CHAPTER 5 – The Unexpected Visitor
Harry slumped down to the ground, at the feet of Lupin. Having just finished jogging, he was exhausted and out of breath. Even though he had been told he wouldn't have to go a long distance, he had easily jogged for the better part of an hour.
At one point, he slowed down to a walk in order to catch his breath, but the path was enchanted in a way that forced him to remain at a fairly fast pace. Almost as soon as he began to walk, an alarm sounded, and Harry was sure it was to alert Lupin that he was slacking. The noise was awful, too. Unable to bear it for very long, he instinctively began to jog again, and it immediately stopped. He had looked around to see if Lupin was in sight, but he wasn't.
In fact, Harry didn't catch even a glimpse of the man until he was about a quarter of a mile from being finished. What he saw made him faintly irritated, too. Lupin was sitting in the grass and reading a book, with his back propped up against Buckbeak, who looked to be sleeping. While Harry was using every last ounce of energy to finish his jog, Lupin was relaxing and enjoying himself.
Now that he had finally finished, all Harry wanted to do was lay in the grass for a while, too. Lupin had another idea in mind, though, which he immediately voiced when he saw Harry begin to make himself comfortable on the ground.
"Well, take about five minutes to catch your breath, and then we will get started," he said.
"What do you mean, 'get started?'" Harry asked, confused. "I just finished."
"Harry, that was just a warm up. We haven't even begun your actual training yet," said Lupin rather amused.
"But, I figured since you had me go such a long way, that I was just going to run today."
"I'm sorry to say that you figured wrong. That was not that far of a distance, Harry. That was the easy route you took today. I hope you still have some energy left, because if you don't, then we have a lot more work ahead of us than I anticipated."
Harry sighed audibly. That was the easy road? There was no way he would be able to go further than that, and train afterward. He would surely kill himself. "Well, I'm tired, but I guess I've got a little bit left in me," he said optimistically.
"This is going to require more than just a little bit of effort. You are going to have to give your training every last ounce of energy you have inside your body. Harry, we don't have a great deal of time to get you prepared to face Voldemort." He paused at the look on Harry's face. "Yes, I know about the prophecy. I've known since the first war. Sirius and I briefly considered telling you last year, but Dumbledore made us promise to not say anything. He thought he was doing the right thing, and I must tell you Harry, I agreed with him at the time. We thought by keeping you at Hogwarts under close watch, you would be safe enough until the time came for you to know. We were wrong."
"You and Sirius knew all along?" he asked in disbelief.
"Yes, your parents told the two of us all those years ago. Even Sirius eventually agreed that you shouldn't have to bear such a weight yet. We wanted you to be able to live as normal a life as possible. But as we have discovered yet again, you are anything but normal. You are an extraordinary young man, and you are going to defeat Voldemort." Lupin was now speaking with a compassion which Harry had not heard since his third year. "I want you to listen to me now. This is your first lesson, and possibly the most important. You must believe in yourself, Harry. You must believe that you possess the power and ability to defeat him. The time has come for you to focus all of your effort on this one thing, and you must believe that the best outcome is the only one possible. You will be victorious. If you are able to truly believe in yourself, then you will rid this world of Voldemort once and for all."
By the time Lupin finished speaking, Harry was standing once again. He felt a surge of energy that originated in his heart, course its way through his body in every direction. Something about the speech he had just listened to had hit home with him. It had nothing to do with the actual words that were spoken. It was what was behind them. Harry felt pure love and confidence emanate from Lupin, who began to speak again.
"Now, are you ready to begin your training?"
"I am. Help me learn what I need to know in order to pay him back for all the pain and suffering he has caused." Harry replied.
Lupin approached Harry and put his hand on his shoulder. "I promise you, as long as I am alive, I will help you in any and every way that I possibly can. Let's get started."
