Harry Potter and the Tablet of Darkness
Chapter One: Night of a Thousand OWLs
Privet Drive was a perfect example of middle-class habitat, any passer-by would be hard pressed to find a difference between each house and it's neighbour. Each garden was a small, well-kept affair, a tiny square of neat lawn bordered by a string of begonias. Every immaculate grey concrete drive lead up to a pristine car for the well respected business man, and a small path lead off to a oak-effect door and a neat house number in white.
The residents of Privet Drive often took it upon themselves to check to normality of each house, to ensure that there were no funny goings on. Lately, the Dursley household had attracted the prying noses of Privet Drive's elite. The Dursley's were the most normal-obsessed family on the street, their lawn never grew more than two inches high, their drive never sported a single autumn leaf, and Vernon Dursley's car was as businessman- ish as you could get.
But there was a peculiar edition to the Dursley familiar, known to all who asked as 'That Potter Boy', who was a dangerous delinquent who had been dumped upon the family by some good for nothing in-law, for most of the year he attended Saint Brutus' Centre for Incurable Criminal Boys, but in the summers he came home to terrorise Privet Drive. The Dursley family's burden might have attracted sympathy from some neighbours, but not in Privet Drive. To the neighbours all Harry Potter attracted was strange happenings, bangs, scared children, arguments and of course, owls.
Owls flitted to and from the top-window-to-the-left at least once a day, and on this particular day a small fleet of owls soared towards the open window of Number Four. Fortunately for Harry, it was much too early in a Sunday morning for his oh-so-observant neighbours to notice the owl battalion coming towards him out of the dim morning light, they were safely in there beds, where any decent person would be.
But Harry, unlike his neighbours, knew exactly what these owls were doing. Today was Harry's birthday, and ever since Harry Potter had discovered he was a wizard, presents had come his way every year, bearing presents from his friends at Hogwarts. For Harry was not a dangerous juvenile, that was a cover story hide the even stranger truth, Harry Potter was a wizard, and he was entering his Sixth Year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Dursleys had kept him in the dark about this for most of his life, hoping to squash the magic out of him, but it had not worked, on his eleventh birthday the truth had come out when a half-giant named Hagrid had smashed open the Dursley's hiding place.
The Dursleys were Harry's only remaining relatives, his Aunt Petunia was his mother's sister and Harry's only blood relative. The Dursleys had told Harry that his parents had died in a car crash, but the truth was they had died at the hands of the most evil wizard who ever lived, Lord Voldemort, most of the wizarding world daren't even utter his name, preferring He-Who- Must-Not-Be-Named, You-Know-Who or the 'Dark Lord'. Voldemort had then directed his wand to Harry, but instead of dieing, Harry become the only person in History to survive an Avada-Kedavra curse, and was left with just an ugly lightning shaped scar on his forehead, it was this scar that had made Harry famous in the wizarding world since he had arrived there five years ago. What's more, as Harry found out last year, Harry was prophesized to kill Voldemort, or to die at his hands, that night fifteen years ago Voldemort had 'marked Harry as his equal' and in doing so banished himself to a such a state he barely existed anymore.
Many had believed that Voldemort had gone for good, but Hagrid, along with Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of modern times and headmaster of Hogwarts, knew he would be back. And sure enough, at the end of Harry's first year He, Ron and Hermione had battled an array of obstacles to find Lord Voldemort, possessing their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Quirrel and trying to find the Philosophers stone and restore his power. However, Harry had stopped him, and Voldemort had retreated back to his bodiless existence. Three years later Harry had witnessed Voldemort's full rebirth, and his death eaters returned to him. But for a year the wizarding world had ignored it, the Ministry of Magic, specifically Cornelius Fudge, the Minster of Magic, had accused Harry of being deranged and convinced the world that the famed Albus Dumbledore was going senile. Despite the death of Hogwart's pupil, Cedric Diggory, and a number of strange happenings, Fudge refused to acknowledge Voldemort's return.
