a/n: As always, thank you reviewers - you guys all make me want to write. Enjoy the new chapter, and please leave a review too.
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chapter 9: training
Harry was surprised to hear they were at Hogwarts. He knew it was one of the safest establishments in the country, but part of him had expected some secret underground bunker in a remote location - not the Forbidden Forest. Hermione was sporting an expression of surprise as well; Harry figured she was thinking along the same lines as he was.
"Is this really a top secret location, then?" Harry asked the three adults present in the clearing.
"Actually, it is quite possibly the most secret location in Great Britain. I trust you both already know that Hogwarts is one of the most secure places you'll find. Well, this particular clearing on the grounds is even more secure than the castle itself. It is protected by some of the most powerful magic in existence; it's basically a magical bomb shelter. Not even an Unforgivable curse could penetrate the shields of this clearing. In other words, while in this area a person is completely shielded from all magic directed inwards from the outside. It has never been used for its original purpose, for no Dark wizard has ever dared to come within the grounds of Hogwarts in an attempt to cause damage. However, Professor Dumbledore felt that it would be perfect as a training location for the two of you, so here we are," Lupin finished his explanation and took a deep breath.
"You seemed rather reluctant to tell Harry and I where exactly we were; why?" Hermione questioned.
"Because of the secrecy that surrounds this location, Granger. There's no doubt in yours and Potter's honour, however under the influence of Veritaserum there is no guarantee that the area could be kept secret," replied Moody, his magical eye spiraling in its socket as the normal one focused on Hermione.
An uncomfortable silence followed Moody's explanation; Hermione looked quite taken aback at the possibility of being under the influence of Veritaserum. Harry, too, was contemplating just how much damage could be done to himself, Hermione, and the Order if they were forced to drink the vile truth potion. Tonks broke the silence by clapping her hands together.
"Ready to begin?" she asked Harry and Hermione; both nodded their assent. "Good!" Tonks exclaimed, wringing her hands in apparent excitement. "We decided beforehand that this first session would be more of a review for you lot. Since you both founded that whole secret society last term I'm sure you're both well advanced in your Defense Against the Dark Arts techniques and skills." The two students nodded once again and Tonks continued, "Right. Well, today we're going to practice a few basic defensive spells and counter-jinxes as well as some more advanced material." She broke off and nodded at Lupin, who immediately took over where Tonks left off.
"Alastor came up with another idea to aid you in your training; in addition to our sessions here, you two will be practicing the art of Occlumency. You've already learned the basics, Harry; however there is no doubt room for improvement." At Lupin's words Harry hung his head, remembering with clarity his Occlumency lessons with Snape. Lupin noticed Harry's demeanor and said, "It's an important skill, Harry, and an invaluable one once perfected. Hermione, Harry will be helping you as best he can in the initial stages of your learning; Professor Dumbledore will continue with both of you shortly after."
"Okay," the two students said simultaneously.
The three Order members and the two students spent the better part of the day practicing defensive spells and jinxes. They had begun with some simple Jelly-Legs and Full Body Bind jinxes; however they soon progressed onto harder and more stressful magic. Harry had to admit, spending half an hour shooting Stunning spells and then reviving the fallen was rather tiring. Apparently Hermione agreed; after reviving Tonks with yet another, "Enervate!" she sat on the forest floor and closed her eyes. Lupin got the message and informed them they would begin work on some of the more volatile spells, such as the Impediment Jinx and the Stinging Hex. At first Harry felt bad about stinging Lupin, but he soon learned that after a quick healing spell performed by Tonks, Lupin would feel quite all right. The students improved rapidly; soon Harry was able to throw Lupin back a full thirty feet with his Impediment Jinx, and Hermione was actually brining tears to Auror Moody's normal eye from the pain of her Furnunculus curse.
When darkness was descending upon the Forbidden Forest clearing, Lupin called the day's session to an end. "Great work today, Harry, Hermione," he said with a tired smile. "We're not sure when the next session will be, but I'm sure Dumbledore will send word soon. Next time we meet you will be learning a very important but difficult skill; until then, please start your Occlumency lessons."
Tonks and Moody were holding onto a portkey; Hermione walked over and grabbed hold and Harry made to move towards her when a hand on his shoulder halted him.
