Disclaimer: I told you all before, I don't own anything related to the Harry Potter franchise nor am I making any money off of this fic.

Chapter 2:

A Discussion with the Headmaster

Headmaster Dumbledore,

After doing a great deal of thinking, I realize that there are some things that we need to discuss, both about the past, present, and future. I also have a few requests that I want to make. I will not say more in this letter as it may be intercepted. Please let me know when we can meet.

Harry Potter

Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard looked at the letter he had just received from Harry. He had a fairly good idea of what the boy wanted to discuss, but he was unsure if he would be able to accommodate. He would try, however. He owed Harry that much. Grabbing a sheet of parchment, the aging headmaster jotted down a reply.

"Fawkes, I need you to take this to Mr. Potter." Nodding his head in understanding, Fawkes grabbed the letter in one of his claws and disappeared in a burst of flame.

R-o-t-G-L-

(A day earlier)

It was only two days since Harry had sent his letter to Hermione when he received a reply. When Hedwig had returned, she also carried a response from Hermione. Tying his letter to Dumbledore onto Hedwig's leg, he sent her off again. Once Hedwig had left, Harry tore open the envelope that contained Hermione's reply and began reading.

Dear Harry,

I'm so glad you decided to write me. I was afraid that you might withdraw and ignore Ron and me. It truly does mean a lot to me that you wrote first. I am also honored that you consider me your best friend. However, I can't forgive you since really, there is nothing to be forgiven. I knew what I was doing when I followed you to the Ministry just like I have known what I was doing whenever I have followed you on some dangerous adventure. Yes, you were a bit insufferable at times last year, but who wouldn't be with having a dark lord visiting your head at night? However, I know you and I know you wont be happy until you have heard it, whether or not I think it is necessary. So, I forgive you. Now, with that out of the way, there is something that I feel you need to hear, otherwise you will probably be beating yourself up over it.

Here Harry knew what was coming. He was tempted to just stop there, but he knew he would have to deal with it eventually, so he decided to continue reading.

I know you are still hurting about Sirius, and that you probably think that it is partially your fault. ('Well' he thought, 'I did think it was my fault.') Like I said, I know you Harry. I can't stress this enough: IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT. It was Bellatrix and Voldemor'ts fault, not yours! I know you miss him Harry, and I want to help you. If you ever need to talk to anyone, you know I am available. That is all I am going to say on the matter since that is all that needs to be said. Now, with the depressing topic out of the way, I was wondering if you knew when we might receive our OWl scores? I really do hope that the examiners curve the score for our astronomy practical, seeing as how two of our teachers were assaulted right in front of our eyes...

Hermione's letter continued for another paragraph on describing how well she thought she did on her OWLs. After skimming through that, he continued with the end of the letter.

Did Ron tell you about his family going on vacation and Percy? I really think they of all people need it. I wonder how Mr. Weasley was allowed the time off with all that is going on, but I am sure the Ministry and Dumbledore have their reasons (Harry could not help but snort at that last comment. He made a mental not to himself to re-educate his friend on the fallibility of authority). Anyway, for the summer my parents and me are going to go to Paris for a couple of weeks! My mom promised me that we would be able to visit the Parisian wizarding world while we are there. I hope to be able to see you and Ron before school starts, but my parents really want us to spend time together since I skipped out of our skiing vacation. Well, I know you probably won't have much fun with those deplorable muggles, but try to keep your chin up.

I was talking to my mum and she said that maybe you should try writing in a journal? It might allow you to vent some of your frustration so you are not as explosive as you were last year. Well, I hope you are doing okay and I hope to see you soon.

Your (apparently best) friend,

Hermione

Harry could not help but smile as he read her letter. Like always, she was trying to help him out. 'Maybe a journal would not be a bad idea. I really don't want to have a repeat of last year. Besides, my friends deserve a little slack from my temper. That, and I have better targets to focus my, what did Lestrange call it, Righteous Anger? Yes, there are better targets, like her. And Tom Riddle. And Snape. Perhaps Malfoy also. Both of them. Maybe I should start a journal with a list of people?' Harry continued on that track of thought for a few more minutes, listing all the people who had wronged him significantly in his mind. While possibly productive, this had the unfortunate side effect of making his anger surface, which also brought about the desire to do something about those people.

With that, he kicked open his trunk and pulled out his charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Transfiguration books from the past 5 years. Tossing them on his desk with some parchment, ink, and a quill, he threw himself onto his chair and got down to reviewing.

