"Serves them right!" Tonks said and Harry nodded.
"Sorry, guys. But Tonks forced me to do this." Harry said, giving a disappointing glance to Tonks. Her hair turned red.
"You lying Potter. I'll see your end!" She proclaimed and lunged at him. Harry didn't have much time to react as she pushed both of them into the paint pool again.
Andromeda and Ted laughed heartily though they themselves were fully covered in paint. All of them laughed and had a hearty laugh at Dora's failed stunt. Tonks huffed at their teasing and ran to clean herself.
"Laugh, laugh. Let me tell you, this paint will stick to you if it is fully dried and won't go off for a few days. Now laugh." She said with her tongue stuck out and ran to clean herself.
Harry and Andromeda had easily caught what Tonks said and hurried to clean themselves while Ted looked at them in confusion.
"Harry, your room was on the first floor to the left. You'll see it at the far corner. All your belongings are there." Andromeda said as she returned to take her goofy husband who was still laughing.
Harry ran towards the said bedroom as he climbed the stairs, he came face to face with the perpetrator. Harry knew she was going to her room as she just passed her.
They had a standoff after which Harry ran to his room to clean the paint and after bumping into a few things, Tonks also went into her room.
Harry didn't have the luxury to look at his room as he ran directly into the bathroom and started cleaning the paint. 'Damn it's hard to remove.'
After an hour-long effort to remove all the paint, Harry met Ted and Andromeda relaxing in the dining area.
"Ah, Harry. Did you clean it off?" Ted asked as he read the Prophet.
"Yes. It was sticky, but I pulled it off. I pity Tonks. She had feathers in addition to the paint and I can only imagine how hard it would be for her."
"Dora! Eat lunch here." Andromeda yelled at a stealing Tonks who is trying to sneak out with some food.
"Fine."
"What's with the bird nest, Tonks? Are you trying to learn something?" Harry asked, trying his best to control his laughter.
"What's that, brat? Is it some joke you are trying to pull?"
"Says who?"
"Ok, you two, calm down. Eat lunch first." Andromeda said and both Harry and Tonks followed without protest.
Though Harry was not part of their family, his past interactions and his recent letters made him one. Ted and Andromeda had a very high opinion of Potter Heir.
His attitude, the way he handles things, his concern for his loved ones and his shrewdness to get what he wanted all impressed the Tonks couple.
When Tonks said he considered them dear, they were elated. They wanted to reciprocate it and so came to a decision.
'Soon, Harry. I promise you won't regret coming to us for your case and considering us dear to you,' Andromeda thought as she watched Tonks and Harry bicker.
Meanwhile
Somewhere in the Ministry of Magic
Cornelius Fudge, the current Minister of Magic is a wise man who wants to do things that benefit everyone. He is a man of honour and one who fights for everyone. At least, that's what he considers himself to be.
He was currently on his way to meet his long time friend and trustee, Lucius Malfoy. Lord Malfoy always gives him ideas that help him maintain his popularity among the masses.
He is in dire need of one as his handling of Sirius Black's escape is not favoured by his fellow wizards and witches and his ratings soared.
To add fuel to fire, some loose mouth idiot leaked about the Dementor attack on Harry Potter in Hogwarts and he was called to resign.
He needs something that helps him rebuild his reputation and get into the good graces of his people. Lucius was his best option for that.
"Lucius, it's been long. How are you doing?" Fudge asked as he saw Lucius waiting for him.
"I'm doing well, Minister. What can I do for you?" Lucius asked, coming straight to the point. Fudge looked around. After making sure no one was listening, he opened his heart.
"You know how everything is going downhill for me, I want something that can pull me up from my situation. I want something that puts me in a favourable light in this Harry Potter mess." Fudge said.
'Harry Potter! I would kill that half breed bastard. How dare he mock me. I'll-' an idea came to Lucius's mind at that moment and he smiled darkly in his mind.
"There is a solution, Minister. But I don't think Madam Bones will agree to this." He said in a disappointed tone. Fudge's hopes rose at that.
"Don't say like that, Lucius. I'll make sure this will come into action at any cost. If it brings my popularity back, I'll do it." Fudge assured Lucius with confidence.
"Catch Sirius Black. It's as simple as that, Minister. I know what you are going to say. You are searching. I know you are searching. But you didn't put your full resources into it. Advertise about him in muggle news as well. Increase the search party. Comb through every inch of the country.
I know it might cost you, but I'll be willing to fund half the cost. If you manage the other half, you can start the operation. Update everything you find to the public. You may think this might not work, but trust me, Minister. It will." Lucius explained and Fudge's eyes were ready to pop.
"Excellent, Lucius. I'll make sure everything you said is put into action. Let me know anything you want." Fudge said in joy. He is going to get his ratings back and will be known as the best Minister of Magic in history. He will find Sirius Black at all costs and prosecute him. He will be the-
"Minister. If possible, let me know where Mr Potter is living. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for his safety." Lucius said in a sweet tone.
"You are such a humble man, Lucius. You are doing me a great favour. I'll send you where he is as soon as we find it. Let me know if you need anything else."
"Have a great day, Minister."
"You too, Lucius." Fudge said as he hurried to his office to start Lucius's plan into action.
'Potter! I'll make sure your precious Dogfather was found and executed. How dare you mock me. You'll see what happens when you mess with a Malfoy!' Lucius thought as he left the Ministry.