Chapter 8: Back to the Burrow, Again
Using the Charm that Harry put on his glasses, he looked behind him without turning around. He sighed relief when he found Ginny…She was smiling, clearly enjoying scaring Harry like this.
Harry pointed to her behind his back, and in one motion he disarmed her, spun around, and gently put his lips to hers. It started off small, but when Ginny's surprise left, she kissed back, and the last few weeks of being without the other were made up for. They reluctantly broke the kiss and smiled at each other.
She looked good. He wouldn't lie. In just three weeks she seemed to have filled out more, and Harry needed to strain himself to keep looking at her face. Her face was very beautiful, however, so it really wasn't that hard.
"I missed you, Gin." Harry hugged her tight. He felt odd that he liked her so much. They had only gone out for a couple days. However, he realized he had been thinking of her constantly when learning how to use wandless magic. "Where's everyone else?"
"They are all still asleep…I am an early riser. So where have you been? How are you? What have you been doing? Why haven't you written? How come no one told us anything?" Ginny pounded the questions into him.
"Whoa! I will tell you with Ron and Hermione. How is she by the way? Has Ron done anything stupid?" Harry didn't want to tell everything twice, so he decided to wait so he could say it all at once.
"He isn't being as big of a git as usual, but he is oblivious to how he feels. Sometimes I wonder how I am related to him. Hermione is great; she was upset that you left before she got here though." Harry gave Ginny back her wand which made Ginny smile. "So I was right about the wandless magic, was I?"
"Yes, Ginny, you were." Harry grinned. Just then, someone came downstairs.
"Harry!" Hermione rushed to him and gave him a big hug. "Oh I was so mad you left. Couldn't wait for me, could you? So, where have you been?"
"I'll tell you when Ron gets up," Harry said, smiling at his friend.
"Oh, no you don't. He'll never get up if we don't get him. Let's go there right now." She happily ran upstairs into Ron's room. Harry heard Ron yelp as he and Ginny walked up the stairs.
"Hermione, don't you ever knock? Coming in here like that, what if I just got out of the shower or something?"
"Oh, Ron, you don't shower. Besides, Harry is back; I thought you would want to get up." As Harry walked in, Ron looked as if he couldn't decide whether to bicker with Hermione or greet Harry. So he did both.
Harry stopped Ron after a short argument with Hermione about whether Ron showered or not. He said, "Listen, do you want to know where I've been or not?" They instantly quieted. Harry didn't want to mention it being in the Chamber of Secrets, so left that part out, saying, "Dumbledore and I found a place where I could train full time. It is awesome, and I learned loads. After breakfast I will show it to you."
The three were angry at Harry's vague description, and fired questions at him. He said, "Stop! I will show you all after breakfast; it will be better to show you than to just tell you."
They stopped asking questions when the twins apparated in. "Harry, so great to have you back." Ron had jumped and fell out of his bed when the CRACK! of the twins arrival sounded. He angrily got up and back into bed.
"We were wondering—"
"—When you'd get back."
"We have…things—" George winked.
"—To discuss with you." Fred finished.
Harry sighed. This couldn't be good. Maybe they were going to show him some of their new 'items' they were working on. The other three looked at Harry curiously.
They were all interrupted, however, by Mrs. Weasley bursting through the door and rushing up to give Harry a bone crushing hug. These hugs normally left Harry rubbing his ribs and gasping for breath, but he found he was much stronger and they didn't hurt him. "Breakfast will be ready in ten minutes, everyone." She left no doubt to make a feast of a breakfast for Harry's return.
"So, how have your summers been?" Harry asked.
The Weasley's plus Hermione all went into an explanation of their summer. Ron, Ginny, and Hermione had spent all their time together, not doing much at all. Fred and George, on the other hand, and been in their room a lot, but said they had not had a lazy summer. With another wink, George said, "We've managed to keep busy with some new ideas."
Then Harry brought up The Order of the Phoenix. "What do you guys know about it?"
"Mum wont let us join—" George started.
"Even though we are of age," Fred broke in.
