On the Case

[Jenni]

Harry and Hermione sat in the garden at the Burrow that evening. They had just finished dinner, and the couple retreated to watch the stars come out one by one.

"They're beautiful, aren't they," Hermione said. "You can't see the stars so well in London." She layed her head on his shoulder. "It's so peaceful. I just wish we could stay like this forever."

"I know. But we have the rest of our lives to spend together. Besides, anytime I want to see a bright star, all I have to do is look into your eyes, and I see stars that sparkle brighter than anything in the night sky." Harry kissed the top of her head.

Hermione sniffed. "Oh, Harry, I love you so much!"

She reached up and held onto him like if she let go, she would lose him forever.

"Hermione, what's wrong? You've acted strangely since the other night. Please tell me what's really on your mind." Harry said.

"I just have a bad feeling about Malfoy." she said.

"Me too. I know he's somewhere near Wales, but don't worry, we'll find him..."

"Not Lucius, Harry! Draco." Hermione said, as she sat up and gave him a level look that McGonagall would have been proud of.

Harry was a little taken back. Here was the woman who was always telling him he needed to be more friendly toward Draco and put the past aside for Ginny's sake. And now she was saying she didn't trust him?

"What's going on, you two? Everyone has been wondering where you've gotten off to." Ron said, coming out into the garden, breaking the silence.

"We were just discussing...the stars..." Harry said.

"Yeah, I don't trust him either." Ron stated simply. "No one wants to say any different, especially not after Mum and Ginny's reconciliation, not to mention Emily's birth, but..." Ron shook his head.

Harry and Hermione shared a knowing look. They couldn't hide anything from Ron. After all these years, they still shared one frame of mind.

"So what are you really thinking, Hermione?" Ron said.

"I'm thinking that Draco may be in contact with his father."

"Blimey, Hermione! You don't really think it's as bad as all that?" Ron asked.

"Yes, I do. I mean, why does he suddenly want her to be away from home all the time? When he realized it wasn't possible for her to stay with her parents because...well...because they weren't speaking to each other...he was so desperate that he asked me if she could stay a few nights with us. You know there's no love lost between Harry and Draco. I think it's a plot for Lucius to finally do away with the biggest threat to him--Harry.", she finished with a sigh.

"But something there doesn't quite add up." Harry said, thoughtfully.

Ron's eyebrows came together as he thought. "Well, like what?"

"Like the fact that if he were really out to do me in for his father, he's had plenty of opportunities, the other night being a prime example. Also, why would he have Ginny stay at our house if he was planning something? And he was so concerned for Ginny's well-being, I think he really does love her, feelings about her family aside." Harry said.

Hermione drew a deep breath. "You've made several good points. But I still think something's not right and we should look into it."

"How?" Ron asked. "I mean, honestly, how are we going to go about sniffing around for clues on something that may or may not be occurring?"

"We've done it before. If we could do it at Hogwarts while taking numerous classes, which include Double Potions with Snape and the Slytherins, then I think we can handle it while on holiday from our jobs. I mean, that's what I do anyway, isn't it?", Harry said, a glitter in his green eyes.

Ron nodded. "I suppose so. Well, I'm in. I needed something in my life other than Quidditch anyways. Honestly, Harry, I don't know how you had time to do anything with Wood in charge back then. He's absolutely nutters!"

Harry laughed. "Then it's settled. What will Luna say about all this?"

Ron's mouth gaped open. He really hadn't thought about Luna.

"Oh, well, I suppose we can let her in on it. But I expect she'll be too busy with her book signing to notice anything out of the ordinary.", he said, shrugging. Hermione raised an eyebrow at him.

"Oh come on, it's not like we're married, or anything. "We're just seriously dating...well, as seriously as our schedules will allow...", Ron said, annoyed that Hermione was still fixing him with that raised eyebrow glare. He looked to Harry for help, but Harry, who knew better than to cross Hermione when she was in this mood, help his hands up in defense, telling Ron he was on his own.

