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Chapter 3- Talks and Trouble-Making

"Harry," Dumbledore announced as Harry walked down the stairs to the foyer, a forced smile on his face. He ran a hand through his wet and still unruly hair as he reached the old man.

"Good morning…er…afternoon, Professor," Harry greeted, keeping his voice low for the obvious reasons. Dumbledore chuckled as he looked at Harry.

"Did you sleep well last night?" Dumbledore asked, not bothering to keep his voice down.

"Yes, sir," Harry replied in a near whisper while looking down the dark hall that lead to the kitchen stairs, "Er…sir? Shouldn't we be keeping our voices down? I mean, what if we wake Mrs. Black?" The wise man looked down the hall as well and walked to the black curtain that covered the proud portrait. He motioned Harry over to him. Shaking with fear, Harry followed his mentor's silent command. Suddenly, Dumbledore threw open the curtain. Harry instinctively covered his ears with his hands and waited with bated breath for the harsh shrills to fill the house. But only silence greeted them.

"Where is her portrait?" Harry asked while dropping his hands from his ears to his sides.

"It is quite an interesting—and sad—tale," Dumbledore began, his eyes showing his sadness, "After the incident at the Ministry, Mr. Weasley came in to inform Mrs. Black's portrait of her surviving son's early demise. Mrs. Black went off on her usual rant about Sirius and the Order, as she usually did. Mr. Weasley…ahh…decided that enough was enough. He showed his wrath by using cutting spells on the portrait for several hours until nothing remained of the late Mrs. Black. But her screams continued to fill the house. So, Mr. Weasley placed the pieces in the fireplace in the parlor and…well, let's just say he disposed of the portrait in an unpleasant way, even for Mrs. Black." Harry nodded and looked at the empty frame on the wall.

"What about…where is Kreacher?" Harry inquired while staring at the empty wall, not wanting to look at his mentor for fear the wizened wizard would know the true reasons for his question of the ancient house elf's whereabouts.

"There is no need to fear, Harry," Dumbledore responded, "Unfortunately, you will not have the chance to take your wrath out on him. Kreacher heard his mistress's distressed curses when Arthur had finished cutting the portrait and was preparing to rid the house of the pieces. Kreacher was so loyal to the portrait that he…he joined the portrait in the fireplace."

"No one stopped him?"

"No, Harry," Dumbledore answered, "No one knew that he had followed the portrait to his death. Arthur had started the fire and left it to burn. Soon, we heard Kreacher's shrieks from the parlor. We decided to investigate, thinking he was merely upset over losing his mistress. When we walked in, we saw him within the flames. We couldn't have gotten him out if we tried, and we did. We attempted to pull him out, but he refused to leave the portrait." Harry took everything in while staring at the empty wall again, remembering Sirius's comment about Kreacher being a little crazy after being locked in the house for such a long time and following Mrs. Black's portrait bark out orders.

"Good," Harry spat out as he thought of the house elf that had helped kill his godfather, "He deserved it." Dumbledore turned Harry to him and looked into the emerald eyes that danced with fire and hate.

"Do you really believe that, Harry?"

"Yes," Harry answered, "If he hadn't joined her then, I certainly would have killed him myself." Dumbledore nodded, his blue eyes filled with sadness.

"Your greatest weapon really is love, Harry," the knowledgeable man stated, "The passion that lives in you is so strong that you would kill to avenge those that killed your loved ones. Please remember this, Harry: Remember who we are fighting. Keep that blinding passion building in you and use it when you finally meet him in the end. It will most likely be what saves you. Until then, use the love that you have inside you to keep you from harm. You will know my meaning when the time comes." Harry nodded and forced another smile on his face. Dumbledore let go of Harry's shoulders and walked down the hall to the kitchen with Harry behind him. As they walked into the stony kitchen, Molly smiled at them.

"Sit, you two," she began her fussing, "We'll have lunch and discuss our plans. Harry, you look like you need a decent meal. I don't know what those Muggles do to you. It seems like every time you go back to them, even if only for a week, you become weak and underfed!" Harry quietly took the bowl of soup she handed him and shoveled it in, wanting to hear what plans were to be discussed. As soon as he finished the first bowl, his new guardian refilled it. He kept eating as much as Mrs. Weasley would place in front of him, not realizing how hungry he had been until that moment. Soon, he felt to full to move and his eyelids felt heavy.

"Now that we have been fed and watered," Dumbledore commenced while smiling at them, "I think it is time to begin discussing our plans. Harry, I trust that you have told your new guardian the truth of our discussion last quarter?" Harry nodded and looked at Mrs. Weasley, whose eyes twinkled with tears.

"Good," he continued while looking at Molly, "I trust that you understand the seriousness of our situation, especially Harry's predicament?" She nodded, still looking at Harry while tears fell from her kind eyes.

"We need to discuss your lessons for this coming school year, Harry," Dumbledore announced as the young man looked back at him, "To begin with, your schedule will now include lessons with Ms. Tonks, Mr. Shacklebolt, and myself."

