Reconciliation:
"AGAIN!" the portrait of James Potter bellowed.
Harry was down on one knee using his daito to hold him up; sweat dripping from every pore on his body, and his hair had fallen out of the thong he had used to tie it back with and was now clinging to his drenched face.
Shallow slashes all over his upper body were all dripping blood, combining with his sweat to make a mixture of blood and perspiration that was slightly nauseating but had the effect of keeping Harry from passing out from exhaustion.
Remus, having forced Harry at his own request to make the move to the next level with his physical and magical abilities was pushing the boy's boundaries. He knew that Harry was holding back, even as he looked like he was ready to collapse.
There was a fear behind his eyes that turned Harry cold whenever he stepped into this room. He feared that he would actually hurt his trainer; a fear that was not needed nor wanted. So Remus pushed and pushed, and when Harry was back up to the wall and seemingly reaching the limit of everything he was capable, Remus started pounding him into the wall until he broke through and found another room of reserves- that Harry was hiding from himself. There was one time when Remus had been worried that he had actually pushed Harry so far over his own edge that he wouldn't get up, but a second later Harry seemed to regain consciousness and mounted a counterattack that completely broke Remus' clavicles in half, cracked his sternum, smashed his right elbow and left patella.
Thankfully, a werewolf was capable of quicker regeneration that even the most powerful healing salves and potions offered; and in less than a day Remus was back on his feet waiting for the next days lesson- ready to not let his guard down where it concerned Harry any longer than necessary.
They had moved on from bokken's and were now training strictly with what Harry called daito's, but what looked like an average katana blade to Remus . True to his observation Remus learned that daito was the japanese word for katana, amazed again that Harry was picking up another language during his personal studies- which themselves were so incredible that Harry returning to Hogwarts was looking to be waste of his time.
Remus did not know what Harry was planning on doing once he returned to Hogwarts. The only personal thought that Harry had ever confided in Remus happened over occlumency/legilimency training three days prior to this particular training session, and that didn't reveal any answers to Remus other than that Harry was happy that Hermione was here with him and was actually doing something to help someone.
Remus had been in shock when Harry left Silus' room after hearing Harry say that too him. He had not understood that Harry did not see that keeping the Philosopher's Stone safe, rescuing Ginny Weasley, rescuing his godfather after he was caught again, bringing Cedric Diggory's body back to his parents and keeping the prophecy- which he knew by heart now, no thanks to James and Sirius. All of these accomplishments seemed to mean nothing to Harry.
Harry's reasoning was that was what was required of him to do, but that helping Hermione was something he didn't need to do but did to make sure that no one ended up like he did. Helping Hermione overcome hating him, learning to cope and deal with the loss that they both felt for their parents was something that truly made him feel that he was doing good.
Remus was brought out of his recollection of Harry confiding in him when he heard James bellowing at Harry.
Harry was struggling to stand. The open wounds all over his body were having their bleeding stalled by Harry's force of will- he wasn't able to heal himself but he could at least stem the bleeding for a small amount of time he discovered, just long enough to make it to his private apothecary. His training pants that he had sewn back together were nearly torn to shreds from Remus' onslaughts that were now lasting near the half hour mark and him using three quarters his strength against a barely struggling Harry.
Harry was starting to make some progress with the new level that Remus was throwing at him but whenever that happened and Remus caught on, Remus 'enhanced' himself to further the training.
Objects were now being thrown at Harry from all sides, controlled by Remus and therefore not prevented from stopping if one slipped past his defenses and wand, or on occasion an empty hand after Remus knocked the wand from his grip. There were also metal orbs circling around the battle, every time that they engaged they would shoot mild hexes at Harry from all angles that ranged from 'leg lockers' to a mild version of what the 'cruciatus' felt like.
Also with Harry's help Remus had progressed with his legilimen's abilities and occlumency while helping Harry and this led to another plane that Harry was forced to defend himself on. In one battle where everything was being used, Harry was fighting inside his mind, the metal orbs, the flying furniture and animals sent to attack him, a werewolf, and the projected version of his father's portrait. Harry was calling these encounters six dimensional battles, and as much as he was hurt during the sessions, he loved every minute of it.
He found that after the first week of training with Remus that he truly loved learning; no matter what the experience was that lead to his learning.
Remus only chuckled when Harry would actually show the happiness he felt when he learned something new and applied it; and the fierce determination he had when he went after something with his bare hands- which was how some of the sword play would end when they both were disarmed by the projection of James and Harry was forced into hand to hand technique training. During which Harry was forbidden the use any of his wandless magic- which he didn't mind.