"—But we have our ways of getting information." He pulled out of his pocket an ear. Harry would have been disgusted if he didn't know the twins. He was just curious.
Hermione looked at them disapprovingly. "The ear helps them hear what they aren't supposed to. They slide it downstairs and they hear what the Order members say."
"Until Mum caught us. Now it's tough to get any information. She thought she got rid of all the extendable ears though. She's wrong, of course." Fred looked pleased with himself for hoodwinking their mother.
Harry laughed. It was good to be home. "We still didn't find out much, though," Ron said. "Snape comes here…I can't believe they let that greasy git in our house. He gives them reports on Death Eater activity."
"So the Order meets here then?"
"Only some of the time. It's only here at all because everyone loves mum's cooking. They meet some other places that we don't know. That's why we don't know much.
Before they could continue talking, Mrs. Weasley screamed up the stairs, "KIDS! COME FOR BREAKFAST!"
Harry walked downstairs to find Dumbledore was there. He pulled him into the corner of the room, "Hello, Harry. I finished up sooner than I thought I would, so I am able to join you for dinner after all. I trust you have already spoken with your friends?"
"Yes, I was planning on taking them there after breakfast, if that's alright."
"Yes, that will be ok. I will convince Molly during breakfast." Dumbledore's eye twinkled.
"Can they use magic when there, Professor?"
"It will be in Hogwarts, so I see no reason why not. Though, only you are allowed to outside of Hogwarts…However, I hope you won't need to use magic often."
They ate breakfast, and Harry watched with much amusement as Dumbledore spoke in low tones to a frustrated Mrs. Weasley. She eventually softened when she looked over at Harry smiling at her.
"Goodbye, Harry. I will see you tomorrow," Dumbledore said as he stepped into the flames.
Harry gave his thanks to Mrs. Weasley before turning to the others. "Come over to the fire please," he said. They all walked over, and Harry cast the silencing charm, so they couldn't hear how to get into the Chamber. "It Cost 10.00," Harry soundlessly said. The fire roared green and he pushed Hermione, Ron, and then Ginny, through the fire into the Chamber before going in himself.
He stepped out of the fireplace of the room. Harry enjoyed the looks on his friends' faces. Hermione was staring over at the library with a longing on her face. Ron was looking at the dome, open mouthed. And Ginny was looking at Harry, with a smile on her face.
Harry took off the silencing charm and asked, "What do you think?"
Twenty minutes later, Harry was asked by Ron and Ginny to duel them. Hermione was busy going through the library. They walked into the dueling area, and Harry started dueling. They were no match for him, even though he used his wand.
Harry showed them the black painting, and entered with the three others. Harry never went into the painting with more than one person, so it was a different experience. The Death Eaters came faster and a bit stronger. Harry was alone after the first ten minutes, the others having been hit with curses already. The Death Eaters still came out quickly, so it only took five minutes for it to get difficult.
Harry hadn't told the others about being a phoenix, so he decided it would be best to show them. Once he could hold his own any longer, he turned into the phoenix and flew up. Once above the trees, he soared back down, dodging spells with ease. About five feet from the ground, Harry turned back into himself and shot spells left and right out of both hands, wand forgotten in his pocket.
Harry apparated around shooting spells, but soon there were dozens of Death Eaters. Harry used his most powerful—and draining—spell, or rather power. He exploded inside, and the aura of fire burst around him. A few Death Eaters picked up their shields fast enough, but the majority was burned.
Harry decided to not worry about the other Death Eaters, and he exited the painting, panting for breath. When he opened his eyes, Hermione was looking at him with concern and amazement, Ron was glaring at him, open mouthed, again, but Ginny was just smiling that beautiful smile. She apparently wasn't that surprised for some reason.
"That was amazing, Harry…" Hermione had a shocked look on her face. "When did you learn to fight like that, and apparate, and when did you become an animagus?"
"A phoenix?" Ron managed to get out.
Harry nodded before going into the explanation of becoming an animagus. Each of them wanted to try the potion. Harry said he would have to ask Dumbledore about it before he gave it to them.
"You've only been here a few weeks. How have you been able to learn so fast? And for that matter, why have you been here?"