But all was not lost, Albus Dumbledore had immediately called together the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society who had fought Voldemort in the first war. They combated Voldemort in secret for a year. Then, at the end of his fifth year, Harry had gone to the ministry of magic to safe his Godfather, convicted of a murder he did not commit, Sirius Black. Harry had been receiving dreams of Voldemort all year, he had seen Mr. Weasley, his best friend's Father and now closest thing he had to a Dad attacked by a snake. Harry had meant to have practiced Occlumency (blocking the mind from penetration and attack) to combat these dreams, but he had failed. And when Harry had arrived at the Ministry, he found a trap waiting for him, he, Ron and Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood had duelled a dozen Death-Eaters (Voldemort's followers) until the Order arrived, and Harry, along with Cornelius fudge and half a dozen trained Aurors (dark wizard catchers) had witness Dumbledore duel with Voldemort. And so the truth of Voldemort's return had finally come out. But in the battle Harry's godfather had died, Harry didn't like to think about it.
As the owls drew closer, he noticed there was more than his usual presents from Ron, Hermione and Hagrid and a letter from Hogwarts. No, Harry counted seven owls in total. The first, Harry recognised as the Owl who brought Harry his Daily Prophet every morning, he gave the owl a knut and put the newspaper on his desk, he'd read it later. Next soared in three owls sporting a single, large package, Harry recognised these as Pigwidgeon, Ron Weasley's tiny but enthusiastic owl, the old Weasley family owl, Errol, and, to Harry's immense surprise, Percy Weasley's majestic barn owl Hermes. Percy hadn't talked to Harry for a year now, he had sided with the ministry and believed every bit of rubbish about Harry they spewed out. Next came a Hogwarts owl, with a package from Hagrid, Harry presumed. And right at the end of the procession, three medium-sized brown owls Harry did not know, one with two letters and the other had a package. After they had deposited their loads the eight owls soared back out of the window and disappeared into the distance.
Harry got to work on the presents. The Weasleys had sent him a small treasure trove, there were letters from Ron, Ginny, Fred and George and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, wishing Harry a happy birthday, Ron and Ginny reported not much had happened since their last owl and Fred and George had thanked them for the gold Harry had gave them and said their joke shop was doing very well indeed. Ron gave him a book on famous Quidditch players and how they had all started on the Hogwarts school team, both Harry and Ron were on the Quidditch team. Ginny gave him another book on dream interpretation, why, he did not know, Harry hated Divination and knew exactly what his dreams meant, still, he wasn't complaining. Fred and George had gave him what looked life there entire stock of skiving snack boxes and Mrs. Weasley had baked Harry a massive birthday cake. Harry took a bite, it was delicious, and under it all, a small green envelope, bearing a ministry seal, obviously from Percy:
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! I hope this letter finds you well. I'd like to
apologise for all that business last year, I am sorry to say that
despite knowing you all these years, I was taken in by superiors and
the Daily Prophet, my ambition got the better of me. I now realise
what a git I was (pardon my French). You'll be happy to know that I
have also apologised to my Parents, and my Brothers, and Ginny of
course. I feel like such an idiot. Mother said I would not get my
Weasley jumper until I apologised to you.
I deeply regret my actions this past year, I hope you can find it in
your heart to forgive me. If you're interested, I have been demoted,
like the rest of Fudge's cabinet, to a position in the Department of
Magical Law Enforcement, I can't say I am not upset, but maybe it will
do me some good, Fred offered that it may 'Deflate my head a little'.
Oh, and congratulations on the good news! I'll be seeing you at the
ceremony.
My sincere apologies,
Percy Weasley.
The last sentence puzzled Harry a little, but he soon forgot about it. Harry agreed with Fred but he knew how ambitious Percy was, still, he had been a real git the year before. Last week the Prophet had reported that Fudge had resigned from his place, and his cabinet had all been replaced. An elderly women named Madam Bones had replaced Fudge as Minister for Magic, Harry had met Madam Bones at his disciplinary hearing last year, when he had almost been expelled for protecting himself against a Dementor, evil creatures which sucked a person of happy thoughts who guarded the wizard prison, Azkaban. The Dementor, it had turned out, was sent by Delores Umbridge, 'High-Inquisitor' of Hogwarts, placed by Fudge to spy on Dumbledore. Fortunately, Umbridge now had a permanent place St. Mungo's hospital. Madam Bones had defended Harry at the hearing, and she was also a good friend of Dumbledore's. Dumbledore had of course had a lot of support himself, but had not stood for the position.
