Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter or its surrounding
properties; they belong to the wonderful JK Rowling. I own my computer and
my brain.
Twigs: So, we meet once again with our dear, dear readers.
Kanga: *sniffles and snorts*
Harry: What was that for? (Twigs and Kanga look at Harry oddly).
Kanga: First off- you're not supposed to be here yet- chapter 10 has not begun yet. (Harry shrugs and walks off looking hurt). *clears throat and stares at Harry's disappearing body* Anyways., I was just about to discuss how her readers weren't dear at the beginning of last week when she was being a very bad writer.
Twigs: Kanga- shhhhhhhhhhh. I thought that that was between you and me. How could you?
Kanga: I'm sorry but it's really just not my fault that this chapter is VERY late..so you're laziness must be agknowledged. *Twigs stares at her with menace*
Twigs: Well, I am sorry this chapter wasn't out earlier, lots going on in my personal life. I went Christmas shopping last weekend and we got our tree and I went Christmas carolling with my church and..
Kanga: Well! Let's all feel sorry for Twigs. Poor, poor Twigs- I tell ya..she reminds me of my mummy.(begins crying). I need my bottle! *audience laughs and Kanga pleads at Twigsfeet*
Twigs: Okay *pushes Kanga off of her feet*. I've gotta go get Kanga her meds so let me do the honors. *Kanga cackles insanely*. Bullhorns please *blows into bullhorns* I present to you Chapter 10! *drags kicking, screaming Kanga off of stage, while doctor walks towards them with syrange*
Chapter 10 The Little Things
After returning to the Weasleys', the rest of the weekend seemed to go by in a blur. Uncle Arthur was never at home, but that was to be expected. Aunt Molly was awfully fussy about getting Percy's old room cleaned out. Apparently, now that he was dead, she was going to turn the room into a guest room and she was relentless about it. Remus had sent his condolences for not being able to attend the funeral. It had overlapped horribly with a full moon and he regrets that he couldn't have been there. I knew that Remus was quite fond of the Weasleys, both for what they did for me and for who they were as decent members of the Wizarding society. Before I knew it the weekend was over and we were back to our classes.
"So, you and Hermione have magical healing classes after lunch. What do you think they'll be like?" Ron asked me on Monday at lunch. Between a bite of chicken pot pie and mashed potatoes I looked up at him.
"I really don't know. I suppose it'll be interesting. I mean, we'll probably just learn a really simple healing spell today but it should be fun. Who knows when healing will come to our advantage later on in the war?" I responded. He looked at me with a grave look on his face.
"I wish it weren't true, but it is." he said. I looked at him with an equal sense of sorrow. I looked down at the scar on my palm and realized that it would be for this that I fought for. For the chance to live a normal life with the people I loved. I was glad that Ron had insisted on keeping the scars there, it was a daily reminder of everybody and everything I cared about. I really was lucky to have so many supporting people in my life.
"Come on Harry, we best be off to our next class. I don't think that being late on the first day is the best first impression." 'Mione said. I could never get over the sound of her voice. Like every other asset she possessed, every time I heard it I fell in love with her all over again.
"Okay, okay, we'll go now." I replied. Trying my best to sound impatient with her, but failing miserably.
"Don't use that tone with me, Mr.Potter." 'Mione said, in a fake scolding voice. We both laughed, before joining hands and heading towards the Magical Healing classroom. It was located in the left wing near the Transfiguration and Charms classrooms. We walked in to find a small little witch fluttering about the room placing little knives on everybody's desks. I was curious to see how it would all work, but I didn't dare ask. She saw 'Mione and I enter with our fingers entwined amongst one another's.
"Hello dears, my name is Professor Huckleberry, welcome to Magical Healing, year 1." she said, while giving us a big smile that could have only been topped by Aunt Molly herself. I smiled back at her, before Hermione and I walked over and took a sharing desk, near the front.
"What are these for?" Hermione asked, holding up one of the little knives.
