Harry Potter and the Secrets of Dumbledore

Harry Potter and the Secrets of Dumbledore

Chapter 5

Introductions and Revelations

The first of many meetings in the days left before the students' arrival was a private meeting between Harry and the gallery. Harry was pacing around the office, running his fingers through his hair, occasionally stopping and looking at the gallery, then pacing again.

Everyone in the gallery was talking at once, and mostly to each other. Harry went over and plopped into his chair and suddenly slammed his open hand against the top of the desk. "ENOUGH!" he yelled. Instantly the gallery was silenced and all eyes were on Harry. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths in order to bring his temper under control.

"Wasn't it just yesterday, Albus, that you told me that I was sending a beacon that the time of isolationism is over?" He turned to face Professor Dippet and said, "I believe it was you that said you all had unanimously decided that I was more than worthy to be included in 'the club'...and that all of you and the entire portrait network would always be available for help whenever I needed it!"

Professor Dippet replied, "I also said that we were here to advise you."

Harry stood up, took another deep breath, and started to pace again. Finally, he said, "I can understand where you are coming from in your opinions, especially the farther back in history each of you goes. You must realize that the world is in the twenty-first century now and it has grown much smaller. The Muggles have made some great advances in their technology. They have these machines called computers that supply any type of news, or any other information, in the blink of an eye. Television has advanced to the point you can see any event anywhere on the planet in a matter of seconds. If I'm right in my suspicions of what is about to happen, it's going to be near impossible to hide it from them as we've been able to do in the past. I have even had these devices installed in a hallway in my house in Hogsmeade in order to monitor their world."

"Why not install them here?" asked Professor Smythe.

"Because the amount of magic in and around the castle causes too much interference of the signals and electricity that Muggles use to make the things work. That's part of the reason I built my house high on a hill and into the granite side. With all the magic in Hogsmeade, there is a similar problem to that which occurs around the castle. Building the house and the room for these machines deep into the granite seems to have shielded the magic enough that they actually work."

Again, Harry ran his fingers through his hair and then continued. "I don't know how many of you, if any, know that before Voldemort was defeated he had a son."

The gallery erupted in shocked whispers amongst themselves, nodding their heads, arms flailing, and hands holding foreheads. Once the noise had subsided, Professor Monteque asked, "How could this have happened?"

Harry sat down again. Once the commotion had subsided, he looked at them and said, "Apparently, once he came back, he found that he had at least some feelings for one person...Bellatrix Lestrange. Whether it was actual love, or just affection, or maybe the idea that Voldemort wasn't sure he had really achieved immortality, I don't know. Whatever the reason, they conceived a son and named him Benedict."

A voice from the gallery said, "This could be a very serious matter."

"Tell me about it," Harry sighed. "Once the war intensified, Voldemort sent Bellatrix and Benedict to Durmstrang's for safety. Bellatrix assumed the position of headmistresses and brought up her son there. Benedict is now twenty three and goes by the title of 'The Dark Prince'. He has the evilness and power of his parents... and a little more."

"What more could there be?" asked Professor Smythe.

Harry leaned back in the chair, turned his head, and quietly said, "Albus."

"Well," Dumbledore started, "part of the spell Voldemort used to get his body back on that horrible night many years ago, was a small amount of Harry's blood. When Voldemort tried to kill Harry as a baby and the curse backfired, some of Voldemort's powers were passed to Harry. It, therefore, stands to reason, that once Harry's blood was introduced to Voldemort, he received some of Harry's protections. Those would then pass to Benedict."

Harry was back on his feet, pacing...again. He continued his story. "The Death Eaters that were not killed or returned to Azkaban at the end of the war, all ended up at Durmstrang's. Percy Weasley, and his knowledge of the British Ministry of Magic, is also there. In short, Benedict has not only been raised in pure evilness, but with a fair amount of knowledge about the British wizarding world. Then there is..."

"Go ahead," Albus prompted.