Well, with the Weasley's horde out of the way, Harry turned his attention to the two letters and lumpy parcel the Hogwarts owl had bared. Harry ripped open the first letter, in a battered old envelope, with Harry's address scrawled over the front. This was from Hagrid. Just like the Weasley's letters it wished him all the best and offered him good luck on his OWLs, assuring him he couldn't fail to get an Outstanding in is Care of Magical Creatures OWL. The lumpy parcel contained a rough brown piece of string with a single dragon tooth on the end, Harry slung it round his neck, it was definitely an improvement on the vicious, biting book-come- monster Hagrid had sent him three years ago.
The next Hogwarts letter reminded Harry he would be going back to Hogwarts this September and would need the following books:
Fighting the Unknown – Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts by
Archibald Soth
NEWT Transfiguration by Minerva McGonagall
The Art of Potion Making by Martha Stringbean
The Bumper Book of Beasts, Creatures and Monsters by J. Timberson
An A-Z of Charms by Amber Wilberforce
These were for his NEWT classes, which Professor McGonagall, Harry's head of house had put down for him the previous year. There was still the matter of getting into these classes though, which depended solely on his OWL (Ordinary Wizarding Level) results, which Harry guessed were in the official-looking Ministry of Magic envelope to his left. When he opened it, sure enough, a letter written in immaculate emerald ink bearing the Ministry crest and "HARRY JAMES POTTER – ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL EXAM RESULTS". Harry folded out the rest of the paper to find his results:
Key
O – Outstanding
E – Exceeds Expectations
A – Acceptable
========
PASS LEVEL
========
P – Poor
D – Dreadful
Defence Against the Dark Arts – O
Transfiguration – E
Charms – E
Potions – O
Care of Magical Creatures – O
History of Magic – A – Harry mentally thanked Hermione for her notes
Herbology – E
Divination – P
Congratulations on your outstanding results Mr. Potter.
Harry was extremely pleased with his results, the only class he failed was Divination, which was no big loss. He was surprised to see that he had received an Outstanding in potions, which he had often considered his weakest subject, Harry suspected that last years events had swung it in his favour. He wasn't sure to be happy or not, receiving an O meant Harry would be able to get onto the Potions NEWT course, so he could be an Auror, but it also meant another two years cooped up in the cold dungeons with Harry's least favourite teacher, Snape, and a room full of Slytherins. He had also received Es on both Transfiguration and Charms, which got him onto those courses, and, unsurprisingly, an O in Defence Against the Dark Arts.
There were only two packages left, the second letter from the Ministry of Magic, and Hermione's package. Harry opened Hermione's package, and saw a thick, heavy looking book entitled "Hogwarts – A History". Hermione's voice rung in Harry's ear, "One day, you'll read Hogwarts – A History..." Harry smiled, thinking maybe it was time he did stop relying on Hermione for facts. The enclosed note wished Harry a very happy birthday, and informed him that Hermione had received Outstanding on all her OWLs, and she had taken more than Harry. Then again, she was the smartest girl in the year.
The final letter also bore a Ministry of Magic logo, but it was slightly different, as strung under the crest on an inky banner was "Office of the Minister of Magic". Harry wondered what on Earth Madam, Minister Bones was sending him. There was only one way to find out. Harry opened the envelope carefully and found the most official looking letter of them all, apparently hand-written by the Minister herself:
Dear Mr. Potter,
As you may be already aware, the Ministry of Magic has undergone a
change in leadership. I, Madam Amelia Susan Bones, Order of Merlin,
First Class, Senior Member on the Wizengamot, have replaced Cornelius
Fudge, recently stripped of his titles and Order of Merlin as Minister
for magic. The Ministry and I would like to offer our full apologies
for any distress the Ministry or my Predecessor has caused you in
recent events. We withdraw any statements made on your character or
piece of mind and fully acknowledge your innocence in the underage
magic incident last year.
