Memories of a Secret

[lullabymoon]

Prologue

Disclaimer: All the things you recognise don’t belong to me.

Summary: After destroying all of the horcruxes, Harry looks to Dumbledore's memories for help in the last battle.

rating: 13+

***

Nagini lay dead at his feet and he felt a wave of exhaustion hit him. Hermione and Ron immediately rushed to his side. “Thank god that’s finished” he said, more to himself and then the world went black.

When he awoke he was in the hospital wing of Hogwarts. Hermione rushed over to his side and started fussing. “Eeeugh how long…?”

“3 days. We figured Hogwarts would be safest.” she said softly. “Ron’s away in the library.”

At this Harry laughed. “You really have influenced him”

“Yes well” she blushed “He’s in the restricted section searching for curses. You’d be surprised at what wanting to live will make you do.”

That was all he heard before fell asleep again.

He woke a few days later and joined Ron and Hermione in their search in the library. They all felt unsettled as they were the only ones in the castle. The staff that had remained after the school closed to protect the building’s treasures had all left to help the order fight. However Harry was more unsettled as the full impact of what he had to do now hit him. Gradually the others noticed his mood and Ron actually came up with a good idea. “Why don’t we talk to Dumbledore’s portrait?” At the looks the others gave him he explained. “Well he defeated Grindelwald didn’t he? You could ask him how he prepared and what sort of curses and jinxes he used. I mean he can’t really not answer you if you ask him.”

Harry and Hermione looked at him in surprise and he blushed, his ears the same colour as his hair.

The three of them immediately headed for the headmasters office. The door behind the griffin statue however would not open no matter what variety of sweet they used for a password. They tried several times over the next two days with no luck. It wasn’t till Nearly Headless Nick came that they found out why.

“The headmistress changed the password before she left.” he said.

“Can you tell us?” Nick looked thoughtful. “Please, we really need to talk to Dumbledore’s portrait. Please, I need help to fight Voldemort.” Harry pleaded. Nick looked anguished. “All right. She changed it to ‘eternal love’.”

The three exchanged a surprised look at this. “Thanks Nick.” they shouted as they charged up the moving stairway and into the office which was exactly the same as Harry had last seen it. To their disappointment Dumbledore was still snoring softly in is frame. Nothing roused him and eventually they sat down, downhearted at the futileness of the task. As they looked around, Hermione noticed that a door was open with light shining through it. Harry smiled when he realised that it was coming form a pensieve. “Maybe we can’t talk to him but we can see his memories.” They opened the cupboard and between them managed to carry the pensieve over to the desk. None of them, however, noticed the envelope addressed to Harry left behind in the cupboard.

They all stared at the pensieve as if unsure what to do. “Well why don’t we all go in. The wards will protect us and I'm sure both of you will notice things I don’t.” They both nodded their agreement and as one, stuck their heads into the pensieve.

***

A/N: I have the next few chapters outlined but have no idea when I’ll get around to writing them as I've got exams coming up. Also, this was unbetaed so feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks
Jenni

[Sensiblyquirky]

I'm interested to see where you take this, and I do hope your exams won't keep you from updating too soon.

Christy

[Caoilinn]

Intriguing beginning...please continue! Although I totally sympathize with exams...and papers.

[zoeteproet]

The beginning is very interesting, I hope you'll continue this soon, and succes with your exams.

[gingerkitten]

Please continue this soon!!! This looks like a most excellent story!!!

[angeldust]

Ohh very interesting start. Can't wait to read more.

[ismaco]

I like it a lot! Can't wait to see what's next!
Isabel

[emeraldeyes]

that was really good!! I can't wait for the next bit..

[nemi]

This is great! It's really intriguing and a great approach. The "eternal love" password was very cute.

Good luck with your exams! I know exactly how you feel. Update as soon as you can, I can't wait to read more!

[tanja]

it´s a very good beginning ;D

[cazstar]

keep up the good work.

[lullabymoon]

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: see previous chapter

rating: 13+

***

They fell to the ground and found themselves beside Professor Dumbledore at the teachers table in the great hall. A short round wizard was addressing the students and Dumbledore was standing up and the students were clapping. One group in particular were staring at him and giggling. What was caught their eye about this group was the different colours of their robes and how old they looked.

“They can’t be students can they?” Harry asked no one in particular.

“Yes” said Hermione “they are.”

“How do you know?”

“Well they all have prefect badges.”

Ron and Harry exchanged grins. “Trust you to notice things like that Hermione.”

She blushed.

They continued to watch as the feast continued. “It must be the welcome feast.”
Hermione began under her breath and the others could barely hear her. “Hmm. Probably Professor Dumbledore’s first.” They watched as Dumbledore exchanged looks with one girl in particular causing the rest of the group to giggle again.

Ron looked confused. “What are they giggling at?”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “They obviously like Professor Dumbledore.”

“Doesn’t everyone like him, apart from death eaters I mean?”

Hermione sighed “They think he’s cute”

Ron made a strange choking noise and Harry had to laugh at him. “I wonder who they are? I’m sure they look familiar” Hermione started again under her breath.

