Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and characters related to it. Harry Potter and its characters are the intellectual property of the talented J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. Scholastic, Raincoast and Bloomsbury books. Storyline and plot have been developed partially based on the plots, characters and storylines of the first 5 installments of Harry Potter, The Sorceror's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire and The Order of the Phoenix.
Author's Note: Thank you very much for the
reviews and opinions. As with the beginning of all my chapters I'll just make a
few statements:
a) Thank you David for pointing out the errors that I committed. I have since made
some changes to the earlier chapters. I didn't know Dumbledore was 150 years
old. I have always wondered how old Dumbledore was and I never seem to be able
to find out through any of the books. Just wondered where it is stated that
he's that old. Not that I doubt your info. I'm just curious. As to the
testament of Sirius, well, it is his last testament because he did have some
things to say in his will, like who the guardians are and his feelings towards
his relatives e.t.c. I think that qualifies as a
final testament does it? One other thing, I wrote that they used floo powder to Diagon Alley based
on the assumption that Harry still managed to talk to Sirius through the fire
the previous year. They were not using the network for fear that they were being
watched. I'm assuming that if you are able to talk to another party through the
fire that it will be connected to the network. I just hope this is
justification enough for my reasons in writing that particular aspect of the
story.
b) To the review that it may be wrong or weird if Harry and Ginny were together if Arthur and Molly were his legal guardians, well, they are just his legal guardians and they are not blood related in any sense. I think that's okay or does anyone else think that fact hard to deal with? I mean, think Cruel Intentions =Þ.
c) Thanks for your comments Lourdes. I am a star wars fan myself =). I didn't want to put Luke Skywalker in Gryffindor (though I agree he should be there) because I didn't want to have the temptation to write too much about a star wars character further on in the story. I do plan to write an extreme parody after finishing this story though, with characters from South Park, Star Wars, Lord Of the Rings, The Simpsons, Lethal Weapon, Terminator, and other movies all worked into the stories of the first 4 books. That may be fun =Þ.
Finally, thank you very much again for the reviews and opinions as well as to those of you who noticed errors that I have made in previous chapters. I fully appreciate your comments and reviews and I hope I have managed to entertain you thus far. Now, on to the next chapter.
Chapter 10
The next morning, Harry was looking over his schedule for the day, as well as checking his timetable for the term. "Transfiguration first thing for all of us," he said out loud to Hermione and Ron who were also checking their schedules. "I really wonder how tough McGonogall's classes are going to be this year. If the way she drilled us during our O.W.Ls was any indicator of how the next 2 years are going to be I'm not sure I'll be able to stand it for too long," he said as he spread some jam over his buttered toast.
"Well, I've heard Professor McGonogall can be very tough on students for N.E.W.Ts. But it's a good thing. After all, at least we know we're getting quality education. Unlike what happened with Umbridge last year," said Hermione as she examined her own timetable. "We've got potions together on Wednesday's Harry, and Charms later today. Defence Against the Dark Arts classes are on Thursdays," she said briskly as she too helped herself to some breakfast.
"Well at least I'll still be seeing you guys for some classes," said Ron who didn't sound too excited about the prospect of going to some of the classes alone. "Still, like I said, I'm not complaining about not having to do Potions….."
If Harry had thought that Professor McGonogall was going to be tough on them this year, he was in every way correct. Professor McGonogall had stressed to them at the very beginning of the class that anyone failing to perform up to expectations will be expelled from the class.
"Transfiguration at this level is by far the most difficult and dangerous of all branches of magic to a wizard of any age. Anyone who has taken my class before will tell you that I expect nothing but the best of performances in my class," she announced to them the moment she stepped into class.
"Therefore, I will not tolerate any misbehaviour or falling behind in this class. All of you here will cease to be underage wizards within the next year, and you have been accepted into this class based on your O.W.L results. There is no reason for anyone in this class not to be able to keep up with the studies for the year. I must also stress upon you all that the 6th year is NOT a "honeymoon" year. Whatever you learn during the duration of the year will be extremely important for your N.E.W.Ts next year," she emphasized.
"Normally, only half the class will last until N.E.W.Ts and I expect nothing but the best from you all," she said in an almost final tone and then proceeded to lecture to them about the theories and concepts of turning insubstantial inanimate matter into complex living organisms.
At the end of class, Harry was glad to have been done with that class. His hands were aching from writing down all the notes Professor McGonogall had given them, and she mentioned that they will be putting theory into practice for the next class and advised them to study the material thoroughly. Before he left the class however, Professor McGonogall beckoned for Harry to stay behind for a moment.