The remainder of the morning was devoted to physical conditioning. As it turned out, Lupin had a vast knowledge of muggle exercises and defense techniques. Harry learned that he would be on a strict regimen every morning. After the warm-up jog, Lupin taught him various exercises and drills, some of which he was already familiar with. He spent some time running one-hundred yard sprints, doing push-ups and pull-ups, as well as a few other cardiovascular exercises. At one point, Lupin transfigured a rock into a practice mat, and they worked on tumbling drills. The entire time, Harry found himself being pushed to the limits of his physical ability. He discovered that some of the activities were actually enjoyable, though. For instance, when they were finished with the tumbling drills, Lupin taught Harry yoga. This proved to be extremely relaxing, and Harry decided he should try and practice yoga before going to sleep, in order to help progress with Occlumency. They spent close to an hour working on various yoga positions before Lupin announced it was time to break for lunch. Harry had been so engrossed in properly absorbing all of the techniques for the various activities, that he didn't realize that it was already one o'clock in the afternoon. He wasn't nearly as tired as he had expected to be, which he attributed to the rejuvenating qualities of the yoga. The fact that he still had any energy at all was very encouraging.
They exited the enchanted picture, and upon re-entering Sirius' room found someone waiting for them. Nymphadora Tonks was leaning against the opposite wall with a smug expression upon her face.
"Tonks!" Harry exclaimed happily as he dashed forward to greet her.
"It's good to see you too, Harry," she joked as they hugged.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, stepping back from her.
"Well, I have to leave my report for Dumbledore. I was up all night working for the Order. It was bloody boring work. I hate having to always—." She stopped, and looked meaningfully at Harry. She then looked Remus' way. "Does he...Can I..."
"Harry has accepted his invitation to join the Order. It is okay to speak freely." He paused before continuing. "On second thought, I'm sure Dumbledore would prefer you not say anything until after the next meeting."
This didn't sit well with Harry. "Why does that matter? Who cares if I haven't been to a meeting yet? I'm in the Order, aren't I?"
"Well, technically you aren't yet. It is hard to explain. You will have to attend the next meeting in order to fully understand," explained Lupin as delicately as possible.
"Harry, its not that we don't trust you," Tonks began.
"Well, then what is it?" He asked irritated.
"Harry, enough. Accept the fact that we can't elaborate right now. In due time, everything will be explained to you. And I mean everything."
"Come on Harry, let's go down stairs and have a spot of lunch," said Tonks nervously.
Rather than insisting on finishing their conversation, Harry complied. "Okay."
"Good, because I'm famished," said Lupin as he put his hand on his stomach. "Buckbeak was beginning to look tasty."
They laughed, and on that note all three departed from the room and made their way to the kitchen. Once there, Lupin conjured some sandwiches and more fruit. They all sat at the table eating contently and talking about everything Harry and Lupin had covered so far.
"You haven't gone over any spells yet?" asked Tonks, even though she already knew the answer.
"No," replied Lupin. "This afternoon we will begin using magic."
"Are you going to stick around for this afternoon's lesson, Tonks?" asked Harry.
"Nah. I wish I could, though. I could teach both of you a thing or two." She replied teasingly. "But, instead I have to go to a departmental meeting at the ministry. I'm so bloody sick of those blasted things. It seems like all I do anymore is go to stupid meetings. We should be out searching, and making our presence known in the community."
"Sounds like Fudge hasn't changed," said Harry.
"He hasn't. He's still the same bloody fool he always has been," she said loathingly.
"Yes, well, he may not be in charge much longer," Lupin added with a sense of hope in his voice.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"Well, everyone knows that Fudge made all sorts of mistakes last year. The word has gotten out that he was just worried about his political career, and therefore didn't listen to Dumbledore. No one wants a leader who cares more about their own hide than the people they were chosen to represent. There is going to be a hearing next week to determine whether or not to replace him."
"But wouldn't his replacement be Umbridge?" Harry asked, horrified at the thought.
"No, no. She hasn't been seen recently. I heard something about her fleeing the country, but that may just be a rumor. Regardless, she is in just as much trouble as Fudge, if not more. I suspect that no one will hear anything from her anytime soon," said Tonks.
"So who would replace Fudge?" he asked.
Lupin fielded this particular question. "Well, that hasn't been decided yet, since we still don't even know if there will be an opening—"
"Come on Remus. You'd have to be off your rocker to think he's got any chance of keeping his job," interjected Tonks.
"Still though—" he began, but was again cut off.
"Come off it Remus! There's no need to be thick."
"If you'd just let me finish, I—" but again, she didn't allow him the luxury of completing his sentence.
