A/N: Hey sorry that took forever, I've been very busy. I'm american so i had a big Thanksgiving holiday which really consumed a lot of my time, and then work was a bit overwhelming at school, but I've been plugging along. Also I think this is a fairly long chapter - It may be boring, i dont know, but it was necessary. Hope you enjoy! Oh and thank you so much to all the reviewers, i dont think you understand how happy you make me.
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While Harry was in Hermione's room, Ron told Lupin he needed to go think and left Lupin's roomfor his own. Ron found he was sweating, he wasn't sure why, he wasn't usually the sweating type of guy. He concluded he was nervous about Hermione, Why would I be nervous, so what if she's mad at me, it's not like I care about what she thinks or anything.
"But you do! All you care about is what she thinks of you!" Ron said to himself as he began pacing in front of his bed. "Too bad that she does think of you as a stupid oaf, you've gone and got her angry at you again!"
Ron stopped pacing and looked out the window longingly, "I wish she just knew how I felt about her."
"Maybe she does," Ron shrieked and looked onto his bed to see Fred and George remove invisibility cloaks from over their heads.
"What?! How'd you…! You never…!" Ron cried, pointing from them to the door.
"Newest invention! Soundless smoothies! Drink one and everything you do will be silent, including apparition," George exclaimed.
"Not on the market yet, just testing them out, never thought we'd be so lucky as to find out Ronnie's biggest secret," Fred explained with a snicker.
"Oh my god," Ron said burying his head in his hands.
"Don't worry little brother. We won't say a word. But, maybe you should…" George said with a grin.
"What," Ron's head snapped up to stare at his brother, "what are you talking about?"
"Well, this wasn't our first test run."
"Just a few minutes ago we popped soundlessly into the hallway, to overhear none other than our baby sister talking to Harry."
"And guess what they were talking about!"
"What?" Ron asked eagerly.
"Hermione!" George said clapping his hands as though talking to a 3 year old.
"What… what'd they say?" Ron asked nervously.
"Well, being the blabber mouth that she is, Ginny told Harry how Hermione has a bit of a crush on you." Ron's eyes went wide at Fred's words.
"But you didn't hear it from us!" George said, and before Ron knew it the two had disappeared without a sound.
Before Ron even had time to think about what they said, Harry opened the door and poked his head into the room.
"Oh, good, you're in here," Harry said entering the room.
"Yep, what's up?" Ron asked, trying not to seem too eager about Harry's visit with Hermione.
"I've just talked to Hermione," Harry began.
"And…?" Ron asked, leaning forward subconsciously.
"She's not that mad, at all, in fact, she, er, very happy that you knew you were wrong, and she, um, expressed to me that she really cares about you." Harry said looking at his feet, this wasn't one of the things Ron and he talked about very often. They talked about what girls were pretty, and when Harry liked Cho they talked about it occasionally, but they'd never talked about Hermione.
"Well, Fred and George just told me they overheard Ginny tell you that Hermione likes me. Is… is… it true?" Ron asked hesitantly.
"That's what she told me." Harry said, not able to suppress a smile. It was sort of amusing seeing Ron all worked up over a girl, especially Hermione. He had to admit they were made for each other.
"Harry... this, um," Ron winced slightly and started to turn pink, "may sound weird, but I've liked Hermione for so long."
Harry laughed, "I sort of knew Ron, you, well you haven't concealed it too well."
Ron blushed further at Harry's words. He got up from his seat on the bed and began walking around the room. "But what do I do now? How do I talk to her? If you knew, she probably knows too, I mean she's smarter than both of us combined. Do I tell her? Do I ask her to be my girlfriend? Ah I don't know how to handle this!" Ron's voice escalated as he continued, and Harry just sat watching him pace furiously.
"Ron, Ron, Ron, calm down. Just walk into Hermione's room and tell her you're sorry for being a giant git, and I don't know, take it from there." Harry reasoned.
"Yes, you're right," Ron took a deep breath, "I'm just going to go in there and apologize and see what she says, thanks Harry, you've helped a lot."
"Anytime," Harry said. Ron nodded back at him and walked out the door.
Ron tried to collect his thoughts as he walked towards Hermione's room, but was unsuccessful. A million thoughts flooded through his head, maybe she really does like me, maybe we can be a couple, am I supposed to kiss her?