Harry had tried with everything he had, but he knew that he stood no chance of defeating Remus with only strength in his techniques. This lead to him putting his sword techniques to use here and judging the situation, trying to guess what his opponent would do next and turn it against him. Had he been fighting a human opponent in any of the sparring sessions he would have won more than his fair share, Remus however was not afraid of a breaking limb or a snapped neck and never conceded a fight. With neither one of them willing to admit defeat until they were completely incapacitated, only drug out the inevitable defeat of Harry; something which kept him fully stocked with humility.
Humility was another thing that Remus and his father had taught to him properly. Not that Harry was without 'proper' schooling on that matter from the Dursley's, but this was a matter of Harry controlling himself.
No matter how strong or how powerful with magic he became there would always be someone better out there itching to test themselves with the closest thing that presented itself as a challenge.
Harry may have been destined to kill Tom Riddle- he no longer acknowledged the second half of that line of the prophecy where it stated the possibility of Riddle killing him. But Harry knew that he was Remus' magical superior, he now knew more and was more skilled when they were simply dueling with their wands- here Remus was always paid back in full for Harry's defeats at hand to hand and sword techniques. Something that always caused his trainer to grin at, Remus was not a challenge to begin with when Harry had brought him to the manor, but he had proved useful as a testing partner.
The only part of training so far from when Harry had first come to the manor and from when Remus stepped in to 'help' that did not end in pain was the start of Harry's animagus training. From what he knew of the process there would be a years worth of brewing potions involved and great research put into the transformation technique. However, he was surprised to learn that having had a father for an animagus; the potions that would have needed to be brewed and taken were already inside of him- having been passed down genetically. Harry considered this cheating, having wanted the full experience, but still grateful for the shortcut of inheritance that his father had left him. Even if he still had to submit himself to intense meditation to find his inner animal- something he had yet to accomplish. There seemed to be something blocking the visualization that was waiting for him to uncover. He had discussed this block with his father one night after all of his required training was complete, but the subject quickly died and was engrossed in the joy of conversing with Remus, his father and Sirius by the fire; while Hermione was in the library desperately trying in vain to catch up to Harry's level.
She may be the smartest and cleverest witch at Hogwarts in the past forty years, but Harry's recent boost in aptitude for learning gave him an edge she didn't have and had her constantly coming to Harry for explanations of the seemingly impossible conclusions he had come to; and having to lay it all out in front of her to point out that when it came to magic that nothing was impossible- the basis of the theory of magic, 'magic is magic'.
Harry was wincing as he finally stood on his own two feet without the help of his blade.
"I don't think..." Harry tried to say before being cut off by his father's portrait.
"YOU CAN! AND YOU WILL! REMUS!" the portrait of James shouted and gestured for Remus to attack Harry.
'This is just another wall for him to break down,' Remus thought as he raised his katana above his head holding onto it with both hands, his wand in its holster attached to his exposed forearm- there had been a few close calls when Harry nearly 'disarmed' Remus and the wands own natural protective abilities had been the only thing to save his limb. Another discovery that had shocked both Harry and Remus when it happened, but something that neither one wanted to research at the time and was reluctant to try again.
Harry saw that Remus had prepared himself in a threatening stance. He made no move to arm himself for defense, he believed that he was done and empty for the day and that there wasn't anything left for him to use right now; that his magic and strength had been put to the test and exhausted. There was no room behind the wall that Remus had him backed against.
Remus saw that Harry made no move to raise his weapon and took the opportunity to snap Harry out of his current daze. He leapt forward bringing his blade in a sweeping arc above his head, threatening to cleave Harry's head in two. Still there was no reaction from Harry save for a gentle sway.
Just as Remus blade was centimeters from Harry's brow Harry's own instincts engaged themselves and Harry's daito in a smooth circular motion swept Remus attacking blade to the side of his body.
'Excellent feint,' Remus said to himself.
With the force of Remus swing and Harry's sudden deflection Remus' katana struck the hardwood floor and dug itself into one of the shiny boards.
Harry then feeling warmth spread through his body that was the result of him finally turning over from a revelation inside of himself that had occurred only seconds before, walked to where Remus was on one knee removing his blade from the floor. He struck Remus in the face without hesitation using his left fist, knocking Remus unconscious.
Harry watched as Remus body hit the hardwood floor and land next to his daito that was still sticking hilt up in the air.
The projection of James and Sirius were staring at the scene with dropped jaws, trying to come up with an explanation for what had just happened. Harry had knocked Remus out with a single blow? They both knew that Harry could do no such thing and that Remus was fighting near his own top limit.