“I’m sure we’d remember girls that hot” Ron whispered to Harry who snorted with laughter while he checked that Hermione hadn’t heard him. However she was distacted by the rush of students leaving the great hall. At that the professors relaxed and started leaving as well.

The small round wizard turned to Albus and said “I’ll show you your rooms. They’re not to far from your classroom and I think you’ll find them quite pleasant.”

“Thank you Armando. May I ask who those girls were?”

“Ah yes. I saw them looking at you. Miss McGonagall was the one you were engaging in a staring contest with. The others were Miss Hooch, Miss Pomfrey and Miss Sprout. They are all in your Transfiguration N.E.W.T class I believe.”

“My first class tomorrow should be interesting then.”

The memory ended and the found themselves back in the Headmaster’s offices.

“Well that was interesting.” Hermione remarked. Ron and Harry sat there shocked. Hermione looked from Ron to Harry. “Honestly boys. Our teachers were young once.”

“Yeah but they were…” Ron trailed off as he noticed the look Hermione was giving him. He changed the subject: “Typical. The one good idea I come up with is a dud.” and walked of in a huff. Reaching the door he paused and bent down. “Harry mate, there’s a letter for you.

Curious, Harry opened the letter and let the others read it too.

Dear Harry,

I suppose your wondering why I left these memories for you to discover. They tell the story of how I defeated Grindelwald and my greatest strength. They might not help you much but I think there is a lesson you need to learn in them. Don’t worry, the memories do lead some where and I suggest you let Miss Granger and Mr Ronald Weasley see them as well.

Good luck
Albus Dumbledore

They all looked at each other. “I suppose he knows what he’s on about.” Harry suggested sheepishly. “Here we go.”


A/N: thanks to all who reviewed. I wasn’t to sure about this chapter but it sets the scene for the rest of the story. Sorry about the wait, another 3 weeks and I’ll be able to give this my undivided attention. Also the next few chapters should be longer. Thanks again.

Jenni

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

lol loved the chapter....keep up great work

[Trulyamused]

Wonderful. See you in three weeks.

I can't wait to see where this goes.

Truly

[Nerweniel]

Just started reading this, and I'm definitely fascinated . Have a nice three weeks and hope to read more soon .

Love,

Lies

[TabbyForever]

awww i can't wait to read more of this, its shaping up to be a good little fic!!

Good luck,

J. xx

[mcgonagall87]

I can't wait for the rest!

[tanja]

This was quite cute I´m looking very forward to the next part I need to know about the next memory soon

[zoeteproet]

I'm very much looking forward to a new chapter.
It's very nice to see Albus Dumbledore his memories through the eyes of the Trio.
I hope there will be some ADMM in it soon! ;D
Keep the good work up!
Love,
Sarah xx

[Jessabelle]

Interesting start! Please update again soon.

[ismaco]

I liked this chapter a lot... please continue!
Love,
Isabel

[lemonygingersnaps]

WOW - I cant wait for more :-)

[chellec]

Lovely start. Looking forward to more.

[kate]

PLEASE - let it go on very soon!

Update! Update!

[lullabymoon]

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: as before, it’s not mine!

***

This time when they landed it was morning and students were streaming into a classroom. “Good morning. I'm Professor Dumbledore. As I've not taught you before, today’s lesson will be for me to get an idea of your abilities.”

This time they were standing behind Professor Dumbledore’s desk while he addressed the class. “I would like you each to come to the front and perform a vanishing spell on a raven for me. Why don’t we start at the front? Miss…”

“Hooch sir” said one of the girls they had seen staring at the opening feast.

“Very well.”

The second was Professor McGonagall’s younger self. She performed the spell and added a little extra. “Very good” Dumbledore said with a small smile on his face when he reappeared. The three of them stood open mouthed, for different reasons though.

“Bloody hell I hope we don’t have to do that for our NEWTs.”

“Honestly Ron that was very advanced magic. We don't have to do anything like that until university level.”

“Oh thank god for that.” The rest of the glass slowly went up and they saw that she was by far the best. “That was very good. Now for next time I would all like you to read the first two chapters of the textbook. Class dismissed. Miss McGonagall if you would stay a moment?”

“Of course sir.”

“That was very impressive magic for a sixth year.”

“Thank you sir” she said with a slight blush to her cheeks.

“You show great potential and you seem to enjoy transfigurations. I’m curious; would you be interested in becoming an animagus?”

“I would love to,” she replied, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

“Very well meet me in my office on Thursday night at 8pm. I trust you’re not busy at that time?”

“Of course not sir.”

“I shall see you then.” He grinned at her obvious excitement as she bounced out of the room.

The world became dark and spun around and they found themselves in Professor Dumbledore's office where Professor McGonagall was peeking her head around the door. “Come in, come in. Don’t be shy my dear.” She stepped fully into the room with a blush on her face, obviously embarrassed at being caught as shy. She stepped fully into the room and sat down into the chair she was directed to.

