[A/N: Here we are at the end of Year 2! Wow, I never thought I'd get this far. I'm so used to writing a one-year only story where Harry and crew figure out what really SHOULD'VE happened and dealt with the problem (Albus, Umbridge, the general mysteries of the magical world.) I look back on what the original version of Sight and Sound was and it makes me glad I decided to revamp it into what it is currently. I'll put the list of 3rd year electives at the end of the chapter so you can see what I think Hogwarts should've offered instead of the paltry handful we saw in canon. Finally, I'm going to use Javascript as the programming language that Harry uses since I'm already familiar with it.]
Chapter 20: Test Preps and Upgrades, End of Year Two
Friday 16 April 1993 Harry's Dorm room, Hufflepuff
To: Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia
Subject: 3rd year elective courses
Attach: (3rd year 3KB)
Dear Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia,
The school has had a tremendous windfall of money come in these past two years and with that, they're introducing a bunch of new classes (or reintroduction with some of them.) I've been looking through the list and there's something like 30 possible subjects I could take!( See enclosed list) I was thinking that I definitely want to continue onto Advanced Potions but Professor Snape has suggested that he could potentially test me out of the class depending on how well I do on this year's final exam.
Love Harry
To: Harry Potter
Subject: Re: 3rd year elective courses
Dear Harry,
Wow, I never realized just how many classes your school had been missing if this is the updated list! I don't remember your mother in any of these classes. My recommendation for Advanced Potions is to see what your professor says. I can't picture him not testing you out of the class since you're so good. I wouldn't be surprised if he had an apprenticeship in mind for you someday. (Aunt Petunia)
Which elective you take should be decided upon what you want to do later in life. Don't limit yourself to what you already know. You've already got the potion making thing down pat and I know that you've expressed an interest in continuing with it but if that your professor says you might want to hold off on taking the class, that suggests he's got something better in mind for you. (Uncle Vernon)
It's a shame that they don't offer any computer classes but I guess that would be too much of a change for a school as old as yours. Don't forget that if you so desire, there are still plenty of classes you can take during the summer to stay current with your mundane studies. Get the best of both worlds, I guess.
Love Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon
Harry clicked off from the responding email from his aunt and uncle and sighed as he returned to the list of electives. It seemed so much simpler if he could just stay with potions and not worry about anything else. 'What other subjects am I interested in?'
"Okay, I know I want to take a language course. Speaking more than one language will be good for me. Which one though… Parsel is out since I already speak it though I don't know how to write in it. Irish and Scottish seem rather limited, I guess if I were to go into some sort of diplomatic route it would be a good idea. Spanish and French is a possiblility; Hermione's mentioned that she can speak French since she's got family there. Not interested in the Mid-Eastern or Asian languages; Mermish is out; it just sounds like screeching to me. Ooh, what about Goblin? That would be fun to see the look on my account manager's face when I start talking in his language." He made a notation on the list to discuss it with Professor Flitwick later since the tiny professor was half-Goblin.
Neville entered just then reeking of manure. The sandy-blonde boy didn't even stop to say hello, he just continued into the bathroom; Harry could hear the shower turn on a moment later.
Shaking his head, Harry continued to ponder out loud, "What about the Wizarding Culture stuff? Might come in handy if I ever have to deal with the snobby kids and adults and figure where I went wrong with the older Slytherins last year." He shrugged and marked it as well.
"No to the cooking stuff. That's what take-out is for. Enchanting? That's a possibility." Neville came out of the bathroom in just a towel and hurried over to his trunk to pull out fresh clothes.
"Nev? What happened?"
"One of the hippogriffs had a… accident and I got in the way," the other boy replied as he pulled on a tunic.
"An accident?" Neville tilted his head 'just so' and stared at Harry until the raven-haired boy 'got it.' "Oh! An accident, yuck! Why didn't you use the showers in the greenhouses?"
Neville paused in thought, "There are no showers in the greenhouses, Harry."
"Yes, there are. Next to the greenhouse office, that second red door? Go in there, squeeze past some boxes and there's a full bathroom with shower and lockers." Neville's mouth dropped open.
"How… When did you find out about that? I thought I was the only one who explored the greenhouses?"
"Helga's portrait told me last week." Neville groaned in response.
"I really need to talk with her. That would've saved me so much time and energy." He groused as he finished tying up his boots. He jutted his chin in Harry's direction, "What are you working on?"
"Trying to figure out which classes I should take next year."
Neville frowned slightly, "I thought you were going to take Advanced Potions?"
Harry shrugged, "I was until Professor Snape said to hold off until after my finals. He's said that he might be able to test me out of the Advanced Potions depending on how well I do."