"Oh, well we'll be working on a very simple charm for healing cuts today, and unfortunately in order to heal a cut we have to create one. The knives are sanitized between classes, so don't worry about that." Professor Huckleberry said. Hermione grimaced a bit, before turning to look at me. I wasn't nervous at all, after the Dursleys, self inflicting a little pain wouldn't be a problem. She seemed relieved by the fact that I wasn't panicking. Hermione and I sat in silence as we waited for the rest of the class to enter. Once the whole class had taken their seats Professor Huckleberry turned to us and spoke.
"Welcome all, to your first year of Magical Healing. I hope you are all as excited as I am about attending this class. Now, if you could please open your textbooks to page 18 we can begin." she said. I turned open my book and flipped to page 18. It seemed to be one of the first actual pages in the book and it seemed appropriate that we start there. "As you can see, on that page it simply describes a basic healing charm. This charm is useful in that it's not specific to any particular injury- as long as it's small, trivial and basic, this charm will do good to it. Uses of it include paper cuts and small burns. Even some of the best mediwitches in the world use this one on numerous occasions. However, I must stress to you that if the wound has anything stuck in it, was magically inflicted, caused by any kind of potion incident or bigger than your thumb finger you must not use it." Everybody nodded in understanding as the teacher held up one of the knives.
"I'm going to ask you to pick up your knives, because with these you will prick your own wrist, or in the event that you find this too difficult will have your partner prick your wrist. Than you will have your partner mutter the incanation and watch as your wrists heal. It may take a few tries and if the cut gets out of control just scream 'Code 5' and I'll come over to heal you. If there aren't any questions, you may begin." she said. I looked at Hermione.
"Do you want to go first 'Mione, or should I? I asked her. She looked at me with fear in her big brown eyes.
"Why don't you?" she asked timidly. I nodded my head and picked up the knife. It was just a little stab in the rest and right back out. I saw the blood and knew I had been successful. Looking around the room, I also saw that I was the only one who had had the courage yet. The teacher had finally walked up to Hannah Abbot and her partner and after asking who was going to get pricked first picked up the knife and punched through the skin of Hannah's wrist. After that, people were a lot less timid about it. Hermione and I were successful in healing upon first attempt but we were very much in the minority. In fact only one other student, Susan Bones, got it on first try and by the end of the day Hannah Abbot (Susan Bones's partner) was the only other one added to the group. After class Mrs. Huckleberry called the four of us to stay after.
"You four have shown an immense aptitude for the subject in which I teach. I love seeing such raw talent as yours and I hope that you will continue to exercise that talent in the days, weeks and months that follow. You will be great assets to the careers you choose if you do." she said. We all gave her smiles before exiting the classroom.
"So, what'd you think of the first class Harry?" she asked, as she grabbed my hand instinctively and we walked back to the common room.
"I enjoyed it!" I replied. "I have a feeling it's going to be one of my favorite classes, you?"
"I agree with you entirely." she said, looking up into my eyes both flirtatiously and lovingly at the same. I smiled down at her, and listened to her pleasant humming as we walked back to the common room. How was I so fortunate as to get someone so wonderful? I thought about the days ahead. This weekend was my time with Remus and than the next week training started.
"Did you enjoy your class?" asked Ron from his chair in the common room.
"Very much so, did you get any work done?" Hermione replied.
"Yes, I did, Mum" Ron said. Those two would never tire of swatting around at each other. Must be part of their personalities- I never worried, I knew that both of them had NO romantic feelings whatsoever towards the other.
The rest of the school week went by quickly and before I knew it I was getting ready for my evening with Remus. We had decided to walk around Diagon Alley a bit before dinner, so I got there around 4. Professor McGonagall was taking me to get dropped off. I'll admit that when I crawled into a carriage alone with her, the silence was a bit awkward. Suddenly she cleared her throat. I looked at her.
"You don't have to be afraid of me, Mr.Potter, I may be a very strict teacher but I also have your best interests at heart. I mean, in all the years I've known you, I've never really KNOWN you. It seemed that whenever a problem aroused you sooner just went ahead and got the headmaster involved. I hope that you do know Harry, that if ever something went wrong either educationally, mentally or emotionally my door is open for anything you might wish to discuss." she said. I looked a little off balance by what she'd said. Was this the same stick straight women who had taught me transfiguration for the past 5 years? I was seriously beginning to wonder.
