Chapter 2
Best Place in the World
Opening the door, Harry could see the look of disgust on his uncle's face. The slight man at the door, who was blocked completely by the incredibly overweight Vernon Dursley, smiled and simply stated, "Good morning, I've come to collect Harry."
Harry instantly recognised the voice as belonging to Remus Lupin, his old DADA teacher, who had been sacked when Professor Snape revealed he was a werewolf to Slytherin house. Remus was also one of Harry's father's best friends and the last of the 'Marauders' to remain loyal to Hogwarts' Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Harry stepped from behind his fat Uncle and, catching the eye of the man, smiled broadly, "Hia Professor!"
"Come now Harry, you know I'm not your professor anymore. After all, they can't have known werewolves as teachers now, can they? You can just call me Moony," he replied in his usual relaxed manner, smiling throughout.
Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw his Uncle blanch at the word 'werewolf' and seeing Vernon Dursley look away from him and at Harry, the werewolf winked. Harry struggled with all his might not to burst out laughing at the reaction of his Uncle and was soon feeling his eyes prickle from the effort. The short silence was broken again by Remus. "Excuse me sir..." he said, addressing Vernon Dursley quite formally. "No time for chit chat, have to get going...Are all your things upstairs Harry?"
"Yep." Harry was smirking and still fighting back laughter.
"Lead the way then," said Remus cheerfully as Harry bounded up the stairs and Remus walked past the barrel shaped Vernon Dursley, who was still in shock, his back pressed firmly against the wall.
Upon reaching the room Remus said cheerily. "Right, looks like you're all set. You have your father's old cloak?"
Harry opened his trunk and removed the cloak from the top; the older man noticed the modest pile of clothing and then took a look at Harry's attire and questioned, "Is that it?"
Harry blushed, and, seeing the boy's embarrassment, Remus said, "Oh well, that's easily fixed." Harry looked at the werewolf's clothing, noticing for the first time, that the usual shabby and heavily patched robes had been replaced by new ones. Seeing Harry's expression, Remus continued, "I have been involved in some business with Mr. Fletcher, you remember him from last year?" Harry nodded. "Apparently a keen sense of smell has its uses; you can tell when a man is sweating." Werewolves had a terrible reputation in the wizarding world; as a result, Remus had found it nearly impossible to get work. Harry couldn't think of anyone who deserved a solid income more, except maybe the Weasleys; but with the twins now working and only two members of the family still at school, maybe they needed it less than they used to.
Remus withdrew a empty chocolate frog box from inside his cloak. Looking at the clock on the battered chest-of-draws, which read 10:59, he said "Ok, cloak on, grab a handle of the trunk and put a finger of this, one minute and we'll be off." Harry did as instructed, and watched the clock; just as it blinked to 11:00 he felt the familiar pull behind his navel like a hook and the ground beneath him disappeared. His surroundings became a blur, white images spinning past his eyes, making him feel rather ill, then with a great thud, Harry and his trunk hit the soft floor of a small clearing in a wood. Staggering slightly, Harry released his trunk and pulled his cloak around him, making sure it stayed put.
The sun, which was at Harry's back, suddenly seemed to be blocked out and Harry felt himself go cold. Spinning round quickly, ready to dive and go for his wand, he realised he was standing in the shadow of Hagrid, the massive Care of Magic Creatures Professor, as well as Grounds Keeper and Keeper of the Keys for Hogwarts. "Hello Hagrid," said Harry, his disembodied voice emerging from behind the shrouds of the invisibility cloak, startling Hagrid and causing the half-giant to jump back slightly. The thump as he landed made the ground shake, and caused a few birds to abandon their perches in the surrounding trees.
"'Ello 'Arry," Hagrid tried to whisper. "'Ello Remus, good to see you again," he added at a more normal volume, smacking the slight man on the shoulder and making him stagger slightly. "The 'eadmaster's waiting for ya...I'll take that." Reaching down Hagrid picked up the large trunk, slipping it under his arm as a muggle business man might carry a briefcase and striding away he called back, "Follow me."
Harry quickly jumped into step with the enormous man, half jogging to keep up but careful to remain hidden under his father's old cloak. "Have you had a good holiday so far Hagrid?"
