Chapter 11—Starting Lessons

The next morning as Edward drove the three of them to Roland's house Jacob asked, "Edward yesterday when Paul was pissed off, you talked to him like you knew what he was thinking. How is that possible?"

Not taking his eyes off the road Edward answered, "Because I did, he thought that I would think less of you because you are a Werewolf. He believed that I would hurt you and if I did he would tear me apart and burn the pieces."

Harry asked, "What do you mean that you did know what he was thinking?"

Self-consciously Edward replied, "Sometimes when someone is turned into a Vampire they have a gift. Several in my family possess such gifts. Carlisle is gifted with compassion on a scale I have never encountered before. Emmett is gifted with possessing strength greater than a Vampire usually has. Jasper can feel other people's emotions and to a degree influence them. And Alice has visions of the future, although the future is not set in stone. She can see outcomes of decisions when they are made." Glancing at his mates then looking back at the road Edward went on. "Alice can see the outcome for humans and Vampires, but she cannot see it for Werewolves or Wizards. We think that it is because she was human and now she is a Vampire, but she has never been a Werewolf or Wizard. The only reason that she saw Harry speaking to us again was because she saw us talking in my future."

Jacob questioned, "And you have one of these gifts, don't you?"

Edward nodded and answered, "I can read minds." Both of his mates went very still. Edward continued, "I don't do it on purpose; I can hear people's surface thoughts. If I try I can block a lot of it, but not all. Most of the time it is like everyone is talking at once in a crowded room. With a couple of exceptions I can read anyone's mind."

Harry quietly asked, "What exceptions?"

Edward smirked as he answered, "The two of you, I think it has something to do with being mates. But whatever it is I cannot hear anything from either of you."

Both of his mates relaxed as Jacob said, "Good, I prefer that we're all getting to know each other on equal terms."

Nodding Edward said, "I think that is why I cannot hear you. The bond blocks me having an unfair advantage over either of you. Sort of magic's way of keeping us on equal ground."


At the Burrow the Weasley twins were watching their youngest siblings.

Ginny sat by the window smiling at the snowy white owl as is flew away.

From behind her Ron asked, "Ginny was that Hedwig?"

Turning to face Ron she answered, "Yes."

"Are you writing Harry?" Ron asked.

Ginny answered, "Yes".

Ron questioned, "Why?"

Ginny did not understand what Ron was talking about so she asked, "Why what?"

Ron replied, "Why write Harry, I mean he's a squib?"

Putting her hands on her hips, doing a scary imitation of her mother, Ginny answered, "I don't know Ronald why would I be writing Harry? Oh I know why…BECAUSE HE IS MY FRIEND!"

Rolling his eyes Ron said, "You're just infatuated with him, like always. And did you not hear me he is a squib?"

Angrily Ginny answered, "First of all Ronald I am not infatuated with him. I was ten and he was a handsome boy that was nice to me. I am past that and we are FRIENDS! Even if we were not friends I owe Harry, in case you have forgotten the entire family owes Harry. I would not be here without Harry; I would have died in the Chamber of Secrets. Dad would not be here without Harry, he would have died at the Ministry. Then there are the twins, they would not have their shop and be doing so well if Harry had not given them the money to open it. Harry has done tons of things for us Ronald, for me and the family. Harry has never done anything but be a good friend to everyone in this family. Including you, whether you deserved that kind of friendship or not. So no matter what you say, Harry is my friend and he always will be."

Ginny turned and stormed out of the room. The twins looked at each other smiling and nodded.


Roland ushered Jacob, Harry and Edward into his house. Once they had taken seats at the table he began. "I think that we need to go back over Potions, since your skills seem below par. I also think you should learn Runes as that would be very helpful to you."

Nodding Harry said, "I agree with that but I am concerned with how long that will take. Making up five years in two subjects and then learning my sixth year material, which I missed, is going to take a long time. I am not sure that I have that kind of time."

Jacob asked, "Why do you think you're short on time?"