"Well, as you all know, after the war Severus Snape and I actually got along rather well for these many years. Unfortunately, when I was appointed Headmaster, he flew into a rage, immediately resigned, and left. We are not positive, but believe that he joined the group at Durmstrang's. Since he knows many of the protective charms and spells that protect Hogwarts, I need to ask all of you to help come up with new ones that we can put in place as soon as possible. I will be having a staff meeting in this office the day after tomorrow and would like you to have them by then."

"I hope you can now understand why I feel it so important to involve wizarding communities from all over the world. It is simply because of what I believe is coming. Having three foreign teachers will only help to solidify our position, make us stronger, and help us be the leaders in a movement that is bound to happen in the not too distant future."

Feeling fairly drained, Harry sat down again. Elbows on the desk and his head in his hands, he didn't move for several minutes. Finally, he looked up and said, "There is one more thing I must tell you. I will be informing the staff at the meeting day after tomorrow, but wanted you to know first."

"I'm not sure exactly how to say this," he said while grasping for some courage. "You all met Professor LaFortezza yesterday. Let me assure you that her credentials are absolutely impeccable, not only in potions, but in several others areas as well. She will be a stellar addition to our select group of teachers at Hogwarts."

This was considerably more difficult than Harry had imagined it would be. After what seemed an eternity, he sighed, "Oh, the hell with it!"

"Harry, calm down and just tell us what you need to," said Albus.

Harry noticed that damn twinkle in those eyes. "He knows," he thought to himself. As soon as he thought it, he saw Albus nod his head with a sly smile. The other professors noticed the exchange going on. They started making comments to get on with the rest of the news.

Finally, Harry found some nerve and started. "I met Antonia about two years ago on one of my Italian informational expeditions and was immediately impressed with her abilities." He noticed Albus rolling his eyes and shaking his head. "Anyway, the fact of the matter is we started seeing quite a bit of each other every time I went down there, and...well...er...we've fallen in love!"

Applause broke out in the gallery with, "bravo," here, here" and "about time!"

Harry was amazed at the reaction and heard Professor Smythe say, "Good show. Why was it so hard for you to tell us?"

Harry looked up at them, shrugged his shoulders, and said, "I was afraid you would think I gave her the position because of our personal relationship." He paused, then, continued, "She really is an excellent professor, and I believe she will be a fine addition to the school."

"Harry, we believe you," said Dumbledore. "We might have been leery if it had been anyone else, but you know what is at stake. After all, you have been through this before and are well aware what the future may bring. You should be prepared for the possibility of a bit less enthusiastic reaction when you make the announcement to the staff. We will back you and support you as much as we can. Whatever you do - don't let them get to you. Those who are initially suspicious will come around in time."

Harry smiled, "Thank you all for your support. I think that about covers things for today. If you will excuse me, I have to check on Antonia and her redecorating of the dungeon and then need to send an owl. I'll see you all later."

*******

Antonia was a whirlwind of activity in the dungeon and hadn't heard Harry arrive. She turned to draw another scene that just came to mind when she saw him just standing there. The brushes painting on the far wall dropped to the floor as her concentration had been interrupted .

"Why didn't you say something?" she asked with a hint of irritation in her voice.

"First of all, I didn't want to disturb you. Secondly, I was enjoying just watching you."

"I don't want you to see this room until I finish with it. If you want to talk, we'll have to find another place. How about my office? That one is finished."

They walked down the hall and entered her office. Harry stopped in his tracks and just stood there, amazed at the transformation. Could this actually be the same office that he had found so disgusting for all these years? First of all, it was clean and bright. There were new cabinets and shelves made of the same rough wood that the ceiling beams were made of, but they had a wash applied that lightened them. There were a couple of fresco's depicting scientific scenes, along with maps of countries around the world fashioned in the old world style.

"This is fantastic! I can't believe it's the same place I've disliked for so many years. I can hardly wait to see what you are doing to that classroom," he said.

"Well, you have no choice but to wait," she said standing on her toes to give him a kiss. "How did your meeting go?"

