AN: Blimey, I never thought a week could fly by so fast when you're busy writing the final chapters. But I've noticed in time, so I'll quickly post the next chapter before heading to bed. Enjoy!
A special thank you to GryffindorHealer, Ksummer, and Vaffyu for their invaluable help in making this chapter readable!
Over the next few days, everyone settled into Grimmauld Place. Classes continued as if nothing had happened, but the cramped conditions and the lack of fresh air and outdoor activities left the general mood rather gloomy. Graham and Hermione had already moved in with the others, while Colin still needed a few days to get his belongings together.
Every evening after dinner, the six young residents gathered in the drawing room, usually passing the time with a few rounds of Exploding Snap. Even Hermione joined in after Ron had patiently explained the rules to her.
On Friday, after lessons, Tonks brought the news that Dumbledore expected Harry and Ginny for their first training session the following morning.
"What time are we starting?" asked Ginny, packing away her Charms textbook and quill.
"Right after breakfast, nine o'clock," Tonks replied with a grin. "So no lie-ins."
Harry just shrugged. "Fine by me. I can't wait to get out of this place for a few hours."
Ginny smiled at him. "If we're lucky, we'll get half an hour to ourselves."
"You'll have to discuss that with Dumbledore," Tonks said with an apologetic look. "Do you know if Charlie's back from work yet?"
"He went upstairs ten minutes ago," said Harry, and Tonks disappeared with a quick wave.
"I don't even want to know what those two are up to now," said Ginny, amused. "Hope they remember the Silencing Charm."
Harry grinned. "What a filthy mind you've got."
"What?" Ginny asked innocently. "I'm stating the obvious."
She glanced around, relieved that the others had already gone upstairs to put away their school things. With a mischievous smile, she asked, "Fancy exploring the upper floors? Just the two of us?"
"Did Dora give you an idea?" Harry asked cheekily.
"Keep dreaming, Potter," she replied with mock indignation, then shot him a wink and a teasing smile, "But if you behave, I might let you touch me."
Harry blushed slightly and his eyes widened as her words sunk in. With an incredulous, almost goofy grin, his gaze dropped down to her belt buckle. "You're sure?"
Ginny giggled. "That's not what I meant. Try looking a little higher. We don't want to take the second step before the first, do we?"
Suddenly looking a bit relieved, Harry grinned. "Yeah, probably best not to get caught with our pants down here."
Ginny laughed. "Let's go before Ron comes looking for you to crush you at a game of chess again. We better leave our bags here and grab them later."
"Then let's sneak upstairs," Harry replied, laughing and pointing to the door. "You go first."
Ginny frowned in playful protest, but couldn't quite suppress a giggle. "You just want to look at my bum."
"I thought you love it when I ogle you," Harry replied, grinning as he followed her.
As they passed their rooms on the third floor, Harry put his finger to his lips when he noticed that the door to his and Ron's room was ajar. They hurried up the stairs to the next floor. Ginny's heart nearly stopped when the last step creaked. Without hesitation, she grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him into Sirius' room, which was dimly lit by the faint light filtering through a gap in the curtains.
Reaching for her wand, Ginny was about to whisper 'Lumos' when Harry suddenly pulled her close and kissed her. Caught off guard, she gasped softly for air before threading her fingers into his messy hair and pulling him closer to return the kiss properly.
"Harry, is that you?" Ron's voice suddenly echoed up the stairwell.
"Damn, he must have heard the step creak," Ginny whispered and exhaled in relief when Graham answered instead.
"It's me, Ron," Graham said. "Are you heading down to the drawing room? I'll come with you. Just want to let Emily know I'm going ahead."
"Yeah," grumbled Ron. "Hermione's already in the library, looking for something to read."
As the sound of retreating footsteps faded down the stairs, Ginny grinned wickedly and gently pushed Harry backwards onto the bed.
