A/N- My sincerest apologies for the delay my life has been hectic with work and other things. Who would have thought that you were a really good dancer when in the presence of beautiful ballerinas? Anyway enjoy!

Chapter 3- Heading Back Home

Harry woke up when he heard the sound of a pop outside his home. He checked the old digital clock on his nightstand. 9:48AM. Damn it! Harry straightened up and leapt out of his bed with lightning speed and quickly put some clothes on. He was aware of Moony exchanging pleasantries with his relatives downstairs (though the conversation sounded completely one sided on Moony's part), then the sound of footsteps was heard coming up the stairs. Harry tried in a futile attempt to tame his long messy hair, but once again he lost the battle. The door opened up just as Harry finished making his bed, but he tripped over a stray book and fell face first into the floor.

"Hello Harry, sleep well?" said Moony, barely hiding his amusement. Harry nodded his head vigorously as he stood up from his fall. Moony snorted behind him. "You slept in, didn't you." It sounded more like a statement than a question.

"Sorry," mumbled Harry. Moony laughed.

"Not to worry. I can't remember how many times James had to rush to get ready for classes," said Moony. He pulled out his wand then and gave it a flick, Harry's packed trunk and empty owl cage (Harry had sent Hedwig to the Weasleys' the night before) disappearing with a resounding CRACK! Harry followed Moony out of his bedroom and down the stairs, seeing the Dursleys' eyeing the Marauder nervously.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now. I'll see you next year," said Harry. Dudley flinched at the reminder of Harry's final summer with them, though Vernon only grunted and stalked off into the lounge room, followed closely by his son. Aunt Petunia however, gave Harry an inquisitive look.

"Is next year your final summer with us?" she asked. The question threw Harry off guard for a moment.

"Yes. Then I'll be seventeen and a legal adult in the wizarding world. The protections that Dumbledore put around this place will disappear and I'll have to move away for good," explained Harry. "Not that'll you'll be upset about my going," he added. Petunia shuffled awkwardly on her feet for a moment, her eyes darting to the doorway where Vernon and Dudley had disappeared through.

"I know I was never the best aunt for you Harry-" (Harry's eyes widened at his aunt's use of his first name) "-but you were still my sister's child," said Petunia sadly. "I'll see you next year." And with that she strode out of the hall to join her family. Harry stood there for a moment in confusion before shaking his head.

"Lovely family," remarked Moony in a sarcastic tone. Harry chuckled and led Remus outside. Moony then held out his arm for Harry to hold. "Ready?" asked Moony. Harry nodded his head and the two disapparated with a pop.

oOoOoOo

Feeling like his whole body had just been forced through a skinny tube, Harry couldn't stop himself from vomiting into a bush as soon as he and Moony materialised into the forest surrounding the Burrow.

"Shut up," growled Harry as Moony let out a loud bark of laughter eerily reminiscent of Sirius. Wiping the excess vomit from his mouth, Harry straightened himself up and sniffed the air. He always knew that the Burrow smelt welcoming, but this time he had enhanced senses. He could smell the flowers, the various vegetables and a dirty scent that could only belong to the gnomes in the gardens just outside the Burrow. Birds sang a melodious tune in the trees and Harry's ears could detect the sound of the air being distorted by the flapping of wings. He and Moony made their way to the Burrow, but both stopped at the smell of a sweet dessert.

"Treacle tart?" inquired Harry. Moony nodded his head in response and licked his lips. Moony opened the side door to the Burrow and let Harry in first. The Burrow hadn't changed a bit from the last time Harry was here almost two years prior. The old magical clock still perched on the wall, though Harry noticed that all of the hands pointed to mortal peril.

The bustling of several pairs of feet coming down the rickety staircase made Harry's ears buzz with pain, followed by the scents of his friends. Ron came down the stairs first, followed closely by Hermione and Ginny. All three stopped short at the sight of their friend, their eyes straining to recognise the changed boy. Ron's eyes were narrowed, not quite sure about what he was seeing, while Hermione and Ginny's eyes were wide with, well, Harry couldn't quite find the words to describe it. Wonder possibly.