It was dinnertime the next day when Harry had taken a break from his review. Aside from sleep and the occasional bathroom break, he had been studying practically non stop. While it wasn't the most entertaining thing he had ever done, he had been productive. He had just finished reviewing his year 3 charms books and was now working on defense. He knew that there would definitely not be any information on destroying Dark Lords in these books, but Voldemort was not his only concern. He did have Death Eaters to consider, and they tended to be around Voldemort a lot. To be able to deal with the Dark Lord, he had to be able to get to him first. That was why Harry Potter was now busy re-reading his fourth year defense books and notes.

He was just about to get up to eat when a flash of fire off to his right caught his attention. Diving off his chair he flung himself across the room and pointed his wand at where he had seen the fire.

An amused looking Fawkes had flown to his desk and was at this moment watching Harry make a fool out of himself.

"Hello Fawkes." Harry said as he stood up, straightening his clothes and trying to look as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. "What can I do for you?"

With a twinkle in his eye that looked disturbingly like the one that was sometimes found in Dumbledore's eyes, Fawkes held out one his talons that gripped a rolled up piece of parchment. As soon as harry reached his desk, he put his hand out and the great flaming red bird dropped the parchment into Harry's hands. With a few notes of phoenix song, Fawkes disappeared in another burst of flame. Harry unrolled the parchment and took a look at what Dumbledore had to say.

Harry,

I will beat your residence tonight at 7P.M. sharp.

Albus Dumbledore

Taking a quick glance at the clock, he noticed that it was already 6:30, which was practically too late for dinner here anyway. Knowing that the Dursley's would have already eaten his share of food, he decided to stay up in his room for the next half-hour before the headmaster arrived and clean up a bit. Harry really had not seen much of the Dursley's over the summer except for when he came down to eat. They had been, for the most part, content to pretend that he did not exist and he reciprocated the same. Since they were holding up their part of the agreement reached at the train station, Harry had held up his and had been sending letters to the order every three days. All in all, it seemed to be a good arrangement.

It was funny, really, how the Dursley's behaved once he got home. He could tell that they wanted to yell at him and blame him for everything that was wrong in their lives, especially this summer. Apparently, Dudley had been expelled from Smeltings. Seems he bullied the wrong kid, something about the daughter of one of the Regents. Of course once they realized it might be interpreted badly by Harry and his watchers if they started yelling at him for it, his aunt and uncle merely passed the blame off to the girl, making snide comments about the girl being a hussy and having a grudge against Dudley. After all, their Dudders was such a fine and upstanding young man. Harry had to literally run out of the room holding back his laughter when he had heard that. Vernon and Petunia were so blind to Dudley's failing that they could walk in on him smoking a cigarette and drinking whiskey while kicking around puppies and they would create some excuse for his behavior, no doubt something along the lines of the puppies deserving it and forcing him to drink.

He glanced back at the clock and saw that is was now 6:59. As soon as his clock 7, he suddenly felt as if he was being watched. Turning around he came face to face with the aged face of Albus Dumbledore.

"Good evening Headmaster," Harry said calmly, trying to hide the fact that the old man's silent arrival had startled him.

"Good evening to you too Harry," he replied cordially. "What did you wish to discuss with me young Harry?"

"Right to business, eh?" the teen replied. "Good, I do not wish to waste time either. I wanted to speak with you since I think we need to clear the air after our last discussion."

"I see. Please, continue." the aged man nodded his head in understanding, taking a seat at Harry's desk while Harry sat on the edge of his bed.

"Well, first of all, while I don't think you made the right decision in withholding the prophecy from me, I do want to apologize for ruining some of your, um, trinkets. It was a bit childish of me and for that I am sorry."

"Do not concern yourself about it Harry. If I may be frank, I know that you have trouble expressing your emotions and I dare say that you were feeling exceptionally strong emotions at the time."

"Yes, well, living at the Dursley's will do that to you." Harry paused for a moment before speak. "About the Dursleys, you explained why I had to live with them, but surely you could have done something to make life a little more bearable here. I can deal with the cupboard, but was it too much to ask for me to get decent meals?"

"I am sorry Harry. I was not aware of the extent of your mistreatment here. I fear I had overestimate Petunia's value of family."

"Yeah, how did that happen?" Harry replied sharply.

"You have to understand Harry, while there have been significant social changes recently, blood still counts for a lot in the wizarding world. Despite the bigotry among the purebloods, most magical families, even the muggleborn and half-blood ones, see family as important. I believe the phrase is 'blood is thicker than wine,' or something to that effect. While there are examples where that is not the case, it is a generally prevailing aspect of wizarding culture."

"Uh huh. Well, I suppose that is a start to getting some explanations."

"Harry, I know I have kept too much from you in the past and that, as you may know from experience, things that seemed like a good idea at the time may turn out to not be so good. If you feel that you need an explanation of how I have behaved in your regard in the past, don't hesitate to ask."

