Disclaimer: Ditto
A/N: The reviews have expressed concerns that Harry is too docile or unassuming or just plain wimpy; however, I promise that Harry won't stay weak forever. I'm a rather long-winded write, so the story may take some time to get there...but get there it will!
Wednesday, July 10, 1996
"That's enough," Harry thought angrily. He could not believe his friends thought he would do something so – so stupid. Did they not know him at all?
Harry barged into the room without a warning his hands balled into fists, shocking its inhabitants. Ginny and Hermione sat staring at him, their mouths open in silent oh's. Ron, however, was not quite so speechless.
"You didn't…you wouldn't…" Ron spluttered looking at his friend in agony.
"No," Harry said quietly but just as resolutely. "I did not try to kill myself."
No one said anything for a couple of minutes as they stood staring at each other. Finally Hermione seemed to gather enough courage to speak.
"Harry, we didn't want to believe it, but –"
"You sounded pretty ready to believe it to me," Harry interrupted heatedly throwing the now crushed letters in his hands to the ground.
"It's just that I overheard my parents –"
"That's just it, Ginny, you didn't hear the full story and you jumped to the wrong conclusion!" Harry countered.
Ron was no longer worried and did not seem to mind Harry's anger once he knew that his best friend was not going to commit suicide. However, Hermione and Ginny still bore concerned faces.
"What did they mean then?" Ginny resumed. "Why did Madame Pomphrey need to go to your house?"
Harry growled in aggravation at her question. He had not intended to tell them of his psychotic uncle.
"Harry, what happened?" Hermione asked the fear still present in her voice.
Harry sat unceremoniously on the end of the couch and let his head fall into his hands.
"It wasn't my aunt who attacked me," Harry said faintly.
Ron's head snapped around to face Harry. "But who would…"
"My uncle…" Harry whispered dejectedly.
"Oh Harry," Hermione murmured gently. "I'm so –"
"Stop it!" Harry shouted as he stood up suddenly. "Don't! Don't pity me!"
"Harry!" Ginny cried in return, "We're not –"
"He's a muggle!" Harry continued, as if he could not hear her. "Just a bloody muggle. I know I should be able to stand up to him, but I can't!"
Harry grabbed the book he had been reading earlier and threw it against the wall.
"How the hell am I supposed to save the bloody world, if I can't fight off a muggle!"
"No one expects –" Ron started.
"Yes they do!" Harry spat, staring directly at Rom. "I'm supposed to be the hero. I'm supposed to save the day. It's my destiny."
"Harry, no one's destiny is predetermined," Ginny soothed slowly walking towards him as though he were a cornered animal.
Harry shook his head desperately in response. "You don't know," he groaned through his hands.
"What don't we know?" Hermione asked walking to his other side.
"The prophecy…" he whispered.
"What prophecy?" Ron asked, watching Harry unmovingly.
Without looking up from the ground Harry repeated the prophecy word for word emotionlessly.
The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…
No one said anything as they coped with what Harry had revealed.
"You – you don't actually believe that, do you?" Hermione finally asked, disbelief clear in her voice.
"Harry doesn't have to believe, Hermione. As long as Voldemort does…" Ginny said sounding crestfallen.
Hermione let out a small "oh" and looked crushed.
Harry sighed in defeat. It was true, even his friends already thought he was finished.
"Why are you lot already acting like we've already lost?" Ron asked, looking at his friends in distaste. "I don't see how this prophecy changes anything. Did you actually think Voldemort would just give up one day?"
Ron stared at Harry, apparently waiting for an answer.
"Of course not," Harry snapped, his anger remembered.
"Then why have you given up all of a sudden?"
"It kind of changes things when you learn you're the only person who can kill the greatest of all evils!" Harry shouted.
"I don't know if I would give him that much credit," Ginny mumbled from his side.
"Okay," Ron admitted. "We didn't know that you would have to cast the spell personally, but – "
"If this prophecy is even true," Hermione repeated.
"But that doesn't mean the rest of us are going to up and disappear," Ron continued, ignoring her. "We've got your back mate."
Harry looked up from his hands and glared at Ron. They stared at each other in defiance until Harry cast his eyes away. He did not say anything as he thought of everything his friends had said. Ron had point, if Harry was willing to accept it; maybe he could survive. Harry glanced up to see his three friends staring at him anxiously.
"Alright, so maybe I overreacted a little," Harry confessed.
"You didn't," Hermione assured him. "You just tried to shoulder everything by yourself."
"Is there anything else we need to know about in that complicated life of yours?" Ron asked half serious.
"Well…not really, I guess," Harry muttered in response.
"Harry," Hermione chided. "We're just trying to help."