Her heart was pounding, as she leaned over him and pressed a firm kiss to his lips. Harry responded just as eagerly, tangling his fingers in her hair and pulling her even closer. When she parted her lips, his tongue met hers without hesitation and she moaned in satisfaction as their tongues danced around each other. Rolling onto her side, she tugged him with her, their mouths briefly breaking apart before Harry quickly closed the distance again.
As his weight settled over her, Ginny let out a satisfied hum, tilting her head back as he trailed small kisses from her cheek down to her neck. She took his hand in hers and slowly guided it under her sweater. Harry paused briefly, looking into her eyes. "I told you," she whispered hoarsely. Smirking, Harry kissed her on the nose. Ginny returned the smirk as she felt his hand gently stroking the fabric of her bra. She leaned her head to the side and Harry continued his ministrations there, kissing his way up to her ear while cupping her breast firmly, his breathing growing heavier.
His lips traced a path to her ear, and Ginny gasped when he suddenly ran his tongue along the edge before sucking lightly on the shell. She wondered if his tongue would elicit such a reaction from other parts of her body as well, knowing that she would have to wait for that answer. A shiver ran through her, but before she could comment, he shifted slightly, propping himself up on his elbows. Frowning at the loss of contact, she slid her hand down his back and gripped his arse, pulling him back against her. "I want to feel exactly what I do to you," she murmured into his ear, grinning when something hard pressed against her thigh. "Feels good knowing I'm the reason you're like this," she whispered, her breathing getting heavier.
His hand found its way under her bra and she arched her back to increase the pressure of his hand against her breast. Fingers threading through his hair, she pulled him down into another kiss, revelling in the intimate closeness, like they were melting into one another. Much later, when they finally broke apart, gasping for breath, Ginny sighed contentedly, still tangled with him. "That was perfect," she whispered.
"You're perfect," Harry murmured, stroking her hair. As his heartbeat steadied, he leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. "Didn't you want to explore this floor?"
Ginny giggled, reluctantly pulling herself from his embrace. "I was hoping I'd distracted you enough that you'd forget that was just an excuse to get you alone," she admitted with a grin. "But you're right. Who knows what secrets your godfather hid up here?"
She climbed off the bed and reached for her wand to turn on the light. "Definitely a boy's room," she laughed spotting the posters of scantily clad girls on motorbikes. She wandered over to the desk and opened a drawer "I wonder what I'll find in here."
Harry got up too, stepped behind her and pressed a kiss to her neck. "I doubt you'll find any scandalous romance novels in there."
Ginny moaned softly and tilted her head to give him better access. "Probably something with lots of scandalous images," she murmured, shivering slightly as a pleasant tremor ran down her spine. "From what I've seen, boys don't care much for reading when it comes to romance. They lack our imagination—they have to…see things."
Harry gently bit her shoulder. "What a wicked insinuation." He chuckled. "I wonder which one of us has a dirtier mind." He gestured to a gold and red scarf draped over a painting of Hogwarts above the bed. "Sirius was in Gryffindor, same as my parents. I've often wondered if I would have been too."
"Probably," Ginny said. "I reckon I would've been as well—my whole family were Gryffindors. Did your godfather live here until he died?"
Harry wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Yeah. He used to visit us a lot, but he usually stayed here. I was never allowed to visit him, though. Our house was under the Fidelius Charm, so I never really went anywhere else when I was younger. They said it wasn't safe. There was an evil wizard out there." He snorted softly. "And now he's after me anyway."
Ginny turned in his arms and looked into his eyes. "He won't get you," she whispered before kissing him, holding him tightly.
"Let's head up to the attic," Harry suggested.
"Yeah," Ginny agreed, switching off the light as she opened the door. "Who knows what we'll find."
Harry led the way to the narrow spiral staircase that led up to the attic. "Lumos," he muttered, raising his wand as they climbed.
Ginny followed him into a dusty, cluttered space filled with old chests, tattered books, and forgotten heirlooms. Cobwebs covered the low, sloping ceiling, and the air smelled of old parchment. A pair of grimy skylights let in a little light, barely illuminating the dark corners.