Harry squared his shoulders saying, "You know that there is a war going on in England." Both of his mates nodded and Harry said, "I am the key to ending it. I will have to return to England. And from what Hermione tells me things are getting worse."

Edward questioned, "Okay, why are you the key? Who is Hermione? And, how are things getting worse?"

With a sigh Harry answered, "You know that Voldemort attacked and killed my parents, right?" All three of them nodded. "There was a reason that he went after my family. There is a prophecy, one that says I am the one to defeat him."

Roland asked, "Do you know the Prophecy?"

Harry nodded saying, "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…and either must die at the hands of the other for neither can live while the other survives…The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…"

Jacob said, "Okay I get born at the end of July and your parents defied this Voldewart. But that could describe a lot of people."

"It's Voldemort," Harry corrected.

Edward rolled his eyes saying, "Wind of Death, bit overdramatic I think. However Jacob is right that could describe other people, it does not have to be you."

Harry raised the hair off his forehead and said, "And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal."

Both of Harry's mates were quiet for a minute as they thought.

Then Edward said, "Okay so we have some training to do before we go to England." Then looking at Harry he asked, "Do you have any idea how long before we need to go?"

"What do you mean 'we'?" Harry asked.

Jacob answered, "We as in we are going with you. We just got you and if you think you're going into some battle without us…that's not going to happen."

Harry sarcastically replied, "Oh, and I just love the idea of taking my mates into battle."

Edward interrupted, "We are going. You will need all the help you can get. There is no way you are going without us."

"Fine," Harry mumbled.

Jacob questioned, "Now how long do we have to train?"

Harry answered, "Well, from what Hermione tells me…"

Edward interrupted, "And she is who again?"

Sheepishly Harry replied, "Sorry I didn't answer that before did I? Hermione is my best friend, and has been since I was eleven. We started magical school, Hogwarts, together. Really she is my sister in every way but blood."

Edward asked, "Have you been in contact with her lately?"

Harry nodded saying, "Yes we have two way journals. What I write in mine appears in hers and vice versa. We have used them to communicate since I moved here."

Jacob commented, "I thought you were writing in a dairy."

Edward questioned, "And what does Hermione say?"

Harry answered, "Hermione said that after I was attacked that they got word from our spy that Voldemort was recruiting. It seems that he thinks that because I was defended by Werewolves and Vampires that I am here to recruit allies. As a result he has begun a massive recruiting effort with dark Creatures and Wizards from all over the world."

Jacob asked, "Can this spy be trusted?"

Nodding Harry answered, "Yes, he has saved my life several times. That includes putting himself between me and a Werewolf…who had transformed with the full moon. He was also my mother's best friend. He is the one that came and healed me, set up the house and forced my relatives to give it back. See it was my money that bought it in the first place. He also forced my aunt to sign the emancipation papers. I guess you could say he saved my life in every way possible."

Edward said, "That is good enough for me."

Jacob nodded in agreement then asked, "Any idea how long we have?"

Harry replied, "If Voldemort stays true to form it will either be Halloween or the end of the school term. The way my luck works I would say Halloween."

Edward turned to Roland and asked, "Is that enough time?"

Roland answered, "Normally no, but since time is short and Harry's need to know as much as possible is urgent…" Roland reached into his pocket and pulled out a stone and set it on the table. "I think if we use these we can move things along faster. I also agree with Harry that we should plan our timetable around a Halloween attack. If he attacks at the end of the year great we will have had more time to plan and train. But we cannot count on that and must plan for the worst."

Harry eyed the stone asking, "What is this stone and how does it work?"

Going into lecture mode Roland said, "This is one of a set of Memory Stones. It is an old magic used in teaching Medicine Men. The stone holds knowledge, in this case all the theory and explanation behind the potions and Ruins we'll be covering the next day. You place it on your headboard at night and in the morning it will be as if you've sat through days of lectures and retained everything."

Edward interrupted, "I am not sure I like this. This sounds a lot like brain washing."