Harry shifted uncomfortably as they waited for him to respond. He was glad he had shared the prophecy with them, but everything else felt too personal. Everyone kept trying to work their way into his private life, and it was grating on Harry's nerves. First Dumbledore, then Remus, and now his friends; Harry was not sure how much of this prying he could stand.
"There's nothing else; we've got enough problems to deal with now."
"Well, the first thing we have to do is make sure you don't go back to that house today," Ginny said, switching the topic.
Harry nodded his head gratefully, but said "Tomorrow."
"No, you can't go back tomorrow either," confirmed Ginny, somewhat confused.
"No, no, Dumbledore said I didn't have to go back until tomorrow."
"He did, did he?" asked a new voice from the doorway.
Harry looked to see Remus leaning against the doorway, peering at them intently.
"How long have you been standing there," Harry inquired nervously.
"Long enough to say that I agree with you," admitted Remus.
Harry frowned slightly and said, "I thought you said we had to follow Dumbledore's rules."
"I did," Remus sighed, "but sometimes rules are meant to be broken…and I'd say this situation certainly qualifies."
Remus gave Harry a half grin, and he almost whooped with joy. With Remus, an adult who had some influence with Dumbledore, Harry felt they had a chance.
"But first, why did Professor Dumbledore agree to let you stay another day?" Remus queried.
Harry looked at Hermione and answered, "We're going to Diagon Alley tomorrow to do some shopping."
Hermione wore a bittersweet grin as she heard the news; Ginny on the other hand grew excited instantly.
"We'd better start making signs then," she exclaimed grabbing Hermione's hand. "Come on."
Ginny sprinted from the room with Hermione was close behind her.
"Hermione wait!" Harry called as he suddenly remembered the letters Dumbledore had given him.
"What is it?" Hermione asked pausing at the doorway.
"Our OWL results. Dumbledore came by and gave them to me."
Ron and Hermione both froze and stared at Harry in fear. Harry nervous but it was nothing compared to his friends apparently.
"You…you have our results," Ron uttered, barely over a whisper.
"But those aren't supposed to come for another week," Hermione squeaked.
Harry shrugged and responded in monotone, "It's Dumbledore."
Slowly Hermione shuffled towards him and held out her hand. Understanding that she wanted her letter, he searched on the ground until he found the three of them. Someone had trampled on them at some point, in addition to the damage he had done to them beforehand.
Harry handed the one with Hermione's name on it to her and offered Ron's to him. Ron stared at the crushed letter in awe for a moment before taking it. Harry looked at Hermione to see that the state of the letter had somewhat shaken her out of her shock.
"What did you do to them?" She asked flipping hers over.
"I was sort of holding them when I came in the room and then I think someone walked on them?"
"Oh, that's what those papers were…"
Remus glanced between the letters and Harry with amusement clearly on his face.
"One doesn't typically try to destroy OWL results until after you open them," he finally said.
Harry grimaced and gave a half shrug in explanation. Turning his attention back to his letter, Harry was hesitant to open it. What if he did not get enough OWLs to move on? Harry thought he had done well in a few of his exams but now he suddenly was not sure, and he was positive that he did terribly on a couple of them.
"Harry," Remus said, interrupting his despairing thoughts, "It's usually best to just get it over with."
Harry nodded his head slowly and at last opened the envelope.
Dear Mr. Potter,
The first attachment contains the result of your fifth year Ordinary Wizarding Level (OWL) examination. You must achieve at least 3 OWLs to proceed to the next level in your education at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. OWL worthy scores include Outstanding, Exceeds Expectations, and Acceptable. Failing scores consist of Poor, Dreadful, and Troll and thus receive no OWLs. The student will receive one owl for each passing score accomplished. The phrase "with honors" indicates that the student has achieved the highest OWL score in his or her year for that particular subject. The phrase "with distinguished honors" indicates that the student has achieved a record breaking OWL score for that subject.
The second attachment is a form that is to be filled out and returned to Hogwarts School before September 1. This form is the application for the continuation of courses during the subsequent term at Hogwarts School. Classes are restricted by their specific instructors; thus, any question or concerns regarding these requirements should be brought to the corresponding professor. Forms should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure that students are admitted into their classes of choice.
I hope your marks are satisfactory.
** Due to extenuating circumstances, the Astronomy score has been augmented by half a grade. This enhancement is only applicable to your particular exam period.
Madame Marchbanks
Official Ministry OWL Distributor and Grader
Harry only skimmed the letter before taking a deep breath and looking at the first attachment.
The following information conveys the Ordinary Wizarding Level examinations attempted by Harry James Potter, the subsequent scores, and the total number of OWLs achieved.