He knocked on the door, someone called for him to come in. Hermione and Ginny were sitting on the floor leaning against a bed talking.
"Um, Ginny, can I, er…"
"Yeah, I'll go see if lunch will be ready any time soon," Ginny said as she got up and exited the room. Only Hermione noticed her wink right before the door closed.
Hermione motioned for Ron to come sit down next to her, and he complied.
"Hermione, I'm sorry I was such a dolt before, I didn't have any right to get mad at you," Ron admitted.
"Do you mean that, Ron?" Hermione said, beginning to smile at him.
"I do, I just get really worked up because it hurts that you might get all caught up with Viktor someday, and… and forget about me," Ron shrugged and started to blush, looking up at Hermione.
"Oh, Ron, I could never forget about you, you don't even realize how much I care about you," Hermione replied warmly, putting her hand on top of Ron's.
"You… you do?" Ron asked looking Hermione in the eye, sounding very surprised.
"Yes," Hermione said, also looking at him.
"Hermione, I…" Ron began, getting caught in the moment but lost for words, "really care about you too." Hermione smiled which gave Ron the encouragement to continue, "And, I like you, I have liked you, as more than a friend, since… well I can't even remember when."
"I've liked you too," Hermione whispered, mesmerized by Ron's words.
"I just want to be with you," Ron told her, surprised those words came out of his mouth.
"I want to be with you too," Hermione replied, shocked that this dream she had been having for years had finally come true.
Ron took Hermione's hand from on top of his own and laced his fingers through her own.
They sat for a moment like that, staring happily into each others eyes when there were 3 knocks on the door. "Lunch time you guys!" they heard Ginny call. Ron stood up and pulled Hermione up after. They walked out the door, Ron holding it open for Hermione, and proceeded down the hall and stairs toward the kitchen. Before entering the kitchen, Ron released Hermione's hand, not quite sure if he wanted anyone else to know about the two of them for now.
As they entered the room the two friends saw Harry, Ginny, Lupin, and Mrs. Weasley in an animated discussion about O.W.L. results.
"Our letters are here!" Harry yelled, waving his letter in the air.
"Oh my gosh, oh no, what do I do?!" Hermione said, face going pale and beginning to pace.
"Well open your letter, obviously," Ginny said handing her a letter, "Harry waited for the two of you, so go on, open them."
Ron and Hermione picked up their letters and stared at them nervously.
"Ok, then, on the count of 3," Harry positioned his hand ready to open the letter, "One, Two, Three."
The three friends viciously opened their letters, especially Hermione.
Each stared at their papers looking seemingly in a trance. Lupin, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley were watching the three avidly, trying to gauge their reactions. Lupin jumped up from the table when he noticed a tear slide down Hermione's face.
"Hermione! What's wrong?" Remus asked rushing over to her. When Mrs. Weasley and Ginny saw her they rushed over too.
Hermione wiped the tears from her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt and began to smile, "Nothing is wrong, nothing at all." Hermione now had a smile from ear to ear.
"Well then, what is it?" Ginny asked impatiently.
"I got… I got a perfect score." Hermione murmured quietly and turned her paper over to show the people standing in front of her.
"But… I heard McGonagall say once that no one had gotten a perfect score in over 10 years." Ginny said, moving forward to get a closer look at Hermione's paper.
"Oh Hermione! That is simply wonderful! We'll have to a have a celebration!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed giving Hermione a hug.
Hermione still seemed dazed, and kept re-reading her exam results to make sure it was not one of her many grade-obsessed dreams. History of Magic – O, Transfiguration – O, Potions – O, Herbology – O, Care of Magical Creatures – O, Defense Against the Dark Arts – O, Astronomy – O, Arithmancy – O.