"I'm kind of speechless, Professor. I always went to Dumbledore because it was serious, and I thought that you were way too professional to be bothered. I guess I never really gave you a chance to be anything else." I responded cautiously, I know she meant well but I still didn't know whether her intentions were pure. Maybe she needed a bit of information out of me or something like that. She just smiled pleasantly at me and continued to look out the window. We rode in this 'not so awkward' silence until we reached Hogsmeade. Looking at the window from the parked cart I saw Remus.
"I trust you're in good hands now, Mr.Potter and I will be leaving you. Have a nice time with Remus" Professor McGonagall said, before winking at me, a bit of mysterious twinkle in her eyes. I wondered again what type of women Minerva McGonagall really was. After exciting the carriage I immediately found myself in the firm arms of Remus Lupin.
"Harry, you've grown!" he exclaimed. I chuckled a little bit, as a felt like a 5 year old boy being hounded by all of his eccentric, cheek-pinching aunts. Except, I found that I didn't mind it, I liked it. I definitely loved the feeling of family and felt as though I would never tire of it. Reflecting on his comment in facts though, I realized it to be true. I had grown a bit in the past months and not to my disadvantage either.
"What have you been up too? How are you doing?" I instantly felt bad, I hadn't written Remus any letters, not even to tell him about Hermione.
"Well, I have a girlfriend" I said casually. He gave me a wicked grin and chuckled a bit.
"Who's the lucky lady? Is it our dear friend Hermione?" Remus asked, with the huge grin still on his face. I punched him playfully in the shoulder.
"Of course it's Hermione. We have a welcoming back ball soon and so I asked her if she'd come with me. After she asked if it was just as a friend, I confirmed my feelings towards her. Turns out she felt the same way and just didn't want to 'ruin our friendship'. We hold hands in the hallways and everything, just being around her makes me happy!" I explained.
"Have you kissed yet?" Remus asked very bluntly. I blushed a bit at this question, although I don't really know why. After all, this was the guy who confronted me after my wet dream, this was my father.
"Noeally" I replied very fast.
"Again? You mumbled a bit the first time?" Remus asked chuckling. I gave him a reprimanding smile.
"Not really, I mean she's kissed my cheek a few times but we haven't snogged or anything. I know this sounds stupid but I have it all planned out, I want our first kiss to be nothing less than perfect." I said, tentatively. I knew Remus would never laugh at me, but he would tell me if he thought what I was saying was a bit ridiculous. Remus looked at me with a sincere look on his face.
"You really care about her don't you?" he asked. I nodded my head and he smiled at me.
"So, what else has been going on?" Remus asked. I explained to him a little bit about Percy's funeral and how badly Ron had taken it all. I noticed that during the whole conversation he was looking at my palm a little bit oddly.
"But you are okay, aren't you? You know you could talk to me about anything right, that that's what I'm for?" Remus all of a sudden said, in a very concerning fatherly manner.
"Yeah, better each day. Percy's death was hard on us all but it's really all up hill from here. I have a great girlfriend and the most fantastic best mate a guy could ask for. In addition to that, I have you. I couldn't be better, why do you ask?" I asked. He took me and sat me down on a bench.
"So you're sure there's nothing you want to talk to me about" Remus once again prompted. I shook my head no curiously. I honestly had no idea what he was talking about.
"Well Harry, you leave me no choice, as your guardian and as someone who cares about you I must ask. Why do you have scars on your hand? Have you been hurting yourself?" Remus asked, concern and love etching his words. My face turned into a half crooked grin.
"You think I'm hurting myself don't you? Well, rest assured Remus, I'm not. That scar is a love scar. About a week ago after Percy's funeral Ron and I cut open our palms. We smashed them together and vowed to be brothers until the end. We were going to clean the wounds to prevent scarring but decided against it. The scars would be daily reminders of who or what we were fighting for. I'm quite fond of them." I responded. Remus looked at me with a look of admiration on his face.
