𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐒𝐃𝐎𝐌

Chapter 2

With a pop, Harry and Dumbledore appeared in a small, dark room. With his hand still on Harry's shoulder, Dumbledore guided him to the door and opened it. Immediately the light and familiar hustle and bustle of the Hogshead Inn was heard.

Dumbledore took the lead and strolled, there was no other word for it, thru the surly bar with Harry following. Harry, in shock with the knowledge that he would be staying at Hogwarts for the entire summer with Dumbledore as his teacher was the best feeling in the whole world. They walked in silence down the street of Hogsmeade and turned into the sweet shop. With a wink to Harry, they entered the shop and browsed the many treats until Dumbledore had a sack full of his favorites. Harry decided to pick up a few things himself and they paid for their candies and left the shop.

"If knowledge is food to the mind, then candy must be the sustenance of humor. Even a simple thing as a sweet can brighten one's day. Don't you agree, Harry?" Dumbledore said while merrily poking a sherbet lemon into his mouth.

"Sir, you are going to be my teacher for the entire summer? At Hogwarts? Last time I studied Occlumency with Professor Snape. Is there some reason that you have decided to teach me yourself?" Harry questioned.

"Professor Snape has another obligation during the summer, and even though he will be present at Hogwarts, this was my idea. There will be only one other student on the grounds along with you, Professor Snape, and myself. I should hope you won't get bored being in the company of an old man, Harry." Dumbledore said quietly.

Harry looked up into his eyes and said "Oh. No, sir. I was just thinking that....well...with Professor Snape's duties for the...."

"That's enough for now, Harry. Let's get to the Hogshead Inn and take the Floo to my office where we can discuss the matter more privately." Dumbledore rounded the corner and Harry followed down the sidewalk and into the Inn.

After taking the Floo to Dumbledore's office, Harry stepped out of the fireplace, walked across the room, and stood in front of Dumbledore's desk. No matter how many times Harry was in this office, it never ceased to amaze him. All the silvery gadgets around the room, the great number of active portraits along the walls, and the large windows spilling in the morning light all were a welcome of what Harry had come to know as home. Hogwarts was always the same. The sorting hat sat on the shelf near the sword of Godric Gryffindor that Harry had already familiarized himself with in second year. Fawkes was perched on his stand and eyed Harry with what one could only call a welcome flick of feathers. While taking notice of everything in the room, Harry noticed a small glass orb sat on the corner of Dumbledore's desk. Knowing never to touch an unknown magical object, Harry leaned over to inspect the curious object. Swirls of blue and silver looking air danced around inside the small glass ball.

Hearing the rustling of the bag of sweets being poured into a bowl, Harry turned around to the Headmaster. Dumbledore finished with the bag of candy, took off his hat and came to sit behind his desk. Waving a hand to Harry to sit, Dumbledore leaned comfortably back into his large chair and with a lazy sigh began to speak.

"The days of summer here at Hogwarts are some of the most beautiful; however, with the students gone, no one gets to enjoy them. I am sure you can find plenty of things to do while we are not busy with our lessons. Now, is there anything you wish to ask now that we are here?"

Harry was bursting inside with questions, and in a few seconds, he had organized them in some order. "Sir, what is the real reason I am here at Hogwarts for the summer? Is there something that has occurred with Voldemort that I should be made aware?"

Steepling his fingers in front of his chin, Dumbledore stared at Harry for a moment. "After the prophesy was destroyed in the Ministry of Magic and some of the most powerful Death Eaters were sent to Azkaban, Voldemort has not been very active. I suspect that he is regrouping his inner circle and working on attaining even more supporters to carry out his next mission. Voldemort will not act until he is confident that his plans can be carried through and he cannot do much without what he would deem as 'loyal' supporters. This lull in his activity gives the Order a bit more freedom to focus on some things that need to be set into motion. Of course, you know, Harry, that Voldemort is still very determined to have you."