzgoinon?"
"Happy Christmas!" Dora whispered exuberantly.
Harry blinked myopically, smiling at her. "Happy Christmas!" he whispered back. "What time is it?"
"Just about six or so."
"That's so early!" Harry laughed.
"It's like the only day I wake up early," Dora confessed.
"I don't think you've ever gotten up before me before," he smiled. "Are the others awake?"
"Nope. I usually wake them up on Christmas."
He yawned. "I'm still sleepy though and I'm super comfy."
"Aw okay," Dora said, a little dejected.
"You can nap with me," he said, tugging on her hand.
"I guess I can do that," she said with mock weariness. She crawled over him, making him squirm and snort as she took her time. She burrowed under the covers, snuggling him from behind. "You are comfy," she agreed as she hugged him close.
"Told you," he murmured before drifting off, feeling even more at peace. She followed soon after, falling asleep easily.
-0-
Andromeda blinked as she slowly joined the waking world. Rolling, she burrowed into Ted's side and nuzzled him until he woke too.
"Happy Christmas," she murmured into his neck.
"Mmm, Happy Christmas!" he replied, kissing her sweetly. He looked thoughtful. "Something's strange. I don't quite know what."
Andromeda thought for a moment. "Usually Dora wakes us up at an unreasonable hour on Christmas." She peeked over her husband at the clock. "It's a bit after eight. We've never slept in this late on Christmas before."
"I hope she's not sick or anything," Ted said as he started to get up.
Donning their bathrobes, they walked out of their bedroom and walked down the stairs. At first Andromeda was going to pass Harry's room but paused, cracking it open. She smiled and beckoned to Ted.
Ted grinned at the sight. "I guess we have Harry to thank for keeping her occupied and letting us lie in."
"Let's let them sleep in for a bit longer," Andromeda said softly. "We can make breakfast for him for once."
They started cooking in the kitchen, moving about in companionable silence as they made all sorts of things together. Shortly after they started, Sirius came up the stairs from the basement. "Happy Christmas!" he shouted.
"Happy Christmas you loud lout!" Andromeda said back. "Keep your voice down, the children are still sleeping."
"What?! It's Christmas morning! That won't do at all." Sirius went walking down the hallway.
"Should we warn him?" Ted asked with a smile.
"No. He will reap what he sows," Andromeda said with an answering smile.
Sirius kicked Harry's door open. "Happy Christmas you two! Get up! What are you doing still sleeping-AAARGH!"
He came running back down the hall, chased by an irate Dora who shot Stinging Jinxes at him. She chased him all over the house, alternating between angry shouting and angry incanting, ignoring his pleas for mercy.
Harry walked out, yawning and rumpled. He hugged Andromeda and Ted and watched with amusement as Dora chased Sirius.
"Dora never liked it when someone else woke her," Andromeda laughed.
"Even as a child, she hated it," Ted said. "Never outgrew it as you see."
Eventually Sirius was able to placate Dora and they all sat to eat breakfast together. Then they drifted to the sitting room and Harry stared at the large pile of gifts they put in front of him. "All these are for me?" he gasped.
"Of course," Sirius said. "I have a lot to make up for."
"I'm just happy you're here, we're here," Harry said with wonder. "I've never gotten this many gifts before."
Andromeda shook her frown away. "Well, you certainly deserve them so forget about the terribleness from before and let us enjoy our gifts together. In fact, you go first love. Go on!"
Blushing furiously and happily, he did as bidden. A good amount of the presents were clothes from the four of them and he was ecstatic to see them. There were all sorts of styles, Muggle and Magical, and he especially liked the boots Andromeda got him. They fit perfectly and were enchanted to muffle his footsteps. Dora had gotten him a very nice wand holster that fit on his forearm. It prevented others from summoning it while holstered, and a simple wrist movement made the wand pop into his hand. Ted had gotten him a very nice Healer's kit, full of all sorts of healing items.
Harry looked at the last present. "That's a very big box."
Sirius preened. "Size matters Harry." He flinched at the jinxes Dora and Andromeda shot at him. "Only in certain things though. Go on then!"
Harry opened it and he stared at the contents. "This is a Firebolt!"
"It sure is!"
"I can't accept this," Harry gasped. "It must have been expensive."
"Just think of it as thirteen years worth of overdue Christmas and Birthday gifts," Sirius said warmly. "Honestly, getting it didn't put me out at all and you deserve an awesome broom. You like flying and playing Quidditch don't you?"
"Well yeah…"
"It is okay Harry," Andromeda said warmly. "You forget, I have been helping Sirius with his finances and he is not lying when he said he afforded it without difficulty. Just enjoy it. You certainly deserve it."
Harry hugged Sirius and the man teared up slightly, hugging Harry back hard.
"Thank you so much. All of you," Harry said softly as he sat back, hugging his gifts. "I…I don't know what else to say. I never dreamed I'd ever have anyone in my life like this. I always hoped but…"
Dora pulled him to her and hugged him tightly. "You got us now," she said firmly, nuzzling his head with her cheek. "No need to hope or dream for that anymore."
Harry sighed happily. "I just hope you all like what I got you."
"Well we might as well go in turn," Andromeda said. She smiled. "Sirius can go next because he is the next closest one in mental maturity. Though you are a bit too mature for your age," she winked at Harry.
"Hey, I resemble that remark," Sirius sniffed but tore into his gifts too. A lot of his were new clothes and he liked them a lot as well. He gleefully pulled on his own boots and pulled on a nice Muggle style leather jacket. "Now I look pretty damn good! Thanks for the jacket!" He ruffled Dora and Harry's heads. He looked at himself in the mirror in the hallway. "Damn, I look great!"
"And we lost him," Ted laughed. "Still, I'd be the first to admit he looks good all things considered. He's doing well with his recovery. Alright Nym, your turn!"
Dora let Harry go and opened her gifts eagerly. Ted had gotten her a new magical belt, festooned with pouches and straps to hang all sorts of things off of. It was stylish enough to look like it fit on most of what she wore but magically reinforced for Auror work as well. Andromeda got her a new portable lockbox. It would only grow or shrink at her command and could only be moved at her touch, something that would come in handy for all sorts of things. Sirius got her an array of spell books that would come in use for her career. She squealed when she opened Harry's gift. It was a leather jacket but made from dragon hide. She instantly put it on and she could feel latent magic tingle.
"It has some expandable charms on it," he said, delighted by her happiness. "It won't change completely and has some limitations, but it can expand and contract to fit you through a fairly wide range. It also is extra durable and has a warming and cooling charm on it. They all can be recast too when they wear off.
She hugged him extra hard. "I love it!" She kissed him messily on the cheek. "Thank you!"
Andromeda looked at them fondly before she and Ted started opening their gifts. Sirius had gifted them some of the silver and from the family vaults, things she liked but never was able to take and he happily gave, as well as some newly commissioned things. Dora gifted both of them specialist books in their respective fields. She smiled brightly at the new briefcase Harry gave her, smiling when Ted revealed his new Medic's bag that he gave him.
"I love useful gifts," Andromeda praised and kissed his forehead. "Thank you love, I have been needing a new one for a while now."
"Same!" Ted enjoyed the summoning feature that the bag had. "This is so good, thanks Harry!"
So this is what a real family is like, Harry thought as he sat there in Dora's arms, everyone chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their time together with their new gifts. I can really get used to this.