Harry Potter and the Time of Learning

Two days later, Harry was in another foul mood. After he finished reading Dumbledore's letter, Harry was happier than he had been most of the last year; it wasn't what a normal person would consider happy, but it was better than he'd felt in a long time.

Two days, and he had not heard another word from anyone. The last two days had been hard. Since he was unable to leave the house to run, his nightmares had come back, along with the anger and self-disgust, during the day. Tired of just waiting, he had begun to look over his school spell books and he was surprised to find that he remembered most the spells. He wanted to keep busy so he wouldn't have to remember the pain he felt inside. His godfather was dead, and although talking with Tonks had helped, it was still at least partly his fault. A tapping sound at the window interrupted his review of his fourth year transfiguration book, Guide to Advanced Transfiguration. Taking the small note from the owl Harry saw that it was from the Headmaster and sat down at his desk to read it.

Harry,

I am sorry for the delay in responding to you. A volunteer will stop by this afternoon with a letter and package for you.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

A little while later Harry was interrupted from his studies once again, when his uncle, Vernon Dursley, shouted, "BOY! Get down here NOW!"

"Great, what did I do now..." Harry mumbled after he slowly put his book down and got up from his chair. He was on his way downstairs when his uncle bellowed again "GET DOWN HERE, YOU WORTHLESS, GOOD-FOR-NOTHING FREAK!" His frown turned into a small smile after he took in the scene in front of him. Uncle Vernon stood purple-faced near the door where a young woman - in black boots, a pair of tight ragged looking jeans, a small purple Weird Sisters shirt that showed much of her stomach, several earrings and auburn hair with pink highlights - stood outside. Aunt Petunia had been staring in disbelief at the woman; Dudley was behind his mother, gawking at Tonks' chest and stomach with his jaw hung wide open.

"BOY, did you write those letters? I told you I didn't want to see any of those freaks the entire summer!"

"Wotcher Harry, got a letter for you," Tonks said, completely disregarding Harry's uncle.

Pushing through his aunt and uncle, Harry addressed the guest. "Hi Tonks! Come on up to my room."

"Boy, what do you think you are doing? We are not letting her in the house! Have you been writing those bloody letters again? You haven't been lying, have you? We have been treating you perfectly and I will not stand for your lies!"

"I've been sending the letters Uncle, but Tonks is here for a different reason. She's an adult witch, so I would recommend letting her in before she turns you into a rat." His uncle huffed a few times, but before he could say anything Harry said again, "Come on Tonks. My room's up here."

Harry opened his door just as Tonks tripped on the last step. After shutting the door behind her, she said, "Right charming uncle you have there! Too bad Mad-Eye wasn't here... Would've been fun to see what he'd do to your uncle."

Harry cracked a rare smile. "Yeah, that would've been interesting! Moody turning my aunt into a giraffe would've made my day. It would've been fun to see you turn Dudley into a fat pig, especially since he was gawking at you the whole time. I think my aunt is more afraid of what the neighbor will think of seeing you wearing that than she would be seeing Moody."

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing? I hang out quite a bit in the Muggle world like this... You said your cousin seemed to like it, and he's a Muggle. What's the matter Harry? You like the school girl type, huh?"

Harry started to blush and managed to sputter out, "It's not that! You look incredible - I mean you look nice - it's just my aunt you know..." Tonk's laughing interrupted him.

"I was only joking, Harry! 'Though it's nice to know I can catch your eye," she added with a wink.

Harry stood still and felt that he must've looked like a tomato. He tried to control the blush, to no avail, and asked for the letter.

"Yes sir, boss sir," she replied lightly while handing the letter over.

Dear Harry,

Miss Tonks has no knowledge of what she carries or what you will be doing. I will leave it for you to decide if you wish to inform her or ask her to leave.

As per our agreement, no one in the Order has been told anything regarding you, other than that you are physically fine and coping with the loss of your godfather. All your watchers have been notified that they have to tell you whom they are and that they may speak to you if you both wish. I have instructed them not to answer any questions about the Order, as I believe speaking of such things outside is far too great a risk. I would like to inform you of Voldemort's actions myself, in a secure environment. They have also been told not to mention anything that they witness to anyone beside myself and to give only minimal information to me.

