"Come in, Harry," Dumbledore's voice came from the other side of the door.

Harry pushed the door open and stepped inside Dumbledore's office. Three pairs of eyes met Harry's gaze as the door swung shut behind him. The familiar blue, twinkling eyes of Professor Dumbledore shone at Harry over half-moon spectacles. The dark eyes of Alexander Brooks peered at Harry curiously. The third set of eyes belonged to a woman Harry had never met before.

She was tall and thin, and her face was lined with many years' worth of wrinkles. Her hair was a silver-grey, with a jet-black streak over the left side of her forehead. It was pulled into a tight bun, producing the same severe effect of Professor McGonagall. However, her eyes seemed strangely familiar; they were wide and tilted upwards at the sides. She stood staring at Harry, her eyes seeming to look right through him. He felt a chill go down his spine.

"Have a seat, Harry," Dumbledore said, motioning his hand toward the chair in front of his desk.

Harry walked over stiffly and sat down, feeling three sets of eyes following him. This can't be good, Harry thought to himself.

"Welcome back, Harry," Dumbledore said formally. "I trust you had a pleasant train ride?"

Harry nodded.

"Excellent," Dumbledore replied. "I expect you'd like to know why I've asked you to come here?"

Harry glanced at Mr. Brooks and the woman, who were still staring at Harry intently. Harry's stomach tightened and he felt a slight sweat breaking through his skin.

Harry cleared his throat. "Yes, Professor."

Dumbledore smiled. "I understand you have already met Mr. Alexander Brooks. As he told you, he will be coordinating the Security Task Force here at Hogwarts."

Harry nodded. This was not new information.

Dumbledore held his hand toward the woman. "Now, Harry, I would like to introduce you to Professor Medusa Pandoran. She is Hogwarts' new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Dumbledore smiled at the new professor. "Medusa, this is Harry Potter."

Professor Pandoran glided over to Harry and held her hand out to him. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Potter." Her voice betrayed her looks. Harry had expected a wispy or raspy voice from this thin, older woman, but instead she spoke strongly and smoothly.

Harry nodded as he stood and shook her ice-cold hand. Her eyes bore into him, making him feel uneasy.

Harry returned to his seat and looked at Dumbledore. Dumbledore nodded to the two seats to Harry's right, and Professor Pandoran and Mr. Brooks moved to them and settled in.

Dumbledore sat in his chair behind his desk and looked at Harry. "Both Professor Pandoran and Mr. Brooks have made special requests to meet with you, Harry."

Harry looked from Professor Pandoran to Mr. Brooks, wondering what on earth they wanted to meet with him for. He looked back to Dumbledore questioningly.

"Mr. Brooks, would you like to begin?" Dumbledore asked.

"Gladly," Mr. Brooks replied, inclining his head toward Dumbledore. He then turned to Harry. "As coordinator of security, my job is to research and implement the security needs of Hogwarts. While Hogwarts is known as one of the safest and most secure places in the wizarding world, there is always room for improvement. Therefore, as coordinator, there are certain things I need to know in order to ensure the safety of students. For example, I have spent the last month examining the weaknesses of Hogwarts' grounds and buildings. As a result, we were able to cast additional protective spells where I found weaknesses. Furthermore, I have positioned my officials in areas where I feel they are best positioned to oversee student activity."

Harry nodded, still confused as to what Mr. Brooks wanted of him.

"In addition to knowing Hogwarts inside and out, I need to know the enemy. Without knowing the enemy, we have no chance of implementing preventative security measures. And that's where you come in, Harry."

Harry's heart pounded hard in his chest. What does that mean? Harry glanced at Dumbledore and saw him peering at Mr. Brooks over his steepled fingers. Dumbledore moved his gaze to Harry and gave him a reassuring nod.

Harry returned his gaze to Mr. Brooks.

"I have worked with the Ministry for years, Harry. I was there the first time we fought Voldemort and have been studying him ever since."

Harry looked at Mr. Brooks intently. The fact that Mr. Brooks had used Voldemort's name made Harry instantly respect him.

Mr. Brooks studied Harry and then continued. "In these past few years, I have felt as though the Ministry was missing an obvious piece of the puzzle as far as Voldemort is concerned. I could see a resource that they have refused to acknowledge. I believe it could be the most valuable source of information in understanding Voldemort. My assignment here at Hogwarts has given me the opportunity to examine this resource, if you are willing, Harry."

Harry stared at Mr. Brooks blankly.

Mr. Brooks smiled. "You are the resource, Harry. You have come face to face with Voldemort more often than many of his followers."

Harry swallowed, his brain racing. "What do you want me to do?"

"Initially, I just want to talk to you Harry. I want you to tell me about your experiences. I know it will be difficult for you to recount some of those experiences. However, I believe that your unique... bond… with Voldemort will give me an insight into understanding the enemy that my years with the ministry could not."

Harry looked at Dumbledore. Dumbledore leaned forward in his chair. "The decision is up to you, Harry."

Harry looked at Mr. Brooks skeptically. "So, you just want me to tell you what I know about Voldemort? I don't think I know more than anyone else."

Mr. Brooks smiled. "Well, I would like the opportunity to find out. A new perspective always helps. I have promised Professor Dumbledore that I will not take up too much of your time. You will be busy enough with your classes, Quidditch, and your work with Professor Pandoran."

Harry's eyes shot to Professor Pandoran, then returned to Mr. Brooks, who had continued talking. "If you agree, I would like to meet with you a few times this week. After that, I would like to meet occasionally, as the need arises."

Harry doubted that he would really be of any help to Mr. Brooks, but there didn't seem to be any harm in meeting with him. There was something else that confused him though.

