Disclaimer: I own nothing. JKR owns all.
The following romantic pairings will not be in this story: Harry/Ginny, Harry/Hermione, Hermione/Draco. So sorry, fans of those romantic pairings. Also, this is not a romance but will have plenty of it. First story, and I'm not exactly sure where I'm going with this. Also, it's probably terrible, but hey, you don't have to read it.
Chapter 1 - Sirius and O.W.L.'s
Harry Potter's eyes suddenly flashed open at about 1:00 in the morning at the prim and proper house of Number 12, Privet Drive. Sighing, Harry closed his eyes, but to no avail, and soon his hand was fumbling around the floor for his glasses. Sleepily, he grabbed them and put them on, and slowly opened his eyes and sat up. With a groan, he fell backwards into the bed and lay spread-eagled on it, pensive.
Dreams had woken him up again. They usually consisted of flashes from the Department of Mysteries - Hermione falling back when hit with a curse, Neville screaming in pain under the Cruciatus Curse, brains wrapping around Ron, Luna flying backwards into a wall. The most prominent happenings in his dreams though, would be Bellatrix Lestrange's haunted, heavy-lidded eyes, Voldemort possessing him and horrible agony coursing through him, and of course, Sirius's eyes widening in shock as he fell through that mysterious veil...
The veil. Harry had denied Sirius's death for the first part of the summer by hinging his hopes on the veil, thinking that maybe Sirius hadn't died after all. But he had finally come to the realization that Sirius was really dead, that he would never come back. Surprisingly enough, it had been Luna Lovegood who had helped him with this realization - Luna, Neville, Ginny, and of course, Ron and Hermione had been constantly owling him all summer but it was with Luna he had the interesting conversations. Despite Luna's oddities, Harry felt like he could really talk to Luna, and she usually seemed to help him. It was her, in fact, who reminded him what Sirius sacrificed his life for, and that Harry shouldn't waste it. If anything, occurences like this should fuel his efforts to triumph over Voldemort.
Other fears had now entered Harry's life, though. Ron had been so worried about Hermione that he had convinced her to come to the Burrow about three weeks after summer started. Of course, Harry thought to himself (a rare grin flitting onto his face), it probably wasn't just the desire to see her safe that sparked the request, or even the accepting of it by Hermione. But the main reason that Ron had asked her over was that she practically had a target painted on her back - A Muggle-born, close friend of Harry Potter? Harry was worried for Hermione too, and he knew it would be unbearable to have her die - she was like a sister to him.
Harry got up with immense effort and stretched, planning to go downstairs and have a snack or something. The sixteen-year old was too deep in thought now to go back to sleep any time soon. He would just have to sleep in - not that it mattered. The Dursleys had been skirting around him ever since the meeting at King's Cross, the only acknowledgement of his existence being food, and the occasional asking of Uncle Vernon whether or not he had owled his "bloody crazy people" recently. Harry found this rather funny - he knew Uncle Vernon didn't like the thought of Mad-Eye Moody stopping over for a visit.
Harry took a glance around his room - it was littered with clothes and his dresser was covered with letters haphazardly strewn on the top. The latest one had been from Hermione, mostly about Ron. Other than the first two or so days since Hermione had come, she said that he had been acting strangely all the time. He was pensive and constantly frowning, flew around on his broomstick for hours at a time, and had lately taken to not talking except when spoken to - it was almost like he was going through life in a trance. It was definitely very odd behavior for Ron, and although Harry could probably guess that the Department of Mysteries had something to do with it, he couldn't place exactly what it was from the experience.
As Harry's eyes traveled over his dresser, he saw several letters from Lupin. Other than Luna, Lupin had been extremely helpful in helping Harry accept Sirius's death. Harry knew Lupin and Sirius were as close as brothers, that if anyone could talk to him about his death, it would be Lupin. As it turned out, Sirius had designated Lupin as Harry's new guardian (much to Mrs. Weasley's dismay), and Lupin had definitely become like a father to him. It was a position that Lupin could fall into easily, though - he had always been somewhat of a mentor in Harry's life since third year.