"Lively, to say the least," he said. "They seem to understand and are accepting the need for international cooperation in what lies ahead. They have agreed to help in any way they can."

He paused and turned his head toward one of the frescos'. "I told them about us," he quietly said.

"I thought we were going to keep it quiet and let everyone gradually get used to the idea?"

"Yeah, I know that was the original plan, but last night at dinner my aunt came out and asked about us. Seems it was very obvious to her, just by watching us at lunch yesterday, that there was more than just a professional relationship between us. She suggested that we just be honest with everybody from the beginning which would probably cause fewer problems in the long run. I guess she has something there as the gallery was very receptive to the news and agreed with her thinking."

Antonia calmly sat and listened. A small smile appeared on her lips when she said, "I have a feeling there is more...si'?"

"I think we should tell the rest of the staff at the next meeting," he said.

"You know these people better than I do. I will trust whatever you decide," she said while taking his hands in hers.

"Okay, we'll tell them at the staff meeting day after tomorrow." Harry paused, then, continued, "Why don't you come to dinner at my house tomorrow night and then you can meet Ron, Hermione, and Molly. I want to tell them before we tell the staff. They have been my family for many years." He paused and then added," Strangely, Aunt Petunia is the new addition."

Antonia thought for a moment before a smile appeared. "I'll come on one condition," she said.

"A condition?" Harry asked looking puzzled. "It's not enough this is all happening much faster than we had planned? My first welcoming feast as headmaster around the corner, teachers and students from other countries at Hogwarts and trouble on the horizon... now you want conditions!!!"

She sat there watching him babble on and finally burst out laughing.

He looked at her and said, "Just what the hell do you find so funny?"

"You," she said, still laughing. She reached over and started playing with the hair that was covering his forehead. "You are rambling on like the world is going to end at any minute, and all I want to do is make dinner for you and your family! If I'm going to be living here and eating English food most of the time, I think it only fair that you and your family experience some of my food and customs."

His 'little boy' expression appeared and in a soft voice he said, "I think that would be lovely. You know how much I enjoy Italian food and am slowly learning some of your customs."

He leaned toward her, slowly moving closer until their lips softly joined together. He moved back and looked into her eyes, "I don't know how I survived all these years before I met you. I feel more complete than I have ever felt in my life."

Antonia put her head on his shoulder and slowly played with his fingers. "I always thought I had a rich, full, happy life...and then enter Harry Potter. You have added something I didn't even know I was missing. I am happier and more content than I ever have been."

They said nothing for awhile, content just sitting there holding each other.

Harry said, "I could sit here all day holding you, but I really should get a few other things done before collecting Aunt Petunia and heading home."

"I know," she said. "I feel the same way, but should get back to working on the classroom."

"Do you mind if I use your fireplace for a few minutes? I have to contact Hermione."

"Not at all," she said. "Stop by the classroom on your way out."

Harry grabbed some floo powder, tossed it the fireplace, and put his head in the green flames. "Hermione Weasley, Minister of Magic."

"Harry, this is a surprise!" said Hermione.

"Sorry to bother you at work, I'll only take a minute. Can you, Ron and Molly come to the Hillside for dinner tomorrow night? I have something I need to talk to you guys about before I tell the staff on the following day."

"I don't think we have any plans and we can get Ginny and Neville to take care of the boys. Can we bring anything?"

"How about a bottle of a fine Italian burgundy?"

"This is starting to sound mysterious and intriguing! The wine should be no problem. Ron brought home several kinds from his meetings in Rome a few days ago. Six o'clock okay?"

"Perfect," he said. "I'll see you tomorrow." He took his head out of the fireplace and left the room.

He stuck his head in the classroom doorway and said, "Everything is set for tomorrow. They'll be there around six. Do you need me to get anything for dinner?"

"No, I'll take care of everything. Can you leave around noon tomorrow so I can get started? It's going to take a little longer to make dinner as I am going cook muggle style."

