Chapter 44-Private Lessons

Alana takes a deep breath walking into the defense room. "Thank Goodness no one is here" she thought. She puts her bag down and closes the door. "It's a nice winter day," she thought looking out the window. She opens her bag and takes out the sword given to her a few days earlier. "Lets see what it can do". Alana looked at the detail of the sword. "It is beautiful"

She unsheathes it and takes a few practice swings. "Very light" Alana thought thinking about when she held the Gryffindor sword. She takes a few more.

Alana was so focused, that she didn't notice Professor Little and Professor Dumbledore walking into the room. Little smiled and walked up behind her.

Alana takes another swing, turning around to face Little. Little blocks her swing with his sword.

"Impressive" Little replied.

Alana looking startled disengages and swings her sword around to point at his face. Little surprised, doesn't parry, but lowers his sword. He holds both hands in a neutral position. Alana re-sheathes her sword and turns to place it in her bag.

"Professor Dumbledore!" Alana exclaimed.

"Little is right Ms.Deerr, very impressive" Dumbledore said.

"Thank you" Alana said nervously.

"Your not in trouble my dear, we just wanted to speak with you" Dumbledore said softly offering her a seat.

"I noticed your talent in swordplay," Dumbledore said.

"On that day of the auction" Alana answered for him as he nodded.

"Yes, I've been contemplating on this decision for a very long time" Dumbledore said seriously.

"What decision" Alana said looking at Little.

"For you to get private lessons in wizard swordplay from Professor Little, we haven't taught this rare skill in over 100 years" Dumbledore said.

"Really" Alana said surprised.

"Yes, you have great potential Alana, you just need some guidance" Little said.

"There are a few other potentials that we are considering but for now you will receive lessons from Little. The lessons will replace your divination class on Friday's" Dumbledore said as Alana nodded.

"Yes professor" Alana replied getting up taking her sword.

Little nodded goodbye to Alana as she left.

"Hopefully these lessons will help her understand who she really is" Dumbledore said as Little nodded. "Good day professor I have one more stop to make" he said leaving.

"I'll finally fulfill my family's debt" Little thought. "I'm glad that sword is working out for her" he said out loud.

"I will make an effort this time" Harry thought as he glanced at professor Snape sitting at the head table in the great hall.

Harry open his gift given to him by Lupin. "Beginners gudie to Occlumency and Legilimency" he read opening the heavy book. Harry felt someone next to him, but he knew no one was in the great hall.

"Alana's asleep, Ron and Hermonine are in the Library" Harry thought. He smiled remembering that he did leave Alana asleep in the common room.

"Harry where are you going, we just got back" Alana said sleepily trying to pull her boyfriend back down on the common room couch.

"Shh, get some sleep, shortie" Harry said straightening out his pajamas.

"I'm already rested" Alana said with a grin referring to what they were doing in Hogsmade.

"Some real" Harry began to say.

"Wait' Harry said blocking the memory off and looking at Snape.

Snape look startled and took a sip of water. Dumbledore entered the hall.

"Harry how are you" Dumbledore said walking towards him.

"Fine, I guess" Harry said closing the book. He looked over at Snape then at Dumbledore.

"That is a very good book but you still need some guidance" Dumbldedore said.

"You think so" Harry said remembering his private lessons last year.

"A lot has changed since then Harry, you need to learn this. You will restart your private lessons with Professor Snape at the start of the second semester" Dumbledore said.

Harry nodded and sighed as Dumbledore walked away. "That bastard was trying to get into my head". He realized that he was finally doing what Snape wanted him to do since their first lesson. Harry sighed wondering if he should be happy or angry at what Snape accomplished today.