"Well, boys how'd you do?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she looked over Ron's shoulder at his grades. Ron was actually fairly happy. He had studied a lot more than everyone thought; he even started over a month ahead. When everyone else was sleeping, he pulled his curtain shut and took out his books. No one realized how much Ron wanted to be an Auror; he wanted to prove himself worthy. Not bad, in the end, not bad at all, History of Magic – A (good thing Hermione let me copy her study guide), Transfiguration – O, Potions – O (2 hours a night for 6 weeks, I'd hope so), Herbology –E (well Neville can bloody never stop talking about it), Care of Magical Creatures – E (Once we had Professor Grubby-Plank), Defense Against the Dark Arts – O (Obviously, thanks to the DA), Astronomy – A (Well, they were arresting Hagrid!), Divination – P (Now if had done good, I would have been worried)
"Oh, Ronald, I'm so proud of you!" Mrs. Weasley gave her son a suffocating hug.
"Mum, mum, enough!" Ron croaked, struggling to breath
"Oh I'm sorry sweetie, but I'm just so proud of you, 8 O.W.L.'s! How wonderful! I can't wait to tell your father."
"How'd you do mate?" Ron began to blush at his mothers words so he figured he could direct the attention towards Harry.
"Pretty good," By that I mean that I am using all measures of personal restraint to stop myself from dancing and screaming for joy, who would have thought?! Well, actually, I was studying every night when everyone else was sleeping. You never know when you might need a tiny bit of information in the midst of a war. History of Magic - A (good enough for me), Transfiguration – O (Oh McGonagall will be proud), Potions – O (bite me, Snape), Herbology – O (Neville talks about it in his sleep, I must have picked up a little), Care of Magical Creatures – E (We got a head start from Grubby-Plank), Defense Against the Dark Arts – O (I'd hope I know it well by now), Astronomy – P (Well what do you expect?!), Divination – A (At least I didn't describe the reflection of the man on the other side of the glass ball like Ron did).
"Harry you did lovely too!" Mrs. Weasley hugged Harry, a little quicker than with Ron (Thankfully).
"Oh wow, I wonder if I should take full N.E.W.T. courses then! Of course I should! This is so exciting! I've been looking so forward to my N.E.W.T. years, I hear you learn more in 1 N.E.W.T. level year than in the first 4 years of Hogwarts combined!" Hermione exclaimed, finally expressing everything she was thinking.
"Oh great, sounds like this year will be a blast." Ron murmured, rolling his eyes.
"I know. I hear the minimum number of classes you have to take is 4 though, so that's pretty good." Harry responded with a grin.
"Wicked!" Ron exclaimed, as he high-fived Harry.
"Oh you boys will not be taking just 4 classes! If you want to get anywhere after Hogwarts you know you'll have to push yourselves a little harder than that!" Hermione was waving her finger at the boys with other hand on her hip, looking more like Molly Weasley than could be imagined.
After Hermione's speech another owl flew in through the kitchen window and dropped letters in front of Hermione, Ron, and Harry.
"What now?" Ron asked opening up his letter. Ron read the letter carefully.
Mr. Weasley,
Congratulations on completing your O.W.L. exams. For the upcoming near, you will need to apply for the N.E.W.T. level classes you wish to take for your final two years of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please fill out the attached form and indicate which classes you would like to apply for and send it back within the next week. The corresponding teachers will be told of your application and will examine your O.W.L. scores and past performances and see if you are eligible for their class. You will be notified of your acceptances and informed of your necessary supplies around the time when the other school letters are sent out. Please do not take your decision lightly as your N.E.W.T. classes will effect your profession after Hogwarts.
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"How Exciting!" Hermione exclaimed when she finished reading her letter, "Can you believe we are already going into N.E.W.T. classes? Oh this is going to be such a hard choice; I just want to take all my classes.
"You better not do the time-turner thing again," Harry said warningly.
"What? Who used a time-turner?" Mrs. Weasley demanded.
"Nothing mum," Ron lied, "it's just an expression."
"Oh, well then, what classes will you three be taking?" Mrs. Weasley asked politely, forgetting all about the time-turner 'expression'.
"I think we'll have to think about it a while," Harry said.
"Yeah," Ron agreed, he didn't want to tell his mom quite yet that he wanted to be an Auror. He didn't think she'd take it well; she didn't like him being in danger.
"I need to go start thinking about this," Hermione started walking towards the kitchen door.
"But Hermione it's not due for a week!" Ron called as she was exiting. He knew there was no point, she's probably already up in her room reading through all her books trying to decide which subjects she likes best.
"With Hermione, I think we all know there's no stopping her now."