Harry knew it was time to tell them the prophecy. He had come to terms with it. He actually was lightened by it. It said he had a chance, and a good one at that, with the unknown power. He just didn't want to see his friends' pity and terror.
"Come here." Harry walked them over to the Pensieve. "What I am about to show you never enters someone else's ears, you hear me?"
They all nodded, Ron looking a bit scared at Harry's seriousness in the matter. "There is a prophecy…It was made in the presence of Professor Dumbledore. He heard it about fifteen years ago."
Harry pulled out the memory of him watching the memory of Dumbledore. He placed it into the pensieve. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…and the Dark Lord will mark him as an equal…and he shall possess a power the Dark Lord knows not…and either must die for the other to live…"
Harry didn't know when Ginny's hand found his, but he was glad it did. He looked up expecting the worst. Ron, typically, was open mouthed again. He looked a bit scared. Hermione was looking anxiously at Harry, pity etched into her face. Harry sighed.
He looked at Ginny. No pity there. It was pure determination. "This is great," she said. It shocked the others. She went into an explanation. "Well, we already knew Harry was going to face him again. It's no secret that Voldemort wants him dead, so that didn't change. All that did was say that Harry has a power that Voldemort doesn't."
Harry smiled at her…She really did know Harry exactly. "Exactly," he said. A loud breath escaped Ron and Hermione.
"We didn't think about that." Hermione spoke for the two of them, "We just assumed that you wouldn't have liked to hear it."
"Well, Ginny is right. I already knew deep down that it was me or Tom." He took a deep breath. "So, now you know why I've been training non stop for three weeks. You know why I have some strong powers. I don't know how strong I am, but I know that I have to learn in order to take down that monster.
"And I know…that you three will be there with me every step of the way. If I had it my way you wouldn't be—"
"—Mate, we are here for you no matter what you say. We have a role in this upcoming war, too."
"I know, Ron; that is why I'm not going to argue with you on this. I want you to be safe, but something tells me, even though you aren't in any prophecy, that you will play a role, and a big one at that."
Ron laughed, "What, have you been studying Divination here, too?"
Harry kept his face straight. "Yes…which reminds me, I won't be taking it this year. I'll be joining you, Hermione, in Arithmancy. I don't know why I didn't take it before."
Ron looked shot down, and Hermione piped up. "Oh isn't it wonderful?"
"Yes, that and Potions have become my second and third favorite subjects."
Ron looked like he was going to hurl. "What did they do to you, mate? Potions? I mean, Divination is bad, I can understand you dropping it, but having Potions be one of your favorite classes?"
"Hey, it helped Remus, and it helped me become an animagus."
"Remus…as in Professor Lupin?" Harry nodded. Hermione continued, "We saw him a week ago while he was at the Burrow for the Order. It was so weird seeing him. He looks a bit better, doesn't he?"
"Well, having an old Marauder around has helped. We have had some good times here. Last night was the full moon, let me tell you. I can understand why the Marauders looked forward to his transformation, other than Remus of course. It was loads of fun."
They talked for a few more minutes before Ron said he wanted to train a little. So they turned loose. Harry was glad when Ron went into the painting and Hermione buried herself in books. He turned to Ginny. "You know, I never thought you would be the one to understand me the best. I've only really known you for a short time."
"Oh, Harry. I used to watch you all the time. I know, like a little girl with a crush…because that was what I was. I know you very well."
"Well, I want to get to know you, Gin." He said, kissing her lightly. "So let's go duel." They laughed at Harry's lame take on getting to know a girl. Ginny obliged though, because it was a good way to get to know that girl.
The day passed as Harry shared experiences with the others, taught them several things, and just had a good time with them. Soon, the afternoon was over, and Sirius came through the fire with Remus. Harry told the others he would meet them at the burrow when he was done. They exited through the fire with three shouts of, "The Burrow."
"Had a good time, Harry?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, yes, a very good time. It's always good to be with friends." He looked at them, "So, I am sure to have a good time now, right?"
"I'm not going to go any easier on you with our duel, Harry. You should stop trying to soften me up."