Harry looked from the knocked out body of Remus to the projections off his father and Sirius, their looks showed that they were still confused and he would have to explain what had just happened. He also saw something that looked almost like pride mixed with his fathers curious expression and that helped Harry feel a little more at ease about knocking out his instructor and friend.
He knelt next to Remus and saw that his jaw that been broken was already starting to heal itself and placed a hand on his right shoulder and started to shake him awake.
Remus woke with a startled expression and expectant expression on his face seeing Harry standing over him and was instantly ready to launch a counter attack should he make a move.
Harry looked amused at Remus' sudden defensiveness.
The last thing he had seen before he woke up was Harry's fist coming at him, but he had been knocked out. Harry couldn't do that. So he started to question his own sanity at that point, trying to figure out if he too was exhausted as Harry had looked a few moments earlier and was now hallucinating.
Harry offered Remus his hand helping them both to stand. Remus turned to see the confused/odd look of surprise and pride of James face which only confused Remus even more.
"I think I should tell you what happened," Harry started.
Sirius cut in, "That'd be a start, how the bloody hell did you manage that!" he said pointing at a receding bruise on Remus' right cheek.
All three of Harry's instructors folded their arms across their chests and Harry started laughing uncontrollably at the scene. It wasn't normal for Harry to lose composure during training and the talk he had given Remus when he first arrived about being serious during training was only something that could be used against him in this case; but Harry had to let it out. He was imagining each one of them back at Hogwarts staring at his mum when she explained something incredibly complex yet so incredibly simple at the same time to them, and these three men were in the top of their graduating class.
The portrait projections of James and Sirius were starting to get tetchy at Harry's lack of control of the situation, but looking at each others confused and pride bearing expressions and arms folding across their chests trying to look like stern professors, and Remus who had unfolded his arms and was now rubbing his still sore jaw; now understood what Harry had found so hilarious and started to chuckle. Then they had to bring Remus in on what they were laughing at and soon all four of them were sitting on either the charred sofa or the chince chairs that had gashes in them revealing the white stuffing inside.
"Ok, now that we've all had a good laugh and my jaw has stopped throbbing, would you care to explain how this happened," Remus said while pointing a finger and his own jaw.
"You're a magical creature right Remus? No offense, but that's what you are now correct?" Harry asked first.
"Yes, and don't worry about offending me Harry, you know I'm ok with my condition... and it is proving useful for once," Remus smilingly replied.
"I'm a wizard, another form of a magical creature, but the magic flows out of me, unlike you Remus where your body is magic and you can use your magic through a wand..."
Harry's three instructors were nodding trying to make the connection Harry was leading up to.
"There is nothing that prevents a wizard or witch from letting them use magic the way you do Remus. You do it involuntarily because of your condition, and what I did was a variant of that. To put it in the simplest terms I am magically reinforced now." Harry said to his instructors who had their mouths open now understanding.
"I am in no way all powerful..." Harry paused with a sly smile on his face looking at Remus, "... yet. The theory behind magic being magic is the basis for all of this. The magical muscle that I've been honing and training and having Remus put to the test is in a better state that it was when I first came here this summer. Imagine that you start with a flabby gut, and then you train and train and train and finally you can see every muscle in your abdomen, that's a physical representation of what just happened. Or thing of brewing some sort of strengthening potion, basically the same effects, only this form is lasting. My own magic strengthens me now in addition to what I already have physically, and this is just the start. I'm still the same wizard, but there should be some more advanced magic I should be able to practice a little easier now; and better in the future once I develop this some more. The only big change is that I'm stronger physically, and I hesitate in saying that I think I'd be able to take on Remus now, although I'm not completely sure about all of this. I've only been working with my own theories and noting my own progress to see where this would lead, and I'm happy to see the results to have lead down this road. So thank-you Remus for pushing through another barrier," Harry said at length and then offering his hand to Remus.
Remus probably prouder than he had ever been in his entire adult life took Harry's hand and shook it like a man's. Another sly smile crossed Harry's face that was still glistening with perspiration as he looked at Remus and ignored the looks that his father and Sirius were giving him and asked, "Up for a little hand to hand?"
Remus was actually a little apprehensive about this. Harry had just knocked him out cold with a single blow and explained that he had somehow toned his 'magical muscle' as he put it, but accepted the challenge with a slight predatory growl behind his acceptance.
