The next morning Harry awoke feeling refreshed and invigorated. Dressing quickly he walked silently down to the gymnasium room only to find that Lupin was already there. "Harry, your down early"
"I was awake so decided to make a start"
"Fair enough, but I'll bet you regret it by tonight" he chuckled. "Ready to begin then?"
Harry nodded, Lupin went on to recap everything they had run through the previous afternoon with regards operating the machines. Harry commenced his workout while Lupin explained exactly what they were trying to achieve over the next 7 weeks. "Everything that we do here is to prepare you for the real training that will start once school goes back, these sessions are to gradually increase your fitness levels so that by the time we start the hard work, you will be able to cope with it a little better, our study sessions are to ensure that your grounding in all your course work has been fully covered and understood but remember, we do not expect miracles to happen overnight. You have chosen a long hard road, and all we can do is take each section as it comes."
Once Harry had finished his exercises, he slowly trudged back to his room to have a shower and change his clothes before breakfast. Wearily making his way to the kitchen he slumped in his chair picking at a piece of toast, too exhausted to eat. Lupin removed the toast from his hand and turned to Winky "Mr Potter would like a bowl of porridge with milk please; he will then have two poached eggs on toast"
Harry attempted to protest, but his pleas were ignored.
"It is essential that you keep your energy levels up. I can assure you that for the next few days you will feel absolutely horrible and perpetually tired, but by the end of the week you should begin getting into the swing of things."
After breakfast they moved into the training hall where Lupin began summarising the first year transfiguration text book. Unlike first year Harry paid attention as the theory was explained and even though he could already perform most of the tasks effortlessly, for the first time he actually understood exactly what he was trying to achieve. Potions was continued in the same vein. Harry was in reality a fair potions student, his main problem had been the fact that he had never had anyone willing to teach him. Professor Snape seemed to possess a greater hatred for him than he did for his father, if that were at all possible, and had made his classes a living hell for Harry. Under Lupins tutelage he was easily grasping concepts that previously had eluded him.
After a lunch break where he was forced to eat double what he actually wanted, his charms lesson began. Harry learnt a lot of theory that he hadn't been aware of regarding the purpose behind wand movements in charms. In Defence they began revising curses and jinxes, focusing mainly on different scenarios in which they could be used.
When Lupin went to call Harry for dinner he found him asleep on one of the sofas, with his charms text book in his hands. "Come on Harry," he shook him awake, "Dinner first then you can go to bed."
"Mwmmwmeep mfmmmwred" was Harry's response which he correctly interpreted as being "I wanna just sleep, I'm really really tired." Chuckling the werewolf picked up the boy and carried him to his room. He laid him on his bed and with a "Goodnight cub, I'll see you in the morning" he shut the door.
It took Harry a few seconds to work out where he was when he awoke the next day. The last thing he remembered was sitting down to study in the lounge room and here he was in his own bed. Shrugging, he quickly dressed and headed off to the gym.
"Well look what the cat dragged in," Moony laughed, "I did try to warn you yesterday, speaking of which I let you skip dinner and yoga last night to get some extra sleep because I felt you needed it. That won't be happening anymore. You really do need to eat everything we give you, I can't stress that enough, otherwise you will make yourself sick."
Harry just grimaced and started his circuit training, he really wasn't in the mood for a lecture this early in the morning.
Moony continued undaunted, a big grin on his face, "The yoga classes are also essential as they will help you in many ways, they will increase your general flexibility, they will help clear your mind for occlumency, you will find you sleep better, and you will also find that your overall concentration improves."
He paused, looking at Harry who was struggling on the rowing machine, his muscles and joints still aching from the previous day's unfamiliar usage. "I'll tell you what Harry, for this week and next, we will only do the exercises every second day, that will give your body a little more time to recover between sessions. What we will do instead is some extra yoga classes. They really will help you with everything, but if we do this you have to promise me that when we train you really put in some extra effort."
Harry quickly agreed, muscles he didn't even know he had were screaming in agony after being used for possibly the first time the previous day. He had always thought himself reasonably fit, but just one session the day before had cancelled that idea.
