Harry Potter and all related Characters belong to JK Rowling
Chapter 2 - Confessions From The Heart
For a moment all Harry could do was stare at Dumbledore until his brain suddenly registered that he was pointing his wand at the old man and he quickly dropped his arm.
"So..sorry Professor," he stammered. "You….you just took me by surprise."
"And for that I apologise," said Dumbledore with a broad smile before looking down at the plate of food that was now lying on the floor. "But it appears I made you drop your lunch."
"What?" said Harry as he followed the Headmasters gaze to the smashed plate and glass with the spilt food. "Oh heck, Aunt Petunia's gonna go spare!"
"Not to worry," said Dumbledore removing his wand from his robes and aiming it at the debris of Harry's lunch. "Reparo!" At this there was a flash and the glass and plate were both repaired and their contents resorted.
"There, good as new," said Dumbledore with a smile as Harry stooped down to collect them.
"Thanks Professor," he said as he set the glass down on his bedside table while he sat down on his bed with his plate on his lap before he suddenly looked up. "Would you like something Sir?"
"No thank you Harry," replied Dumbledore with a dismissive wave of his hand as he sat down on the chair by Harry's desk. "I've just had a cup of tea and some cake while I was at Mrs. Figg's and I don't really like to eat that much when I'm flying but you go ahead and eat."
"No, it's alright," said Harry putting his plate aside. He then turned and looked straight at his Mentor. "You didn't come all this way just to wish me Happy Birthday did you Sir?"
At this Dumbledore actually looked slightly embarrassed and gave a small cough.
"No Harry," he replied. "I was planning to come and see you today but something happened last night which made it essential that I came as soon as possible."
"Why? What's happened?" cried Harry jumping to his feet. "It's Hermione isn't it? Or Ron? Professor, what's happened?"
"Harry, calm yourself. Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley are fine. It's Tom of whom I speak."
"Voldemort?" said Harry scowling. "What did he do?"
"Nothing," said Dumbledore. "Actually it's a case of what happened to him but I want to wait until we get to Grimmauld Place before I explain what happened. After all this does involve Miss Granger as well."
"What?" Harry said looking confused. "Professor, I…I don't understand. What are you saying?" At this Dumbledore merely smiled.
"Harry, are you packed?" he asked simply. At this Harry blinked before nodding.
"Yes Sir."
"Good, then I will just write a note for your Uncle and Aunt and then we can be off," said Dumbledore. "Have you some ink, a quill and some parchment I can use?"
By now Harry was truly confused but he quickly found the items Dumbledore had requested and handed them to the headmaster and then watched as Dumbledore scribbled a quick note for the Dursleys. It then suddenly dawned on Harry that Dumbledore was taking him away to Grimmauld Place right now.
"Eh Professor, I thought I couldn't leave here until midnight."
"Normally that would be correct Harry but as I said something happened to Tom last night which means he isn't in any position to threaten you at the moment so I thought you might like to surprise your friends." At this Dumbledore looked up at Harry with a twinkle in his eye. "Of course, if you want to wait until tomorrow…"
"No!" cried Harry unable to stop a grin crossing his face at the prospect of not having to wait any longer to see his friends. "No, I'm ready Sir."
"Good," said Dumbledore. "Why don't you just eat your lunch while I do this letter and then we'll get off alright?"
***
Ten minutes later Dumbledore rose from the chair rolling the parchment up as he turned to Harry who was just finishing his cake.
"Right Harry, take this and place it somewhere where you Aunt will find it while I take care of your trunk."
"Alright Sir," said Harry and hurried downstairs with the note and his dirty plate and glass. On his return he found Dumbledore waiting for him.
"Here you go Harry," said the Professor handing Harry his shrunken trunk who took it and slipped it into his pocket while Dumbledore now turned to Hedwig and Pig.
"Alright you two," he said with a nod. "Off you go." With that the two owls both hopped out the window and took to the air whilst Dumbledore turned to Harry.
