A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews. To answer some of your questions I am powering Harry slightly more than Voldemort, the difference is little more than the magic ability of a squib. The power Harry has is knowledge, he knows a lot about magic and how it works more than any other wizard of this time. Also Harry has learned patience, he has learned to wait. Something for my readers: Do you want to change Harry's date for the yule ball in 4th year? If so who does he go with or how does the date go or both. Keep in mind this is a H/G fic he will end up with her eventually. I have always maintianed that Harry will either end up with Ginny or Hermione but I think Hermione was more a sister to him. To my criticts I apologizes for the grammatical and spelling errors. I am doing my best, but I have never had much talent for English (dispite is supposedly being my native tounge HA!). I usually say I speak two languages English and bad English and English isnt my first language. I do have a Beta but he is human and like me doesn't have a lot of time which is why I am preposting this Chapter WARNING not betaed yet will repost after it is but because it takes me so long to write it and him so long to beta it I am gonna post them pre beta the re post after he gets a chance to look it over. So if this bothers you give it about a week and wait for the repost. I'll try and have the next chap out quicker but no promises a have a new job and it takes up the majority of my time.

peace love and rock and roll

Shadow

Disclaimer I own nothing it all belongs to Jk rowling and WB and maybe a few fan fiction writers once again I dont mean to swipe another fanfic writers idea if it is too obvious let me know I ll try and tweek it a little

Chapter 4

Discussions, And A Shopping Trip

Harry waited until Sirius had fallen back asleep before putting the book he was reading down. Watching Sirius closely for a moment, Harry decided the he was asleep. Sighing and banishing the book to his trunk, Harry stood and made to pull his over large trousers up when he stopped. "Why in bloody hell am I still wearing this garbage?" twisting his hand as he began to make his way to the portal Harry shimmered a second and then reappeared wearing a black shirt with silver buttons down the front, black trousers that fit his legs loosely and gave the impression of wearing robes, and a long black cloak. At the same instant the fireplace roared as if someone had thrown a very dead log on the fire that had caught. As the last memory of his family disappeared Harry stepped out of the portal and began to walk the halls toward the Astronomy Tower. Good riddance, they won't think about me anymore and I don't need to think about them. They can go live as they wish I just hope Tom leaves them alone I may hate them but they are family and I don't want them dead or hurt. Harry was brought out of his thoughts about the Dursley' s as he stepped into the night air. It was mildly chilly this night and the sky was clear, since the moon was in its New phase, the stars were brilliant tonight. Sighing again as he leaned on the low wall of the top of the tower his thoughts turned to Ginny and the few times the two of them had come up here during his seventh year to talk. As the years progressed the only death Harry couldn't forgive himself for was hers. Everyone else had died bravely in battle fighting the death eaters. Ginny's Death had hit Harry hard, afterward he had closed off to the rest of the Order refusing to speak to anyone. He went after the death eaters with a vengeance, many began to worry that Harry was turning Dark. Moody left Harry alone for a while, until Harry landed himself in St Mungos after a particularly fierce battle...

Flashback

"Ello lad thought we could have a talk," Moody said as he entered the room in the hospital.

"Only if you are here to tell me when I get out of this death trap" Harry replied grumpily.

"No lad, I'll leave that to the doctors, I am here to talk to you about your behavior over the last few months" Moody took a beside the bed and handed Harry his flask. "Here have sip, just don't let your nurse catch you with that."

Harry took a large gulp, coughed and handed the flask back "I don't want to talk to you about anything Mad Eye leave me alone."

"Fine then you'll listen, you have to stop these unnecessaryrisks, you have killed more death eaters recently than anyone else, lad you are perilously close to turning into what you hate. I know it's hard but you have to let go of your hate".

If Harry hadnot been so weakened from his injuries he would have coursed Moody into another existence. "And just what the fuck do you know about loss you barmy old gimp?"

"More than you'll ever know boy, have you ever buried a child? I think not." Raising a gnarled finger at Harry, "You are not the only one to loose loved ones in this war boy, YES BOY, because that is what you are acting like a child, only now that you are an adult your temper tantrums are a bit more deadly, Think on that while you sit in this bed because the doctors are not letting you out until you heal fully. The Order is moving here to keep the place secure we can keep Tom at bay while you rest don't worry about the war for a while you need to heal, and not just physically either."

He turned to leave a stunned Harry ending the conversation, but stopped at the door, "and the next time you call me a gimp I'll show you why I was the most feared Aurorer of my day lad, you may be powerful, but you don't yet know every trick in the book."

