Chapter 4: Lessons with Dumbledore

Upon the return to the Burrow, Harry and Ginny had to suppress their excitement. No one could know what they'd been taught today. Hermione and Ron tried to get it out of them, but they couldn't say anything here. They had to let Remus and McGonagall explain everything that would happen, especially since the two of them would join Harry and Ginny in the lessons during the summer, at Hogwarts in the past, and at Hogwarts in the near future.

It was a prospect that made Harry and Ginny smile. They would be miles away from her parents and her family, except for Ron, and while they were in the past, no one could touch them from the present, unless he or she had a time turner and knew the exact time and place they were going.

During dinner, Harry and Ginny conversed normally, as they were told not to give away their connection. It would be a great way for them to secretly communicate and plan. Harry was still excited about the mission he'd been given, something that Hermione and Ron picked up on.

"Mate," Ron said. "What exactly are you so excited about?"

"I can't tell you, Ron," Harry said. "But you'll like it. You and Hermione get to come along with us on the assignment."

"I wish I knew what it was," Hermione said. "That way we could prepare for it."

"We're being prepared a lot this summer," Harry said. "Professor McGonagall and Remus are going to teach us all we need to know about the mission. And yes, they know about the other one too."

Ron and Hermione gasped.

"You told them?"

"Dumbledore did," Harry said. "And tonight, we have to tell Ginny everything."

Ron looked afraid.

"She's not going with us."

"I'm afraid I am," Ginny said, with a smile. "I think you, Ron, and you, Hermione, were chosen as afterthoughts since you will be in the thick of things with Harry."

"Why you," Ron asked. "You're not even of age yet, and you're my baby sister."

"Ron, I can take care of myself. And Harry here believes me."

Harry nodded, agreeing with Ginny. He hated to think this way, but yes, she was right. She could take care of herself in a battle situation. She'd proven that at the Ministry of Magic when they fought Voldemort's Death Eaters and at Hogwarts, where she and four other DA members helped the Order protect Hogwarts from the Death Eaters.

Ron and Hermione looked at Harry with surprise.

"You told her that?"

"Yes I did," Harry said. "And you shall learn a little more about my reasons later. But not from me."

"Who will tell us then," Ron asked.

"I will," came a voice.

Ron and Hermione looked over to see Professor McGonagall there.

"And, all four of you will stay here tonight for the meeting."

"I thought…"

"We had to move headquarters after what Snape did," Remus said. "We want to make sure that no Death Eater can get in."

"What about the Fidelius Charm," Hermione asked.

"When the Secret Keeper dies, everyone who was told the location is a Secret Keeper. So the security is diluted."

"That means that we're…"

"Yes. You are Secret Keepers."

Hermione nodded.

"What about Godric's Hollow," Harry asked, all of a sudden.

The talking stopped, and there were a few people looking at him.

Remus nodded and sighed.

"We shall go after the full moon. I'm starting to feel it coming, and I don't want to go until after this happens."

"I'll go too," Ginny said.

"Of course," Remus said.

"But Ginny…" Mrs. Weasley said.

"Mom, I need to go. For Harry."

"I don't want to face this alone," Harry said. "And I'd like to go visit Mum and Dad's graves."

There were nods around the room. They knew it would come to this sooner or later.

"And one more thing," Professor McGonagall said. "Harry, this is another letter that I should have given you sooner than I did."

Harry opened the letter and read it. He passed it to Ginny first, after wiping his eyes.

Dear Harry,

This is the second in a series of letters I have left to guide you. By now, you know more about the task I have assigned you, and request you go on. It is a difficult task, and one that will be hard for you to handle at times. I'm talking about the one you were just told about, not the one I told you about myself.

On your 17th birthday, you will receive the final letter from me pertaining to this matter. In the letter, you will receive instructions that must be carried out. It's something of the utmost importance to yourself, and your future. I'm afraid that under the agreement I made with your parents before their death, I am unable to relate this information to you until you turn of age. Then you will receive more information about the topic I am referring to.

I hate it to be this way, but it is the way your mother and father wanted. Oh, I do request that you bring at least one friend along, probably in the form of Miss Ginny Weasley. She'll be of great use to you there. I know it will be a trying time for you, but look forward to getting the letter from Minerva since I am unable to provide it to you.