"You'd just spit out a load of bull. Listen, Harry," she said, turning her attention back to him, "Fudge is done. It may not have happened yet, but that is only because there have been so many things to take care of since the night Voldemort came into the open."
"That's essentially what I was going to say." Lupin said half amused.
"Oh, shut it," she said waving him off.
"You still haven't answered my question," Harry said flatly.
"Am I allowed to speak now?" Lupin asked Tonks.
"I'm not your mother. Do as you please," she replied. This made Harry chuckle.
"Thanks, I think. Anyway, Harry, there is a large contingent of people who want Dumbledore to replace him, for obvious reasons."
"You think Dumbledore is going to be the next Minister of Magic?" Harry asked disbelievingly.
"No, I don't think Dumbledore would ever leave Hogwarts for another job. I'm simply telling you that many people wish he would. Chances are, if Fudge steps aside, the vacancy will be filled by an interim-minister for a few months. That would most likely be Madam Bones," stated Lupin.
"I wish she would just take the job permanently," Tonks said, more to herself than to the others.
"Well, if she were to temporarily take over the position as minister, she would always have the option to pursue the position permanently," replied Lupin.
"She would do a better job than Fudge, wouldn't she?" Harry asked.
"I believe so. Madam Bones is a good woman. She's fair, and she understands that it takes a combined effort to get things done. But, as I already said, Fudge is still minister."
"Professor...I mean, Moony. Sorry, it might take me a while to get used to this," Harry said as his cheeks turned ever so slightly pink.
"It's quite all right," he replied.
"Er, anyway, this is slightly off the subject, but what has Percy's role been since everything surfaced?"
Lupin and Tonks exchanged a quick glance before Lupin spoke. "Well, he isn't being held responsible for anything that happened." He paused for a moment before continuing. "But he hasn't exactly left Fudge's side."
"So, he still supports Fudge?" Harry asked, annoyed.
"Yes and no. Percy has always been all about self-promotion. He never really cared about fudge or his agenda. He just wants to be on the fastest lift to the top, if you know what I mean."
"So, he doesn't support Fudge," Harry asked, now slightly confused.
"We don't really know who he supports right now. I think he's just waiting to see what's going to happen to old Fudgie boy before he decides whose rump he wants to worship," said Tonks. "He's like a parasite, the little prat; waiting to find the best suited person to latch onto."
"Umm, so have he and Mr. or Mrs. Weasley spoken yet? Has he apologized to them?" Harry asked, even though he was fairly certain he knew the answer already.
"As far as we know, they have not yet mended their relationship," Lupin said sadly. "I think Percy's pride has already been damaged quite a bit by this whole thing. I'm not sure that he could handle having to openly admit to them that he was wrong. For someone like him, it is just easier to ignore the mistake, than to try and fix it."
"You can't be serious? You're telling me that he's too proud to admit he was wrong, to his own parents?" Harry's temper was rising.
"Unfortunately, yes," Lupin replied.
"That's ridiculous. It was bad enough last year, when he at least thought he was doing the right thing. But now that he knows he was wrong...How can he do that to them?"
"I don't understand it either, Harry," said Lupin.
"I'm surprised you didn't already know," said Tonks.
"Well, Ron didn't say much in his letter, other than the fact that he's been really tired. He also said something about having to go to St. Mungos so they could check for any permanent damage from the brains," said Harry, feeling slightly guilty at the memory from the night at the Department of Mysteries. "That was all he said, though."
"I imagine his parents haven't mentioned anything yet," said Lupin.
This sparked something in Harry's mind, and sent it racing in a different direction. "Hold on. Won't Mr. and Mrs. Weasley know that I'm in the Order?"
This question caught Lupin off guard. "Yes, but what—"
"If they know about me being let in to the Order, then I'm sure Mrs. Weasley is upset, because she thinks I'm too young."
"Well, yes, though I'm—"
"So, there's a good chance that she may slip and mention that I've been asked to join, in front of Ron or Ginny." He knew it as a stretch, but felt as if he had to try.
"Fat chance of that happening," said Tonks. "Molly's not stupid. She knows that it wouldn't help matters at all if those two knew."
"Then she would have to deal with their constant anger at not being allowed to join," added Lupin.