Roland replied, "I can see where it could be used that way, but that is not what I am proposing. Think of it like a tape recording that a human plays while they sleep to learn a foreign language. Only this will be at a higher pitch. But one that all three of you would be able to hear, that means that all of you would be learning the same thing. That will work for us as you two have enough magic to do potions, and then you can help quiz him on Ruins. And because Edward is a vampire he will be able to keep up with how fast the information is passed. That means that you can monitor what Harry is learning. If you think I have gotten out of line, just throw the stone out the window."

Edward looked at Jacob and Harry and asked, "What do you think?"

Harry answered, "I think we should try it, I am going to need to learn as much as I can. And having you two know potions would be helpful."

Jacob said, "Roland is the most trusted man on the Reservation. Even the Elders call on him for advice. I trust him."

Edward turned to Roland and asked, "Doing it this way, will that teach Harry enough?"

Roland shrugged his shoulders saying, "It will teach him as much as we can. I will give you quizzes to test him on Runes in the car. Then we will work on practicals for his potions and later spells. The two of you can join in the potion practicals, that way it will cut less into his time with you."

Jacob interjected, "It won't cut into his time with us; we will be with him every step of the way."

Roland replied, "You won't be much help when we are working on teaching him to use his staff."

Edward said, "Maybe that would be a good time for us to train. I'll talk to my brothers about working with us."

Jacob nodded saying, "I'll talk to the pack about helping us train too…maybe we should train with both at the same time?"

Edward nodded in agreement and Harry asked, "Along with the staff use will you teach me to Apparate? That way I can get my license."

Roland looked at him in confusion and asked, "What license?"

Harry answered, "My Apparition license does not the Ministry here require one?"

Roland questioned, "Why would they need to license you? Apparating is magic, either you can do it or you can't."

Shrugging his shoulders Harry said, "The Ministry in England requires you to be licensed."


Hermione was setting in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place with Draco. She was dressed in casual robes and had just finished another lesson with Mrs. Malfoy.

Hermione asked, "Draco if dressing in robes, even for casual, is the norm in the wizarding world…why don't the Weasley's do it? Is it because they weren't taught?"

Draco answered, "No…it is a financial issue." Holding up his hands as Hermione began to protest he said, "Please let me explain." At Hermione's nod he continued, "Money is tight for the Weasley's and instead of having muggle clothing and casual robes; they have opted to cut out the casual robes to cut expenses." Then with a sigh he said, "I know that I have teased Weasley about being poor. And truly I am ashamed of that. Really the Weasleys' should be honored for the sacrifices they have made."

"What do you mean?" Hermione questioned.

Draco replied, "Mr. Weasley is under paid and over worked in his department. Because purebloods think that the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department is a waste. They think muggles pose no threat to the Wizarding world. And they are wrong. If muggles ever found out about us they could track us down and destroy us. Thinking that Mr. Weasley's department is joke is a big mistake. If you think about the Secrecy Act and what Mr. Weasley does, he is actually the first line of defense for our world. He has sacrificed living a more comfortable life and making more money in order to protect our world. He could work in another department you know. He could make loads more money. After all Mr. Weasley graduated in the top ten of his year. But instead he works long hours for little pay to make the world safe. Mrs. Weasley could have gotten a job anywhere; she also was in the top ten of her year. But they made a choice for her to stay home and raise their children. And that was a good choice. They have raised seven smart, happy and well adjusted children. They should be honored. If you want to save the Wizarding world we should all follow their example." At Hermione's questioning look he said, "They raised a large number of magical children all of whom are well adjusted and well educated. They will all contribute to making our world a better place. And most import will be the lesson they learned from their parents. That it is more important to do what is right, than what is easy or profitable."

Hearing a throat clear behind him Draco turned to see the entire Weasley family standing in the door way.

Mrs. Weasley rushed forward and hugged him. She thanked him for his kind words before rushing off to make him "something special" for dinner.

Very embarrassed Mr. Weasley said, "Thank you Mr. Malfoy….um…thank you."