Until then, I suggest you start to learn as much as possible about dueling and protecting yourself. Do not let your emotions get in the way of allowing you to love others. I know it's a hard thing to do, but you must. You know by now what I've suspected during the end of my last year at Hogwarts: that you and Ginny Weasley should be together. I saw the hints of what your father and mother did, and it was similar, though I must admit that you are much more like your mother than your father in most things. And that's a good thing.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Ginny looked at the letter.

"So he knew?"

"Knew what, dear," Mrs. Weasley asked.

Ginny looked at Harry and he nodded.

"Harry, what was that light I saw earlier," Ron said, suddenly. "It's how I came to find you two snogging out in the garden."

"Back at it again, heh," Fred asked, looking at Harry with a smile on his face.

Harry nodded sheepishly.

"Light," Mrs. Weasley asked. "Describe it."

"It was a blinding light," Ron said. "Somehow, I got the impression that it was similar to what I've seen in some weddings before."

Mrs. Weasley looked apprehensively at Harry and then Ginny.

"What did you two feel," Mr. Weasley asked, taking up the questioning.

"Well," Harry said, blushing. "I hate to talk about this."

"Harry, go on," Ginny said, her face, too, was a deep shade of red.

"I felt the happiest I've ever been," Harry said. "It was as if something was telling me that I'd found…"

"Found what," Hermione asked, interested. Her mind was working overdrive.

Harry blushed to a deeper shade of red.

"ThegirlIwanttomarry," he blurted out.

"What," Ron asked. "Slow down. You're talking too fast."

Hermione smiled knowingly and looked at Ginny and Harry. She'd understood and had suspected what had happened.

Ginny looked at Harry.

"Really? You felt that way too?"

"You felt it?"

Ginny nodded.

Mrs. Weasley looked at them.

"Harry, what did you say?"

"Nothing," Mr. Weasley said, sensing what it was anyway. "I think we do have to finish here, as we have others coming soon."

Harry breathed a sigh of relief, as did Ginny.

Glad that's over with.

Me too, Gin. Now if we could just find a way for your parents to let us have time alone.

With my brothers? Not very likely.

I know. Maybe during our lessons.

But Ron and Hermione…

They don't have the same thing we do with McGonagall.

Touché, my dear love.

Mr. Weasley looked at them for a moment and sighed.

"Daddy, what's wrong," Ginny asked.

"Harry, Ginny, I want to talk to both of you, now," he said. "No Ron, you get out of your seat, I will make you de-gnome the garden without your wand."

The two followed her father to a quiet place in the house. Mr. Weasley muttered a couple of spells, which Harry understood to be privacy charms to make sure they weren't heard.

"So, what's this I heard about you two having a lover's link?"

"Dad…" Ginny said.

"I know about it," he said. "I saw it in your faces that you were communicating somehow. Your mother and I have one as well."

Ginny sighed.

"We just developed it today," Ginny said. "We found out when Ron interrupted us."

"What were you doing out there?"

"Harry came to find me, Dad," Ginny said. "After he let the dog out."

"I remember," the man said. "Why does that dog keep getting in the house? It upsets your mother."

"I can't help she likes to stay in the house where it's cooler," Ginny said. "Right Harry?"

"Yeah," Harry said. "I'd like it better too."

"Ok. This light, do you know what it is?"

"I think so," Harry said. "Ginny and I bonded?"

"Possibly," the man said. "Damn. Dumbledore said he thought that might happen sometime soon."

"He told you?" Ginny asked.

Mr. Weasley nodded.

"And Remus told me too. He said that I have to run interference between you and your mother because you have something important to do that will help us win this war. You know they've infiltrated the ministry?"

Harry shook his head.

"I was unaware."

"They have. They're trying to gain control, so we're trying to fight back as much as possible. If they gain control of the Ministry, then you know we'll be hunted down."

Harry nodded.

"Won't we be safer at Hogwarts," Ginny asked.

"Yes. That's why I must ask that you Harry go back."

"I plan on it," Harry said. "I was told today that in order to defeat Voldemort and learn more things I can use against him and his army, I must return on September 1st. Professor McGonagall is going to give us a portkey to use."

Mr. Weasley nodded.