"Mr.Potter, the first of your "classes" will begin tonight. I will be expecting you in my office an hour after dinner," she said briskly.
Harry nodded in reply. "One other matter, the Gryffindor quidditch team has run very short of players. Despite your past, mishaps, I feel that you should be the one to take over the captaincy," she said referring to his loss of temper the previous year that had earned him the lifelong ban.
"There is also the fact that Miss Bell has declined to take the position of Gryffindor team captain. You are obviously the best choice after Miss Bell. That is, if you are feeling up to it. I know that Mr.Weasley was a member of the team last year, but he is less experienced and has only been on the team for a year. If you feel that you are not up to the task, I will delegate it to Mr.Weasley," she said to Harry, the tone of her voice indicating that she expected nothing but the greatest of dedication from him if she made him captain.
"I'll try out the captaincy for a while Professor. I think I can manage it," Harry said. He was excited at the prospect of being quidditch captain, although he was nervous about having to lead the team to victory again this year. He just hoped that he could manage it with all the other things he had to do.
"Very well," replied Professor McGonogall. "Team tryouts will be held on Saturday morning. I will arrange for the quidditch pitch to be booked," she said as she straightened her glasses and reached for a parchment.
"You may go," she said as she dismissed Harry who left the classroom and headed to the Great Hall for lunch.
"Guess what guys," Harry said as he sat down with Ron and Hermione who were already starting on their lunch. "Professor McGonogall just made me quidditch captain. Tryouts for the new team will be on this weekend Ron, you better be awake by then and be with me on the pitch. You and Katie are the only other players left from last year," he said quickly as he grabbed some lunch.
"That's great mate. Had to be you though, no one else could have made captain," said Ron. "Katie and I are not the only ones left from the last team you know, there's still Ginny and those two blokes who played beater last year," he added.
"Yeah well, you're the only ones I've ever played with on the team Ron," Harry replied as Katie Bell came up to him.
"Harry! I just heard you've been made captain. Congratulations! McGonogall did ask me but I didn't think I'd be a good captain. It'll be too busy with N.E.W.Ts this year and I already saw the hell that Angelina went through last year," she said to him.
"Thanks Katie. It's good that I still have you and Ron here. The team's gonna miss Angelina and Alicia though," he said disappointedly.
"We'll find someone Harry," said Katie reassuringly. "So team tryouts are on….." she asked.
"They're on Saturday morning Katie. You'll have to keep an eye out for the chasers. After all, you'll be leading the chasers on the pitch," he said to her. "I've told Professor McGonogall to make the announcement already," he added.
"I'll be there Harry. I have to go for
class, see you captain," she said as Ginny approached the table and sat down
next to Harry.
"Hi Harry, have a good first day back at class?" she asked brightly.
"Yeah Ginny, it was fine. Listen, there are going to be quidditch tryouts on Saturday morning. Feel up to playing this year?" he asked Ginny, remembering that she had replaced him as seeker the previous year.
"Oh, that'll be great! I did tell you last year I wanted to try out for chaser remember? I assume that you're the captain Harry?" said Ginny.
Harry nodded his head. "Congratulations Harry. So, does being friends with the quidditch captain of the Gryffindor team earn those who are trying out for the team any favours?" Ginny asked playfully as she winked suggestively at him.
"Ginny! Harry's not supposed to abuse his power as team captain. You don't see Ron and I abusing our powers as prefects do you?" said Hermione very seriously. Harry could see that Ron was trying very hard not to blush, and was grinning slightly guiltily at Hermione's statement.
"I was only joking Hermione," said Ginny, "You should know that I wouldn't ask Harry to do me that kind of favour," she said sounding rather disappointed that Hermione would suggest that she would take advantage of her friendship with Harry.
"I know Ginny, I was joking too," giggled Hermione as she was playfully slapped on the shoulder by Ginny.
Just then, a storm of owls invaded the great hall dropping letters sent from families to their children and also the usual items that some students had forgotten to bring along.
"That's a little weird, owls normally arrive first thing in the morning……wonder why letters are being sent at this time this year," said Ron as he opened up his usual letter from Mrs.Weasley. "Mum says hi and asks you to take care of yourself Harry. You too Hermione," he said as he folded his letter and put it into his robes.
Harry himself had received a note written in very scribbly writing which he recognised at once.
Hey Harry. Thought the three of you might want to join me for a spot of tea after yer classes. Owl me back with a reply.
