Dysfunctional

20 - Kidnapping and Quarrels

The rest of the week passed by lazily; Harry revelled in the feeling of being home again and practiced the spells Sirius and Remus had taught him. He could successfully transfigure objects into iron but the problem was that it took at least ten seconds to finish the transfiguration. That would be of no help in a battle, so he had to get down the time to at least a second.

Sirius had to leave that afternoon for an Order meeting. He had been exempt from them the past month seeing as he wanted to spend time with Harry, but after the shocking murder of Amelia Bones and the disappearance of Florean Fortescue, he could not deny that the war was beginning and the Order needed all the help they could get.

Harry had the mirror Sirius gave him in his pocket at all times and was told to stay indoors, which meant no flying in his broom. He didn't mind much, it was just one day, so he spent much of his time in the Potter Manor's library as he had nothing else to do.

His grandfather seemed to have an extensive collection of books on Defence against the Dark Arts, which seemed to be his forte. Harry liked to think he got his interest from him as Sirius had told him his Dad was good in Transfiguration and his mum in Charms and Potions. There were books that were almost centuries old and was sure would have only been in the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts library. Hermione would probably live inside here all year if she could.

Harry perused the titles of the many books and stopped when a book caught his interest - Elemental Transfiguration and Ways to Implement in Duelling.

He asked Twitchet to get him a hot chocolate as he propped up his feet on the desk and began to read.

oOo

Saturday, August 10

It was her third meeting at the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters and Catherine had arrived early as usual. After considerable practicing every day, she could finally get her Patronus right. They had had more bad news the last meeting, where Moody had mentioned that Florean Fortescue had been announced missing. His house was wrecked and the Aurors were investigating, so the Order couldn't do much regarding it.

Catherine sat next to Tonks with a bottle of butterbeer, "Hello."

Catherine had been very thrilled to learn that Tonks was a Metamorphmagus. She knew they were really rare and had enjoyed it immensely when Tonks entertained her for the better part of an hour doing various things with her facial features and hair. Today though, her hair was a dull mousy brown mirroring her dispirited expression. She was sipping from a bottle of firewhiskey and Catherine was quite apprehensive.

"Is everything okay?" said Catherine uncertainly.

Tonks looked up with a faraway look in her eyes. "Oh... yes, yes. I'm fine."

Catherine could tell she was lying, but she didn't want to press her. She wasn't sure that they were close enough yet that Tonks would discuss her problems with her anyway.

Catherine felt slightly awkward, but Charlie joined them as he sat beside Tonks. "What's got you down?"

When Tonks didn't reply, Charlie glanced up at Catherine and she shrugged as she shook her head.

Tonks took a large gulp of her firewhiskey. "I'm fine, really. It's nothing to worry."

Saying so, she put on a very forced smile and it was very clear from her expression that she wanted them to not talk about it anymore. Catherine quickly took the opportunity to discuss the progress she had made with her Patronus and Tonks looked grateful.