"Although I don't encourage exchanging blood with just anyone, I admire what you and Ron did. You agreed to be brothers at heart and than sealed the agreement with blood. Leaving the scars was clever too, it's always nice to have a daily reminder of where your loyalties lie. I'm really proud of you Harry." Remus said. As he spoke those words, tears formed in my eyes. Remus, the man I had come to think of as a father was proud of me. I imagine I felt similar to a nurser school child- I had just given my mummy a painting and now she was posting it on the refrigerator and telling me that I was the next Van Gough.
"Harry, is that the first time anyone's every told you they were proud of you?" he asked cautiously. I nodded deftly as he put his arm around me. "Well then, I've obviously made a big mistake. Harry, I have always been proud of you, I just thought that that went without saying," Remus said.
"I know, just hearing you say it made it final in some way. Remus- don't ever doubt all you've done for me. I love you like the father I never knew and you should always know that." I said. Remus gave me an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder.
"Let's go get some dinner, I have some other matter's to discuss with you." he said. I nodded in consent and followed him. After we had gotten a table and ordered during some small talk Remus turned to me.
"I think that you and I will be seeing a lot more of each other in the months that follow this one." he said. I looked curiously at him.
"Why?" I asked in response.
"Dumbledore did tell you about all the extra training you'd be getting right?" Remus asked. Suddenly things started clicking in my head. "Well, I'm going to be one of your teachers. I'm going to do all the physical training with you in the morning and I'll be teaching you how to work with your knives. I'm a very good non-magical dueller and I believe that you'll find my lessons quite insightful." I smiled at him.
"I'm so happy! I really couldn't ask for a better teacher." I said. He smiled back at me enthusiastically. "What kind of stuff will we be doing?"
"I'm glad you're pleased. In addition to physical training and knife work you will also be learning extensive magical duelling that will run in accordance with your class. Along with agility and reflex activities, that stuff will take up most of your time. There are three types of knives; swords, which are used for close to enemy duelling which is very deadly; throwing knives, which can be thrown from as far as 40 feet but take more than one to be lethal and spears which are great from jabbing, rather than slicing. You will have a lot of defense gear on you and a belt with your weapons that you must wear always" he explained. I watched as my father explained what we must do and for once I felt like I had a parent doing what a parent should do- explaining the world to his son. We talked for many hours but said nothing more of importance. Though one could argue that when you're in the company of someone who loves you, everything's important- even the little things.
So concludes another chapter!!! I know that it wasn't the most eventful one, but it said what it had too. It told us some information about Harry's training and some interesting stuff with Professor McGonagall. Next chapter will be very fluffy, but will also contain some plot pillar points. We get to see Quidditch Tryouts with Harry, Ron and Ginny and attend The Welcoming Ball with Harry and Hermione. Please REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!!! They really do make me happy and as the holiday seasons approach us, they help me remember to write. Thanks!
Luv,
Twigs
Twigs: (in a drill sergeant voice) So, Kanga, what do we wanna reach?
Kanga: (unenthusiastically) 100 reviews. Here we go.
Twigs: When do we wanna reach it?
Kanga" *sighs* Now. Why was I cursed with Twigs, why!
Twigs: Keep telling yourself that, Mr. Whippy took a break but he can return in the movie "Return of Mr.Whippy" if my reviewers don't decide to submit reviews.
Kanga: So, guys please REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!! We're trying to reach 100 reviews by Christmas, and if we do than I'll get to soar through the holidays without a whipping and you guys get another chapter soon! REVIEW! Kanga and Twigs exit stage left and the light go down-cept for one spotlight. Kanga slinks back in and appears in spotlight. "ahem, I would like to add, 9 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!! (and only 2 until Hannukah and 10 until Kwanza)" kanga jumps madly, before walking off stage left just as she had appeared.
Trivia Question: What is Hermione's Patronous form? (it says in the 5th book- tough though- my beta caught this, I didn't- clever one she is, lol. It's worth looking up though- the clue's priceless).