Hagrid
Harry quickly wrote down his reply and tied the note to Hedwig's leg. He stroked her gently on the head as she cooed in response, nodded her head and set off dutifully.
The next class for the day was Charms, which they had with the Ravenclaws. Professor Flitwick, taking a cue from Professor McGonogall started the class by telling the students about the importance and difficulty of the charms they were supposed to master at that level. Professor Flitwick was not nearly as strict as Professor McGonogall when it came to his classes, but Harry noticed that he more thorough then usual when it came to making sure that the students understood and were capable of performing the charms that he had taught. He was also conducting the class in a more serious way than he had previously did as he proceeded to lecture them about the Leviathos charm, which was very similar to the basic Wingardium Leviosa charm but by using that charm, it afforded the user a degree of control that was far greater than the basic levitation spell.
"The basic levitations spell, Wingardium Leviosa," he said, "allows the user only rudimentary ability to control levitating objects. If and when you have managed to master the Leviathos charm, your ability to control objects in the air will be very similar to actually controlling the object with your own hand. It works very much like an invisible hand. Please pay attention to the wand movements required for this charm, as the ability and degree to which you are able to control the spell depends very highly on this aspect," squeaked the little professor.
They were to try out the charm with a very heavy book placed in front of them, which according to Professor Flitwick was to be the most basic of objects that they would levitate. He was overseeing the class's work very intently. He had been very critical (which is not normally his style) with Terry Boot's Leviathos charm which did not work as intended and he could only manage to levitate the book in front of him for a short while before it seemed to slip from his grasp and fell to the floor. He had also reprimanded Ron slightly about his wand technique. Hermione however, received the usual praise of excellence from him as she demonstrated the perfect way of performing the charm by making the pages of the book flip as though she were reading it and flipping through the book with her own fingers.
"Teacher's pet," mumbled Ron as Hermione beamed when she received her praise from the little professor.
By the time classes were over it was almost tea time. Harry had done reasonably well in that last class, although he did not have the degree of control with the charm as Hermione did, he still managed to actually flip through a few pages of the book while performing the charm. Although Professor's Flitwick's class was not as stressful as Professor McGonogall's, he had also given them workload to rival their Transfiguration teacher's.
"It's the first day back and we've got enough homework to bury us six feet under," moaned Ron as they walked down to the familiar Hogwarts grounds towards Hagrid's Hut. "Really, how Fred and George ever manage to pull so many pranks in their sixth year baffles me," he said with a very tired sigh.
"I don't think they were all that worried about their homework Ron, an attitude which I do not suggest that you emulate. You heard what Professor Flitwick and McGonogall told us in class about how important this year's work is….," lectured Hermione before she was cut off by Ron for the umpteenth time. "
"I know Hermione, I know. It's just going to be hard to keep up this year that's all I'm saying," he said.
"Well Ron, if you don't keep interfering with what I have to say then I might just consider helping you out during the year," said Hermione briskly as they knocked on Hagrid's door.
They were met by Hagrid's usual large bushy hair and beard. He did not look as bad as he did when they first saw him last year right after he had returned from the mission he was sent on by Dumbledore. He looked better rested and seemed to have put on a little weight even (if that was possible to tell).
"Ahh, come on in. Just in time fer yer tea. Been wonderin' what time yer classes would end today," said Hagrid when he opened the door. Fang let out a yelp and proceeded to lick Harry on the face, and then to lick Ron's.
"So…..hope yer enjoyed yer summer," he asked the three of them as he set up the teacups and some rock cakes.
"Er……it was okay. At least I spent it at headquarters rather than Privet Drive," said Harry as he helped himself to a rock cake (out of politeness of course). "How was yours?" he asked Hagrid.
"Wasn' ter bad. Been teachin' Grawp sum English. Think he's got the hang on sum' now. 'Least he ain't tearin' up the forest no'more," he said. "Heard yer did well in yer O.W.Ls. All of ya," beamed Hagrid as he looked at his students (or at least two former ones) with pride. The three of them simply beamed back at him. They were happy to have made Hagrid proud of them. "An' the three of ya did great in Care o' Magical Creatures," he said equally as proud.
"Didn't want to let you down Hagrid, especially with what was going on last year," said Harry. "By the way, do you know about Prof-..," Harry was cut short from his question when he heard a knock on the door.
"Now who could that be?" asked Ron as Hagrid went to open the door to reveal a red-headed girl standing at the door. "Ginny?" asked Ron.