"Lessons w-with you, Tonks, and Kingsley?" Harry addressed in confusion.

"We—that is, the Order—feel that your Auror training should begin immediately rather than in two year's time," Dumbledore explained, "Now that Tom has been sighted and the wizarding community is aware of his return to life, we know it is only a matter of time before you come face to face with him in the last battle. We all feel that the more knowledge you have on defenses, the better our chances will be to defeat Tom and his followers." Harry nodded, numb from the news he received from his mentor.

"Your lessons will include occlumens and legimens with me and dueling and other defenses with the two Aurors," Dumbledore announced, "You will meet us in the Room of Requirement on Tuesday afternoons—as a double class—and Sundays. The only people you may discuss your training with are the three people you will meet with, Professor McGonagall, Molly, and Arthur. You may not tell Ron or Hermione."

"Sir," Harry interrupted, "I don't mean to be rude, but won't they question my disappearances every Tuesday and Sunday? It's not something you can easily hide."

"You will tell them that you must meet with Professor McGonagall on Tuesdays for Remedial Transfiguration on Tuesdays; if they ask why you need to meet with her, tell them she felt you needed the extra practice since it came as a surprise that you passed your O.W.L. and got into her N.E.W.T. level class. Professor McGonagall has agreed to cover for your Tuesday sessions. Now Harry, I need to ask something of you this year."

"Anything, Professor," Harry exclaimed. Dumbledore smiled at him, his smile reaching his blue eyes.

"I need you to do something—anything—to receive detention with Professor McGonagall," Dumbledore remarked. Harry stared at him, surprised by his mentor's favor. Had the Headmaster really asked him to land himself in detention with the second strictest teacher at Hogwarts?

"I'm s-sorry, d-did you s-say what I think y-you said, s-sir?" Harry stuttered. Dumbledore smiled more widely at this as he nodded.

"I would prefer if you did something grand in front of all as soon as school starts…such as the Welcome Feast," Dumbledore embellished, "Do something that your father and Sirius would have done during their reign at the school. Goodness knows how much they loved their practical jokes and their disregard for the rules."

"I still don't understand, Professor," Harry stated while glancing at a tight-lipped Mrs. Weasley and back at a smiling Albus Dumbledore, "Are you telling me to ignore the rules and land detention?"

"No, I am telling you to land detention especially with Minerva McGonagall," Dumbledore explained, "She has agreed to continually give you Sunday detentions so as to cover your absences every Sunday. If you choose to do something public, like at the Welcome Feast and at Holiday Feasts, your punishment will be given by the Head of your house. In your case, that would be-"

"McGonagall," Harry responded, now understanding the wizard's reasoning, "And she will be giving me Sunday detentions, thus making sure I am at my Auror training without looking suspicious." Dumbledore nodded as he smiled at Harry.

"I must request that you not divulge your intentions with anyone," Dumbledore said to Harry in his serious tone.

"You mean, not tell anyone the real reason why I am pulling pranks," he guessed as his mentor nodded, "May I enlist the help of my friends?" At this, Molly scoffed and Harry turned to her, startled. He had forgotten that she was there.

"I forbid Ron to help you with this!" Molly spat, "And I refuse to let you ask him."

"Please, just hear me out, Mrs. Weasley," Harry pleaded, "I will take the full responsibility for the jokes, since my punishment will be more severe. But, pulling off these jokes is going to take more than just one person or one brain. I promise not to tell him my reasons for doing any of this, and I promise that I will take all of the blame for the joke!" Molly frowned at him before looking at Dumbledore.

"Albus, I don't agree with this," Molly remarked, "But the decision is yours, since you are the one planning all of this." Dumbledore looked at each of them intently before closing his eyes and sitting silently for a long time. Harry waited, holding his breath, and hoped that his mentor would understand his request.

"I think that this decision should rest with young Mr. Weasley himself," Dumbledore answered as Harry smiled, "You should know, Molly, that the punishment would rest solely on Mr. Potter. McGonagall might decide to give your son detention. But her main focus will be ensuring Harry's presence in Auror training on Sundays. However, should Ron participate in the rule breaking schemes, you do have my permission to reprimand him in your own way. You understand, don't you?" Molly, red with anger, pursed her lips and scowled at the two wizards. Harry, fearful of her anger, shrank in his seat for suggesting the help.

"Also, Harry," Dumbledore continued, bringing Harry back to their plans, "you are to keep all of this from other professors as well. They are not to know of your extra classes whatsoever, not even Order members. Should one attempt to give you detention on Sunday, notify myself or Professor McGonagall immediately. We will ensure that you serve detention solely with her on Sundays. And we will cover our true reasons by ourselves. Remember: this must stay between us. No one else is to know the truth." Harry nodded and stared at his hands.