"But you live together! You might as well be married! You might give her the consideration to let her know what you're up to at least!" Hermione said sternly.

Ron, who flushed a brilliant red, dropped his head in defeat. "I'll go get her. I'll just make sure she leaves the radishes in the salad and not in her ears."

[Nobby]

That's real good Jenni!

Keep up the good work!

[pinky p]

i love this story, jenni... i hope you're still around to finish it!

[Jenni]

"Well?" Harry asked as he saw Ron come out alone.

"She's gone back home to work on her book, but she told me to go and have fun.", Ron said.

"Excellent!" Harry said, but winced when Hermione poked him in the ribs. "Ouch! WHAT?"

But Hermione wasn't looking at Harry, she was looking at Ron. "Did you even try to get her to come with us?"

"Of course I did! She just said she was too busy!", Ron said.

"And since when has going after dangerous dark wizards ever been fun to anyone except Mad-Eye Moody?" Hermione asked.

"Or Harry," Ron said, laughing.

Harry grinned. "You gotta love the rush,"

Hermione shook her head as she listened to the two go on.

"Besides," Ron said, still laughing. "They didn't call her Loony Luna back in school for nothing."

Hermione gave an exasperated sigh as the two men high-fived each other. "Very amusing," she said dryly. "But if we can be serious about the matter on hand. We haven't got a lot of time to deal with this matter!"

Harry, who knew when his wife had had enough, instantly sobered up. "I'm sorry, dear."

Ron just rolled his eyes, but he too knew when not to cross Hermione. He had never won.

"Oh, by the way, I ran into Moony the other day while I was on my way to the library," Hermione said. "I didn't get a chance to tell you, what with so much going on the past few days."

"How is he? Was he upset that we haven't visited?" Harry asked.

"Well, he wasn't too happy about it, but I did promise that I'd have you call on him." she replied.

Harry nodded. "I might just do that tomorrow. Maybe he can help us with Malfoy."

Hermione gave a soft sigh. She had been worried that he would try to tackle this on his own. She felt better knowing that they would consult Lupin.

Ron spoke up. "Awesome! It'll be good to be able to see ol' Lupin again, and sound him out on a few of our theories. But he doesn't even know of the attack on Harry does he?"

"Not that I know of," Hermione replied a bit sheepishly, "But with Lupin, you never know."

****************************


They decided to stay the night at the Burrow since it was so late. Everyone sat around the fire until the wee hours of the morning drinking tea and talking (as well as taking turns feeding and changing Emily) catching up. The twins had everyone rolling with laughter with stories they had collected about people causing mischef and mayhem with their original Weasley Wizarding Wheezes products. It seems they had corrupted a whole new generation of Hogwarts students and were the heroes of troublemakers everywhere. Even Molly Weasley had to admit that her sons had indeed made something of themselves, and laughed as hard as everyone else at the tales.

Finally, after the last tear from laughter had been wiped away, and Emily soundly asleep, they had called it a night. Ron was to sleep in his old room (still covered in the bright orange and black Chudley Cannon theme, which made him feel slightly traitorous), while Harry and Hermione retired to Percy's old room. Harry went to sleep feeling happier than he had in ages. They really needed to do this more often, he thought.

The next thing he knew, Hermione was trying to wake him up with gentle kisses on his neck. He smiled as he pretended to be asleep so she would continue. Knowing that he was awake, she grinned as she bit his ear.

"Ouch!", Harry exclaimed. "I didn't know you were into all that, but whatever suits you...", he said, as he tackled her, and started nibbling on her ear. Hermione giggled as she fought him away from her neck. He relaxed as he drew her into a deep kiss. She melted, as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Now that's a 'good morning'!" Hermione said, panting. After almost three years of marriage, he still managed to take her breath away with a single kiss.