“Now I've been looking over your grades and I'm very impressed. You are the only person to yet beat my scores in transfiguration and 12 outstandings in your OWLs. Very impressive indeed. How many NEWTs are you taking?

“Nine, sir.”

“That is rather a lot. Are you sure you can mange the animagus training? It takes an enormous amount of time and dedication.”

“Of course I can sir.” she replied forcefully.

He gave a small chuckle at this. “Well then, since we will be spending a lot of time together I suggest you start by calling me Albus.” She blushed at this and suggested somewhat boldly “only if you call me Minerva.” At this she caught his eyes and they shared a long look. Not even Ron missed the meaning of the look. “Oh my god they fancy each other”

“Ron!” came Hermione’s shout “don’t talk like that! They have a connection.”

“Yeah obviously”

“Oi!” Harry shouted. “Why don’t we watch the memory and we can discuss this when we come out.” Ron and Hermione both looked sheepish and turned back to what was happening. Not much had changed except Dumbledore was explaining the procedure to McGonagall. She was staring at him with a fierce determination in her eyes. When he stopped she stared for a while longer and he caught her and she blushed again. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and she started jabbering. “Well I’d better go, I’d, err, promised Poppy another match.”

“Oh, em, yes.” he said somewhat flustered by her abrupt change in topic. “What about next Thursday at 8pm? We can start the potion work. Why don’t you read up on the transformation? Here this is a good book you won’t find in the library.”

“Oh right thank you” and for the briefest moments their hands touched and they looked into each others eyes again then the moment was over and she fled from the classroom. He sat back into his chair and said softly to himself: “It’s going to be an interesting year.”

Again the world went black but they found themselves still in his office. There was no one else in the room and Dumbledore looked slightly annoyed and snapped when a knock on the door: “Come in.”

“I'm so sorry sir. I was playing chess and we lost track of time.”
“Say no more my dear. I play chess myself and understand how easy that is. Now what did I tell you about calling me Albus?” His tone of voice had changed dramatically since he had snapped at her to come in and he was now smiling.

“Sorry Albus” her cheeks were flustered and she avoided looking at him. He took pity on her and suggested they start the potion. They were quiet as they brewed the potion, focusing on it instead of each other and as they were waiting for the potion to finish he started asking about her chess game. “So who was winning?”

“Oh I was si- Albus. I’ve been playing far longer than Poppy and well, she’s more interested in gossiping.”

“Ah well. How about we play a game after you finish? I'm sure I could do with a challenge, my usual partner is a bit like Poppy.” At her questioning look he continued “more interested in socialising then playing properly.”

“I would like that” she said with a small smile on her face. “Good. Ah the potion is ready. Now you do realise that this is the part of the process where no amount of practising or determination will speed up the process?”

“Yes of course I do.” she replied defensively.

“Well I’m just reminding you. You seem the wilful type so I’m just reinforcing the fact that this part takes its own sweet time. Sit down on the floor on the rug. Yes that’s right now take a mouthful of the potion and just relax. You’ll go into a trance and eventually you should see what animal you will become”

They next part of the memory flew by and they saw her come out of the trance and it was completely dark outside. She had an angry look on her face and he asked her gently: “I take it no luck?”

“No.”

“Well don’t worry it took me more than one trance before I found my form. Just remember that this part has no correlation with power, talent or determination, all of which you have plenty of. Now it’s too late to challenge you to a chess match. I think it best that you get a full nights rest and we play a match on Monday night. Would that be alright? You could also ask any questions that come to you over the weekend about the trance.”

“Ok Albus.” she said with a tired smile on her face.

“That’s better my dear, no more anger. I'll see you Monday then.”

“I look forward to it.” With one final blush she left the office and the world went black again.

Ron rose to his feet when they returned to the headmistress’s office and asked: “What on Earth are we supposed to learn from that? That he and McGonagall fancied each other? Sorry had a connection.”

“Obviously Ron, she helped him with something. Well I don’t know we’re only on the third memory.” she said at Harry’s look. “Oh stop it the two of you. He said they were important and he was right almost every time. I mean they were pretty much attached at the hip before he died. Oh honestly boys.” She added seeing their sceptical looks. “Why don’t we see what the next memories are about?”

A/N: mega thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter (I was bouncing off the walls; not a good idea when you’re trying to study.) Feedback and constructive cristisism would be appreciated. Thankfully my exams are all over now so, fingers crossed, I should get the next chapter written sooner.

Thanks again,
Jenni

[Trulyamused]

Wonderful. Insightful. Even Ron gets what's happening. (g)

Hope to read more soon.

Truly

[zyx]

You have no IDEA how much I expected Ron to say something about: "I mean they were pretty much attached at the hip before he died."
Ha! ^_^ I would have died!

[Tabby67]

Wonderful! Just wonderful! I'm reading this on FF.net as well. Update soon!

~Branda

[kankulex]

Ah wonderful, really. I'm looking forward to more!

[tanja]

This was very interesting, and I´m as curious as the three of them !!! So I hope you´ll soon update