Astronomy…Acceptable
Care of Magical Creatures…Outstanding
Charms…Exceeds Expectations
Defense against the Dark Arts…Outstanding with Distinguished Honors
Divination…Poor
Herbology…Acceptable
History of Magic…Dreadful
Transfiguration…Exceeds Expectations
Potions…Acceptable
Total Number of OWLs…7 out of 9
Harry did not know whether to feel relieved or disappointed as he looked at his scores, so he settled for a little of both. Harry looked up to see Hermione practically bouncing up and down as she waited for him and Ron to finish reading.
"How'd you do," Harry asked before she burst.
"Twelve OWLs! I can't believe it!"
"But I thought you were only taking eleven classes," Ron said perplexedly, looking up from his own letter.
"I was," Hermione explained. "I sent a letter of request to the Governor's Board at the beginning of last year. They allowed me to take the Muggle Studies exam without sitting through the class if I successfully scheduled an acceptable independent studies program with McGonagall."
"Let me guess," groused Ron, gripping his scores unnecessarily hard, "you got all Outstandings."
Hermione glanced at Ron uneasily and nodded, her earlier enthusiasm dimmed somewhat at his obvious tension.
"Of course you did," Ron griped. "You're perfect."
"Calm down, Ron," Remus advised. "I'm sure you know that Hermione worked very hard for her scores."
Ron looked at Hermione distressed face and his anger faded.
"I know, I'm sorry," Ron apologized.
"I'm sure you did well too, Ron."
"Well not as good as you or Percy or Bill for that matter, but I beat Charlie and the twins," Ron announced proudly. "Six OWLs."
"That's great, Ron" announced Harry, happy for his friend.
"What did you get them in," Hermione asked.
"Let's see," Ron muttered looking back at his list, "I received an A in Astronomy, an O in Magical Creatures, an E in Charms, an O in Defense, an A in Herbology, and an A in Transfiguration. What about you Harry?"
"I got 7 OWLs," Harry stated, "A's in Astronomy, Herbology, and Potions; E's in Charms and Transfiguration, and O's in Defense and Magical Creatures."
"Good for you, mate," Ron said clapping him on the shoulder.
"Very good all around, I'd say" Remus added, "Sounds like a treat of some sort of treat is in store for our trip tomorrow."
The three kids cheered in excitement and traded letters to get a better look. Harry noticed that Ron made a D in Divination, as Harry had on his History of Magic score. As he looked at Hermione's scores he saw that she had received honors in Transfiguration, Potions, and Ancient Runes. He made a note to reread his letter as he saw that hers did not say distinguished, but Hermione saved him the trouble.
"Harry!" she exclaimed suddenly, waving his marks around.
"What? Is there something wrong with it?"
"You got distinguished honors in Defense," she said emphasizing the word.
Ron looked at Harry in surprise and gave a low whistle.
"Even Percy didn't get that."
"What does it mean?"
"Didn't you read it?"
"It means you got the highest score in recorded history, young man," Remus informed him proudly.
"Oh, it must've been the patronus," Harry murmured aloud.
Ron shook his head at Harry's cluelessness, but Hermione would not let it go.
"Harry, don't you see, that's amazing! They'll probably have a ceremony when we go back in September!"
"What?" Harry asked in dismay.
"Sorry mate, looks like your fan club might be starting a little bit early," Ron taunted.
Everyone laughed at the resigned terror on Harry's face and let the topic drop. As they put their letters back in the envelopes, Hermione remembered that Ginny was working on the posters and dashed upstairs to help.
"Poster for what?"Remus inquired.
"We're starting a charity program for Voldemort's victims," Ron stated proudly.
"Sounds like a lot of work," he said thoughtfully.
"Way to be supportive, Remus," Harry teased him.
"Oh, I think it's a good idea," Remus smiled, "I just don't know how well it'll succeed."
"We're going to make it work," Ron insisted in a huff, promptly following Hermione upstairs.
"Oops," Remus said looking bemusedly where Ron had just left.
"He's not angry with you," Harry assured him, "He just really wants this to turn out well, for Hermione."
"Hmm…do you have a plan, though?"
"We've got just about everything arranged, I think"
Harry went on to explain how they planned to use the twins' shop to get everything started and then expand from there. When Harry mentioned Ginny's idea of getting him to endorse it, Remus smiled already knowing Harry hated the idea. Remus listened carefully and offered a few of his own ideas at the end.
"Fortescue would probably support you," Remus told Harry. "He lost his wife and daughter in the last war and he doesn't much like Minister Fudge."
Harry remembered the old man giving him free ice cream sundaes a couple of summers ago and agreed he would be one of the first shops they contacted. Remus also suggested that instead of their sponsors just giving the charity goods, maybe they should offer the people donating money something.
"For instance, at the ice cream parlor, if they donate books or money, they get a free scoop of ice cream."