"Not bad 'Arry..." replied the half giant. "Went to that France for a little bit". Harry noticed that Hagrid was blushing under his untidy black beard, and knew that meant he'd been visit Olympe Maxime, the Headmistress of the French Wizarding School, Beauxbatons. "You'll 'ave to be quiet now, we are almost at the edge of the forest."
The small group rounded a tree and now stood on the main Hogsmead road, half way between the small town and the cave Harry's Godfather Sirius had used to hide in Harry's fourth year. They strolled along the road that lead towards the only entirely wizarding community in the UK; then, about five hundred yards further along the road, Harry caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a large potting shed at the bottom of fair sized allotment. The strange looking plot was surrounded by a rickety picket fence, no more than a metre high and filled with brambles, weeds and over-grown grasses. Hagrid paused at the entrance a tiny gate in the fence, Remus walked to his side, and, stooping slightly, the werewolf removed his wand, casually tapped the gate and recited a long and complex sounding incantation before stepping in onto the grass.
To Harry's surprise and amusement it wasn't his old professor who stood on the grass but an old and rather frail looking old women. Harry smiled and stepped through the gate into the weedy lot. Once his foot landed on the grass, Remus' appearence reverted to his original form and, more surprising, the allotment was no longer unkempt; in fact, it was quite the opposite. A square front-garden area was covered in a lush, perfectly cropped grass lawn, all bordered by a seven foot high hedge, which was incredible dense. Behind the tiny green leaves of this hedge, an inch up on each stem, glinting in the sunlight, was a cruel looking golden thorn making the hedge look both beautiful and menacing. In the centre of the lawn was a thirty foot long, ten foot wide raised section of decking. The potting shed's transformation was just as impressive. In front of Harry stood a two story stone building with heavy stone tile roof, four large rectangular windows set evenly on the fascia and a solid oak door.
Hagrid followed Remus and Harry onto the grounds of this unusual property laughing at the look on Harry's face. The door of the house opened, revealing Professor McGonagall standing in the doorway, dressed in her more familiar wizarding clothes. "Hello Mr. Potter."
"Hello Professor. This place is brilliant."
"I'm pleased you approve Mr. Potter. If you follow me, I'll show you to your room, and then, as I'm sure you are hungry, we will return to the kitchen and have some lunch. After lunch, I'll explain your timetable and the conditions involved. This way please...Rubeus could you carry Harry's trunk upstairs? Remus can you ask the elves to start on lunch please?" While phrased like questions, Harry knew that both the Professor's remarks had been polite orders and required no more than a nod in response.
The hallway of the building was magnificent, lined with stained oak panels. There was a wide staircase leading upstairs, while doors exited off the hall, one on the right in front of the stairs, two on the left hand side and a forth directly opposite. Harry presumed this was the kitchens, as he saw Remus walking straight on towards it; Harry turned and followed the Head of the Gryffindor House up the stairs.
Harry's room was the first door of four. When he entered he found a heavy stone floor covered with a rich deep red rug, a fireplace positioned centrally on the far wall with a worn leather couch in front of it, and, against the right wall under several deep shelves, a solid writing table with a red leather top accompanied with a high backed chair. Turning to the left there was a large four poster almost identical to Harry's bed in Gryffindor and through an arch beyond the bed, was a simple but functional bath room, with a toilet, a sink topped with a large mirror and a small circular tub.
"Professor...Err...This is incredible..." Harry felt quite embarrassed; this was by far the nicest bedroom he had ever seen and it was his, at least for the time being. "Err...I don't think I can afford to pay for these accommodations and the tutoring, and what money I have is in Gringotts."
"Mr. Potter..." The tough professor almost smiled, but her face returned quickly to her usual stern expression. "The offer made to you was to help your educational development, as, from your OWL results it is obvious you are a very capable student. This offer has been made to you by me on behalf of the School and as such is a sort of Scholarship program; you were never expected to pay for either tuition or accommodation. Remus and I are planning to travel to Diagon Alley this afternoon and I suggest you accompany us and equip yourself with some more suitable clothing. I believe Remus requires some specific clothing for his training."
