Training

"Relax, Harry, relax," Dumbledore's voice coaxed him softly. Harry sighed and tried to do as Dumbledore requested.

"Clear your mind of all thoughts and visualize the goal of the task at hand." Harry just grunted and kept trying to create a spoon from nothing. Certainly, this was no hard task in the wizarding world as conjuration was a common occurrence and taught as part of the current charms class. However, Harry was being taught to do it without a wand or incantation. Godric and Albus had been training Harry all morning with a mixed amount of success.

"Try again," said Godric, "This time, don't think about the theory behind the conjuration or anything else other than having a spoon appear in your hand." Harry merely grunted and tried again. A second later, a spoon appeared in his hand, but he suddenly dropped it as the spoon was the size of a shovel and weighed twice as much.

"Oops," said Harry, "I guess I over did it."

"Nonsense my boy, that was a splendid performance," said Godric as he clapped. "But you are right, unless that was a spoon for Hagrid's mother than yes; we do need to work on it a bit."

Albus looked at Harry's fatigued face and said, "Well Godric, why don't we work on some of his other skills for now. He seemed to be doing rather well with his mental powers earlier this morning." Harry looked happy at the change of pace.

"Harry, sit down in the nice chair I made for you," said Godric. "We will now begin work on the primary mental abilities you have, those being; telepathy, of course, telekinesis and psycho kinesis. Harry sat down in his throne and could not help but stifle a laugh. Harry had asked Godric earlier why he had a throne in the middle of his chambers and Godric just shrugged and said that because he was a TRUE nobleman in the realm, he deserved it and besides it just looked 'cool' as the young people say now days.

"All right, Harry, concentrate your thoughts on the spoon you just created. Try and lift it with your mind," said Albus. Harry tried to concentrate on what Albus had said earlier and tried to form a mental extension of a hand with his mind. Gazing at the spoon in deep concentration he sent out the 'hand', he had formed and willed it to grasp the handle of the overly large spoon and pick it up. Suddenly without warning, the spoon shot up and embedded itself in the ceiling causing everyone except Godric to dodge falling debris.

"Control, Harry, control," cautioned Godric. "Remember, with the mind it's a matter of degrees, you just used enough mental energy to move a small mountain." Harry just sighed and waved his hand and the spoon gently floated back to the floor and the ceiling repaired itself. Harry then started again and this time the spoon rose up and hovered 2 feet above the floor and stayed there.

"Good Harry, now while keeping the spoon hovering I want you to try and create a spoon at the same time," said Albus. Harry just grunted his assent and continued with the exercise.

Suddenly, the thought occurred to him that the power did not know size, shape, or mass, but his mind did. 'That's it!' he thought. His own mind was still in the realm of mortal possibilities and impossibilities. His own mind was actually working AGAINST the power. With a small chuckle, suddenly the spoon shrank and turned to a normal human size as a golden fork, knife and plate suddenly appeared floating next to them. Albus looked strangely at Harry while Godric just laughed in his frame.

"Oh well done lad, so VERY well done. I see you finally figured it out. Ah, you make an old man proud you do."

Albus looked at Harry in a new light and asked, "Harry, would you be so kind as to tell me what you figured out?"

Harry got up, stretched, and said, "Sure, Albus. The mind itself, when used with our magic, helps to form and shape the power into what we choose with whatever spell we're casting. However, the mind by itself has its own set of powers. Actually, I remember reading a muggle scientific text that stated normal humans only use about 10 percent or so of their brains during their lifetimes." Dumbledore gestured for Harry to continue, "Apparently, I can use almost 100 percent of my brain. Furthermore, I was being held back by what my brain told me was impossible while my mind tells me anything is possible. The trick is to tell the brain to shut up and let the mind do what it wants."

Albus soaked this in for a second, then just laughed and said, "Well Harry that was a very interesting demonstration. But tell me, why gold tableware?"

Harry just grinned at Godric and said, "Well, to match the gaudy throne I have, of course."