Harry tried to open one of the chests. When it wouldn't budge, he frowned in frustration and moved to another.
"Try Alohomora," Ginny suggested.
Harry shot her a sceptical look but tapped the lock with his wand anyway, muttering, "Alohomora!" A soft click sounded, and the lid lifted with ease.
"It's just old stuff," Ginny said, pulling out a shiny silver gravy boat and a wine goblet. "Seems expensive, though."
"Thieves! Thieves!" a muffled voice suddenly shrieked. "Get out. Dishonourable rabble."
Harry turned towards a dust-covered sheet draped over something in the corner. "It's coming from over there."
They walked over cautiously, and Harry pulled the sheet away, revealing not furniture, but several paintings leaning against the wall.
The first was a portrait showing a thin, sallow-faced man with a pointed black beard and a haughty expression. He wore dark, old-fashioned robes that only added to his superior aura. "Ha! Caught red-handed!" he bellowed angrily. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" He paused briefly before asking angrily, "And where are we anyway?"
Ginny couldn't help but grin at the man's indignant outrage. "Harry owns this house. Tell us who you are, or we'll cover you up again and leave you to rot here."
"What a disgrace. No manners, today's youth," the man huffed. "I am Professor Phineas Nigellus Black, former headmaster of Hogwarts."
"Pride comes before a fall," Harry said coolly. "Hogwarts no longer exists."
"Lies! Liar!" Phineas bellowed.
"Calm down!" Harry shot back. "Dumbledore can confirm it. We've seen the ruins with our own eyes."
Phineas narrowed his eyes, clearly sceptical. "I don't believe you. Who would commit such a heinous deed?"
"Voldemort," Harry said flatly. "He burned the castle down with Fiendfyre, thinking it was the only way to defeat Dumbledore. He failed."
"Tom Riddle?" Phineas asked incredulously. "How dare he!" His expression shifted suddenly, his arrogance replaced by a trace of unease. "That explains why I couldn't find my way back. My portrait at Hogwarts is gone. Take me to Dumbledore—immediately!"
Harry glanced at Ginny uncertainly.
"Tomorrow morning," she answered his unspoken question and turned to the portrait. "We'll meet him then."
"I said I must see him right away," Phineas snapped, looking affronted.
"And we said tomorrow," Harry replied, unimpressed. "And if you keep shouting like that, we'll just leave you here."
Phineas huffed and pulled an angry face but kept his mouth shut.
"Shall we take him downstairs now?" Ginny asked, adding with a grin, "The others might enjoy meeting him, too."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Our mums will definitely want to see him, as will Tonks and Charlie. But we should cover him up again."
"You won't dare. That's outrageous," Phineas protested loudly, but his complaints were muffled as Harry draped the sheet back over him.
"Not sure about the Fidelius," Harry said quietly. "He doesn't seem to know where we are." He snorted softly. "Do you know how portraits are affected by the Fidelius?"
Ginny looked at him in surprise. "Good question. Dumbledore will know. Or Bill."
Together, they carefully carried the portrait down the narrow staircase. Ginny led the way as Harry manoeuvred it down to the drawing room, where Emily and Graham were playing chess against Ron.
"Where have you been?" asked Ron, aghast. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
"We have a visitor," Ginny announced cheerfully, ignoring Ron's question.
"Who's that?" Graham asked, stepping closer as Harry pulled the sheet away and leaned the portrait against the wall.
"A former headmaster of Hogwarts," Harry explained. "Must be an ancestor of my godfather Sirius."
Phineas glanced around suspiciously. "Where am I? It looks so familiar, but I can't place it."
"Should I get our mums?" Emily asked. "They'll definitely want to meet him too."
Ron stood up and grinned. "Right. I'll see if Hermione will put down her book long enough to meet a former Hogwarts headmaster."