With all these thoughts running through his head, Harry sleepily went up to his room and barely managed to take his glasses off before exhaustedly collapsing on his bed, asleep.
"Hermione? Hello? Are you there? Wake up!"
A very pale hand suddenly waved back and forth in front of Hermione's eyes, causing Hermione to jump with a start.
"Yes, of course Ginny, now what do you want?"
"Oh, just checking you were alive, that's all. Anyway, Mom says lunch is served."
"Alright Ginny, I'll be there in a minute."
Hermione smiled as she watched the redhead run energetically inside. She sighed and sat up from the grass of the hill she was lying on, taking a last glance at the deceptively cheery sky above her before turning around and looking at the Burrow. She saw the silhouettes of Ron, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley all eating at the table and frowned at Ron's back. Ron had been acting very odd lately. He would start sentences without caring to finish, barely touch his food, and seemed to live on his broom. Hermione knew it was probably a number of things, but what she was most worried about was that Ron had lost whatever shred of self-esteem he had managed to gain throughout fifth year. Ron seemed to be under the impression that he wasn't worthy of even being spoken to anymore. He wouldn't talk unless spoken to - although he had been getting better lately, Hermione thought with a smile. Apparently the combined efforts of Ginny, Hermione, and even his brothers on occasion had finally reached him, and he seemed to have regained some of the laughter in his eyes. However, he still wasn't anything like his normal self. Hermione knew that it would only take one hit to his pride and then they would be back to step one. Hermione opened the door and Ron, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley turned. Ron had a smile on his face, Hermione was relieved to see and her cheeks tinged pink as she smiled back at him.
"Hey Hermione, how's it going?"
Hermione had opened her mouth to answer Ron until two offical-looking owls holding large letters and one owl Hermione recognized from the Owlery at Hogwarsts suddenly flew in from the window to the Burrow. Startled, she jumped out of the way, as Ron stood up along with Ginny. Suddenly it hit her - O.W.L. RESULTS! Hermione hastily took the her yearly Hogwarts letter and the letter from the Ministry of Magic and nearly tore the results open. Ron did the same, except at a much slower pace. They both backed away from Mrs. Weasley's and Ginny's intruding stares over their shoulders. Glancing at each other, their eyes met, and they both nodded with resolve, before suddenly looking down at the letter (more quickly than really necessary) and tore them open. Hermione suddenly shut her eyes, unfolded the letter with her hands, and then opened them and looked upon her O.W.L. Results.
Written Practical
Defense Against The Dark Arts Outstanding Outstanding
Charms Outstanding Exceeding Expectations
Arithmancy Outstanding Not applicable
Astronomy Outstanding Exceeding Expectations
Potions Outstanding Exceeding Expectations
Ancient Runes Exceeding Expectations Not applicable
Transfiguration Outstanding Outstanding
Herbology Outstanding Exceeding Expectations
Care of Magical Creatures Exceeding Expectations Exceeding Expectations
Muggle Studies Outstanding Not applicable
History of Magic Outstanding Not applicable
She nearly jumped for glee at reading her scores - Straight O's and E's! Excitedly she leaned over to look at Ron's scores. he seemed to be in some kind of daze, and handed them over without a fight.
Written Practical
Divination Acceptable Poor
Charms Exceeding Expectations Outstanding
Astronomy Exceeding Expectations Acceptable
Potions Acceptable Exceeding Expectations
Transfiguration Acceptable Acceptable
Herbology Exceeding Expectations Exceeding Expectations
Defense Against the Dark Arts Outstanding Outstanding
Care of Magical Creatures Exceeding Expectations Outstanding
History of Magic Acceptable Not applicable
Hermione really did jump for glee upon reading Ron's scores - right on top of him, in fact. He still had an extremely dazed air about him, and seemed to be moving in some kind of awed trance. Excited, she thrust his scores at Mrs. Weasley and Ginny, only to find that HER scores were already there. Ginny seemed to be in some sort of state of awe at Hermione's scores, and Mrs. Weasley had enveloped Hermione in a bear hug. Hermione chanced a glance at Ron, who was looking at his feet, and she slowly saw a brilliant smile light up his face. She knew it now - he finally thought he had done a good job. He slowly looked up at her.