Remus and Harry talked more until Ron and the girls came downstairs to present their posters. Ron was disappointed they could not make them move, since they did not have the use of their wands, but they seemed pleased overall. The posters were on simple parchment and written in Hermione's neat hand.
"I came up with the wording," Ron informed them.
Phoenix's Flame
A Flare of Hope in a Time of Darkness
Phoenix's Flame is a charity organization that helps support the victims of Voldemort's attacks. Currently, we are collecting donations to help Hermione Granger and her family whose home was burned down by Death Eaters.
To see a list of needed goods or to make a donation, go to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and ask for Fred or George Weasley.
Beneath the writing was a picture of a beautiful burning phoenix that Ginny sketched from a book she brought.
"Very nice," Remus praised them, as he looked them over. "I'm surprised you didn't say He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named though."
Ron shrugged and replied nonchalantly, "It's a step in the right direction."
Remus raised his eyebrow at Ron's behavior and Hermione explained, "He just started saying Voldemort today."
"Ah," Remus replied, looking back at the posters. "You know, I can't animate them, but I may be able to help."
Remus traced his wand over the edge of the posters and on top of the image of the phoenix, as he muttered a spell. Harry looked at the poster Remus was holding to see that it now glittered gold along the border and the edges of the phoenix's wings. Ginny squealed in delight and handed him the rest of the posters.
"What charm are you using?" Hermione asked as she watched him work.
"It's one I learned during my marauder days," Remus revealed between two posters. "I just adjusted it slightly to change the colors."
Hermione looked at Remus in respect and started quizzing him about it.
"The original spell is Micocolorus," Remus explained. "It causes whatever the color your charm to glitter; my version is somewhat more complicated as it adds a different color."
Harry listened as Remus described the spell. He was intrigued that Remus had altered the spell.
"The spells I cast were Mico Rutilus and Mico Aurum. Rutilus and Aurum being the Latin words for red and gold respectively, which seems quite a simple change."
Harry nodded at Remus statement, but Hermione shook her head.
"Hermione, you intend to continue with Arithmacy, correct?"
"Yes, sir," Hermione responded. "I want to continue with all of my courses."
"In that case, you will probably learn more about the topic this year. I won't go into all of the Arithmancy behind making the adjustment, but in the end the spell wording and the wand movement had to change to make it work. Initially just tracing the wand tip over the desired area and saying the spell was enough. To add color, one must pause after the word 'mico,' and instead of just tracing over the area a swift tap must follow at the end of the spell.
Harry did not think that was too complicated, but Hermione was nodding as though it was, so Harry assumed that Remus was oversimplifying things so he could understand. Remus continued explaining.
"The spell was created for use by the public, meaning that anyone who learns how to cast it properly will be able to do so. When I adjusted the spell for my own means I limited the number of people who can use. Generally, it seems that witches and wizards who have similar…powers, shall we say, can use it."
"So you mean that a weaker person couldn't use the spell?" Harry questioned.
"Not necessarily," Remus clarified, shifting into professor mode. "Witches or wizards can be good at one subject like Charms, but inept at another like Transfiguration. The Shimmer Charm falls under the charms category as you don't change the physical structure of the object you cast it on. Consequently, someone who excels in Transfiguration may not be able to use the charm."
"Theoretically, though," Hermione asked, "shouldn't a powerful enough witch or wizard be able to use any spell, no matter its classification?"
"In theory, yes," Remus agreed, "In fact, someone with that amount of magical power probably wouldn't even need to say the spell."
Hermione nodded in acceptance of his explanation, seeming to have put some thought into it beforehand. Remus glanced at the clock of the mantle and Harry saw his eyebrows shoot up.
"Unfortunately, I can't explain anything more as it appears that I am late for an appointment. I'm glad I got to spend some time with you today though," Remus said smiling at the group.
He quickly walked out of the room and Harry heard you exit through the front door. Ginny gathered the completed eleven posters and laid them on the table in front of the couch.
"Didn't we make twelve posters?" Hermione asked, thumbing through the signs.
Ron shrugged, but Ginny replied, "I thought we did, but maybe we counted wrong."
Hermione continued stopped counting and mumbled, "I guess so…"
"So, Hermione told me you lot got your OWL results," Ginny announced.
Ron puffed up and proudly listed off his scores causing his sister to clap happily for him.
"What do you think mum is going to get you?" she asked.
Ron's face perked up and he looked happier than a kid a Christmas. Ginny smiled and asked Harry what his scores were, as Ron gave a list of the things he might get to Hermione.
"I got seven," Harry told her.
"I seem to remember Hermione screaming at me that you got a little something else, as well," Ginny chuckled.