"Might as well let them get some exercise, it could be a while before they get another chance," he said as way of an explanation at which Harry nodded before Dumbledore reached into his robes and pulled out, of all things, a golf ball. Harry stared at the ball for a moment and then up at Dumbledore.
"Where'd you get that Sir?" he asked curiously.
"It would appear that a Golf Course opened on our northern boundary a few weeks ago," said Dumbledore with a smile as he rolled the ball between his fingers. "Hagrid's been finding them ever since whenever he's out exercising Fang or one of the others from his menagerie."
"And the golfers can't find them because of the concealment charm around the school right?" said Harry. At this Dumbledore nodded before meeting's Harry's gaze.
"Do you know anything about golf Harry?" he asked.
"Only that it's the only exercise Uncle Vernon usually gets," replied Harry with a shrug. "He's not very good but I think he plays it because a lot of the people he does business with play it too." At this Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully.
"Always wanted to give it a go myself," said the old Wizard as if thinking out loud. "Maybe now there's a course next door I will."
At this Harry couldn't help but burst into laughter at the mere thought of Dumbledore in golf clothes like those Uncle Vernon wore and for a couple of minutes tears of laughter rolled down his face as he fought to try and stop himself. Once he had he found Dumbledore looking at him with a wry smile on his face.
"Something funny about me wishing to play golf Harry?"
"No..no Sir," choked Harry as he finally managed to calm his laughter down. "Sorry Sir, I shouldn't have laughter at you like that!" At this Dumbledore's face merely lit up and the smile spread across his face.
"Harry, you owe me no apology. I'm just happy to see you laughing after all you've been through the last few months."
At this Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I didn't really have much choice Sir, Hermione threatened to hex me big time if I let Voldemort get to me."
`I always knew that young lady was smart,' thought Dumbledore as a broad smile crossed his face, hidden from Harry's gaze by his beard. He now walked over to Harry and rested a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Well, I'm certainly glad to see your taking her advice," he said with a wink. Harry now gave a sheepish smile and nodded while Dumbledore gave a tug of his robes.
"Anyway, time we were getting along," he said holding out the golf ball. Harry nodded again and rose to his feet, took a deep breath and placed his hand on the ball. Next moment he felt the familiar pull on his navel as his surroundings blurred and the wind started to whistle through his hair.
***
Harry was, by now, adept enough at Portkey travel that when he and Dumbledore arrived in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place he only stumbled slightly as he gathered his bearings. As he steadied himself however he heard a yelp from behind him and turned to see a wide-eyed Hermione staring at him whilst Ron and Ginny, who were sat at the table in the middle of a game of chess were just looking at him in surprise before all hell broke loose.
Hermione was the first to recover and she literally threw herself at Harry causing him to stagger back as she wrapped her arms around his neck while he automatically wrapped his own around her waist.
"I've missed you," she murmured softly as she tightened her hold around him.
"Missed you too," replied Harry. "Just one thing though Hermione, I'm kinda running out of air here!" At this Hermione released her grip and jumped back with an embarrassed smile on her face.
"So…sorry Harry," she stammered while her cheeks took on a faint of hint of pink causing Harry to smile broadly before he was suddenly almost spun around by a heavy clap of the shoulder.
"Wotcha Harry mate!" chirped Ron grinning happily. "It's good to see you!"
"You too Ron," said Harry, a grin crossing his own face. "How have you been?"
"Can't complain," said Ron. "'Specially since there ain't any homework this year!" At this Harry chuckled while Hermione gave an exasperated sigh.
"It still would do any harm to do some studying Ron," she said turning to him with a scowl. "After all we're starting our NEWT's this term!"
"Cryin' out loud Hermione!" grumbled Ron. "We haven't got our OWL results yet! Until then I intend to have some fun alright?!"
"Alright, end up like Fred and George then!" snapped back Hermione whose face was going an even brighter shade of pink. "See if I care!"
At this point Harry turned to Ginny whose face was twisted in a bemused expression.
"How long have they been at it?" he asked raising his voice over his two best friends bickering.
"Ever since Hermione got here after breakfast," sighed Ginny.