"I wish I could get out of taking potions," Neville sadly commented. Harry patted him on the back, "Hey, Professor Snape's gotten a lot better since he found out that your family owns those farms and greenhouses, right?"
Neville shrugged, "Yeah but it's not so much him that's the problem. My gran is still getting on my case for not following in my father's footsteps."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Seriously? She's still going on about that? You need to speak with Professor Sprout about her."
Neville gestured in a 'what can you do' manner, "We'll see. Do you need help?" He asked in a move to change the subject.
"I was thinking of taking Goblin as a foreign language and maybe Ancient Runes or Enchanting."
"Too bad you can't do anything with your computer."
Harry laughed, "That's what my aunt and uncle said!"
Dinner, Great Hall, Gryffindor Table
Harry was still going through his lists of potential electives as he joined some of his Gryffindor friends for dinner. Several of the older Gryffs were complaining about they wished the school had offered some of the subjects back when they were in third year. Hermione looked up from her own list while idly chewing on her roast beef sandwich, "Why not consider looking to see what the mundane world has to offer? I know that there are plenty of summer camps where they teach all sorts of things like computer classes, how to swim, art classes and more."
George Weasley turned to her, "Where and how would we be able to contact these camps? The magically raised amongst us would be clueless on how to navigate that world."
Hermione tilted her head in contemplation, "Well… I guess you can say that you were raised in a farming community that abhorred modern technology to be closer to God and that venturing out into the modern world is part of the test on your faith. That would explain why you don't recognize certain things or how to operate stuff like light switches, telly or phones."
George looked thoughtful, "That might work. Is there a way to find out what programs are being offered and how much they cost?"
"Yeah, I can write to my parents and have them send me a copy of the directory for the camps and programs." George thanked her with a tip of his imaginary hat.
She turned back to Harry who was mindlessly chewing on a piece of bread and poked him in the cheek with her finger, "Earth to Harry, come in Harry."
Harry chuckled but kept going, "Yes, Hermione?"
"Still haven't figured out which classes you want to take?" He shook his head no. "Might I suggest that you take something that sounds interesting? You're already a genius with the potion making and you practically wrote the book on magical computing. Just go with something fun and worry about the harder stuff later." He turned and frowned thoughtfully at her.
"But I want to take a serious class and not some fluff subject like Divination."
Hermione leaned up against him, "Harry, Professor Sprout told me that we have the option of dropping a class at the end of third year and starting another one for fourth year if we wanted to."
Like a tremendous weight had been lifted from his shoulders, Harry took a deep breath and his eyes lit up, "Really? That… that's a great idea! Thank you, love of my life." He kissed her on the cheek causing her to giggle and blush madly.
Ron Weasley showed up a few moments later carrying a surprising number of books and notes and dropped down at the table. He grabbed a simple (for him at least) ham sandwich and began reading while chewing. So involved with his reading, he failed to notice the growing silence at the table. Finally, one of the twins had enough, "Um, Ron?" Ron looked up, his countenance clearly still involved with what he'd been reading, "Mmrph?"
"What are you doing?"
"Stu'ying," he replied once he half-swallowed.
"Obviously. But the question is 'Why?' What has gotten you so involved in reading at all? You hate reading anything other than Quidditch magazines."
Ron sighed and put down the notes, "I flunked first year really badly. I saw that one of the electives for third year is Magical Construction and from what I was told, it sounded really interesting. I pleaded with Professor McGonagall and she said that the only way she could even consider letting me take the class is if I can pass my second year Transfiguration with a minimum of an Acceptable."
George (and everyone else) were surprised, "So whose notes are those?"
"Percy's. He was surprised as much as I was when I asked to borrow them."
Murmurs of congratulations and inspiration were heard up and down the table as Ron Weasley actually put some effort into his studies.
Saturday 17 April 1993 Professor Sprout's Office
"Come in, Mr. Potter and let's see what you had in mind for your electives," Pomona greeted the boy into her office and gestured him into a chair. "Hmmm… Goblin for a foreign language? Bold, Mr. Potter, very bold. Have you spoken with Professor Flitwick for his opinion?"
"Yes, professor. He let me hear him speak a short paragraph then talked about what it would take for me to learn how to pronounce some of the harder words. Both he and I feel that even a rudimentary level of knowledge can help me, or at the very least make the Goblins more appreciative that I want to learn."
"Very well. What about your second choice?"