"Get Charlie and Dora too, Ron," Ginny suggested and called after him with a laugh, "but knock before barging in. Who knows what they're up to."
A few minutes later, the residents of Grimmauld Place were gathered around the portrait, eying its occupant curiously.
"It's a shame Colin isn't coming until Monday," Ginny said, sighing amusedly. "He couldn't get enough of the moving portraits at Dumbledore's place."
"Who exactly is he?" Lily asked. "His robes look like they're from the 1920s."
"He says his name is Phineas Neggeling Black," Harry said.
"Nigellus," snapped Phineas, insulted. "Phineas Nigellus Black. Honestly, the youth of today. Can't even remember a name." He glared at them. "Why are you staring at me like that? This isn't a zoo." With a huff, he turned around and disappeared.
"Where did he go?" Molly asked, surprised.
"He must have another portrait somewhere," Lily suggested. "Or he's visiting someone."
"That's possible," Charlie agreed. "But where?"
"He said he used to have a portrait at Hogwarts but couldn't find his way back," Harry said with a shrug. "Not surprising. He was horrified when we told him Hogwarts was gone."
"As if his world had collapsed," Ginny added.
"You should take him to Dumbledore tomorrow, whether he's back or not," Tonks said. "But cover him up again while he's here. We can't be sure who else he's in contact with."
"Phineas Nigellus Black, you said?" Hermione asked. "I'll check my copy of Hogwarts, A History to find out more about him."
*HG*
Early the next morning, the residents gathered around the large table in the basement kitchen of Grimmauld Place.
Yawning, Ron thanked Kreacher as the house-elf served his breakfast. "Do we really have to leave so early?" he muttered, poking at his scrambled eggs.
"Bill only has time this morning to explain the wards at the Burrow," Charlie said. "And Mum wants to water the plants. It's been three days since she was last there."
"What are you doing at the Burrow?" Harry asked, glancing at Ron as he chewed his baked beans.
"Because everyone else seems to be busy," Ron grumbled, shovelling another bite of scrambled eggs onto his fork.
"Molly wants him to help with the greenhouses while you and Ginny are with Dumbledore," Lily explained.
"And Graham, Hermione and Colin are going to be busy with their Apparition lessons," Tonks chimed in.
"And Emily?" Harry asked.
"Emily is helping me brew potions," Lily replied. "We need to stock up on supplies, just in case."
"When does Apparition training start?" Graham asked eagerly. "I can't wait."
"Sunday evening," said Charlie. "The training will be a bit more intense than last time—you should learn to Apparate as quickly as possible. I'll help Dora if I have time."
"I'll pick up Colin on Sunday afternoon, and we can get started as soon as he's got his things put away," Tonks added.
"Mum. I can help Ron with the gardening if I'm not with Dumbledore," Ginny offered.
"I'd help her, of course," Harry said at once.
Ron raised an eyebrow and smirked. "You just want to sneak off for some alone time."
"We've always worked together in the Greenhouses," Ginny huffed.
"But you also need time to do your homework and study," Molly pointed out. "I'll think about it, though."
As they got up to leave, Kreacher insisted that the washing up was his task, and even Molly's attempt to convince him otherwise was short-lived.
"You'll find me in the library when you get back," Hermione said as she said goodbye to Ron with a quick hug.
"And what about you two?" Harry asked Emily and Graham.
Emily grinned. "Today's our turn to explore the upper floors."
"Behave," Harry replied, playfully raising a finger in warning.
"Harry, you know I'd never do anything you wouldn't do," Emily replied with an innocent smile.
Ginny snorted. "That's exactly why he's worried."
Reaching for Ginny's hand, Harry muttered, "Come on, Gin. Dumbledore is waiting for us. But let's get the portrait first."
"Oh, didn't you know? Dobby already sent the portrait over to Dumbledore. Makes it easier for you to Apparate," said Tonks with a wink.
