Disclaimer; still don't own Hp.
Thank you all for reading and reviewing, you make me want to work harder to write my story. leggylover03, Hrei-siesn, Numba1, athenakitty, Rocky235, Ash Knight, chaser1.
Chapter three Moony
Harry stood looking at the large werewolf curled on the floor in the corner. Cautiously he approached as it raised its head and growled. It was a deep mournful sound that Harry felt to the pit of his stomach. He reached out a hand and tentatively ran it over the werewolf's furry head.
Unsure of how to treat a werewolf, Harry sat and patted it, much like you would a dog. He found the action comforting, and the wolf shifted its position so that its head rested on Harry's knees. It licked Harry's hand and looked up at him mournfully. Harry sighed and said, "I know, I miss them all too."
They spent hours like this, Harry talking quietly to the werewolf. Confiding in him, fears he never normally dared voice aloud. And Moony watched him silently with dark unblinking eyes. Eventually Harry started to feel sleepy and the werewolf urged him to he door.
"I get it, you don't want me to see you change, alright I'll go to bed, see you in the morning."
The next morning Harry found himself having breakfast with a cheerful Bill Weasley. Moony joined them looking tired; he smiled at Harry as he sat down.
"You know I ask to be locked in for your safety, you're not supposed to lock yourself in with me," Moony said.
"You can't hurt me Moony, besides if you tried, I could become Migisi and you couldn't catch me," Harry reasoned.
Bill was looking blankly from one to the other. Moony laughed and said, "Sometimes you're so much like James it's scary!"
"Is someone going to let me in on the conversation?" Bill asked.
"Harry came to visit me last night; I thought you were good at locking things up?" Moony asked.
"I was locking you in, not locking us out," Bill replied. "Anyway Harry, want to study a few curse breakers tricks I learned in Egypt?"
"Cool," said Harry, "maybe we can lock Moony up with one of them next time!"
"Smart Ass." Moony called to him as he followed Bill out of the room.
Studying with Bill was fun, unlike most of Harry's teachers, Bill was very relaxed. He told Harry stories about his work and examples of the kinds of curses used in ancient times. For the first time Harry began to question his decision to become an Auror. A curse breaker sounded like an exciting job.
After lunch Harry had the opportunity to view some of Bill's memories of curse breaking, thanks to his legilimency skills. Then the light atmosphere changed suddenly as Harry felt himself gasping for breath, terrified as he saw a large ornate ceiling crashing down on him.
"Harry! Harry!" a distant voice was calling him.
Opening his eyes, he found himself face to face with a very pale looking Bill. "Sorry Harry. You were drawn into my memory of the bank collapsing."
"It felt so real," Harry whispered in horror.
"It was real for me; I try not to think about it too much. But being in closed rooms sometimes reminds me."
"I'm sorry Bill," Harry apologized.
"Not your fault," Bill extended a hand, and pulled Harry up of the floor. "Come on, I think we've had enough for one day."
Dinner was sombre, Bill and Harry were caught up in their memories of Gringotts collapsing and Moony was recovering from his night as a werewolf. They each went to do their own thing after dinner. Harry retreated to his room to study his books. He had asked Tikka to find him some dirt, to his surprise she produced some without question.
Harry tried spending longer preparing this time; he waited until he was completely relaxed then took a handful of the earth. Breathing deeply he tried to image himself become the earth, to no avail. Frustrated he threw the handful of dirt away and picked up a different book. Maybe the muggle concept didn't work for earth.
The anonymous book caught his attention, so he pulled himself up on his bed and began to read. To his surprise this book was completely different from the others, Harry was almost sure it had been written by an Elemental, the descriptions were much more precise. Harry found himself trembling at some of the uses of Elemental magic.
The book described how a person could harness the energy around them; force it to react to certain stimulus, and most interestingly, how the Elemental magic would enhance any normal magic spell.
Harry thought back to last summer, he had learned how to make water build up to a cyclone. At the time the effect had been small, but according to his book, elemental magic could cause the same effect in an ocean, sending huge tidal waves crashing down on unsuspecting targets.
Harry revisited his dream from the Green Flame Torch that night, his eagle form watched as a town was destroyed by the sea and an old man stood holding a terrified child. It was beginning to make sense to Harry. Dumbledore was, for some reason, afraid of letting Harry learn Elemental magic.