They lounged in bed a few more minutes as the day dawned bright and clear. Emily's crying and smells of Mrs. Weasley's home-cooking drew them out of bed as if an invisible hand had pulled them. The rest
of the house was emerging from slumber at the same time they were, Ginny was already at the table, holding Emily in her arms with a bottle, and Arthur Weasley drinking a cup of tea and reading the Daily Prophet. Down came the twins (both sets of them) and Ron, yawning his head off. Apparently the wonderful smells of Mrs. Weasley's cooking was enough to draw even Ron out of bed.

They all settled themselves down at the table where they dug into eggs, sausage, pancakes and toast.
Mr. Weasley, who was still fascinated by anything Muggle, took this time to bombarde the Potters with questions.

"So tell me, Harry, how exactly does a 'lightning bulb' work? Oh, and one of those flicky things...with the flame?" Mr. Weasley make a clicking motion with his thumb. Harry just looked at him stumped.

Hermione said, "You mean a light bulb and a lighter?"

"Yes! Fascinating..." he said.

"Dear, I don't think they feel like explaining the whole Muggle world to you. SO kids, what's on the agenda for today." Mrs. Weasley said, trying to change the subject. She hated when he got on the subject of Muggle-technology.

"Well, I thought we'd stop in and see how Lupin is doing. Been so long since we saw him." Harry said, stuffing a huge bite of eggs in his mouth.

"Oh, that would be wonderful. I know he gets lonely in that old house all by himself. It was so good of you to give it to Remus.", Mrs. Weasley said, beaming at him.

"Well, I certainly couldn't stay there...too difficult.." Harry said quietly.

"Of course it would be, poor thing." Mrs. Weasley gave him the pitying look he had hated from people since he first entered the wizarding world. She was speaking of Number 12, Grimmauld Place. Since Sirius was Harry's godfather, and therefore the only living relative Sirius cared for, everything was willed to Harry. But Harry, who had loved Sirius and was torn when he was prematurely ripped from his life, couldn't bring himself to take up residence there. So he did the only reasonable thing Hermione could think of, and gave it to Lupin, seeing as how it was so difficult for him to find steady places to live, what with him being a werewolf and all.

They finished eating breakfast, and then the twins and Harry volunteered to clean up, which consisted of them collecting all of the plates and bewitching them to wash themselves. Mr. Weasley announced that it was time for him to go to work, so with a final farewell to the room, and a kiss on the cheek for his wife, he Apparated. Harry watched the clock on the wall that had a hand for each member of the Weasley family, and he saw the one that represented Mr. Weasley go from 'At Home' to 'At Work'. He had always loved that clock, and vowed to have one someday as soon as he and Hermione started having children of their own.

Finally, with the dishes done, he asked Mrs. Weasley if he could borrow their fire to contact Lupin. He picked up a pinch of Floo Powder, tossed it in, and spoke the address very clearly. After the flames turned the same brilliant green of his eyes, he stuck his head in. He knew by now to keep his eyes firmly shut until the dizziness passed. Once he felt the world was right side up, he opened them to see Lupin sitting at the breakfast table, drinking a cup of tea.

"Hoy, Moony!" Harry said.

Lupin looked up from the newspaper he was concentrating on, and said, "Well, Harry! Where have you been? I've been worried about you! I heard there was some sort of attack the other day, and I tried to contact you last night at your residence, and you weren't there!"

"I'm all right. Not to worry, seriously!" Seems Hermione was right...Lupin did indeed have his own sources. "However, I am on holiday from the Ministry, and Ron, Hermione and I were wondering if it were okay to come and visit with you today."

Lupin rolled his eyes. "Gee, let me look at my agenda book....of course you can!" he said sarcastically, but there was a good-natured gleam in his eyes.

"Wonderful! See you in a bit!" Harry said.

They all filed upstairs to get ready. None of them could wait to see their favorite werewolf again.

[Jenni]

They apparated at Number 12, Grimmauld Place around ten o'clock or so. It no longer resembled the house Harry remembered from the days of the Order, when Sirius had found his lonely refuge there.
They had done a lot to revamp the house, including the removal of the house elf heads, the Black family tree, and of course, the portrait of Mrs. Black herself. The place was now filled with sunlight and vases of fresh flowers rather than boggarts and doxies.