"Harry, remember that Bill has set up an Apparition point by the basement exit, so we don't have to go out onto the street anymore," Lily called after them.
"Thanks, Mum," called Harry back.
On their way to the back door, Harry glanced at Ginny and lowered his voice. "Do you think Ron's kissed Hermione yet?"
Ginny gave him a sceptical look. "You mean because they've been spending so much time together?" She shrugged. "I've been wondering too, but I don't think so." Then she smirked. "You share a room with Ron—why don't you ask him?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "How funny."
In Dumbledore's garden, they carefully looked around to make sure the coast was clear. As they made their way to the drawing room, where the headmaster was expecting them, they passed the library, where Phineas Black's portrait—well covered with a sheet—was waiting for them.
Dumbledore sat comfortably in his armchair, his legs propped up on a padded footstool. Fawkes, his phoenix, sat in a corner in his cage and chirped a tune. Dumbledore nodded kindly as they stepped closer. "Good morning. Welcome to our first lesson together." He glanced with interest at the concealed painting they were carrying. "Dora Tonks mentioned you would be bringing something. I presume this is the portrait?"
Harry nodded and propped the portrait against a wall with Ginny's help. "This is a portrait of Phineas Black," he explained. "He claimed to know you and insisted on meeting you immediately."
"He was rather grumpy and insulted us, so we thought we'd make him wait a bit," Ginny admitted with an apologetic look.
"Phineas can be rather…particular," Dumbledore confirmed with a knowing smile. "Where did you find him?"
"In the attic at Grimmauld Place," said Harry. "He was outraged at first and refused to believe us when we told him that Hogwarts had gone."
"In the end, he was miffed and just disappeared," Ginny added. "Is it possible there are other portraits of him?"
"I would assume so. Phineas had a portrait in the headmaster's office at Hogwarts. He didn't like me very much, but I was his only living companion who could tell him what was going on in the world. We often had long conversations— though, unfortunately, they all too often ended in disagreements," said Dumbledore. "And after such disagreements, he had the habit of taking a few days off. But he never said where."
"Dumbledore! I can hear you," came a voice, the indignation ringing through despite the muffled tone. "I insist that these blinders be removed. It is utterly impertinent to treat me in such a manner—me, a former headmaster of the finest wizarding school in the world! The sheer audacity of these insolent children!"
At Dumbledore's nod, Harry pulled the sheet away and frowned at Phineas, "I kept my promise. This is Professor Dumbledore."
"Professor?" Phineas repeated scathingly. "If Hogwarts no longer exists, he is no more a professor than I am. Let me guess, Dumbledore—it was under your leadership that our proud school was lost." He paused, giving Dumbledore a disparaging look. "So it is true?"
Dumbledore regarded Phineas' portrait, his expression calm but his blue eyes piercing. "It is true. But whether you believe it or not, Phineas, it was not my doing. The blame lies with someone whose brilliance you always admired."
"You speak of the sixteen-year-old Tom Riddle, Dumbledore," Phineas replied evasively. "But I always considered Voldemort's extremism reckless. I never supported his actions."
"Then why are you so eager to see me, Phineas?" Dumbledore asked, studying the man in the portrait. "Did you wish to tell me something? Or were you sent to gather information?"
Phineas glared. "How impertinent. Phineas Nigellus Black is no one's servant, nor anyone's spy."
"So it was pure curiosity, then?" said Dumbledore, suddenly looking a little disappointed.
"Curiosity?" Phineas laughed, with an edge of unease. His expression darkened as he lowered his voice, "I've heard things—disturbing things—and I wanted to see if they were true."
"That depends on what you've heard, Phineas," Dumbledore replied evenly.
Phineas studied Dumbledore for a long moment before asking in a quieter voice, "Are those rumours true? About what happened at Malfoy Manor?"
"You mean the rumour that sixteen-year-old Tom Riddle is back?" Dumbledore asked, watching him closely.
Phineas sank in slightly in his frame, muttering, "So it's true."
