I own nothing, J K Rowling IS Harry Potter. All my 'ideas' are basically ripped from stuff I enjoy; Harry Potter (duh!), Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars, Star Trek, Dragonball, The Matrix, The Lion King, 24, and anything else that even remotely looks far too creative for me to just make up! Don't say I didn't warn you alright!

Well, I am an Aussie, so I had to put something about it in there! Besides, it is my story after all. Not sure if Trent being an Aussie will actually mean anything. I just felt that I needed to explain why his Patronus was a 'roo.

And before anyone asks, I'll answer a question you may have after reading this chapter. Yes, I did have some…discomfort writing parts of this (despite me taking the inspiration for it from a story I've read but can't remember. If you're reading this, my apologies. I only hope you aren't too mad!).

Chapter 10 – Back To Reality

"Well, c'mon Harry, don't hold out on us! Where'd you go? What'd you do?" Ginny pleaded.

"I went to a place a bit like the Room of Requirement, where time passes much quicker. In fact, I've spent a year training, despite only being gone for a day."

Hermione grumbled "I've never read anything about that kind of thing."

"As for what I did, I just got some training in muggle martial arts."

"That doesn't sound like much, Harry. Why'd you even bother, I mean magic will do more damage" Ron said as he walked into the kitchen.

Remus just looked at Harry before replying "yes Ron, magic would do more damage. But Harry's now much fitter than he was, which means he has more stamina. More stamina means he can last longer in duels. The longer you can last in a duel, eventually your opponent will tire…"

"And then you'll have the upper hand, because you'll still feel fresh, while your opponent gets sloppy" Trent cut in.

Ron looked like he was going to argue, but a look from Ginny quickly told him that he was wrong and should keep quiet. Hermione then spoke up "er, Professor Fuller?"

Trent smiled "I'm not your Professor for another month yet Hermione. Please, call me Trent."

Hermione blushed slightly before asking "what kind of things will we be covering in Advanced Defence this year?"

"Well, the main thing I'll be focusing on for this year will be minor Dark Arts spells and how to defend against them. Remus tells me that you've covered dark creatures, curses, hexes and jinxes, but not much on the Dark Arts. Oh, and of course sixth year means you have to learn about the Unforgivables."

"We did that in fourth year though, Trent" Harry told him.

"No, you covered them in fourth year. You got told what they are and what they did. I'll be going into much more depth. And you'll be the ones casting them, unlike that year."

"But they're called the Unforgivables for a reason. Wouldn't we get chucked in Azkaban for that?" Harry asked.

It was Molly that answered "Don't worry dears, it's not that big a deal. The only reason for the casting, is that it's very hard to explain what you need to feel to cast them"

"You'll probably only get to practice them once or twice anyway. I'm not allocating much time for it. Besides in a war, you must sometimes take drastic measures just to stay alive. I'm just doing what my job description says, and it states that sixth years need to learn the Unforgivables."

The students looked stunned, but didn't say anything. Lunch was a rowdy affair, with Fred and George constantly pestering Harry to further explain if he'd spent a year in this place, why hadn't he changed in noticeable way? Harry was trying to tell them that he had changed, and that'd he'd had his main growth spurt before he left, therefore there wasn't much different about him, but the more he explained it, the more the twins got confused. Trent excused himself, saying he had to get back to Hogwarts to finish off his lesson plans, plus to meet his fellow Professors. He said it wouldn't look very professional to not know who he was expected to be working with.

Harry went off to read some of more of the books he got for his birthday, with Hermione following him wanting to read some of his books as well, while Ron and Ginny decided to play wizards chess. The rest of the day went quickly by, with nothing of great importance occurring, Ron had beaten Ginny quite comfortably, while Hermione and Harry were quizzing each other on some of the information they had read.

Dinner was uneventful, and before long, Harry had decided to go to bed. He cleared his mind, finding this remarkably easy now that Trent had showed him how to do it properly, before finally falling asleep dreaming of what this school year would bring.

Harry awoke quite early and was the first one down into the kitchen. As he was preparing his breakfast, Remus came in and yawned a greeting.

"M…morning Harry."

"Morning Remus, what're you going to do today? When do you reckon we'll be getting our school supplies?"

Remus rubbed the remaining sleep out of his eyes before yawning again in reply "I haven't really thought about it Harry. I'm not sure when you'll be going to Diagon Alley for supplies, maybe we should ask Albus or something. It's quite busy around this time, might be a bit dangerous to be wandering around alone."

Harry shrugged "I guess. You know if anything's been done about Voldemort trying to break out the Death Eaters that we captured at the Ministry?"