One minute after Remus had accepted Harry's challenge Harry was leaving the training room wearing an unnaturally smug expression. Inside the room were the projected version of James and Sirius trying console a very confused looking Remus Lupin. The month and half training prior to Remus' arrival and now with added benefit of Harry's recent 'advancement' using his 'magical muscle' closed the gap between the instructor's and pupil. It was apparent during the sparring session that Remus was still stronger than Harry, but Harry's knowledge of fighting techniques and newly enhanced strength and speed more than made up small difference between them; and Remus still not willing to concede a match was knocked out again and then revived. As soon as Remus was groggily getting up and seeing that Harry wasn't showing any emotion he nodded a silent approval to Harry, which Harry then nodded back his thanks and abruptly left the room to go heal his body in the potions lab.
Harry having learned that it was best to avoid Hermione after his training sessions because of her worry over his injuries. Even when he assured her that they were all superficial and could be taken care of with a few simple spells and potions, apparated into his lab. However Hermione was in the lab at the same time that he apparated in, working on trying to perfect her brewing of the stage one dose of 'Wolfsbane'. The first step to one of the more complex potions found in one of the obscure potions tomes found in the library.
His apparition was nearly completely silent now when he was alone, but when he used forced apparation, something he had tested with Remus first and then with Hermione, there was still a soft pop. The noise was something he wanted to work on when Hermione had the time- this also gave him the excuse of holding her close to him, something that both of them enjoyed but said nothing about.
They had grown extremely close over the past two and half weeks, since the shopping. Harry had found her a bedroom of her own in the manor and helped Tory set it up with almost the exact same setup he had. But later that night after Harry had passed out, she apparated into his bedchamber with a below average pop hoping that she didn't rouse Harry. Due to his exhaustion he didn't hear a thing and she crawled into bed next to him.
It had been the same every night after that, where Hermione would sneak into his bedroom; except on occasion when Hermione would be tired at the same time Harry had decided to go to bed and she would silently follow him to his room. Harry never objected when she came into his room with him. He chose only to smile at her and revel in her embrace. Which he told her every night that he was awake he had never been as content as when they slept together.
There had been a time when Hermione's lips had kissed one of the welts that was still apparent on Harry's chest and sent an electric shock straight through his body and into his groin causing a sleeping Harry to become aroused. Hermione had had the most difficult time trying to stifle her laughter and curiosity when this happened, but forced herself never to do that again lest she lose her own self control.
Hermione had felt the slight breeze but no sound except for bare feet on stone signifying that Harry was in the lab. Her wand was never more than out of an arms length away and after a week of being in Harry's presence and learning occlumency at his request, telling her that it would help her; she was now no longer scared of being attacked in the manor. Harry had promised her that she would be safe wherever she went here and whenever he was with her, and she was now completely used the secure feeling that she felt with Harry.
She continued stirring in the clockwise motion that the book had instructed, did not turn around but asked, "Did you have a good session today?"
Harry had hoped that he wouldn't be caught. It was turning into a sort of game with them lately with apparation. He muttered a damn to himself for losing and then replied, "Better than usual, how is the..." Hermione could hear him sniffing and then he asked, "..., 'Wolfsbane' coming along?"
Hermione could tell even without looking at him that Harry had a smug expression on his face. They had grown close enough over the two and half weeks that she could see the expression on his face by the emotion that he put into his words. Even when he was masking his emotions she could decipher his facial expressions. She had yet to point that out to him, for fear of losing some sort of an edge over him; really the only edge she had. Everything she had once held over him save this one observational ability had been thrown out the window the day after they had returned from their shopping excursion and Harry pointed out to her everything that he had been doing and then spent several hours explaining why he had been able to prove that things that shouldn't have been able to be accomplished from what she read he had done; and seemingly without any effort once he did it for the first dozen or so times.
Since then, she had spent every waking moment in Harry's library pouring over the same books that he had read, trying to catch up to him.
After the first week she had nearly conceded defeat until he pointed out he had a month an half lead over her and then said given the same time and determination with focus she would have been kicking his arse at the moment in whatever he was doing.
He had told her he wouldn't say what he was doing in the training room and she still respected his privacy and hadn't pressed to know. Hermione had figured that it had to be some form of practical training that he had been doing in theory in the library, but with the injuries that he sometimes wore, or the state of his clothes when he come through the library, saying a quick hello, and then entered the apothecary to heal himself. That was until she had started to question him about his injuries and then he started to apparate directly into the lab to avoid her inquiries. Only then did she stop asking and accept that what he was doing he had his reasons for.
"I think I've got it this time. Sixth batch of the stage one dose, and I'm more than sure that its perfect. Even by Professor Snape's standards," she said happily but still not turning around so she could focus on her stirring and swishing.