Ron jerked his head quickly toward the door to see his Headmaster standing in the doorway staring right back at him, eyes twinkling.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir, what are you doing here?" Ron asked, in a bit of a daze.
"Ah, well, Mr. Weasley, I believe I have scheduled an appointment with Mr. Potter."
Harry stood up from his seat at the table, "Yes sir." Harry walked forward toward Dumbledore.
"Well then, I guess we will be seeing you all in a little while, enjoy the rest of your lunch." With a twinkle, Dumbledore put his hand on Harry's shoulder and guided him out the door.
"Harry, I figured we could talk in the library, I don't think you've ever been in there yet. It is another one of the rooms Sirius has masterfully redone. It is also where Mr. Lupin spends most of his time, here in Grimmauld Place. I daresay if Ms. Granger ever found it we'd never see her again." Dumbledore then turned to face Harry, his brilliant blue eyes still twinkling. Harry wondered what they were going to talk about, Dumbledore sure seemed extremely happy.
Dumbledore finally turned away from Harry and led him down an unfamiliar hallway that Harry had never noticed before. It was apparently through a door that was off of the hallway leading to the basement kitchen. The headmaster stopped in front of a beautiful dark oak wood door with a shining gold handle. When Harry entered the room he was amazed at how nice it was. It was fairly large, yet still very cozy. A fireplace was going on the far wall, and bookshelves covered in books lined every inch of every wall. There was a beautiful red oriental rug and large black leather chairs were positioned about the room. Facing the fireplace was a matching black leather couch surrounded by a few chairs and a wooden table. Overall, the room looked very inviting and Harry agreed with Dumbledore that Hermione would have a field day if she ever realized all the books she had access to here.
"Come, let's sit down by the fire, it's a bit chilly in here, don't you think." Dumbledore said clasping his navy blue robe to his old body.
Harry just nodded and followed Dumbledore to the other side of the room where he sat down in one of the chairs, which he found was extremely comfortable.
With a flick of Dumbledore's wand, tea and a dish of lemon drops were sitting on the table that was separating the two wizards. "Tea or lemon drops?" Dumbledore asked Harry as he reached for both for himself.
"No thank you, sir." Harry replied shaking his head.
"Very well, more for me," Dumbledore said as he put a lemon drop in his mouth. "Well Harry, there is a lot I wish to talk to you about. Where to begin? Oh yes, firstly, how are you? How has your summer been thus far?" Dumbledore asked, looking intently at Harry. Harry felt as if he was searching Harry's soul for the answers to the greatest mysteries on earth, when he was just looking for the answer to a simple question.
"It's been fine, Headmaster, and yours?" Harry replied politely.
"No, no, Harry. We will be working together a lot in the upcoming months, as I will explain later. You are going to have to be open with me. You had no problem expressing your anger to me at the end of the past school year. I need to know how you are doing Harry, I'm here to listen." Dumbledore sounded very serious, yet retained his caring nature. Harry didn't know quite what to think, was Dumbledore trying to be his psychologist?
"Well, sir, to be honest, I think about Sirius many times a day, living in this house is a constant reminder of what I've done to him, and I just don't know what to do about it."
"Harry there's nothing you can do." Dumbledore said plainly.
"I feel like I should be doing something though, it doesn't seem rightto just sit around socializing when the person who killed Sirius is running around out there killing people!" Harry didn't know where his anger was coming from, he was fine before. He hadn't talked about Sirius with anyone yet. He had so many feelings about all of it, all bottled up… well… Dumbledore was telling him to be open about it.
"Harry, I know this is hard, you've lost a lot of people in your life already, more than any person should ever have to. But if you keep blaming yourself for Sirius's death, you will lead the wizarding world to its death." Dumbledore was almost pleading with Harry. It hurt the old wizard dearly to see Harry hurt, he cared for Harry deeply, the boy felt like a son to him. The boy had faced so much already… and he knew there was so much more to come.
"But Sir, I am not even doing any thing. I'm sitting here idly, I'm the only one who can stop Voldemort and I'm sitting at the kitchen table worrying about my O.W.L.'s."
Dumbledore smiled, "Well Harry you've brought us to our next point. It's time for you to get a little more involved. With power comes responsibility; you have the power, and this year you will be taking on a lot more responsibility."