The reason you were asked to stay indoors is because several magical persons were within the Little Whinging area and set off one of our detectors. We investigated and it turned out to be a magical family on vacation to non-magical relatives who live in the area. Thank you for staying indoors and you may once again safely leave your house.

I was able to have the Restrictions of Underage Magic waived for you, though I have not yet acquired permission for you to get your Apparation license early. I will, however, keep attempting to do so.

The package Miss Tonks carries includes your requested tent; open it with a few feet of open space. Professors Flitwick, McGonagall, Sprout, and Vector made the tent and I must say they did a splendid job with it. I have also added several wards and enchantments to make it more secure for you. Sometimes when several wards are combined, they have unusual side effects. I feel I must inform you that the wards on your tent have the unintended side effect of blocking the detection of the low magical emission caused by Apparating; this of course only works inside of the tent.

Since I selected books for you before my meeting with the Ministry of Magic, I may have inadvertently added a book on Apparation to your library. Dobby was most pleased when I informed him that you would need the kitchen to be stocked with food. I believe he has prepared a few meals for you, and he has offered his services to you for the summer or on a permanent basis. There is a golden chime in the kitchen; just ring it and Dobby will arrive. The field in the tent is half a kilometer by half a kilometer, and although you may now leave your house, it is more secure if you were to use this field for your runs. Professors Flitwick and Vector added a few enchantments to make the ceilings and walls look more natural. I do believe the enchanted sky worked so well they are thinking of changing the enchantment in the Great Hall to one similar to yours.

I have selected quite a few books that I believe you will find most helpful and I have added them to your library. I must ask that you take very good care of the books, as some are quite old and others quite rare. As you may have noticed, or perhaps been told by Miss Granger, the Wizarding world is quite different about information than the Muggle world. Many scholars throughout the ages have not published their books but rather keep them for their family and perhaps close friends. Over the last one hundred and fifty years I have managed to collect many such books and I am honored to share the knowledge with you.

There are few people that could help you learn Occlumency, since you have knowledge that we cannot let into the wrong hands. Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Alastor Moody and William Weasley are the four members of the Order that you could learn this important skill from. Though their ability at Occlumency is not to the level you must eventually reach, these people are willing to help you with a beginning. As I will be very busy throughout the summer and because of the danger of accidentally allowing you into my mind, I believe it is best that I not teach you until you have gained a higher skill. Decide on whom you would like to have help teach you and I will arrange a time for your lessons.

Several other members, including myself, apologized to Miss Tonks yesterday. I briefly explained that she left her post only after you had collapsed and that she brought you home and helped you with the loss of Sirius. They were afraid of something similar to what happened last year with Mr. Fletcher had taking place and did not give her enough time to explain herself properly. Once they heard what had happened they were very sorry for berating Nymphadora.

Several members of the Ministry wish to speak with you, but I convinced them that it would be best if you had some time to grieve, and they have agreed. An appointment has been set in two weeks time; I will inform you more when I see you next. As I said in my previous letter, we have much to talk about. I had wanted to give you more time, but, unfortunately, I believe some of the matters need to be discussed before any meeting with the Ministry can take place, I would like to visit you next Monday morning.

Yours Sincerely,

Albus B. W. P. Dumbledore

Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Order of Merlin First Class, Grand Sorcerer, Supreme Mugwump International Confederation of Wizards, Chief Warlock Wizengamot

P.S. Harry, I know you have the right to be angry with me, but I would like to offer you a piece of advice. Do not dwell on the Prophecy too much; learn what you can, practice and improve your abilities, but do not let it control your life. I have complete faith that we will win this war and that you will defeat Voldemort. I do not believe it will be only your skill with a wand that defeats him; you will defeat him because of who you are. Because of how much you love life. Because of how selfless your actions are. Because you will do something that only you can do. I do not know what that is yet, but I will be here with you the entire way, as shall the Order and your friends. You will need to learn to defend yourself, but I believe that is all you will need those skills for.

A great man once said that what's coming will come and all we can do is our best to meet it when it does. You must become your own person. Do not let the Prophecy or myself rule your life for you. I have made several wrong decisions when it comes to you, Harry, and I may make more wrong choices in the future. If you believe I have, let me know. Do not let me rule over you, Harry. I only wish to help and will always be here for you. You are correct, though, this is your life and you must live it the best you can. It does not help to dwell on what you cannot change; it will not be easy for you but you are not and never will be alone.