He was puzzled as to why she wanted to cook Muggle style, but decided not to ask. "Okay, I'll see you in the morning." He walked over to her, gave her a quick kiss and left.

*******

Harry found Aunt Petunia leaving Professor Flitwick's office and they headed home.

After dinner they sat out on the patio for awhile. While they were watching the sunset, Harry casually said, "We're having company for dinner tomorrow night."

"Was this a sudden invitation? Do I know the dinner guests?"

"I guess you could call it rather sudden." Harry smiled and continued, "Actually, in a way, it was your idea."

"Mine?" she said looking a bit perplexed.

"Indirectly...yes," he said. "Remember your suggestion to inform the staff about Antonia and my relationship?" Petunia nodded and continued to listen. "Well, I informed the gallery today and they were very receptive to the news. I plan to fill the staff in at our meeting the day after tomorrow. I couldn't tell the staff before Ron, Hermione, and Molly. So, they are coming to dinner. To add to the festivities, Antonia is not only going to be here, but she is going to cook dinner!"

Aunt Petunia showed a weak smile and said, "That sounds like it will be lovely. I will stay in the guest house and not disturb you and your guests."

"Why on earth would you do that? I said we're having guests for dinner...not an orgy! Any time I may want privacy, I'll let you know. On the rare occasion that we miss each other, you'll see the red fog in front of the door. On top of everything else, this was practically your idea!"

"Since you put it that way, I'll be glad to attend. I just didn't want to presume. As I have told you countless times already...this is a lot to take in all at once. I'm not used to things happening very quickly. If you remember, Vernon had to plan everything out in detail before he would even make the slightest suggestion about anything."

Harry snapped out of his far away look and said, "I know it's a lot, but we're both adjusting. Oh, before I forget, I will be leaving the castle a little before noon tomorrow to help Antonia here. When you are ready to leave, Hagrid will have a carriage ready to bring you home."

"That will be fine," she said. She stood up saying, "It seems the sun has gone to bed. I think I'll do the same as I'm very tired. I'm not used to all this constant running around you know. Good night Harry, I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night," he said softly as he continued to sit there watching the stars appear.

*******

The next morning, a carriage waited to take Aunt Petunia and Harry to the castle. The morning chill was becoming more pronounced, but the day would warm up nicely. Once at the castle, Aunt Petunia headed off to her lessons while Harry had a list of rounds to make before returning home to meet Antonia.

Harry returned to the Hillside only moments before Antonia arrived. She had two large grocery bags, made much lighter than normal thanks to a handy little charm, which she handed to Harry, who in turn took them into the kitchen.

"What can I do to help?" he asked.

"You can set the table and then go read or something," she said.

He set the table then went over and started going to the pile of posts that had accumulated. Once that was completed he went back to the kitchen for a glass of wine. As he walked in, he heard her softly singing in Italian as she was rolling dough into long strands. She then patted the dough, cut it at an angle, and placed them on a cookie sheet.

Her back to him the entire time, he walked over, moved her hair aside and kissed her neck. "Hmmmm" was the only sound she made. She leaned her head back and gave him a kiss. "Now go away," she whispered.

"I wanted a glass of wine."

"Okay, get your wine and then go away," she smiled. "I won't be too much longer and than I'll join you."

He gave her one more, quick kiss and went out to the patio. He sat there, sipping his wine and enjoying the view. Thinking to himself how happy and content he was now that Antonia was here. He allowed his mind to relax and wonder.

After some time had passed, Antonia joined him. She had her own glass of wine and had brought the bottle to refill his glass. The cookies were done and the aroma of baked lasagna was now escaping through the open windows. She sat down and put her feet in Harry's lap.

"This view is so beautiful, I can understand why you built your house here," she said as she scanned the vista before her.

Harry took her free hand in his and gazed into her eyes, "It pales in comparison to the beauty that I see every time I look at you." They sat there, contently holding hands, sipping their wine, and talking softly.

"Now there is a perfect picture!"