Harry was left to himself for the entire month it took him to heal. The time let him reflect on his actions, much as he abhorred admitting it Moody was right. When Harry emerged from the hospital he was changed instead of being driven by a need for revenge, something else drove him, focused him he began reading every book he could find sparing with anyone that would dare go against him until the only ones were Moody and a few of the other Aurorers. His knowledge of magic and its workings grew as fast as his power did, Harry became the wizard everyone always thought he was powerful, brilliant, and amazingly to some more subtle than even Dumbledore. Harry even began to offer anyone that entered the room that served as his study a peppermint.

End Flashback

"Hello Harry" a familiar voice pulled Harry back to the present.

"Hello Albus what brings you here at this late hour? Not checking up on me I hope?" Harry asked without turning.

"No Harry I was on my way to Gryffendor Tower, when I learned of your presence here, since I was coming to speak to you it made little sense to continue to the tower."

"The paintings spying for you again?"

"No Harry, as I am the headmaster they are duty bound to inform me of the goings on in the halls."

This statement caused Harry to turn a stare at the headmaster a moment feeling the familiar probing Harry smiled and simply closed his mind off. "If you wish to ask something you'll have to come out and say it Albus," smirking he continued "your weak mind tricks won't work on me jedi."

Dumbledore looked confused a moment then started twinkling like crazy and smiled "Ahh I recognize the reference, cute Harry, and I apologize I should have asked you directly instead of using legilimency. But I hope you forgive a old man, I was curious as to just how much you had changed over the years."

Harry shook his head and sighed "Albus how much are you like your 13 year old self now?"

Albus Dumbledore great wizard that he was actually had the decence to blush. "Your right Harry of course," conjuring a chair Dumbledore sat near by as Harry continued to lean on the battlements.

"You said you wished to speak with me?"

"Yes Harry I wanted to ask you a few questions, firstly about your wandless magic..."

"I had to train long and hard to get to this point Albus, of course I'll use the wand in school, but be forewarned, I am three times as powerful with a wand as with out it. It takes a little concentration but I have managed to tone down my power when I want to."

Dumbledore raised and eyebrow "just how powerful are you Harry?"

"And he shall mark him as his equal"

"That is not the answer I expected but I don't see why I didn't now my apologies again Harry, I meant no offense."

"None taken professor, no offense meant but stop apologizing, I know you are just worried, I would be too I went over the conversation I would have with you when I got back a hundred times. There are a few thing I want to ask you about my schooling."

"Very well I have one more question then I will let you ask yours, when do you plan on telling your friends, and Ginny?"

"Probably during the summer between 4th and 5th year. They probably won't be mature enough til then, I trust them completely, but they need to be young and have some fun I intend to see that they do."

Dumbledore nodded, "that is probably the wisest course, but I caution you do not make the same mistake I did. If the opportunity to tell them sooner presents itself you should. Do not forget how much you depend on them Harry they are your anchor."

Harry nodded agreement but said nothing.

"Well that is all I have for now Harry what did you wish to ask me?"

"Well, firstly I wanted to know if I could drop Divination and pick up Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, secondly I wanted to ask if you know so much about what is going on in this castle what did you let the things happen that you did? And why in Merlins name did you trust Severus?"

"Well firstly yes I think that could be arranged secondly why not drop Care of Magical Creatures as well I am seriously considering the Muggle Defense Class you told me about, thirdly I know you think I let most of those things happen but as you learned in your 5th year I am human and make mistakes besides think about what you learned during those trials. After your first year did you really fear Tom anymore, after your 2nd you learned he was simply a man, you third you learned to trust your friends and myself to help you, your 4th you learned once you set your mind to something there is no stopping you, and your 5th you learned to trust not only your close friends to stand by you but also those that care about you. As I said you also learned that I am human and make mistakes, it was not a lesson I intended but there it is, your sixth you and I learned that not matter what we may believe about someone, they may not want to be redeemed. A lesson I learned rather harshly." Dumbledore said gravely as he looked toward the edge of the roof.

Harry listened intently, thought for a moment then spoke, "so you weren't manipulating me you were helping me prepare for the confrontation, is that it?"

"Yes Harry that is it, but unfortunately, the lessons you needed to learn were not ones that could be read from a book or taught in a class. You needed to experience adult problems and face them like a man. Something you did well for one so young, you made mistakes, but we all do Harry, that is part of living."

"I know Albus, I know" without thinking Harry conjured a cigarette and began smoking.

"Harry I have thought of another question, if I may?"

Harry nodded but did not speak. "Why do you call me Albus, if I died while you were still at school how could we have every gotten close enough for you to feel comfortable with that?"