"Well, there you are! Come in and have a seat you three! Can I get you anything? Some tea, perhaps, or biscuits?" Ron, who was always thinking of food, opened his mouth when Hermione shot him an evil look and said, "No thank you, we just had breakfast at the Burrow. You know how Mrs. Weasley loves to make sure you have enough to eat. She sent this package along, actually..". Hermione raised the basket up full of goodies from the Weasley kitchen. "She sends her greetings along to you!"

Lupin graciously accepted the basket and set it on the table in the kitchen. He came back in and sat down with his former students.

"So, how is life treating you three? Say, that was a spectacular game of Quidditch at the World Cup last month, Ron. That last save you made was just amazing." Lupin said.

"Yeah, well it was all the great coaching we had from Oliver Wood. The man knows his Quidditch." Ron replied, his ears turning red from the praise.

"That's right, you're on the same team as Wood, during the Quidditch season. You know, there was a bit of speculation when he gave up his Keeper position for that of a Chaser. But you both really excel at the positions you play on the team." Lupin said.

Ron, who was turning even redder still, grinned and said "Thanks!"

"Now if only Harry would have decided to play Quidditch professionally, and been a Seeker for that team, there would be no stopping Puddlemere United. That would have been the Dream Team, not that I'm criticizing you for the field you chose, Harry. Very admirable, and you do a great job, so I hear.", Lupin said beaming at Harry.

"I do what I have to," Harry replied.

"But I get the feeling this is not the reason you came to see me today, is it?" asked Lupin.

Harry and Ron looked at each other nervously before Harry said, "Well, you know that I was attacked on my way to tell Draco that Ginny was in labor..."

Lupin nodded. "I did hear about a skirmish, yes."

Harry swallowed and went on to tell him Hermione's theory of how Draco may be consorting with his father to untimately bring Harry down and be free to start where the Dark Lord left off. They spoke of their plan to uncover anything that might be going on, since they all had some time off. Lupin said nothing, and did nothing to show his reaction, but simply sat there and listened with an unreadable expression on his face. When Harry was done speaking, Lupin sat there in the silence, thinking about what he'd just heard.

"That is an interesting theory, and one that may very well be possible, I'll give you that. But you also don't want to jump to any conclusions about what Draco is really up to. Just be stealthy, don't let him know that you're watching him. It may be that the other night was just an accident, albeit a strange one. If you went making hot-headed accusations, especially if they were unfounded, that would cause too many conflicts, not to mention a permanant rift between Ginny, Molly, and yourselves. You...haven't mentioned this to anyone else, have you? Not Ginny, not Molly and Arthur, or the twins?"

"No!", Hermione said. "We were trained better than that, besides, most of that is just common sense anyway." Ron rolled his eyes. "Oh, Ron, don't roll your eyes at me, I realize that not everyone has common sense. I doubt any of those Bludgers to the head have helped any over the years, either!"

Ron's eyes narrowed as he pouted indignantly.

"Some things never change, do they Harry?" Lupin asked. Harry shook his head and rubbed his eyes from underneath his glasses.

"All right, you two, if you can please stop fighting for just a few minutes, we'll talk more about the situation at hand." Harry said.

Ron and Hermione, still glaring at each other, sat there quietly.

"What I propose is this..."

CRACK

Harry was interrupted by someone Apparating right in their midst. It was a woman Harry was fairly sure he didn't know.

" 'Ello, Remus! How are you?"

The woman spun around to look at Lupin's guests.

"Wotcher, Harry! Hermione, Ron, good to see you again!"

********************************

Harry stared open-mouthed at the lovely woman looking at him. She had wavy, light purple hair down to her waist, enormous blue eyes, and a perfect heart-shaped face. But the voice...it was none other than...

"Tonks?" Hermione said, as she rushed forward to hug her. "Wow! It's been been way too long...what, since our wedding?"