"I had thought really hard about that. Originally, I was going to take Advanced Potions but Professor Snape said that he was going to test me out since I'm so good at it. Then Hermione told me that you told her that I can drop a class at the end of third year for something else so I was thinking of taking the Basic Cursebreaking course."
Pomona looked pleased with his choices, "I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Potter. I think you'll do well in them. Let me have your class request card and I'll get you set up, okay?" He hand it over and was dismissed.
Harry and his friends gathered in the library annex where they could study and talk without disturbing the rest of the library. Hermione was gushing about the reinstated and revamped Arts and Crafts program she was going to be taking next year while Pansy and Millie were in deep discussion about the benefits of learning Magical Cartography and whether or not Advanced Astronomy was a good second choice.
Justin Finch-Fletchley started explaining why he was going to take Business and Enchanting to Ernie MacMillian who had been waffling back and forth on Industrial Crafts or Law as his second choices.
The Librarian, Madam Pince stopped in to offer Millie a copy of what her job description entailed since the pre-teen had expressed an interest in taking the Archival and Library Science class.
"I still can't believe that Ron Weasley is actually studying!" Harry heard Dean Thomas say to Tracy Davis and Daphne Greengrass.
"Hey, Harry! Did you ever find out what Snape wanted you to do for your finals?" Seamus Finnegan asked him.
"Yeah, he said that he was going to test me out from Advanced Potions and that he was looking into if I could be sat for my OWLs early."
That silenced the entire group, "OWLs? Really, Harry? That's impressive!" Seamus exclaimed. Harry gestured in an 'I guess so' motion with his hands. "Not surprising, though when you think about it. You always were the best in the class. Even the Ravenclaws are mystified by your talents." Harry grinned smugly at hearing that.
The next day, Harry stopped in at Professor Flitwick's office to see if he could get an advance copy of the practice exam the Ravenclaw usually handed out before the end of the year tests.
"Um, sure. I can give you a copy. May I ask why, though?"
"I had an idea really late last night that we could use a testing simulator on the computers. I have the Potion's Lab app and it's great but what about the other classes? It would save on materials if the practice exams were done via the computer." Flitwick looked pleasantly surprised by this.
"How long do you think it would take you to come up with the simulator?" Harry shrugged and made a face.
"Dunno. It depends on whether or not the simulator generator can work with magical wording."
"It might cause error messages, you mean?" Flitwick asked and Harry nodded, "Well, if you do run into those problems, come find me and I can come up with replacement wordings." Flitwick handed over the stack of parchment for the second years. Harry flipped through the stack and began murmuring to himself, "That would work. Ok, maybe if I swapped this with… that… ok… I think I can get a prototype up and ready for your approval by the end of next week, professor."
"Deal. I look forward to seeing you in action, Mr. Potter."
After leaving the professor's office, Harry went back to his dorm room and set up his PA to start creating a testing simulator for Second year Charms.
"Ok… let's see what nightmare I can create."
div id="quiz"/div
button id="submit"Submit Quiz/button
div id="results"/div
const quizContainer ('quiz');
const resultsContainer ('results');
const submitButton ('submit');
functionbuildQuiz(){}
functionshowResults(){}
/ display quiz right away
buildQuiz();
/ on submit, show results
submitButton.addEventListener('click', showResults);
const myQuestions [
{
question:"What is the proper incantation to make something fly?",
answers:{
a:"Wingardium Leviosa",
b:"Et Oriri Volent",
c:"Get up there, damn you"
},
correctAnswer:"a"
},
{
question:"What is the proper wand movement to achieve flight?",
answers:{
a:"Point",
b:"Swish and Flick",
c:"Wave your hand like a windmill"
},
correctAnswer:"b"
},
{
question:"Which incantation is used to make a pineapple dance?",
answers:{
a:"Tarantellegra",
b:"Dance baby, dance",
c:"Move it",
},
correctAnswer:"a"
}
];
It took Harry the better part of the two days to assemble something that even resembled a usable exam and that included contacting the professor multiple times to run through the sample tests to see if they worked or needed improvements. Filius could only watch in silent wonder as Harry's fingers danced over the keyboard and worked his 'magic' into creating an online test that would not only allow him to see what his students remembered but would allow the professor to collect the results without even leaving his chair. 'I wonder if the WEA knows about this? I can just imagine the looks on their faces!'
He had a fire-call to make.
Tuesday 20 April, 1993 Charms Class
"Good morning, class. Today we have something new that our very own Mr. Potter has devised to help you all study for your upcoming final exams." Flitwick addressed the class and guests. The other teachers had gathered as well to witness the unveiling of the new online exam simulator.
