Mellyone: thanx for the review, I rather liked that line myself, ;-), thanks for the beta offer but I already got one though they haven't responded, also you addy didn't come up in the review -/ oh and good luck with your own story.
Danniegirl85: thanx for the review and offer, much appreciated.
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Harry stumbled into the kitchen bleary eyed and collapsed at the table, while Mrs Weasley placed a delicious plate of toast in front of him which he ate without even noticing where they had come from.
Hermione and Ginny were talking quietly in a corner, and Mr Weasly and Charlie were slumped over their food. He supposed he looked in much the same condition. He yawned and continued to eat, oblivious to the rising levels of conversation going on around him as the rest of the inhabitants drifted into the kitchen. They were going to Hogwarts to get their OWL results because Dumbeldore didn't want any Death Eaters following the post owls to Grimmuald place.
Just as Harry was wondering how exactly they would get to Hogwarts Dumbeldore arrived and took Harry into the living room. After closing the door he gave Harry a long hard look in the eyes, and Harry vaguely noted that it was probably the first time he had looked him in the eye since 4th year.
Dumbeldore nodded and seemed appeased, "your doing very well in Occulemency but that isn't what I'd like to talk to you about. I'm afraid that I have to ask you to do a very hard thing today." he paused for a moment and looked suddenly very sad and old; "I understand completely if you do not wish to participate in this but I personally, think it would be good for you to go." he paused again, and Harry stared to get feelings of dread deep within the pit of his stomach, he had rarely seen Dumbeldore so sad before, and the last time he had was when Sirus died. "this evening Sirus' will is being read at Gringotts"
He continued to talk but Harry had no idea what he was saying, he had a vague awareness that he was now sitting on the sofa but had no idea how he got there. He dropped his head into his hands and vainly tried to block all the memories out. He couldn't let them control them, he couldn't give Voldemart a way in, leave a weakness. He felt and arm snake around his shoulders and stroke his head in a calming gesture. It continued slowly and softly, gently brining Harry back to reality. Whenever he felt he had regained control of his emotions he sat up to see Ginny looking at him with a concerned expression. She swept him into her arms and held him in a tight embrace. He suddenly discovered that it was so much more harder to hold everything in, in her arms. He fruitlessly attempted to chock back sobs to no avail. He hazily heard Ginny murmur softly, "just let it out, it'll be easier then I promise, just let it out" and he did. It was Ginny's loving and calming presence that kept him sane and when she wiped away his tears he swore to himself that he wouldn't let this happen to anyone else, he wouldn't let Voldemort destroy any more families or lives. Right there and then he knew he would defeat him, he was no longer anything faintly human he was a disease that had to be destroyed before it could do anymore harm. He took Ginny's hand and walked into the kitchen; tall, proud and strong.
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Hogwarts was eerily quiet, even more so than during the holidays Harry had previously spent there, now there really was no one there. Except for the house elves he supposed, they probably didn't have anywhere else to go, he was about to see if Hermionie had noticed this fact when he noticed she wasn't there.
"Ginny, where's Hermione?" he asked quietly
Ginny looked up at him innocently, a bit too innocently actually, "um, I think she was experimenting something with the twins. We're gonna meet her at their shop in Diagon Ally with her results"
Harry frowned in puzzlement, this was extremely um-Hermionie like, she had always disapproved of the twins jokes. "Ginny what exactly is she experimenting with the twins?"
Ginny shot him that exact same look, now Harry was extremely inquisitive, "I've no idea probably just some obscure point of transfiguration or charms or something. You know what Hermione's like"
Since Ginny didn't appear about to give any concessions on the subject Harry decided not to press the subject and instead tired to quell the nervousness that was running through him, he could feel his hands shacking and was extremely grateful when Ginny gave him one a reassuring squeeze.
He didn't think he had done too badly, but he wanted to be an Auror so badly. If he didn't where else would he learn all the skills he needed to defeat Voldemort? He had no disillusions about defeating him before he left school, he simply wouldn't have enough experience.
They all sat down on a round table in the Grand Hall, apart from himself and Ginny; Ron, Mrs. Weasly, Eiblin, Naimh and Mad-Eye were also there. Harry felt a pang as he noticed Tonks absence, she had nearly always been there to protect him with the rest of the Order and the fact that she had betrayed him made her absence all the more keenly felt.
Dumbeldore then arrived carrying letters, which banished all thoughts from Harry's mind and he apprehensively accepted a letter from Dumbeldore. It was made of thick expensive parchment and bore the Ministry of Magic crest. He apprehensively opened it and started to read:
Mr Harry Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have received the following OWLS:
Defence against the dark arts : Outstanding
Transfiguration: Exceeds Expectations
Divination: Acceptable
Charms: Outstanding
Potions: Exceeds Expectations
History of Magic: Acceptable
Herbology: Exceeds Expectations
Astronomy : Acceptable (special allowances made for interruptions during exam)
In total you received : 10 OWLS (points standing at 1 point for each A and EE achieved, and 2points for each O received)
After the disappearance of Professor Umbridge, Madam Bones has been instated as the Minister for Education and has introduced the following reforms:
To study a subject for NEWT level the student must receive at least Exceeds Expectations at OWL level
A student must study a minimum of 4 subjects for NEWT level and a maximum of 6.
Due to the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named duelling has been added to the OWL and NEWT curriculum.
Please write below the subjects you wish to study for NEWT level and post the letter Professor Dumbeldore, Hogwarts.
Harry sat back in shock, and re-read the letter a couple of times before it sank in. He had done it, he passed. He could now become an Auror.
He glanced round the table with a happy bemused expression, Ron was being tightly hugged by Mrs Weasley and bore a similar expression. Ginny was trying to read his letter without be obvious about it but soon gave up on her futile actions and grabbed it out of his hand. He grinned at her fondly before going to talk to Dumbeldore.
"ah, Proffessor, I was wondering what subjects you would recommend to become an Auror?"
"yes Harry, I was meaning to ask you about that, I would ask that you leave once space on your timetable free so you may be tutored in Occulemency again. As for becoming an Auror I recommend you study Transfiguration, Charms, Potions and Duelling."
He chuckled slightly at Harry's expression at the mention of potions, "yes Harry, I'm afraid you shall have to continue in you potion making career with Professor Snape."
Harry heaved a great sigh and asked, "Sir, who shall be teaching me Occulemency?" Dumbeldore looked straight at him (for they were now of the same height) "I believe that honour shall be my own Harry"
Harry gazed at Dumbeldore in shock, and bewilderment, "bu..but what about Voldemort?"
"never worry Harry" said Dumbeldore in a placating tone of voice, "I believe you are now strong enough that that shall not be a problem"
Harry grinned widely and wandered off to tell Ginny the good news and see how Ron got on. Maybe this year wasn't going to be so bad after all.
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AN: so what do ya'll think? Please let me know……