Furthermore, in light of your outstanding courage when facing He-Who-
Must-Not-Be-Named, his followers and the protection of your friends
and fellow pupils at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The
Ministry would like to offer you an Order of Merlin, First class –
Harry paused. An Order of Merlin? Harry knew the were a great honour, especially first class ones, they were reserved for heroes and those who had performed outstanding deeds. Dumbledore had one, and they brought great glory on the owner. But Harry didn't want glory, he got enough attention as it is, he didn't know if he could take a year of glaring eyes, Slytherin taunts and snide comments from Snape. Well, at least they didn't know yet, Harry read on...
Your presentation ceremony will take place on Monday 1st of January,
during the Christmas Holiday, at the Ministry of Magic, we will send
details closer to the date.
The press have been informed of this decision.
Yours Sincerely,
Henrietta Bones, Order of Merlin, First Class...
Harry sighed, he knew 'the press' meant, 'the Daily Prophet'. This was obviously what Percy had meant. And sure enough, when Harry picked up his Daily Prophet, the headline read "HARRY POTTER AWARDED ORDER OF MERLIN". Now everybody knew.
Harry looked over at his alarm clock, another hour until breakfast. He began to read the Prophet.
Authors Notes
So that's the first chapter... please please please review it, this is my first ever Fanfic and I'd love to know what you all think of my writing, I'll respond to all of the, I promise .. If you spot any mistakes don't hestitate to point them out, I've tried my best to iron them out though. I'm planning to write the whole of the sixth book, from 20-30 chapters and a seventh book after, of the same length. I'll try and post the next chapter as soon as possible.
Review Responses
Well, I said that I'd respond to them all...
SnichyPup, Sunny Dragoness: I'm now thinking maybe tonight for Chapter Two. I just hope that it lives up to expectations. Panther28: Hmm... I don't know how I missed that, but thanks, it's corrected. CrazyPoet: Thanks, I try my best to imitate JK Rowling. KaliedescopeCat: Yeah, I got my sister to beta-read it, but as it turns out, she's not too hot on grammer either. JasonPotter: I hope I post more too. Fanfiction Fanatic: Well I'll get started on it tonight, so probably Sunday or Monday if I get chance to work on it over the weekend. michael: Thank you, as I said, I'll try and find a better beta-reader to spot my iffy grammer.
Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own Harry Potter, or I wouldn't be posting this on FANfiction.net would I?
That's all folks.
Chapter One: Night of a Thousand OWLs
Privet Drive was a perfect example of middle-class habitat, any passer-by would be hard pressed to find a difference between each house and it's neighbour. Each garden was a small, well-kept affair, a tiny square of neat lawn bordered by a string of begonias. Every immaculate grey concrete drive lead up to a pristine car for the well respected business man, and a small path lead off to a oak-effect door and a neat house number in white.
The residents of Privet Drive often took it upon themselves to check to normality of each house, to ensure that there were no funny goings on. Lately, the Dursley household had attracted the prying noses of Privet Drive's elite. The Dursley's were the most normal-obsessed family on the street, their lawn never grew more than two inches high, their drive never sported a single autumn leaf, and Vernon Dursley's car was as businessman- ish as you could get.
But there was a peculiar edition to the Dursley familiar, known to all who asked as 'That Potter Boy', who was a dangerous delinquent who had been dumped upon the family by some good for nothing in-law, for most of the year he attended Saint Brutus' Centre for Incurable Criminal Boys, but in the summers he came home to terrorise Privet Drive. The Dursley family's burden might have attracted sympathy from some neighbours, but not in Privet Drive. To the neighbours all Harry Potter attracted was strange happenings, bangs, scared children, arguments and of course, owls.
Owls flitted to and from the top-window-to-the-left at least once a day, and on this particular day a small fleet of owls soared towards the open window of Number Four. Fortunately for Harry, it was much too early in a Sunday morning for his oh-so-observant neighbours to notice the owl battalion coming towards him out of the dim morning light, they were safely in there beds, where any decent person would be.
But Harry, unlike his neighbours, knew exactly what these owls were doing. Today was Harry's birthday, and ever since Harry Potter had discovered he was a wizard, presents had come his way every year, bearing presents from his friends at Hogwarts. For Harry was not a dangerous juvenile, that was a cover story hide the even stranger truth, Harry Potter was a wizard, and he was entering his Sixth Year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Dursleys had kept him in the dark about this for most of his life, hoping to squash the magic out of him, but it had not worked, on his eleventh birthday the truth had come out when a half-giant named Hagrid had smashed open the Dursley's hiding place.