They entered the dome. Harry took out his wand, and they started dueling. Harry moved faster than he ever had. He and Sirius were in a zone. Nether could hit each other, or when they did, the other muttered the counter curse before it did any damage.
They apparated around, Harry could tell Sirius didn't like constantly apparating. Harry did not have to endure the squeezing feeling constantly, though. Harry could apparate-duel very well. Soon, Sirius stopped apparating and had to rely on his speed to stop Harry's hexes, curses, jinxes, and whatever else came at him in every direction.
Soon, Harry had Sirius beat. The one duel was enough to put most people in a coma for a week in exhaustion. Sirius, however just collapsed and breathed heavily for several minutes. He shakily got to his feet and Harry handed back his wand that he had gotten when he disarmed Sirius before he collapsed.
"Looks like you'll be moving on to both of us for real pretty soon, Harry." He managed to gasp this out between heavy breaths and pants. He turned into a dog and really panted, with his tongue out and everything. Harry laughed as he pet his godfather's head.
Harry dueled Remus alone, but Remus was a bit worse than Sirius, so the duel was also won by Harry. After waking the werewolf up, Sirius decided that would be it for the day, as all three of them were burned out.
The next morning, Harry rose from his bed in Percy's room and went downstairs to eat. He had breakfast with the Weasley's before entering the fire. "Harry, perfect timing, I just got here."
"Hello, Professor. What will we be doing today?"
"Well, because you have been progressing so quickly, it is time for us to move on to something much more difficult. This took me years to master, so I don't expect you to learn very quickly. However, with your past of learning things very quickly, I doubt it will take as long as with me.
"I will be teaching you how to feel magic. Feel it so you don't need to see it, or hear it, or use any other of your senses. This is how I knew there was magic here. I hope it will help in our Horcrux hunt, Harry."
"Our—?" Harry started.
"Yes, but first we must get the basics of this."
Dumbledore went into a complex explanation of feeling magic. Harry took in every word of his explanation. It was very difficult magic. It took great patience, power, and most importantly, control. Harry practiced Dumbledore's teaching by stretching his mind. He wasn't exactly sure how to do it, but he tried none the less.
"Clear your mind like when you were becoming the phoenix, but this time, when it is cleared, feel around. I know it doesn't make sense, Harry, but once you accomplish it once, it will become clear."
Harry cleared his mind relatively quickly. He let his mind wander, but not his thoughts. He sat in silence for who knows how long. He didn't know because he wasn't really thinking. He felt a calm come over him. And suddenly a sharp jab, not painful, more of just alerting him, the sharp jab broke his calm.
He wheeled around to where he had felt it. He was looking straight at Dumbledore, who had apparated across the room. Dumbledore smiled. "You felt that didn't you?"
Harry nodded as Dumbledore appeared with a faint pop next to him. "Marvelous. Of course, you will need to practice constantly to keep that magical awareness always. Soon, you will be able to tell what spell is being cast, or where more magic is being used.
"There is an ancient and relaxed magic in this room, which is why it is so calm. That is why I do not suspect there to be a Horcrux here. There seems to be so little disturbance when in this room. Granted, Voldemort could have put a charm to prevent us from feeling it, but those are complex, and I doubt he would've wasted his time in a room he thought none would be able to enter.
"That will be all for now, though I must ask you to practice. It will be good for you to practice around distractions…with I'm sure the twins will have plenty of. Good work today, Harry."
"Professor…the others want to take the potion to become animagi. What do you think?"
Dumbledore smiled. "I don't think Molly will be too pleased with that. So let's wait until school starts."
They walked to the fireplace and went their separate ways.
Time passed in a blur the next couple of weeks. He quietly told Ron, Hermione, and Ginny about the possibility of becoming unregistered animagi. They were anxious to do it, and were surprised at Dumbledore's disregard for the rules. Although, Harry really didn't care much for the Ministry's rules. They were still calling him and Dumbledore liars, so he decided going behind their back was a way to get back at them without them knowing.