Harry ignored the mention of Snape's name in his presence. He'd gotten to the point with honing in the gift the house and his father had given him that he was able to perfectly keep his negative emotions in check.
"Knowing you and how hard you've been working lately I'd be willingly to wager that it's above even his standards Hermione," Harry said happily while reaching for the scar removal unction he kept in stock at all times. He had already used his wand before he opened the apothecary cabinet to seal his wounds. Although he should have done it without the wand, he was starting to work on what were fifth year level magic without a wand and it wasn't coming as quickly to him as he would have liked, but with this afternoons advancement he was interested to know how far he would progress before he plateaud again.
Hermione was smiling and blushing at Harry's off hand compliment. Even though she knew that he knew was doing it without thinking. His pride and belief in her and her abilities had saved her from what would have been a relapse last week, and that had been when he had offered to teach her occlumency and then legilimency if she wanted it later. They were now truly better than best friends, but neither one of them wanted to cross the line that they could not step back from and found that were more than content to just be in each others presence, embracing each other without moving forward. Although they had both thought about it. They had settled for the warmth and happiness they now possessed. What they had now was something that they couldn't lose by just being close to one another.
"Do you want me to send Remus up to check it for you later?" Harry asked rubbing the unction into each one of his newly acquired slash marks.
Still stirring and not looking at him, "Could you? That'd be great."
"I have to go out later this evening so I'll send him as soon as I see him in Silus' room. I have cut that lesson short anyway to make my meeting," Harry said spinning the cap on the unction bottle and putting it back in the apothecary and closing the wooden doors.
"A meeting with whom?" Hermione inquired.
"Albus. I have to talk to him," Harry said flatly.
Hermione finally stopped stirring happy with the potion at the moment and turned to face him. Looking through her safety glasses she eyed him.
"A civil meeting to offer a truce... a cessation to hostilities," Harry said with his arms folded across his bare chest and meeting her stare.
"I knew you couldn't hold a grudge with Professor Dumbledore," she said with a triumphant air and smile.
"The grudge is still there Hermione, but I'm not blind to the fact that we'll have to work together, and I have to discuss this coming school term with him," Harry replied almost sadly but not showing it.
"Can I ask what you're going to be talking about for this coming school year? Oh and can you get my O.W.L. results from him, I've been dying to know how I did?" Hermione asked and then turned back to make sure her potion was still doing fine and needed five more minutes of low heat before the next step could be taken, before turning back to Harry.
"Yes you can ask," Harry said coyly.
"Ooh don't be a smart arse Harry, you don't need to be smarter than me at anything else!" Hermione exclaimed.
"I didn't know that my arse could be smarter than yours, but if you've been checking..." Harry tried to say but couldn't keep a straight face and carry on with the witty banter, so he started laughing and clutching his sides as it truly hurt to laugh at the moment.
Hermione gave him a mock scowl, but then smiled and tilted her head to the side to give an appraising look just to beat him at his own game.
Harry caught on and raised an eyebrow and stopped laughing.
"You started, I just finished it," Hermione stated.
"If that's how you want it?" Harry asked in a veiled threat but still smiling at her.
"Want what?" Hermione asked mocking Harry.
"Fine, I need to get up to Silus' room and then get ready. I'll just have to see whether or not I can remember to get your O.W.L. results," Harry airily said making to apparate out.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
Harry smiled in triumph, "Relax Hermione. I'm sure that you received O's and probably a commendation on top of most of them," Harry sincerely said to Hermione.
"You really think I did that well? You aren't just making fun of me and my studying obsession?" Hermione asked warily aware that Harry and Ron used to mock her studying all the time.
"Hermione, I am not just sure of it, I believe it. And about your study habits..." Harry said nodding his head and raising his eyebrows purposely singling himself out, "...have you seen me in the library? I don't think I have an apple box to stand on, do you?" Harry spoke while holding her shoulders with his hands.
Hermione with what truly was a genuinely happy smile looked up at Harry and said, "Thank-you Harry... but I will beat you in your studies, it's my number one goal right now. Well that and S.P.E.W. You're lucky that Tory's free!"
Harry rolled his eyes before meeting Hermione's, "Are you challenging me Ms. Granger?"
"I would call it threatening, but you can place whatever label you feel is appropriate on it that you deem worthy," she said before turning back to her cauldron.
"Very well then," Harry said after he had been dismissed by Hermione's turned back and hidden smile, then apparated out without so much as the slightest breeze he had come in with.
Harry apparated directly into Silus' room, positioned himself in the 'lotus' position on top of his training seat prepared for the day's lesson.