He tumbled out bed the next morning with a question burning at the forefront of his mind. He was disappointed to find only Moony at breakfast. "Where's Bill?"
"He had to go back to work today; the Goblins have apparently made an offer to the Ministry. Dumbledore has been called to a special meeting of the wizards' council." Moony answered.
"How are you feeling now?" Harry asked.
"I'm alright. Thank you for the other night, you were right, I do miss having my friends with me when I transform." Moony smiled sadly at Harry.
"Is it very painful?"
"Actually not so much, the wolfsbane makes it easier; I just wish they would hurry up and find a way to make it taste better."
Harry laughed. "Does this mean I don't have any lessons today?"
"Well I'm not expecting anyone, so I guess you're free. Did you want to do something?" Moony asked.
Harry filled Moony in on what he had read the night before, and asked if he would mind watching Harry try the water spell again. Moony agreed readily, so the two set off for the bathroom.
"Just be ready in case it gets out of hand," Harry told Moony. "I might not even be able to do it yet, but it's worth a try."
Harry placed the tips of his fingers in the bath water; he closed his eyes and concentrated. The water began to move; swirling around Harry's finger tips, with a deep breath Harry imagined his hand as part of the water and thought about lifting it above his head. Moony gasped from behind him and broke his concentration. Harry's eyes snapped open and immediately water crashed down on both of them.
Turning to look at his friend dripping on the floor, Harry burst out laughing. Moony joined in after a few seconds and that was how Mrs Weasley found them a few moments later.
"Remus, Harry, what are you two up to?" She squawked. Which only made the two of them laugh harder. Ron and Hermione peeked round Mrs Weasley and smiled.
"Aren't you a bit old to need someone to bath you, mate?" Ron asked.
"Hey watch it," Harry replied. "I was trying a new spell, want to see?"
Mrs Weasley stepped back out of the room, and the three faces watched expectantly through the doorway.
Harry repeated his spell but this time ignored the surprised gasps from his audience. He raised the water above his head and allowed it to form a small cyclone in his hand. He looked as though he were brandishing a sword made of water.
"Oh my goodness Harry, I've never heard of a spell like that before!" Hermione exclaimed.
Harry suddenly realised what he had done, Dumbledore had told him not to show off his new powers to anyone, and here he was showing Ron and Hermione his first trial. He should be more careful, Hermione especially would work out his secret.
"Sorry guys, I didn't mean to show off. Why don't I go dry off and then I can show you around." Harry said.
"Here," Moony waved his wand over Harry drying him off.
"Thanks."
"Well come on, we've got presents to open before lunch," Ron told him happily.
"It's my birthday?" Harry asked.
"Course it is numbskull, unless you've changed the date?" Ron answered.
The group made their way to the living room and gathered around Harry on the sofa, watching as he tore open his presents.
Ron and Hermione had bought him a gift together, a box of Honey dukes chocolate and a new watch. "Thanks guys, this is great, I never did get my old one fixed."
Moony handed him a small heavy package, Harry looked up in surprise and said "Thanks." Opening it, he found a carved wooden statue. It was a girl with long hair standing with her hand on the back of a large stag, on her shoulder was an eagle, and in front of her laid a dog and a werewolf.
"This is ... perfect. Did you make it?" Harry looked up a Moony, touched by his friend's thoughtfulness.
"Yes, I've been practicing for a while." Moony smiled sadly.
Harry was afraid he might cry Mooney had obviously taken a great deal of time perfecting the details. Looking back at the statue Harry could see each of the animals and the girl had happy expressions on their tiny faces. Almost reverently Harry handed the statue to Hermione to look at and Mrs Weasley was dabbing tears out of her eyes when she handed Harry his next gift.
"It's not quiet as spectacular at the last one," She smiled.
It was a dark green Weasley jumper and some home baked cakes. Harry smiled, "Its wonderful, thanks."
"Right why don't we go have some lunch?" Moony said moving towards the dining room.
Lunch was a cheerful affair, Mrs Weasley had baked Harry a birthday cake and he even closed his eyes and made a wish as he blew out the seventeen candles. Mrs Weasley stayed chatting to Remus as Harry showed his friends around Redwood. Hermione was excited to see the small library and immediately starting checking out the books. Ron had been more interested in the training room and he obviously couldn't resist asking Harry about his lessons.