Harry smiled and pulled something from his robes, "you left me this, I used it a lot. It really helped me get through some of the rougher times and with my training." Harry was holding what looked like a pensive bowl but instead of the liquid being silver it was golden and shimmered.

Dumbledore frowned, " I don't remember making that"

"You don't until the end of my 4th year, with the way things went you felt it best that I have a way to speak to you just in case. So you made this Essence Pensive for me"

"You are certain I made it. I don't believe I would have, even under those circumstances."

"Quite certain Albus, every time I used the damn thing the first thing he asks me is if I want a bloody lemon drop."

The old twinkle was back, " I am rather obsessed aren't I?"

"I am not sure obsessed is a strong enough word."

"Well I don't know about you Harry but I need some rest, Good Night", he turned to leave but stopped as the opening, "oh, by the way what are you sleeping patterns

now?"

"I don't really understand it but all I need is about 14 hours a week I usually get about 2 hours a night but I can go a couple of days without sleep, if need be, as long as I make it up eventually."

"It comes with increased power Harry I only need about 20 hours a week while Tom needs 16, it varies from wizard to wizard. And it gives me and idea about how much power you have. Well good night Harry." With that the old wizard left leaving Harry with his thoughts.

"Barmy old codger, well at least I know where I stand with him now, that's important."

The next several weeks went by quickly life was grand in the castle with Sirrius an Albus. Fudge had stopped by after Harry's disappearance and was pleased to learn "the boy was staying put" as he put it. The words did nothing to endear Harry to the man. Time for school to begin was getting close and Harry wanted to go to the Leaky Caldron and ride in with Ron and Hermione. Sirrius abhorred the idea with a manic out there looking for Harry, they all had a good laugh at that one. But since they knew it was relatively safe, Albus allowed it. The day they were to leave Harry approached Sirius.

"Hey Sirius, I am leaving with Albus today for Diagon Alley, and I won't be back until school starts."

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you pup?"

"Yes I am sure, no since risking you getting caught before we prove your innocence, nothing is going to happen just a few minor annoyances."

"The Ferret?"

"Yeah"

"Did he ever live that down?"

"No, at any rate I need you to finish preparations here. Can you handle that with out being seen?"

"HA, I have been getting around Filch since before your were born and next to the Dementors he will be no problem."

"Don't be so fast to underestimate that old Squib he may not have much magic but he knows this castle inside and out, and don't forget the kneezle of his."

"Mrs Norris, I was never certain she wasn't a Animagus"

"I assure she wasn't," After Sirrius raised an eyebrow at this Harry waved him off, "another time, just have everything ready."

"No problem pup you can count on me."

With that said the two embraced and Sirius told Harry to be careful. Harry then left Sirrius and proceeded to the headmaster's office the gargoyle leapt aside as Harry approached and he climbed the stairs. When he reached the door, just before he could knock, it opened allowing him inside. Harry moved through the door and sat down to wait. He began studying the room taking in the details once more of a place he had longed to revisit. Everything was as he remembered it from his youth and it made him all the more happy with his decision. Not everyone get a true second chance at a childhood, he thought. A slight movement caught his attention as Dumbledore entered from the back.

"Ah Harry ready to go then?" He looked puzzled but said nothing so Harry simply nodded and the two of them flooed to the Leaky Cauldron.

Diagon Ally was just as Harry remembered it after a quick trip to Gringgotts to show them the letter from his "aunt" allowing him access to his lower vaults before his was of age, Harry set up several ways to extract money from the bank without every having to return here. He then went to Flourish and Bolts and purchased there ordering catalog the same with the apothecary and Elops. Harry and Dumbledore were now browsing the other stores when stopped at the entrance to Knockturn Alley, pulling his hood up covering his face, Harry moved purposely through the crows if Snape could have seen him at that moment he would have been proud. Dumbledore gliding through after casting a notice-me-not charm on himself as he always did when entering the Alley.

Harry stopped suddenly in front of an run down looking store. Reep's Rare Books and Collectable,

Truen Reep was not unknown to Dumbledore, the man was dangerous and would do anything to attain something he thought, or knew was rare and valuable. It was believed, but never proven that he had several of Merlins books in his private collection. The rumor was most likely started by Reep himself.

Harry strode into the store and ignored the small man behind the counter. He began strolling up and down the aisles searching the shelves. He stopped in front of several books, but then moved on. Finally he called Dumbledore over, "read this shelf please Albus" Harry said pointing at a shelf of old books with strange runes on it that Dumbledore couldn't make out just when he thought he had it they changed somehow to something different.

"I can't Harry, the runes seem to shift when I try to read them." Dumbledore very puzzled, but extremely curious about what Harry was doing and the significance of these books.