They turned with a start to see Aunt Petunia standing a few feet in front of them. "I'm sorry," she said. "I couldn't think of another way to get your attention. You didn't seem to hear the carriage or anything else. Of course, the statement was perfectly truthful."

"It's ten minutes to six," she continued. "Is there anything I can help with?"

Antonia smiled and said, "If you could start on the salad while I get at the garlic bread, that would be great."

"Anything left for me to help with?" asked Harry.

"Just sit there and wait for the Weasleys to arrive." Antonia and Petunia left him alone and headed to the kitchen.

Harry sat there and finished his wine, wondering what kind of a conversation those two would have without him. He didn't have much time to contemplate the question as Ron, Hermione, and Molly had just appeared.

"Harry dear," said Molly as she hugged him. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon again. I must admit my curiosity is up after the cryptic message you gave Hermione."

Harry smiled and said, "Well, you'll have to wait just a little bit longer."

Hermione stepped over to hug him and Ron handed him two bottles of wine. Harry looked at the labels and nodded. "Thank you, these will be perfect!"

"Ron, in all your travels, have you finally gotten used to eating foods from other countries?"

Ron noticed all three of them were looking at him. "It depends on the country. Some of the food is just awful and I can't understand how any human being can eat it. On the other hand, some of it I really like. If that aroma I smell is dinner, my guess is we're eating Italian. I do like most of the things I had there. Though I must admit, there were a few things that I could hardly look at, much less eat."

"I think I followed that," said Harry. "Shall we go in?"

As they entered the house, Aunt Petunia met them at the door. She whispered something in Harry's ear. He nodded and excused himself. Aunt Petunia apologized, greeted them properly, and led them into the living room.

There were whispers coming from the kitchen which caused everyone to look toward the kitchen and then back at each other.

Finally, Harry and Antonia walked into the living room. "Antonia LaFortezza," Harry started, "Ron and Hermione Weasley and Ron's mother Molly. Antonia is our new potions master."

"Nice to meet you," said Ron, taking her hand and giving it a quick kiss. "I must say... potions masters have certainly improved since I was at Hogwarts!"

Hermione shook hands with Antonia and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Molly walked over and said, "I'm so happy to meet you. May I ask, are you the one responsible for the marvelous aromas filling this house?"

"It's nice to meet all of you too. I've heard so much about you, it's nice to put faces with the names." Antonia continued, "Yes, I did cook the dinner. In fact, I started a bit earlier than I should have. So, if you don't mind, why don't you all find a seat at the table and I'll be back in a moment. Harry, could you give me a hand please?"

"Ron, would you pour the wine please," asked Harry as he was being led away.

Dinner was enjoyed by all. Ron and Hermione shared stories about the latest antics of the triplets. Molly went on about how much the boys had helped in her transition to life without Arthur. In true motherly fashion she had to bring everyone up to date on the latest happenings with all her children, their lives and families. The glaring omission of Percy was tactfully accepted by all.

Harry, Antonia, and Aunt Petunia spent most of the time just listening to the Weasley stories. With the size of that lot, the variety of stories and subjects is almost endless.

They adjourned to the living room where they ate biscotti with their coffee and amaretto.

"Everything has been absolutely delicious. Merlin's ghost, even Ron ate everything! My compliments Antonia!" said Molly. Turning to Harry, she continued, "I may be rude to ask, but my curiosity has gotten the best of me. What is it that you wanted to tell us?"

Harry started to blush and looked at his aunt. Petunia gave him a small smile of encouragement and a nod. Finally, Harry said, "Antonia and I have been seeing each other for the past two years."

Molly spoke first, "That's marvelous! I can't think of any better news...except..."

Ron interrupted her. "Mum, don't go there." He turned and said, "That's great Harry. Why have you kept it such a secret for so long?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders and said, "Seems my entire life has been one long news story, or the subject of countless books. I mean, the entire wizarding world knew all about me before I even knew I was a wizard. Think about how much you and Hermione told me about my life during our first year at Hogwarts."