"And I'll invite out an apparition examiner to get you your Apparition license. I know it'll be useful for you in your quest, whatever it is."

Harry nodded.

"It will," Harry said.

"Ginny, Minerva said that you were going to be promoted to the 7th year early."

"She told me," Ginny said, with a smile.

"I have no idea why, but you're supposed to study with Hermione, Ron, and Harry this summer so you'll be prepared."

"I know, Dad," Ginny said. "But about this bonding, do you think you can keep it from mum?"

"She knows," Mr. Weasley said. "When Ron described the light, I knew. And when I heard what Harry said, I knew. All I have to say is that I hope you two know what you're doing. This can be very dangerous if you break up."

"We were told that by Remus and Tonks," Harry said.

"And, if it makes you feel better, Daddy," Ginny said. "Harry and I want to have a wedding as soon as we've both graduated."

"I can handle that," the man said, with a smile. "I guess I have another son, don't I? And Hermione is another daughter."

"She and Ron aren't…"

"Not yet," Ginny said. "But you can see as well as I do that it's going to happen."

Harry nodded.

"Maybe we can push them this summer."

"How?"

"A little jealousy, perhaps?"

"Snogging," her father asked. "If it's anything else, Harry won't have to worry about Lord Voldemort killing him, because one of your brothers will."

"I know," Ginny said. "It's why Harry wants to make sure we take it slow until we know what we're doing."

"And that's a good idea. And, I do think something else is in order."

"What's that, Dad?"

"I'm going to teach Harry and Ron contraceptive charms. It's time they learn them."

Harry blushed, and Ginny looked at him.

"At least you don't have mum teaching you this. She caught me as soon as I started to date and taught me. And each summer, she has repeat sessions."

Harry smiled.

"Well, you've got a good point there."

"This time, she goaded Hermione into staying and talking with us. I've never seen her turn such a shade of red before," Ginny said, giggling.

"Well, I must be getting back out to greet the other members. Oh, one more thing."

"Yes?"

"I forgot to tell you that you four are being inducted into the Order this evening."

"Mr. Weasley, does that mean I have to tell them everything?"

"No," the man said. "Minerva will explain that you four are assigned on a highly secretive mission that will require your presence at Hogwarts. And I do presume she has arranged for the four of you to have passwords that allow you to leave the school at will."

"We weren't told any of that."

"But its necessary, Harry," Ginny said.

"Yes it is," Harry said. "First, before school begins, I want to visit Grimmauld place."

"Why?"

"There's something there that came up in a dream. I want to check it out."

"Is this part of your mission?"

"Yes it is," Harry said. "And Sirius said something about a library. I want to check out the books there."

"They're mainly Dark Arts books," Mr. Weasley said. "But if we're to fight Lord Voldemort, I see no reason why you shouldn't go there and study some during the summer before school starts. As long as you keep your other lessons up."

Harry nodded and Mr. Weasley walked out of the room.

"That was easier than I expected," Harry said.

"I know," Ginny said, placing her arm around Harry. "Come. Let's not stay here in private. Else we'll have a few extendable ears from the twins this way."

Harry nodded.

They walked out of the room and Harry saw a few more members of the Order arriving. Many nodded to greet Harry, and then soon, the meeting started.

"Today," Professor McGonagall said. "We are pleased to introduce our four newest members of the Order. They are already on a special mission assigned by Albus before he passed away, and they will be returning to school in September for training. May I introduce you to our four newest members: Mr. Harry Potter, Mr. Ronald Weasley, Miss Hermione Granger, and Miss Ginny Weasley."

There was polite applause as the four were recognized.

"Now, you four, please stand forward and you will have a member of the Order join you for the vow."

The four stood. Lupin and Tonks walked up to Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley walked to their daughter, Bill and Charlie walked up to Ron, and the Weasley twins walked up to Hermione.

"Ok, this is an Unbreakable Vow," Professor McGonagall said. "But since you four are on a mission, be aware that this mission is not included in the Vow unless you need the help of other Order members. During your school year, you know that you can always come to me for help, and any other Order member on duty at Hogwarts for an emergency."

The four nodded, and soon, they were inducted into the Order.

After that business was taken care of, Harry sat back down next to Ginny. She grabbed his hand, and some people looked on with interest.

