"Okay Lil' bro, we're outside. Deep breaths, in and out. I'm here. It's just you and me." Nymphadora said, rubbing Harry's back gently. This wasn't the first time she had helped him through an attack like this, having woken up screaming after nightmares of the Troll and Voldemory several times over the summer. Nymphadora had taken it on herself to calm him down during those moments, making him laugh with her changing features, or on one occasion, even turning into his mother and holding him.
"I'm better now. Thanks Nym." Harry said. Nymphadora did truly hate her name, but she allowed Harry and Harry alone the use of that nickname. Even Charlie was forced to call her Tonks.
"That's good. Now was it the people? The flash bulbs? Or Lockhart?" She asked. The pair had been working on trying to isolate what gave Harry his anxiety attacks when they appeared, and then worked to acclimatize him to them.
"Combination I guess. Just the crowd didn't bother me, and even the pictures probably wouldn't have been too bad I think. It was the being shown off like a prize horse I guess." Harry said, grabbing onto his big sister's hand.
"Guess you're not a fan of the spotlight. Unfortunate given that you're likely to be in it for most of your life. Not only for what you did as a baby, but for the great stuff that you're going to do." Nym said, squeezing his hand.
"I hope I can avoid it." Harry said, looking down.
"Nah, the Harry I know is going to conquer that fear. Even if it takes one of his girlfriends to make him do it." Nymphadora said, sticking her tongue out at Harry as his face turned red.
Shortly after, the rest of their group arrives, with Hermione quickly making her way over to Harry. "You okay?" She asks, crushing him into a hug. "Sorry I didn't notice how upset you were getting. Meeting someone who's written so many books was just exciting."
"Leave it to Hermione, she's best friends with the literal biggest celebrity in the wizarding world and doesn't bat an eye at it, but find someone who's written a couple books and she's starstruck." Susan says, giving a good natured laugh toward her friend.
Hermione flushed red, and Harry returned her hug. "Yeah, I'm fine now. Just needed some air. Not that I'm getting any at the moment, but there's worse ways to go than suffocating due to a tight hug." Harry said, causing Hermione to release him. "Are we still getting ice cream?"
"I did say we would, and I meant it. Only one each though, can't have you spoiling your dinner." Andromeda said, with Mrs. Abbott nodding.
The group made their way to Fortescue's Ice Cream parlor and each had themselves a delightful sweet treat. Even Andromeda and Mrs. Abbot fell victim to their sweet tooths and had themselves an ice cream. The playful banter between the Sphinx Club members making everyone laugh and have a good time, until they all finished their ice creams, and made their way to the Leaky Cauldron.
"See you guys at school!" Susan said, as she, Hannah, and Mrs. Abbot began to get ready to enter the floo connection. Tonight, like many nights, Susan would be spending at the Abbott's house, her aunt away on business.
"See you Susan, Hannah. We'll find each other on the train okay? Aim for the first compartment in the second third." Harry said, nodding at the pair. The Sphinx Club had collectively decided that they would attempt to head to that compartment, and its immediate neighbor, whenever they boarded the Hogwarts Express. That way they didn't spend forever looking for each other.
"You know it. See you soon guys!" Hannah said, before stating her location and making her way through the floo. Susan and Mrs. Abbot followed shortly behind her.
Harry, Hermione, Andromeda and Nymphadora all made their way through the floo, ending up at the Tonks house. Hermione was to stay the night here, with her parents picking her up tomorrow afternoon. Harry and Hermione were very excited about the chance to have a sleepover, something neither of them had ever done before.
"So Harry, what are we going to do first?" Hermione asked, after the pair made their way to his room.
Harry looked around, before turning slightly red. "Honestly I don't know. Never had a sleepover before. Maybe play a game? I have that Gobstones set I got for my birthday." Harry said sheepishly.
"Ooh! That sounds like fun. Do you have any other games?" Hermione asked.
"Oh yeah, Nym has a ZX Spectrum downstairs, away from the magic stuff, she had some games for it as well. I played Bubble Bobble, I liked it a lot. Haven't tried too many of the others. Been busy with my Gameboy." Harry said his tone more chipper.
"Neat, how about we play the computer first? We can play gobstones anytime at Hogwarts, but the computer doesn't work there." Hermione said. "Does she have Horace Goes Skiing? That's my favorite."
With that the pair made their way to the computer room and had a good time playing some computer games, excitedly awaiting their coming return to Hogwarts.
Harry confidently pushed his luggage trolley through King's Cross station, a far departure from his demeanor during the previous year.
"Slow down a bit Harry! I know you're excited, but you've got to let us keep up!" Andromeda said, herself and Ted rushing slightly to try and keep up with their adopted son.
"I think you're just too slow, mum!" Nymphadora said keeping pace easily with Harry.
"You two go for hour-long runs every morning! Of course we can't keep up!" Ted says, as he and Andromeda manage to close the gap. The family of four have a small chuckle.
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