Disclaimer :

I ain't got no money (du dun du dun),

I don't-a own Harry (du dun du dun),

Save for the plot it's belonging,

To J.K. Rowling.

PS : technically, 'Godrics Haven' is also mine, but that's not important. Plus, I didn't find anything that would rhyme with 'Haven' and that sounded good in the poem.

(Imitation is the greatest form of flattery).

Summary :

Harry goes somewhere during the summer holidays after his forth year. He comes back a year later to teach D.A.D.A. (Defence Against the Dark Arts).

Authors Note :

First up, thanks to all those who have reviewed since the last chapter : chochang913, Billy Bob Joe, Anya Dvorak, silverlime, toastedpaco, Wolfmoon, Eclipze, Quinbrm, Phoenix353 and Angel.

Second, concerning my spelling : since I write in UK English (I hope), some people may find mistakes that aren't really so, just differences between UK and US English (i.e. : color and colour). If a mistake is recurrent, you can mention it in a review or send me a private e-mail. If a word is spelt badly and it sticks out like a sore thumb, likewise. I know my spelling isn't perfect, but I need to know which words are spelt wrong if I am to improve.

This chapter is Harrys POV on what happened from his leaving to his coming back. I wasn't planning on having it at first, but chochang913 suggested it, so there you go. It's a brief summary of what happened during his absence.

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Harry felt energy – magic – coursing through his whole being. It wasn't painful in any way, it was actually quite pleasent, and slightly ticklish, truth be told. After what seemed like 5 minutes, the light receded, leaving him in what looked like a bedroom.

It was a large room, with four doors. Opposite the double-door was a big four-poster bed, in colours of red and gold. His trunk was at the foot of his bed (with all his personnel belongings inside it), and all his books, from first to forth year, were in a bookcase next to his bed. His broom, his trusty Firebolt, was proped up next to the bookcase. A large fire place was on the right wall, with 2 comfy seats and a couch in front of it, placed around a small table.

Next to the bed was a relatively small door. Walking up to it and opening, Harry realized it was a small clothes room, since his robes were neatly hung up un one side of the room, whereas all his other clothes were neatly folded away and put on shelves.

Closing the wardrobes door, he walked over to the second small door, and opened it to find a large bathroom. In the middle was a large bathtub sunk into the floor, much like a swimming pool is. It looked a bit like the prefects bathroom. There were also a shower stall on the furthest wall, and a pile of clear towels and bathrobes were placed on several shelves. Everything was white, and not a speck of dust was to be found, anywhere.

Opening the door of the last room, he entered a sort of office. A large desk was there, as well as a small personnal library. Looking through the desks draws, he found an ample supply of parchments, quills and ink pots.

There was only one door left : it was a large oak double-door opposite the bed. Walking over, Harry placed his hand on the door handle and slowly opened the door. Beyond stretched a corridor. He couldn't see the end of it. On each side, at irregular distances, were more doors. Harry didn't open any yet, as he had no idea what was behind each door. On each door, however, there was a small plaque with a word followed sometimes by a number : Transfiguration 1, Potions 1, Library, Dueling, Combat, … Harry did notice that most of the words were magic related, being names of lessons he had had at Hogwarts, and that the numbers varied from 1 to 8.

"Haa–rryyy" a voice called from in front, making Harry jump. "Haaa-aarrryyyy" the voice called again a few seconds later. There was no menace in the voice. More like … impatience. Harry slowly advanced, the end of the corridor coming into view. A door was there, on the far wall. A golden light seemed to be seeping through its cracks, bathing the small protion of corridor in an eerie light.

Approaching it, Harry could feel some kind of warmth coming from the door. Upon reaching it, he carefully touched the wood. It was warm, but not hot. He put his hand on the door handle, and slowly turned it, opening the door, and stepped into the light.

"Hello Harry."

Harry couldn't see anything in the room due to the golden light that he was bathing in. And yet, it wasn't blinding him. He didn't have to shield or close his eyes.

"Erm, hello ?"

"You must be wondering where you are, are you not ?"

"Erm … Actually, yeah, I am."

"Very well. The answer to this question will answer another question of yours : why does Voldemort want to kill you ?"

Harry gasped. This was a question he had asked Dumbledore, who had told him he would answer it only when Harry was ready. The voice must think that Harry was ready. "Urm, sir, are you sure I'm ready to have the answer to that question ?" Harry asked, doing his best to appear brave.

"Yes, I am, for you are of age."

"I thought that wizrds were only of age after 17 or 18. I'm only 15."