"An open door policy now, sir?"

"Yes Harry, I do believe that is the appropriate term."

"Thank you sir. You will have to keep me update on your password though. However, that is for later as I have some more things I want to ask you."

"Fine, fine Harry," the old headmaster replied kindly. "Ask away."

"Thank you sir," Harry said with a quick nod. "Well, first of all, I wish to know, what are the requirements to be a Hogwarts professor?" Albus seemed a little surprised at first, but then composed himself and answered.

"Well Harry, it really depends on which position. They all require, of course, an exceeds expectations or better in the desired field of teaching. There are no specialized classes that need to be taken. When it comes down to hiring, I make my decision based on NEWT scores, experience, and I issue an exam to measure the skills of the applicant." Harry actually looked a bit startled at these facts.

"Really? Then, how did someone like Lockheart get the position?"

"Well, Mr. Lockheart happened to be the only qualified person applying for the position. And Harry, when I say qualified, I mean the only person that came close to meeting the standards. It was decided that, based on his supposed experience, and lack of any more qualified candidates, we would hire him for at least a year and see how well he did. It was the general consensus among the staff that a poorly qualified teacher was better than no teacher. Why, may I ask, the sudden interest?"

"Of course you can ask sir, that is why I requested your presence after all. Any way, to answer your question, I was tossing around the idea of becoming a professor after Hogwarts."

For the second time that evening, Dumbledore seemed surprised. "Really? I thought you were planning on becoming an Auror? I know Professor McGonagall told me as much."

"Well sir, I was, but recent events and information have coerced me to alter my decision. First and foremost, is that, should I actually fulfill my supposed destiny, I am not too thrilled with the prospect of continuing fighting dark wizards for a career. I guess I would if I needed to, but it doesn't fit the sort of life I want. "

"And what sort of life is that Harry?"

"Well, preferably one where I don't have to keep looking over my shoulder for some mortal danger."

"And you really think teaching at Hogwarts will mean you won't have to?" the old man said with a smile.

"Point taken. Still, has to be safer than actively seeking out danger."

"I understand Harry. Were there any other reasons Harry?"

"Actually, yeah, there is. My other reason is that, as you know, I taught the DA last year. And the thing is, I enjoyed it almost as much as Quiditch. It actually gave me a sense of accomplishment, especially seeing how the different students advanced. I suppose the third reason is equally as important. I have decided that I do not wish to work for the ministry. I am sure you can understand my reasoning, especially after the events of last year."

"Completely understandable Harry. I'm sure, given what you have just told me, you can now understand why I have consistently refused to run for the position of minister. However, I must remind you though, that teaching jobs, even the position for Defense Against the Dark Arts, may not be available when you want when you want them to be."

"Yes sir, I am aware of that, but I feel that, should I defeat Tom, finding a job to tide me over until an opening becomes available will not be a problem. Besides, if history is any sort of indicator, I won't have to wait too long for an opening in the position."

"Yes, we do seem to go through defense professors at an alarming rate, don't we? I must say Harry, I am glad that you seem to have come to accept your fame, and perhaps some of the benefits as well." Dumbledore actually was genuinely pleases, as he knew that his fame was a sore spot for Harry.

"Well, I wouldn't say that I accept it, but more like tolerate it. After all, I now know it was not a complete fluke that I survived. Besides, if I actually defeat do Voldemort, then I can actually say that I accomplished it, not my parents." Harry paused to collect his thoughts before continuing. "This actually leads me to my concern of my immediate future, sir. We both know Voldemort is after me, and we both know who's job it is to defeat him. I want you to train me." He held up his hand before Dumbledore could protest. "Yes, I know you are busy, but all I am asking is some extra training on the side. It does not even have to be you, though that is preferable seeing as you have the experience with Grindewald and such."

"I will bring it up with the staff, though I do not think that your request is unreasonable, considering the circumstances," Dumbledore replied, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Will you be continuing you Occlumency with Professor Snape?"

"No," he replied flatly.

"Harry, I know you two don't get along, but you need to learn how to block your mind. You are acutely aware of your failure to do so and the consequences of that failure. I am sure that if you ask Professor Snape and apologize, he will resume lessons with you," he had assumed a more condescending tone when he said this, making Harry's blood start to boil.

"Headmaster, do you truly blame me for what happened to Sirius? Do you really believe Snape..."

"Professor Snape, Harry." Harry snapped.

"I will call him Professor when he starts acting like one. Until then, he is merely Snape as far as I am concerned. I will not deal with that man anymore than I have too!"