Mentally setting his new flatware down on the table next to him, Harry grinned as an idea suddenly struck him. Rubbing his hands on the table, it suddenly turned to solid diamond.

Laughing at Dumbledore's expression Harry explained, "Well, I had to complete the set didn't I? Can't have good old Lord Gryffindor eating off of a regular wood table now can we?" At that, all three in the room broke into gales of laughter.

After the laughter subsided, Albus said, "Well, I can see now that you are going to try and have to experiment with changing everything in sight." Albus' eyes twinkled brightly as he looked at his young friend with pride.

"Alright you two, let's try one more experiment for today and let Harry...err I mean, Lord Gryffindor rest before dinner and the meeting," said Godric with barely suppressed mirth.

Godric looked at Harry as if considering, "Hmm," he said aloud, "I wonder if it's too soon to try."

Harry and Dumbledore looked at Godric and both said at the same time, "Try what?"

Godric just laughed and looked over at Harry and nodded, "Okay Harry, this may be easier now that you have discovered the key to unlocking your powers but be warned this is very dangerous and you have yet to learn the necessary control needed." Harry just looked at him confused and gestured for him to get on with it. "Harry, we are going to try an aspect of your telekinesis called Gating."

Albus also looked confused and said, "Sorry to interrupt you Godric, but what is Portaling?"

Godric nodded as if expecting the question and explained to them. "Portaling is warping time and space in your vicinity, making a gateway from wherever you are to where ever you wish to go. The difference between Apparating of course, is that with Apparating YOU bend around time and space while with this, YOU bend space and time around you," he finished.

Harry and Albus looked at him in awe, "That is amazing!" they exclaimed.

Harry laughed and said, "It sure as hell beats Port Keys and Floo Powder." Albus laughed, knowing the young mans distaste for Floo travel and inwardly sighed at his now innate fear of Port Keys ever since the third task in the tri-wizard tournament. Albus looked at Harry's smiling expression as he was going over Portaling with Godric and sighed. He seemed so happy the last few days; the discovery of new powers, the chance to fight and LIVE but Albus knew this brief respite would soon end. For now, Harry was a kid in a candy store but the weight of the world now literally rested on the shoulders of the young man before him. So much had happened to him already in his short life and there was so much more to come. Harry had to kill or be killed, it was bad enough that the young man had seen so many close to him injured or dead, but to have to kill a man was a totally different matter, it took its toll on you in ways that can't even be explained.

Albus sighed and pushed away these thoughts until later. It would seem he would be visiting his Pensieve again tonight. Albus abruptly rejoined the conversation of the other two as Godric finished explaining the theory behind Portaling to Harry.

Godric looked at the young man before him and asked, "Are you ready Harry?"

Harry nodded and said, "Right, so just picture the place I want to go and imagine creating a doorway to get there?"

Godric nodded, "Right you are, young lord." Harry was starting to get hungry for dinner and so decided that a short cut to the Great Hall was in order. Harry concentrated on an open door to the Great Hall for a few seconds and suddenly the very air and space in front of him began to ripple and flex, then suddenly an open door appeared leading directly to his seat at the head table.

Albus momentarily looked stunned but Harry grinned and said, "After you, my dear Professor." Albus' eyes were twinkling like mad, as he stepped through into the Great Hall.

Harry glanced over at Godric and said, "Well Gramps, we're going to dinner now. I'll be back afterward to rest and change for the meeting."

Godric merely nodded and said, "Have a good time. Oh, and Harry, very well done today, very well done indeed." Harry just grinned and waved at him and stepped through the door. As he reached his seat, Harry noticed the gate disappeared as soon as he was through.

Harry thought to himself as he sat down for dinner, 'Well, that will take some getting used to, but it beats the hell out of Floo travel.' With the exception of Snape's snide remarks, dinner that evening was a remarkably light hearted and joyous affair. Harry noticed that Professors Flitwick and McGonagall, as well as Tonks, Remus and Moody had shown up for the Order meeting that was to take place after dinner.