"Ron," Hermione said from behind them, "you're not supposed to ask him."
"It's alright Hermione," Harry answered. "I'm allowed to tell you some things. It's actually been quiet this year, only really Moony and Moody. Bill came, he is cool, and he showed me some of the stuff he did in Egypt."
"What's the deal with the water?" Ron said.
"Oh that, well it's an enchantment I learned it last year. But today I was learning how to make it a bit stronger." Harry told them.
"You're getting to be as scary as Hermione, mate," Ron told him.
"Hey!" Hermione protested.
Harry just laughed and said, "Its just new spells really. They have me reading so much I think I'm going to need a spell to make my brain bigger to remember them."
"Can you show us any of the cool ones?" Ron asked.
"Ron," Hermione warned.
"Chill out Hermione, its not like we won't study most of them next year anyway. You should be happy; it will help you with your NEWTS."
Harry tried to think of something cool to show them, without getting them all into trouble, and decided on the incantation to cause thunder. "Alright this one is good, 'Praenubilus' it means very cloudy, dark, and it helps if you're duelling with more than one person at a time."
The trio spent the afternoon practicing the new spell. Hermione managed to create the darkness but was disappointed that Harry could still find her and set the tickling charm at her.
"How are you doing that?" Hermione asked.
"I can see your aura," Harry replied.
"Hey do you think that works for invisibility cloaks too?" Ron asked. "Maybe that's how Dumbledore can always see us."
Harry gave this some thought and then raced to his room to collect his dad's cloak. Ron put it on while Harry covered his eyes then he turned and looked for his friend. Harry was surprised to find that he could see Ron's aura through the cloak. Then Ron and Hermione took turns, one of them left the room and the other hid under the cloak, Harry managed to figure out which one of them it was, by the colour of their Aura and the height of them.
Hermione beamed at him proudly, "Harry, you've learned so much."
Harry blushed red and mumbled his thanks. Then lead them back to the dinning room for dinner.
"I wonder what this place was before." Hermione muttered as she took in the shining wooden floors and roughly plastered walls. "It looks very old."
"I never really thought about it," Harry replied, "I don't even know where we are. I suppose it belongs to Dumbledore."
"It does indeed Harry," Dumbledore smiled at him as he rose form the table, "Happy Birthday." He handed Harry a rolled piece of parchment. Opening it Harry read,
Dear Mr Potter,
Congratulations on your coming of age.
The application for your Apparation licence
has been processed and the test will take
place on the 3rd August at 1pm.
Please let us know if you are unable to attend.
The test will be monitored by a Ministry official,
and the results will be given to you immediately.
Yours sincerely,
Regina Peragrow,
Department of Magical Transportation.
"Cool that's the same day as ours," Hermione told him.
"Harry this is only your official notification. Your actual appointment will be tomorrow at 10am. I will take you." Dumbledore told him.
"Oh, alright," Harry answered, slight disappointed that he was once again being treated differently from his friends.
"The Ministry feels it unwise to arrange your appointment with the rest of your year. They announce the successful license applications in the Daily Prophet; this should lessen the change of an attack on the ministry the day the rest of the students are there." Dumbledore explained.
The mood in the room became sombre, Dumbledore had reminded them all of the dangers they were facing. Harry felt angry that Dumbledore had, however unintentionally, ruined the mood of his birthday. Sensing the change Dumbledore pulled out an envelope from his pocket and said, "This is your birthday present."
Harry opened it and four tickets fell onto the floor, bending to retrieve them Harry read them and gasped. His eyes shining, like a child, he asked, "Really?"
Dumbledore smiled and nodded.
"What is it?" Ron asked.
Harry, not wanting to sound like an excited child, handed Ron a ticket. "Way cool!"
"After you pass your apparition tests I will accompany you to the Circus." Dumbledore looked very pleased with himself.
"Will that be safe?" Mrs Weasley asked quietly.
"I believe so, if the proper precautions are taken. The Moscow Circus Company is one of the most famous in the world. And as they are performing in a muggle casino complex in Lebanon, I don't think anyone will be expecting us there."
Harry felt like jumping up and down with excitement, Dumbledore was taking him to the circus. Realizing that it was probably not very mature of him, he managed to stand still, but the excitement still shone from his eyes.
Dumbledore turned his attention back to the three young people in front of him and said, "Let's have dinner now and discuss the travel arrangements for the 5th later."
