Yay, chapter two so soon. I thoght it might be a good idea to stay up past two am to make sure you guys get two chapters if you start as soon as it goes out, so I don't leave you hanging without giving you much. The first chapter was designed to be more of a review of previous years. Of course, I can't posisbly touch it all, but I put out some of the basics. Of course, anyone reading this should know all there is that would need explaining. It's not like someone who's never read the books would read this.
Chapter Two
It was the day of Dumbledore's arrival, and Harry was nervous so to speak. He'd spoken with his beloved Headmaster on many occasions about many topics, but this was the first time he'd be talking to him after his long conversation following his godfather's death.
For the year before that incident, Harry had taken a disliking to Dumbledore because he'd felt ignored, when he of all people should've been paying attention to him. Dumbledore, for the duration of that year after Voldemort's return, hadn't so much as even looked at Harry, but Harry found out all of this when it was explained to him by Dumbledore himself that night over a month ago.
Dumbledore had been afraid that Voldemort would soon realize he could see into Harry's memories and even go so far as to possess him because of the link they shared, the result of the spell that gave Harry the scar on his forehead. Dumbledore was right, of course, that the Dark Lord would realize this. He tried to make sure Voldemort thought the relationship between himself and Harry was nothing more than pupil to teacher, so that Harry couldn't be used against Harry.
Now it was too late of course. Voldemort knew of the connection between himself and Harry, as well as the one shared by Harry and Dumbledore. So he was going to come and have a chat, it seemed with Harry, face to face. This is what had Harry a bit nervous. He hadn't a clue as to what Albus could want with him. Maybe it was something to do with Occlumency.
Oh God, how he hated Occlumency, especially when he was forced to undergo lessons in the subject outside of school hours with his favorite (heavy sarcasm) teacher, Professor Snape. Snape disliked Harry extremely. The feeling was mutual. This hatred stemmed from the fact that Harry's father and Snape were arch enemies in school years ago, and that hatred apparently crosses the boundaries of generation. Harry was forced to quit these lessons because he got a little curious one day. Harry shook his head to rid himself of the painful memories of his father being a complete jack ass. He'd seen in a Pensieve exactly why Snape hated his father. James Potter was a jerk, pompous and arrogant, and he bullied Snape all around the place. It was later clarified that the bullying was also mutual, but Harry didn't think that made it totally excusable.
He had not received a reply from Hermione yet about the situation with Dumbledore, but he got one rather swiftly from Ron. Ron thought it might be the same thing as he had suspected, that Dumbledore wanted talk about Occlumency or perhaps Voldemort. It didn't help much, but then he realized he wasn't expecting much help to come from his friend, just as much out of the know as he was.
Harry paced in his room. To be honest, he hadn't the faintest idea when Dumbledore was going to arrive. He hadn't said in the letter, so he had a hard time explaining to his Aunt and Uncle that the man could show up at any time during the day. Harry sat down on his bed, trying to imagine how he might arrive. Would he just knock on the door? Would he apparate in the living room downstairs? Maybe he'd try Floo-Powder. As if Dumbledore was reading Harry's mind, (and Harry never ruled this possibility out of the question) the doorbell rang. He sprang up from his bed instantly and ran to his bedroom door. He could hear a stifled yelp of surprise from Petunia downstairs.
Harry fortunately reached the door before anyone else did, and he opened it. Dumbledore stood on the front step of Number Four, Privet Drive with the oddest outfit anyone could ever expect to see him in. Dumbledore almost always wore brilliant, elegant, flowing robes of the finest fibers, though he never dressed to eccentric. However, Albus Dumbledore was wearing muggle clothes. He wore a pair of blue jeans and a button-down dress shirt. He didn't belong in these clothes. It would've looked nice on anyone but him because of the grand, silver beard that hung from his chin to his middle. This made his attire look very odd indeed, but he was smiling gently yet brilliantly.
"I hope I look presentable," he said in his gentle, light voice. Harry smiled back at him and nodded his approval, though he though he looked better in his robes. He led Albus inside. Uncle Vernon, apparently victim to curiosity, stood at the entrance of the hallway, eager to catch sight of this legendary wizard. He seemed appalled by his choice of clothing, or rather by his facial hair, but kept it to himself, a very rare occurrence.
"Ah, greetings Vernon Dursley," said Albus, extending his hand slowly as they met. "I, am of course, Harry's Headmaster at Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. You received my message via Harry I presume?"
"Yeah," grunted Vernon, hastily shaking the old man's hand and releasing it.
"And where is your wife?" asked Dumbledore politely. "Cooking I might guess? I thought I caught the scent of something lovely being prepared. Your wife is a good cook. I can tell. I find it most useful to trust my nose at all times." He smiled at Vernon. Vernon replied with a queer look on his face. Harry knew this meeting was not going well.
"Umm, Professor, Sir," stammered Harry. "Perhaps we should talk in my room upstairs. We don't want to bother my Aunt and Uncle."
"A good idea," said Vernon quickly. "We'll be seeing you then."
"Alright, Harry," said Dumbledore. "As you wish. Lead the way."
They walked the flight of stairs to Harry's bedroom, where Harry shut the door and locked it. He really didn't want Aunt Petunia or Uncle Vernon barging in. Harry immediately realized his room was in quite a state of disrepair upon turning around, and he wished instantly that he'd chosen a better place to meet, like outside.
"Err, sorry," said Harry, moving to pick up a pair of shorts on the floor, trying to tidy up. "Room's a mess."
"Do not fret," said Dumbledore calmly. "I do not mind messes myself, as you might've guessed by seeing many times all the things in my office. Leave your things lie and have a seat on your bed. I will sit at your desk chair, if you don't mind."
