Harry walked into the room where his best friends were and was almost instantly enveloped in a hug. This procedure seemed to be developing into a trend. He gave Hermione a small pat on the back before pushing her off him and shook hands with Ron.
"So...Sirius told me Moody's been screening the mail. So tell me whats been happening."
"That's the thing mate. They haven't told us anything!." Replied Ron.
"You had to have over heard something though."
"Not that we were supposed to." said Hermione, glaring over at Ron.
"Don't act like you weren't curious! Anyway, that's beside the point. Fred and George invented these things called 'extendable ears'. They let you hear all sorts of things. The Order found out though, so we hardly hear anything anymore." answered Ron.
"Everyone keeps talking about this Order and I don't have the slightest clue ast to what it is!" Harry exclaimed.
"The Order of the Phoenix is a group of witches and wizards founded by Dumbledore dedicated to stopping Voldemort." Hermione explained.
"Right then. So what did you guys hear?"
"Not much mate, not with Moody and mum checking for the ears now. All that we've heard is some talk about a weapon of some sorts and that some of the Order are guarding it." said Ron.
"Why aren't we using this weapon? Why are we sitting around guarding a weapon when we could be using it to stop Voldemort right now?" Harry asked, perplexed.
"Because, Mr.Potter. That weapon is not yet fit for use. It must be carefully guarded until the proper time."
The owner of the voice had twinkling blue eyes and a beard that reached his waist. It was none other that Albus Dumbledore.
"What exactly is the weapon sir?" Harry inquired.
"All things will be revealed in time Harry." Mysteriously replied the old sage.
Harry, Dumbledore, Ron and Hermione talked for a bit about how the summer had gone and how and why the rules were so tight when Dumbledore gave a small cough, as if to get the teenagers attention.
"Harry, may I speak to you alone for a moment or two?" It wasn't so much a request as it was a soft command.
"Of course Head Master."
The two walked the dark, sullen halls of Black Manor in silence for some time before Harry asked
"What did you want to talk to me about sir?"
"Dark days approach us Harry. With Voldemort resurrected I very much fear for your well being, indeed, your life. Therefore Harry I would ask that you allow me to tutor you in defensive and offensive magics, and a number of other arts that will protect you from the Dark Lord."
Harry stood with his mouth agape. It was an opportunity that he had only dreamed of, an opportunity many would kill for.
"O-Ofcourse sir! It would be an honor!."
"Excellent. The mean time I suggest you begin reading this." Dumbledore handed Harry a thick, dark, battered tome. "You should read a little at a time before you go to sleep each night."
Harry laid down in his bed that night, anxiously staring at the book in front of him. He unbound it and opened it carefully. There was nothing on the page, then, slowly, words appeared.
Welcome Harold James Potter, I was told you would be visiting me soon. However, I didn't think you would arrive quite so promptly. Shall we call this a Gryffindor show of bravery?
Or maybe…
A true show of a Slytherins ambition for power?
Harry sighed. He had seen what talking books could do in the past and understandably did he only write back with some hesitation.
A Gryffindor show of bravery, I assure you. Now, you know my name, what should I call you?
A show of bravery then? We shall see if that holds true as you continue. As for my name, you can call me Alfred Windleforth Grindlewald.
Harry stared at the book in shock. If there was one thing he had learned from History of Magic, it was the man known as Dark Lord Grindlewald that remained the only historic figure that interested him. It was said that he wielded a power equal to Dumbledore and possessed just as much cunning. People said that Voldemort was the darkest wizard in a century, and perhaps in terms of power, he was, but when it came to tactics and cruelty Grindlewald held the title of the truly darkest.
You're probably wondering why Albus gave you this book aren't you Mr. Potter. There is much knowledge one can gleam from his enemies and being in the condition I am, I am not presented with the choice of sharing with you my knowledge.
Harry stared at the book, eyes wide. The book form of the darkest lord to ever grace the magical world was offering him all his knowledge, not only that, but he was also going to start training with the only wizard to best him, Albus Dumbledore.
If you are as obligated to share your self with me as you say, tell me, how did you come to be this book? Harry asked.
You lack any and all creativity Mr. Potter- something I will have to remedy. However, if you must know, before he destroyed me, Albus extracted all my memories and placed them within this text. I assure you it is a most humiliating position.
Harry blinked. He honestly hadn't expected the book to answer, at least not so completely. He had expected a riddle or cryptic answer like Dumbledore would give.
But alas Mr. Potter, an introduction is all we have time for tonight. I suggest you turn in for a good night's rest. You'll be needing it.
Wait! Harry scribbled hurriedly I'm not done yet!
Words of a Gryffindor, brave enough talk to a Dark Lord? Or again perhaps Mr. Potter, ambition to learn the darkest secrets ever held by man, worthy only of a true Slytherin. Time shall tell Mr. Potter… Until tomorrow, I bid you adieu.
Harry tried over and over to get the book to respond again, but it made no shows of replying to the young wizard.
So, troubled by the book's words or bravery and ambition, Harry dozed off to sleep.
Harry woke the next morning, the book beside him. Noticing Ron was still sleeping, he hid it underneath his bed and walked down the stairs for breakfast. Dumbledore and Sirius were already there.
"Morning Harry!" Came his Godfathers rasping voice.
"Me and Albus were just talking about the training he's set up for you. Your in for a hell of a work out kid…But you'll be needing it now. He's allowed me to do a bit of training with you myself though. Being a Black, I am, ashamedly, well versed on the blackest of the Dark Arts. You'll need to be able to recognize and block each one."
Sirius grinned at Harry and he thought that Sirius might actually be looking forward to casting the spells at him.
"But what about the laws on underage magic?" Harry asked.
"Such laws are incredibly easy to elude Mr. Potter. The law works by sensing how many magical are supposed to be in the area and who they are. Should you cast magic here, the ministry would merely think it a witch or wizard within the neighborhood."
Harry grinned "So that means…"
"You can cast all the magic you want here kiddo. You're free to cast to hearts content without so much as a hoot from the ministry."
"After lunch, Harry, I ask that you prepare for a trip to Diagon Alley, we have a few things to pick up for your training. Until then, you're free to do as you please."
Well that's chapter two. I realize it's not long, but I just couldn't get out the opening conversation with Grindlewald the way I wanted it. It still doesn't read right to me. This entire chapter doesn't really. I'll try and make the next chapter at least 2000 words. Until then, enjoy this nice little humor piece I almost put in.
Harry stared at the book, eyes wide. The book form of the darkest lord to ever grace the magical world was offering him all his knowledge, not only that, but he was also going to start training with the only wizard to best him, Albus Dumbledore.
If you are as obligated to share your self with me as you say, tell me, boxers or breifs?
You lack any and all creativity Mr.Potter. Something I will have to remedy. However, if you must know, boxers.