"Before I forget, the newest members will be trained by Mad-Eye, Tonks, and Remus throughout the summer. They will also be trained by Aberforth during the school year, when we expect them to figure out a way to destroy Lord Voldemort once and for all."

"Minerva," Mrs. Weasley asked. "Did I hear you say correctly that they will destroy You-Know-Who?"

"Yes you did. It is a mission assigned by Dumbledore before he passed away, and they will be getting trained in the new powers that they are coming into. At least for Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley. They have been selected for a very special mission that is going to prove to us how good they really are."

"What do you mean," Mad-Eye asked.

"Alastor," Minerva said. "Do you remember how James and Lily were performing magic?"

The man nodded.

"I remember all too well. Surprising they ended up as they did."

"That was an ambush. But Harry and Ginny have been selected to train as Harry's parents were trained."

There were a few murmurs, as some of the people in the room knew what that meant. Ginny looked at her parents, who were giving her an interesting look.

"What about me and Hermione," Ron asked. "Can we be trained that way?"

"Not at this time," Minerva said. "If the time comes, Harry and Ginny will know what to do to train you. Now, what's the newest information on the hunt for Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy?"

"We've been unable to locate them. The ministry is trying to locate them as well. However, the Ministry, as you know, is infiltrated by followers of Voldemort," Alastor Moody said. "We think they're holding up the investigation on their end."

"And what will happen if they're found," Minerva asked. "By the Ministry."

"They should be sent to Azkaban until their trials," Moody said. "However, with the Dementors on Voldemort's side, it's just a matter of time before he breaks out his followers again."

There were nods around the room.

"What do we do about keeping those in Azkaban in there?"

"The only thing I can think of is the kiss," Moody said. "But that's bloody unlikely because of the traitors in the Ministry."

At the end of the meeting, the four had a meeting of their own. Ginny was brought up to speed on things, and she gasped at the end.

"So you have to destroy at least four more Horcruxes before you can defeat Voldemort?"

"It seems to be that way. We may know that one could be destroyed already. We just have to ensure it is destroyed."

"How will we destroy them?"

"That's a question we need to answer. We need to have several ideas of how to destroy them once we find them."

"Harry," Hermione said. "Let's go to the library and see what's in there. There may be something on Horcruxes in there."

Harry nodded and spoke.

"Of course, we'll have to go tomorrow when we get some free time. After all, the Hogwarts library is huge."

Hermione nodded and then smiled at Harry.

"What are you kids doing up," Remus asked, looking at them.

"We're planning to do research in the library," Harry said.

"Do you need any help with it?"

Harry hesitated.

"Come," Harry said. "I think at least one of you should know what we're doing just in case."

Remus nodded and followed the four into an empty room. He closed the door and muttered a silencing charm.

"Now what is it?"

"What do you know about a horcrux?"

Remus flinched.

"Why?"

"Voldemort has made at least seven of them," Harry said. "Or six and one piece of his soul is in his body."

Remus looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Ok. I know what you need to know. You want to know how to destroy them."

Harry nodded.

"And they'll be cursed," Harry added. "With different protections on each of them. The problem is that we have to get through the protections and then destroy the Horcrux."

"How were the others destroyed?"

"The diary was killed when I stabbed it with a Basilisk fang," Harry said. "That was in my second year."

Ginny flinched at the thought of that.

Remus saw her expression and nodded.

"And the next?"

"The Sword of Gryffindor."

"You know where that is," Remus said. "I'm sure Minerva will let you use it."

"But it'll still be dangerous," Harry said. "Dumbledore was injured by a curse last year. And there's a good chance that there will be other protections that will require one to harm his or herself before getting the horcrux. And there's a chance that they can't be destroyed by the same methods."

Remus nodded.

"Yes. He's a sadistic bastard. But I know that you should learn more about how to recognize curses. Harry, I know you've been recognizing magic for a few days now."

Harry nodded.

"How," Hermione asked.

"I don't know," Harry said.

"He's coming into his dormant abilities now," Remus said. "It's normal for wizards to learn about new abilities as they age. In this case, it's a good thing, because the only wizard I know good enough to find that stuff is dead."

"Dumbledore?"

Remus nodded.

"Not everyone can sense the nature of magic. Most of us can sense magic, but not everyone knows the nature of it. That's one ability I think you should hone, along with your dueling skills, and what Minerva is teaching you."