Harry stood next to one of the computers, "Thank you, Professor Flitwick. Now, the tests here are nearly identical in layout to the official test you will be taking at the end of the year meaning that the first third will be multiple choice, the second third will be matching terms to definitions while the last will be true and false questions. The questions themselves will be changed for the actual final exam, so don't go trying to memorize what you find here." He finished with that admonishment to light groans from his classmates.
Professor Flitwick assigned the students to the computers while the rest stayed at their desks to continue studying. The other professors stood behind the exam takers to watch and learn.
"I can't imagine what you used to create this exam, Mr. Potter. Was it difficult?" Professor Vector asked him. Harry shrugged indifferently, "I think the hardest part was waiting for Professor Flitwick to meet me to go over what worked and what didn't. I used a similar programming language when creating The Potion's Lab so it wasn't too much of a stretch to create this since there's no graphics involved."
"Could someone from the outside connect in to take the test?"
Harry shook his head, "No, I set up a wireless router network between the teacher's host computer and the classroom computers."
"Would you have to do that for each subject?" Professor McGonagall wanted to know.
"I would unless you have a reason to centralize all the tests in let's say, the teacher's lounge?"
Babbling glanced at Minerva, "It might make sense to do that, if I understand this correctly."
"Aye, but why?"
"Less devices that needed to be bought and configured?"
"I could set up some relays throughout the school but I'm not sure if that would work long-term with all of the ambient magic as well as the staff preferences."
"Staff preferences?" Severus inquired.
Harry sneered, "Someone might discover what you're doing and have a fit about all these 'infernal muggle devices interfering with our time-honored traditions.'"
Severus put his hand gently on Harry's shoulder, "If you're worried about Albus, don't be. He's still tied up trying to figure out that false prophecy and probably won't come up for air any time soon."
Harry chuckled darkly, "No, it's not him. It's that Senior Undersecretary to the Minister. That's what she said when I gave my demonstration to him and his senior staff last year. She's been trying to make things difficult for me since then."
Minerva frowned deeply, "Madam Umbridge isn't on the staff here, and she would've had no say on what's allowed to be used within the school anyhow. What has she been doing? I know that she'd that problem with Miss Granger's Crafting Parties but I wasn't aware that she was interfering with you too."
Harry crossed his arms over his chest, "My account manager has told me that she's been trying to push legislature through the ministry to ban my PA's from being sold in Diagon Alley. I countered with the idea that if that came to pass then we'd just move our primary sales floor to Deathcap and Dogweed and Tomes and Scrolls up here in Hogsmeade. He said he'd look into it but not to hold my breath."
The other professors were incensed at The Toad's behavior. Harry snorted, "You know what's funny though? Both Flourish and Blott's as well as Slug and Jigger's have mundane shop fronts in the back of their regular shops on Charing Cross Road. The two halves are separated by warded doors. The owners of both shops have assured me that even if Madam Umbridge managed to get the bill passed, they would just shift their inventory to the mundane side."
"But in the meantime, she's still spreading misinformation around." Harry nodded.
Friday 30 April 1993
Minerva spoke with Daggerclaw and the Hogwarts account manager to transfer the funds needed to pay Harry to set up a complete wireless network within the school. It was decided that the main hub for everything would be located within a small closet in Minerva's office since it was secure and away from prying eyes. When the parts arrived via house-elf delivery, Harry along with some other technically-minded mundane-borns started setting up Hogwarts first ever wireless computer network. He intentionally designed it so the system would only work in the classrooms and the library but not the individual dorms or Common Rooms.
Draco watched and kept making derisive comments about how the school was going to the dogs if the staff kept allowing all of this muggle filth to infiltrate their hallowed halls. It got to the point where Vincent stepped up to his 'boss' and told him flat out to shove his comments and opinions where the sun don't shine then stomped off with Greg following him, a disgusted sneer on both of their faces.
"I don't get him. He's supposed to be a Slytherin. Information gathering using any tools available should be viewed like gold but no, he's got to be a hard-headed and mouthy git," Vince groused to Greg who merely nodded along.
"I think it's time that we separate ourselves from the 'Blonde Ferret,' Greg suggested, "And as a farewell gift, we should think about one epic prank to pull on him."
Vince returned with a shark-like grin, "Cousin, I like how you think. Let's go find the Weasley Twins."
Later that evening, the school burst into uproarious laughter at the sight of the 'new and improved' Draco Malfoy. The boy had been hit again with the Spontaneous Polyjuice potion again but with a twist. This time, he would only change into various odd cartoon clown creatures that many a muggleborn would instantly recognize like for example a 'Screwball' Daffy Duck complete with staff-like tail and a flag with the pictures of a screw and a ball on it, a silly 'daisy petal' style lurid purple ruff around his neck, an insanely bright and gaudy yellow and pink polka dotted bodysuit and flippers for his hands and feet.