Twigs: So, we meet once again with our dear, dear readers.
Kanga: *sniffles and snorts*
Harry: What was that for? (Twigs and Kanga look at Harry oddly).
Kanga: First off- you're not supposed to be here yet- chapter 10 has not begun yet. (Harry shrugs and walks off looking hurt). *clears throat and stares at Harry's disappearing body* Anyways., I was just about to discuss how her readers weren't dear at the beginning of last week when she was being a very bad writer.
Twigs: Kanga- shhhhhhhhhhh. I thought that that was between you and me. How could you?
Kanga: I'm sorry but it's really just not my fault that this chapter is VERY late..so you're laziness must be agknowledged. *Twigs stares at her with menace*
Twigs: Well, I am sorry this chapter wasn't out earlier, lots going on in my personal life. I went Christmas shopping last weekend and we got our tree and I went Christmas carolling with my church and..
Kanga: Well! Let's all feel sorry for Twigs. Poor, poor Twigs- I tell ya..she reminds me of my mummy.(begins crying). I need my bottle! *audience laughs and Kanga pleads at Twigsfeet*
Twigs: Okay *pushes Kanga off of her feet*. I've gotta go get Kanga her meds so let me do the honors. *Kanga cackles insanely*. Bullhorns please *blows into bullhorns* I present to you Chapter 10! *drags kicking, screaming Kanga off of stage, while doctor walks towards them with syrange*
Chapter 10 The Little Things
After returning to the Weasleys', the rest of the weekend seemed to go by in a blur. Uncle Arthur was never at home, but that was to be expected. Aunt Molly was awfully fussy about getting Percy's old room cleaned out. Apparently, now that he was dead, she was going to turn the room into a guest room and she was relentless about it. Remus had sent his condolences for not being able to attend the funeral. It had overlapped horribly with a full moon and he regrets that he couldn't have been there. I knew that Remus was quite fond of the Weasleys, both for what they did for me and for who they were as decent members of the Wizarding society. Before I knew it the weekend was over and we were back to our classes.
"So, you and Hermione have magical healing classes after lunch. What do you think they'll be like?" Ron asked me on Monday at lunch. Between a bite of chicken pot pie and mashed potatoes I looked up at him.
"I really don't know. I suppose it'll be interesting. I mean, we'll probably just learn a really simple healing spell today but it should be fun. Who knows when healing will come to our advantage later on in the war?" I responded. He looked at me with a grave look on his face.
"I wish it weren't true, but it is." he said. I looked at him with an equal sense of sorrow. I looked down at the scar on my palm and realized that it would be for this that I fought for. For the chance to live a normal life with the people I loved. I was glad that Ron had insisted on keeping the scars there, it was a daily reminder of everybody and everything I cared about. I really was lucky to have so many supporting people in my life.
"Come on Harry, we best be off to our next class. I don't think that being late on the first day is the best first impression." 'Mione said. I could never get over the sound of her voice. Like every other asset she possessed, every time I heard it I fell in love with her all over again.
"Okay, okay, we'll go now." I replied. Trying my best to sound impatient with her, but failing miserably.
"Don't use that tone with me, Mr.Potter." 'Mione said, in a fake scolding voice. We both laughed, before joining hands and heading towards the Magical Healing classroom. It was located in the left wing near the Transfiguration and Charms classrooms. We walked in to find a small little witch fluttering about the room placing little knives on everybody's desks. I was curious to see how it would all work, but I didn't dare ask. She saw 'Mione and I enter with our fingers entwined amongst one another's.
"Hello dears, my name is Professor Huckleberry, welcome to Magical Healing, year 1." she said, while giving us a big smile that could have only been topped by Aunt Molly herself. I smiled back at her, before Hermione and I walked over and took a sharing desk, near the front.
"What are these for?" Hermione asked, holding up one of the little knives.
