A/N hey all! here's chapter 4:) btw, i just wanted to say sorry, i know i'm going through some of this really quick, but i'm trying to get to the main story quickly. Thanks again to my beta Alice Brandon Cullen (check out her page if you love Twilight, a link is under my favorite authors on my profile page) and a great big thanks to all the reviewers, you guys really encourage me to keep going! enjoy:)

"Lemon drop," the newly fixed gargoyle jumped aside, allowing the foursome to ride up the familiar staircase. At the top, Harry knocked.

"Enter," said a crisp voice. Harry pushed open the door.

"Hello Professor" he nodded to his old head of house. Minerva McGonagal smiled grimly,

"Mr. Potter, Ms Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger."

"Hello Professor", chorused Ginny, Ron and Hermione. Harry held out the Ancient Runes book he had purchased earlier that day " I, uh, hope you know Ancient Runes." he said nervously.

McGonagal took the book, "Thank you Potter, and yes, I do know Ancient Runes." She smiled slightly.

"Professor-" started Hermione.

McGonagal held up a hand, "Ms. Granger, I think after everything that has happened it would be appropriate for you all to call me Minerva."

Hermione started and glanced back at the others.

"Are you sure?" asked Ginny, timidly.

McGonagal nodded her head, "Yes, Ms. Weasley, I assure you, I'm sure."

"On one condition", said Harry startling everyone.

The headmistress looked over the rim of her spectacles, eyes amused, "And what would that be?" she asked.

"That you call us," Harry gestured to himself and the three next to him, " by our first names."

Minerva examined them for a moment and then said softly "Very well…Harry."

For a moment, He thought he saw tears in her eyes.

McGonagal straightened herself, "Now Ms. Gr- Hermione, what was it you were going to ask?"

Hermione jumped slightly at the sound of her name, "Oh, well, I was just, well, wondering what this meeting was about- Harry's already explained to you and Minister Kingsley what happened last year and all..." her voice trailed off and Harry winced remembering having to tell that story from beginning to end.

"Well," said Minerva and she pursed her lips, "I'm afraid that's not for me to say exactly… as I didn't call this meeting."

Hermione's eyebrows furled in confusion, "Then who-"

"I am afraid it was I who asked Minerva to call you here today, Ms.Granger, "The voice sounded old and frail, but Harry knew it well. He looked at the large portrait behind the headmistress's chair.

"Professor Dumbledore?" Harry asked.

Ginny, Ron, and Hermione all looked up at the portrait so quickly; Harry heard their necks pop.

"Yes," said Albus Dumbledore, smiling softly down at his former students, "It was I."

"Now Albus," said McGonagal," Your sure about this?"

"Oh, yes Minerva," replied Dumbledore's portrait, " very sure. You have been told all I have put young Harry through, now I must attempt to make up for at least some of the pain I have caused him."

McGonagal sighed," Very well, proceed."

"Um, Professor," said Ron, who up until now had been uncharacteristically quiet, " What's going on here? I mean, what are you talking about?"

"A very good question, Mr. Weasley,'' Dumbledore said, "I am aware of all the, for lack of a better word, trouble and pain I have cause you all in the past years, and I would like to give something to you in return. I am aware that in the past year, you have learned a great deal about my past."

"What-" started Ginny.

Harry touched her arm, "I'll tell you later." he murmured into her ear. She opened her mouth to protest, but something seemed to change her mind and she closed it.

Dumbledore cleared his throat, "During the last few months of my life, I attempted to create something I thought you might enjoy, Harry. I also assumed you would like your friends to accompany you, which is why I have asked to see the four of you today. Harry" the older man's portrait addressed the young black haired man who shifted uncomfortably, "I am greatly sorry for everything I have done, or rather, for everything I haven't done. I hope this, in some way, may help you forgive a old man's foolish mistakes.

Harry shuffled from foot to foot, "Professor, you really didn't need-"

Dumbledore held up a hand, "Ah, but I did. Minerva?" He nodded to McGonagal.

She nodded in return and opened a drawer at the bottom of her desk. What she pulled out surprised Harry almost as much as his birthday present from Ginny the year before. It was a hand mirror; very similar to the one Sirius had given Harry almost two years ago.

"Sir?" Harry looked question at Dumbledore.

"It is a portkey Harry." Dumbledore explained in a soft voice of fondness.

"A portkey? That's how you're making everything up to him?" scoffed Ron.

Dumbledore chuckled slightly, "Yes Mr. Weasley, but this is no ordinary portkey. Through my, excuse my lack of modesty, immense knowledge, I have programmed this mirror to take the four of you directly to the out side of the Forbidden Forest." He paused, "In 1976."

Harry blinked and he heard Hermione gasp. 1976. Wasn't that when-? He looked down at Ginny whose face was screwed up in hard thinking.

"Wait" said Ron, " you mean, you've made a portkey that will take us some twenty odd years in the past? But- but that's impossible!"

"Dumbledore," interceded Minerva, "While I normally have all faith in you, surely the boy's right. And besides, it would be terribly dangerous. If something was found out about the future, who knows what could be changed."

Dumbledore merely smiled down at them, his blue eye's twinkling merrily.

"21 years," said Ginny abruptly, "why 21 years?" she looked to Dumbledore for the answer, but it was Harry who answered her instead.

"Because that's when my parents were at Hogwarts," Harry looked at Dumbledore, "That was their seventh year." Dumbledore nodded.

"But, Albus, think of the risks", pressed Professor McGonagal.

"Minerva, it has already happened, it is in our past. If something was changed then we would not know it even now." Dumbledor explained gently.

"But, surely someone would recognize them, and simply arriving out of thin air, how-"

"Which is why," interrupted Dumbledore " They shall have to come up with a fascinating tale to explain their sudden appearances. As for recognizing them, some glamour charms may be in order. I assume Ms. Granger may already have a few books that can lend a hand with that."

Hermione blushed slightly. "I'm- I'm sure I can find something, Sir."

"It's settled then," Dumbledore, said firmly, "I will see you all on the morning of September 1st. Until then," He nodded to Harry and McGonagal and stepped through his frame and into the next until he was out of sight.

A/N alright, you all see that little purple button? good, now take the little pointer and click on it and review!! i really love your thoughts on everything, critisism is welcome, as well as things you liked...so please review and keep reading!

Rose