"Ok, we may as well use the training hall for this" Moony led the way next door "we shall start with some basic stretching and then do a few simple exercises. While we are doing this I want you to clear your mind by focusing on your breathing only." The remainder of the lesson passed quickly.
After showering and changing Harry came into the kitchen looking for breakfast, his stomach rumbling loud enough to be heard from the next room. "What would Master Harry like this morning?" asked Winky
"Whatever you feel like preparing Winky, I am absolutely starving"
When Lupin joined him Harry was heartily eating a giant plate of bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomato and toast.
"How are you feeling now," he asked of Harry, "Any better?"
"I definitely have more energy than I did an hour ago" Harry said with a smile
"Good, then maybe you will be able to stay awake for the order meeting tonight then"
Harry had totally forgotten that he was to attend his first meeting that evening. The rest of the day flew by, Harry giving 100% effort in all his classes. While Harry was in his room putting the finishing touches to some transfiguration questions he heard a knock on his door, it was Professor Dumbledore.
"Grandfather, your early, have you come to join us for dinner?"
"I have, I also need to ask several favours of you. Firstly, could you please not reveal our relationship or any of our plans with regards your wardship to any of the Weasley's, who I believe will also be joining us shortly for dinner. Percy Weasley has recently returned home and has joined the order but I am still not convinced as to his loyalty to the cause, however I am loathe to suggest this to Molly or Arthur for fear that I may offend, regardless of this his primary role is to act as the Ministers Liason to the Order. As he is still working for Fudge I do not want to risk revealing any information ahead of schedule."
Harry nodded, a disappointed look on his face, he really didn't like keeping secrets from his friends, especially the Weasley's
"Secondly, would you allow me to place some mental wards around your mind to alert me if anyone attempts any form of leglimency attack upon you during the order meeting? This particular ward will only work while we are in each others direct presence, but it will be necessary to ensure that Voldemort does not attempt to use you to spy on the order."
Once again Harry nodded, a shocked expression on his face. This was something he hadn't considered.
"The third request is not just from me, but rather from Molly and Arthur Weasley. Usually when I ask you not to reveal information it is assumed by you, and me as well, that Miss Granger and Mr Weasley are exempted from these instructions. In this case, Molly has asked that you do not under any circumstances provide her children with information on order business. She has no desire for them to participate in the order in any manner even if by proxy until they have left school. Miss Granger's parents on the other hand have agreed in principle to her participation, and when she arrives here later this month, she too will be invited to attend order meetings if she so wishes, however until then please keep all information to yourself."
"More secrets then," Harry sighed.
"Do not think of it as keeping secrets from your friends, look upon it as respecting Molly's wishes. Now I will quickly place the wards I mentioned, then we will go and join the others downstairs, I believe the Weasley's have just arrived."
Placing his hands on Harry's temple he stared into his eyes. Harry felt a brief sensation in the back of his mind, and shuddered, not breaking eye contact.
"And done" said his grandfather "They will fall on their own by tomorrow morning. We should only have to do this for the first few weeks. We will be recommencing your occlumency lessons starting tomorrow night, so very soon you should be able to set wards of your own strong enough to withstand all but the most brutal leglimency attacks, and my wards will serve no purpose. Now when the meeting starts you will feel someone trying to access your mind. That will be Professor Snape, I have asked him to test the protections I have placed. I should feel it as well, do not arouse any suspicions from the rest of the order when it happens, just look at me and if I nod, it is all going to plan. If I frown I want you to immediately practice your occlumency and add additional barriers to your mind."
They were interrupted by a loud yell "Oi Harry you git, get down here now."
Harry grinned, "Sounds like Ron is here"
He raced down the stairs, Dumbledore following at a more sedate pace. Opening the kitchen door he was met by a sea of red hair. The Weasley family, minus Bill and Charlie who were doing some field work for the order, were already in there. Molly bustled over to him grabbing him in a bone crushing hug. "Harry dear, how are you?"
"I'm fine thank you Mrs Weasley" he said escaping from her clutches
"Alright there mate" Ron smirked "Still got all your ribs?" Harry poked his tongue out at him as they shook hands.