Harry's stomach fluttered at Dumbledore's words, he was excited for responsibility. Maybe he would be allowed to join the order? No, they probably just want me to ignore Malfoy or something unimportant.
"Firstly, Harry, you were in a very dangerous battle position at the ministry. Though in the past 2 years you have battled Voldemort twice, I daresay you've gotten a bit lucky each time. There is no doubt that he is a powerful wizard, and you also are too, you just have not had time to develop as he has. So this summer and continuing through the year, you will be instructed by Order members on the skills you will eventually need to face Voldemort."
"So… I'm going to be in class over the summer?" Harry asked, the excitement leaving him as quick as it had come.
"No, no, no," Dumbledore chuckled, "Rest assured, this will be nothing like the classes you are used to. Your first lesson will be this evening after dinner with Alastor. Your instructors have been discussing what they believe is most important and each will be teaching you a different aspect of battle." Dumbledore was smiling broadly, enjoy watching the expressions on Harry's face change with each sentence he said.
"Who will the instructors be?" Harry asked, barely able to sit still.
"Well, Alastor, as I mentioned already, Remus, Tonks, Kingsley, Minerva occasionally, and myself."
"What will you be teaching me, sir?" Harry asked, he knew how powerful Dumbledore was. The only one he fears, Harry thought. Certainly with Dumbledore's help he'd be a force for Voldemort to reckon with.
"Well, seeing as how things didn't work out so well with Professor Snape, I believe it is in everyone's best interest if I personally teach you Occlumency. This way, I hope you will actually make some progress and avoid another incident like last year."
"When will we start?" Harry was eager, he thought the subject of occlumency was very important now and couldn't wait to begin (especially since it was Dumbledore instead of Snape).
"Hm… How does tomorrow sound? Around the same time as today?" Dumbledore inquired, taking another lemon drop from the dish.
"That sounds fine, sir," Harry replied.
"Lovely! Moving on, I am pleased to hear that you have a new legal guardian," Dumbledore was smiling at Harry with twinkling eyes.
"Yes, it was one of Sirius's last wishes," Harry replied sorrowfully.
"Yes, so it was, but does it not please you?" Dumbledore looked slightly concerned.
"I'm very happy about it, I've liked Remus since I first met him, its just that I'm going through guardians pretty quickly now, I wouldn't want to cause Remus's death like I did Sirius."
"Harry, you need to get past the fact that you weren't the cause of Sirius's death. I want you to think about Sirius, and what he would be thinking about you blaming yourself for his death. And Remus knows the responsibilities of being your guardian. I think it actually pleases him more than anything that's happened to him since he came to teach at Hogwarts."
"Do you really mean that? Is he actually happy to be my guardian?" So many thoughts were running through Harry's head, does he actually care for me? Does he know the consequences of being associated with the boy who lived?
"Harry, I think there is a lot for you to know about Mr. Lupin. Since your parents' deaths, he was extremely depressed for a long time. The marauders, as they call themselves, thrived off each other. Remus's world came crashing to a hault when three of his closest friends were suddenly gone. And we mustn't forget his lycanthropy, because he sure doesn't. As long as society can't get past his condition, he will never be able to either. As you know, it is extremely difficult for him to get a job in the wizarding world. He has been working at a muggle bookshop outside Diagon Alley since he resigned from his post at Hogwarts." Dumbledore explained to Harry.
"Where does he live?" Harry asked, suddenly very concerned for his new parent.
"I believe in a small apartment near his job. He sadly does not get very high wages at his job, but as you know he lives here in Grimmauld Place during the summers. I think living here with you and seeing all of the Order members is the favorite part of his year."
Harry was speechless, he'd noticed before when Lupin would get a sad look in his eyes, reflecting all of the hurt that's been in his life. He hadn't thought about how bad Sirius's death must have been for him. To think you have your best friend back who was gone for 12 years, just to die again. Harry couldn't help it, tears welled up in his eyes. He'd been so good about crying in front of others so far, saving his sobs for late at night with his face buried in his pillow.