"No I don't. But then again, I haven't been back here for a full day yet" Remus reminded him.

Harry mentally slapped himself, but said nothing more about the matter while the two of them were joined at the table by the Weasley's. Once again, the chatter centred around Harry's training, and when he'd be giving everyone a demonstration.

Harry was thinking he was watching a tennis match with the amount he had to keep turning his head to answer the next question as best he could when Arthur Weasley announced that they'd be going to Diagon Alley on the weekend to get their supplies. He explained that should provide enough time to appease Mad-Eye Moody's paranoia about having enough guards to be safe.

Fred and George then started teasing the others about them having to go back to school until Harry had threatened them with demonstrating some of the pranks he'd picked up from both Trent and Remus during his training. This quickly quietened the twins down, much to Remus' amusement.

The weekend finally came, and with it came the trip to Diagon Alley. Breakfast came and went, with Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny looking forward to getting out of the house for a while. They, along with Molly, Remus and Bill, flooed to the Leaky Cauldron, where they were met up with Mad-Eye Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Tonks, who sported a more subdued long, light brown hair style.

"Wotcher guys! Ready to go shopping?"

Remus just rolled his eyes before turning to Bill and asking "what is it with witches and shopping?"

Molly glared at him and replied "the same could be asked about wizards and Quidditch."

Instantly, Harry, Ron and Bill got a dreamy look on their face while Hermione muttered "boys!" under her breath, but still loud enough for them to hear.

Moody was starting to get impatient and growled "as much as I'd love to stay and chat, we'd best get going."

He walked out of the pub towards the wall and proceeded to tap the bricks that was the entry of Diagon Alley. Harry could almost feel the magic coming from each shop as they walked passed. No matter how many times he visited, he never grew tired of it. The group made their way to where Gringotts was located and walked into the foyer.

They reached the teller, and got told to wait while enough carriages were prepared. Ron and Ginny were accompanied by Bill, Molly, Kingsley and Tonks, while Harry and Hermione had Remus and Moody as their escorts.

Once Harry had reached his vault, he gave Griphook the lamp and his key. The door clicked open and four jaws hit the floor. If Harry had been overwhelmed the first time he came here five years ago, it was nothing compared to how he was feeling now. There were stacks upon stacks of gleaming golden galleons, much more than Harry had been familiar with.

Hermione looked at Harry and said "is…is this all yours?"

Harry nodded before finding his voice "Sirius mentioned the Black fortune, but…wow, and that's even with half of it gone!"

"I think wow sums it up nicely, Potter" Moody chuckled.

"What do you mean that half of its gone, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"I gave Remus half the Black fortune. It was only fair we split it up seeing as though we were the only two mentioned in Sirius' will."

The quartet made their way into the vault and Harry looked around before he spotted a battered old trunk. He asked Moody if he thought the trunk was safe to open, and after getting his approval, whispered "Alohamora". The trunk snapped open to reveal several old books, most of which were about the Dark Arts.

Harry asked Griphook if he could take the trunk home with him, and shrunk it after Griphook said that it wouldn't be a problem. After getting some money, the four of them made their way back to meet the rest.

They got all of their supplies, including new robes, books and potion ingredients, without any incident, before making their way back to the Leaky Cauldron. They stopped by to see Fred and George, and were impressed with how well business was doing. They didn't stay too long, as the twins were running around attending to customers. They reached the Leaky Cauldron and flooed home to Grimmauld Place

Once back in the familiar surroundings of Grimmauld Place, Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione dropped off their supplies before getting ready for dinner. After they had finished, Harry and Ron had a quick game of chess (with Ron winning again), before Harry decided to go to bed. As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but think that Voldemort had been strangely quiet, and wondered what he had planned for Harry during the upcoming school year.

The morning of August 17 dawned, and with it came Sirius' funeral. Harry had been dreading this day ever since Remus reminded him about it whilst they were training in the Spirit Room. In the end, Harry had Remus agree that it was to be a small procession. Only the Order, and Harry's closest friends would be allowed to attend.

Breakfast was over and everyone was getting ready for the trip to Godric's Hollow. Harry had to admit that he was feeling a little nervous about seeing the place that Voldemort had killed his parents, but Remus assured him that he'd be fine. Harry grabbed the speech he'd prepared, and made his way to the living room and waited for everyone else to arrive.

The final list of people who would be attending were Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Professor's Dumbledore and McGonagall, Remus, Mad-Eye Moody, Tonks and Kingsley. Mr. Weasley had been fortunate enough to get a couple of Ministry cars for the occasion and once everyone had piled in, they set off.