In Albus' office…
"A-HA! I got it!" Albus crowed as he scribbled down what he thought was the answer to one of the lines in the prophecy involving him. He was momentarily dismayed to learn that the 'old goat' was a reference to him but hey, you gotta sometimes take one for the team, right?
"Now, I think that the bumblebee has to be a reference to Gilderoy Lockhart. He's been buzzing around Minerva and she's my subordinate which means he's stalking under me since I've seen him pacing around the school chasing after his adoring fans." He reasoned with himself.
Feeling proud of himself, he called for an elf to send up some tea and snacks. As he sat there sipping his tea, he pondered what the rest of it meant, "Rainless Timberland has to be a desert but where around here is there a desert?" He stared off into the distance and in his weird viewpoint thought that maybe the students could be seen as a forest… a forest of young minds. 'And it doesn't rain inside of the castle…'
"Hey, wait a moment… Perpetually bound, I'm bound to this school. I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. That could work since the old goat is me but what does Arctic Abandoned mean?" He munched on a turkey sandwich before realization hit. He jumped up and startled Fawkes with his exuberance, "I've got it! Arctic Abandoned means 'the cold is gone!' Heat, it must refer to heat and am I not always being put in the hotseat whenever someone or something goes wrong around here?" He danced a jig right there and scrambled for a quill.
"Ha! I've got it solved! Perpetually Bound (I'm never leaving the school) and Arctic Abandoned (I'm always under scrutiny from others), the bumblebee (Gilderoy Lockhart) stalks under the old goat (me). Rainless Timberland (the inside of the school and its students), A delightful biscuit (Severus, maybe?) roars at the old flower (Minerva or Pomona, because of Quidditch?)"
Feeling overjoyed at solving the mystery, Albus called for an elf to bring him a large slice of lemon cake and more tea. He settled into his throne and smiled warmly to himself, "It's good to be me!"
Ministry for Magic, Dolores Umbridge's office…
"Ah, Miss Skeeter! Lovely to see you dear. Thank you for coming so promptly," Dolores simpered to the gossip writer with the overly dyed blonde hair coiffed into perfect ringlets. "I have a story that needs your special skills."
Rita had been ushered in and directed to a seat, "You said this involved Hogwarts and the falling standards there?" She quickly set up a Dicta-Quill and notebook.
"Hem, hem. Yes, dear, I did. I witnessed a mud-er, muggleborn holding a bacchanal orgy in the Great Hall and Minerva McGonagall's only response was to shrug and dismiss it as being 'a bit noisy.' I would like you to go up there and root around for anything that could be used to derail the debauchery."
Rita shrugged; it was no problem for her, "When do they hold these 'parties?'"
"I was told there would be one tomorrow in the Great Hall," Dolores replied with an evil look on her fat face.
Saturday 1 May 1993 Great Hall
Thanks to the amazing clairvoyant abilities of Luna Lovegood who dreamily mentioned that holding a Crafting Party today would be a good idea to catch a nosy beetle, Hermione set up a classic church social 'Sewing Circle.' Those who were interested (everyone) were welcome to learn how to sew, quilt, do needlepoint and more. There wasn't the usual ruckus involved either; the musical selection was downright sedate in comparison with Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Bach, Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor, "Fur Elise" and Symphony No. 5 in C-minor Op 67, both by Beethoven being the most 'stirring.'
High up in the rafters overlooking the industrious students sat a gaudy looking beetle with unique features. It observed the goings-on and shook its head in exasperation. Umbridge was a fool! This wasn't a bacchanal, it was a tea party for Merlin's sake! She'd seen more wildness from the summer school shopping sprees every August.
'Still, some of these crafts look mighty interesting. That silk scarf printing thing they're doing looks like fun…'
Rita fluttered down from her spying spot and headed out of the Hall to transform back into her human form then re-entered the Hall. Hermione glanced up and walked over, "Hello. May I help you?"
Rita smiled in what she thought was a warm manner (Hermione thought she looked more like a crocodile), "Yes, dear. I heard that the school has been holding crafting parties and I thought I'd stop in and see what was on offer, if you don't mind?"
Hermione gestured back to the Hall, "Be welcome to our gathering. We have a number of fun crafting projects for all skill levels and interests. Off to your left, we have people learning how to sew a quilt, next to them is the table for those who wish to learn how to knit and crochet. The table in the back with the tubs and paint cans is for those interested in what's known as 'hydro-dipping.' We also have a weaving loom set up on the right hand side. For musical entertainment, we have a random selection of classical musical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Handel and the like. Feel free to wander and ask questions, if you have any."