"If I may have a quick word, Harry," Lupin requested. "You three go on ahead; Harry and I will take a separate portkey back to headquarters."
Harry smiled and gave Hermione a quick wink before they left for The Burrow. He turned to see Lupin watching him carefully with a pensive look on his face. Lupin sat down upon a tree stump and motioned for Harry to take a seat nearby. Harry did, and sat silently waiting for Lupin to speak.
Remus cleared his throat and began in a somewhat shaky voice, "We really haven't had the chance to talk since last term, and I wanted to ask you how you're holding up, Harry."
Harry looked away into the dense trees of the forest, watching the last rays of light play across the trunks and leaves of the ground. When he spoke, it was in a slightly monotonous voice, "I've been fine." Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw a look of doubt briefly cross Lupin's features. "Hermione's helped me a lot with…with everything."
"She's really a great friend to you, isn't she?" It was more of a statement than a question, and Harry noted the stress Lupin placed on the word 'friend.' He looked straight into the man's eyes and replied.
"She is. My best friend, in fact." He didn't feel the need to elaborate on just how much Hermione meant to him, or how they had become more than "just friends" this summer. He wasn't technically lying - Hermione was still his best friend and always would be; there was just the addition of the title "girlfriend" now.
Lupin nodded and fell silent again. The two sat in a companionable silence for a short while before Harry spoke again. "I do have some questions for you, if that's all right."
"Of course, I would expect nothing else."
"What happened to Grimmauld Place? Why is the headquarters at The Burrow now?" His voice had lost the slight monotonous quality to it and he now sounded genuinely interested in the answers Lupin could provide.
"Grimmauld Place sealed itself after Sirius' death, Harry. No one from the Order has been able to enter, and unless we get someone like Narcissa Malfoy or Bellatrix Lestrange to open the door, we can't go in." Harry saw rage flash in Lupin's eyes as said the names of the two women. Lupin shook his head slightly and continued, "The Burrow was deemed a suitable location for headquarters by Professor Dumbledore. The Weasleys are a respectable wizarding family who were more than welcome to do anything they could to help the Order. Headquarters was reestablished at The Burrow the day after you returned from Hogwarts."
Harry was surprised to hear that Grimmauld Place had closed itself, but not so surprised to hear the reasons for Dumbledore's choice of new headquarters. There was one other question Harry was burning to ask, but it was a topic he didn't think Lupin would want to visit. However, it was something he had to know whether or not everyone else approved.
"What happened to Sirius that night? Where did he go after…he fell?"
At Harry's question Lupin closed his eyes and sighed; Harry watched him carefully and tried to gauge his reaction - he didn't seem mad at him at least. Remus opened his eyes and Harry was slightly shocked to see tears forming.
"Forget about it; I'm sorry I asked," Harry said hastily, not wanting to upset the man.
"No, it's fine. I expected this question from you sooner or later. Besides, I need to learn to get a grip and not cry every time someone mentions his name." He paused to wipe his eyes on the sleeve of his robes before continuing, "No one but those in the Department of Mysteries who study the subject of death could answer your question, Harry - not even Professor Dumbledore himself. In reality, no one person has all the answers to something as intricate and complicated as the veil you saw Sirius fall through. He died that night, we know that much. How he died and where he went after he fell is another matter altogether. I'm sorry I cannot answer your question more adequately, Harry, but know this - it wasn't your fault, and it never will be."
It was Harry who now had tears forming in his eyes and a lump in his throat. As he looked into the eyes of the last true Marauder he realized that he wasn't the only one who felt the pain of Sirius' death; Lupin had now lost his two true best friends at the hand of Voldemort and his servants. Lupin pulled away and stood, holding out a hand to Harry.
"It's time we head back to The Burrow, knowing Alastor he's ready to send out a search party for us," Lupin said with a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Harry smiled in return and took his hand. Remus held out a feather that looked oddly like one of Buckbeak's. Harry gave him a quizzical look; Lupin shrugged and replied, "He sheds." Harry smiled again and took hold of the feather, feeling better knowing he was going "home" to Hermione.