Later Harry wished his friends goodbye and promised Dumbledore to be ready the next morning for his Apparation test. Then he went to his room and lay on the bed thinking what a wonderful birthday he'd had. He forgot to be nervous about his apparition test, until breakfast time the next morning.
"Harry, you have to eat something," Moony told him, "you shouldn't be worried. I mean you already know how to do this."
"I know," Harry answered picking at his toast. "But what if I do it wrong and they don't give me a licence."
"Why would you do it wrong? Calm down, you'll be fine."
Dumbledore arrived with a swish of his green cloak and using a port-key took Harry to The Ministry of Magic. They appeared in a small office and found a startled looking witch sitting at her desk.
"Mr Dumbledore, right on time," She smiled. "Are you ready Mr Potter?"
Harry nodded and took the papers she had handed him. It was a map of the surrounding area with an X marked on it.
"This is your target; you know that it is forbidden to dissaparate in front of muggles, your main concern should be detecting them before you arrive. There is a ministry wizard stationed there to certify your arrival and also help if needed. Are you ready?"
Harry nodded and with a small gulp looked at Dumbledore, who nodded slightly and smiled. Harry closed his eyes and concentrated on his destination. Suddenly he could hear a pounding noise, which he realised was his blood pumping, colours flashed in front of his closed eyes and he heard a loud crack.
Harry cautiously opened one eye and caught sight of a man wearing a dark blue suit. Harry opened his other eye and the man smiled. "Well done Mr Potter, you made it all in one piece. Now you have to go back."
Harry closed his eyes again and when he opened hem he saw Dumbledore standing just as he had left him. A crack beside him caused him to jump slightly, the ministry wizard had appeared on Harry's other side.
"No problems at the other side," the man reported and signed a large grey covered book on the witches desk. The witch at the desk signed it as well and then took a heavy looking brass stamp. Harry's nerves seemed to jump as she stamped the book and a piece of parchment on her desk.
"Congratulation Mr Potter, here's your licence."
Harry let out the breath he had been holding and said, "Thank you." Dumbledore added his thanks to the pair in the room and held up the port- key to Harry. It had taken less than half an hour for Harry to receive his Licence.
Thank you all for reading and reviewing, you make me want to work harder to write my story. leggylover03, Hrei-siesn, Numba1, athenakitty, Rocky235, Ash Knight, chaser1.
Chapter three Moony
Harry stood looking at the large werewolf curled on the floor in the corner. Cautiously he approached as it raised its head and growled. It was a deep mournful sound that Harry felt to the pit of his stomach. He reached out a hand and tentatively ran it over the werewolf's furry head.
Unsure of how to treat a werewolf, Harry sat and patted it, much like you would a dog. He found the action comforting, and the wolf shifted its position so that its head rested on Harry's knees. It licked Harry's hand and looked up at him mournfully. Harry sighed and said, "I know, I miss them all too."
They spent hours like this, Harry talking quietly to the werewolf. Confiding in him, fears he never normally dared voice aloud. And Moony watched him silently with dark unblinking eyes. Eventually Harry started to feel sleepy and the werewolf urged him to he door.
"I get it, you don't want me to see you change, alright I'll go to bed, see you in the morning."
The next morning Harry found himself having breakfast with a cheerful Bill Weasley. Moony joined them looking tired; he smiled at Harry as he sat down.
"You know I ask to be locked in for your safety, you're not supposed to lock yourself in with me," Moony said.
"You can't hurt me Moony, besides if you tried, I could become Migisi and you couldn't catch me," Harry reasoned.
Bill was looking blankly from one to the other. Moony laughed and said, "Sometimes you're so much like James it's scary!"
"Is someone going to let me in on the conversation?" Bill asked.
"Harry came to visit me last night; I thought you were good at locking things up?" Moony asked.
"I was locking you in, not locking us out," Bill replied. "Anyway Harry, want to study a few curse breakers tricks I learned in Egypt?"
"Cool," said Harry, "maybe we can lock Moony up with one of them next time!"
"Smart Ass." Moony called to him as he followed Bill out of the room.
Studying with Bill was fun, unlike most of Harry's teachers, Bill was very relaxed. He told Harry stories about his work and examples of the kinds of curses used in ancient times. For the first time Harry began to question his decision to become an Auror. A curse breaker sounded like an exciting job.