"Times change, young one. In times before yours, wizards and witches were considered of age when they reached the age of 15. Thus, for us, you are of age."

"What do you mean, 'us' ?"

"First things first. First, where are you ? The answer is simple : elsewhere."

"What do you mean, 'elsewhere' ?"

"You are not where you were before. You can not be elsewhere but … elsewhere."

"Some answer. Does this somewhere have a name ?"

"It does, actually. It's called 'Godrics Haven'."

Godric ? "As in 'Godric Gryffindor' ?"

"For example, yes."

"But what am I doing here ? What will I do here ? Why am I here ?"

"One question at a time. First, why are you here ? Answer : because you are my heir."

Harry really wasn't expecting this. "And you are ?"

"Haven't you guessed yet ?"

"Godric Gryffindor ?"

"Not quite but close enough. I am the memory of Godric as it is when he made this haven, so in a sense, I am Godric Gryffindor. I was good friends with all the Hogwarts founders, even Salazar, despite popular belief. Yet, Rowena Ravenclaw made a prophecy when a very powerful heir of Slytherin would appear, causing great chaos. The students he chose for his house are ambitious, no doubt about that. But a heir of Gryffindor would defeat him. Godric made these quarters to train the heir to defeat Slytherins heir when the time would come. However, his heir could only come here when he came of age, on his birthdate. That is why your father didn't come here. Indeed, you are the first person other than of of the Hogwarts four to have 'visited'."

This was a lot of information for Harry to take in. "So what kind of training will I be getting ?"

"Ah, good question. Readiness to learn. Good, good. Well, you will be learning everything. You will be taught normal magic, such as charms, transfiguration and more. Basically everything that can be taught at Hogwarts."

"How do you know what's taught at Hogwarts ?"

"Godric is one of the founders, remember ? Where was I ? Oh yes ! You'll also be learning extinct forms of magic, such as Rune magic …"

"What's Rune magic ?"

"Patience is a virtue. Besides, you'll be finding out soon enough. You'll also be learning Necromancy …"

"NECROMANCY ?!?! WHAT DO I WANT TO LEARN NECROMANCY FOR ?!?!"

"There's nothing wrong with learning Necromancy. It is one of the many forms of magic, and one of the more powerful ones, I might add. There's much more to necromancy than just raising skeletons. But you'll be learning all that soon enough. You'll also be learning unique skills, such as wandless magic. But enough of that. I sense a question in that mind of yours."

"Erm, how long will my training take ?"

"Ah, good question. Time passes differently here than where you live. You will spend several years here, about 6, if I'm not mistaken. However, only a year, more or less, will pass where you live, and you will have aged only one year."

"So I'll be 16 when I get back. Will it be long enough to learn everything ?"

"Yes, it is. Ah, I see another question."

"Erm, it there a way for me to tell my friends ? I don't want then to get worried about my dissappearing for a year without telling anyone."

"Ah, loyalty and nobility, traits greatly prized by Godric. He would be pleased, and proud. Yes, there is a way to send objects. A spell, a simple spell, is enough. You must touch the object that you want to send with your wand, or hand in the case of wandless magic, and say the incantation 'Envoyus' followed by the name of the envoyee and, for urgent packages 'Envoyes Urgentes'. A simple spell."

"Who will I be taught by ?"

"That depends on the subject. You will be taught by echos, memories of the 4 Hogwarts founders and their brightest students. I'm afraid History of Magic will be a bit harder, but what you will learn will be sufficent information for you."

"Erm, can I ask one last question ?"

"You just did. But you can ask another."

"When do I start ?"

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Thus Harry started his training. He soon learned that the numbers on the doors was the level of spells that were taught in those particular classrooms. Harry had to carry a piece of parchment which would give him the schedule of his days lessons. He would have one days holiday every week. And he never had assignments. When his teachers, whoever they were, judged his level sufficient, he could 'pass year', so to speak. Pass level would be a more appropriate description.

Besides the lessons he would have had at Hogwarts, he had many other classes. He learned how to fight with a variety of weapons, and, towards the end of his training, could use efficiently every weapon. Of course, Harry could use some weapons better, and was particularly fond of broadswords, althouth he has also very skilled with 2 handed weapons (swords, axes and hammers). He wasn't so skilled with stringed balistic weapons, but didn't do too bad with throwing weapons. He also had lessons on how to make weapons, and how to take care of them. Without forgetting learning how to cast spells through the sword, increasing the damage done.