Moments later, Harry and Lupin arrived in the kitchen of The Burrow. Moody immediately summoned Lupin and Tonks off to the side for a discussion, and Harry went straight to Hermione. He wanted to kiss her, but felt uncomfortable with the three adults present. They still hadn't told anyone about the developments in their friendship, and Harry found that kissing her in front of the Order members probably wasn't the best way to go about informing them. Instead, he settled for a platonic hug that lasted just a few seconds longer than necessary.
"Are you okay?" she asked as they separated.
"Yeah; we just talked about a few things - Sirius, mainly," he replied casually; although seeing the somewhat surprised look on her face he gathered it wasn't really a casual topic.
"I didn't know that's what he wanted to talk to you about," she said in a low voice.
"Well, he asked me how I was feeling, and we ended up talking about him. It's really not a big deal, I'm fine about it."
Obviously satisfied enough, Hermione nodded. Tonks hustled over to them and hugged Hermione before saying a quick good bye. "There's some Order business that needs to be taken care of immediately, I'll be back later but you might not see Remus and Alastor until the next training session." Just then Lupin and Moody moved towards the group and took turns shaking Harry and Hermione's hands.
"Expect an owl from Professor Dumbledore soon; he'll let you know when the next session will be," Lupin said as he shook Harry's hand.
Moody moved to shake Harry's hand as well, saying, "Constant vigilance, Potter." Once Harry and Hermione had assured Moody that they would indeed practice constant vigilance, the old Auror, Tonks, and Lupin took their leave. Hermione sighed and sat down in one of the kitchen chairs; Harry walked over to the sink and poured himself a glass of water before sitting down next to her. They sat in a comfortable silence and watched the sun set through the kitchen window. The silence was interrupted by the arrival of a very familiar looking owl.
"It's Pig!" Harry exclaimed as the tiny owl swooping in through the open window and landed with a thud on the table. He hastily untied the scroll of parchment that was attached to the owl's miniscule leg and Pig immediately took off for the sink and a well earned drink. Harry read the letter aloud to Hermione.
Harry and Hermione,
Romania has been bloody amazing so far! Charlie took Fred, George, Ginny, and I to work the other day, and we got to see some amazing dragons - we even saw a Hungarian Horntail, Harry. Brings back some good memories, eh? We also learned about some boring Romanian history that I'm sure you'd devour, Hermione.
You won't believe who decided to come with us at the last moment - Luna! We saw her just as we were about to leave, and Mum invited her to come along. She accepted, of course, and she's sharing a room with Ginny now. We're actually having a good time together so far; she's not too 'Loony' after all, ha ha.
Fred and George are going spare without their products here, but Lee Jordan is taking care of the store in Diagon Alley for the rest of our holiday. Ginny already wants to work there after she's done with school, but I told her not to tell Mum that just yet - we don't need her angry on this trip. Apparently Fred and George have invented a new product though, it's supposed to be used on two close friends - it broadcasts their true feelings towards one another, even the stuff that is never said aloud. I was thinking you two should try it, might do you both some good (wink wink, Harry).
Luna, Ginny, and I are going down to the pool now. Ginny's brining parchment and I have no idea why; it's like she's turning into you, Hermione - doing work on a holiday! Actually, I think she's writing letters, but I have no idea who they're to since she broke up with Dean a couple of weeks ago. Right, well Luna's calling so I'd better go. Write back soon, we all miss you guys.
Ron
Harry smiled as he folded up the letter; he was happy Luna went along with the Weasleys, she deserved a good time as much as anyone else did.
"Sounds like he's happy there," Hermione stated with a smile of her own.
"Definitely; it's good that Luna's there too," he replied.
"Maybe something will happen between them," she said, her smile turning into a wicked-looking grin. Harry noticed it was definitely a different smile than she usually wore.
"What, friends becoming something more? No way…" he trailed off with a grin.
"You're right; things like that never happen these days. So I'm just going to get up and leave my best friend here all by himself to-" she was cut off as Harry kissed her like he had wanted to do since they returned to headquarters.
Has it really been so long since we last did this? Bloody hell, I promise to never go a whole day without kissing her again. I wonder if she feels the same way I do when we kiss…yeah okay I think she does.
His thoughts were swirling rapidly through his mind, and all he knew at that moment was Hermione, holding Hermione, and kissing Hermione.
"I love you," he barely whispered against her lips.
She pulled back slightly to look him in the eyes before replying, "I love you too."