The Dursleys were Harry's only remaining relatives, his Aunt Petunia was his mother's sister and Harry's only blood relative. The Dursleys had told Harry that his parents had died in a car crash, but the truth was they had died at the hands of the most evil wizard who ever lived, Lord Voldemort, most of the wizarding world daren't even utter his name, preferring He-Who- Must-Not-Be-Named, You-Know-Who or the 'Dark Lord'. Voldemort had then directed his wand to Harry, but instead of dieing, Harry become the only person in History to survive an Avada-Kedavra curse, and was left with just an ugly lightning shaped scar on his forehead, it was this scar that had made Harry famous in the wizarding world since he had arrived there five years ago. What's more, as Harry found out last year, Harry was prophesized to kill Voldemort, or to die at his hands, that night fifteen years ago Voldemort had 'marked Harry as his equal' and in doing so banished himself to a such a state he barely existed anymore.
Many had believed that Voldemort had gone for good, but Hagrid, along with Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard of modern times and headmaster of Hogwarts, knew he would be back. And sure enough, at the end of Harry's first year He, Ron and Hermione had battled an array of obstacles to find Lord Voldemort, possessing their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Quirrel and trying to find the Philosophers stone and restore his power. However, Harry had stopped him, and Voldemort had retreated back to his bodiless existence. Three years later Harry had witnessed Voldemort's full rebirth, and his death eaters returned to him. But for a year the wizarding world had ignored it, the Ministry of Magic, specifically Cornelius Fudge, the Minster of Magic, had accused Harry of being deranged and convinced the world that the famed Albus Dumbledore was going senile. Despite the death of Hogwart's pupil, Cedric Diggory, and a number of strange happenings, Fudge refused to acknowledge Voldemort's return.
But all was not lost, Albus Dumbledore had immediately called together the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society who had fought Voldemort in the first war. They combated Voldemort in secret for a year. Then, at the end of his fifth year, Harry had gone to the ministry of magic to safe his Godfather, convicted of a murder he did not commit, Sirius Black. Harry had been receiving dreams of Voldemort all year, he had seen Mr. Weasley, his best friend's Father and now closest thing he had to a Dad attacked by a snake. Harry had meant to have practiced Occlumency (blocking the mind from penetration and attack) to combat these dreams, but he had failed. And when Harry had arrived at the Ministry, he found a trap waiting for him, he, Ron and Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood had duelled a dozen Death-Eaters (Voldemort's followers) until the Order arrived, and Harry, along with Cornelius fudge and half a dozen trained Aurors (dark wizard catchers) had witness Dumbledore duel with Voldemort. And so the truth of Voldemort's return had finally come out. But in the battle Harry's godfather had died, Harry didn't like to think about it.
As the owls drew closer, he noticed there was more than his usual presents from Ron, Hermione and Hagrid and a letter from Hogwarts. No, Harry counted seven owls in total. The first, Harry recognised as the Owl who brought Harry his Daily Prophet every morning, he gave the owl a knut and put the newspaper on his desk, he'd read it later. Next soared in three owls sporting a single, large package, Harry recognised these as Pigwidgeon, Ron Weasley's tiny but enthusiastic owl, the old Weasley family owl, Errol, and, to Harry's immense surprise, Percy Weasley's majestic barn owl Hermes. Percy hadn't talked to Harry for a year now, he had sided with the ministry and believed every bit of rubbish about Harry they spewed out. Next came a Hogwarts owl, with a package from Hagrid, Harry presumed. And right at the end of the procession, three medium-sized brown owls Harry did not know, one with two letters and the other had a package. After they had deposited their loads the eight owls soared back out of the window and disappeared into the distance.