"Professor Lupin is going to be my teacher?" Harry asked excitedly.
"In one of the disciplines, yes Mr Potter, he will be teaching you. In addition you will receive instruction from both an Auror, who I believe you know and, of course, I will also be involved." replied the almost implacable professor.
"That would be great, Professor, thank you."
"Rubeus, could you just put Harry's trunk down by his bed? I'll have the elves unpack it after lunch."
"Professor..." said the half giant quite nervously. "Do ya mind if I skip lunch? I got a special delivery due for me new sixth year classes and I don't want to have 'em left on their own they might hurt each other, by mistake."
"That's fine Rubeus, thank you for all your help."
"Yeah, thanks Hagrid, I hope you'll be able to visit me some time. Oh, and Ron says he can't wait for your lessons this year," Harry said quickly, avoiding the exact wording of Ron's statement and his friend's obvious sarcasm. He smiled to himself, remembering Hagrid's earlier statement 'hurt each other, by mistake.' What this really meant was whatever animals they were, it was in their nature to kill.
Hagrid beamed. "Just a pity I won't have you in my classes no more, but Merlin knows we need good Aurors so I know what you is doing is important. Good luck 'Arry and 'ave fun." With a nod, Hagrid proceeded down the stairs six at a time and out of the front door, closing it behind him.
"Right Harry, I think lunch should be ready. Let us go down to the kitchen." Professor McGonagall led the way down the stairs and through the door at the back. The kitchen was a good size, ovens and sinks placed low down on the far side with a large counter with tall stools pushed against it, which separated the room in two, reminding Harry slightly of an American dinner. Harry saw two elves working away with incredible speed cooking, washing, and cleaning the worktop. Harry recognised both elves as they turned round to view who had entered.
Dobby immediately *popped* right next to Harry, throwing his arms around Harry's knees almost making him fall, before he drew away. "Dobby is very pleased to see Harry Potter Sir. When Dobby heard help was wanted taking care of you, he had to fight off several elves to get the job."
"Hia Dobby, hope they haven't been working you too hard?"
"Oh nooo! Harry Potter Sir, Dobby loves to work."
"Hello Winky." Harry said turning to the other elf, who was approaching Professor McGonagall.
"Hello Master Harry Potter. Will you be having lunch now?"
"Yes, we will both be having lunch now. Thank you Winky," replied Professor McGonagall.
Harry turned his attention back to the grinning elf next to his knee as Winky blushed and *popped* off behind the counter and started setting plates and cutlery on the high surface. "Winky seems much better Dobby, has she accepted being free?"
"Oh no Harry Potter Sir, Winky has a new Mistress and is a much happier elf. I is not unhappy about it, Harry Potter sir, being free was not good for Winky." Harry noticed Winky was wearing a clean white pillow case tied neatly round her middle with a piece of string, a sharp contrast from the image of her sitting on a stool in front of the Hogwarts' kitchen fire, wearing a dirty dress and drunk on butterbeer.
"Winky is taking care of me now Mr. Potter. The Headmaster decided she was not handling her freedom very well and it was the kindest thing to do."
Remus Lupin appeared from the door behind Harry. "Oh good time to eat." His nose twitched slightly, in an oddly canine way. "That smells delicious!" The three humans pulled out stools and sat at the counter as both elves *popped* backwards and forwards with dishes of pies and vegetables and a gravy boat. They set glasses and a pitcher of pumpkin juice on the table and, when they were finished, Professor McGonagall said "Dobby, would you be so kind as to go to Mr Potters room and unpack his trunk? We will be going to Diagon Alley this afternoon and I expect Harry will be too tired on his return."
"Of course Mistress." And with a *pop*, he vanished.
Having survived on less than the tightest military rations for two weeks at the Dursleys, Harry was fairly sure his stomach had shrunk. So, when he surveyed the mountains of food provided by the elves, it looked quite ridiculous, but the excitement of the day had left him with an angry stomach, which grumbled at him as he attacked the food on his plate with gusto. After two steak and kidney pies, a mountain of new potatoes, carrots and swede, broccoli and cauliflower in cheese sauce all covered in gravy and washed down with several glasses of pumpkin juice, Harry was feeling very full.