"Great job, Hermione!"
"You haven't even looked at my scores, Ron," Hermione laughed.
"Do I need to?"
Hermione blushed furiously at this comment, but Ron didn't see it. He had moved on to talk to his Mom and sister.
"Hey Ginny, Mom, did you see my O.W.L. scor -"
Hermione looked up with a gleeful smile still on her face, until she saw where Ron was looking. His face had fallen and his eyes seemed to be shining with hurt and sorrow. Lying on the floor were his O.W.L. scores. Mrs. Weasley and Ginny hadn't even appeared to look at them, despite Hermione nearly forcing it in their face. Hermione suddenly realized with a start how this looked to Ron. Mrs. Weasley had finally let her go but was still holding her scores in her hand and kept reading them out loud. Ginny had taken Mrs. Weasley's place and had now started talking furiously to Hermione about how she was bloody brilliant and all, and it now appeared as if her foot was on top of Ron's scores. Ron's eyes were now beginning to shine with sorrow. Oh please, she thought, look at his scores, notice his scores...But they didn't. And then as Mrs. Weasley loudly proclaimed that she was "Sending owls to everyone she knew about Hermione!" Ron finally snapped. Hermione was worried that he would simply blow up in anger, but that wasn't what happened. Ron twisted around and walked rapidly out of the room, tear streaks shining down his face, and nearly sprinted to his room.
Ginny finally seemed to notice something was wrong and then looked down at the floor. With a curious look on her face, she bent down and picked up Ron's scores. As she read them, Hermione made her escape and ran up to Ron's room.
"Ron?"
No answer.
"Ron?"
Hermione pushed upon the door to his room - it was surprisingly unlocked. Then again, he probably wasn't expecting anyone to come for a while. She saw Ron sitting on his bed, his back facing her. Even though he wasn't making a sound, Hermione could tell he was crying.
"Ron, please, your O.W.L.s were terrific -"
"My family doesn't seem to agree."
"Oh, I'm sure they'll be over their heads about it -"
"Once Ginny takes her foot off of it, that is. Or maybe once Mom stops to notice that she, in fact, has a son living here too."
"Ron, you're being ridiculous -"
"Hardly."
Hermione couldn't argue with him anymore. Besides, she agreed with him - his family's behavior was abysmal. So she simply made her way around his cluttered room until she reached him and sat down next to him. Impulsively, she grabbed his hand and laid her head on his shoulder. Hermione was suddenly terrified - he doesn't like you, you fool, take your head off - but he didn't object. In fact, he seemed to relax a little.
Mrs. Weasley's voice suddenly floated up the stairs.
"RON! PROFESSOR DUMBLEDORE WISHES TO SPEAK WITH YOU! RON?"
"ALRIGHT MOM! COMING!" Ron stood up, stretched, and took off at a brisk pace towards the stairs. Hermione knew why too - this could be about the Order.
"Oh and by the way Hermione dear, he says great job on your O.W.L.s!"
Hermione simply nodded, keeping her eyes on Ron's back. She saw that Ron clenched his fists momentarily, but kept walking towards the fireplace where Dumbledore's head would presumably be. Hermione made to follow him, but Mrs. Weasley stopped her.
"Oh, I think Dumbledore wants to speak to him alone, dear..."
Hermione curtly nodded again, then looked around the room. She was furious at both Mrs. Weasley and Ginny - their own SON and BROTHER - and was only waiting so she could see Ron once he came out.