Harry stared at the letter for a moment, aghast. The last part angered him again - how was he not supposed to worry about the bloody Prophecy? - but the rest of it puzzled him. It actually seemed like Dumbledore really was sorry for what he did.

"Well?" said Tonks impatiently.

"Huh?"

"Well, what did it say? Is it good news? Are you in trouble? What did you do? Come on, tell me! I've been dying to know since I got the letter!"

Harry chuckled, "You are a nosey, aren't you?"

Tonks squinted a moment, her nose growing to about twice its regular size and she said, jokingly, "you think so? Now spill it!"

Laughing, Harry handed over the note to Tonks. "It's good news and straightforward, two things I don't associate with Dumbledore, which means he is actually sincere in his apology or that I should be very worried."

While Tonks read the note, Harry grabbed his wand and started to organize the room so he would have space for the tent. Tonks looked up, finally realizing he was using magic, and grabbed his wand. "What are you doing? You can't do magic again! You nearly got expelled last time!"

"Dumbledore had the restrictions removed. Keep reading, the letter says so."

"Oh, you could have told me! You nearly gave me a heart attack," as she handed back his wand.

After Harry had enough room for the tent, Tonks looked again at him and asked, "Who's Dobby?"

"Dobby? He's a free House-Elf that works at Hogwarts. He's quite loony and tried to prevent me from going to Hogwarts for my second year because he knew about the Basilisk." After he opened up the package, a small one-person tent sprung up and settled on the ground. "Come in and I'll tell you all about him."

When they entered the tent, Harry started telling Tonks about his meetings with Dobby. The room with the tent flap was the central family room. Harry decided it was quite beautiful; it had black slate floors with white walls, a white sofa, two white armchairs and a white marble table by a large fireplace made out of black slate. The walls had white marble columns that reminded him of ancient Roman buildings. On the right wall, were two wooden doors that turned out to be the bedrooms, with a connecting bathroom in-between. The bedrooms were done in Gryffindor scarlet and gold, with wall-to-wall carpeting. Each bedroom had a four-poster bed, similar to the ones in his dormitory, but about twice as large. They both had a comfy looking chair near the window and a small wooden end table with a marble top. The bathroom was incredibly luxurious and reminded Harry of a slightly smaller version of the prefect's bathroom. Tonks fell in love with the bathroom and teased that she was going to visit for a bath sometimes. They went back out and were walking to the other side of the house while Harry told Tonks the story of Dobby charming the Bludger to only go after him at a match. Tonks nearly fell onto the couch laughing as she heard what Lockhart did to his arm.

"I wondered why the Bludger was going after you! We all thought the Slytherins had charmed it."

Harry was stunned for a moment, and asked her if she was there.

Tonks nodded. "I was in my seventh year. Just how old did you think I was?" she added in what sounded an offended tone.

"Er... I don't know. I just didn't realize you were only a few years older than I am."

Tonks smiled. "I should be thanking you! Finally, someone thinks I'm older. Most people always say how young I act."

"I kind of like how you act younger than most people... You're one of the few people I actually like talking to lately... Actually, you may be one of the only people I've spoken to this year I haven't yelled at."

Grinning, Tonks mock squealed, "Ohhh... Does Harry have a little crush on me? Liking older women now, stud muffin?"

Harry blushed so much that he could feel the heat coming off his face. "I... I didn't mean that, I... I just meant..."

Tonks laughed, tripped a little, and fell onto the couch, bringing Harry with her. After she managed to stop laughing, Tonks said, "Sorry Harry, I just couldn't miss the chance. Besides, the look on your face was priceless!"

Harry tried to be mad and scowl but just couldn't be angry around her, so he stood and offered her a hand up. They started heading towards the other side of the house to look into the other rooms when Harry realized something and stopped for a moment. "I thought Auror training lasted for three years. How could you have been in seventh year only three years ago when everyone says you've been an Auror for a year?"

"Well, most people consider training three years. Really, it's just two years of training, but the third year you're working with a mentor. I've got another month before my third year is completely up."

Harry nodded as she told him about her mentor, Shacklebolt. They had almost reached the first door when Tonks tripped on the slate and nearly fell, thankfully Harry, his Seeker reflexes still strong, managed to catch her around the waist and steady her. "I'm going to have to put cushioning charms on the floor. The slate's uneven, so you'll be falling every time you're here."