Harry got to work on the presents. The Weasleys had sent him a small treasure trove, there were letters from Ron, Ginny, Fred and George and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, wishing Harry a happy birthday, Ron and Ginny reported not much had happened since their last owl and Fred and George had thanked them for the gold Harry had gave them and said their joke shop was doing very well indeed. Ron gave him a book on famous Quidditch players and how they had all started on the Hogwarts school team, both Harry and Ron were on the Quidditch team. Ginny gave him another book on dream interpretation, why, he did not know, Harry hated Divination and knew exactly what his dreams meant, still, he wasn't complaining. Fred and George had gave him what looked life there entire stock of skiving snack boxes and Mrs. Weasley had baked Harry a massive birthday cake. Harry took a bite, it was delicious, and under it all, a small green envelope, bearing a ministry seal, obviously from Percy:
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! I hope this letter finds you well. I'd like to
apologise for all that business last year, I am sorry to say that
despite knowing you all these years, I was taken in by superiors and
the Daily Prophet, my ambition got the better of me. I now realise
what a git I was (pardon my French). You'll be happy to know that I
have also apologised to my Parents, and my Brothers, and Ginny of
course. I feel like such an idiot. Mother said I would not get my
Weasley jumper until I apologised to you.
I deeply regret my actions this past year, I hope you can find it in
your heart to forgive me. If you're interested, I have been demoted,
like the rest of Fudge's cabinet, to a position in the Department of
Magical Law Enforcement, I can't say I am not upset, but maybe it will
do me some good, Fred offered that it may 'Deflate my head a little'.
Oh, and congratulations on the good news! I'll be seeing you at the
ceremony.
My sincere apologies,
Percy Weasley.
The last sentence puzzled Harry a little, but he soon forgot about it. Harry agreed with Fred but he knew how ambitious Percy was, still, he had been a real git the year before. Last week the Prophet had reported that Fudge had resigned from his place, and his cabinet had all been replaced. An elderly women named Madam Bones had replaced Fudge as Minister for Magic, Harry had met Madam Bones at his disciplinary hearing last year, when he had almost been expelled for protecting himself against a Dementor, evil creatures which sucked a person of happy thoughts who guarded the wizard prison, Azkaban. The Dementor, it had turned out, was sent by Delores Umbridge, 'High-Inquisitor' of Hogwarts, placed by Fudge to spy on Dumbledore. Fortunately, Umbridge now had a permanent place St. Mungo's hospital. Madam Bones had defended Harry at the hearing, and she was also a good friend of Dumbledore's. Dumbledore had of course had a lot of support himself, but had not stood for the position.
Well, with the Weasley's horde out of the way, Harry turned his attention to the two letters and lumpy parcel the Hogwarts owl had bared. Harry ripped open the first letter, in a battered old envelope, with Harry's address scrawled over the front. This was from Hagrid. Just like the Weasley's letters it wished him all the best and offered him good luck on his OWLs, assuring him he couldn't fail to get an Outstanding in is Care of Magical Creatures OWL. The lumpy parcel contained a rough brown piece of string with a single dragon tooth on the end, Harry slung it round his neck, it was definitely an improvement on the vicious, biting book-come- monster Hagrid had sent him three years ago.
The next Hogwarts letter reminded Harry he would be going back to Hogwarts this September and would need the following books:
Fighting the Unknown – Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts by
Archibald Soth
NEWT Transfiguration by Minerva McGonagall
The Art of Potion Making by Martha Stringbean
The Bumper Book of Beasts, Creatures and Monsters by J. Timberson
An A-Z of Charms by Amber Wilberforce
These were for his NEWT classes, which Professor McGonagall, Harry's head of house had put down for him the previous year. There was still the matter of getting into these classes though, which depended solely on his OWL (Ordinary Wizarding Level) results, which Harry guessed were in the official-looking Ministry of Magic envelope to his left. When he opened it, sure enough, a letter written in immaculate emerald ink bearing the Ministry crest and "HARRY JAMES POTTER – ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL EXAM RESULTS". Harry folded out the rest of the paper to find his results:
Key
O – Outstanding
E – Exceeds Expectations
A – Acceptable
========
PASS LEVEL
========
P – Poor
D – Dreadful
Defence Against the Dark Arts – O
Transfiguration – E
Charms – E
Potions – O
Care of Magical Creatures – O
History of Magic – A – Harry mentally thanked Hermione for her notes
Herbology – E
Divination – P
Congratulations on your outstanding results Mr. Potter.