"Not at all, Sir," said Harry, hopping onto his bed. He suddenly became aware of how weird it was that the Headmaster of Hogwarts was in his room, asking him permission to sit down."
"Of course, you're curious as to why I would invite myself to your house," said Dumbledore, jumping straight to business. "I'll get to things soon enough concerning that. Are you doing okay, Harry?"
"What?" asked Harry, thrown off by the break of topic.
"Are you doing well?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yeah," said Harry weakly. It was the most unconvincing answer he believed he'd ever given anyone in his life. He sighed. "Yeah, I guess I'm doing fine."
"Of course you're not," said Dumbledore, his smile turning to a look of sympathy. "But that's okay. You know, of course, that if you are having any troubles, you can speak to anyone about it."
"Yeah," said Harry, echoing his previous answer. "I… I miss him already."
"And that is completely normal, Harry," said Dumbledore. "Of course you miss him. You're going to miss him for the rest of your life no doubt, because you loved him very much. I don't wish to delve too deep into the topic at the moment, but it's okay to feel depressed, even angry, that Sirius is dead."
"I know," said Harry, looking at the ground. He couldn't deny anything being said to him. "So what is it you came here for?"
"Ah yes of course," said Dumbledore, his expression returning to his normal amused smile and bright eyes. "I came here to talk about a couple things actually. First, for the reason you already know, I would like for you to resume Occlumency lessons."
"I thought we'd get to that," said Harry.
"You're a very bright boy," said Dumbledore with a smile. "I figured you'd suspect me right away. As I said at the end of the year, it is very important that you learn to shut out Lord Voldemort's thoughts and attempts to get into your mind. Having you been having any strange dreams recently."
"No actually," said Harry. "I've been having a rather undisturbed sleep for the first time in quite a while." Dumbledore looked at Harry carefully for split second, studying him. Harry knew Dumbledore was a talented Legilimens, one who could view the contents of the mind at will, so he knew Dumbledore could know if he was lying.
"Very well," said Dumbledore. "I trust you. I don't need Legilimens to know you are being honest. It's good that you're not having any penetrations recently. That means it may be possible that Voldemort is waiting for the time being, and we may be able to protect you before anything comes up."
Harry was afraid to ask, but he knew he had to anyway. "Who will be teaching me, Sir?" asked Harry. He inwardly hoped it would be anyone but Snape. Dumbledore smiled.
"You may have your pick, Harry," said Dumbledore. "Of course, Professor Snape is still available. I have spoken to him regarding the topic, and I have convinced him to resume lessons with you. He told me of the incident concerning the Pensive." Harry looked at the ground, ashamed of himself. He most disliked Professor Dumbledore scolding him, because he admired him more than any man in the world. However, he didn't press the subject any more than that.
"Your other option is someone you know quite well," said Dumbledore. "Professor Remus Lupin will be returning to Hogwarts this year, and he has offered to help you with your lessons as well."
"Lupin's coming back?" said Harry. "Really?" The joy in his voice was evident, and Albus smiled greatly. He obviously knew of the connection shared between Harry and Remus Lupin.
Lupin was one of James' closest friends in their days of school as well. Unfortunately, he was also a werewolf, and this discredited him greatly. Quite a few people knew of his condition, and instead of pitying him, scorned him. He often had times going out in public or trying to get a job because of his illness. Lupin was Harry's favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, standing the position in his third year, and they became very close. Lupin was also a member of the Order of the Phoenix.
"Dare I ask which teacher you would prefer extra lessons with?" asked Dumbledore, a smile creeping from the corners of his mouth as his eyes twinkled.
"I'd like Professor Lupin to teach me," said Harry quickly. There was no doubt about it.
"Good," said Dumbledore. "Also concerning Occlumency, I should ask that you attempt to clear your mind every night before you go to bed. I will try and elaborate. If you can remove from your mind all the hassles of the day, controlling your emotions and memories, you can better lock up all those thoughts, making it very difficult for someone to break in. It's no easy task, as you well know, but you must master it. I am sorry that someone as young as you should go through this, but you know it is necessary."
"I know," said Harry. "I'll do my best Sir."
"Glad to hear it," said Dumbledore. "Now on to new business. There is something extraordinary happening in school this year. You remember, obviously, having the exchange students from the two competitive schools in your fourth year for the tournament."
"Yes," said Harry.
"Right. We are sponsoring another related program," said Dumbledore. "But, I'm afraid our exchange students are far from out of town. The students that will be traveling to Hogwarts are from a country very far away. I'm talking about the United States."
"Students from America," said Harry. "At Hogwarts?"
"Yes," said Dumbledore. "The program is supposed to promote unity around the world in the wizarding community. The young wizards are already on their way by means of something called an airplane. I never was on one before, but I believe it's something like a giant, metal, flying contraption of sorts."
"Yeah," said Harry with a laugh. "Probably a Boeing 747, or something big, to make a long flight like that. So they'll be in the country before the term starts?"
"Indeed," said Dumbledore. "That is why I'm bringing it up with you here at your house. Most other students don't know this yet. We are receiving a group of sixth years, like you, who will be needing a place to stay for the rest of the holiday. I thought you might like some company."
"You mean let one of them live here at Privet Drive?" asked Harry. "Professor, you know how my Aunt and Uncle are. If I even ask them if I can invite another wizard over, they'll do Voldemort the favor of killing me for him."
"I understand completely," said Dumbledore. "How would you like to head to Grimmauld Place for the duration of your last weeks of summer?"
End Chapter Two
Exchange students from America? OH BOY! I've always thought JK ROWLING should have put someone or something from America in the story. After all, it's where she sells the most books. I had the idea years ago that it would be awesome if they had a foreign exchange students program like we do in our high schools, something more than like in the fourth book THE GOBLET OF FIRE.