"Right you are, but unfortunately my new job requires me to stay away for rather long periods of time....would you look at those two?" Tonks said, laughing at Ron and Harry, still goggling over Tonks.

"Don't mind them. They get stricken dumb sometimes. I find that it's a sad trait in men, but there's a quick cure..." Hermione walked behind the two and bopped them in the head simultaneously.

"Hey, Tonks! S-sorry..." Ron said, rubbing the back of his head.

"It's just, you don't look like you..." Harry said, rubbing his own head.

Tonks just laughed. "Now really, I didn't expect you to forget what I am..."

"So where do you work now? I heard some mention that you were leaving the Ministry, but it was kept under-wraps." Hermione asked, embarrassed that the two men were acting so dim-witted.

"You didn't hear? I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts. This is my third year running, believe it or not. But I love it, and Dumbledore seems happy that he doesn't have to find a teacher every new school year." Tonks grinned mischeviously. "And I have the help of the best of the former professors..."

"Who's that?" Ron asked.

"Remus," Tonks replied, winking. "He's been helping me plan my lessons, and..."

At this point, Lupin cleared his throat. "Er...Tonks...it's not necessary..."

"Oh, Remus, you are so paranoid!" she replied.

Harry could have sworn Lupin blushed. Wonder why, he thought, as it was just Tonks...

Hermione, who looked back and forth from Tonks to Lupin, inhaled sharply as realization dawned on her face. Why didn't she see it right off? The new appearance, the way Tonks just Apparated right in his house, the color staining Lupin's cheeks...they were in love!

"Yes. Tonks and I have been dating for the past two years. It all started when she mentioned to me that she was the new DADA teacher, and asked for suggestions on running a successful class. We started working more closely, me advising her on lessons and such, and one thing led to another and, well, here we are..." Lupin said, finishing very quietly. "I love her very much."

Tonks spun around to look at him, swift tears in her eyes. "Really, Remus? You've never told me that straight out..."

Ron, who still had a shocked expression on his face, said "Blimey! No disrespect, but...isn't that quite an age difference there?" He winced as Hermione bopped the back of his head again.

"Should we...leave you two alone?" Harry said, feeling uncomfortable.

Tonks looked back at Harry and said, "Oh, no! It's been too long in getting you here. You're going to sit yourselves back down while I go and get us some tea...please!"

They all sat down as Tonks headed off toward the kitchen, tripping over the end table by the sofa.

"Oops...sorry there."

Ron laughed and Harry grinned. Hermione shook her head with a smile on her face.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before now. We've been trying to keep it secret...I mean, I am after all, a werewolf, and she's got a reputation to uphold at the school. You remember what it was like when people found out what I was while I was a teacher there. Do you think they'd think any more kindly of her if they find out we're dating?" Lupin said, sadly.

Hermione shook her head. "It's just not fair! You should be able to be with the one you love without fear of what others will say or think.", she said angrily, grabbing Harry's hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Ah, Hermione, life is not fair. If it were up to me, I'd ask her to marry me in a heartbeat, but I love her too much to ruin her chances at a normal life." Lupin sighed.

Tonks returned with a tray containing a teapot, five glasses, and a plate of biscuits that Mrs. Weasley had sent along. Once again, she tripped on the leg of the end table. It would have ended in a catastrophe (as the tray and it's hot contents flew up into the air) had not Hermione been quick to pull her wand out and mutter "Wingardium Leviosa!". The tray and everything on it landed nicely on the coffee table as Lupin helped Tonks up off of the floor.

"Righty-o, then. Thanks Hermione!" Tonks said, flashing Hermione a smile.

"Anytime" Hermione replied.

They sat, having polite conversation and drinking tea until Lupin brought up the subject of the Malfoys again.

"Not to be rude or anything, but I didn't trust the big Malfoy, and I don't fully trust his pipsqueak either, no matter what 'reformation' he's undergone. You aren't seriously letting the bu***r out of your sight, are you Harry?" Tonks asked.