Harry was extremely pleased with his results, the only class he failed was Divination, which was no big loss. He was surprised to see that he had received an Outstanding in potions, which he had often considered his weakest subject, Harry suspected that last years events had swung it in his favour. He wasn't sure to be happy or not, receiving an O meant Harry would be able to get onto the Potions NEWT course, so he could be an Auror, but it also meant another two years cooped up in the cold dungeons with Harry's least favourite teacher, Snape, and a room full of Slytherins. He had also received Es on both Transfiguration and Charms, which got him onto those courses, and, unsurprisingly, an O in Defence Against the Dark Arts.
There were only two packages left, the second letter from the Ministry of Magic, and Hermione's package. Harry opened Hermione's package, and saw a thick, heavy looking book entitled "Hogwarts – A History". Hermione's voice rung in Harry's ear, "One day, you'll read Hogwarts – A History..." Harry smiled, thinking maybe it was time he did stop relying on Hermione for facts. The enclosed note wished Harry a very happy birthday, and informed him that Hermione had received Outstanding on all her OWLs, and she had taken more than Harry. Then again, she was the smartest girl in the year.
The final letter also bore a Ministry of Magic logo, but it was slightly different, as strung under the crest on an inky banner was "Office of the Minister of Magic". Harry wondered what on Earth Madam, Minister Bones was sending him. There was only one way to find out. Harry opened the envelope carefully and found the most official looking letter of them all, apparently hand-written by the Minister herself:
Dear Mr. Potter,
As you may be already aware, the Ministry of Magic has undergone a
change in leadership. I, Madam Amelia Susan Bones, Order of Merlin,
First Class, Senior Member on the Wizengamot, have replaced Cornelius
Fudge, recently stripped of his titles and Order of Merlin as Minister
for magic. The Ministry and I would like to offer our full apologies
for any distress the Ministry or my Predecessor has caused you in
recent events. We withdraw any statements made on your character or
piece of mind and fully acknowledge your innocence in the underage
magic incident last year.
Furthermore, in light of your outstanding courage when facing He-Who-
Must-Not-Be-Named, his followers and the protection of your friends
and fellow pupils at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The
Ministry would like to offer you an Order of Merlin, First class –
Harry paused. An Order of Merlin? Harry knew the were a great honour, especially first class ones, they were reserved for heroes and those who had performed outstanding deeds. Dumbledore had one, and they brought great glory on the owner. But Harry didn't want glory, he got enough attention as it is, he didn't know if he could take a year of glaring eyes, Slytherin taunts and snide comments from Snape. Well, at least they didn't know yet, Harry read on...
Your presentation ceremony will take place on Monday 1st of January,
during the Christmas Holiday, at the Ministry of Magic, we will send
details closer to the date.
The press have been informed of this decision.
Yours Sincerely,
Henrietta Bones, Order of Merlin, First Class...
Harry sighed, he knew 'the press' meant, 'the Daily Prophet'. This was obviously what Percy had meant. And sure enough, when Harry picked up his Daily Prophet, the headline read "HARRY POTTER AWARDED ORDER OF MERLIN". Now everybody knew.
Harry looked over at his alarm clock, another hour until breakfast. He began to read the Prophet.
Authors Notes
So that's the first chapter... please please please review it, this is my first ever Fanfic and I'd love to know what you all think of my writing, I'll respond to all of the, I promise .. If you spot any mistakes don't hestitate to point them out, I've tried my best to iron them out though. I'm planning to write the whole of the sixth book, from 20-30 chapters and a seventh book after, of the same length. I'll try and post the next chapter as soon as possible.
Review Responses
Well, I said that I'd respond to them all...
SnichyPup, Sunny Dragoness: I'm now thinking maybe tonight for Chapter Two. I just hope that it lives up to expectations. Panther28: Hmm... I don't know how I missed that, but thanks, it's corrected. CrazyPoet: Thanks, I try my best to imitate JK Rowling. KaliedescopeCat: Yeah, I got my sister to beta-read it, but as it turns out, she's not too hot on grammer either. JasonPotter: I hope I post more too. Fanfiction Fanatic: Well I'll get started on it tonight, so probably Sunday or Monday if I get chance to work on it over the weekend. michael: Thank you, as I said, I'll try and find a better beta-reader to spot my iffy grammer.
Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own Harry Potter, or I wouldn't be posting this on FANfiction.net would I?
That's all folks.