Dumbledore just watched the young wizard sniffle and rub his eyes to prevent a tear from dropping from his green eyes. The usually exuberant old man looked extremely dejected, and felt himself like crying. Though Dumbledore believed that crying was simply the opposite of smiling, and nothing to be ashamed of, he felt it would be inappropriate to try and reassure Harry. The boy lost another person, but there is no comfort but the comfort of time and self-revelations that can fix anything, or so Dumbledore believed.
After giving Harry sometime to think, Dumbledore decided it was time to speak up, "Harry, have you considered telling Remus about the prophecy now that he is your guardian?"
"Oh man!" Harry exclaimed as he smacked himself on the head, "I totally forgot, you see, I told Ron and Hermione, and well Ginny too, and they just reinforced so much that there's no rush to tell anyone so I've sort of put it in the back of my mind. I feel like rubbish that I didn't tell Remus, after he's opened up to me so much."
"So then you intend to?" Dumbledore asked curiously.
"Yes, for sure," Harry responded.
"I think that is a wise decision, and from the leader of the Order, I assure you that Remus is one of our most trusted members and would never tell a soul." Dumbledore wanted to reassure Harry that it was important to tell Remus; Remus had to know everything about Harry to be able to guide him through this difficult time.
"Oh, I have no doubts about that. Professor…" Harry stopped talking and looked down at his feet for a moment before he looked back at a pair of blue eyes that were watching him intently. Harry tried again, "Professor, can I join the Order?"
Dumbledore smiled knowingly, "That was actually our next order of business, no pun intended. I thought you'd be asking me soon."
Harry looked at Dumbledore expectantly, waiting for him to continue.
"Well Harry I've thought about this a lot. As you know from our talk last year, it is very hard for me to decide these issues about you, as my personal feelings for you get in the way. However, I believe on this issue I have made the right decision. In light of your knowledge of the prophecy and your involvement with it (which the Order does not even know about) I believe it would be appropriate for you to join the Order now."
It was very difficult for Harry to hold back the cry of victory he was trying so hard to suppress, "Yes! Er… Sir, will Ron and Hermione be allowed to join too?"
"Alas, no. Mrs. Weasley insists that Ron is still too young, for I just asked her at our last meeting. I also had Minerva speak with the Grangers before they went into hiding, and from what they could gather about it after Minerva's explanation they decided it was too dangerous for their daughter and would prefer to let her wait until she's a legal adult."
"But, then, I'll be the only student joining?" Harry inquired tentatively.
"Yes, but I'm pleased to tell you that Fred and George just joined the Order at the beginning of the summer."
"Fred and George?! Fred and George WEASLEY?" Harry was sure Dumbledore must be mistaken. First of all, Mrs. Weasley would never let them join. Second of all, would they even want to? Weren't they busy with the joke shop?
"Oh yes, and I feel they will be an important asset to the Order," Dumbledore divulged.
"Asset?" now Harry was just plain curious, "with what, they're jokes?" Harry's temper was rising, if Dumbledore thought two pranksters will be an important asset then perhaps he should try a little harder with his recruiting.
"As a matter of fact, indeed! While the two never quite… applied themselves in school, there is no doubt in my mind they were two of the brightest in their class. The inventions they make are by no means simple at all; even if they are just practical jokes," Dumbledore speculated.
"So how are they going to help the Order?" Harry wasn't convinced. Even if they are bright; they have no experience in fighting other wizards.
"Fred and George have agreed to start working on inventions that could be useful to the Order while they also work on things for their new store. I believe they have already developed one and are in the testing stage. I seem to recollect them calling them 'Soundless Smoothies'." Dumbledore recalled.
"Oh… yes, that," while Harry thought it was great the twins were helping the Order he wished they could do it without eavesdropping on his conversations.
"Indeed that, it should be revolutionary in the art of surprise; with an invisibility cloak, we will be able to apparate unnoticed to battle scenes attack people without being seen."
"Yah, I never thought of that… but couldn't that be dangerous if someone on the other side has an eye like Moody's or something and then the Order member will not be prepared to defend themselves," Harry asserted.
"Interesting point, Harry," Dumbledore said as he considered Harry's point, "But, an idea that is not dangerous is unworthy to be called an idea at all." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he reached forward for another lemon drop.