He paused and stared at his cup for a moment. "You know how ridiculous it got after Voldemort's demise. I couldn't go anywhere and have any privacy. Once I started traveling the world, it was like a new found freedom. Of course, people had heard of me, but weren't as preoccupied as everyone around England was. I met Antonia on one of those trips and kept going back. I had found a new and private world, not to mention a fantastic woman. For the first time in my life, I actually had some privacy to share with one person." His voice faded as he looked lovingly at Antonia, who returned his gaze. He then leaned over and gave her a small, tender kiss, then leaned his head against the back of the couch.

No one made a sound for several minutes. It seemed that everyone was contemplating exactly what Harry had given up all these years by being 'the boy who lived'.

It was Hermione who finally spoke. "Harry, I think it's wonderful that the two of you have found each other. If anyone deserves some true happiness and love in their life, it's you." She paused, almost afraid to continue. "I assume you realize that your private world won't be all that private once you break this news at your meeting tomorrow?"

Harry sighed, "Yeah, I know."

"So why tell the staff now? I would think that you would want to put off sharing this news as long as possible."

"That was the original plan," Harry replied. "But Aunt Petunia called something to my attention a couple nights ago during dinner." Everyone looked over at Petunia, who quickly added some more amaretto to her coffee. "She simply asked me how long Antonia and I had been in love. I asked how she knew. She said it was obvious by the way we looked at each other. She then suggested I inform the staff, before some mistaken ideas arose."

"What ideas?" Ron asked.

Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "Ronald, sometimes you can be so thick! Petunia was quite right in her suggestion. If Harry tells the staff from the start about the two of them and makes it perfectly clear that she was hired for her teaching abilities, he will be able to head off rumors about the two of them and the reason she was hired."

Molly turned to Petunia and said, "I'm very impressed. Why don't you give me a tour of your new house and we can chat."

Petunia said, "I think I'd like that." She filled their cups, and said, "If you'll excuse us. This way Molly. It's really a lovely house, I really didn't expect anything like th..." Her voice faded as they headed down the hallway.

"Bloody hell," said Ron with a touch of amazement in his voice. "I never thought I'd see the day when you and your aunt would be living in the same house again, much less getting along so well. Now mum and Petunia seem to be striking up a friendship!"

"Well, life is full of change," Hermione said. "So Antonia, you've been rather quiet through all this, why don't you tell us about yourself."

"My parents were married when they were rather young, which was rather common in Italy until fairly recently. I have three older brothers, who have always been very protective of their baby sister. They are all married with children with children of their own now and live in different areas around Italy."

"My father and I were very close. I was his 'piccoto ragazza'. Sorry, that's little girl. He would tell me stories and teach me about the Italy of old. We'd go on walks out in the country and watch the birds and the flowers. He started teaching me magic when I was very young. He had the most wonderful laugh when I would mess up and the patience to keep teaching until I got it right. He died very unexpectedly when I was only eight years old and I never totally recovered from that. As I grew older and started dating, there was always something that kept me from falling in love. I guess I compared every man to my memories of my father. No man ever quite lived up to those memories until Harry entered my life."

Everyone glanced over at Harry who sat quietly blushing.

Antonia continued with stories about Italy, her education, and a few of her own adventures.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione in turn shared stories about how they met on the Hogwarts Express, ended up in Gryffindor together, and all the adventures that followed during their seven years in school.

Hermione went on with the story of their wedding. How Ron had come up with a long involved explanation for his brothers as to why he had chosen Harry as his best man. Of course, the choice had surprised or insulted no one, but they let him make a fool of himself and sweat it out for several days. On the other hand, it had been a simple choice to ask Ginny to be her matron of honor, being an only child and all.

Ron explained that after the shock of finding out that the triplets were on the way, it made naming them a simple joy. Arthur, after his father, Douglas, after her father, and James, after Harry's father.