The two adults, who had eaten far more modestly and finished several minutes before, were both watching as Harry finished.
McGonagall spoke first. "Mr Potter you ate like you haven't eaten a decent meal since you were at school."
Harry blushed with embarrassment and Remus guessed that Harry actually hadn't. "Sodding muggles, pathetic excuse for human beings..." The werewolf mumbled a couple more rude remarks, finally silenced by the steely-eyed women.
"Remus! You will watch your language!" McGonnigall scolded Remus like he was still a first year and was no less effective, as the werewolf bowed his head under the deadly gaze of the Deputy Headmistress.
"Sorry Professor," said the fully grown wizard, never raising his head He was clearly completely chastised and equally clearly he was still unable to call his former head of house, by her first name. He gave Harry a little smile, as Harry grinned at him, trying, quite unsuccessfully, to suppress his laughter.
"Mr. Potter, I think we should retire to the sitting room to discuss the lesson plans for these next six weeks and what will be expected of you, before we venture to London."
They exited the kitchen and walked through the first door on their right, entering a perfectly proportioned sitting room with a 'C' shape of worn leather couches and chairs, all positioned around the room's focal point, an enormous fireplace with a heavy granite slab as the lintel. The fireplace was positioned in the middle of the far wall with a small fire happily crackling in it. Sitting in one of the chairs, Professor McGonagall waited for the others to be seated and began to explain what would happen in the coming weeks.
Looking at Harry's OWL results, the Professor had come to the same conclusion as Harry: that, if Harry was to be successful in his goal to become an Auror, he would have to improve in Transfiguration and, while she believed the lessons in the next two years of school would provide Harry with sufficient knowledge of the theory, his practical application was poor. This would be the focus of the lessons which she would be conducting. The second part of the training was much more exciting. Apart from the obvious sports played by wizards, physical education was generally frowned upon in the wizarding world. The exception was fencing, as the art of combat with swords was still considered to be a noble one. Apparently, since Godric Gryffindor himself had been a master, it was hard for wizards to ignore its possible uses. This despite the fact it was almost impossible to carry a sword in day to day life, as it was heavily frowned upon in both the muggle and wizarding worlds. This was what Remus would be instructing Harry in and was the reason for the large wooden platform outside.
The third section of training was the one Harry had the most reservations about; he was to continue his Occlumency work from the previous year, including more work on meditation and blocking his mind from invasion. Harry remembered the weakened state he was in following his sessions last year, however Professor McGonagall had arranged for these sessions to take place early on the allotted days. Harry would then spend the afternoons reading and in meditation, so he could re-established his mental strength before any attempts to sleep. He was, however, made to promise that any dreams would be reported immediately to herself or the Headmaster. The weekends were set aside as a private time, in which Harry could work on his other studies, which the Professors would help him with if required.
After a brief discussion with Harry concerning his NEWT choices, Harry explained that he thought he would do the most suitable NEWTs for an Auror candidate, DADA, Potions, Charms and Transfiguration, to which both professors agreed. They proceeded to get ready for their trip to London; Harry would travel under his invisibility cloak until such times as he was informed it was safe to remove it. Shopping would be done with one Professor at a time, the other occupying themselves elsewhere, so as to discourage any overly observant spectators from thinking that the three were travelling as a group.
With the plans finalised, Professor McGonagall produced a bag of floo powder from her cloak and offered it to Remus who took a pinch and cast it into the fire saying, "The Leaky Cauldron," before stepping in. Harry was offered the bag and told to make sure his cloak was secure before proceeding. Harry obeyed and threw the powder in the flames repeating, "The Leaky Cauldron," clearly and stepping in. Remembering previous journeys by floo, Harry shut his eyes, held his elbows in and placed a hand on his glasses as he felt himself spinning faster and faster. He was starting to feel it was a very bad idea to have eaten such a large lunch. As the spinning slowed, Harry opened his eyes, waited until the spinning finally stopped and stepped out into the busy wizarding pub. His exit was completely unnoticed for two reasons, the first being Harry was invisible, the second that Remus had taken up a defensive position by the fireplace, obscuring it from the sight of the other punters.