"Bloody hell mate, what happened to you?" boomed Ron as he pulled Harry into a manly hug. Harry noticed that while Ron was still taller than him, the difference wasn't by very much. Ron took a step back, his eyes roving over his best friend. "You look like you could beat Charlie in the muscle department!" Though he was sure he wasn't supposed to, Harry could hear the small hum of agreement coming from one of the girls. Ginny, he assumed.

"Ron's right," added Hermione as she pulled Harry into a hug. "You look like you've been training for Mister Olympia!" Harry blushed at the praise, while Ron and Ginny looked at Hermione with confusion. Harry was sure she was exaggerating, because in his own opinion, Harry's stature though large, was more suited to the lean muscle of a sprinter or professional swimmer.

"Just been working around the yard is all," muttered Harry.

"And training with me," interjected Moony. Harry's friend's nodded their understanding, before Ron grabbed Harry and pulled him towards the stairs. They passed by Ginny, and he was almost knocked over by the intoxicating scent of wildflowers and strawberries, mixed with something that Harry couldn't put his finger on, though he had smelt it from the women that he passed by on the streets who had had looks of desire on their faces. That being said, he could detect the same scent wafting from Hermione, though it was less noticeable. Harry climbed the stairs and entered Ron's room in a daze, not quite remembering the trip. Ron harshly pushed Harry onto the spare bed and sat on the opposite bed next to Hermione. Ginny entered Ron's room as well and sat next to Harry.

"Alright, time to spill the beans," declared Ron, "why are you so big and what's your secret."

"Ron!" scolded Hermione. Ron looked at her with a look of bewilderment on his face.

"What? I genuinely want to know," replied Ron. Harry shook his head and laughed before he settled himself into a more comfortable position.

"Alright," began Harry. "So you know how I told you guys that there were some developments that I couldn't explain over a letter?" He waited for the other three to nod their heads. "Well, my senses have been dialed up to eleven."

"What do you mean, dialed up to eleven?" asked Hermione.

"Like I can see, hear and smell way better than a normal human should," explained Harry. "I've been able to to hear and smell just about anything in Privet Drive and even further I think. I don't think it's normal for a human to be able to smell the bubblegum scent of Tonks from across a park either."

"What about your physical development? Like why are you so jacked when you were such a skinny twig a month ago?" asked Ron. Harry shrugged.

"Dunno, but Moony thinks that it's part of my developments. He knows what's happening to me but he can't explain it until the change is complete."

"You mentioned that you can see better," said Hermione. "So how come you're still wearing glasses?"

"Oh," said Harry. He took off his glasses and smiled at his friends. "I've been wearing them as an advantage just in case I get attacked. If some Death Eater decides to take my glasses, he'll be in for a surprise when I hit him with a spell anyway."

"Smart," complimented Ginny.

"I can see in the dark as well," added Harry.

"WHAT!" bellowed Ron.

"It's true! I can also smell your scent," said Harry.

"What do I smell like then?" Harry took a quick sniff of the air around Ron, then smiled evilly.

"Right now, it's hard to tell cause you smell like you've got Hermione all over you." Both Ron and Hermione turned bright red as their eyes widened, while Ginny burst out laughing. She brushed a few loose strands of hair from her face, sending her sweet smell to Harry, making him see stars as he breathed her in.

"What do I smell like?" asked Ginny. Harry barely heard her as he was still recovering from the hit of her scent.

"W-wildflowers and strawberry," stammered Harry. Ginny gave him a curious look, but seemed to accept his explanation. Just then the door burst open and Mrs Weasley popped her head in.

"Harry dear, how are you?" the Weasley matriarch asked. Grateful for the distraction from Ginny, Harry stood up and pulled Mrs Weasley into a tight hug. Despite the recent extra padding of his muscles, Harry still felt the air forced out of him by Mrs Weasley's famous bear hug. She let go of him and looked the dark-haired boy over. "Goodness me, you've grown so much! And not looking underfed at all!" Harry blushed under Mrs Weasley's praise. "No matter, I'm sure I can still fill you up. Come now, lunch is ready." With that, Mrs Weasley exited Ron's room, followed by Ron and Hermione. Ginny walked over to Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Mum's been worried sick that you haven't been fed properly," said Ginny. "Though she's not the only one who's glad you're looking so great," she added appreciatively. Once again Harry was hit by that strange odour, but he decided to ignore it. He briefly considered talking to his friend's about the prophecy Dumbledore showed him at the end of June right after the battle at the Ministry, but decided against it. He would tell them later when they had time.