"Oh, well we'll be working on a very simple charm for healing cuts today, and unfortunately in order to heal a cut we have to create one. The knives are sanitized between classes, so don't worry about that." Professor Huckleberry said. Hermione grimaced a bit, before turning to look at me. I wasn't nervous at all, after the Dursleys, self inflicting a little pain wouldn't be a problem. She seemed relieved by the fact that I wasn't panicking. Hermione and I sat in silence as we waited for the rest of the class to enter. Once the whole class had taken their seats Professor Huckleberry turned to us and spoke.
"Welcome all, to your first year of Magical Healing. I hope you are all as excited as I am about attending this class. Now, if you could please open your textbooks to page 18 we can begin." she said. I turned open my book and flipped to page 18. It seemed to be one of the first actual pages in the book and it seemed appropriate that we start there. "As you can see, on that page it simply describes a basic healing charm. This charm is useful in that it's not specific to any particular injury- as long as it's small, trivial and basic, this charm will do good to it. Uses of it include paper cuts and small burns. Even some of the best mediwitches in the world use this one on numerous occasions. However, I must stress to you that if the wound has anything stuck in it, was magically inflicted, caused by any kind of potion incident or bigger than your thumb finger you must not use it." Everybody nodded in understanding as the teacher held up one of the knives.
"I'm going to ask you to pick up your knives, because with these you will prick your own wrist, or in the event that you find this too difficult will have your partner prick your wrist. Than you will have your partner mutter the incanation and watch as your wrists heal. It may take a few tries and if the cut gets out of control just scream 'Code 5' and I'll come over to heal you. If there aren't any questions, you may begin." she said. I looked at Hermione.
"Do you want to go first 'Mione, or should I? I asked her. She looked at me with fear in her big brown eyes.
"Why don't you?" she asked timidly. I nodded my head and picked up the knife. It was just a little stab in the rest and right back out. I saw the blood and knew I had been successful. Looking around the room, I also saw that I was the only one who had had the courage yet. The teacher had finally walked up to Hannah Abbot and her partner and after asking who was going to get pricked first picked up the knife and punched through the skin of Hannah's wrist. After that, people were a lot less timid about it. Hermione and I were successful in healing upon first attempt but we were very much in the minority. In fact only one other student, Susan Bones, got it on first try and by the end of the day Hannah Abbot (Susan Bones's partner) was the only other one added to the group. After class Mrs. Huckleberry called the four of us to stay after.
"You four have shown an immense aptitude for the subject in which I teach. I love seeing such raw talent as yours and I hope that you will continue to exercise that talent in the days, weeks and months that follow. You will be great assets to the careers you choose if you do." she said. We all gave her smiles before exiting the classroom.
"So, what'd you think of the first class Harry?" she asked, as she grabbed my hand instinctively and we walked back to the common room.
"I enjoyed it!" I replied. "I have a feeling it's going to be one of my favorite classes, you?"
"I agree with you entirely." she said, looking up into my eyes both flirtatiously and lovingly at the same. I smiled down at her, and listened to her pleasant humming as we walked back to the common room. How was I so fortunate as to get someone so wonderful? I thought about the days ahead. This weekend was my time with Remus and than the next week training started.
"Did you enjoy your class?" asked Ron from his chair in the common room.
"Very much so, did you get any work done?" Hermione replied.
"Yes, I did, Mum" Ron said. Those two would never tire of swatting around at each other. Must be part of their personalities- I never worried, I knew that both of them had NO romantic feelings whatsoever towards the other.
The rest of the school week went by quickly and before I knew it I was getting ready for my evening with Remus. We had decided to walk around Diagon Alley a bit before dinner, so I got there around 4. Professor McGonagall was taking me to get dropped off. I'll admit that when I crawled into a carriage alone with her, the silence was a bit awkward. Suddenly she cleared her throat. I looked at her.
"You don't have to be afraid of me, Mr.Potter, I may be a very strict teacher but I also have your best interests at heart. I mean, in all the years I've known you, I've never really KNOWN you. It seemed that whenever a problem aroused you sooner just went ahead and got the headmaster involved. I hope that you do know Harry, that if ever something went wrong either educationally, mentally or emotionally my door is open for anything you might wish to discuss." she said. I looked a little off balance by what she'd said. Was this the same stick straight women who had taught me transfiguration for the past 5 years? I was seriously beginning to wonder.