*****
Best Place in the World
Opening the door, Harry could see the look of disgust on his uncle's face. The slight man at the door, who was blocked completely by the incredibly overweight Vernon Dursley, smiled and simply stated, "Good morning, I've come to collect Harry."
Harry instantly recognised the voice as belonging to Remus Lupin, his old DADA teacher, who had been sacked when Professor Snape revealed he was a werewolf to Slytherin house. Remus was also one of Harry's father's best friends and the last of the 'Marauders' to remain loyal to Hogwarts' Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. Harry stepped from behind his fat Uncle and, catching the eye of the man, smiled broadly, "Hia Professor!"
"Come now Harry, you know I'm not your professor anymore. After all, they can't have known werewolves as teachers now, can they? You can just call me Moony," he replied in his usual relaxed manner, smiling throughout.
Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw his Uncle blanch at the word 'werewolf' and seeing Vernon Dursley look away from him and at Harry, the werewolf winked. Harry struggled with all his might not to burst out laughing at the reaction of his Uncle and was soon feeling his eyes prickle from the effort. The short silence was broken again by Remus. "Excuse me sir..." he said, addressing Vernon Dursley quite formally. "No time for chit chat, have to get going...Are all your things upstairs Harry?"
"Yep." Harry was smirking and still fighting back laughter.
"Lead the way then," said Remus cheerfully as Harry bounded up the stairs and Remus walked past the barrel shaped Vernon Dursley, who was still in shock, his back pressed firmly against the wall.
Upon reaching the room Remus said cheerily. "Right, looks like you're all set. You have your father's old cloak?"
Harry opened his trunk and removed the cloak from the top; the older man noticed the modest pile of clothing and then took a look at Harry's attire and questioned, "Is that it?"
Harry blushed, and, seeing the boy's embarrassment, Remus said, "Oh well, that's easily fixed." Harry looked at the werewolf's clothing, noticing for the first time, that the usual shabby and heavily patched robes had been replaced by new ones. Seeing Harry's expression, Remus continued, "I have been involved in some business with Mr. Fletcher, you remember him from last year?" Harry nodded. "Apparently a keen sense of smell has its uses; you can tell when a man is sweating." Werewolves had a terrible reputation in the wizarding world; as a result, Remus had found it nearly impossible to get work. Harry couldn't think of anyone who deserved a solid income more, except maybe the Weasleys; but with the twins now working and only two members of the family still at school, maybe they needed it less than they used to.
Remus withdrew a empty chocolate frog box from inside his cloak. Looking at the clock on the battered chest-of-draws, which read 10:59, he said "Ok, cloak on, grab a handle of the trunk and put a finger of this, one minute and we'll be off." Harry did as instructed, and watched the clock; just as it blinked to 11:00 he felt the familiar pull behind his navel like a hook and the ground beneath him disappeared. His surroundings became a blur, white images spinning past his eyes, making him feel rather ill, then with a great thud, Harry and his trunk hit the soft floor of a small clearing in a wood. Staggering slightly, Harry released his trunk and pulled his cloak around him, making sure it stayed put.
The sun, which was at Harry's back, suddenly seemed to be blocked out and Harry felt himself go cold. Spinning round quickly, ready to dive and go for his wand, he realised he was standing in the shadow of Hagrid, the massive Care of Magic Creatures Professor, as well as Grounds Keeper and Keeper of the Keys for Hogwarts. "Hello Hagrid," said Harry, his disembodied voice emerging from behind the shrouds of the invisibility cloak, startling Hagrid and causing the half-giant to jump back slightly. The thump as he landed made the ground shake, and caused a few birds to abandon their perches in the surrounding trees.
"'Ello 'Arry," Hagrid tried to whisper. "'Ello Remus, good to see you again," he added at a more normal volume, smacking the slight man on the shoulder and making him stagger slightly. "The 'eadmaster's waiting for ya...I'll take that." Reaching down Hagrid picked up the large trunk, slipping it under his arm as a muggle business man might carry a briefcase and striding away he called back, "Follow me."
Harry quickly jumped into step with the enormous man, half jogging to keep up but careful to remain hidden under his father's old cloak. "Have you had a good holiday so far Hagrid?"