"Oh hi guys, I thought I was about to come and visit Hagrid after class, I couldn't find any of you and so I thought maybe I'd find you here. Even if I didn't find you here I thought I'd just drop by Hagrid's," she said as Hagrid ushered her in and offered her a cup of tea and a rock cake (she declined of course, saying that she was still full from lunch).
"Ya were sayin' Harry?" asked Hagrid as he sat down on his enormous bed which creaked as he sat down.
"I was just about to ask you about Professor Dumbledore's brother, Professor Aberforth," asked Harry.
"Professor Abe you mean," corrected Hermione.
"Ah yea, well," Hagrid seem to think for a moment about this, "I've on'y met Professor Dumbledore's brother once 'r twice," he said as he tried to recall the number times. "Weird fella, Professor Abe, always seems ter be wanderin' around his mind," he continued. Harry was not remotely surprised that Hagrid described Professor Aberforth as weird. After all, Mad-Eye Moody seemed to think along the same lines as Hagrid and coming from Mad-Eye Moody that was saying something. Harry could have noticed that for himself when he first set eyes on Professor Aberforth.
"He just doesn't seem like a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," said Ron as a matter of fact. "He doesn't look like he knows much about the Dark Arts, he definitely doesn't look like he's much of a fighter anyway," he said as Hermione and Ginny nodded in agreement.
"Well, that's yer opinion abou' Professor Abe. I'll tell ye' this much though. Professor Dumbledore's brother is a very talented wizard himself, even though he migh' be weird. He ain' as powerful as Professor Dumbledore himself, but I've heard that he held his ground good agains' You-Know-Who's forces durin' the firs' war. You'll see. Professor Abe'll be able to teach you a thing or two about fightin' the Dark Arts," Hagrid said seriously, indicating that he stood by any relation of Dumbledore and of Dumbledore's choice to hire his own brother as the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. "I'll be missin' two of ya in me classes this term I see," Hagrid mentioned to Hermione and Harry, sounding a little disappointed.
"I'm sorry Hagrid, but well I don't mean to offend but I never really thought of having anything to do with magical creatures in my future career. Not that I don't enjoy your classes. I'll miss them," said Hermione. Harry felt that Hermione had said that with a little too much empathy. Perhaps she was feeling a little guilty about not thinking that Hagrid was a good teacher the previous year and was trying to make up for it slightly.
"Nah I understand Hermione. Harry 'ere wants to be an Auror and Care o' Magical Creatures ain' exactly a requirement fer that now is it?" he said trying to reassure them that he wasn't at all bitter with them. "Ron's still taking the classes, not surprisin' though. The whole Weasley family took the subject. Charlie especially did well in it not surprisin'ly. I don' blame yer for doin' other things Hermione, yer intelligent enough ter do anythin' yer want in the wizardin' world."
Hermione smiled at Hagrid. "Thanks Hagrid, it means a lot to me that you aren't disappointed we didn't choose Care of Magical Creatures for our N.E.W.Ts."
It was getting late and Hagrid mentioned that they should be going on to the Great Hall for dinner. They said their goodbye's to Hagrid and were leaving the hut when Hagrid beckoned for Harry to stay back a while. Harry obliged, knowing in his heart what Hagrid was going to talk to him about. He wasn't surprised though, a lot of people seemed to be doing that to him lately, he wasn't really getting irritated by it, in fact he was actually quite heartened that so many people were caring for the way he felt. It certainly was a change from how he felt at the beginning of the previous year, when he felt that everyone else was keeping him at arm's length.
"Jus' wanted ter know if yer coping with………you know," asked Hagrid.
"Thanks for caring Hagrid, but I'm fine now. It still hurts if I think about it too much, but I'll be fine," Harry said honestly.
"Good good. I know yer know this already, but work hard in those extra classes yer getting. You have a heavy task ahead, much greater a task than grown wizards and witches have ter do, and I'm not all that happy 'bou what you have to do, but I have faith in yer Harry. Yer never have disappointed us," said Hagrid. "Now then, off yer go," he said ushering him to get to the Great Hall.
Harry simply nodded and said goodbye to Hagrid. As he walked to catch up with Ron, Hermione and Ginny, he wondered about what Hagrid had said about Professor Abe. If Professor Abe was really as good as Hagrid said he was, it made him even more curious about his new professor than he had ever been. "We'll just have to wait till the time comes I guess," he thought as he joined his friends and was met by the delicious smell of dinner coming from the Great Hall.
Note: In some of my past reviews I mentioned that Hagrid isn't mentioned much in fanfics. I hope I can do some justification to his character in my own. Anyway, I hope I got the way Hagrid talks well enough. Hope you enjoy this.