"I'm kind of speechless, Professor. I always went to Dumbledore because it was serious, and I thought that you were way too professional to be bothered. I guess I never really gave you a chance to be anything else." I responded cautiously, I know she meant well but I still didn't know whether her intentions were pure. Maybe she needed a bit of information out of me or something like that. She just smiled pleasantly at me and continued to look out the window. We rode in this 'not so awkward' silence until we reached Hogsmeade. Looking at the window from the parked cart I saw Remus.
"I trust you're in good hands now, Mr.Potter and I will be leaving you. Have a nice time with Remus" Professor McGonagall said, before winking at me, a bit of mysterious twinkle in her eyes. I wondered again what type of women Minerva McGonagall really was. After exciting the carriage I immediately found myself in the firm arms of Remus Lupin.
"Harry, you've grown!" he exclaimed. I chuckled a little bit, as a felt like a 5 year old boy being hounded by all of his eccentric, cheek-pinching aunts. Except, I found that I didn't mind it, I liked it. I definitely loved the feeling of family and felt as though I would never tire of it. Reflecting on his comment in facts though, I realized it to be true. I had grown a bit in the past months and not to my disadvantage either.
"What have you been up too? How are you doing?" I instantly felt bad, I hadn't written Remus any letters, not even to tell him about Hermione.
"Well, I have a girlfriend" I said casually. He gave me a wicked grin and chuckled a bit.
"Who's the lucky lady? Is it our dear friend Hermione?" Remus asked, with the huge grin still on his face. I punched him playfully in the shoulder.
"Of course it's Hermione. We have a welcoming back ball soon and so I asked her if she'd come with me. After she asked if it was just as a friend, I confirmed my feelings towards her. Turns out she felt the same way and just didn't want to 'ruin our friendship'. We hold hands in the hallways and everything, just being around her makes me happy!" I explained.
"Have you kissed yet?" Remus asked very bluntly. I blushed a bit at this question, although I don't really know why. After all, this was the guy who confronted me after my wet dream, this was my father.
"Noeally" I replied very fast.
"Again? You mumbled a bit the first time?" Remus asked chuckling. I gave him a reprimanding smile.
"Not really, I mean she's kissed my cheek a few times but we haven't snogged or anything. I know this sounds stupid but I have it all planned out, I want our first kiss to be nothing less than perfect." I said, tentatively. I knew Remus would never laugh at me, but he would tell me if he thought what I was saying was a bit ridiculous. Remus looked at me with a sincere look on his face.
"You really care about her don't you?" he asked. I nodded my head and he smiled at me.
"So, what else has been going on?" Remus asked. I explained to him a little bit about Percy's funeral and how badly Ron had taken it all. I noticed that during the whole conversation he was looking at my palm a little bit oddly.
"But you are okay, aren't you? You know you could talk to me about anything right, that that's what I'm for?" Remus all of a sudden said, in a very concerning fatherly manner.
"Yeah, better each day. Percy's death was hard on us all but it's really all up hill from here. I have a great girlfriend and the most fantastic best mate a guy could ask for. In addition to that, I have you. I couldn't be better, why do you ask?" I asked. He took me and sat me down on a bench.
"So you're sure there's nothing you want to talk to me about" Remus once again prompted. I shook my head no curiously. I honestly had no idea what he was talking about.
"Well Harry, you leave me no choice, as your guardian and as someone who cares about you I must ask. Why do you have scars on your hand? Have you been hurting yourself?" Remus asked, concern and love etching his words. My face turned into a half crooked grin.
"You think I'm hurting myself don't you? Well, rest assured Remus, I'm not. That scar is a love scar. About a week ago after Percy's funeral Ron and I cut open our palms. We smashed them together and vowed to be brothers until the end. We were going to clean the wounds to prevent scarring but decided against it. The scars would be daily reminders of who or what we were fighting for. I'm quite fond of them." I responded. Remus looked at me with a look of admiration on his face.