Meanwhile, Molly and Petunia were putting the past behind them. They talked about adjusting to life without their husbands and all the changes over the years. Naturally, they talked about the Weasley children and grandchildren, and about Harry. Percy and Dudley never entered the conversation. It was obvious that this was the beginning of a new and enduring friendship.

The conversations in the two houses continued for a few more hours. A pleasant evening had been enjoyed by all!

*******

Harry sat behind his desk watching the staff gathering in his office. Once everyone had arrived he started. "I want to thank you all for coming and would like to welcome you to a new school year at Hogwarts. There are going to be many new changes this year and I hope you will all be open to them and give them a chance. As you know, the most obvious change is my appointment as headmaster. I only ask that you be patient with me as this is as much of an adjustment for me as it is for you."

"You'll do just fine," came a voice from the back of the room.

"Thank you Hagrid. I knew I could count on you," Harry said with a smile.

"Another first this year is the addition of three new teachers, each coming to us from outside the British Isles. I assure you, each is eminently qualified in their particular field."

"First, let me introduce Professor Antonia LaFortezza who comes to us from Italy. Professor LaFortezza was a student, and later taught Potions, at Sommita di la Mondo. Roughly translated, it means summit of the mountain. The school is a castle similar to Hogwarts and located in a remote valley high in the Italian Alps."

"Next, we have Professor Evan Steele who comes to us from the state of Minnesota in America. Professor Steele was a student at Lakeview School of Magic. Interesting school as it is built on an island in the middle of a large lake. The entire island is kept invisible from both the water and shore by a series of charms. Its' architecture is that of a very large hunting lodge. To further divert the curious, rumors that the area is haunted by spirits of an old Indian burial ground have been circulated for decades."

"After he graduated, Professor Steele traveled the world in order to both increase his knowledge and practice of Defense Against the Dark Arts. He returned to Lakeview and has been teaching there for the past ten years."

"Finally, we have Professor Shinotqua Viazon who comes to us, most recently, from her hometown of Cape' Town, South Africa. Professor Viazon's family had moved to New Zealand where she attended Rings Magical Academy. Rings, is located high in the remote New Zealand mountains and is built in the style of a ski lodge. To the muggle eye, it looks like an abandon lodge that was destroyed by an avalanche. After graduation, she traveled the world interacting and learning about muggles. Professor Viazon has lectured and taught mini classes around the world and will now take over Muggle Studies here at Hogwarts."

"I ask that you make them feel welcome and freely give any assistance they may require in their adjustment to Hogwarts. I would also invite all of you to visit the dungeon and see the changes to both the classroom and office of Professor LaFortezza. I'm sure you will be as pleasantly surprised as I was with the improvements."

Harry paused and blew air through his lips. Both the staff and the gallery applauded.

"As you all know," Harry continued, "we will be having twenty five students from other parts of the world joining the student body this year. It is my firm desire that this experiment work. All these students speak English and have received detailed information about life at Hogwarts. Likewise, you will each be given a parchment with details about each student, their countries of origin and the customs they have been brought up with."

The meeting continued with discussions about classes, quidditch, holidays, etc, etc, etc.

Aunt Petunia peeked in the door and caught Harry's eye. He signaled for her to come in and sit down.

With all the school business complete, Harry knew the time had arrived. He looked over at the portrait of Dumbledore. Albus gave him a quick wink and a nod. Harry stood up and said, "Your attention please, I have one more matter to inform you about. Please bear with me as this is a rather personal matter. Be assured that I do not make it a habit of discussing my personal life freely and certainly not in front of large gatherings. I share this information at this time with the hope that every one of you will understand and believe that Professor LaFortezza was hired for her abilities and for that reason alone. I sincerely hope that there will be no idle gossip or conjecture to the contrary." After a long pause, Harry took a deep breath and said, "Antonia and I have been dating for about two years now. This is something that we will continue in our free time, but will not interfere in the workings of this school in any matter at all."