"Come on, let's go eat before your mum starts to worry," said Harry as he led the redhead out the door to the kitchen.

oOoOoOo

"So what do you think of Harry's new look?" asked Hermione suggestively. Ginny blushed as she put her novel down to look at the older girl. The two girls were in Ginny's room. Ginny was reading an old magical romance novel while Hermione had been studying a potion's book. Though she was reading the novel, Ginny's thoughts were on tall, dark and handsome downstairs in Ron's room. "I have to admit," continued Hermione, "even I couldn't help but appreciate the change."

"What are you getting at?" demanded Ginny in an exasperated tone. Hermione shrugged.

"Nothing, I just noticed the looks you were giving him when he wasn't looking. And between you and me, He was looking at you the same way," said Hermione. Ginny blushed again and buried her face in her hands.

"I'm sure you were just imagining things," reasoned Ginny, but the older girl shook her head.

"No, I know what I saw. Given his new abilities, I think your scent was quite delightful to him. His eyes kept glazing over every time you moved or got closer to him." Ginny refused to believe Hermione though.

"Sorry, but I'm not taking that chance. Besides, I'm dating Dean and I'm happy," said Ginny.

"Are you sure? I mean, you've loved Harry ever since you met him and-"

"Look," interrupted Ginny. "That was a little girl's crush on a celebrity that I got over last year. Sure Harry's finally become to include me but that's because I've grown up and stopped acting stupid around him. I'm happy with Dean and that's all there is too it." Hermione raised an eyebrow at Ginny.

"Dean is a nice guy, I can't argue with that. But does he treat you like you?"

For that, Ginny had no answer.

oOoOoOo

Harry woke the next morning to see Ron standing above him with an annoyed look.

"What?" grumbled Harry.

"You're just gonna sleep right through your birthday are you?" asked Ron in an annoyed tone. Harry sat up straight and pushed his best friend away before fetching his glasses and putting them on. "What time is it?" asked Harry.

"Almost half-past eight. Come on mate, Mum's got breakfast ready," said Ron as he left his room, leaving Harry to get dressed.

Harry's birthday was a relatively small affair, with much of the day spent playing Quidditch or swimming in the Weasleys' pond. Fred and George stopped by during lunchtime to give Harry is birthday gift and telling him all about they're new joke shop and the massive amount of success it was having. Even Mrs. Weasley couldn't deny the twin's success over the summer. Harry promised to have a look when he, Hermione and the rest of the Weasleys travelled to Diagon Alley for their school shopping. Dinner was a larger affair, with several members of the Order came by to celebrate Harry's birthday. Mrs. Weasley went all out and made every dish that Harry enjoyed most, while his cake was a large chocolate cake made in the the shape of a lightning bolt with icing the same colour as his eyes. To his embarrassment (and secretly, his pleasure), Hermione and Ginny both gave him a kiss on his cheeks when he blew out his candles, causing him to blush heavily, mush to the amusement of everyone else. Fred and George both commented on how Harry must secretly be a Weasley to be able to turn that red.

Harry's presents included a book titled Advanced Defensive Spells by Hermione, a Chudley Cannons poster by Ron, a wand holster that Harry could attach on his forearm for a quick draw from Moony and Tonks, a miniature foe glass from Mad-Eye ("You can keep in your pocket boy, that way no one will be able to sneak up on you"), several sweets from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, a moving Common Welsh Green figurine from Bill and Charlie (Charlie was still in Romania) and a new pair of Seeker's gloves from Ginny. After dinner everyone went outside and watched the fireworks display courtesy of Fred and George before everyone retired to bed.

oOoOoOo

Harry woke up early the next day to prepare for training. He got dressed into comfortable workout clothes and snuck downstairs, being careful to avoid the creaking step. He quickly made himself some breakfast when he sensed someone standing behind him. With the speed of a cat Harry spun around and drew his wand, but found Ginny staring at him cautiously.

"Oh it's you," said Harry in a relieved tone. Ginny, while still cautious, raised and eyebrow and glared.

"Mad-Eye's been rubbing off on you," she said slyly. Harry grinned and sat back down to continue eating his cereal. Ginny joined him and sat down in the chair next to Harry.

"How come you're up so early?" asked Harry.