After lunch Harry had the opportunity to view some of Bill's memories of curse breaking, thanks to his legilimency skills. Then the light atmosphere changed suddenly as Harry felt himself gasping for breath, terrified as he saw a large ornate ceiling crashing down on him.
"Harry! Harry!" a distant voice was calling him.
Opening his eyes, he found himself face to face with a very pale looking Bill. "Sorry Harry. You were drawn into my memory of the bank collapsing."
"It felt so real," Harry whispered in horror.
"It was real for me; I try not to think about it too much. But being in closed rooms sometimes reminds me."
"I'm sorry Bill," Harry apologized.
"Not your fault," Bill extended a hand, and pulled Harry up of the floor. "Come on, I think we've had enough for one day."
Dinner was sombre, Bill and Harry were caught up in their memories of Gringotts collapsing and Moony was recovering from his night as a werewolf. They each went to do their own thing after dinner. Harry retreated to his room to study his books. He had asked Tikka to find him some dirt, to his surprise she produced some without question.
Harry tried spending longer preparing this time; he waited until he was completely relaxed then took a handful of the earth. Breathing deeply he tried to image himself become the earth, to no avail. Frustrated he threw the handful of dirt away and picked up a different book. Maybe the muggle concept didn't work for earth.
The anonymous book caught his attention, so he pulled himself up on his bed and began to read. To his surprise this book was completely different from the others, Harry was almost sure it had been written by an Elemental, the descriptions were much more precise. Harry found himself trembling at some of the uses of Elemental magic.
The book described how a person could harness the energy around them; force it to react to certain stimulus, and most interestingly, how the Elemental magic would enhance any normal magic spell.
Harry thought back to last summer, he had learned how to make water build up to a cyclone. At the time the effect had been small, but according to his book, elemental magic could cause the same effect in an ocean, sending huge tidal waves crashing down on unsuspecting targets.
Harry revisited his dream from the Green Flame Torch that night, his eagle form watched as a town was destroyed by the sea and an old man stood holding a terrified child. It was beginning to make sense to Harry. Dumbledore was, for some reason, afraid of letting Harry learn Elemental magic.
He tumbled out bed the next morning with a question burning at the forefront of his mind. He was disappointed to find only Moony at breakfast. "Where's Bill?"
"He had to go back to work today; the Goblins have apparently made an offer to the Ministry. Dumbledore has been called to a special meeting of the wizards' council." Moony answered.
"How are you feeling now?" Harry asked.
"I'm alright. Thank you for the other night, you were right, I do miss having my friends with me when I transform." Moony smiled sadly at Harry.
"Is it very painful?"
"Actually not so much, the wolfsbane makes it easier; I just wish they would hurry up and find a way to make it taste better."
Harry laughed. "Does this mean I don't have any lessons today?"
"Well I'm not expecting anyone, so I guess you're free. Did you want to do something?" Moony asked.
Harry filled Moony in on what he had read the night before, and asked if he would mind watching Harry try the water spell again. Moony agreed readily, so the two set off for the bathroom.
"Just be ready in case it gets out of hand," Harry told Moony. "I might not even be able to do it yet, but it's worth a try."
Harry placed the tips of his fingers in the bath water; he closed his eyes and concentrated. The water began to move; swirling around Harry's finger tips, with a deep breath Harry imagined his hand as part of the water and thought about lifting it above his head. Moony gasped from behind him and broke his concentration. Harry's eyes snapped open and immediately water crashed down on both of them.
Turning to look at his friend dripping on the floor, Harry burst out laughing. Moony joined in after a few seconds and that was how Mrs Weasley found them a few moments later.
"Remus, Harry, what are you two up to?" She squawked. Which only made the two of them laugh harder. Ron and Hermione peeked round Mrs Weasley and smiled.
"Aren't you a bit old to need someone to bath you, mate?" Ron asked.
"Hey watch it," Harry replied. "I was trying a new spell, want to see?"
Mrs Weasley stepped back out of the room, and the three faces watched expectantly through the doorway.
Harry repeated his spell but this time ignored the surprised gasps from his audience. He raised the water above his head and allowed it to form a small cyclone in his hand. He looked as though he were brandishing a sword made of water.
"Oh my goodness Harry, I've never heard of a spell like that before!" Hermione exclaimed.