"Don't be a prat Ron!" Ginny slapped her brother on the shoulder "How are you feeling Harry" her concern evident. She had left behind her school girl crush last year and they were fast becoming the closest of friends.
"It hasn't been easy Gin, but I'm starting to come to grips with it all" he said giving her a quick hug.
"Thats good, and you've lost your glasses?"
"No no, just got new wizarding glasses, they are invisible"
They were interrupted by the twins.
"If it isn't Harry Potter, fancy meeting you here, I'm amazed, aren't you George"
"Yes Fred, absolutely stunned, but looking around it appears they let anyone in here these days" he looked at his brother Percy. While Molly and Arthur may have forgiven their son, it was apparent that not all the family shared their feelings.
"Hi Gred, Hi Forge" he turned, the smile disappeared from his face, and in a neutral tone nodded "Percy"
"Potter" was the terse reply.
"Harry my boy, I'm sorry our warning backfired on you." Mr Weasley shook his hand
"It's not your fault Mr Weasley; it's actually turning into a blessing. Hopefully Remus will be able to adopt me." Harry stuck to the story that they wanted the ministry to believe.
As Lupin and Dumbledore joined them a contented hum of conversation filled the room as everyone ate the meal before them. Dobby and Winky had outdone themselves, obviously having been informed by Lupin about Mrs Weasley's feasts.
"So Ron," Harry asked, "What have you been doing these Holidays so far?"
"Earning a bit of money working for the twins" Ron answered between mouthfuls. "You should ask them if they have a job for you as well"
"Why would Harry ask US for a job," laughed Fred, "He already owns 20% of the store. Well at least he will as soon as he signs this contract, now quit fraternising with the hired help and get out a quill."
Ron's ears grew a little red at being referred to as the hired help, he threw a jealous glance in Harry's direction but Harry was too busy laughing at another of Fred's jokes to notice.
After they had eaten Ron grabbed Harry by the elbow, "Come on mate, you can show me your new room, the order meeting is about to start and we better head upstairs."
"Um Ron, um ah about the order meeting" Harry paused nervously not quite knowing what to say. "I'm um going to be going to it."
"Oh" Ron replied glumly, his growing jealousy becoming obvious to all and in a crescendo followed with. "Of course they would ask you to join them, after all you ARE the hero of the ministry, its not like any of US were there, we're just the hired help." he stormed off in a huff.
"What do you mean by that" Harry called after him "What did he mean by that" he asked Ginny.
"Don't mind him" she answered. "Ever since he saw the Daily Prophet article about what happened at the ministry he has been in a bit of a snit. They said that the death eaters were thwarted by none other than Harry Potter and members of the Order of the Phoenix. Percy didn't help matters when he told him that Dumbledore had made sure that none of the students had been named."
"Did Percy tell him that they tried but failed to keep my name out of it as well? Bloody hell, does he WANT a target painted on his back? The first I even knew about the article was when Moony told me yesterday, I didn't want that to happen. Like I need any more wannabe Death Eaters trying to kill me." said a frustrated Harry.
"He'll get over it, just give him time."
"Yeah righto, sorry to stick you in the middle of this Gin"
"It's not your fault that Ron's a prat" she laughed, "besides, I brought a book to read, I'm just going to curl up on the sofa by myself. I'll leave him to mope alone."
"Well if he starts annoying you just go upstairs to my room, I have another sofa there you can use."
"Thanks Harry" she walked off with her book.
Turning to the adults Harry stated "Well that wasn't quite what I expected."
He followed them into what used to be the formal dining room now converted into the order's meeting room. Taking a seat between Lupin and Molly he waited for everyone else to arrive. He recognized many of the people from the previous year, yet there were also a lot of new members. That became obvious as he watched them introducing themselves around the room. Deciding to keep low key he stayed where he was, "besides" he thought wryly, "everyone knows who I am anyway"
Dumbledore called the meeting to order. "Firstly let me welcome all our new members, your assistance in these troubled times will be invaluable. I also welcome our most recent non-active member Harry Potter who will be participating in our meetings from now on."