"Yeah, I got 'distinguished honors' on my defense score. I still think it's just because I can produce a corporeal patronus, though."
"Harry, give yourself some credit. No one's gotten distinguished honors in a few decades."
Harry was surprised to hear that; he had thought it was something that happened every few years. Still not wanting to think of the consequences his so-called accomplishment might have, Harry changed the subject.
"Have you started worrying about your OWLs yet?"
"Oh, don't mention them. Hermione gave me a lecture while we were upstairs about how I should start studying right now. It's going to be a nightmare," Ginny groaned.
"Come on, it won't be that bad. I mean, we weren't stressing all that much and we did fine."
"Are you kidding me? You three were acting like headless chickens the week of the exams."
"Huh, I must have obliviated that memory," Harry said airily.
Ginny laughed slightly before asking, "Have you decided what you're going to take next year?"
"I guess whatever I can," Harry responded. "Although, I won't be able to become an Auror… not with my Potion's score."
"I wouldn't worry about it too much. I bet the academy would take you right now, what with all the experience you've got. You've probably got some of the actual Aurors beat."
"I doubt it. I've fought against Voldemort a couple of times, but I've never actually bested him."
"Harry…you're doing it again."
"What?" he asked in confusion.
"Not giving yourself credit. How many people do you think could have lasted this long with a dark lord trying to kill them?"
"All of you have."
"Harry that prophecy talks about you for a reason! Not me, not Hermione, not Ron – you! You have a 'power he knows not'."
"But what is it! How am I supposed to use it?"
"I suspect you'll figure it out when you need it most. Right now, though, I'd say your power is your will to live; think of all the times you've needed a miracle to save you and one just happened to appear."
"You mean Dumbledore swooping in at the last moment to save the day," Harry stated glumly.
"No!" Ginny insisted. "Most of the time you saved yourself. Sure you've got friends to help along the way, but in the end it's always was you who has to take advantage of our help."
Harry could not deny that there was truth in Ginny's words but still he did not feel confident in his abilities.
"Harry, it's almost seems like you don't want our support."
"No, that's not it at all," Harry finally said. "Without you lot I'd be dead. I'm just…scared, I guess. What if no one's there when I face him for the last time?"
"Harry, we're not going to leave you," Hermione insisted, joining the conversation.
"We're scared too," Ron admitted, "but we're sticking with you whether you like it or not."
Harry smiled at them in gratitude and said, "It seems like every conversation we have today comes back to this."
"And they probably will until we convince you that we can handle this," Ginny said.
Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement, and Harry slowly began to accept that he really was not completely alone in his battle.
"So, what classes are you going to take next year," Hermione asked the boys.
Ron groaned, "Do we have to talk about school so soon!"
"Don't tell me you haven't started on your summer work yet, Ronald," Hermione threatened.
When she saw that both Ron and Harry ducked their heads in guilt, she adopted an exaggerated offended expression.
"I don't believe you two. Almost two full weeks into summer vacation and you haven't even looked at it!"
"Well, we don't know what classes we're taking yet," Ron suggested in their defense.
"Exactly!" Hermione declared in triumph. "That's why we're going to figure that out right now."
Both boys grumbled in defeat but pulled the second attachment our of the OWL envelopes. Harry unfolded the parchment and began reading, carefully this time.
Mr. Potter,
I am pleased to see that you received the best marks in Defense against the Dark Arts not only in your class, but overall as well. Congratulations. It was a very pleasant, although not completely unexpected, surprise.
All NEWT level classes require at least a score of Acceptable for admittance, no matter the circumstances. Below is a list of the required scores established by the professors for immediate entrance into the NEWT level classes:
Ancient Runes...Acceptable
Arithmancy... Acceptable
Care of Magical Creatures... Acceptable
Divination... Acceptable
Muggle Studies... Acceptable
Practical and Domestic Spells...Acceptable
Astronomy... Exceeds Expectations
Charms... Exceeds Expectations
Defense against the Dark Arts... Exceeds Expectations
Herbology... Exceeds Expectations
History of Magic... Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration... Exceeds Expectations
Potions... Outstanding
In regards to your schedule for next term, you have four classes in which you immediately qualify for the NEWT level: Transfiguration, Charms, Defense against the Dark Arts, and Care of Magical Creatures.
However, as I am sure you are aware you would also need the Potion's NEWT to qualify as an Auror, which you expressed to be your desired future goal. Your situation is most unusual in that you received such high marks in some areas and yet alarmingly low ones in others. Nonetheless, as I promised you, I will do everything in my power to see that you became an Auror. I intend to personally talk with Professor Snape and the headmaster to see if I can arrange something; I feel confident that I shall.