"What's she teaching you, Harry?"

"Advanced Transfiguration," Harry said. "Don't worry. There's a special class being started in the fall for those of us selected by Professor McGonagall for the class. It's an advanced level course that's above NEWT levels."

"Wow," Hermione said. "But how will we…"

"You'll understand later," Remus said. "Right now, Harry and Ginny understand what you're going to do this summer. You four will go to Hogwarts tomorrow, and Tonks will escort you there. That was already planned before you wanted to go to the library."

The four nodded.

"We can research there as well," Hermione said. "Though there may not be enough information on Horcruxes, we can look up information about counter-curses and how to recognize different curses."

Remus nodded thoughtfully.

"Good idea. The point of you returning there is to learn more about how to destroy these things and to defeat Voldemort for good."

The next day, when the four got to Hogwarts, Harry saw Professor McGonagall was waiting on them.

"You two go on to the library while I teach Harry and Ginny."

"Come on, Ron," Hermione said. "We've got work to do."

After the two left, with Ron leaving reluctantly, Professor McGonagall spoke to Harry.

"Now, today, we're going to start teaching you to transform with your wand."

Harry nodded. He knew he was in for a long session.

After the morning session, they met up in Professor McGonagall's office for lunch.

"I presume you found something," Harry asked, looking at Hermione.

"No," she said. "There's just nothing on Horcruxes in the library. At least in the sections we've seen."

"Maybe I can help," Minerva said, waving her wand.

When a wall opened in the office to reveal book shelves, Harry saw Hermione start to drool.

"You're drooling," Harry said, with a smile on his face.

"What," Hermione asked. "That's a lot of books," she said.

"It's Dumbledore's private library," Minerva said. "And I think it may be useful."

Harry nodded.

"What are we doing after lunch?"

"We're meeting with Aberforth," Minerva said. "He'll be here two or three days per week during the summer, and the same during the semester. He wants to start your training now."

"What training," Hermione asked.

"Dueling and DADA," Professor McGonagall said. "He and Albus have similar skills. There's one more thing."

"Yes?"

"You are to tell no one that you're doing this. You're here this summer because I asked you, Hermione, as Head Girl, and you Harry, as Head Boy to come to school to prepare it for the students."

There were a few raised eyebrows.

"I know this is a surprise, but you will be able to do more that way. And Harry, I ask that you tell me when you leave to work on your task. I'd hate to have to find a substitute at the last minute for your classes."

"Classes?"

"Oh, you four are going to teach the fifth years and below DADA. It's a part of your advanced training," Minerva said. "And so Aberforth can run his bar to ensure that he continues to get information."

Hermione smiled.

"Can we do a division of the classes?"

"You most certainly can. But Aberforth will need help with the sixth and seventh year classes, which you four will not take."

"But…" Ron said.

"Don't worry. This summer, you'll learn everything you need to know about the sixth and seventh year classes in practical sessions. And they will continue. You're taking advanced lessons with Aberforth, and a couple of Aurors in the Order."

Ron let out a smile.

"So, we're going to be trained as Aurors?"

"Not officially," Minerva said, with a smile. "Unofficially. Moody, Tonks, and Kingsley are going to swap out teaching you over the summer and during the school year. You will get graded on your performance, and will, hopefully, sit for your NEWTs. But I expect no less than Outstanding in Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, and DADA. And I would like to see each of you get at least an Exceeds Expectations grade in your other courses."

"Even if we've dropped them?"

"Yes," Minerva said. "It's imperative that you have advanced knowledge of all four classes. That will ensure that you have the knowledge you need to defeat Voldemort. And Hermione, you will continue to take Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. We never know when they may come in handy during your mission."

Hermione gave a gleeful smile and she also caught the look Ginny and Minerva gave Harry. She didn't know what it was, but they couldn't stop to ask why right now.

"What other courses should we take?"

"I think Madame Pomfrey will teach a healing class to sixth and seventh years. I wish for you to take that class as well."

There were nods.

"I can see where that will come in handy until we can get back to a hospital," Harry said.

Minerva nodded.

"I hope and pray that you will not have to use it, but given the circumstances, I know that it will come in useful, especially when you join the Order to battle Death Eaters."

"How," Ron asked.