Harry felt a prickling on the back of his neck, looking up at Dumbledore who just nodded his head, he turned at caught the eye of Snivellus Snape snidely sneering at him Harry turned back to the meeting.
"Now to new business" Dumbledore continued "Kingsley, what is the situation with the Aurors?"
The deep voice of the imposing Kingsley Shacklebolt answered "We are stretched fairly thinly at the moment, we have pushed the ministry to increase our ranks, however they claim that there are no funds available to pay more staff."
Harry made a mental note of this.
The Auror continued "Luckily for us there have been very few Death Eater sightings called in, those that have been were false alarms. Fudge is adamant that we must be seen in as many places as possible to assure the public of their safety. Unfortunately if a legitimate attack occurred it would take us too long to rally our forces."
"Amelia, do you have anything to add?" asked Dumbledore
Harry recognized Madam Amelia Bones from his trial last year, the Head of Magical Law Enforcement stood "Kingsley has summed it up fairly well, the ministry cannot increase our Budget until next fiscal year, we just do not have the money available. Between the Aurors, Hit Wizards and Courts I cannot find another knut."
"Percy, what do you feel Minister Fudge's opinion is of this matter?" Dumbledore queried.
"The Minister is naturally concerned about the safety of the public," the ever pompous Percy was in his element, "However with 75 different ministerial departments to oversee he cannot allow any one area to be his sole concern."
"Surely you can make him understand the gravity of the situation" asked his mother.
"I am positive that the Minister will continue doing what he feels is best" Percy took his seat.
"Best for the community, or best for him" Harry heard someone mutter.
A few other order members rose and gave their reports and then Dumbledore called on Snape. "Serverus, what have you to report?"
Snape rose to his feet, gazing around the room with a haughty expression his eyes settled on Harry.
"The Dark Lord has not chosen to reveal what his current long term plans are to anyone, with the majority of his inner circle now in Azkaban, and the ministry acknowledging his return he has had to postpone many ideas that he had. From what I gather he is waiting until he is in a position of greater strength before taking further offensive action. We can expect to see an increase in muggle baiting over the coming months as newcomers join his ranks. They are considered a form of, how shall I say it, hazing ritual to Death Eater initiates. The only goal that he openly discusses with those of us he considers loyal is the violent and painful death of Mr Potter, that remains his number one priority."
With a flick of his cape he took his seat.
"Slimey git" Harry muttered to Lupin who stifled a laugh.
It was during Madam Pomphrey's discussion on the readiness of the medical community that Harry once again felt the prickling feeling on the back of his neck only gentler this time. Looking up quickly he saw Dumbledore shake his head in the negative, a worried look in his eyes. Harry closed his eyes and threw up his occlumency walls. As quickly and as quietly as it occurred the attack withdrew. Harry sat silently waiting for the meeting to end so that he could speak to his grandfather.
At the conclusion of the meeting Harry made his way to the front of the room. Dumbledore cautioned him "not now, I will speak to you when everyone leaves, head to your room I will see you there as soon as I can."
Harry headed towards the stairwell pausing as he saw Ginny and Ron sitting in the lounge room waiting for their parents. Entering the room he was accosted by the two "So what's happening, what can you tell us."
He groaned, this wasn't going to improve matters between himself and Ron "um, nothing, I'm not allowed to tell you anything, that's one of the conditions of my attending the meetings."
"Yeah, but Dumbledore never means us when he tells you that" said Ron.
"No, this time you were mentioned specifically. Your parents have requested that you not be told anything. I can't go against their wishes."
"Protect us, fat lot of good it did last year, I still have the scars from their protection from when that brain got me. Oh wait, I wasn't there according to the newspaper, Mr Hero here saved the day." he turned away from Harry "Well don't let the hired help hold you up, I'm sure you have galleons or something to count. Nice clothes by the way, they look expensive. I'm sure you got them with the money I made for you working my butt off."