Harry was gaining significant amount of control over his feeling magic. He still couldn't have it on constantly, especially when he was with Ginny, but he managed to keep up good radar of magic being used. He was a little scared of what he felt whenever he passed the twins' bedroom.
One day, they brought in their business partner. "Harry, we thought you should be able to see what we are working on." Harry found many of their ideas funny, and some frightening. He was very glad he was their business partner, and not a tester for their products.
"You know, Fred, George, after talking to Remus and Sirius yesterday, I felt the need for a new generation of Marauders…What do you say?"
"Harry is growing up, Fred."
Fred sniffed, "I think it is time."
They dove into plans of pranks to come at Hogwarts. Most aimed at Slytherin and Snape. Harry didn't want to know how much trouble he was going to get into, but he needed a laugh.
Ginny walked in on them pouring over the Marauder's Map, and she questioned immediately. Soon, the four of them were pouring over the map. Harry marveled at the way Ginny blackmailed, tricked, and frightened her older brothers into letting her join the fun. Harry was also amazed at the ideas she came up with.
The next morning, Dumbledore asked Harry, "I want to talk to you about being a Prefect, Harry."
Harry instantly thought of the previous day, and felt a little guilty. Dumbledore obviously caught this expression and his eyes twinkled. "How would you like to follow in you father's footsteps?"
Harry instantly said, "I'll do whatever you think would help me do that, Professor!"
"Well, then, I will give it to Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger."
Harry sighed. If truth be told, he didn't want to be a Prefect, especially not after what he did the previous day. He was glad to find out that his dad was not a prefect in his day. Remembering Ron's reflection in the Mirror of Erised, and the way he acted last year before the First Task, Harry was glad Ron would get something that he didn't."
That night, after drawing a duel with both Remus and Sirius, Harry decided to shower before going back to the Burrow. When he stepped out of the fire into the Burrow, he was greeted by, "Happy Birthday, Harry!"
Because of the pace of the last few weeks, Harry had not even thought about his Birthday. It really was a surprise when the party was thrown. Harry had a great time at his party; after all, it was his first one. After his fourth piece of cake, not competing with Ron's twelve (with a look of disgust from Hermione), Harry opened his presents.
Harry received many presents that he enjoyed. From the books from Remus to the sweater from Mrs. Weasley to the Marauder's Guide to Pranking (much to the twins' joy) from Sirius to the watch, pictures, and kiss from Ginny, all his gifts were amazing and filled with laughs. Although, the funniest gift was between socks from Dobby, and the different joke items the twins gave him.
Over the next week, the new Marauder's decided to prank the other Weasley's and Hermione. After the third yelling match with their mom that week, the twins went upstairs laughing. Harry and Ginny followed and they got to work on their next prank against Ron. His freckles were going to be a bit more blemished the next day.
Harry was progressing very quickly with his abilities. He could win both Remus and Sirius half of the time they dueled, and that was when he used his wand. He could feel magic constantly, but still had trouble defining which spells were being cast. He could feel their presence always, though.
Ginny's birthday was in a couple days, so Harry decided to pay the vault in the Chamber a visit. He had studied how to make a necklace, and wanted to make Ginny one using an emerald and some gold in the vault. After Sirius and Remus left that night, he went over to the wall.
When the wall slid out of place, he felt a rush of magic. He walked forward slowly. When he found an emerald he liked among the pile of jewels, he bent down to touch it. When he touched the pile of beautiful jewels, he felt the strongest magic he had ever felt. It was throbbing in his head. He looked at where it came from, and it was straight in the pile.
Harry put the deep green emerald in his pocket, and he started digging through the pile. He pushed gold and ornaments out of the way as he felt the magic becoming stronger. He finally pushed one more load out of the way, and he looked straight at what was causing such a disturbance in his magic senses.
It was a small golden cup with two finely wrought handles and a badger engraved on it. Harry reached forward to grab, what looked like to him like Hufflepuff's cup, and he grabbed it.
Instantly, his whole body went limp, and he fell to the floor.
A/N: Thanks to anyone who reviewed, I always enjoy them, no matter what they say. So please drop a review whether you like my story or not. Thanks for reading!