Immediately there were looks of surprise and hushed whispers throughout the room. Harry sighed, walked over, and looked out of the window. Suddenly he heard applause and such things as "bravo, bravo". As he turned back, he noticed that not only was the gallery cheering, but every one else in the room had joined in! Then came the calls of "kiss, kiss."

He held up his arms for quiet, and the noise died down. He looked at them with great surprise and said, "What part of we would be doing none of that around school did you not understand?"

Aunt Petunia, of all people, spoke up and said, "Harry, you may as well get it over with and satisfy everyone. Beside, school is not yet in session and there are no students around. It also seems to me that your friends want to share in your happiness."

The applause and cheers started again.

"Alright, alright already." He turned toward Antonia and held out his hand for her to take and join him. Once she had reached his side, he leaned over and gave her a quick, but tender kiss. This was followed by a chorus of boo's and claims that his story had been a fake.

He looked out at them and asked, "What?"

Minerva spoke up, "That is certainly not a kiss of two people in love. In fact, that barely rates as a brotherly kiss. You need to..." she turned toward Evan and continued, "what is it you Americans say?"

Evan sat there and thought of many sayings. Finally, he said, "Oh, you mean, 'put up or shut up'?"

"Yes, that's the one." She turned back to Harry and said, "Okay Headmaster, it's time to put up of shut up!"

Harry smiled, "Okay, just remember, this was your idea."

He took Antonia in his arms, leaned her back and gave her one long, passionate kiss that seemed to last forever. The room had grown quiet, and he finally let her go.

"Enrico, that was magnifico!" she said, still trying to catch her breath.

"Enrico?" Minerva asked.

Harry was still blushing from what he had just done, smiled, and said, "Enrico is Harry in Italian!" Minerva just rolled her eyes.

"Meeting adjourned, shows over. Thank you all for coming, have a good evening." Harry said in a loud voice. "Oh, Aunt Petunia, would you please stay here."

He turned back to Antonia and started, "Toni, I hope that di..."

She interrupted him, "What did you just call me?"

"Toni," he said. "Is that a problem?"

"My father was the only one who ever called me that. I haven't heard it since he died."

"I'm sorry," he said quietly.

"Don't be," she said as she met his gaze. "My father was a very important man in my life, now you are the very important man in my life. I take it as a sign. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight."

Before he could say another word, she was out the door.

Aunt Petunia walked over to his desk and said, "Well, you certainly know how to put on a show! Reminds me a lot of your parents. They didn't hide their feelings for each other either. Anyway, you wanted to see me about something?"

Harry, still thinking about what Antonia had just said, hadn't heard Aunt Petunia. He just opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a pendant. "I would like you to wear this at all times," he said.

"Its' very pretty Harry, but why wear it at all times?"

"It is more than just a piece of jewelry," he said. "This is actually a multi-purpose tool, if you will. First of all, it will serve as a portkey... for you alone."

"What is a portkey?"

"It is a manner of transportation. In this case, it will transport you straight to your bedroom from anywhere in the castle or on the grounds. I would suggest that whenever you want to leave, you find an empty classroom or some other deserted area. There is no reason to let anyone else know that you have this. It will also work to bring you to the castle. It will bring you to a girls bathroom that is never used."

"Why isn't it used?" she asked.

"Moaning Myrtle is there. She is a ghost that lives in that bathroom. She moans a lot, thus her nickname, but don't worry... she is harmless. If she asks who you are, just tell her you are my aunt."

"We'll go into the rest of the options on that pendant later. The one you should know is that if you press on the edge it will become invisible. You can still feel it hanging there, it just won't be seen by anyone else. To transport yourself, just press the stone in the center. That's all there is to it. In fact, why don't you give it a try and I'll see you at home in a few minutes."

Petunia put the chain around her neck, pressed the stone, and she was gone.

Harry had to chuckle when it occurred to him that he had forgotten to tell her what to expect or to watch the first few landings.

Harry looked at Dumbledore and said, "I hope we never have to use the other feature on that pendant." He then picked up the crystal paperweight and disappeared.