They arrived at Godric's Hollow a while later, and Harry wandered around a bit while everything was being organised. Remus pointed out where Harry's parents' house once stood, and Harry was a little grieved that someone else had built another house on top of it. But Harry quickly shook off those thoughts as he reminded himself that nearly fifteen years had passed since that unforgettable night. Harry and Remus were then called back to start the funeral.

Harry walked over to the casket. It felt strange to be burying something that was supposed to have his Godfather in, but instead was empty. He moved his gaze from the casket, and began to look at everyone. Dumbledore's eyes still held a slight twinkle, but most of the shine was gone. Remus looked almost as bad as he did after a full moon, and frankly, Harry didn't blame him. After all, he'd just lost another of his closest friends.

Harry felt another knot in his stomach as he looked back down at the empty casket. He looked up and stared off in to space. 'It's now or never,' he thought before addressing the crowd.

"I thought this day would be years in my future," he began his speech. Although he had brought his speech, he really didn't need it. He turned his gaze back to the people.

"Standing here giving this speech, standing here with all of you. There would be more of us because Sirius, undoubtedly, would've made friends with just about everyone he met. In fact, I didn't really see myself alone here either. I saw myself with my wife and children, and saw Sirius growing old with them.

"No one could replace my father, no one. I never knew him, but he hasn't left my side since the day he left this Earth. My mother hasn't left since the moment I was born. No one could replace them, despite me never knowing them. They were one-in-a-million.

"Sirius was the closest thing I'd ever had to a father. He died protecting me, something he promised he would do if he needed to. I wish he never had to, because he brought something into this world that we all could use right now; happiness.

"When I was with him, I never saw him happier. But that doesn't mean he wasn't. I may not like it, and many of you won't either, but right now he's the happiest he's been all his life. Life is but a journey, with death being one road we all must eventually take. Sirius is back with my parents."

Harry looked over to Remus. He had showed his speech to him earlier and was given a nod of approval

"And when the time comes, the Marauder's will be back together. The true Marauder's; James Potter, Lily Potter, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin. They were best friends, and often that's what keeps people going sometimes. The idea that friends are forever, is something I'm willing to stake my life on."

He looked over at Ron, Hermione and Ginny. He gave them all a smile, which they returned. But Harry could see tears falling down Hermione's and Ginny's faces. He quickly turned back to the casket.

"But the people we meet, the lives we touch, they never truly leave us. When they are gone, you are all that remains. If you remember them, talk about them, and love them, they will never die. History turns to legend. Legend turns to myth. And myths are forgotten.

"But friendship, true friendship, can never be forgotten or lost. It will never die. The truth is that none of us die so long as we are loved. Sirius was loved, by his friends, and by me. What he has done for my life, and the lives of so many others, I will never forget. I hope you won't either. Thank you for coming here, and thanks for listening."

Harry touched the empty casket one last time before making his way back to his seat.

Remus said a quick speech, but Harry wasn't really listening. He was too caught up in his own thoughts, and couldn't even remember the ride back to Grimmauld Place. He didn't remember having dinner or even going to bed.

Harry did remember thinking he had gotten over Sirius when he and Remus were talking about of the fun times they'd spent during Harry's training. How wrong he was. Harry realised that while he may forgive himself for sending Sirius to his death, he vowed to never forget it. Harry had told Hermione that his training had been the longest day of his life. Today had arguably been the hardest.

The next couple of weeks went by smoothly, with Harry deciding to continue with his martial arts training, but only with Remus teaching, as Trent was still settling himself in at Hogwarts. It was the last day of August and he and Remus were in the middle of a somewhat one sided duel, as Remus had decided that Harry needed to learn to fight against multiple opponents at once, with the Weasley's and Hermione for an audience, when Trent came in and interrupted them.

"Afternoon all, hope I'm not bothering you but I have a message for you, Remus."

Remus stopped and asked "could your timing have been any more pathetic, Trent? Well, what is it then that's so important to disrupt our little duel?"

Trent managed to look ashamed, despite the twinkle in his eyes, before answering.

"Albus has decided that you'll be helping me take the Duelling classes this year. I just thought you needed a couple days to get ready, that's all. Sorry to interrupt, but you guys weren't taking it very seriously anyway. How about we give a real show? You two verse me, anything goes, including duplication. But I'll make it fairer by saying that only you two can do that. Also, no really painful curses or Unforgivables please. What say you?"