Dumbledore's gaze sharpened. "So you have a portrait at Malfoy Manor?"
Phineas stiffened, suddenly looking like a thief caught in the act. "Narcissa—she's my great-great-granddaughter. She inherited my portrait when her grandfather passed." He pulled a sour face. "She hung it in a rarely used guest room."
Dumbledore observed him with an unreadable expression. "Then you have the means to obtain valuable information."
Phineas recoiled as if burned. "Dumbledore, no. Absolutely not." He shook his head fiercely, raising his hands in protest. "You overestimate my loyalty to your cause. I have always served the school, not your Order of the Phoenix—or your wars."
Dumbledore inclined his head. "Indeed, you have always served the school admirably," His voice softened. "But Hogwarts is gone, Phineas. Its walls lie in ruins, consumed by Fiendfyre. Its legacy now rests in the hands of those willing to act."
Phineas's eyes widened. "A tragedy, yes. But what does that have to do with me? I am merely a portrait, powerless to change the course of events."
"Powerless?" Dumbledore tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You are the only one with a direct link to Malfoy Manor, where Voldemort and his followers now gather. Who better to help protect the future of magic than the proudest and most cunning headmaster Hogwarts has ever known?"
Phineas straightened, his chest puffing. "Flattery, Dumbledore, is beneath you."
"Not flattery. Truth." Dumbledore's tone grew sharper. "The world you once cherished—the traditions, the legacies—burned. The few survivors try to rebuild their world, only to be threatened again by the same old evil. You once prided yourself on seeing what others could not. And now, you have the opportunity to act, where others cannot."
Phineas was silent, his painted brow furrowing.
"I ask not for loyalty to me," Dumbledore said. "But to Hogwarts. To the children who deserve a chance to rebuild what has been lost. All I need is for you to listen, to observe. And to report to me what you learn. Nothing more."
Phineas sighed, rubbing his temple. "You are insufferable, Dumbledore." He paused, then added with a sneer, "Very well. I will keep an ear to the ground at Malfoy Manor, even if I doubt to learn much at the place I'm staying there."
"You will get a better place," Dumbledore assured him. "I've got an idea. Thank you. Phineas."
The former headmaster huffed and turned away in his frame, muttering under his breath.
"That was intense," said Harry, who had been standing next to Ginny the whole time, listening to the argument between the two former headmasters, occasionally exchanging incredulous glances.
"Have your conversations always been so cordial?" asked Ginny, shaking her head.
Dumbledore smiled wistfully. "Phineas was always a bit stubborn—he liked to be begged for things. That, it seems, hasn't changed."
"What are you planning?" asked Harry cautiously while covering the portrait again.
Dumbledore regarded them both with a mischievous smile. "I'm going to speak to Dobby and tell him I'm accepting his offer to steal the Hogwarts register from Malfoy Manor."
Harry frowned. That wasn't the answer he'd expected. But before he could ask, Dumbledore continued.
"And while Dobby is there, he can place Phineas' portrait somewhere it might overhear some rather helpful things."
Ginny looked up in surprise. "Isn't it a bit too conspicuous when a portrait is suddenly somewhere it doesn't belong?"
"I trust that house-elves have their ways of carrying out tasks discreetly," said Dumbledore vaguely. Then he turned to Harry. "Before we begin our lesson, I have something I should have given you a long time ago, Harry."
Diara stepped forward, handing Harry a somewhat misshapen parcel wrapped in light brown parchment. Harry took it, frowning in confusion.
"What is this?" he asked.
"It once belonged to your father," Dumbledore replied. "I borrowed it, but over time, it was unfortunately forgotten. However, I believe it can still serve you well."
Harry tore open the wrapping and found a strange, silvery fabric that shimmered like liquid.
"This is an Invisibility Cloak, passed down through generations in the Potter family. I came across it again while sorting through the things I didn't want Tom Riddle to get his hands on."