"Well, it's nice to know something's don't change," said a voice that made Ginny yelp in surprise and Ron and Hermione both jump whilst Harry grinned inanely at the shocked expressions on his friends face as they span around to see Professor Dumbledore sitting in a chair in the corner. However, before anyone could say anything the kitchen door flew open and Molly Weasley flew in.
"What on earth is going on?!" she demanded quickly as she switched her gaze between each of the youngsters. "I could hear you upstairs!" However, before she could say anything else her gaze fell on Harry who smiled sheepishly as Mrs Weasley who now blinked opened her mouth to say something then stopped and took a breath before finally managing to speak.
"Harry? What are you doing here dear? You should still be at Privet Drive."
"I brought him Molly," said Dumbledore from his seat causing Mrs. Weasley's head to snap around and her jaw to drop.
"Pro…Professor!" she squeaked, her face now a mask of complete confusion. "What…what on earth's going on? I thought you said he couldn't leave until midnight?"
"Normally that would be the case," agreed Dumbledore. "However, an…incident last night has left Voldemort how the Muggles might say `under the weather' and in no shape to threaten to Harry anytime to soon so I there forth decided it was safe for him to leave early."
"Oh," said Mrs. Weasley although she still looked confused but then her face broke into a broad smile as she turned to Harry. "Well, you're here now so I suppose I should say happy birthday Harry."
"Crikey!" exclaimed Ron. "Yeah, happy birthday mate!"
"Happy birthday Harry," chorused the two girls who both gave him a hug causing Harry to suddenly feel a little sheepish.
"Thanks guys," he murmured with a hint of embarrassment. Dumbledore chuckled softly with amusement for a moment then rose from his seat.
"I apologise for breaking up the reunion but Harry, I think it's time we had that talk."
"Yes Sir," said Harry before Dumbledore turned to Molly.
"Is the study alright to use Molly?"
"Cleaned it this morning Professor," said Mrs. Weasley with a smile. At this Dumbledore beamed.
"Excellent. Alright Harry, if you'd give Ron your trunk I'm sure he'd take it up to your room for you."
"Right Sir," said Harry fishing into his pocket and pulling out the shrunken trunk, which he hand to Ron who frowned slightly, then looked up at Harry and was about to say something when Dumbledore spoke again.
"Don't worry Mr. Weasley, I used a old trick I know on it. It'll only restore itself to its proper size when it touches the floorboards."
"Really?" said Ron. "Cool!"
"Alright Ron, you heard the Professor," said Molly. "Run upstairs and put it in you and Harry's room." At this Ron hurried off while Dumbledore suddenly clicked his fingers.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot Molly. Could you set up two more beds, one with the boys and one with the girls. I've asked Mr. Longbottom and Miss Lovegood to join us here."
"Already done Professor," said Molly. "Arthur flooed at lunch and told me you were inviting them." Harry and the girls meanwhile exchanged grins at the prospect of being reunited with their other best friends before Dumbledore turned to Harry.
"Come along Harry," he said with a brighter-than-usual twinkle in his eye before turning to Hermione. "You'd better come along too Miss Granger." Hermione paled slightly at this while Ginny and Molly both suddenly looked curious but neither said a word as Dumbledore lead Harry and Hermione into the hall.
***
Almost as soon as he stepped into the hallway Harry noticed the scorch marks where Mrs. Black's picture had been and quickly turned to Dumbledore who gave a wry smile and shrugged.
"She and Moody had a disagreement a couple of weeks ago," said the Professor. "And I'm afraid that once Alastor's temper is unleashed its not easily curtailed."
"Oh," said Harry with a small frown but then gave a sigh. "What about…what about Kreacher?" Dumbledore took a deep breath at this whilst Hermione paled even more.
"We haven't found any sign of him," admitted Dumbledore as he led Harry and Hermione down the hall to the study. "Either Remus dealt with him or he's fled to the Malfoys but I honestly couldn't say." At this Harry felt slightly relieved at the thought of Remus dealing with Kreacher and even if the treacherous House Elf had escaped Harry was sure he wouldn't last long with the Malfoys especially if Draco's mood at the end of term was anything to go by.