As a sixth year student, it is required that you take five regular courses throughout the school year, three of which must be NEWT level. In the case that my endeavors fail, I suggest that you choose an alternative course to take in addition to the four classes I listed above. I would advise against selecting Divination once more.
Please fill out the attached form and owl your decisions to me as soon as possible. I hope you have an enjoyable summer vacation and I look for to seeing you in September.
Professor McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry glanced over the part of the letter suggesting which courses he should before he looked up. Hermione was already filling out the form and Harry could see that she was simply writing down all of her same classes. Ron, on the other hand, was fretfully chewing on the end of his quill and asking Ginny for suggestions at the same time. Remembering his friend's scores, Harry realized that Ron had even less options than he did.
Hermione finished writing and saw that Harry was looking slightly puzzled so she asked him if he needed any help.
"Well, McGonagall said I should definitely take the classes I got O's and E's in, but she said I should pick another course as well."
"It's a shame you didn't get the mark you needed in Potions," Hermione lamented.
"McGonagall said she'd try to work something out, but that this other course should be back up."
Hermione looked at him in surprise. "Even with an A, when Snape requires an O for his NEWT level class?" she questioned.
Harry shrugged his shoulders in response.
"Well, I was going to suggest that you should take the alternative potions class…you wouldn't be able to take the NEWT level with me of course, but it's better than nothing."
"What do you mean 'the alternative course'?"
"During sixth year, Hogwarts offers alternative courses in place of NEWT level classes for students who want to further their knowledge of a subject but don't feel ready for the NEWT level. This is in Hogwarts: a History and some of the handbooks McGonagall gave us last year, you know," Hermione admonished.
"But that's what we have you for," Ron cheerfully inserted, adamantly listening to her textbook explanation as well.
Hermione shook her head in mock despair, but continued anyway.
"The school offers alternative classes for the main subjects in the normal curriculum. The same material is taught at a less stringent pace, but the most significant difference is that the professor isn't the same."
Both Harry and Ron's attitudes shifted upon hearing this as they imagined potions without the dreaded Professor Snape.
"Sometimes another professor teaches the class because he or she also like the topic, especially the professors of our secondary classes, but many times the school hires part-time teachers to come in and hold private lessons," Hermione continued explaining. "In recent years, the alternative classes haven't been very popular because students view them as a waste of time as you can't get NEWT credit for them. Most people opt to take remedial classes and then take an advanced version of the OWLs, the IMPs or the Intermediary Magical Practicals, at the end of the year. The IMPs qualify you for the NEWT level course in seventh year and thus the NEWTs themselves. Of course, it goes on your transcript that you took the IMPs instead of progressing straight to the NEWT level classes."
Ron was beginning to sport a confused expression, but Harry thought he got the gist of it. Percy and the twins had not taken any IMPs classes so even Ron and Ginny did not know about them.
"So, who teaches the remedial classes," Harry asked.
"The same professors who teach the NEWT classes, except you take extended lessons on the weekends and sit in on the NEWT classes. However, you can only take one remedial course and only if you are one mark below the cut off for the NEWT class," Hermione said, apologetically as she had not mentioned the last bit before.
Harry looked over his grades, trying to decide what to take. He could take a remedial course in Astronomy or Herbology but he did not particularly want to continue with either of the classes.
"Hermione," Harry finally asked, "What if I want to take a class I've never had before?"
Hermione pondered for a moment before she responded. "I think you would have to start from the beginning and take classes with the third years. I've never really heard of anyone doing that though."
"Oh," Harry replied, not liking the idea very much.
"You could owl Professor McGonagall and ask her what your choices are," Hermione suggested.
Harry nodded and grabbed a blank piece of parchment. After writing the letter and getting Hermione's approval, Harry left to find Hedwig. Harry remembered that she was in his bedroom, but went to the kitchen first to get her some scraps of food. He assumed she had eaten while she was trying to find him, but she always seemed to welcome extra treats. Finding some leftover bacon from breakfast and a dish to fill with water, Harry brought the items upstairs and into his room. Hedwig was resting on the headboard of his bed with her head tucked under her wing. Harry laid his offerings on the nightstand and walked over to her.
"Hey there girl," Harry crooned as he gently stroked her back.
Hedwig woke at his touch and stretched her wings into the air. She hooted in response to his welcome and nibbled his finger slightly. Harry fed her some of the bacon and showed the water dish to her. Luckily, she did not seem angry with him, as Harry had feared seeing as he had left her and gone where she could not find him.
"I'm sorry about yesterday," he said. "Although you did a very good job of finding me anyway, didn't you?"
Hedwig ruffled her feathers and hooted in way that seemed to say, "Of course!" Harry chuckled at her personality.
"I hope you're up to another trip 'cause I've got a letter that needs to go all the way to Hogwarts."