"For your information Ron, the money to buy these came from a stash Sirius left to get me some presents with, except he died before he got to spend it if you remember." Harry was beginning to get upset at his supposed best friends attitude. "And while we're at it, I didn't even know about the newspaper article until the day before yesterday and I wish my name wasn't in it." His voice was steadily rising "The twins just told me about my share in the shop tonight plus I never once called you the hired help and I can't tell you about the order out of respect to your parents wishes."
"Ron Weasley you apologise to Harry this instant" Molly stormed into the room doing her best sabre toothed tiger impersonation
"Sorry Harry" muttered Ron obviously not meaning it
"Well we'd better head off home then" Mr Weasley was trying to keep the peace, "The twins have already apparated off to meet some friends, so has Percy, do you mind if we use your fireplace Harry?"
"Sorry, what was that Mr Weasley" Harry was still slightly shocked at Ron's harshness and fake apology, "oh yes um, floo powder is on the mantle in the blue pot."
"The Burrow" Ron was the first to leave.
"See you on your birthday Harry, we will be staying for all of August after that as mum and dad will be tied up with the order and don't worry about Ron, he is just letting off steam." Ginny gave him a quick hug and stepped into the fireplace "The Burrow"
"He's had a few dissapointments this week dear, don't let him bring you down as well, believe me I will be talking to him about this tomorrow." Mrs Weasley gave him a peck on the cheek as she too left for home.
"Harry, I appreciate your respecting mine and Molly's wishes on this issue. I'll make Ron understand that it is not your place to gainsay our decisions, he'll come around, you'll see." Mr Weasley gave him a pat on the back before he stepped into the fireplace with "The Burrow".
Harry slowly made his way up the stairs, he had seen a side of Ron tonight he hadn't seen since 4th year and he didn't like it, if things didn't improve August looked like being a long month. Entering his suite he sat in one of the chairs near the fireplace waiting for his grandfather to arrive.
"I heard some yelling downstairs, I assume Mr Weasley isn't too pleased with our arrangement" Dumbledore asked as he took a seat.
'"That's an understatement" muttered Harry.
"Still, we have greater concerns at the moment other than Mr Wealsey's fragile ego, the leglimency attack downstairs has me greatly perturbed."
"How did Voldemort know to try tonight?" Harry asked
"It wasn't Voldemort. In fact it wasn't anyone I could easily recognise. The only thing I can be certain of is that it came from someone within the room. It appears as though we have a spy within the order. Still we shouldn't dwell on it, all we can do is prepare ourselves better for next time. I will add an identification spell to the wards in the future so that I can trace the caster more easily. Don't let it distract you from the job in hand. Goodnight child"
"Goodnight Grandfather"
Harry got ready for bed a multitude of different thoughts running through his head, Ron's attitude, the leglimency attack, the spy within the order. He drifted of into a very unsettled sleep.
Review Answers
Hermione Green, azntgr01 & Ryusuken : Thank you all for reviewing so consistently.
Shdurrani: The reason I pulled him from being a prefect is that he wouldn't be able to devote the time to his duties. If he isnt a prefect he can't be Head Boy (according to tradition anyway) I left him in the quidditch team (just not as captain) as everyone needs an outlet of some form, in Harry's case it is flying.
BlindJedi: Yeah, they are great kids. Cheers :D
Makotochi: Draco definitely evil, Ron won't be good persay, but won't be evil either. He will just be immature for a while.
CokeFreak: Loved your OOTP/Not Your Hero. Cheers :D
TYCHO13: No worries LOL
Bill: I agree 100%, I was going to have Dumbledore raise some of those examples before the next stage of the training at Hogwarts. The problem is that he cannot raise anywhere near that level of power consistently, only when he has a huge surge of adrenalin. My theory is that by understanding the actual mechanics of how things work, he will be able to draw on that power reservoir we know he has regularly without being under immense pressure.
Voidless: Your right Aberforth Dumbledore would be his Great Great Great Uncle (uncles and aunts always having one more great than the corresponding number that the grandparents have) He won't play a role in this story.
Bob33: Thanks a lot.
I-Love-Sirius73: Thanks
Jeffb-16: cheers :P