Another evil grin lit up Tonk's face, "Oh, so now you have an arm around my waist and expect me to be back here often, eh?"

His face went completely scarlet once again, and he let go of Tonks, staring at the floor. "I... I didn't mean it like that. I mean, you're welcome to come back here if you want." He then quickly added, "- but you don't have to or anything and I didn't mean anything by it."

Tonks realized that he was actually embarrassed and put her hand over his shoulder. She assured him that she was just joking and that she'd love to come back over sometime.

They walked to the first door in silence and entered the study. He looked around the room and saw that the study was about the same size of the bedrooms; it, too, had oak wood flooring and white walls, featuring two huge magical windows that were charmed to see the cliffs from Hogwarts. The two bookcases were each partially full with almost thirty books in all, which was more than what Harry thought necessary. It also had a long table with room for eight seats, though only four were present. Harry went to look at some of the books as Tonks sat at the table to finish reading Dumbledore's letter. As Harry picked up the book on Apparation, Tonks interrupted his thoughts. "Well there you go! I can come back and teach you Occlumency." He headed over to the table with the book on Apparating and took a seat across from Tonks. "Um... Harry?" He heard the seriousness in her tone, then looked up and noticed that Tonks looked startled. He had never seen Tonks look anything but carefree, and he found himself bothered by it.

"Yeah, Tonks?"

"The Prophecy he's speaking of... That's the one in the Department of Mysteries we were guarding?"

"Yeah..."

"Oh..."

"And you're the only one that can defeat him?"

"Yes," Harry sighed. "'And either must die at the hands of the other for neither can live while the other survives.'... And Dumbledore says not to dwell on it! How in the bloody hell can I not dwell on it? I'm supposed to kill him, Tonks! That's why I sent Dumbledore that letter... I need to train, Tonks, I have the weight of the whole ruddy world on my shoulders and all anyone wants to do is shelter me and keep me in the dark all the bloody time!"

Harry stood up and started to pace the study. "Had I known this years ago when I asked the Headmaster why Voldemort was after me, I could have been trained. Maybe Cedric wouldn't have died and maybe... Maybe Sirius would be alive! But no - all Dumbledore would do is lie to me and tell me it's for my own good."

Harry slumped down in a chair and put his head in his hands. "How am I supposed to defeat the most powerful dark wizard alive? I'm fifteen, for Merlin's sake! Can I even murder someone, and then live my life knowing what I did? How can I not think about having to murder someone?"

After a minute of silence, Harry raised his head and saw that Tonks looked unnaturally somber.

"What? What's wrong, Tonks?"

"Um... Harry, the Order doesn't know what the Prophecy entailed. We only knew that Voldemort wanted it."

"Oh."

"It's just a lot to take in, you know."

"You don't have to tell me. Dumbledore told me about an hour..." He trailed off for a moment and finished in a much softer voice "an hour after Sirius fell."

Tonks got up from her chair, went over to Harry, and put her arms around his shoulders. "I miss him too, Harry," her voice trailed off, and then she kissed the top of his head.

After a moment, she regained her usual energy. "I've got an idea Harry! I can train you this summer!"

"Huh?"

"Well, I'm one of your choices for Occlumency, and I am an Auror... I know I'm not the best, but my training is still really fresh. I can give you some training this summer! I mean, we still have ten weeks - that a lot of time we can train." She stopped and thought a moment, "I'll still have to work at the Ministry - but I'm sure I can get out of anything for the Order - and I can have Kingsley take it easy on me at the office!"

She smiled and began talking to herself. "Yeah, I like that idea! I'll go see Dumbledore about this. It's getting a little late now Harry, but I'll stop by tomorrow and we can start."

Still in shock from everything she said, Harry just nodded his head. "Um, sure Tonks. Auror training!" "Maybe I will live another year..." he added in his head.

Unfortunately, Harry had said that aloud, too. "DON'T YOU DARE SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT! You think I'm going to train you just so you can die? You'll beat those bloody Death Eaters without a problem! I've seen you fight, you know, with no training you're already as good as most Death Eaters. You can start reading up on Apparation; I'll help you with it tomorrow."

Before Tonks Apparated away, she added, "Not sure when I'll drop by, but I'll be here as soon as I can, Harry."