"Not bad 'Arry..." replied the half giant. "Went to that France for a little bit". Harry noticed that Hagrid was blushing under his untidy black beard, and knew that meant he'd been visit Olympe Maxime, the Headmistress of the French Wizarding School, Beauxbatons. "You'll 'ave to be quiet now, we are almost at the edge of the forest."
The small group rounded a tree and now stood on the main Hogsmead road, half way between the small town and the cave Harry's Godfather Sirius had used to hide in Harry's fourth year. They strolled along the road that lead towards the only entirely wizarding community in the UK; then, about five hundred yards further along the road, Harry caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a large potting shed at the bottom of fair sized allotment. The strange looking plot was surrounded by a rickety picket fence, no more than a metre high and filled with brambles, weeds and over-grown grasses. Hagrid paused at the entrance a tiny gate in the fence, Remus walked to his side, and, stooping slightly, the werewolf removed his wand, casually tapped the gate and recited a long and complex sounding incantation before stepping in onto the grass.
To Harry's surprise and amusement it wasn't his old professor who stood on the grass but an old and rather frail looking old women. Harry smiled and stepped through the gate into the weedy lot. Once his foot landed on the grass, Remus' appearence reverted to his original form and, more surprising, the allotment was no longer unkempt; in fact, it was quite the opposite. A square front-garden area was covered in a lush, perfectly cropped grass lawn, all bordered by a seven foot high hedge, which was incredible dense. Behind the tiny green leaves of this hedge, an inch up on each stem, glinting in the sunlight, was a cruel looking golden thorn making the hedge look both beautiful and menacing. In the centre of the lawn was a thirty foot long, ten foot wide raised section of decking. The potting shed's transformation was just as impressive. In front of Harry stood a two story stone building with heavy stone tile roof, four large rectangular windows set evenly on the fascia and a solid oak door.
Hagrid followed Remus and Harry onto the grounds of this unusual property laughing at the look on Harry's face. The door of the house opened, revealing Professor McGonagall standing in the doorway, dressed in her more familiar wizarding clothes. "Hello Mr. Potter."
"Hello Professor. This place is brilliant."
"I'm pleased you approve Mr. Potter. If you follow me, I'll show you to your room, and then, as I'm sure you are hungry, we will return to the kitchen and have some lunch. After lunch, I'll explain your timetable and the conditions involved. This way please...Rubeus could you carry Harry's trunk upstairs? Remus can you ask the elves to start on lunch please?" While phrased like questions, Harry knew that both the Professor's remarks had been polite orders and required no more than a nod in response.
The hallway of the building was magnificent, lined with stained oak panels. There was a wide staircase leading upstairs, while doors exited off the hall, one on the right in front of the stairs, two on the left hand side and a forth directly opposite. Harry presumed this was the kitchens, as he saw Remus walking straight on towards it; Harry turned and followed the Head of the Gryffindor House up the stairs.
Harry's room was the first door of four. When he entered he found a heavy stone floor covered with a rich deep red rug, a fireplace positioned centrally on the far wall with a worn leather couch in front of it, and, against the right wall under several deep shelves, a solid writing table with a red leather top accompanied with a high backed chair. Turning to the left there was a large four poster almost identical to Harry's bed in Gryffindor and through an arch beyond the bed, was a simple but functional bath room, with a toilet, a sink topped with a large mirror and a small circular tub.
"Professor...Err...This is incredible..." Harry felt quite embarrassed; this was by far the nicest bedroom he had ever seen and it was his, at least for the time being. "Err...I don't think I can afford to pay for these accommodations and the tutoring, and what money I have is in Gringotts."
"Mr. Potter..." The tough professor almost smiled, but her face returned quickly to her usual stern expression. "The offer made to you was to help your educational development, as, from your OWL results it is obvious you are a very capable student. This offer has been made to you by me on behalf of the School and as such is a sort of Scholarship program; you were never expected to pay for either tuition or accommodation. Remus and I are planning to travel to Diagon Alley this afternoon and I suggest you accompany us and equip yourself with some more suitable clothing. I believe Remus requires some specific clothing for his training."