Harry pulled the cloak around himself, eyes widening in astonishment as only his head remained visible.
Ginny grinned. "That could be pretty useful—especially if you don't fancy getting caught."
"Then let's begin the lesson," Dumbledore announced. "I'd like to introduce you to a selection of defensive and offensive spells. Have you learned any that are particularly useful in duelling?"
Harry pulled a face and took a deep breath. "My mum was always a bit reluctant whenever we asked about those sort of spells," he admitted. "But we've practised the Stunning and Disarming Spells, and I think I'm not too bad at them."
Dumbledore glanced at Ginny, who nodded, "I've practised with Bill as well, and he says I'm pretty good at it."
"And what about Finite Incantatem?" Dumbledore asked. "It's very useful for cancelling magical effects."
"Yes, we've practised that too," Ginny admitted, and Harry nodded in agreement.
"Very good," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Then we'll practise the basics first, before I'll introduce you to some more advanced things, like the Reductor Curse, the Patronus Charm and the basics of Wandless Magic."
"Ginny's already practised the Patronus Charm with Bill," Harry pointed out. "Haven't you?"
"Yes, that's right," Ginny said. "But I haven't had much success yet. I still can't produce a corporal Patronus—just a silvery mist."
"Which memory are you using?" Dumbledore asked, tugging at his long silver-grey beard.
Ginny hesitated slightly. "I haven't practised in a while, but I always loved it when Bill took me to London—there was always something exciting to do. So I used that memory."
"I see," Dumbledore said with an understanding nod. "Perhaps you should try something stronger. You can demonstrate your Patronus for us later, but let's start with something simpler. Stand facing each other, twenty-five feet apart. We'll start with Stupefy, Expelliarmus, and the Shield Charm, Protego. Show me what you can do, and don't hold back. If you get hurt, we have Diara here to patch you up."
It soon became apparent that Ginny's Stunning Spells couldn't break through Harry's Shield Charm.
"Very good, Harry," Dumbledore praised. "Your Stunning Spell is excellent, Ginny. But Harry's shield is even better. Now switch roles—Harry, you attack."
After a few weaker attempts, Harry managed to occasionally break through Ginny's Shield Charm with his Stupefy.
"Ginny, try Protego Duo. It's stronger than the basic Shield Charm," Dumbledore instructed. "Your Stunning Spell is actually stronger than Harry's, but you need to work on your Shield Charm."
Indeed, Ginny's shield became immediately stronger, and Harry was no longer able to penetrate it.
"And now, add the Disarming Charm to the mix," Dumbledore said. "Both of you. Use all three spells as you would in a real duel."
Ginny immediately put Harry on the defensive, her Stunning Spells coming in rapid succession. Harry struggled to counter them, while Ginny easily deflected an occasional Expelliarmus from Harry. Step by step, Harry found himself closer to the wall—until he suddenly leapt forward, catching Ginny off guard. His Expelliarmus slipped past her shield and hit her squarely in the chest, sending her wand flying in a high arc straight into his hand.
"Yes," Harry cheered, holding up Ginny's wand triumphantly.
Ginny gave him a withering look but quickly recovered, smirking, "Lucky you. I'm a little rusty. Next time, I'll win."
They continued duelling for several more rounds until, just before noon, they finally reached a draw.
"That's enough," Dumbledore announced. "You both did very well. Practise when you get a chance at Grimmauld Place, but make sure there is someone nearby who can help if you get hurt."
Slightly out of breath, they sat down at the dining table, where Diara had prepared refreshments.
"Before we finish our lesson, Ginny should attempt the Patronus Charm," Dumbledore said, nodding kindly at her. "But first," he turned to his house-elf, "Diara, would you go to Grimmauld Place and ask Dobby to come here? Thank you!"
With a soft pop, Diara disappeared. Ginny rolled her eyes and stepped forward. "But don't laugh at me," she warned, giving Harry a pointed look. She closed her eyes and focused on finding the best possible memory to use. Determined, she raised her wand and cried, "Expecto Patronum!"