Charlie Weasley patted Draco on the shoulder saying, "Not many understand the sacrifices that they made. And I don't think they have ever heard someone say it so nicely. Thank you it means a lot to them."

Very quietly Draco said, "I think your father may be one of the greatest men I have ever met. I would be honored to someday be considered half the man he is."


As Roland began teaching Harry about his staff Edward and Jacob went outside. Just as they were walking out Edward's bothers arrived followed by the pack.

Edward addressed them all saying, "Thank you all for coming. We called and asked you to come because we need your help."

Emmett answered, "Whatever you need Little Bro."

Paul asked, "How can we help?"

Jacob and Edward then told them about the war in England and Harry's part in it. They also explained that Roland would be teaching Harry what he had missed on an accelerated schedule.

Jacob finished saying, "If everything works according to plan Harry should be retaking his O.W.L.s for a couple of subjects at the end of July."

Leah asked, "What are owls?"

Jacob answered, "Ordinary Wizarding Levels."

They were all distracted as a black Mercedes pulled up and the remaining Cullen's got out.

Distracted by his family's arrival Edward added, "And then he should be able to take his N.E.W.T.s just before Halloween, which is when we think the battle may happen."

Alice walked up with the others smiling and asked, "What are Newts?"

Rolling his eyes Edward answered, "They are Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests."

Turning to everyone Jacob said, "So during part of Harry's training with Roland we want to work on our own training for battle. That is why we are asking for help. I need more experience fighting Vampires and Edward needs more experience fighting Werewolves."

Carlisle questioned, "You sound as if you are planning to be in this battle."

Edward answered, "We are father. We cannot let him go into a battle without us. If the war in England spills out from their shores it will embroil the entire world. And Harry is the only one that can stop their leader, Voldemort."

Emmett looked at the rest of his family and then turned to Edward. Patting him on the shoulder Emmett said, "Then I guess we will all need a refresher course."

Surprised Edward asked, "Why do you need a refresher?"

Emmett answered, "We are not going to let you march off into battle alone, we are going with you."

Looking down Edward softly said, "Most of you have already seen too much fighting, especially Jasper. I had not intended to ask you to follow me and my mates, which you barely know, in battle."

Jasper stepped in front of Edward and placed his hands on Edward's shoulders saying, "You are right Edward I have seen enough blood and carnage to last me a thousand lifetimes. But it sounds to me as if your mate has to go into this battle. You are my little brother Edward, and whether you ask our not I am going. I would be honored to fight at your side, and I will follow you to the gates of hell."

Edward looked up, his eyes moving to each member of his family.

Finally Carlisle stepped up putting a hand on Esme's shoulder and said, "We are family Edward. If you and your mates must go into this battle, then your family will be right behind you. We will be there to support you as we always have."

"I'm going with Jacob!" Paul announced.

Quill said, "I'm in."

Embry added, "I'm going too."

Sam growled and said, "I am still the Alpha here!" He then looked at the members of his pack one by one. Finally he turned back saying, "If Jacob is going to follow his mates into battle, then the pack will stand as it always has TOGETHER! We have your back Jake like always."


The Weasley twins were the last to enter the ball room at Grimmauld Place, following behind their sister. After they closed the doors the twins cast locking and silencing charms on the room. Then they turned back to those that were assembled.

It was Fred, George, Ginny, Hermione, Draco, Dean, Blaise, Neville and Luna. These were Harry's true friends. The ones that would never abandon him, they would stand with him and for him no matter what.

Neville commented, "I am surprised to see Ginny here."

George answered, "She is a friend of Harry's."

Nodding Hermione said, "I arranged for us to meet here because I think we should train."

Dean asked, "More than we are at school, I mean we have had a year of advance training."

Hermione replied, "Yes, school has been good but I have a different type of magic for us to learn. A Magic that the Ministry has blocked us from being taught."

Blaise questioned, "Where did you learn this magic then?"

Hermione sounded uncertain, "Well I only know part of it. But I am learning more every day, and I know enough for us to start."

Ginny asked, "Where did you learn it?"