Oh, Rita had questions. 'This should be enlightening…'
By the time that the party had ended, Rita was…well, she was enlightened alright. She'd learned so much about needlecrafts, weaving and that hydro-dipping thing. Everyone she spoke with only had wonderful things to say about the event organizer Miss Hermione Granger. Even the Slytherins, with their legendary dislike if not outright hatred towards muggleborns looked fondly on the bushy-haired girl.
In the morning Daily Prophet, the expose that was supposed to be a scathing piece on the bacchanal debauchery that according to rumor, was leading the sons and daughters of proud, upstanding pureblood families to ruin turned out to be a glowing recommendation in the creative mind and spirit organized by a spunky and well-thought of muggleborn whose only desire was to make Hogwarts less dreary and more colorful. The article described the beautiful music that was played in the background that soothed and danced at the same time while your fingers were busily sewing together a quilt for someone's bed, a soft and cute pair of pajamas for those cool autumn days when a cup of tea, pajamas and a thick comfy sweater was the only order of the day.
In the Ministry, anyone with an ounce of brain power made sure to stay as far away from the Senior Undersecretary as possible. The Toad's screams of rage were reaching new heights of power in that they were heard all the way into the Department of Mysteries.
Wednesday 5 May 1993
Draco was in agony. Every time he left his dorm, he was in danger of getting hit with another stinging hex that caused his underpant to turn soggy wet leaving him squishing in the halls. It didn't matter how many times he changed, the moment he heard 'Aculeus!' he'd feel the pinch of the sting followed by the cold, squishy wetness as if he'd sat in a puddle. He'd even tried going around sans pants but that just left him with a chafing rash. It was shaping up to be a 'Week of Hell.'
On Monday, someone had swapped out his wand with an ordinary stick from a tree! He'd spent the morning in Defense trying in vain to cast a silencing spell at that annoying Anthony Goldstein but nothing was working. It was only after class did he catch the swap…
Next, he'd been subjected to having his arms glued to his sides the next morning when he put on his deodorant. According to Madam Pomfrey, some miscreant supplanted his deodorant with spray adhesive!
Tuesday he was subjected to the indignities of having been sent a box of Honeydukes Finest that had been unknowingly tampered with. Someone had laced the chocolate cauldrons with a strong laxative and charmed the box with a compulsion to eat as many as he could.
Wednesday, he got a week's worth of detention after McGonagall had received a gift box filled with cat toys and a bag of catnip with a note supposedly signed by him saying, "Have fun, pussycat!"
In all, he was dreading what would occur tomorrow.
Over at the Gryffindor table sat an unlikely quartet, the Weasley Twins were conferring with Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle and they were planning out their next prank. All four had identical wicked smiles on their faces.
For everyone else, the month of May passed relatively quietly. Hermione held another couple of Crafting Parties, Luna held more classes on how to dance, Harry oversaw the Potions Club and still strange in everyone's mind, Ron Weasley studied like there was no tomorrow. Harry found out from Severus that the older man was indeed planning on testing Harry out and organizing for the boy to sit his OWL for Potions when the examiners arrived in June.
The teachers were amazed by how well the testing simulators were working. Harry had loaded the programming up for Professor Vector to examine and she was flabbergasted at the seemingly incomprehensible coding was able to do what it did.
In the May staff meeting…
Despite the continued disdain the other professors had for him, Gilderoy still entered the room as if he were a conquering hero back from some far-flung adventure. Upon noticing that the others were still ignoring him, he growled lowly and flopped heavily into an open chair and crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.
Albus entered the room with a spring in his step. Minerva, Severus and Pomona (Filius was running late) glanced nervously at each other. If Albus was this cheerful, someone was probably going to get shafted.
"Well, let's begin and let Filius get caught up later. I wish to announce that the prophecy regarding me has been solved! It's true; I solved the prophecy and let me tell you, it wasn't a fairy doddle. It took many weeks of analyzing every nuance and possible meaning but I succeeded." He puffed up in pride to the surprised muted applause from the staff.
"So what do you intend to do with the information, Albus?" Minerva asked him.
Albus sat down on his chair and sighed, "That I don't know yet, Minerva. I fear that the cracking of the code as it were; was only the first step in many." Severus secretly sighed in relief that the old goat was still going to be chewing on the new mystery and leaving Harry alone.