"Professor Lupin is going to be my teacher?" Harry asked excitedly.
"In one of the disciplines, yes Mr Potter, he will be teaching you. In addition you will receive instruction from both an Auror, who I believe you know and, of course, I will also be involved." replied the almost implacable professor.
"That would be great, Professor, thank you."
"Rubeus, could you just put Harry's trunk down by his bed? I'll have the elves unpack it after lunch."
"Professor..." said the half giant quite nervously. "Do ya mind if I skip lunch? I got a special delivery due for me new sixth year classes and I don't want to have 'em left on their own they might hurt each other, by mistake."
"That's fine Rubeus, thank you for all your help."
"Yeah, thanks Hagrid, I hope you'll be able to visit me some time. Oh, and Ron says he can't wait for your lessons this year," Harry said quickly, avoiding the exact wording of Ron's statement and his friend's obvious sarcasm. He smiled to himself, remembering Hagrid's earlier statement 'hurt each other, by mistake.' What this really meant was whatever animals they were, it was in their nature to kill.
Hagrid beamed. "Just a pity I won't have you in my classes no more, but Merlin knows we need good Aurors so I know what you is doing is important. Good luck 'Arry and 'ave fun." With a nod, Hagrid proceeded down the stairs six at a time and out of the front door, closing it behind him.
"Right Harry, I think lunch should be ready. Let us go down to the kitchen." Professor McGonagall led the way down the stairs and through the door at the back. The kitchen was a good size, ovens and sinks placed low down on the far side with a large counter with tall stools pushed against it, which separated the room in two, reminding Harry slightly of an American dinner. Harry saw two elves working away with incredible speed cooking, washing, and cleaning the worktop. Harry recognised both elves as they turned round to view who had entered.
Dobby immediately *popped* right next to Harry, throwing his arms around Harry's knees almost making him fall, before he drew away. "Dobby is very pleased to see Harry Potter Sir. When Dobby heard help was wanted taking care of you, he had to fight off several elves to get the job."
"Hia Dobby, hope they haven't been working you too hard?"
"Oh nooo! Harry Potter Sir, Dobby loves to work."
"Hello Winky." Harry said turning to the other elf, who was approaching Professor McGonagall.
"Hello Master Harry Potter. Will you be having lunch now?"
"Yes, we will both be having lunch now. Thank you Winky," replied Professor McGonagall.
Harry turned his attention back to the grinning elf next to his knee as Winky blushed and *popped* off behind the counter and started setting plates and cutlery on the high surface. "Winky seems much better Dobby, has she accepted being free?"
"Oh no Harry Potter Sir, Winky has a new Mistress and is a much happier elf. I is not unhappy about it, Harry Potter sir, being free was not good for Winky." Harry noticed Winky was wearing a clean white pillow case tied neatly round her middle with a piece of string, a sharp contrast from the image of her sitting on a stool in front of the Hogwarts' kitchen fire, wearing a dirty dress and drunk on butterbeer.
"Winky is taking care of me now Mr. Potter. The Headmaster decided she was not handling her freedom very well and it was the kindest thing to do."
Remus Lupin appeared from the door behind Harry. "Oh good time to eat." His nose twitched slightly, in an oddly canine way. "That smells delicious!" The three humans pulled out stools and sat at the counter as both elves *popped* backwards and forwards with dishes of pies and vegetables and a gravy boat. They set glasses and a pitcher of pumpkin juice on the table and, when they were finished, Professor McGonagall said "Dobby, would you be so kind as to go to Mr Potters room and unpack his trunk? We will be going to Diagon Alley this afternoon and I expect Harry will be too tired on his return."
"Of course Mistress." And with a *pop*, he vanished.
Having survived on less than the tightest military rations for two weeks at the Dursleys, Harry was fairly sure his stomach had shrunk. So, when he surveyed the mountains of food provided by the elves, it looked quite ridiculous, but the excitement of the day had left him with an angry stomach, which grumbled at him as he attacked the food on his plate with gusto. After two steak and kidney pies, a mountain of new potatoes, carrots and swede, broccoli and cauliflower in cheese sauce all covered in gravy and washed down with several glasses of pumpkin juice, Harry was feeling very full.