"Harry, you need him."

"Right, just like I needed him last year."

"Harry," the headmaster gave him a stern look, "Professor Snape took time out of his schedule to give you Occlumency lessons. It is not his fault that you chose not to follow through!"

"Hah! Too true Headmaster, I certainly did nothing to follow through on his lessons!" Harry glared at the other man before continuing. "That man used this lesson time to continue his feud with a dead man. Did he teach? No. I believe our lessons consisted of 'Potter, clear your mind' and then I would end up on the floor as he brought forward all my worst memories. Did he tell me what to do? No. Did he tell me how to clear my mind, how to keep him out? No. He taught nothing!" Dumbledore actually looked a bit startled to hear this news.

"I am sorry Harry," the old man apologized, have the grace to look a bit sheepish at his mistaken assumptions. "Professor Snape painted a very different picture of events to me. Obviously it was a biased opinion. I had hoped that Professor Snape's professionalism would keep him focused on teaching."

"Humph, like Snape has ever had any sort of professionalism."

"Now Harry, that is not fair. Professor Snape is an excellent potions teacher!"

"Getting defensive Headmaster?" Harry practically sneered. "No, he is not a good teacher, but that is a discussion for another time. It is sufficient to say that I will not be taking Occlumency lessons from him again."

"You still need to learn Harry, if only to prevent an incident like last yea..."

"Don't you dare lecture me on what I need to do! Where were you last year? All I ever heard from you was 'Learn Occlumency Harry'! No explanation, no reason, no justification on why I should have to spend my evenings being humiliated by a man who hates me for things beyond my control! The only time anyone even brought up the possibility that he may try to lure me away from Hogwarts or even plant false memories was Hermione and that was after I had become hysterical with concern over Sirius!" Taking a deep breath and trying to quickly calm down, he began speaking again in a much calmer tone. "Like I said, do not lecture me about what I failed to do last year, for you did no better." Both men sat quietly for a few minutes, trying to get their thoughts together before someone said something to make the already tense air any worse. It was finally Dumbledore who broke the silence.

"I agree that you will receive extra training once you get back school. I also am willing to give you Occlumency lessons myself."

"That is satisfactory. Thank you sir." Harry managed a weak, but honest smile for the headmaster.

"My pleasure Harry. Is there anything else, or...?"

"Actually sir, there is. I was wondering if there was some way for me to train and practice over the summer? I know I don't usually ask for special treatment, but a lifting of the underage Wizardry ban would really be helpful."

"Alas young Harry, I have already brought up the topic with the Ministry. While Fudge acknowledges that you have been telling the truth the past year, he and his administration do not feel it is pertinent for your safety to be using magic over the summer. While I disagree, there is little I can do." Dumbledore seemed almost sad to have to give the news to harry.

"I see. Thank you sir, for all your help." He could not help but a let a little disappointment seep into his voice.

"Well Harry, if that is all…" Harry just nodded in response.

Dumbledore had stood up and was about to apparate when he turned back to Harry, the twinkle in his eye seeming to be working overtime.

"This conversation has reminded me of a magical device I once read about called a Cloaking Charm. It was an amulet that hid ones magical signature from detection spells. I have heard that if one were to look in the right places, they could be found in Knockturn Alley. Of course, this is only rumor and I would never recommend anyone use an illegal device such as that, but if someone did want to go undetected, that would be the way to go." Taking on a thoughtful look, he muttered just loud enough for Harry to hear, "I should ask Alastor about them. Hmm… His watch shift ends at 8 Am tomorrow, perhaps I could catch him then?" With a shrug he turned back to Harry. "Please excuse an old mans mumbling, sometimes I forget there are others in the room."

Suppressing a full out smile, Harry responded "Oh, no problem sire. Completely understandable. Thank you for your time and all the, uh, useful information."

"Oh, no problem Harry, no problem at all. Do have a good summer, and, if you want, we can remove you from this place on August 3rd, if you so desire?"

"That would be great sir! I know why you send me off to this hellhole, but that doesn't mean I like it. "

"Very good then, and quite understandable! Until we meet again Harry. Have a good summer." With that he silently apparated away.

As soon as the Headmaster was gone, a giant, genuine smile, the first one he had since he came back to Privet Drive, graced his face. Tomorrow he was going shopping.

That evening, Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk, contemplating the meeting he just had with his favorite student. He knew the anger and hurt Harry felt towards himself was still there, but he hoped that they both had started on the path of repairing their relationship.

"Well Fawkes," he said, addressing the phoenix with a smirk and a twinkle, "it looks as if we will have to keep an eye on our young Mr. Potter. He will undoubtedly be a magnet for trouble this year."