"Although I don't encourage exchanging blood with just anyone, I admire what you and Ron did. You agreed to be brothers at heart and than sealed the agreement with blood. Leaving the scars was clever too, it's always nice to have a daily reminder of where your loyalties lie. I'm really proud of you Harry." Remus said. As he spoke those words, tears formed in my eyes. Remus, the man I had come to think of as a father was proud of me. I imagine I felt similar to a nurser school child- I had just given my mummy a painting and now she was posting it on the refrigerator and telling me that I was the next Van Gough.
"Harry, is that the first time anyone's every told you they were proud of you?" he asked cautiously. I nodded deftly as he put his arm around me. "Well then, I've obviously made a big mistake. Harry, I have always been proud of you, I just thought that that went without saying," Remus said.
"I know, just hearing you say it made it final in some way. Remus- don't ever doubt all you've done for me. I love you like the father I never knew and you should always know that." I said. Remus gave me an affectionate squeeze on the shoulder.
"Let's go get some dinner, I have some other matter's to discuss with you." he said. I nodded in consent and followed him. After we had gotten a table and ordered during some small talk Remus turned to me.
"I think that you and I will be seeing a lot more of each other in the months that follow this one." he said. I looked curiously at him.
"Why?" I asked in response.
"Dumbledore did tell you about all the extra training you'd be getting right?" Remus asked. Suddenly things started clicking in my head. "Well, I'm going to be one of your teachers. I'm going to do all the physical training with you in the morning and I'll be teaching you how to work with your knives. I'm a very good non-magical dueller and I believe that you'll find my lessons quite insightful." I smiled at him.
"I'm so happy! I really couldn't ask for a better teacher." I said. He smiled back at me enthusiastically. "What kind of stuff will we be doing?"
"I'm glad you're pleased. In addition to physical training and knife work you will also be learning extensive magical duelling that will run in accordance with your class. Along with agility and reflex activities, that stuff will take up most of your time. There are three types of knives; swords, which are used for close to enemy duelling which is very deadly; throwing knives, which can be thrown from as far as 40 feet but take more than one to be lethal and spears which are great from jabbing, rather than slicing. You will have a lot of defense gear on you and a belt with your weapons that you must wear always" he explained. I watched as my father explained what we must do and for once I felt like I had a parent doing what a parent should do- explaining the world to his son. We talked for many hours but said nothing more of importance. Though one could argue that when you're in the company of someone who loves you, everything's important- even the little things.
So concludes another chapter!!! I know that it wasn't the most eventful one, but it said what it had too. It told us some information about Harry's training and some interesting stuff with Professor McGonagall. Next chapter will be very fluffy, but will also contain some plot pillar points. We get to see Quidditch Tryouts with Harry, Ron and Ginny and attend The Welcoming Ball with Harry and Hermione. Please REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!!! They really do make me happy and as the holiday seasons approach us, they help me remember to write. Thanks!
Luv,
Twigs
Twigs: (in a drill sergeant voice) So, Kanga, what do we wanna reach?
Kanga: (unenthusiastically) 100 reviews. Here we go.
Twigs: When do we wanna reach it?
Kanga" *sighs* Now. Why was I cursed with Twigs, why!
Twigs: Keep telling yourself that, Mr. Whippy took a break but he can return in the movie "Return of Mr.Whippy" if my reviewers don't decide to submit reviews.
Kanga: So, guys please REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW!!!! We're trying to reach 100 reviews by Christmas, and if we do than I'll get to soar through the holidays without a whipping and you guys get another chapter soon! REVIEW! Kanga and Twigs exit stage left and the light go down-cept for one spotlight. Kanga slinks back in and appears in spotlight. "ahem, I would like to add, 9 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!! (and only 2 until Hannukah and 10 until Kwanza)" kanga jumps madly, before walking off stage left just as she had appeared.
Trivia Question: What is Hermione's Patronous form? (it says in the 5th book- tough though- my beta caught this, I didn't- clever one she is, lol. It's worth looking up though- the clue's priceless).