Dumbledore now opened the door to the study and stepped into the room with Hermione and Harry right behind him. The room was pitch black but Dumbledore now removed his wand and with a swish the lights all flickered to life to reveal several book cases, a large desk and several chairs, three of which Dumbledore now summoned with another flick of his wand. Two of the chairs were side-by-side with the third chair facing them and it was this one Dumbledore now took before indicating for Harry and Hermione to sit in the other chairs. Then, once his two students were seated Dumbledore leaned forward slightly wearing a sad smile.
"Firstly Harry, I need to tell you that tomorrow morning you and I have an appointment to see Hector Broomgate about the matter of Sirius's will," he said softly. At this Harry lowered his head and sighed before he felt Hermione take his hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Harry now turned his gaze to her and gave her a grateful smile before turning back to Dumbledore.
"Can Hermione come with me?" he asked hopefully, he didn't really want to face this alone.
"I'm afraid not," said Dumbledore. "Not that I wouldn't permit it but Hector tells me that Sirius left specific instructions that only you and I were to be present,"
"Oh," said Harry exchanging another glance at Hermione who looked as puzzled as he felt at this piece of information. "Alright Sir, I understand."
"Good," said Dumbledore softly. "Now I'm afraid I must ask a rather personal question Harry. Have you been having nightmares about Sirius death?" Harry winced at the question whilst Hermione gave his hand another squeeze.
"Yes Sir," he replied truthfully. "Almost every night." At this Dumbledore sighed and nodded.
"Occlumency," he said simply. "Or a variation of it at least. One where he controls which of your own memories you see." At this Harry felt his gut clench and a cold shiver run down his spine.
"However," continued Dumbledore. "Last night Tom bit off more than he could chew. You see Harry, last night Voldemort tried to `influence' you dreams again. Unfortunately for him he didn't come across one mind but two and although both were more than a little unschooled in the art of legillemency together they gave Tom a rather nasty shock. Apparently he took his frustration out on one of his supporters." Dumbledore now leaned back slightly and had to fight the temptation of allowing a grin to cross his face as he took in the stunned expressions of his two best students. For a moment they both just sat there before both turned to face the other. Almost at once Hermione looked away and ducked her head but Dumbledore still saw her face going bright pink.
`The penny drops,' thought Dumbledore with a mental chuckle before Harry pulled his gaze away from Hermione to Dumbledore.
"I…I don't think I understand Sir, what happened?"
`Ah, to be a teenager and in love,' thought Dumbledore allowing a cheery smile to cross his face before leaning forward again.
"Harry, what or who did you dream about last night?" This time it was Harry who went bright red and he swallowed nervously before licking his lips. He quickly shot another look at Hermione then turned back to Dumbledore and took a deep breath knowing it was pointless in lying to the old man.
"I…I dreamt about Hermione," he stammered.
"I see," said Dumbledore before turning his gaze to the young girl. "Hermione?" he asked softly. For a moment Hermione kept her head down but then slowly looked up with tears in her eyes and biting her bottom lip nervously. Dumbledore now smiled warmly while Harry just watched her carefully as she met Dumbledore's gaze for a moment then turned to Harry.
"I dreamt about Harry," she replied holding Harry's gaze. At this Harry felt his heart leap while Dumbledore himself nodded slowly.
"Remarkable," he said softly. At this Harry and Hermione pulled their gaze away from each other and turned back to Dumbledore whose face was lit with a broad smile.
"What you two have achieved is a rare state of Occlumency that comes from love, not the love of friendship but actual love. In fact it is so rare I've only seen one other case in my life."
"My parents," said Harry but was surprised when Dumbledore shook his head.