Harry hadn't heard the last couple of things either of them said, though. He had put his face into his hands and was attempting to disentangle his thoughts. More to himself, than to the others, he said, "I don't understand. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley don't know about me staying here, but they do know about me joining the Order?"
"They're two entirely separate issues," said Lupin. Realizing that the man was referring to the comment he had just made, he looked up. "They know about you joining the Order, because they are also members. They were present when the decision was made that you be allowed to join," supplied Lupin calmly.
"I imagine they were completely against the idea," he said sourly.
"Actually, Arthur stood up for you, which I need not tell you angered his wife even more."
"He thought it was a good idea?" Harry asked in astonishment.
"Of course, Harry. He, like the majority of the members, realizes that you are at the very center of this thing," said Lupin.
"You should have seen Fred and George," Tonks laughed.
"What'd they do?" he asked.
"When we voted, George used the silencing spell on Snape, while Fred used a charm on him that caused both of his arms to shoot straight up into the air. It was bloody brilliant. His vote for you counted, too. Everybody just assumed that he was enthusiastic," she said, relishing the memory.
"What did Snape do afterward?"
"I don't think he even knew for sure that it was Fred and George. They were pointing their wands under the table. I only know, because I jokingly mentioned the idea to them before the vote. I had no idea they'd actually try it," said Tonks.
Harry snorted. "Yeah, like Fred and George wouldn't seize the opportunity to have fun at Snape's expense."
"I guess your right. Anyway, he couldn't do anything about it. The vote was over. He left in a silent rage as soon as the meeting ended," she said.
"I'll have to remember to thank them. Hey, I bet they tell Ron and Ginny," Harry said, sure of himself.
"You just don't give up do you?" Tonks asked.
"No, I don't." he said, determined not to break eye contact.
"They won't say anything, Harry. There are some things more important than being popular," said Lupin.
"Of course they'll say something. It's Fred and George," He argued.
Knowing that Lupin would thank her later for taking Harry's attention away from the current subject, Tonks rose from her seat. "Well I had better get to the Ministry."
"What?" Harry asked, obviously unprepared for that particular comment.
"You know, the place where I work," she said with a touch of sass in her voice.
Catching on, Lupin also stood. He looked at his watch and said, "Yes, we should probably get back upstairs too. We've got a full workload this afternoon."
"Well, it was good to see you Harry," she said. I'll be back by in a couple of days."
"Oh, okay. I guess I'll see you later." He responded.
"Bye Remus," she said, making her way to the door.
"Wait, Tonks. Your report," said Lupin.
"Blimey. I nearly forgot. Here, could you give it to Dumbledore for me?" she asked as she pulled out a piece of folded up parchment from one of her pockets, and handed it to Lupin.
"Sure. Don't worry, I'll give it to him this evening when he's here for Harry's lesson."
"Great. I appreciate it. See you later, boys," she said, as she left through the door.
About three seconds later, however, there was a loud crashing noise in the hallway, followed immediately by a scream of anger. "Blasted coat rack! It's always in the way!" Tonks yelled. However, she was quickly drowned out by the familiar screams of Mrs. Black's portrait. Harry and Lupin looked at one another, and laughed.
"FILTHY BLOOD TRAITOR IN MY HOUSE..." she bellowed as loud as possible.
Shaking his head, Lupin said, "I'll take care of it. It'll only take a minute. Why don't you just sit back down, and I'll be right back." He then dashed from the room, wand in hand.
A/N: Even though they were only mentioned here, I had a great time writing a "Fred and George story." It made me eager to use them more. I have a feeling they may show up a couple of chapters down the road. I know for sure they will not be in the next one; however there will be the first appearance of a certain someone who is vital to this Uhh, this cold is hell. Anyway, please be sure to read and review, because it is really disappointing to not get more than one or two reviews per chapter. I beg you, if you read this story, please let me know, by reviewing...regardless of your opinion. Thanks!
A/N 2: This doesn't have a whole lot to do with my story, but I was just sitting here thinking about the next book, and then I started thinking about the connection that Rowling said there will be with the second book. She said that something small that took place in Chamber of Secrets will have more significance in HBP. Does anyone else think that it may have something to do with Filch and the whole squib thing? Are there any other theories out there?
