8: Preparations for War

A/N Sorry about this chapter, it took ages, and it probably isn't very good. I kinda have writers block!

When Harry, Ron and Hermione trooped down to the great hall the next day, it was rather noisy and loud. Many Hogwarts students had entered, along with their parents. Harry recognised them as the people Dumbledore had invited to wage way against Voldemort. He left on and Hermione alone, and went over to Arabella, who was eating with Beran, and Talon Stride.

'Hi Harry' She said 'Want some toast?' Harry took the toast from her, and after thanking her he said.

'Has Dumbledore told you?' He said, rather grimly. Arabella nodded, and Talon didn't look surprised either.

'Yes, although I think Beran is a little too young for this' Harry nodded 'Yes, I didn't really want to include him in this, but there is no other way' Beran smiled at him.

'Don't worry, Harry, Me and you will make an excellent team!' Harry laughed at his comment, and turned to Talon.

'Talon, could you please teach me how to use a sword, I'm afraid apart from the sorting hats blade I've never come in contact with one before' The swordsman smiled at him, nodding.

'Of course, Harry, I love to teach people sword play, it's just that many people can't see any uses for it now a days' Harry thanked him, and went back over to Ron And Hermione, and told him about his sword lessons. Ron said he would go with him as well, so he could use a blade in the upcoming war. They sat down; Harry still munching on the toast Bella had given him. After a few minutes, Dumbledore stood up, and the room fell silent.

'Now' He started, looking around the hall seriously 'I'm sure you all know that the dark lord has risen again' He paused for a second, and the room stayed deadly silent 'Severus Snape has contacted us, and he says Voldemort is to strike at Hogsmeade tomorrow. You have been brought here to defend it' He looked at the students shocked faces 'don't worry, there will be back up from members of the order of phoenix' Harry leant over to Ron and whispered

'They still haven't arrived' Ron nodded. Dumbledore continue.

'So be prepared for tomorrow, and may luck be on our side' He sat back down, and started to converse quietly with a blonde man, who was looking rather worried.

Harry sat quietly, he didn't tell anyone, but his scar was burning savagely at his head, like a rod hot poker.

Harry and Ron's first lesson with Talon was at three o'clock, they went down to the dungeons, and into a stone cellar, which was extremely cold, unfortunately, it was place that was quiet, and was not home to a ghost or portrait. Talon first gave them a practice sword, it was long, and blunt, however Talon told them it felt exactly like a proper long sword. They started with the basics, how to grip the blade, and then went on to defensive moves and tricks. It may have been because he was Gryffindor's heir, but Harry picked up on the manoeuvres very quickly, Talon was startled at his progress. Ron was still learning how to block an attack properly, when Harry could block and parry all of Talons attacks. Ron seemed a little jealous of this, so Harry started to scale down his learning curve. After a few more minutes, the tall man looked at his watch.

'We still have a couple of hours left. Lets focus now on some more offensive manoeuvres' Harry nodded, after his defence success he was confident enough to astonish Talon again in how fast he learned the slashes and hacks. Ron was also having much more success this time, his blows were very powerful, and well aimed, however some of these blows left him vulnerable in other spots. The lesson finally came to an end, and they finished with a spar against Talon, Ron went first. He demonstrated his high attacking skill, but because of this, Talon had him on the floor within the first two minutes. Harry stepped up.

'See how well I do against Gryffindor's heir' Talon grinned, but Harry shrugged

'I've only just started, go easy on me' He thrusted forward, trying to catch Talon off guard, but the blow was parried to the side, and Harry had to hastily dodge a lightening counter attack.

Harry blocked another blow aimed at his stomach and lashed out savagely with his blade, causing Talon to wheel around, The tall man started another attack, but Harry dodged to the side, he Slashed downward, putting all of his weight into the swing. Talon's blade was forced down, and Harry continued by slicing at his stomach. The grey haired man only barely leapt out of the way. What Harry experienced next came as a complete surprise to him, as Talon swung again, the world seemed to move slower, he knew exactly what the man was going to do. He brought up his sword and blocked the attack easily. He then calmly brought his blade down to block another attack; Talon's sword seemed to be moving too slowly to be a challenge. He feigned a quick attack at Talon's forehead, but then shifted the attack down to his legs.

As Talon fell to the ground the world seemed to revert to its proper speed.

Talon and Ron were gaping at him. Harry started to blush, he didn't really know what had happened, but to beat the best swordsman in the world first time was quite an achievement.

'I think I can expect great things from you, Harry' Talon complimented him Harry nodded vaguely.

What happened? He asked his parents, who he sensed were smiling at his achievement.

It's a sign of your Gryffindor heritage James replied you'll find you have many other surprises ahead of you. Harry sighed as they walked back up to the Gryffindor common room. As they opened the portrait, Neville, Seamus and Dean came running up to them. Harry smiled at his fellow Gryffindors.

'Harry, is what Hermione told us true?' Harry frowned.

'What?' He asked. They gaped at him.

'That your Gryffindor's heir' Harry nodded calmly, but didn't tell them anything else, he didn't really feel up to it. Hermione strolled up to them, and they got way from the other three, sitting in a corner of the fairly crowded common room- it was rather crowded as parents were put in the same houses as the children.

'Why did you tell them' Harry asked, through clenched teeth. Hermione just shrugged, but was interested in their lesson with Talon Stride.

'Harry was brilliant, he beat Talon' Ron said, Hermione was amazing, and she explained that he had been classed the best swordsman in the world. This fact wasn't exactly new to Harry, but he nodded. He wasn't exactly listening to anything, he was thinking forward to the battle ahead of them. Could Harry do as well in that battle? Maybe he could defeat Voldemort there and then…

Don't even try his mothers voice came from the back of his head you can only splay him with Gryffindor's blade. Harry nodded to himself. These words seemed to press the fact into him- the quest for Gryffindor's blade would be a long and hard one, but if Voldemort was to be slain, he had to do what was necessary, and right now, Harry felt prepared to do anything, I it meant the downfall of the dark lord.

A/N k it wasn't that good, the next chappy is exciting! The upcoming war finally happens! Please R&R.. puleeease?