Hermione squared her shoulders and said, "Harry."

Draco pulled his wand and held it upright in front of him saying, "Before anything else is discussed I think we should do a Wizard's oath. We need to swear that nothing revealed or taught here today will be talked about without Harry Potter's direct permission."

The others agreed and pulled out their wands. After the oath was sworn Hermione began to explain about turning your wand into a staff. And that as Harry learned how to use the staff he would be passing the information on to them.

Dean asked, "How can Harry use a staff with that binding collar on? And didn't the Minister break his wand?"

Luna giggled.

Blaise got defensive thinking that she was laughing at Dean and said, "Don't laugh it is a valid question."

Luna rolled her eyes and said, "Don't get defensive with me. There is only one way that Harry could be working with a staff." Luna then turned expectantly to Hermione.

Hermione replied, "Harry has gotten a new wand, and the collar as been removed."

Neville questioned, "But I thought that the collar could not be taken off."

Luna answered in a dreamy voice, "Only a soul mate can open the collar."

They all turned to Hermione who nodded saying, "It's true, only in Harry's case it was a little more complicated."

Draco mumbled, "When isn't it?" Seeing Hermione's scathing look he said, "All I am saying is that nothing ever works out the simple, easy or normal way when it comes to Potter."

Hermione agreed and then said, "Harry has two soul mates and it took both of them to open the collar."

Ginny and Luna were holding hands and jumping up and down squealing as they celebrated. Everyone in the room was genuinely happy for Harry. Not only that he had the collar off but that he had found his soul mate.

Draco snaked his arm around Hermione's waist as Blaise did the same to Dean. They both thought the same thing, 'I have found mine too…Good for you Potter.

When the celebrating had died down they began to work transforming their wands into staffs. Hermione was the first to succeed, followed by Draco and then the twins.

Neville mumbled, "I don't think I can do this."

Luna patted his arm saying, "Of course you can Neville."

Shaking his head Neville replied, "But I am nearly a squib."

Slapping his shoulder Luna answered, "No you are not Neville. You were just using the wrong wand. Last year after your dad's broke and you got your own you did much better. Go on try it Neville."

With a sigh Neville did, and his eyes widened as his new wand grew into a staff before him.

Blaise saw Dean's shoulders slump. Walking up behind Dean with his staff in his left hand, Blaise wrapped his right arm around Dean's waist pulling him back against his chest. Blaise whispered, "What's wrong?"

Dear whispered back, "I don't think I can do this. Hermione said that not everyone can, that it takes a really powerful wizard. I'm not sure I am powerful enough."

Blaise held him tight as he said, "You are powerful enough. You can do this, I know you can." Dean turned searching his eyes to see if what he said was the truth. Blaise smiled saying, "I believe in you Dean."

Squaring his shoulders Dean turned back to his wand. After thinking the incantation he watched in wonder as it grew into a staff as tall as he was.


That evening the three mates got ready for bed. They were again staying at Harry's. Edward took his place propped against the headboard and smiled when his mates entered the room.

Edward was shocked when Harry got into bed and then snuggled up against him and laid his head on Edward's abdomen.

Edward looked at Jacob shocked.

Jacob shrugged and climbed into bed and cuddled up behind Harry.

Edward finally asked Harry, "Do I not make you cold?"

Smiling Harry answered, "Nope…Don't forget to start the stone."

Shaking his head Edward placed the stone on the headboard and tapped it three times with his finger. Then he closed his eyes listening to the potion theory and his mates' heartbeats. He smiled as the beat of their hearts slowed as sleep claimed them. Absentmindedly his fingers ran through Jacob's hair. Harry snuggled closer and his hand joined his head, both lying on Edward taunt stomach.

A/N: I hope you enjoy the story. Please review. I find the reviews not only encouraging but they also inspire me to add things to the story. Just to let you know I have two personal goals with this story. One is to add a chapter every week. And the second is to have each chapter be a minimum of 4,000 words.

Next Chapter—Getting Closer