"Not this time Harry, but you are close. In this case it was your grandparents, Emric and Margaret. It took them several years to master their bond but you pair are already showing quite a talent, especially in the way you dealt with Tom. For most couples with your ability doing what you did last night would have taken at least a dozen years of training and I must admit that even I cannot tell you how did it." Dumbledore now pushed himself out his seat and then clapped his hands together. "But I feel that I've spoken enough for now and I imaging that you two need to talk to each other so I shall be waiting in the kitchen for you when your done." And with that he walked out of the room leaving Harry and Hermione alone.
For a few moments the pair sat in silence before Harry turned to Hermione at the same time she did. Almost at once she looked away from him her cheeks going red once more. Harry allowed himself a wry smile and then realised he was still holding her hand.
"Hey," said Harry giving her hand a squeeze causing Hermione to look up shyly with tears glistening in her eyes causing Harry's heart to skip a beat.
"Hey," she replied smiling softly. "So what now?"
Another moment of silence lapsed before Harry spoke again.
"I love you Hermione and I'm an idiot for not realising it sooner." At this Hermione lowered her head briefly then raised her head and met his gaze.
"And I'm an idiot for not realising that I'm in love with you," she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. On hearing her words Harry felt a surge of happiness flood through him before he rose from his seat and moved so he was now crouching in front of Hermione.
"So what now?" he asked again quietly. At this Hermione slowly stood up and pulled Harry with her while taking his other hand in hers and looked down at them before looking up at him.
"Kiss me," she said simply. Harry hesitated for only a second before slowly lowering his lips to hers. As they touched Harry felt a spark run right through him and almost at once all the pain of the last few years disappeared. That was the past, he couldn't do anything about that, but the future was still ahead and Harry now realised with Hermione by his side he could do anything. Including defeating Voldemort.
Finally a need for air forced the pair apart and as they stepped back Harry couldn't help but grin at Hermione's flushed face.
"Wow," she murmured after a second.
"Yeah," said Harry with a chuckle as he rested his forehead against hers. "So I was…I was wondering?"
"Yes?" said Hermione softly.
"I was wondering if you'd like to be my girlfriend?" blurted Harry with a sheepish grin.
At this a thoughtful look crossed Hermione's face while her eyes twinkled.
"I'd like that," she replied.
"Are you sure?" said Harry with a sudden look of seriousness. "Remember fourth year, and that was just Rita's lies."
"Harry, I can look after myself," said Hermione as she reached up and touched Harry's cheek. "I'd like to think I'm a pretty good witch."
"You're a bloody excellent witch," replied Harry quickly causing Hermione to blush. He then turned and looked towards the study doors then back to his new girlfriend.
"So, do you think we should tell Ginny and Ron or do you want to keep this our secret?"
"Of course we should tell them," huffed Hermione. "Their our friends, we shouldn't keep secrets from them!" At this Harry winced a little but luckily Hermione didn't notice as she now looked down at their entwined fingers.
"I still can't believe this is happening," she said softy.
"Well it is," said Harry as he lifted her chin gently so their eyes met. "So how long?"
"Since fourth year," admitted Hermione. "What about you?"
"Same time," said Harry with a shrug. "But I guess I really knew when…when you were injured at the Ministry. God Hermione, I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost you!" By now tears were rolling down his own cheeks, which Hermione quickly wiped away.
"Hey, stop that," she said softly. "I'm still here Harry and I'm not going anywhere understand?!"
"Yes Miss," replied Harry grinning sheepishly as he pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her.
"Good," said Hermione before raising herself up on tiptoe and pressing her lips to his again. "Don't blame yourself for what happened Harry, there's only one person to blame and that's Voldemort."
"Yeah, I know," said Harry with a sigh before nodding towards the door.
"Their probably wondering where we've got to."
"Well, we shouldn't keep them waiting then should we," said Hermione with a sigh. "You do know Ron's going to have a field day with this!"
"He wouldn't be Ron if he didn't," said Harry with a chuckle. "But I think I know something that will keep him quite."
"Really?" said Hermione with a curiously look. "What's that then?" At this Harry chuckled and shook his head.
"Sorry `Mione, girlfriend or not I promised Ron I wouldn't say anything, but I've got a feeling your going to find out soon enough."
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