"Well, I'm not over Draco's patrol, so if I watched him too closely, it would look suspicious. Besides, everyone knows about the rivalry we had back in school. There's no love lost there, and I don't want to give him, or anyone else any reason to bring that back up and turn it against me." Harry said.

Tonks thought a moment, and then said, "Well, you could go up to him, and try to make amends. Just tell him for the sake of Ginny and her baby, you want to put the past aside, and become brothers in your concern for his family."

Harry began to shake his head. "I don't think.."

He was cut off by Hermione, who was nodding, "Yes, that is a marvelous idea! If Malfoy has changed, he will accept Harry's offer to become more friendly out of love for Ginny. If he's plotting to bring Harry down, he will use the excuse to get closer to Harry and me, at which time, we will be ready for him. Either way, it's a win-win situation!"

"Well, I think we have Phase 1, people!" Harry said, resigned.


*********************************************


Harry, Hermione and Ron sat at the dinner table that evening talking about the events of the day. They had decided that it would be more convenient for Ron just to stay with them until they could find out what was up with Malfoy. Hermione, who was trying to keep the conversation light, said "So, Tonks and Lupin! That was quite a shock. But I'm really glad they have gotten together! He's been so lonely for most of his life, especially since Sirius...", she trailed off, looking at Harry's face, which went stony. He still didn't like to discuss what had happened in the Department of Mysteries that long ago night.

"Do you think she can change into an animal when he makes HIS transformation? You know that usually helps him keep more of a human mind on the full moon," asked Ron.

"I don't think so. But if anyone can understand what he goes through, it's Tonks." Harry said.

"I agree. I think that as a Metamorphmagus, she can change her appearance, but not her form. That falls strictly into the Animagus category." Hermione said.

"A Meta-wha-who-us?" Ron asked, a bewildered look on his face. "I never thought you were one to name-call, Hermione!"

"Metamorphmagus. That's what Tonks is, you idiot!", she snapped, causing a chuckle out of Harry. Ron shot him a rather nasty look

"Shut up, Harry...", he said, as Harry laughed harder.

They finished dessert, and sat around sipping cups of coffee as the topic turned, inevitably, back to Draco.

"So should I write a letter to Malfoy, or pay him a little visit?" Harry asked.

"Oh, I think something like that is best done in person. Makes it more believeable, like it was something that had just occurred to you. I think your best course of action would be to make an appearance at the office when you know he'll be there, and then casually mention that you'd like to put that little grudge-match behind you." Hermione said.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, you're right. I really hope we're wrong about him, though."


Not for the first time, Ron said, "If the blonde ferret thinks he can treat MY sister like that, what with deceiving her and all, he'll have to answer to ME!"

"I know, mate, he'll have to answer to us all. If we are right, the ferret will do more this time than just bounce!", Harry replied, also not for the first time.

"Well, that's why we're checking it out. After all, it's not just Harry and Ginny he's been deceiving anymore, it's Emily as well."

*********************************

Harry Apparated into his office at the Ministry that Monday morning. Draco should be arriving any moment to receive his assignment, and he wanted to "bump" into him.

He stepped outside his office and walked up to the reception desk. The young man sitting behind it goggled at Harry, as he always did.

"M-mr. Potter, sir! G'morning, w-what can I do for you?"

"Good morning. Erm...has Draco Malfoy checked in yet?" Harry answered.

"N-no sir, not that I'm aware of," the young man whispered to Harry. "But then Mr. Malfoy rarely checks in with me. Thinks it's beneath him, he does. Or so I reckon."

Harry's mouth twisted in disdain. That sounded about right, knowing Malfoy he'd think everyone was beneath him except for perhaps Cornelius Fudge. Harry thanked him, and went to go back to his office for the time being, when the young man called after him, "Mr. Potter, should I tell Mr. Malfoy you were looking for him?"

Harry froze. Was the guy clueless? He turned back around, trying to keep his tone light.

"No, that's okay, thanks." He waved and started back to his office.

"Hey, Harry! How're things?", said a deep, booming voice behind him.