Harry also learned Necromancy, as he had been told. In fact, he quite enjoyed it and proved to be quite good at it. It was indeed more than just raising skeletons. Necromancy involved learning about undead creatures of all kinds, lessons on poisons, bone magic, and even, to a certain degree, healing and regeneration spells, and more. He passed quite quickly these lessons, and soon went on to learn more and more ancient, and powerful, necromantic spells.

He learned how to read ancient runes. He learned how to make magical runes, giving the object magical properties that were longer lasting than enchantments. There was also the rune magic he was told he would learn. Basically, he would trace in the air the rune which would act as a spell. Words were rarely used, and only for some of the more powerful spells.

He also realized that he was actually good in potions. He already knew that, but the fact was made crystal clear as the potions became more and more complex. Just because Snape wasn't breathing down his neck criticazing everything Harry did made a world of difference. He would even surprise himself and spend time researching diffent potion composents, and testing different combinations or substituting ingrediants to improve a potion.

Despite all the lessons, Harry still had free time. He could spend it in the library, looking up spells, potions and runes of all sorts. Or he could take a walk in one of the gardens, just enjoying nature. But his favourite pastime was still quidditch. There was a indoor pitch, and Harry could play with, and against, illusions, that played almost as well as the real thing. It wasn't as good as playing with his fellow housemates, but is wasn't a bad substitute.

Of course, he would regularly receive letters from all his friends. He was very happy that Cho had reacted the way she had, and was glad that she got on well with the rest of his friends. Sirius was, of course, always writing letters asking if he was okay, acting worse than a mother. He also managed to get the date right to send them a gift for christmas, and was glad they all liked it. Not forgetting the long letter of thanks he had received from Cho, Ron and Ginny for the brooms. Ron had written several feet of thanks, and Harry was sure Hermione must have stopped his from writing more. All, in all, he didn't feel alone. Plus, he could always go to the room where Godrics memory resided and talk to him. It was strange talking to a memory, but he was good company, and had sharp wit.

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Harry knew he was nearing the end of his training. He had mastered most of the subjects. Of course, Harry was very good in anything connected to the dark arts. This would be useful with what Harry had in mind.

Harry was presently training armed combat. He had been surprised to have been trained also in the use of muggle weaponry, guns and the like, but supposed that he had to be prepared for all circumstances.

Harry disliked fencing. The weapon seemed so fragile in his powerful hands. Harry had drastically changed. He had grown to reach his height of 6'2" (about 1m88), and was now of large build, very little of it being fat. Of course, he was still very agile, and surprisingly fast when the need arose. Of course, Harry could understand why some people liked fencing : the weapon was quick and light, and when used with a main-gauche (parrying blade), it was a very effective style when used in correct way. Harry still did't like it. He soon switched to one of his favourite weapons : a 2-handed war hammer. This was Harry's own personnal. He had made it himself, so it was tailor-made. He had made one or two others, but they were his first attempts. This one was near perfect. Harry had crafted several runes along the handle and on the head of the weapon, making it more than deadly. Alone, it was a formidable weapon. In Harry's competent hands, it could wreak havoc and destruction on a large scale.

Of course, Harry wouldn't be using any of his added bonuses. He wanted to train, and couldn't do so effectivly when being helped, even if it was his own doing. Starting slowly, he gradually increased the speed of his attacks, eventually making the hammer blur. He then started to slow down, eventually stopping. Harry stood, just breathing, when some clapping could be heard.

"Well done Harry. That was very impressive."

"Thanks Godric. Can I do anything for you ?"

"I'm afraid not. And there's nothing I can do for you either. You have reached the end of your training. You have excelled in most, if not all subjects. Even potions, despite your saying the opposite. You will soon be returning. I am here to prepare you for your return."

"I'm all ears, Godric."

"Rather muscular ears, then. Anyway, I have taken the liberty of putting away all your presonnal belongings in your trunk, as well as many useful objects. A duplicate of the library, for example, and a range of weapons has also been placed at your disposal. You will have to put away your own personnal weapons, however. Your clothes, of course, have been put away. Not forgetting, your precious Firebolt broom, or your latest birthday presents."

Whilst here, Harry had made it a small hobby to make objects, and then improve them. His weapons, for one. However, he was very proud of the trunk he had made for himself. It wasn't an ordinary trunk. Measuring about 2 metres in length, 1 metre in width and 70cm (a bit more than 2 feet) in hight, it had 9 locks on the long side, and 7 on the top. The locks on the long side caused the trunk to open into a compartment of different sizes, which could hold many an object. By using the key holes on the top of the trunk, you would enter a room. Harry had different rooms for different uses : bedroom, workroom, combat training room, weapons room (where he kept all his weapons), personnal (and rather big) library, and others. Along the sides were many protection, strengthening and anti-burglar runes, along with a whole range of charms and enchantments, just to be on the safe side.