Harry suddenly realised what he had done, Dumbledore had told him not to show off his new powers to anyone, and here he was showing Ron and Hermione his first trial. He should be more careful, Hermione especially would work out his secret.
"Sorry guys, I didn't mean to show off. Why don't I go dry off and then I can show you around." Harry said.
"Here," Moony waved his wand over Harry drying him off.
"Thanks."
"Well come on, we've got presents to open before lunch," Ron told him happily.
"It's my birthday?" Harry asked.
"Course it is numbskull, unless you've changed the date?" Ron answered.
The group made their way to the living room and gathered around Harry on the sofa, watching as he tore open his presents.
Ron and Hermione had bought him a gift together, a box of Honey dukes chocolate and a new watch. "Thanks guys, this is great, I never did get my old one fixed."
Moony handed him a small heavy package, Harry looked up in surprise and said "Thanks." Opening it, he found a carved wooden statue. It was a girl with long hair standing with her hand on the back of a large stag, on her shoulder was an eagle, and in front of her laid a dog and a werewolf.
"This is ... perfect. Did you make it?" Harry looked up a Moony, touched by his friend's thoughtfulness.
"Yes, I've been practicing for a while." Moony smiled sadly.
Harry was afraid he might cry Mooney had obviously taken a great deal of time perfecting the details. Looking back at the statue Harry could see each of the animals and the girl had happy expressions on their tiny faces. Almost reverently Harry handed the statue to Hermione to look at and Mrs Weasley was dabbing tears out of her eyes when she handed Harry his next gift.
"It's not quiet as spectacular at the last one," She smiled.
It was a dark green Weasley jumper and some home baked cakes. Harry smiled, "Its wonderful, thanks."
"Right why don't we go have some lunch?" Moony said moving towards the dining room.
Lunch was a cheerful affair, Mrs Weasley had baked Harry a birthday cake and he even closed his eyes and made a wish as he blew out the seventeen candles. Mrs Weasley stayed chatting to Remus as Harry showed his friends around Redwood. Hermione was excited to see the small library and immediately starting checking out the books. Ron had been more interested in the training room and he obviously couldn't resist asking Harry about his lessons.
"Ron," Hermione said from behind them, "you're not supposed to ask him."
"It's alright Hermione," Harry answered. "I'm allowed to tell you some things. It's actually been quiet this year, only really Moony and Moody. Bill came, he is cool, and he showed me some of the stuff he did in Egypt."
"What's the deal with the water?" Ron said.
"Oh that, well it's an enchantment I learned it last year. But today I was learning how to make it a bit stronger." Harry told them.
"You're getting to be as scary as Hermione, mate," Ron told him.
"Hey!" Hermione protested.
Harry just laughed and said, "Its just new spells really. They have me reading so much I think I'm going to need a spell to make my brain bigger to remember them."
"Can you show us any of the cool ones?" Ron asked.
"Ron," Hermione warned.
"Chill out Hermione, its not like we won't study most of them next year anyway. You should be happy; it will help you with your NEWTS."
Harry tried to think of something cool to show them, without getting them all into trouble, and decided on the incantation to cause thunder. "Alright this one is good, 'Praenubilus' it means very cloudy, dark, and it helps if you're duelling with more than one person at a time."
The trio spent the afternoon practicing the new spell. Hermione managed to create the darkness but was disappointed that Harry could still find her and set the tickling charm at her.
"How are you doing that?" Hermione asked.
"I can see your aura," Harry replied.
"Hey do you think that works for invisibility cloaks too?" Ron asked. "Maybe that's how Dumbledore can always see us."
Harry gave this some thought and then raced to his room to collect his dad's cloak. Ron put it on while Harry covered his eyes then he turned and looked for his friend. Harry was surprised to find that he could see Ron's aura through the cloak. Then Ron and Hermione took turns, one of them left the room and the other hid under the cloak, Harry managed to figure out which one of them it was, by the colour of their Aura and the height of them.
Hermione beamed at him proudly, "Harry, you've learned so much."
Harry blushed red and mumbled his thanks. Then lead them back to the dinning room for dinner.
"I wonder what this place was before." Hermione muttered as she took in the shining wooden floors and roughly plastered walls. "It looks very old."
"I never really thought about it," Harry replied, "I don't even know where we are. I suppose it belongs to Dumbledore."