Monday 7 June 1993 Great Hall
Today was the day when the Wizarding Examination Authority would be arriving to administer the OWL and NEWT tests for the fifth and seventh year students, respectively. Harry was understandably nervous as he'd never had to take such an important test before. If he screwed up on it, he'd have to wait until his fifth year to try and take it again. Hermione did her best to distract her boyfriend by holding little shadow puppet shows late at night before bedtime, making up humorous stories on the fly. It never failed to make him laugh and love her all that much more. She even kissed him on the lips a couple of times when she thought no one was looking leaving him dazed and grinning goofily for several minutes.
While the rest of the school was still going over their notes, Harry and the fifth years were in the Great Hall filling out the written part of the exams. Questions included ingredient harvesting and preparation, identifying an unknown potion based on its physical properties and descriptions or values, ingredient identification, potion identification, safety procedures and two essay questions on what they would do in a given situation.
Harry looked over the test he was given and smiled happily, he was worried for nothing if these were the sort of questions he was being asked to answer:
In which scenario would you use a Deflating Draught ?
Inflicting Disappointment
Reducing a Target's Ego
Nulling Effects of Swelling Solution
Which is a possible side effect of Pepperup Potions ?
Steam Coming Out of Ears
Sneezing Fits
Excessive Mucus
How many Lionfish Spines are used in one batch of Herbicide Potion ?
Five
Zero
Four
How long should a Polyjuice Potion stew before usage ?
One Day
One Week
One Month
After their time was up, the papers were collected and they were given ten minutes to get ready for the practical exam. Harry sought out Professor Snape and asked him if he was allowed to bring in his PA for the practical part.
"I'm not sure. Wait here." Severus pondered then turned to exit the room. He was gone for a couple minutes before returning with a Mr. Tofty who looked like a slight breeze would blow him away.
"Mr. Potter? Professor Snape here says you have a device you use when brewing potions?" Harry nodded and handed it over, the Lab already loaded. Tofty looked surprised and rather puzzled, "Care to explain what I'm looking at here?"
Harry went through his now 'usual' demonstration of how the Potioneer's Assistant worked and how it allowed him to produce high-quality brews by providing a means of experimentation without wasting precious resources.
Tofty's hands were shaking in excitement. It was so rare these days to be excited by anything really, "I say, Mr. Potter. This device is astounding! I think I will allow you to bring this in if only to see it in action." He handed it back to Harry who looked relieved at the news and thanked the examiner.
For the Potions Practical exam, he was assigned the Draught of Peace. Harry pulled out his ingredients bag and got his tools all lined up and double checked to see what their conditions were in. Next out was the ingredients themselves, each placed within easy reach. Finally, he placed the PA up on its stand with a stack of test strips at the ready.
The only people curious as to what he was up to were the examiners; the other fifth years were used to this sight. "Okay everyone. You have ninety minutes to complete your brewing. You may begin now."
First thing to go into his cauldron was the Basic Potion Water and the burner turned on. Harry began grinding, slicing and dicing the unicorn horn, moonstone and porcupine quills along with several other ingredients not normally on the list but that his PA recommended to get a superior brew. The longer he worked, the less his nerves were affecting him. By the time that the ninety minutes were up, Harry was 'in the groove' and actually enjoying himself.
Lunch time rolled around and Harry was invited to share it with the Wizarding Examiners so they could see the PA for themselves and ask questions about its capabilities. After witnessing the incredible device in action, Madam Marchbanks wondered why they weren't standard issue.
"I tried to demonstrate it to the Minister but the only person within the ministry who was interested in getting one was Director Bones of the DMLE. Senior Undersecretary Umbridge was rather…scathing in her opinion." Harry explained. Marchbanks and the others sneered at the mention of the Toad.
"I'm sorry you had to deal with her, Mr. Potter. If there was ever someone I wish I could've failed out of Hogwarts, it would be her." Marchbanks growled in disgust.
"So what else do you use this for?" someone asked.
Harry let out a small sigh, "Well, let's see. Whenever we have our Crafting Parties, we usually play music in the background. I use it to browse the internet, the teachers here bought several to use as study tools for their classes and test prep for exams. I've got the school set up for a wireless network that allows for multiple computers to be interconnected with each other and can be remotely controlled through my PA."
"The teachers are using what now for test preps? I think we'll need to see this." Marchbanks said to the vocal agreements of the others.
By the end of the day, Marchbanks and her team were sold on the idea of having every student use the computers for studying and test preparation and enthusiastic about the possibility of getting more of the computers. Tofty asked about the range that someone could send a message or test results and had to sit down stunned after learning that Harry routinely sent messages to people as far away as Australia within a matter of seconds.