She hoped this was good news.
The following romantic pairings will not be in this story: Harry/Ginny, Harry/Hermione, Hermione/Draco. So sorry, fans of those romantic pairings. Also, this is not a romance but will have plenty of it. First story, and I'm not exactly sure where I'm going with this. Also, it's probably terrible, but hey, you don't have to read it.
Chapter 1 - Sirius and O.W.L.'s
Harry Potter's eyes suddenly flashed open at about 1:00 in the morning at the prim and proper house of Number 12, Privet Drive. Sighing, Harry closed his eyes, but to no avail, and soon his hand was fumbling around the floor for his glasses. Sleepily, he grabbed them and put them on, and slowly opened his eyes and sat up. With a groan, he fell backwards into the bed and lay spread-eagled on it, pensive.
Dreams had woken him up again. They usually consisted of flashes from the Department of Mysteries - Hermione falling back when hit with a curse, Neville screaming in pain under the Cruciatus Curse, brains wrapping around Ron, Luna flying backwards into a wall. The most prominent happenings in his dreams though, would be Bellatrix Lestrange's haunted, heavy-lidded eyes, Voldemort possessing him and horrible agony coursing through him, and of course, Sirius's eyes widening in shock as he fell through that mysterious veil...
The veil. Harry had denied Sirius's death for the first part of the summer by hinging his hopes on the veil, thinking that maybe Sirius hadn't died after all. But he had finally come to the realization that Sirius was really dead, that he would never come back. Surprisingly enough, it had been Luna Lovegood who had helped him with this realization - Luna, Neville, Ginny, and of course, Ron and Hermione had been constantly owling him all summer but it was with Luna he had the interesting conversations. Despite Luna's oddities, Harry felt like he could really talk to Luna, and she usually seemed to help him. It was her, in fact, who reminded him what Sirius sacrificed his life for, and that Harry shouldn't waste it. If anything, occurences like this should fuel his efforts to triumph over Voldemort.
Other fears had now entered Harry's life, though. Ron had been so worried about Hermione that he had convinced her to come to the Burrow about three weeks after summer started. Of course, Harry thought to himself (a rare grin flitting onto his face), it probably wasn't just the desire to see her safe that sparked the request, or even the accepting of it by Hermione. But the main reason that Ron had asked her over was that she practically had a target painted on her back - A Muggle-born, close friend of Harry Potter? Harry was worried for Hermione too, and he knew it would be unbearable to have her die - she was like a sister to him.
Harry got up with immense effort and stretched, planning to go downstairs and have a snack or something. The sixteen-year old was too deep in thought now to go back to sleep any time soon. He would just have to sleep in - not that it mattered. The Dursleys had been skirting around him ever since the meeting at King's Cross, the only acknowledgement of his existence being food, and the occasional asking of Uncle Vernon whether or not he had owled his "bloody crazy people" recently. Harry found this rather funny - he knew Uncle Vernon didn't like the thought of Mad-Eye Moody stopping over for a visit.
Harry took a glance around his room - it was littered with clothes and his dresser was covered with letters haphazardly strewn on the top. The latest one had been from Hermione, mostly about Ron. Other than the first two or so days since Hermione had come, she said that he had been acting strangely all the time. He was pensive and constantly frowning, flew around on his broomstick for hours at a time, and had lately taken to not talking except when spoken to - it was almost like he was going through life in a trance. It was definitely very odd behavior for Ron, and although Harry could probably guess that the Department of Mysteries had something to do with it, he couldn't place exactly what it was from the experience.
As Harry's eyes traveled over his dresser, he saw several letters from Lupin. Other than Luna, Lupin had been extremely helpful in helping Harry accept Sirius's death. Harry knew Lupin and Sirius were as close as brothers, that if anyone could talk to him about his death, it would be Lupin. As it turned out, Sirius had designated Lupin as Harry's new guardian (much to Mrs. Weasley's dismay), and Lupin had definitely become like a father to him. It was a position that Lupin could fall into easily, though - he had always been somewhat of a mentor in Harry's life since third year.