"Wotcher, Harry," Tonks greeted him. She continued as the others at the table, besides Snape and Albus, had not recognized him.

"Hey Tonks, how did you know it was me under here?" he asked.

Tonks, while eyeing him most appreciatively said, "Well, except for the muscles and long hair, you look like you to me," she replied.

Remus looked over at Harry in shock; as did most of the others save for Moody. "Harry!" Remus exclaimed, "Is it really you?"

Harry and Albus chuckled and Harry said, "Yes, it's really me under here, Moony."

Albus stood up and addressed the table. "As you can see, our young Mr. Potter has undergone some most unusual changes recently, however this is not the time and place to hold this discussion. For now, let us simply enjoy the feast and each others company."

Albus made ready to conjure the dinner but Harry stood up and stopped him. "May I sir?" he asked. Dumbledore merely nodded and sat down Harry clapped his hands together and in his best Dumbledore imitation said, "Let the feast begin." Everyone at the table laughed heartily at Harry's antics even Snape cracked a small grin.

Remus came over and sat down next to Harry and said, "How have you been Harry? I didn't get to talk to you much at your birthday."

Harry looked over at his old Professor and last of his father's friends. "I've been good Remus, so much has happened in the last few days, but like Albus said, we can't discuss it here."

Remus nodded in a knowing way and said, "Well, since you've been here at school, have you had a chance to go out flying? I'll bet you could come up with at least 3 or 4 new moves to use in this year's Quidditch matches."

It was a simple question, but it hit Harry like a bombshell "OH NO!" he cried. Everyone looked at him in surprise.

"What is it, Harry?" they asked.

Before Harry could reply, Albus addressed them all, "I'm sorry to say that because of circumstances beyond Harry's control, he is yet again unable to play for the house team this year." McGonagall looked like she had been slapped. Her star player had been taken, yet another year. Harry looked at her and gave her a sad smile and said she would understand shortly but recommended his best mate Ron to be captain in his stead.

McGonagall gave him her own sad smile and nodded her assent and replied, "Indeed, Ronald would make an excellent team captain." Dinner concluded swiftly as everyone was so curious to find out what was going on.

As the others made for the Phoenix Chamber, Harry mentally sent to Dumbledore, "I'm going to my chambers to change my clothing."

Dumbledore replied back, "Don't take too long Harry, I don't know how long I'll be able to stop the flood of questions they undoubtedly have for us."

"I'll just be a few moments Albus, not to worry," Harry answered. Then without further ado, Harry created another door back to his chamber and vanished through it. Upon arriving, Harry saw all his clothing had been laid out on his bed, along with the Sword of Gryffindor, complete in a new scabbard. Harry was delighted in the new robes he found laid out. Blood red battle and decorated in gold trim along with a pair of knee high black dragon skin boots. Harry quickly donned his new robes buckled on his sword and scabbard, put his family ring on his left pinky finger and tied the richly decorated cape of Gryffindor around his neck. After conjuring a small leather thong to tie his hair back, Harry stopped to look in the mirror, before he portaled into the Phoenix Chamber. As he was getting ready to go, Godric stopped him.

Harry looked over at him, "Yes, Gramps?" he asked.

Godric replied, "Just a word of advice. You are my heir and the last known heir of true nobleman in the realm. Remember your place and make sure THEY remember theirs. The game of politics is not going to be won with bowing to the wishes of others only interested in seeking for themselves. It is your DUTY to lead not for one but for the good of all our kind." Harry nodded gravely at this and a look of complete understanding passed between the two. "Off you go now," Godric sniffed. "Make an old man proud."

Harry said, "See you in a few hours Gramps." Harry mentally sent to Dumbledore, "I'm on my way, would you please announce the arrival of Lord Gryffindor?" Albus chuckled and replied, "Of course, My Liege." In the Phoenix Chamber, Dumbledore called for quiet and spoke, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new Order member joining us tonight." By now, everyone was gathered in the chamber; all the Weasleys save Ginny and Percy, Hermione and the original core members plus about 20 others. Suddenly, as soon as Dumbledore had finished speaking a huge glowing portal opened in their midst. Everyone gasped as Albus continued, "Please allow me to introduce Lord Gryffindor to our humble gathering."