A stream of silver mist shot out from the tip of her wand, swirling rapidly until a shape formed—vaguely but unmistakably—a vixen. Though still somewhat indistinct, it was further formed than ever before, before quickly dissolving again.
Ginny's sceptical expression turned into an incredulous smile. "My Patronus has never been this clear before," she admitted.
"Did you use another memory?" Dumbledore asked.
With a quick glance at Harry, she nodded, grinning. "Yes, I did. But I'm not saying which one."
She was spared further questioning by the return of Diara, who was accompanied by Dobby. She bowed. "Diara brought Dobby for Headmaster Dumbledore."
"Thank you, Diara," Dumbledore said before turning to Dobby, "Welcome, Dobby," he said with a warm smile. "I'm glad you could come."
Dobby fidgeted uncomfortably and lowered his eyes.
Dumbledore smiled and continued, "Dobby, are you still willing to go to Malfoy Manor and bring me that book?"
Dobby looked up and beamed at Dumbledore. "Of course, Headmaster. Dobby would be honoured if Master Harry allows it."
Harry looked a little confused at first but then nodded. "You have my permission if you need it."
Dumbledore looked slightly amused. "I want you to do it tomorrow morning, Dobby. The Manor should be empty by then, as the Malfoys are in their graveyard. But be careful. Young Tom Riddle may still be there unless he's attending to his... duties elsewhere." Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I have another request, though. Harry, would you please reveal Phineas' portrait?"
"Certainly," Harry muttered, pulling the sheet away.
"It's about time," Phineas complained with a grim expression. "It's rude to treat guests like that." He paused and looked at Dobby, irritated. "What is the house-elf doing here? He belongs to the Malfoys."
"That was before they tried to kill him," Harry retorted fiercely. "Now he belongs to us."
"But..." Phineas replied, struggling for words.
Dumbledore raised his voice. "Dobby, do you know the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black at Malfoy Manor?"
Dobby nodded shyly. "Dobby knows portrait. It is in Mistress Narcissa's sewing room, behind a sideboard."
Dumbledore gave Phineas an astonished look. "It seems your family does not treat you well, my friend."
"Narcissa's husband has always been arrogant and haughty," Phineas sneered, storming out of the picture. He returned with a chair, sat down, and folded his arms.
"Dobby, would you be able to move Phineas' portrait from the sewing room to somewhere else, say the drawing room?" asked Dumbledore, raising his eyebrow as he looked at the house-elf.
"Dobby can do that, Headmaster," the house-elf confirmed eagerly, bouncing on the tips of his toes, his eyes shining.
"Without anyone noticing?" asked Dumbledore.
"Dobby knows house-elf magic. No one will notice the portrait," Dobby confirmed with a wide grin.
"The house-elf's magic, Dumbledore? Really? Must I be surrounded by such... plebeian antics?" Phineas snarled dismissively.
"Very well," said Dumbledore, ignoring the outburst. Instead, he turned to Diara. "Diara, would you be so kind as to take Phineas to my office? There is no need to cover him up there."
"I suggest we meet at Grimmauld Place tomorrow to give Dobby a proper welcome when he returns," Dumbledore suggested.
"Let's hope he comes back in one piece," Harry muttered, while Ginny looked at Dumbledore in surprise. "You're really coming to Grimmauld Place? I thought you never left your house."
Dumbledore smiled. "I trust Dobby. The Malfoys, like most pure-blood supremacists, see house-elves as mere servants and underestimate them. It is true that I rarely leave my home, Miss Weasley, but it is no longer a safe place for the portrait and the copy of the Hogwarts Student Register."
"But why does the portrait stay here then?" Harry asked, gobsmacked.
"I intend to have a few words with Phineas in private," Dumbledore explained. "Of course, I'll bring him back tomorrow. And now, I don't want to take up any more of your precious time. I think you have a lot to discuss with your friends."