With all these thoughts running through his head, Harry sleepily went up to his room and barely managed to take his glasses off before exhaustedly collapsing on his bed, asleep.
"Hermione? Hello? Are you there? Wake up!"
A very pale hand suddenly waved back and forth in front of Hermione's eyes, causing Hermione to jump with a start.
"Yes, of course Ginny, now what do you want?"
"Oh, just checking you were alive, that's all. Anyway, Mom says lunch is served."
"Alright Ginny, I'll be there in a minute."
Hermione smiled as she watched the redhead run energetically inside. She sighed and sat up from the grass of the hill she was lying on, taking a last glance at the deceptively cheery sky above her before turning around and looking at the Burrow. She saw the silhouettes of Ron, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley all eating at the table and frowned at Ron's back. Ron had been acting very odd lately. He would start sentences without caring to finish, barely touch his food, and seemed to live on his broom. Hermione knew it was probably a number of things, but what she was most worried about was that Ron had lost whatever shred of self-esteem he had managed to gain throughout fifth year. Ron seemed to be under the impression that he wasn't worthy of even being spoken to anymore. He wouldn't talk unless spoken to - although he had been getting better lately, Hermione thought with a smile. Apparently the combined efforts of Ginny, Hermione, and even his brothers on occasion had finally reached him, and he seemed to have regained some of the laughter in his eyes. However, he still wasn't anything like his normal self. Hermione knew that it would only take one hit to his pride and then they would be back to step one. Hermione opened the door and Ron, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley turned. Ron had a smile on his face, Hermione was relieved to see and her cheeks tinged pink as she smiled back at him.
"Hey Hermione, how's it going?"
Hermione had opened her mouth to answer Ron until two offical-looking owls holding large letters and one owl Hermione recognized from the Owlery at Hogwarsts suddenly flew in from the window to the Burrow. Startled, she jumped out of the way, as Ron stood up along with Ginny. Suddenly it hit her - O.W.L. RESULTS! Hermione hastily took the her yearly Hogwarts letter and the letter from the Ministry of Magic and nearly tore the results open. Ron did the same, except at a much slower pace. They both backed away from Mrs. Weasley's and Ginny's intruding stares over their shoulders. Glancing at each other, their eyes met, and they both nodded with resolve, before suddenly looking down at the letter (more quickly than really necessary) and tore them open. Hermione suddenly shut her eyes, unfolded the letter with her hands, and then opened them and looked upon her O.W.L. Results.
Written Practical
Defense Against The Dark Arts Outstanding Outstanding
Charms Outstanding Exceeding Expectations
Arithmancy Outstanding Not applicable
Astronomy Outstanding Exceeding Expectations
Potions Outstanding Exceeding Expectations
Ancient Runes Exceeding Expectations Not applicable
Transfiguration Outstanding Outstanding
Herbology Outstanding Exceeding Expectations
Care of Magical Creatures Exceeding Expectations Exceeding Expectations
Muggle Studies Outstanding Not applicable
History of Magic Outstanding Not applicable
She nearly jumped for glee at reading her scores - Straight O's and E's! Excitedly she leaned over to look at Ron's scores. he seemed to be in some kind of daze, and handed them over without a fight.
Written Practical
Divination Acceptable Poor
Charms Exceeding Expectations Outstanding
Astronomy Exceeding Expectations Acceptable
Potions Acceptable Exceeding Expectations
Transfiguration Acceptable Acceptable
Herbology Exceeding Expectations Exceeding Expectations
Defense Against the Dark Arts Outstanding Outstanding
Care of Magical Creatures Exceeding Expectations Outstanding
History of Magic Acceptable Not applicable
Hermione really did jump for glee upon reading Ron's scores - right on top of him, in fact. He still had an extremely dazed air about him, and seemed to be moving in some kind of awed trance. Excited, she thrust his scores at Mrs. Weasley and Ginny, only to find that HER scores were already there. Ginny seemed to be in some sort of state of awe at Hermione's scores, and Mrs. Weasley had enveloped Hermione in a bear hug. Hermione chanced a glance at Ron, who was looking at his feet, and she slowly saw a brilliant smile light up his face. She knew it now - he finally thought he had done a good job. He slowly looked up at her.