Hedwig bobbed her head in response and lifted her leg for him to tie the letter on. As Harry did so he explained that hopefully he would still be here or at the Burrow by the time she returned.
"Now, do you know how to get out of here?" Harry asked.
Hedwig flew to his shoulder in response.
"I suppose that's a no," Harry murmured as he walked out of the room.
Harry went back downstairs in search of someone who could tell him how to send his letter. He supposed that he could have tried to contact McGonagall by floo, but he certainly did not enjoy that mode of transportation and he was not even sure if she lived in the castle during the summer. Harry poked his head into the study to see Tonks examining some papers on the table. As far as he could, she was the only other person in the house.
"Wotcher Tonks" Harry called from the doorway.
Tonks looked up sharply at his greeting and quickly gathered the papers up. "Hello, Harry. I didn't see you there."
"Doing secret work for the Order, I assume," Harry said jokingly.
"Something like that…" Tonks mumbled. "What can I do for you?"
Harry wanted to ask her more about what she was doing, but knew that would probably just get him in trouble.
"I wanted to owl a letter to Hogwarts about my courses next year, but I wasn't sure how to send it," Harry said, stroking Hedwig's head gently.
"The safest way would be to let her out through the back windows in the kitchen," Tonks recommended directly. "We're not supposed to do anything from the front door that might seem unusual to the muggles."
Harry thanked her and left Tonks to continue pouring over her map. He noticed that she did not seem her normal chipper self, but did not know what to make of it. Harry tried to open a couple of windows in the kitchen but only the one over the sink would budge. Once it was ajar, Hedwig took to the air and soared through the petite gap; Harry watched her until she disappeared into the sky. When he returned to the library, Ron was just finishing the form for what classes he wanted to take next year.
"What did you decide on?" Harry asked, looking over Ron's shoulder.
"I qualified for the Magical Creatures, Defense, and Charms NEWTs classes so I'll be taking those. And I decided to take the Transfiguration remedial course, since that one seemed most important. I didn't really want to continue with any of the other ones, but since I have to have a fifth class I settled on the alternative Herbology class. I'm just glad I won't have Snape anymore."
Harry nodded and agreed that those looked that like Ron's best options. Neither of them was sure what occupation those classes would make him eligible for, but Ron did not seem to care for now.
"I've still got to get my parent's approval on this before I can owl it though," Ron informed them, tucking the form into his pocket.
Not having anything to do again Harry looked around the room to see that Hermione was curled up in a chair again with her sizeable book and that Ginny was asleep on the couch. His stomach growled and Harry looked at the clock to realize it had been five hours since their sandwiches at lunch.
"Think there's anything in the kitchen we can make for dinner," Harry asked Ron.
"I should think my mum's cooking us something," Ron said as his own stomach grumbled.
"I don't think there's anyone here except us and Tonks."
"What about my parents?" Hermione asked, peeking over her book.
"I don't think they're here. I just went around the house looking for someone and I only found Tonks in the study."
"That's strange," Hermione said, setting her book aside. "They can't have gone anywhere. They don't know this area at all."
Harry shrugged and suggested they ask Tonks. They decided to let Ginny remain sleeping and headed to the study across the hall. As they entered the room, Tonks once again quickly put away the map she was surveying.
"Do you need something?" Tonks asked.
"I was wondering where my parents are," Hermione asked.
"Dumbledore invited them to go look at a house."
"That was quick," Hermione stated in surprise. "What didn't anyone ask me to go?"
"You weren't needed," Tonks replied with a half shrug.
"Where'd my mum go?" Ron asked as well.
"She…" Tonks paused for moment. "She went home."
"Why'd she go back home?" Ron asked the confusion clear in his voice. "Did she at least leave us any food?"
"I don't know, why don't you go check the kitchen?" Tonks responded, gesturing towards the doorway.
The three left and headed to the kitchen. Ron immediately began looking through the cupboards but did not spot any food anywhere.
"That's not like Mum," Ron expressed rubbing his complaining stomach. "She's usually fretting that we don't get enough food."
"Did you notice that Tonks didn't seem quite herself," Hermione asked, looking thoughtful.
Harry nodded and replied, "She seemed distant, like she didn't want us in there."
"Harry, I think you're point from earlier about no one being here is starting to make sense," Hermione said, beginning to pace the room. "I mean, doesn't it seem kind of odd that Dumbledore was so willing to let you stay here another day when he wants you to keep living with your relatives, for your own safety, even when your uncle's abusing you."
Harry nodded silently, not sure where Hermione was leading to with her train of thought.
"And why would Mrs. Weasley bring both Ginny and Ron here and go home without them?"