Harry just turned to Remus before smiling broadly. "Sure Trent, why not. Although it'll hardly be fair."

"No it, won't, but don't get cocky, Potter. Besides, no one's seen me in action for twenty years."

"All right then Trent, I'm game, but on one other condition" Remus said.

"What's that wolf boy?"

"No wandless magic allowed."

"Yeah right, do I look stupid to you, Remus! That's the only advantage I have over you two" Trent stifled a laugh.

"He's got a point Remus, we accept your rules."

"Alright Harry. Fred, would you like to do the honours?"

"Certainly, you may begin on the count of five; one…two…bugger it, five!" Fred said

No sooner had Fred said 'five' the battle began. Harry and Remus both cast the duplication spell, and suddenly, instead of two on one, it became six on one. Trent took it in his stride and throwing spells left right and centre at such a pace, that those watching could barely make out what spells were being used. Harry and Remus were comfortably holding their own, while Trent looked a little worse for wear, until Trent cried out,

"Erasio persona!"

The two additional Harry's and Remus' disappeared in an instant, and once again there were just the three of them. Remus and Harry were eyeing Trent carefully, thinking what moves they could use, when Trent decided to turn up the heat and raised his hand.

"Cosmino Halo!"

A golden ring of light emerged at the tip of Trent's outstretched hand, which proceeded to grow in size until it took up the area of a dining table. Everyone else, including Harry and Remus, just stood there, trying to figure out what Trent was doing. All of a sudden the ring vanished, before reappearing, surrounding both Harry and Remus.

"I don't like this, Harry, what do you think it is?"

"How should I know? I was going to ask you the same question!"

"Don't worry boys, I'm just going to put the squeeze on you a bit" Trent smirked.

With that, the ring constricted in size crushing the two of them together.

"Jeez Remus, you should lose some weight, it's getting a bit crowded."

"Oh shut up, Harry. What do you think? Time to raise the stakes a bit?"

Harry grinned "I reckon you're right. Let's kick it up a peg or three."

They both concentrated a bit and were rewarded with an explosion of light. When everyone could see again, the golden ring was no more. Both Harry and Remus were standing together, with a yellow glow enveloping them.

"Nice try guys. I see your level, and I'll raise you"

Trent then concentrated before he himself was glowing, this time a golden glow encompassing his body. Within ten seconds, both Harry and Remus were disarmed, and currently unable to move. Once the spell had worn off, Trent politely bowed to Remus and Harry, before turning to the gathered audience and saying

"And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how we do that."

"Told you we should've banned wandless magic, Harry, but no, don't listen to me!"

Harry just rolled his eyes before turning to Trent. "Exactly what was halo thing you used, and don't say wandless magic, either!" Harry added just as Trent opened his mouth.

Trent laughed "you're quick, I'll give you that! It was my own personal variation of an imprisonment spell. Usually, once you get caught in it, there's no way out. But you two seemed to find a flaw in it."

"You left it there on purpose didn't you" Remus said accusingly, while Trent just smiled.

Hermione spoke up, "what do you mean, Professor?"

"He hasn't been your Professor for a while. But what he means, Hermione, is that I wanted them to raise their energy to such a level that they could break the bind. I wanted to see them push themselves, and frankly, I was rather disappointed."

"We were doing fine until you decided to transform, I hardly call that fair!"

Ginny spoke up next "what do you mean, transform? Is that what that glowing was? We saw Harry do it before, but how come it was yellow, and yours golden?"

Trent replied. "Yes Ginny, that glow is the transformation. Harry's was yellow this time because he's reached a higher level of power than he had last time. My glow is gold because my power is even higher. In answer to your complaint Harry, it wasn't fair. I said that at the start. Or did you think I meant that by allowing you two to duplicate yourselves, that you were holding the advantage? You must've misunderstood me!"

Harry just glared before Trent announced "well, that certainly gave me an appetite, how about the rest of you? Besides, some of us have to go to school tomorrow!"

Everyone agreed then went downstairs to have dinner, during which time, Harry, Remus and Trent were all bombarded with questions along the lines of how they were able to move that quickly, cast multiple spells at once, and battle for as long as they did without showing any signs of tiredness.

The three of them answered as truthfully as possible without giving too much away, which became a huge source of frustration for the others. Ron, Hermione and Ginny all but demanded Harry tell them exactly what went on with his training, but Harry just gave them a smile which clearly meant, 'now you know how I felt this time last year'. Ron tried to pry more out of Harry when they went to bed, but Harry was being just as stubborn as Ron could be. He flat out refused to tell Ron anything, saying the less people that knew the better.