Harry simply nodded and took the entire contents of the shelf down and went to the counter 6 books in all.

In a voice that was not his own and so cruel and demanding that Dumbledore was started for a moment before collecting himself Harry began to speak to Reep. "How much for these old tomes?"

"Those?" Reep inquired as he reached and took one of the books to look it over. "Ah the rune collection, since it is a full set, but no one seems to be able to translate them I'll let them go for two thousand galleon, provided you tell me what these are if you find a way to translate them."

Harry nodded them handed over the money, which Reep took greedily thinking he had just gotten the best of the deal. Harry took the books after Dumbledore had shrunk them and placed them in his pocket, they turned to leave but Harry stopped at the door and turned to face Reep once more. "They are books on a dead form of magic one must be a Parseltounge to read them. Because they were written by Salazar Slytherin himself." Reep looked purely stunned for about a moment, then suddenly his features melted and he went back to what ever he had been examining when they entered the shop.

Once they were outside and out of Knockturn Alley Dumbledore motion to a small café near the back of Diagon Alley the two sat at a quiet table in the back. Dumbledore was the first to speak, "Harry correct me if I am wrong but Truen Reep will never remember what happened to those books will he?" Harry shook his head in response and ordered a small meal and something to drink from the enchanted menu. "How did you know those books were there?"

Harry looked as though he was in deep thought a moment, "I sensed them, I have been inside Tom's head enough to know what he feels like. I felt a similar magical signature from the books today"

Dumbledore eyes were twinkling so brightly Harry thought the old wizard was going to wet himself in acquitment, he somehow got the impression that if this was Hermione not Albus Dumbledore defeater of Grinwauld, that he would have been bouncing in his seat like she does when Harry does something that "can't be done". "What?" Harry hissed out.

"The ability you described is not unheard of Harry but it is extremely rare, and it is only present in a Master Legilimence. It merely means that you, at a very young age I might add, have fully mastered a rather difficult form of magic."

"You don't mean 13 do you?"

"No I don't most wizard don't yet have the patience, or dedication even at 70 years old to fully master Legilimency. What other forms of magic have you mastered?" Dumbledore leaned back appearing to relax a little more but Harry recognized the technique it was a way of resting without totally letting your guard down Harry realized that despite his age, Dumbledore was extremely dangerous when he wanted to be the wizard had a disarming quality about him that made you let your guard down because you thought you were dealing with a foolish old man. But nothing could be farther from the truth, Harry now realized the trueness of Dumbledore' s wisdom. in spite of Dumbledore' s 100 plus years the he openly admitted that each day he learned something new and that he did not know everything.

"I managed to master charms defense a good bit of potions but some areas were beyond my grasp, like poisons, and such, transfiguration, attack magic a small amount of blood magic, some summoning but higher summoning is still difficult for me, despite my success with the patronous, and I couldn't even master the simplest spell in necromancy."

"I believe that I can explain that Harry. Despite your changed view on magic's two sides, light and dark, you are still inherently a creature of the light. That is why light spells come easier to you. You were able to master them in little time once you applied yourself. I suppose you have learned how outdated our form of teaching is?"

"Yes, we learned mainly through the DA that not everyone can learn from a book. Some people need to understand how magic works. Others like me, I am apparently one of the rarest types have to think of magic as a living thing that you are working with to accomplish your goals. Magic is not a tool it's a partner it is there to help you not do your bidding. We also discovered only the most powerful of wizards and witches can truly grasp this concept."

"Very good Harry with your additional training in Runes and Arithmancy you will be receiving this year. You should be one of the most knowledgeable wizards in existence. Very few are able to master as many forms of magic as you. Tell me have you an Animagus form?"

Harry nodded as he replied "yes but don't ask me what it is. I want it to be a surprise."

The rest of their conversation was along the same lines. Some found it very strange to see a old white haired wizard they couldn't quite place and a boy that looked familiar, but wasn't anyone they knew discussing magical theory all day in a café, but the two seemed content to be left alone and with a notice-me-not charm in place on the table, no one bothered them. They talked until it began to get dark then moved to the Caldron they ordered dinner and after eating Harry went to his room and Dumbledore returned to Hogwarts to assist Sirius. Harry lay in bed thinking That was a conversation I have wanted to have for ages. It felt good to talk to him after all these years.

Harry tossed a few more thoughts about for a few moments then smiled as he remembered he would see his friends again in a few days. With that happy thought he went to sleep.

Far away in a distant land some evil had felt a disturbance in his magic all day, now he knew what that disturbance was. The evil being slithered through the dense forest seeking his prey he could wait, he could bide his time, he had done so before, he would do so again.

It was only a matter of time...