"I'm taking up your offer to train," replied Ginny easily. Harry smiled at her.

"I honestly thought you wouldn't have," admitted Harry. Ginny stopped eating and looked at the boy next to her.

"Why? Is it because I'm just a girl?" she growled. Harry's eyes widened at the accusation.

"N-no it's just that Weasley's aren't known for being morning people," replied Harry, trying to joke and diffuse the situation before Ginny's temper got even worse. It seemed to have worked because she looked at Harry thoughtfully and grinned.

"I can't argue with that logic," she mumbled. Harry chuckled quietly and finished his breakfast, then got up and headed for the back door. Ginny messily slurped up the leftover milk from her cereal and followed the raven-haired boy outside, where Harry's mentors were waiting for them outside.

"You're late," said Mad-Eye. Harry checked his watch and grimaced.

"I'm on time though," he pointed out.

"Exactly," said Tonks with a wink.

"Well, well, well, look who decided to join us," said Moony, nodding his head towards Ginny. Ginny merely grinned at the attention.

"I figured that as much as he'd like to try, Harry can't watch all of our backsides and cover his own at the same time," she said cheekily, earning a nudge in the shoulder from a red-faced Harry. Moony, Tonks and Kingsley laughed but Mad-Eye scowled.

"Smart thinking lass, now hurry up Potter, we haven't got all day," growled Mad-Eye impatiently. Harry immediately straightened up and took off at a run towards the forest near the Burrow. He stopped however, when he realised that Ginny wasn't with him.

"Are you coming?" called out Harry. Ginny shrugged and took off running too and quickly joined him. After about ten minutes of running Harry began to notice Ginny tiring. All ready? Her breathing was started to come out in wheezes and her heart was racing. Her shirt was drenched in sweat and her face red with exertion. Harry couldn't help but smile and the sight, reminding him of when he first started training. Unfortunately Ginny saw the smile.

"What... are you... smirking at Potter?" snarled Ginny. Harry laughed.

"Nothing. You just look like me a few weeks ago when I started," he replied.

"You... got fit... that quick?"

"Oh no, trust me I'm still struggling a little, but nowhere near as bad as you." Soon they had made it back to the Burrow's backyard, where the Order members were waiting for them. Harry began stretching as soon as they finished running. Meanwhile, Ginny all but collapsed to the ground, feeling completely spent.

"Is that all for today?" she asked Harry when she had recovered her breath.

"Nope, now's the fun part," answered Harry. Just then Harry's trainers came over and Harry began revising spells with them. Throughout the weeks, Harry's spell knowledge had expanded immensely and he was excited to teach the DA them. If Dumbledore will let me keep the DA running, Harry reminded himself. "You ready?" Harry asked Ginny. As she was about to reply, Remus cut in.

"I think that Miss Weasley should go with Tonks for today, she'll help her catch up until she's ready to begin training with you," he said.

"Wow, thanks for making me do catch up," grumbled Tonks, though everyone could tell that the young Auror was happy to spend time with another girl for a change. Ginny agreed with Remus and followed Tonks to a separate area.

Tonks' knowledge of spells and dueling techniques and spells was impressive, though Ginny wasn't surprised by it. She was a quick learner, Tonks pointed out and they had a friendly duel. Ginny lost when she became distracted by the display of magic going on next to them. After being helped up by the older woman, they made their way over to see the duel taking place between Harry, Remus, Moody and Kingsley. It was immediately clear that Harry was the superior fighter when Ginny watched him duck and weave around the various curses thrown his way with inhuman speed and agility, returning almost as many curses back. This display was a far cry from the scared, inexperienced boy from June, despite already being a formidable opponent. Anyone could see that Harry was in his element.

Behind Ginny and Tonks, the other people staying in the Burrow had come out to watch the battle take place. Fred and George seemed to be making a bet on who would win, while Ron and Hermione were cheering their best friend on. Mrs. Weasley had a look of worry on her face for Harry.

"I'd better join in before they get their asses handed to them," said Tonks as she drew her wand and jumped into the fray. Harry looked to have been startled by the new addition, but quickly adapted to the situation. Eventually Harry had disarmed everyone but Moody, who seemed to be using every trick up his sleeve to defeat the teenager. Eventually Harry was disarmed, but laughed when Moody sank to the ground sweating profusely.