Concerning his latest birthday presents, Harry smiled as he recalled that he had recieved quite a few presents from his friends not long ago. He supposed that it was the 31st of July for them. Ron had sent a self-updating book on brooms, Hermione had sent scrapbook containing photos of hers and Rons fifth year that Colin had taken, Ginny had sent a box of chocolate frogs (she was over her crush of Harry, and had gone out for a while with Dean Thomas, but they broke up), Sirius and Remus had sent Harry's parents wedding rings (Harry had cried when he saw the rings) and Cho had sent him a necklace. In her note, she explained that the necklace was charmed to recognize its twin, and would warm when it's twin was close. Of course, she was the one wearing the twin necklace.

"Thank you Godric."

"Don't thanks me lad. It's not like it took much of my time or effort."

"It's gonna be strange going back and seeing all my friends again."

"There are certain things you should know first. You are still a 16 year old boy (AN : this takes place just after the 31st of July, our time), but have already reached your full physical height. This means you are still subject to teenage worries along with the others, without the growing pains or voice troubles. Also, whilst you have learned a lot of things here, you do not know everything. You can still learn. And lastly, a warning : you are powerful. Immensly so. But so is Voldemort, as are his followers. Do NOT, under ANY circumstances, take them lightly."

"Thank you Goldric, for everything. What date will it be when I get back ?"

"Lest week of August."

"Okay. I can't go back to school, since they can't teach me anything. What can I do ?"

"You could become a teacher."

"Me, a teacher ? I don't think so, uh huh, nope, no way, zilch, nada."

"Why ever not ?"

"Well …" However, the more he though about it, the less ideas came to mind. Quite the opposite. He actually found it to be a good idea. "Actually, that's a good idea. I think I'll take you up on that."

"Told you so."

"Erm, something just came to mind. How will I be getting back ? And where will I be ?"

"Aha, good question. That, my friend, depends on you. You will have to tell me where you want to go."

"Well, if I am to become a teacher, I choose to appear to Albus Dumbledore."

"A wise choice. And a very powerful wizard. Not as powerful as you or Voldemort, but he holds his own very well."

"When will I leave ?"

"As soon as you're ready. Meet me in my room and I'll give you your last instructions."

Harry left the room carrying his warhammer, and went to his private chambers. Opening his trunk, he placed the weapon in the appropriate room. He went into his bathroom and took one last, long, relaxing bath. It was the last one he was going to have. He was going to miss this place, but he missed his friends more. Upon finishing his bath, he dryed and went into his trunks bedroom, where his wardrobe was. He changed into muggle-style army trousers and a black t-shirt. Black army-style boots on his feet, he completed his ensemble with a dark green hooded cloak. Gold and silver runes lined the hem. It was stylish, but above all practical in case anything happened. Admiring himself in the mirror, he exited the trunk. Locking it, he shrunk it using wandless magic (having mastered it after a lot of hard and stressful training), he pocketed his trunk and wand. He didn't want anyone to know that he could do wandless magic, not yet anyway.

Entering his work room, he wrote a quick note to each of his correspondants (except Dumbledore) saying that he would be unreachable for a few weeks, but that he would contact them when he was reachable once more. He sent the letters urgently, before sending a letter to Dumbledore saying he would contact him soon.

Harry conjured up a wizarding camera and was decided upon taking photos of each and every room. He took one last look at the room that had been his all this time, took a few photos, and left, closing the door behind him. He walked the length of the corridor, stopping by every door to take on last look in each of them, without forgetting to take at least one photo. Finally, he reached the end of the corridor, and entered the room. It was no longer the golden light-filled room that it had been when he had first been here. Now, it looked remarkably like the Gryffindor common room, but considering Godric himself had built the haven, it wasn't so surprising after all.

"Ah, there you are. Ready, are you ?"

"Yes Godric, I am."

"Good. You have been a most special student, and I wish you good luck, whatever task you undertake."

"Thank you. It is an honour to have known you, Godric. And I will never forget my stay here."

"It has also been an honour to have known you, Harry James Gryffindor Potter. To leave, you must enter the fire in the fireplace, pronouncing the name of the place you wish to go, not unlike the floo network, without the powder. But with that sickening spinning effect."

"Drat. I was hoping that would be the case. Oh well, I better be off. Thanks again."

With that, Harry put up his hood and stepped into the fire, saying "Hogwarts headmasters office."