The two adults, who had eaten far more modestly and finished several minutes before, were both watching as Harry finished.
McGonagall spoke first. "Mr Potter you ate like you haven't eaten a decent meal since you were at school."
Harry blushed with embarrassment and Remus guessed that Harry actually hadn't. "Sodding muggles, pathetic excuse for human beings..." The werewolf mumbled a couple more rude remarks, finally silenced by the steely-eyed women.
"Remus! You will watch your language!" McGonnigall scolded Remus like he was still a first year and was no less effective, as the werewolf bowed his head under the deadly gaze of the Deputy Headmistress.
"Sorry Professor," said the fully grown wizard, never raising his head He was clearly completely chastised and equally clearly he was still unable to call his former head of house, by her first name. He gave Harry a little smile, as Harry grinned at him, trying, quite unsuccessfully, to suppress his laughter.
"Mr. Potter, I think we should retire to the sitting room to discuss the lesson plans for these next six weeks and what will be expected of you, before we venture to London."
They exited the kitchen and walked through the first door on their right, entering a perfectly proportioned sitting room with a 'C' shape of worn leather couches and chairs, all positioned around the room's focal point, an enormous fireplace with a heavy granite slab as the lintel. The fireplace was positioned in the middle of the far wall with a small fire happily crackling in it. Sitting in one of the chairs, Professor McGonagall waited for the others to be seated and began to explain what would happen in the coming weeks.
Looking at Harry's OWL results, the Professor had come to the same conclusion as Harry: that, if Harry was to be successful in his goal to become an Auror, he would have to improve in Transfiguration and, while she believed the lessons in the next two years of school would provide Harry with sufficient knowledge of the theory, his practical application was poor. This would be the focus of the lessons which she would be conducting. The second part of the training was much more exciting. Apart from the obvious sports played by wizards, physical education was generally frowned upon in the wizarding world. The exception was fencing, as the art of combat with swords was still considered to be a noble one. Apparently, since Godric Gryffindor himself had been a master, it was hard for wizards to ignore its possible uses. This despite the fact it was almost impossible to carry a sword in day to day life, as it was heavily frowned upon in both the muggle and wizarding worlds. This was what Remus would be instructing Harry in and was the reason for the large wooden platform outside.
The third section of training was the one Harry had the most reservations about; he was to continue his Occlumency work from the previous year, including more work on meditation and blocking his mind from invasion. Harry remembered the weakened state he was in following his sessions last year, however Professor McGonagall had arranged for these sessions to take place early on the allotted days. Harry would then spend the afternoons reading and in meditation, so he could re-established his mental strength before any attempts to sleep. He was, however, made to promise that any dreams would be reported immediately to herself or the Headmaster. The weekends were set aside as a private time, in which Harry could work on his other studies, which the Professors would help him with if required.
After a brief discussion with Harry concerning his NEWT choices, Harry explained that he thought he would do the most suitable NEWTs for an Auror candidate, DADA, Potions, Charms and Transfiguration, to which both professors agreed. They proceeded to get ready for their trip to London; Harry would travel under his invisibility cloak until such times as he was informed it was safe to remove it. Shopping would be done with one Professor at a time, the other occupying themselves elsewhere, so as to discourage any overly observant spectators from thinking that the three were travelling as a group.
With the plans finalised, Professor McGonagall produced a bag of floo powder from her cloak and offered it to Remus who took a pinch and cast it into the fire saying, "The Leaky Cauldron," before stepping in. Harry was offered the bag and told to make sure his cloak was secure before proceeding. Harry obeyed and threw the powder in the flames repeating, "The Leaky Cauldron," clearly and stepping in. Remembering previous journeys by floo, Harry shut his eyes, held his elbows in and placed a hand on his glasses as he felt himself spinning faster and faster. He was starting to feel it was a very bad idea to have eaten such a large lunch. As the spinning slowed, Harry opened his eyes, waited until the spinning finally stopped and stepped out into the busy wizarding pub. His exit was completely unnoticed for two reasons, the first being Harry was invisible, the second that Remus had taken up a defensive position by the fireplace, obscuring it from the sight of the other punters.
*****