Ginny clapped along with everyone else at the show and Harry's cheeks burned with embarrassment. Ron and Hermione rushed over to join their friend, congratulating him for his effort.

"I'd love to see you fight You-Know-Who now!" exclaimed Ron. Harry frowned at that.

"I still lost that duel Ron, and everyone's told me that Voldemort's much more powerful than that," Harry reminded Ron. Ron however, blew his excuse off.

"I don't care. Hey, maybe you could surprise the snake and get a lucky shot in," he said happily before joining Hermione.

"Yeah, maybe," whispered Harry.

oOoOoOo

The holidays continued much the same way for the next couple of weeks after Harry's first training session at the Burrow. Harry and Ginny would wake up early and train, then afterwards have breakfast and do chores around the property then spend the afternoons having free time, which usually consisted of pick-up games of Quidditch or playing in the pond.

Three things of note happened during the two weeks after Harry's birthday. The first was Bill's unexpected announcement of his engagement to Fleur Delacour (much to Ginny and Mrs. Weasley's annoyance).

"I mean seriously? Bill could marry anyone he wanted to and he decides with Phlegm!" Ginny had shouted one morning during her and Harry's morning run. Harry quite liked the nickname given to Ginny's future sister in-law, and the two would often snicker behind the part-veela's back whenever she would come over.

The second thing was Ginny's birthday and the arrival of the student's Hogwarts owls. Harry was awarded Quidditch Captain ("I bloody knew it!" proclaimed Ron) as Katie Bell had turned down the responsibility to focus on her upcoming N.E.W.T.'s. Along with the list of school supplies for the school year, the three sixteen year olds received their O.W.L. results. Harry had passed all but History of Magic and Divination. He even received extra credit for his conjuring a corporeal Patronus for his Defense against the Dark Arts exam. Ron had a similar score as Harry, but had passed Divination instead of Care of Magical Creatures. Unsurprisingly, Hermione had passed all her exams with flying colours. Ron grumbled at that, but was immediately silenced when Mrs. Weasley smacked him on the back of the head. Plans to head to Diagon Alley the next week were made shortly after congratulations were given.

The third event occurred when Dumbledore showed up the day after Ginny's birthday during breakfast. To say the reunion between Harry and the Hogwarts Headmaster were awkward was an understatement.

"What do you want?" Harry practically growled when Dumbledore stepped out of the Weasley's fireplace. Dumbledore's eye lacked their usual twinkling at Harry's words, instead looking like a dull blue. The old wizard raised his hands in a peaceful gesture, trying to diffuse the escalating tension in the air.

"I am here to speak with you Harry, and perhaps you could accompany me on a little excursion," stated Dumbledore calmly. Harry raised his eyebrows, surprised that the headmaster would invite him on a mission.

"Is it an Order mission?" Harry asked cautiously.

"Of a sort," replied Dumbledore. He gestured towards the back door. "Shall we?"

Harry looked towards his friends, who eyed the professor cautiously and gave Harry worried looks. Mrs. Weasley's concern was even more evident on her face than the kids', but her nod of assent calmed Harry's anger somewhat. Harry gave a quick wave of his hand to his friends and followed Dumbledore outside.

"Take my hand Harry," said Dumbledore, holding out a blackened hand. Harry looked at the hand curiously.

"Professor, what happened to your hand?" he asked. Dumbledore looked down and sighed.

"That Harry is quite the tale, though unfortunately it is far too long to explain at this time. Now come, we must be on our way." At Dumbledore's words, Harry shrugged and took hold of Dumbledore's arm and the duo vanished without a sound.

oOoOoOo

Elsewhere, in a forest far from Harry and the Burrow, a great beast awoke. Yawning widely to reveal a wicked set of fangs, it stretched its massive body and stood up.

"Elenara," it called. A flash of fire briefly illuminated the cave which the beast resided in before dimming to reveal a beautiful phoenix. The firebird trilled softly in answer.

"The boy's power is growing," said the beast. "It is time to prepare for his arrival."

The phoenix nodded its head and disappeared in a ball of scarlet flame.

A/N- Again, terribly sorry for the wait. Any guesses on what the beast could be? Also future chapters will be about as long as this one from now on it's just getting a little hard to cram so much into one chapter at a time when events could be better suited to its own part.