"With these. I didn't have them with me. But they're portkeys. They'll bring you to the location of any Order member who needs help. Its how we know to get to a place in a hurry."

She passed out small items.

"A ring?"

"Put it on a finger," the woman said. "And it will turn invisible. Each one can only be used by you, the first person to wear it. And you can alert certain Order members by thinking their names and touching the ring. Try it."

Harry thought a minute and then touched the ring.

A moment later, Tonks was in the room, her wand out.

"What's going on," she asked.

"Nothing, Tonks," Minerva said. "I'm just giving them the rings."

"Oh," Tonks said, putting her wand up.

"Useful," Harry said. "So if we run into major trouble in our quest, we can call for help?"

Minerva nodded.

"That's the plan."

"The rings, they activate portkeys to the current location of the member who calls?"

"Correct," Minerva said. "But some will not leave their positions because they're important jobs, or they can't leave to keep up appearances."

Harry nodded.

Tonks nodded and walked out of the office.

When they got back to the classroom, it was set up for dueling. Harry sensed something and drew his wand just as he saw a red light come out from somewhere. He dodged with his Quidditch reflexes and returned the stunners, after it had hit Ron.

Then a battle broke out in the room. Aberforth, Tonks, Moody, and Kingsley were attacking the four students, using non-lethal spells. The four students were fighting back.

Soon it was over, with the four older adults coming out on top.

"Harry, you almost got me," Aberforth said. "Missed me by inches. If that would have happened, you three might have taken them."

There were scoffs from Mad-Eye.

"I think not," he said. "They weren't dueling properly."

"That's what we're hear to learn and improve," Harry said, for his group.

Aberforth nodded.

"And you're here to learn everything you should learn in your sixth and seventh years before the summer ends. At least as far as DADA is concerned. Professor McGonagall informs me that you will be taking post-NEWT level classes come school starting.

Harry nodded.

"And Ginny will as well. She's going to learn about her sixth and seventh year classes this summer."

"Which ones," Tonks asked.

"All four of us will take Charms, DADA, Transfiguration, and Potions," Harry said. "And Professor McGonagall is going to arrange for a healing class as well."

"Good," Tonks said. "That will be useful."

"Yes it will," Aberforth said. "But let's hope that you don't have to use it on each other or anyone else for that matter. But knowing the Death Eaters, we'll have to heal some of our friends."

Harry nodded.

"Unfortunately."

Soon, they were in a fierce duel, with each person assigned to one of the teachers. It was much easier that way, and they could get a lot out of the practical lessons.

By the end of the day, each had bruises and cuts where they'd ducked and dodged and got hit by spells, and a number of other things.

"Good," Aberforth said. "Now, I have homework."

Ron groaned.

"It's not what you think," Aberforth said. "The key is that all of you need to exercise and quicken your reflexes. Running, stretching, and other exercises like that should help out tremendously. And it will provide you with a better endurance for the long battles. This will exhaust all of you each day, and for now, we'll only do afternoon work. When school starts, we'll have progressed to full day workouts and then you'll go to school and do your other things to learn in between sessions. That will prove that you've been resting."

"What about having time to rest," Hermione asked. "Such as a day off."

"Saturdays and Sundays will be at a slower pace. But I understand you must have time off, and we will provide you with some uninterrupted time, unless something happens, of course."

There were nods.

"Good," Hermione said. "I don't want to burn out."

Aberforth nodded.

"We need you to be at the top of your game as much as possible. So, Harry, no sneaking out at night to do whatever," Remus said. "And I trust that none of you will leave except to perform your duties to the school or the order at night."

There were nods.

"Oh, before I forget, in the event of a battle at Hogwarts, your first priority is to defend your fellow students with the sixth and seventh years," Aberforth said. "Minerva has agreed, and those who are of age may participate more fully in the battles, if they're not needed to protect the students."

Harry nodded.

He'd be of age soon, and would reprise Dumbledore's Army just to get the students trained up in advanced dueling.

"Oh yes. Dumbledore's Army," Aberforth said. "Good thought, Harry."

"Legilimens?"

"Correct," Aberforth said. "That's part of your training and will commence after the wedding. It will be difficult, but you must become decent Occlumens if we hope to prevent You-Know-Who from getting into your head at night."