A/N: I own nothing but the plot and the characters you don't recognize.
Harry spent much of the night pondering Dumbledore's story in his head. It just didn't make any sense. How could he, Harry Potter, be a creature of the Dark Arts? Even in his Hogwarts books, vampires were not favorably looked on, and the way Professor Lupin had been treated because of his bloodline was not reassuring to Harry. His thoughts turned to Dumbledore and he felt a surge of anger rise in his chest.
"How could he not tell me something like that?" He sighed and turned over thinking to himself, "Great, just another thing keeping me from being a normal kid."
The next morning brought sunshine and noises of Uncle Vernon getting ready for work. Harry quickly glanced at his clock and saw that it was ten minutes to six.
"Damn!" Harry jumped out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. Seven minutes later he was showered and down in the thankfully deserted kitchen getting a bite to eat.
At six, after making sure he had his wand and that he had let Hedwig out, Harry activated the portkey and landed in Hogsmeade. Nearing the Shrieking Shack, Harry suddenly remembered that he did not know the incantation Dumbledore had used the previous day. Having no other options, he knocked loudly on the wooden door and waited. The door swung open rather quickly and Harry saw none other than Professor Lupin. He greeted Harry warmly and led him into the shack.
"I'm glad you were able to make it today Harry, although I'm sure you received quite a shock yesterday, I'm here to reassure you that this is not the end of the world, but rather the beginning of a journey. On completion of this journey, you will have such a vast knowledge of your powers that you will be able to use and control them wandlessly."
Lupin led Harry to the fire where two high-backed, plush armchairs were positioned. Sitting in the first chair was Dumbledore his half-moon spectacles shining in the firelight. In the other chair a woman sat gazing deeply into the dancing flames. When they approached, she did not even acknowledge their presence, Dumbledore, however quickly rose to his feet and greeted them.
"Ah, I see you have made the trip without harm today Harry. I trust that you remember Professor Lupin. He will be one of your instructors." Dumbledore turned towards the other armchair and said, "And this is Faraden, she will be your other instructor. I'll leave the three of you alone now I have some business to attend to." And with that, Dumbledore disappeared with a pop!
Harry looked more closely at Faraden, who still hadn't moved an inch since he had entered the room. She had long, waist-length red hair, and her face, partially obscured by her hair was beautiful.
"Harry, come with me," Lupin said, "we have some things to do." Harry obediently followed Lupin into an adjacent room.
"I'm sure you're wondering what Faraden was doing back there. She is not ignoring us. She's in a trance right now, a sort of meditative state. I can assure you that she will join us shortly."
"Professor, you said that I would learn wandless magic? Isn't that something that only very powerful wizards can do?" Harry questioned.
"Yes, Harry but, you will soon be one of those few powerful enough to master it. Now, moving on, today you will begin an extremely difficult training regime. Both Faraden and I demand nothing but the best from you, and if you concentrate and prepare yourself for your change, I promise you that when it's over, you will not recognize yourself or your powers."
"Is he ready to begin?" called a voice from the doorway.
"Ah, Faraden," said Lupin, "Yes, Harry is ready."
"Follow me then." Harry got up and walked quietly behind Faraden into the room he had just been in, however, the room had been changed, it resembled the room he had seen on his first visit with Dumbledore. Weapons of all kinds lined the walls. Suddenly Faraden spun around and faced Harry.
"Today we will concentrate on basic fighting stances and movements, and then we will move into sword techniques. I trust that you will work hard."
Harry gulped, and replied, "I hope I can learn and remember everything you teach me."
"I'm sure you will, and stop being so scared, I'm not going to bite you," she laughed, and then laughed even harder at the horrified look on Harry's face. "I am here to be your teacher, your guide, and your friend. Don't ever be afraid to come to me about anything."
"I wonder if she's a vampire too," Harry thought to himself.
"Yes, Harry I am also a vampire, although I am not a half-blood, so any complicated magic will be taught by Lupin."
"How…what? Can you read my mind?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Faraden laughed, "that's just another thing you will soon learn how to do. Now, too much talk, let's begin."
For the next seven hours, Faraden taught Harry ground fighting, she became quite surprised at how quickly Harry was able to pick up and execute the techniques. Not too long after, they moved into sword techniques, taking short breaks here and there to refuel themselves. At the end of their session, they were both exhausted and sweating profusely.
"Wow! Harry you are a lot better than I ever expected you to be. I can see that it will be a challenge to keep you busy. Oh, one other thing before you go, you'll be coming with me to Diagon Alley soon. You need to get your weapons and perhaps, something better to wear if you are going to continue to train." She chuckled looking at his clothes. Harry looked down and laughed with her. He was quite a sight wearing Dudley's old clothes.
"Alright, I think I see what you mean," said Harry, "Do you think we could go tomorrow?"
"We'll see, but now its time for you to go. I'll see you tomorrow." Harry took out his portkey and landed safely in his room. As Harry drifted off to sleep he felt, for the first time since his godfather's death, that everything was going his way.
A/N: Please read and review!