"Well then, since you seem so eager, why not have the induction into the Order… well today's Monday so…. At the meeting Wednesday night? Will that work for you?" Dumbledore asked excitedly.
"Yes, that's fine sir, but can I tell Hermione and Ron?" Harry felt bad that he was able to join and his friends weren't. Then again, he was the one who was destined to bring or be brought down by the Dark Lord to top all Dark Lords.
"Of course you can tell them you are joining, and as to what we discuss… well I'd say use your judgement. Though it was long ago, I seem to recall nothing stays a secret for long between teenagers," Dumbledore smiled as he poured himself some tea, "Tea?"
"No thank you sir," Harry was glad he'd at least be able to tell his friends everything.
"Suit yourself," Dumbledore took a sip, "Mmm, tea and lemon drops are always delectable at noon, in my opinion. Well, Harry, we have a few more matters to discuss. Do you remember that secret Defense Association you and your friends established last year?"
"Yes sir, and oh sir, I never got the chance to properly thank you for, er, for getting fired in order to save my… to save me from getting expelled. It was a stupid idea of us…"
Harry got cut off by Dumbledore who had his hand held up, "No, no, Harry. It was not a stupid idea at all. I commend you on the idea, as a matter of fact. Getting all of the houses together, especially during the time like this and when there is only so much time for defense to be taught in class," Dumbledore protested.
"But still sir, we shouldn't have named it Dumbledore's army. I should have known that if someone saw the list you would immediately be the one to get in trouble," Harry reasoned, still mad at himself for causing Dumbledore to go into hiding.
"I'm honored that my name was on the top of your list, I wish I was as clever as Hermione to think of starting the club!" the old wizard joked. "But in all seriousness, Harry, it was great to see that list- people from all different houses willingly meeting up together to learn self defense from each other. And so, I was wondering you would like to continue with the Defense Association (if you don't mind a bit of a name change). It would of course not need to be secret, since I will be Headmaster again once school starts."
"You really want me to do it? I'm not that good at teaching… and some people were hesitant to listen," Harry reasoned.
"Of course, I can think of no one else better suited for the job. I think it will be great for building character building, not only for you, but for all of the students to realize that it is not shameful to listen to each other and work together. As the sorting hat said last year, it is time for us all to unite. And perhaps if the club was not banned by the school, less people will be uncertain about joining. And if people don't want to listen to you, then they will not, however I have confidence that they will," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he reassured Harry, "And from what I've heard, you are an exquisite teacher."
"Ok then, I'll do it," Harry agreed.
"Excellent, we will make more formal arrangements about it once school nears." Dumbledore cleared his throat, "Now, might I be correct to guess that you received or O.W.L. results today?"
"Yes sir, just before lunch," Harry replied softly, he'd forgotten about them. He couldn't believe he hadn't failed anything!
"I've very proud of how well you did, Harry. You have a bright future ahead of you. I was wondering if you'd thought about what classes you would like to take this year, at N.E.W.T. level." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled slightly; Harry couldn't help but stare at this confident man.
How could Dumbledore have so much faith in him? 'You have a bright future ahead of you', Yeah, assuming I kill Voldemort and make it out alive, Harry thought bitterly.
"Well, I plan to just take all of the necessary classes to go into Auror training after Hogwarts," Harry told the old wizard.
"Yes, I do recall Minerva telling me that," Dumbledore looked down at the floor in concentration, "Yes, well, that was all I was wondering for now. Anything that you, perhaps, would like to discuss?"
"Um, no sir, nothing I can think of," Harry replied casually. This was a very nice conversation. Usually when he talked to Dumbledore for extended periods of time it was usually after seeing Voldemort. The casual air to the conversation was very comforting to Harry, as though his Headmaster came to see him just because he enjoyed the company- not because he needed special treatment so he could bring down a dark lord.
"Then I suppose I should be going, I have an appointment soon with the Minister of Magic and his council, much to my dismay." Dumbledore smiled and Harry suddenly noticed all of the many wrinkles on his face – wow the man was old, "I will see you at your induction to the Order, Harry. Oh and dress robes, please, it will be a formal and time-honored affair."
Dumbledore pocketed a few lemon drops, and with a pop the old wizard was gone.
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A/N: Don't forget to review please! Hope you enjoyed it! if not, tell me why please