"It does indeed Harry," Dumbledore smiled at him as he rose form the table, "Happy Birthday." He handed Harry a rolled piece of parchment. Opening it Harry read,
Dear Mr Potter,
Congratulations on your coming of age.
The application for your Apparation licence
has been processed and the test will take
place on the 3rd August at 1pm.
Please let us know if you are unable to attend.
The test will be monitored by a Ministry official,
and the results will be given to you immediately.
Yours sincerely,
Regina Peragrow,
Department of Magical Transportation.
"Cool that's the same day as ours," Hermione told him.
"Harry this is only your official notification. Your actual appointment will be tomorrow at 10am. I will take you." Dumbledore told him.
"Oh, alright," Harry answered, slight disappointed that he was once again being treated differently from his friends.
"The Ministry feels it unwise to arrange your appointment with the rest of your year. They announce the successful license applications in the Daily Prophet; this should lessen the change of an attack on the ministry the day the rest of the students are there." Dumbledore explained.
The mood in the room became sombre, Dumbledore had reminded them all of the dangers they were facing. Harry felt angry that Dumbledore had, however unintentionally, ruined the mood of his birthday. Sensing the change Dumbledore pulled out an envelope from his pocket and said, "This is your birthday present."
Harry opened it and four tickets fell onto the floor, bending to retrieve them Harry read them and gasped. His eyes shining, like a child, he asked, "Really?"
Dumbledore smiled and nodded.
"What is it?" Ron asked.
Harry, not wanting to sound like an excited child, handed Ron a ticket. "Way cool!"
"After you pass your apparition tests I will accompany you to the Circus." Dumbledore looked very pleased with himself.
"Will that be safe?" Mrs Weasley asked quietly.
"I believe so, if the proper precautions are taken. The Moscow Circus Company is one of the most famous in the world. And as they are performing in a muggle casino complex in Lebanon, I don't think anyone will be expecting us there."
Harry felt like jumping up and down with excitement, Dumbledore was taking him to the circus. Realizing that it was probably not very mature of him, he managed to stand still, but the excitement still shone from his eyes.
Dumbledore turned his attention back to the three young people in front of him and said, "Let's have dinner now and discuss the travel arrangements for the 5th later."
Later Harry wished his friends goodbye and promised Dumbledore to be ready the next morning for his Apparation test. Then he went to his room and lay on the bed thinking what a wonderful birthday he'd had. He forgot to be nervous about his apparition test, until breakfast time the next morning.
"Harry, you have to eat something," Moony told him, "you shouldn't be worried. I mean you already know how to do this."
"I know," Harry answered picking at his toast. "But what if I do it wrong and they don't give me a licence."
"Why would you do it wrong? Calm down, you'll be fine."
Dumbledore arrived with a swish of his green cloak and using a port-key took Harry to The Ministry of Magic. They appeared in a small office and found a startled looking witch sitting at her desk.
"Mr Dumbledore, right on time," She smiled. "Are you ready Mr Potter?"
Harry nodded and took the papers she had handed him. It was a map of the surrounding area with an X marked on it.
"This is your target; you know that it is forbidden to dissaparate in front of muggles, your main concern should be detecting them before you arrive. There is a ministry wizard stationed there to certify your arrival and also help if needed. Are you ready?"
Harry nodded and with a small gulp looked at Dumbledore, who nodded slightly and smiled. Harry closed his eyes and concentrated on his destination. Suddenly he could hear a pounding noise, which he realised was his blood pumping, colours flashed in front of his closed eyes and he heard a loud crack.
Harry cautiously opened one eye and caught sight of a man wearing a dark blue suit. Harry opened his other eye and the man smiled. "Well done Mr Potter, you made it all in one piece. Now you have to go back."
Harry closed his eyes again and when he opened hem he saw Dumbledore standing just as he had left him. A crack beside him caused him to jump slightly, the ministry wizard had appeared on Harry's other side.
"No problems at the other side," the man reported and signed a large grey covered book on the witches desk. The witch at the desk signed it as well and then took a heavy looking brass stamp. Harry's nerves seemed to jump as she stamped the book and a piece of parchment on her desk.
"Congratulation Mr Potter, here's your licence."
Harry let out the breath he had been holding and said, "Thank you." Dumbledore added his thanks to the pair in the room and held up the port- key to Harry. It had taken less than half an hour for Harry to receive his Licence.