"Now that we are clear on what will be occurring this year, I think it is time to go about our business," Dumbledore announced, "I'm sure the two of you have plans for today. Good day to you, Harry! And to you, Mrs. Weasley, a good day." With that, Dumbledore rose from the table and started for the door. Stopping short of the entrance, he turned back to Harry.

"Harry," the wizened mentor started as he fumbled with the pocket of his robes, "I nearly forgot to give you this. Rather than have it sent today through the usual post, I informed the Ministry that I would personally deliver it. Congratulations, and good luck with the coming year." With a twinkle in his eye, he handed Harry a thick envelope and left the room.

"Thank you, sir," Harry said quietly while looking at Molly, whose lips were pursed like McGonagall did when she was upset or angry with a student. Harry and Mrs. Weasley stayed in their seats, letting the tense air pass through the room for several minutes.

"Mrs. Weasley," Harry finally said after the silence began to hurt his head, "I'm sorry for asking if Ron could help me with getting detention. I know you don't want him to, but I really think that the more help I get the longer my detentions will be." His guardian looked at him for a few minutes, her temper showing in her eyes, before shaking her head.

"I understand your reasons," Molly stated, "I just wished it could be different. As much as I hate to encourage the two of you to cause any sort of trouble, I know how important this is for us. So, I am willing to ignore your request from the Headmaster. But, don't think for even one moment that either of you will be getting out of a howler or two!" Harry smiled at her and nodded, remembering the howler she had sent Ron their second year when he had stolen their Ford Anglia and flown it to school.

"Harry," she asked as he shook himself from his memories, "Are you going to open your letter, or am I going to have to guess what it says?" Harry looked down at the envelope and remembered what it held: his O.W.L. results. With shaking hands, he slid a finger under the green wax seal with the Hogwarts crest in the center. Pulling out the first letter, he sighed and opened it. His eyes scanned over the letter twice, not believing what they said.

O.W.L. Results for:

Harry J. Potter

Astronomy- Acceptable

Care of Magical Creatures- Exceeds Expectations

Charms- Exceeds Expectations

Defense Against the Dark Arts- Outstanding

Divination- Poor

Herbology- Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic- Dreadful

Potions- Outstanding

Transfiguration- Exceeds Expectations

Included is a list of all Advanced Classes for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please circle the classes you wish to continue on the N.E.W.T. Level and forward it to your Head of House at Hogwarts. Reminder: Students may only take courses in which they have received an O.W.L. in, or they have an "Acceptable" in.

Congratulations on your O.W.L.s. and Good luck with your studies!

"Well?" Harry looked at her, confusion and shock plastered on his face.

"I-I got seven, I think," he answered in surprise as he looked back at his letter, "Two 'Outstanding' O.W.L.s in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. Four 'Exceeds Expectations' in Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Herbology, and Transfiguration. And an 'Acceptable' in Astronomy." He looked back at her and noticed a smile on her face. She placed her hand on his and squeezed it gently.

"That's wonderful, Harry," she started before hesitating, "I'm really proud of you, and I know you're parents would be proud of you if they were here." Harry smiled at her while holding back the tears that had formed in his eyes. He blinked several times, hoping the salty water drops wouldn't leave his emerald eyes, but he knew it was a vain attempt. The tiny droplets slid down his cheek as Molly stood and pulled him into one of her famous motherly hugs. He clung to her, not wanting to let go. It felt great to be hugged and to know that someone loved him. After awhile, they released their holds and their arms dropped. He wiped the tears away and gave her a watery smile that she returned.

"Do you know what classes you want to take?" Mrs. Weasley asked as Harry looked down at his letter, "You do need to take at least five classes." Harry nodded as he looked at her.

"I want to continue Defense Against the Dark Arts, of course, and Charms, even though I'm not great at it. I suppose I have to take Transfiguration, since I need it for my Tuesday alibi. I should take Potions, since it's required for Auror training," he remarked with a frown.

"What's wrong, Harry?" Molly asked as she placed her hand on his. He sighed as he looked at the letter again.

"I can't decide if I should take Care of Magical Creatures or Herbology," he answered as she smiled.

"Why don't you take both?" she suggested, "After all, you did do quite well in both classes, and the extra class couldn't hurt, could it?" He shook his head as he smiled at her.

"I guess you're right," he gave as he stood up, "It looks like I'll be taking six classes this year. Well, actually seven, if you include the 'extra' lessons."

"I think that's a great idea!" Molly beamed as she stood and pulled him into a hug, "Harry, congratulations on your scores. I am as proud of you, if not more proud, than any mother could be." He smiled at her as she pulled away and patted his cheeks in a motherly way.

"Now, Harry, why don't you go send your list to Minerva? Then we can get ready to go to work," Molly ordered in her motherly voice, "We have much to do right now, and I would hate to not get it all done." Harry nodded and walked to the door before stopping in his tracks and turning back to her. He quickly strode over to her and gave her a hug.

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," he said, grinning over the plans for the coming year.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I'll try to update as soon as possible! Please review!