Friday 18 June 1993 End of the Year Leaving Feast
The points had been tallied and it was clear that this year's winner of the House Cup went to Ravenclaw. The Quidditch Cup went to Slytherin owing to the fact that Gryffindor's Seeker was so dismal. Hufflepuff clapped all the same, it didn't really matter to them who won what.
After Dumbledore gave his farewell speech, Harry walked up to the podium and addressed the crowd, "Hello everyone and like the headmaster said, 'Welcome to the Leaving Feast.' Tonight's Musical Magical Medley from our own Maestro is going to be following a theme this time. Every song you hear tonight should envoke feelings of summer vacation. So without further ado, the lineup is as follows: DJ Jazzy Jeff/Fresh Prince 'Summertime,' Sheryl Crow 'All I wanna do,' Marky Mark ft. Loleatta Holloway 'Good Vibrations,' Whitney Houston 'I wanna dance with someone,' Bryan Adams 'Summer of 69,' The Go-go's 'We've got the beat' and 'Vacation,' and finally Katrina & The Waves 'Walking on Sunshine.'"
Everyone applauded and dug into their meals while grooving out to the fast beats.
As Harry was digging into his roasted potatoes, he looked up and noticed with surprise that Lockhart wasn't amongst the teachers. "Hey, Hermione," She turned still slurping up her green beans,"What happened to Lockhart?"
"Quit from what I heard. Seems the good professor didn't like that no one was fawning over every little thing he said or did. The staff was ignoring him too, he kept getting pranked or as he called it 'abused.' He left last night according to Daphne."
Harry put on a mock-pout, "Awww, what a shame. Poor Gilderoy, no one liked him." Hermione started giggling.
The next morning, everything had been completely packed and loaded onto the train, including the kids. Harry had gotten settled on the bench with Hermione curled up next to him. Neville arrived a few minutes later with Daphne, Tracy, Vince, Greg and a couple of others in tow.
As the train pulled away from the station, Luna came wandering in with her usual dreamy look on her face and took a seat on the floor.
"Did you have a good year, Lu?" Harry asked her.
"I did and I wanted to thank you again for talking me out of going into Ravenclaw. I Saw what my life would've been like and it wasn't pleasant," She replied with a shiver.
"So what's everyone's plans for the summer?" He asked the group at large, "My uncle told me that he's taking me and my aunt and cousin to Alton Towers then after that we're going to go camping."
Hermione commented that she and her parents were going to go visit family living in France. Neville replied that he was going to spend the summer at Kew Gardens until they kicked him out (everyone laughed.) Luna mentioned that she and her father were going to go to Switzerland to hunt for the elusive Crumple-horned Snorkack and maybe raid a couple of chocolate factories there (everyone giggled at the thought of the pixie cute Luna dressed up in all black and humming the theme song to Mission: Impossible.)
Daphne wasn't sure what her parents had planned for her and her sister while Tracy said that she and Millie were going to lay out by the pool and bake until a golden brown. Vince and Greg said they'd signed up for a summer camp that featured woodcrafts.
By the time that the Express pulled into King's Cross, everyone was practically itching to jump off and run to find their parents or guardians to get their summer vacation finally started. After passing through the barrier, Harry easily located Vernon waiting while sipping on a cup of coffee.
"Uncle Vernon! I'm home!"
New Elective List for September (All are 'Introduction To' unless otherwise specified. An * = concurrently run in one class for 3rd year.)
Business *
Finance *
Law*
Healing
Agronomy/Crop Science*
Farm/Ranch Management*
Magical Arts/Crafts (inc. Music, Voice, Dance)
Culinary Arts
Archival/Library Science
Advanced Potions (inc. Alchemy, Ingredient Harvesting/Gathering)
Ancient Runes* (inc. Basic Warding)
Arithmancy* (inc. Basic Spellcrafting)
Advanced Charms (inc. Basic Enchanting)
Basic Cursebreaking*
Care of Magical Creatures
Divination
Muggle Studies (inc. British/World History, Inventions and Current Events)
International Diplomacy*
Basic Politics*
Advanced Flight Training
Wizard Culture/Etiquette
Industrial Crafts (inc. Wood, Stone, Metal)
Journalism, Book Writing, and Publications
Magical Architecture*
Magical Construction*
Basic Cartography
Ritual Magic
Advanced Astronomy
Foreign languages (inc. Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French, German, Parsel, Mermish, Signing (deaf), Goblin, Dwarf, Spanish, Italian, Arabic (Mid-East), Aboriginal (Australian), Korean, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin)