Chapter 3: Summer Holidays
The rest of the holidays past in a blur of training and jokes; eventually Harry found himself no longer felt everything thing Voldemort did to be his fault. After many conversations with both Remus and Dumbledore, Harry began to recognise that he could not stop bad things from happening. Through these chats with his professors he found himself becoming closer and closer to them. Professor Dumbledore was no longer just his headmaster, he had become a mentor, grandfather, and friend all in one, Remus was now a favourite uncle and best friend mixed together; and it was obvious to everyone besides Harry that they had developed similar feelings towards him. In fact because of the intensive training Harry had been going through many of the Order members had come to see him as a kind of adopted little brother. Slowly, Harry's fierce loyalty, determination and natural skills brought him respect, while his refreshing humour, hope, mischievous side and the never dimming light in his eyes drew him into the hearts of almost all of them. Without a doubt most of the order would give their lives for this boy who had suddenly made his way into their lives. After 'The Prank' as it had been dubbed, no one dared anger Harry for weeks, of course that could have been that most of the effects stayed for close to three weeks afterwards. Tonks turned back from an amoeba 2 hours later though she still had the sign over her head and was flashing different bright colours. Most of the charms were taken off Flitwick though he often had little spurts of Dopey-ness, The Hall and the rest of the order members remain how they were for the entire duration of their 'punishment.'
~*~*~*~*~
The day after the prank Harry was called down to Dumbledore's office to discuss what he would be taught. "Fizzing Whizzbees, chocolate frogs, blood pops." Harry had been standing in front of the stone gargoyle trying to guess the password for fifteen minutes and was getting rather sick running through all the candies in existence.
"It's candy apples," said someone behind him. Harry quickly spun around and came face to face with a rather amused looking Remus.
"How long have you been standing there?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"Only five, maybe ten minutes," Remus answered cheerfully, Harry in annoyance. Remus sensing he was in danger of being attacked again, hurriedly said, "Well lets go on up, Albus is probably waiting."
Harry glared at him for a moment before starting up the stairs. "You know Moony you look quite good like that, would you like it if I kept you like that for the next six months." Harry commented grinning evilly, noticing for the first time that Remus still had not been able to find the counter- curse for his prank.
Remus looked shocked for a moment before stuttering, "Y-you w-w-wouldn't do th-that to me would you, H-harry?"
"Oh I don't know, I guess it depends on whether or not you continue to bother me, now doesn't it?" Harry said happily. He then bounded up the rest of the steps, leaving a very nervous Remus Lupin behind.
Harry walked through the door after knocking and being told to "Come in" and looked towards a smiling Dumbledore sitting behind his desk popping a lemon drop or two into his mouth. "Lemon Drop Harry? They're really quite lovely. Hello Remus, are you feeling well? You look rather pale." Harry snorted slightly, trying not to laugh outrageously at Remus' terrified face whenever he looked at Harry.
"Well, I guess we should get right down to it. Sit down Harry, we must discuss precisely what you will be learning this summer, after that amazing prank. I must admit I haven't seen something quite that funny in years. Actually since one of the Marauders pranks backfired on them." Here Remus paled even more, and Dumbledore chuckled cheerfully. "Well then, you will be studying occlumency, wandless magic, and any other rare talents you may have with me; Animagus, and advanced transfiguration with our dear Professor McGonagall, Potions you will have to study by yourself as your potions professor is still quite mad about the prank. However, you may come to Remus or I if you are having any problems, though I don't know how much help we'll be as neither of us are particularly talented in that field. If I remember correctly, Remus once totally destroyed potions lab six when he was your age; the dungeons were flooded for weeks afterwards." Remus flushed slightly at the memory, "Anyway, duelling, advanced defence against the Dark Arts, and charms will be taught by Remus, Alastor, and professor Flitwick. And you will be put into the order physical training program to improve your fitness. I think for now that's quite enough, though more may be added later if needed. We'll start tomorrow; here's your schedule. Be sure to be on time. Now go get some rest, you'll need to have your wits about you tomorrow."
Harry nodded, and stood up to leave. "Oh, and Harry?" Dumbledore called to him just as he walked towards the door. "I really must give you my complements, these robes are absolutely charming, though I do think the hair is a little much." Harry nodded quickly ran out of the room, where he promptly burst out laughing.
~*~*~*~*~
And so Harry's training began. By mid August Harry's studies were going quite well. Dumbledores' lessons were becoming easier and easier to do, and they were continuing onto more advanced practises. Lessons with Remus were by far Harry's best; he seemed to have a definite talent for these subjects. It also seemed that Harry was actually rather good at potions when Professor Snape was not marking him. In transfiguration they would soon be finished the theory part of animagus transformations and would be seeing if Harry had any forms, and if so, what they were. Physical training was quite hard at first, though he had an edge due to many quidditch practices, but gradually it got easier. While Harry did not have huge muscles, he had formed quite a good build; he now had a lean, but muscular, swimmers body. Moody had insisted on permanently fixing his eyesight, so he no longer had to worry about loosing or breaking his glasses. Thanks to a proper diet, he had grown a few inches and reached a height of 5'10". For the most part, Harry was happy with his life at the moment, and while he still felt rather down whenever he thought of Sirius or the prophecy, his talks with Dumbledore and Remus had helped him accept these obstacles in his life.
As Harry looked into the mirror one night, he could hardly believe it, he now bore very little resemblance to the scrawny, angry, depressed boy he had been when he first came. The order members were amazed by the sight as well; they couldn't believe this young man with bright shining eyes was the same boy that had tried to commit suicide just over a month and a half ago.
Exactly two weeks before the start of term Dumbledore and Remus walked into Harry's room and shook him awake, "Harry, child, it's time to get up, I have something for you, wake up child, rise and shine!"
Harry rolled over and groaned, "I'll rise but I refuse to shine." He mumbled, Remus laughter was muffled by the fist he had shoved in his mouth only moments before. Slowly he was coaxed awake and sat up, looking curiously at his headmaster, "What is it? Why did you wake me up so early?"
"Well," Dumbledore said brightly, "I thought you might want to read your O.W.L. results right away, but if you'd rather, I can leave and you can see them later."
At the mention of the test results Harry sat straight up, wide away, and started to shift nervously. "N-no, it's alright I'll read them now."
Dumbledore smiled encouragingly; "I thought so. Harry calm down I'm sure you did fine."
Harry gulped and nodded not reassured in the least, 'What if he failed? Everyone would be so disappointed.' With shaking hands he took the letter from Dumbledore and slit the envelope bringing out a piece of folded parchment with read:
Ordinary Wizarding Levels Results-
Student: Potter, Harry James Age: 15 House: Gryffindor
Transfiguration: Theory: Outstanding, Practical: Outstanding
Charms: Theory: Outstanding, Practical: Outstanding
History of Magic: Average
Defence Against the Dark Arts: Theory: Outstanding, Practical: Outstanding
Astronomy: Theory: Average, Practical: Poor
Care of Magical Creatures: Exceeds Expectations
Herbology: Average
Potions: Theory: Outstanding, Practical: Outstanding
Divination: Average
Total: Outstanding-8, Exceeds Expectations-1, Average-4, Poor-1.
Well done Mr. Potter, Professor C. Tofty, Department of Wizarding Examinations Authority, Ministry of Magic
Harry sat slack-jawed, he couldn't believe he had done so well on the exams, he had expected much worse. Dumbledore and Remus, who had read the results over each of his shoulders, simultaneously said, "Congratulations Harry!" and "Bloody hell! You got outstanding in Potions!" while patting him on the on the back and beaming proudly. Harry smiled happily and thanked them.
Dumbledore then said, "Well done Harry! Now, to include your extra classes into your schedule this year, Harry, you have to drop three of the classes you were previously taking. I'd like you to consider which ones you need least and tell me so I can arrange what books and supplies you'll need this year.
After thinking for a few moments, Harry decided, "I'd like to drop Divination, Astronomy, and History of Magic, please."
"Just what I thought you'd choose, so I took the liberty of writing out the supplies you'll need ahead of time. How about you go with Remus, Moody, and Tonks to get what you need and any other books and things you'd like today." Harry nodded.
(A/N: I really don't feel like writing about Diagon Alley, so I'm not going to! Harry is still in contact with his friends, but there been nothing important in their letters; oh and Harry had a small birthday party and got a bunch of presents from everyone, I did not forget about his birthday) End Chapter
Evening light
P.S. I probably won't be writing as often from now on, I have school and the only reason I've written so much lately is because my Internet has been down s I can't read.
The rest of the holidays past in a blur of training and jokes; eventually Harry found himself no longer felt everything thing Voldemort did to be his fault. After many conversations with both Remus and Dumbledore, Harry began to recognise that he could not stop bad things from happening. Through these chats with his professors he found himself becoming closer and closer to them. Professor Dumbledore was no longer just his headmaster, he had become a mentor, grandfather, and friend all in one, Remus was now a favourite uncle and best friend mixed together; and it was obvious to everyone besides Harry that they had developed similar feelings towards him. In fact because of the intensive training Harry had been going through many of the Order members had come to see him as a kind of adopted little brother. Slowly, Harry's fierce loyalty, determination and natural skills brought him respect, while his refreshing humour, hope, mischievous side and the never dimming light in his eyes drew him into the hearts of almost all of them. Without a doubt most of the order would give their lives for this boy who had suddenly made his way into their lives. After 'The Prank' as it had been dubbed, no one dared anger Harry for weeks, of course that could have been that most of the effects stayed for close to three weeks afterwards. Tonks turned back from an amoeba 2 hours later though she still had the sign over her head and was flashing different bright colours. Most of the charms were taken off Flitwick though he often had little spurts of Dopey-ness, The Hall and the rest of the order members remain how they were for the entire duration of their 'punishment.'
~*~*~*~*~
The day after the prank Harry was called down to Dumbledore's office to discuss what he would be taught. "Fizzing Whizzbees, chocolate frogs, blood pops." Harry had been standing in front of the stone gargoyle trying to guess the password for fifteen minutes and was getting rather sick running through all the candies in existence.
"It's candy apples," said someone behind him. Harry quickly spun around and came face to face with a rather amused looking Remus.
"How long have you been standing there?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"Only five, maybe ten minutes," Remus answered cheerfully, Harry in annoyance. Remus sensing he was in danger of being attacked again, hurriedly said, "Well lets go on up, Albus is probably waiting."
Harry glared at him for a moment before starting up the stairs. "You know Moony you look quite good like that, would you like it if I kept you like that for the next six months." Harry commented grinning evilly, noticing for the first time that Remus still had not been able to find the counter- curse for his prank.
Remus looked shocked for a moment before stuttering, "Y-you w-w-wouldn't do th-that to me would you, H-harry?"
"Oh I don't know, I guess it depends on whether or not you continue to bother me, now doesn't it?" Harry said happily. He then bounded up the rest of the steps, leaving a very nervous Remus Lupin behind.
Harry walked through the door after knocking and being told to "Come in" and looked towards a smiling Dumbledore sitting behind his desk popping a lemon drop or two into his mouth. "Lemon Drop Harry? They're really quite lovely. Hello Remus, are you feeling well? You look rather pale." Harry snorted slightly, trying not to laugh outrageously at Remus' terrified face whenever he looked at Harry.
"Well, I guess we should get right down to it. Sit down Harry, we must discuss precisely what you will be learning this summer, after that amazing prank. I must admit I haven't seen something quite that funny in years. Actually since one of the Marauders pranks backfired on them." Here Remus paled even more, and Dumbledore chuckled cheerfully. "Well then, you will be studying occlumency, wandless magic, and any other rare talents you may have with me; Animagus, and advanced transfiguration with our dear Professor McGonagall, Potions you will have to study by yourself as your potions professor is still quite mad about the prank. However, you may come to Remus or I if you are having any problems, though I don't know how much help we'll be as neither of us are particularly talented in that field. If I remember correctly, Remus once totally destroyed potions lab six when he was your age; the dungeons were flooded for weeks afterwards." Remus flushed slightly at the memory, "Anyway, duelling, advanced defence against the Dark Arts, and charms will be taught by Remus, Alastor, and professor Flitwick. And you will be put into the order physical training program to improve your fitness. I think for now that's quite enough, though more may be added later if needed. We'll start tomorrow; here's your schedule. Be sure to be on time. Now go get some rest, you'll need to have your wits about you tomorrow."
Harry nodded, and stood up to leave. "Oh, and Harry?" Dumbledore called to him just as he walked towards the door. "I really must give you my complements, these robes are absolutely charming, though I do think the hair is a little much." Harry nodded quickly ran out of the room, where he promptly burst out laughing.
~*~*~*~*~
And so Harry's training began. By mid August Harry's studies were going quite well. Dumbledores' lessons were becoming easier and easier to do, and they were continuing onto more advanced practises. Lessons with Remus were by far Harry's best; he seemed to have a definite talent for these subjects. It also seemed that Harry was actually rather good at potions when Professor Snape was not marking him. In transfiguration they would soon be finished the theory part of animagus transformations and would be seeing if Harry had any forms, and if so, what they were. Physical training was quite hard at first, though he had an edge due to many quidditch practices, but gradually it got easier. While Harry did not have huge muscles, he had formed quite a good build; he now had a lean, but muscular, swimmers body. Moody had insisted on permanently fixing his eyesight, so he no longer had to worry about loosing or breaking his glasses. Thanks to a proper diet, he had grown a few inches and reached a height of 5'10". For the most part, Harry was happy with his life at the moment, and while he still felt rather down whenever he thought of Sirius or the prophecy, his talks with Dumbledore and Remus had helped him accept these obstacles in his life.
As Harry looked into the mirror one night, he could hardly believe it, he now bore very little resemblance to the scrawny, angry, depressed boy he had been when he first came. The order members were amazed by the sight as well; they couldn't believe this young man with bright shining eyes was the same boy that had tried to commit suicide just over a month and a half ago.
Exactly two weeks before the start of term Dumbledore and Remus walked into Harry's room and shook him awake, "Harry, child, it's time to get up, I have something for you, wake up child, rise and shine!"
Harry rolled over and groaned, "I'll rise but I refuse to shine." He mumbled, Remus laughter was muffled by the fist he had shoved in his mouth only moments before. Slowly he was coaxed awake and sat up, looking curiously at his headmaster, "What is it? Why did you wake me up so early?"
"Well," Dumbledore said brightly, "I thought you might want to read your O.W.L. results right away, but if you'd rather, I can leave and you can see them later."
At the mention of the test results Harry sat straight up, wide away, and started to shift nervously. "N-no, it's alright I'll read them now."
Dumbledore smiled encouragingly; "I thought so. Harry calm down I'm sure you did fine."
Harry gulped and nodded not reassured in the least, 'What if he failed? Everyone would be so disappointed.' With shaking hands he took the letter from Dumbledore and slit the envelope bringing out a piece of folded parchment with read:
Ordinary Wizarding Levels Results-
Student: Potter, Harry James Age: 15 House: Gryffindor
Transfiguration: Theory: Outstanding, Practical: Outstanding
Charms: Theory: Outstanding, Practical: Outstanding
History of Magic: Average
Defence Against the Dark Arts: Theory: Outstanding, Practical: Outstanding
Astronomy: Theory: Average, Practical: Poor
Care of Magical Creatures: Exceeds Expectations
Herbology: Average
Potions: Theory: Outstanding, Practical: Outstanding
Divination: Average
Total: Outstanding-8, Exceeds Expectations-1, Average-4, Poor-1.
Well done Mr. Potter, Professor C. Tofty, Department of Wizarding Examinations Authority, Ministry of Magic
Harry sat slack-jawed, he couldn't believe he had done so well on the exams, he had expected much worse. Dumbledore and Remus, who had read the results over each of his shoulders, simultaneously said, "Congratulations Harry!" and "Bloody hell! You got outstanding in Potions!" while patting him on the on the back and beaming proudly. Harry smiled happily and thanked them.
Dumbledore then said, "Well done Harry! Now, to include your extra classes into your schedule this year, Harry, you have to drop three of the classes you were previously taking. I'd like you to consider which ones you need least and tell me so I can arrange what books and supplies you'll need this year.
After thinking for a few moments, Harry decided, "I'd like to drop Divination, Astronomy, and History of Magic, please."
"Just what I thought you'd choose, so I took the liberty of writing out the supplies you'll need ahead of time. How about you go with Remus, Moody, and Tonks to get what you need and any other books and things you'd like today." Harry nodded.
(A/N: I really don't feel like writing about Diagon Alley, so I'm not going to! Harry is still in contact with his friends, but there been nothing important in their letters; oh and Harry had a small birthday party and got a bunch of presents from everyone, I did not forget about his birthday) End Chapter
Evening light
P.S. I probably won't be writing as often from now on, I have school and the only reason I've written so much lately is because my Internet has been down s I can't read.