Remus was seated across from him and had only arrived a few seconds prior. He was still feeling a slight sting to his pride that Harry had knocked him out again. He had made the decision along with James, with the voice of dissension from Sirius that they had pushed Harry far enough for the summer. They were going to have to come up with more inventive and definitely stronger ways to train Harry when he was there for his practical lessons. The three had been debating having Remus accompany him outside the manor for a 'real' experience, but James didn't want Remus there to see what Harry had really been trained to do to death eaters, and eventually Tom Riddle.
"Ready?" asked with another slight growl.
Harry threw the growl off and replied, "We're going have to make this session a short one I have to leave the manor this evening."
"Why are you leaving the manor again? You aren't going to collect Ron are you?" Remus asked.
"No, thank-you, I'm enjoying a quiet and 'peaceful' summer holiday," Harry said with a smile.
"Oh, good, because I was going to say that even with what you did to me today..." Remus said mock rubbing his jaw that no longer hurt, but gave him something to do when he was threatening Harry now, "... that it would be stupid for you to walk into Grimmauld Place and tell your friend that you're taking him to your secret hideaway for the rest of the summer."
"You make it seem like the manor is Never Never Land Remus," Harry replied with a smaller smile now.
"Never Never Land?" Remus asked confused.
"Muggle fairy tale of sorts, besides Ron would probably jump at the idea once he got over the photograph I know he's seen by now. C'mon lets get the lesson started," Harry said a little excited.
'What photograph?' Remus asked himself.
Remus had really been progressing with occlumency, and while not presenting the slightest challenge to Harry's legilimency; it was still interesting to find different avenues for attacking the mind and finding out how it worked. That the minds own neurological pathways could be disrupted or manipulated. Harry had a good laugh when he caused Remus to fall asleep and wake up thinking that he had been dreaming about a gorgeous blonde with enormous breasts that she had been shoving into his face. The laugher had not stopped until Remus' bokken knocked Harry flat on his arse the next afternoon. But when Harry told his father and Sirius what he had done they started wishing they were human so that he could do that; and James had a good laugh at his son when he suggested if he were alive he could send the same dream only of Lily. Remus thought James' pranking of Harry and his knocking on his bum was ample payment for the previous night.
Remus own Legilimency techniques while still basic were being put to use today to allow Harry to see how different users of the technique assessed the mind they were trying to gain access too.
In all it was a good lesson, but Harry now required more. He was interested to see if Dumbledore would try to enter his mind this evening, in an attempt to pry information from Harry that he would not be willing to give when questioned. Although Silus had imparted knowledge to Harry on the method in which Dumbledore himself was trained as a legilimens, in an effort to prevent an un-welcomed search.
The thought of possibly having one more skill that Harry had taken upon himself to learn without any of Albus' interference was something that Harry was looking forward to present this evening- a final foot in the grave for Albus' 'sound' reasoning regarding Harry's life and education.
The lesson finished after an hour and a half. After which Harry apparated directly to his private loo; showered quickly and dressed in a stylish muggle business suit. He was thankful for the adjustment charms Sirius had placed upon the clothing, as he had grown another inch.
He decided against the tie because of the freedom to breathe the open collar allowed him. Also he was not about to stand on occasion for this evening any more than absolutely necessary.
Harry tied his hair back in a black leather thong, and strapped a platinum magical watch to his left wrist. The watch that Sirius had left for him was now programmed with a piece of Hermione's hair; to let him know if she was home- the manor, in mortal peril, or at school, it also offered a view of the planetary alignment at the moment, provided a low-yield shield capable of absorbing two intermediate level hexes before faltering and programmed for an emergency portkey. Harry had taken the time to read the manuals for every one of his magical pieces of jewelry to find their exact properties... for pleasure reading as it did not fit in with his academic studies.
Checking the non-magical mirror and happy with his appearance, he remembered that he was going to send Remus up to Hermione but forgot to tell him. He apparated back to Silus' room where he found the two engaged in the debate in regards to whether or not using legilimency while physically attacking someone simultaneously, was a positive or negative; as to the fact that it left your mind open to attack from other practitioners of the art- if there were said practitioner's involved as well.
"Remus! Didn't mean to interrupt you two, but Hermione's brewed a batch of stage one 'Wolfsbane' and I was wondering if you would be so kind as to further Hermione's ego, rather I should say confidence?" Harry asked while fixing the cuff of his white linen shirt and grinning with pride at the thought of Hermione's furthering of her own studies while at the manor.
"Excuse me Silus," Remus said respectfully turning from the portrait with a nod of acknowledgment from Silus.
Remus was quite aware of Harry's elegant attire, and if Harry had been paying attention to Remus facial expressions he would have seen the feral glint in his eye- the only sign that this marauder was ever up to something. Remus was not called the most dangerous marauder for no reason; he was the only one of them that could keep a straight face whenever 'anything' 'occurred' at Hogwarts.
"No problem Harry. You're able to give a more than accurate assessment of that particular potion though, why didn't you check it out?" Remus inquired with raised eyebrows and arms folded across his now t-shirt clad chest.
Whatever it was that Remus was playing at Harry was not going to be suckered in so easily.
"You know, Hermione would take it as an 'honor' if a real live werewolf would tell her that her potion was brewed and bottled correctly. You remember the story about my first experience, I think Hermione might have a slight apprehension now because of that same story," Harry said look at the cuff that refused to let the button come undone.
"I'll head up the lab in a few minutes then. Silus and I were just about to finish when you popped in anyway, my liege" Remus replied adding in the title quickly at the end.
"Thanks Moony," Harry said with a mocking bow to Remus' ploy to draw him out.
Harry apparated back to the potions lab where Hermione was busy mashing scarab beetles with her mortar and pestle for another potion while her stage one 'Wolfsbane' waited for Remus' approval.
This time Hermione did not hear Harry apparate in, but instead saw him when he appeared in front of her on the opposite side of the lab station she was working at. She looked up from her mortar and pestle and took in the exquisitely dressed Harry Potter.
After looking him up and down, "You look quite dashing Harry."
"Why thank-you I wanted to at least give the appearance of mutual respect," Harry replied knowing how formal this evening was likely to turn out to be.
"I just talked to Remus and he'll be up in a few minutes to take a look at your 'Wolfsbane'. I still say that you made it perfect, and don't know why you won't take my word for it," Harry said smiling at her now blushing cheeks.
Trying to focus on the scarabs she was mashing instead of the clean smell of Harry she said, "Okay."
She hadn't ever known Harry to use cologne, and ever since the ride on Buckbeak in her third year she would know Harry's scent anywhere.
"I must be off," Harry said rocking on his heels a bit. "Just wanted to say good-bye and make sure you were content before I left for a couple of hours."
There was something about Hermione's presence that always put him in a cheerful mood and he figured he would need a little of that cheerfulness to start the night.
"Harry," she said looking up from the beetles, "don't forget my O.W.L.'s or yours for that matter. Or you will pay dearly. You sleep like a rock and I would hate for something terrible to happen to you, understand?" she threatened with the pestle in hand.
Not believing a word of the threat she was issuing he said, "I understand completely."
"Good," she replied with a smile and then went back to work on the beetles.
Harry shook his head for an instant while smiling at a very concentrated looking Hermione and then apparated back to his wardrobe room where he found the portkey that would take him to the restaurant where he was meeting Dumbledore. The portkey's were still square pieces of plastic, but Harry had taken to engraving the destination and whether or not they were roundtrip or reusable on the top and started to call them 'tickets' instead of portkey's- it was just easier that way. This way he didn't have to reach out with his magic to sort through all the different pieces of plastic to find the portkey he was looking for.
"Atlantis," he said and disappeared.
Harry portkeyed to the alley behind the Atlantic Bar and Grill in Soho a few moments before Albus' would bring him here.
He was interested to know if Albus would come alone or bring along a few members of the Order of the Phoenix to try and bring him in. If the situation turned out to be the latter of the two possible scenarios, he would simply apparate to outside the apparition wards at Hogwarts and make his was to the headmaster's office. There Harry would only have a more aggravated conversation with Albus. That was as long as the headmaster hadn't taken to changing the password to the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to his office to something other than names of wizard sweets.
Harry took a look at his watch and watched the half life of the radiation in the atmosphere tick second by second until it was five twenty nine and fifty eight, fifty nine, five thirty. The man that Harry had loathed and was deemed by the people of the wizarding world as the greatest wizard of the age appeared before him looking a little older than the last time that Harry had been in his presence.
Which in truth, the last meeting with Albus that he had hadn't been the greatest and the old man did not look much better then than he did now.
Albus Dumbledore was dressed in an open collared white linen shirt and brown corduroy pants with sandals. Harry was thinking that Albus did not do much business in the muggle world and this was probably something left over from the seventies and the first rise of Tom Riddle.
Albus Dumbledore, as Harry, was appraising his dress. Eyeing Harry with what could only be called pride... an expression that Harry chose to overlook.
Albus had seen the photograph of Harry winking at the photographer on the front page of the Daily Prophet and was slightly upset with Harry's flagrant disregard for his and Ms. Granger's safety. Although he was unaware as to the measures Harry had taken to keep Ms. Granger safe; but if a wizard photographer had gotten close enough to take a picture, then surely a death eater would have been able to get close as well without his detection.
Unless of course, as Albus suspected, Harry had arranged for this photo opportunity before-hand in a blatant show of his contempt for the orders supposed attempts at security.
The conversation they were going to have was sure to be one of the most interesting Albus had had with a student in more than two decades. The setting though left something to be desired he thought.
With his usual cheerful smile and happy grand-father like nature he spoke first.
'Gryffindor's go forward,' Harry thought sarcastically. 'Perhaps I should have been in Slytherin. A forked tongue would probably come in handy right about now.'
"Good-evening Harry," Albus said with a nod. "I must say this is a...," he paused to choose his words while taking in the decrepit alleyway and garbage bins, "... very interesting place to have a private meeting, are you quite positive that you could not provide better accommodations? You certainly look to be overdressed for this... particular location, and do please tell me, when did you acquire the skill of programming portkey's? And without ministry approval, I am interested to know, among other things as well."
'Wow,' was the only thought that coursed through his head after hearing that.
"Forgive me Albus for bringing you here first. Allow me to lead you to where we will conduct our meeting," Harry said gesturing for Albus to follow him.
"Please lead the way Harry," Albus replied with a nod and a smile.
Harry led Albus Dumbledore around the corner of the alley and past the line of waiting patrons who were patiently waiting for a table inside the posh restaurant.
"Harry, perhaps it would be wise if we were to queue up?" Albus asked.
'Albus,' Harry thought, wanting to shake his head back and forth in annoyance.
Harry ignored Dumbledore's question and continued to the front of the line and spoke with the maitre d' out of range of Albus.
To Albus' surprise the maitre d' looked up from reservation log on the podium and nodded. Harry in turn motioned for Albus come along and follow him down the stairs and through what looked to be an old ballroom; to the restaurant seating in the back.
Authors Note: Sorry about the late update, but duty calls- well, money calls really. This is the start to Harry and Dumbledore's confrontation. I'm going to keep posting, but only once every couple of days while i go back and fix really really blatant mistakes, and work my way up to the current chapters. No worries, you'll get the un-edited, un-beta'd chapter on time without delay.
Athenakitty: Inquisitive, inquisitive, inquisitive.
Aerie22: Holy-shit! I totally dig your fic, right up until Harry ends up with Padma- man o man, you're such a great author, thank-you for your kind words.
Maehem: Thanks.
Black-Hood: Wow, thank-you.
Limar: Harry kick Dumbledore's ass, are you insane? Dont answer that question, I dont want fingers to get pointed at me ;).
TuxedoMac: Thanks tux, drop me a line and let me know what really irks you about the tragedy i used since im going back and doing the whole 'editing' thing.
BlueAdonis: Are you c-diddy?
Maggie36: Thank-you, I will.
Earl: You are absolutely right, and the baiting I'll point that I hate as much as anyone else, but you're absolutely right, and i mean absolutely right. Did you hack my computer and read some of my unpublished fic or something- your review was scary.
Actionmaster: Bows head in respect, thank-you very much. I appreciate it.
Andromeda Snape-Malfoy: There is way more to the mansion than just the training room, the three bedrooms i've made reference to, the kitchen, the basement, silus' room. I just haven't made mention of the rest of the manor. Simply because something is not mentioned does not mean that it isnt there. Sorry for the confusion.
Tara6: Thank-you very much.
Tim: Wow, I'm honored to be your first review. Sorry about not getting it out sooner then.
Cathy-Ann: Excellent reasoning.
Dragonslayer: Will do.
Skeeter0007: I know what you mean about getting hooked and then left hanging.
Tracy: Spot on.
Jena Rink: I am wholey undeserving of those words, but thank-you none the less and i hope i wont let you down in the future.
Kathleen LaCorneille: You are by far, my favourite reviewer. I look forward to reading what you have written, and your own story's WOW, EXCELLENT.
Anonymous: Yeah I know it was griphook and i'll go back and fix it, geez and yeah i know that Harry's vault number was never given in the book, but i think that there was a number in the movie, and i think that'll suffice for the time being. No, I say that I understand the O level exams that O.W.L.'s are based on, but i'll go check out the infor at the lexicon. Thanks, I appreciate what you wrote, call me on more if you spot anything.
Joe: Dont worry about the ships, nothing has sailed.