Harry looked at Mr. Brooks and said, "I can meet with you this week, sir. But you said something about my working with Professor Pandoran?"

Mr. Brooks nodded and turned to Professor Pandoran. "I'll let Medusa explain."

Professor Pandoran had been sitting silently in her chair as Mr. Brooks explained his proposition to Harry. She studied Harry intently before she spoke.

"Mr. Potter, I understand that last year you led a secret student society in which you studied Defense Against the Dark Arts," Professor Pandoran said quietly.

Harry looked at Professor Dumbledore nervously, knowing that the Ministry considered these secret meetings of the students last year worthy of expulsion. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled brightly and a smile tugged at his lips.

Harry, encouraged by Dumbledore's expression, turned to Professor Pandoran. "Yes, Professor, that's correct."

She nodded curtly and continued. "I also understand that you are the top student in Defense Against the Dark Arts classes."

Harry shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I'm sorry, I don't know about that, Professor."

Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I assure you, Harry, it's true."

Harry raised his eyebrows and felt his cheeks flush.

"There are two things I would like you to help me with, Mr. Potter, both having to deal with the new Battle Training course I will be teaching," Professor Pandoran began. "First, I would like to meet with you and discuss what you covered during your meetings. I would like to know which students attended, and the progress they made."

Harry looked worriedly to Dumbledore. The students had all sworn to keep the members of the DA a secret.

Dumbledore saw the panic in Harry's eyes. "No need to worry Harry. The students will not be reprimanded in any way."

Harry released the breath he was holding. He turned to Professor Pandoran. "All right, Professor. I can do that."

She nodded her head. "The next request will take up quite a bit of your time. I ask you to take some time to consider it."

Harry swallowed and nodded his head.

"I would like you to assist me in training students. Your experience and your initiative have shown you to be a responsible and knowledgeable student. If you accept, I would require your time three nights a week. One evening would be one on one with me for your own training as well as planning for the course. On the other two evenings, you would be assisting me in my instruction of the battle training courses for fifth and sixth year students."

Harry's mouth hung open. He was sure he must have misheard his new Professor. She couldn't possibly want himas an assistant. He was just a sixth year student. A student who, more often than not, was getting himself and his friends into trouble. She must be mistaken. How could he possibly help her?

Harry stared at the floor, his mind reeling. He shook his head and looked up at Professor Pandoran. "Are you sure you want me? You must be thinking of someone else."

Professor Pandoran smiled, a startling change from the severe, cold stare she had been giving him thus far. "You come highly recommended, Harry. Your professors have many good things to say about you." She turned her gaze to Dumbledore. "You were right, Albus. He is painfully modest."

Harry stared at Professor Pandoran. Shewasserious. Harry worked through the thoughts spinning around in his mind. His professors had recommended him? She obviously didn't talk to Snape, Harry thought darkly. Nevertheless, she had askedhim. Was this something he could do? Was this something hewanted to do?

It was true; Harry had enjoyed playing the teacher role during the meetings of the DA. He found such satisfaction in watching the progress of his fellow students. This would give him the opportunity to continue working with them, helping them to gain the skills they may need in the dark times they were facing. But three nights a week was quite a commitment. He would also have Quidditch practice, not to mention mounds of homework. He could just imagine the scandalized look on Hermione's face if he were to fall behind in his classes.

Harry looked at Dumbledore, who was peering at Harry solemnly. Dumbledore's expression took Harry back to the last time he was in Dumbledore's office. Harry felt his stomach clench as he remembered their conversation. They had discussed Sirius's death, and Dumbledore had told Harry of the prophecy. Harry closed his eyes as the memory overwhelmed him...either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The words repeated themselves in Harry's mind.

If he were the only one who could defeat Voldemort, he would need to be prepared. He would have to learn as much as he could. And, if something were to happen to him, he would make sure the people he cared about would be able to defend themselves. He would help them now, while he could.

He opened his eyes and looked at Professor Pandoran. "I'll do it."

She stared at Harry, her eyes once again probing into him. He felt an odd twinge in his forehead but pushed it away. Harry returned her stare and jumped slightly when she flinched.

She turned to Dumbledore and said quietly, "You didn't tell me he had mastered Occlumency."

Harry's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. He looked at Dumbledore who was obviously trying to hide his smile.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and looked at Professor Pandoran seriously. "That's to stay within the walls of this office, Medusa. We have nothing to gain and much to lose if we advertise his ability."

Harry was shocked. "You just tried to break into my mind?" he blurted.

Professor Pandoran turned her penetrating eyes to Harry. "Yes. I wanted to make sure you were certain about your decision. Obviously, I will have to take your word on it."

Harry looked to Professor Dumbledore, shocked not only that he had successfully blocked an intruder from his mind, but also that he had done so without crashing to his knees in pain. Dumbledore winked at Harry. Harry smiled.

"Well, Harry, it seems you have a very busy year in front of you," Dumbledore said. "I ask you to come to me immediately if you are feeling overwhelmed. Other arrangements can be made if you feel it is too much responsibility."

Harry nodded. "Thanks, Professor. I'll keep that in mind."

"Well, then. Medusa, Alexander, I'll leave it to you to coordinate your meetings with Harry. I ask you to speak with Professor McGonagall regarding Gryffindor's Quidditch practice. I don't want Minerva scolding me for Gryffindor's Seeker missing practices," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.

Mr. Brooks and Professor Pandoran nodded.

"Very well. There's a hall full of young and, I'm sure, hungry students downstairs. We shall not keep them waiting any longer."

Dumbledore rose from his chair and led the group out of his office. Harry followed behind, feeling somewhat dumbfounded. This was definitely going to be an interesting year.