"Great job, Hermione!"
"You haven't even looked at my scores, Ron," Hermione laughed.
"Do I need to?"
Hermione blushed furiously at this comment, but Ron didn't see it. He had moved on to talk to his Mom and sister.
"Hey Ginny, Mom, did you see my O.W.L. scor -"
Hermione looked up with a gleeful smile still on her face, until she saw where Ron was looking. His face had fallen and his eyes seemed to be shining with hurt and sorrow. Lying on the floor were his O.W.L. scores. Mrs. Weasley and Ginny hadn't even appeared to look at them, despite Hermione nearly forcing it in their face. Hermione suddenly realized with a start how this looked to Ron. Mrs. Weasley had finally let her go but was still holding her scores in her hand and kept reading them out loud. Ginny had taken Mrs. Weasley's place and had now started talking furiously to Hermione about how she was bloody brilliant and all, and it now appeared as if her foot was on top of Ron's scores. Ron's eyes were now beginning to shine with sorrow. Oh please, she thought, look at his scores, notice his scores...But they didn't. And then as Mrs. Weasley loudly proclaimed that she was "Sending owls to everyone she knew about Hermione!" Ron finally snapped. Hermione was worried that he would simply blow up in anger, but that wasn't what happened. Ron twisted around and walked rapidly out of the room, tear streaks shining down his face, and nearly sprinted to his room.
Ginny finally seemed to notice something was wrong and then looked down at the floor. With a curious look on her face, she bent down and picked up Ron's scores. As she read them, Hermione made her escape and ran up to Ron's room.
"Ron?"
No answer.
"Ron?"
Hermione pushed upon the door to his room - it was surprisingly unlocked. Then again, he probably wasn't expecting anyone to come for a while. She saw Ron sitting on his bed, his back facing her. Even though he wasn't making a sound, Hermione could tell he was crying.
"Ron, please, your O.W.L.s were terrific -"
"My family doesn't seem to agree."
"Oh, I'm sure they'll be over their heads about it -"
"Once Ginny takes her foot off of it, that is. Or maybe once Mom stops to notice that she, in fact, has a son living here too."
"Ron, you're being ridiculous -"
"Hardly."
Hermione couldn't argue with him anymore. Besides, she agreed with him - his family's behavior was abysmal. So she simply made her way around his cluttered room until she reached him and sat down next to him. Impulsively, she grabbed his hand and laid her head on his shoulder. Hermione was suddenly terrified - he doesn't like you, you fool, take your head off - but he didn't object. In fact, he seemed to relax a little.
Mrs. Weasley's voice suddenly floated up the stairs.
"RON! PROFESSOR DUMBLEDORE WISHES TO SPEAK WITH YOU! RON?"
"ALRIGHT MOM! COMING!" Ron stood up, stretched, and took off at a brisk pace towards the stairs. Hermione knew why too - this could be about the Order.
"Oh and by the way Hermione dear, he says great job on your O.W.L.s!"
Hermione simply nodded, keeping her eyes on Ron's back. She saw that Ron clenched his fists momentarily, but kept walking towards the fireplace where Dumbledore's head would presumably be. Hermione made to follow him, but Mrs. Weasley stopped her.
"Oh, I think Dumbledore wants to speak to him alone, dear..."
Hermione curtly nodded again, then looked around the room. She was furious at both Mrs. Weasley and Ginny - their own SON and BROTHER - and was only waiting so she could see Ron once he came out.
She hoped this was good news.