Everyone was shocked to say the least. The heir had been found. The hooded figure walked to the opposite end of the long narrow conference table and touched the simple chair at the end it suddenly changed into a very kingly throne. Nodding to himself, as if in satisfaction, he sat down and threw back his hood. Suddenly you could hear four thumps. Looking over in amusement; Molly Weasley, Hermione, Arabella Figg, and Minerva McGonagall had fainted.

Dumbledore chuckled to himself and walked over to Molly Weasley and placed a hand on her forehead and said, "Enervate."

Suddenly she woke up and said, "Goodness me, Albus, I could swear that Harry was here dressed as Gryffindor."

Harry then spoke, "Yes Mrs. Weasley, it's me, Harry."

Everyone started talking at once at this point, until Dumbledore called for silence. He then said, "You will all remain calm, everything will be explained."

Dumbledore then related the true chain of events starting from Harry's leaving the Dursleys' to the training session that had ended a few hours ago. To say they were shocked was an understatement. Ron and Hermione looked at him as if he was an alien, until he just grinned over at them. They smiled back both thinking the same thing, 'same old Harry.' Mrs. Weasley, however, jumped up out of her seat and had him enveloped in her warm embrace, crying into his robes.

"Oh Harry, I always knew there was something special about you!" she cried.

Harry looking highly embarrassed just said, "Now Molly, please, I'm still the same person. The only thing that has changed is I now have the power to fulfill the prophecy one way or another."

Arthur Weasley and Dumbledore however immediately spoke up. Dumbledore spoke first. "No Harry, you are not the same person. You are, in fact, by right of blood now, the TRUE leader of The Order of the Phoenix as it was originally started by Godric Gryffindor himself in his original battle against Salazar Slytherin." After Dumbledore had finished, Arthur Weasley added, "And by right of your blood, you are the defacto leader of the wizarding world." Everyone fell silent at this statement. He could remove Fudge and take his place or appoint another to head the Ministry. Harry suddenly remembered Godric's earlier words, "Remember your duty." Harry then answered them, "To be honest, for the moment, I cannot rule or take the time to lead the Order." Everyone looked stunned at his refusal. Harry continued, "It is not to say I will not eventually, but I have a job to do first and I still have to gain mastery over my powers. To rule may be my destiny, but for the moment, the people need a protector and a guardian in the field, not in some office guarded by incompetents. But I will now make a few recommendations to you." Everyone nodded and waited for him to continue. "First in regard to the Order, I leave it in the most capable hands of Albus here. I will, of course, chair it since my ancestor wishes it and make any final decisions as necessary, but Albus will run things on this end." Everyone nodded in agreement at his wisdom.

"Secondly," Harry continued, "Minister Fudge has become too much of a hindrance to our ongoing war effort, so he will be removed from office. Albus Dumbledore as acting advisor to the Minister and head of the Wizengamot, I am now appointing Mr. Arthur Weasley as the new acting Minister of Magic until such time as I can take my duties there. Thirdly, Auror first rank Alastor Moody, you are hereby reactivated as head of the Auror division. Your task is to find us soldiers and get them trained." Harry finished grimly. Everyone looked at Harry in shock; this was not the painfully shy sixteen-year-old they all knew. The commanding figure that spoke left no room for argument whatsoever. Harry asked, "Are there any questions?" Then as one voice, they answered, "No, Harry." Harry was about to go, but turned to Ron and Hermione and said, "You guys want to spend a few weeks with me here?" They looked to Mrs. Weasley, but she just laughed and said, "Of course, go ahead children and don't worry about your things I'll send them over in the morning by Floo." Ron and Hermione looked ecstatic at the prospect of spending the rest of the summer with their friend. Harry just grinned, "Let's go back to my chambers and catch up."