Harry spun back around to see Kingsley Shacklebolt, a tall, black wizard who was one of Harry's closest friends at the Ministry. He had been in the Order of the Phoenix when it was reinstated by Professor Dumbledore nearly ten years earlier. He was also part of the Advance Guard that was always sent to make sure Harry arrived to his destination alive. Harry knew he could trust Kingsley with his life.

"What's up, Kings!" Harry replied as they shook wand-hands.

"I thought you were supposed to be on holiday. I heard Molly sent Fudge quite a Howler to get a vacation for you and Hermione.", Kingsley chuckled, which sounded to Harry like thunder.

Harry smiled. "Yeah, she's infamous for her Howlers. I'd hate to be on the receiving end of one, but I do try and watch myself around her."

"So what are you doing here? If I was on vacation, I would be the farthest place from here.", Kingsley asked in a low voice.

"I'll tell you later. Too many people around to hear..."

Just then, Draco Malfoy swept in, the cape he was wearing billowing about him as he walked, giving him an ominous look.

He glanced at Harry with a sneer. "What are YOU doing here, Potter? Aren't you supposed to be on holiday with that....Hermione?", Malfoy said, crudely echoing what Kingsley had just asked Harry moments before.

"Oh, I had a few odd ends to tie up before I could take the rest of my time off. I'd much appreciate it if you didn't tell your mother-in-law that you saw me here. Would create a rather uncomfortable scene there." Harry said, trying to keep it light.

"Not that I talk to her willingly, but no, I won't mention it to her."

"Great, thanks. Erm...speaking of which, Draco, I was wondering if we could lay aside the past. We both care for Ginny and her happiness, and I just thought we could try to be friendly for her and Emily's sake. We are adults now. What do you say?" Harry stuck out his hand.

Draco looked at Harry's outstretched hand, then over at Kingsley, who's expression was unreadable, and back at Harry. He studied Harry's face before finally grabbing it.

"Strange." Draco said. "When I held my hand out for your friendship, I was turned down. I vowed then and there to hate you forever. Now here we are years later, bound together by our concern for Ginny."

"It is odd, but even you admit that she's a special person. And as Bill Weasley told you at your wedding, you marry her and you marry her whole family, which I suppose includes me."

"I suppose so, Pott--Harry. Well, I've got things to do. I want to be able to go and see my daughter tonight, so if you'll excuse me..." Draco walked off without another word.

"Whoa, what was all that about?" Kingsley asked as they walked back to Harry's office.

Harry sighed. He knew he could trust Kingsley, but he also didn't want to tell anyone who didn't need to know. Realizing he wouldn't get out of the office without a full explaination (Kinglsley was an Auror, he knew when he wasn't hearing the whole truth) Harry sat down at his desk and told him the whole story, from the night of Emily's birth, up to the present, excluding the fact that Tonks had been the one to mention the plan. Why Tonks had been at Lupin's was their story to tell, and he wouldn't betray that.

"So, do you need me to...take care of Draco Malfoy for you?" Kingsley asked, only half jokingly.

Harry grinned. "No, I think I have it under control. If Malfoy is communicating with his father, then one Malfoy will lead me to the other, and I can take care of a whole bunch of problems at once."

"If you do find out something about Malfoy, you just make sure you let me know."

"Will do." Harry said, clapping Kingsley's hand.

"So...you saw Lupin. How's Tonks doing?"

Harry looked at the tall man sitting in front of him. "You know?"

"You didn't?" Kingsley replied smoothly, raising an eyebrow at him. "They've been interested in each other since Remus was teaching at Hogwarts. They finally admitted it a while back, but they still want to keep it under wraps, for the most part. Everyone in the Order of the Phoenix knew about it. Got right frustrating watching the two of them, actually."

Harry shook his head in wonder. It all made sense...Tonks and Lupin never being too far apart even back in the days of the Order...the way Lupin had wistfully watched Tonks dance with Bill at Harry's wedding...he felt he had more to learn before he fully matured as an Auror.