"She did seem rather adamant that we come here this morning," Ginny put in, walking into the kitchen rubbing her eyes.
"Do you think something's going on?" Ron asked dubiously. "I didn't think Voldemort would try something so soon after his last attack."
"Why else would everyone mysteriously disappear without telling us anything?" Harry disagreed.
"Dumbledore even gave us our OWL results to keep us occupied," Hermione added.
It seemed that Dumbledore was more determined than ever to keep Harry and thus his friends clueless about the war. Harry turned and headed back to the study his anger easily palpable. Harry stormed into the study and began venting his temper without delay.
"What's going on! Was there another attack!" Harry demanded, glaring at Tonks.
"What? There hasn't been an attack. Calm down," Tonks insisted, surprised at his sudden enterance.
"What are you trying to hide?" he persisted.
"I don't want to…I'm not supposed to…argh!" Tonks faltered in frustration, placing her hands on either side of her head.
The others walked into the room, as Tonks struggled to form a sentence. While Harry waited for her to explain, he noticed the faint odor of smoke lingering in the room.
"Would you believe me if I told you nothing bad was happening?" Tonks finally asked with hope in her voice.
Harry wanted to say no and force her to tell him what was going on, but realized he was being extremely narrow-minded.
"Yes, we would," Hermione answered for him, standing at his side.
Tonks heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Good, because there isn't."
Harry looked at her shrewdly and Tonks' guard fell a little.
"All right, there is something I'm not supposed to tell you, but I promise it's nothing bad," she insisted. "I knew he shouldn't have told me to do this," Tonks muttered to herself.
"We are acting rather paranoid, you know." Ron whispered to them.
Harry backed down slightly, realizing the truth in the statement.
"We have a right to be," Hermione defended, sounding embarrassed.
"That may be true," Ginny acknowledged, "but that doesn't give us the right to interrogate Tonks like she's the enemy."
"Here, here," Tonks called from her seat at the table.
Harry rubbed the back of his head in shame as he imagined how offensive he must have sounded.
"Sorry, Tonks, it's just…" Harry tried to apologize.
"It's alright Harry, I know you're going through a pretty rough time right now," Tonks said, a saddened look in her eyes.
Before anyone could respond, a call sounded from the hallway abruptly followed by the screech of Mrs. Black.
"Is there anyone here?" Mrs. Weasley's voice rang out.
As Harry ran into the hall to help end Mrs. Black's screams, he noted that it was unlike Mrs. Weasley to upset the portrait. Ron and he managed to pull the curtains shut before the old woman could recognize anyone and really begin her vindictiveness.
"I thought you went home, mum," Ron said as he relieved his mother of one of the bags she was holding.
"Oh, I did. I went to get some food for dinner. It's rather sad that they keep such few decent fixings here," Mrs. Weasley explained.
Now Harry and his friends were really beginning to feel foolish. It seemed their ideas of secrets and hidden attacks were naught but conjurations of paranoid imaginations. To hide their embarrassment, everyone helped Mrs. Weasley get set up in the kitchen until she shooed them out insisting that she could handle supper herself.
They gathered in library glancing warily at each other, not wanting to acknowledge their foolishness.
"If someone would just tell us what's actually going on, this kind of thing wouldn't happen," Ron finally said to ease their bruised confidence, especially Harry's.
Harry looked at his mate and smiled at bit at his attempt at redemption.
"Or we could stop being paranoid," Ginny speculated.
Harry and Ron glanced at each and suddenly shouted, "Constant Vigilance!"
"Oh fine, so maybe a little paranoia doesn't hurt," Ginny admitted, tossing a pillow at the two sitting on the couch.
"I wonder what they're really doing," Hermione pondered aloud, "and who's a part of it."
Harry could tell that she did not like having a mystery in the air with no way to resolve it.
"Oh just drop it," Ron warned, "There's no use getting worked up over nothing."
Hermione glared at him halfheartedly but offered no witty retort. After a bit, Mrs. Weasley called them into the kitchen for supper; they enjoyed some homemade casserole and chocolate pudding for dessert. As they ate, Mrs. Weasley offered a suggestion to her children.
"Since we're all going to Diagon Alley tomorrow morning, I see no reason to return home tonight. So I brought over the necessary things for the two of you to spend the night. And Harry dear, I brought you an extra outfit too; it's in Ron's bag."
Ron and Ginny cheered and took the small bags that their mother handed them. Once everyone finished with dessert, Mrs. Weasley sent them upstairs with orders to brush their teeth and go to bed. Ron roomed with Harry, whose bedroom now contained two beds once again. And Ginny would be sharing the room Hermione had slept in the night before, which was adjacent to her parent's room. For once, they listened to her and fell asleep looking forward to excursion into Diagon Alley tomorrow.
