A/N: Thank you to my reviewers for the last chapter. I've made this chapter
a lil longer then the previous ones. I was originally going have it as two
chapters but I realised how short they both would have been. Anyway, enough
of me for now, enjoy! ~RV
*****************************
Two weeks after his visit to Diagon Alley with Fred, George and Mad-Eye Moody, Harry was seated on his bed reading the latest Daily Prophet with great interest.
-----------------------------
FUDGE FIRED. MINISTRY IN DISARRAY
It can now be officially declared that Cornelius Fudge is no longer the Minster of Magic. In a move that has been expected for the past several weeks, it was announced by Ministry officials yesterday afternoon that Fudge had been delegated.
"Well, much of the magical community has been calling for it" spoke Ministry official, Percy Weasley, "A replacement will be announced after internal voting commences next week".
In the meantime, Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has taken the position of acting-minister. However, it seems as though Albus Dumbledore is the favourite amongst the wizarding population to take the main job, but is highly unlikely due to his commitments at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
-----------------------------
Harry chucked the newspaper of the floor once he had finished reading it, just as an owl flew into the room and dropped a thick looking envelope onto his bed. Harry instantly recognised it to be a letter from Hogwarts and gulped as he realised it was probably his exam results. Trembling slightly, he opened the envelope and unfolded the first piece of parchment.
-----------------------------
Dear Mr Potter,
Below contains your Ordinary Wizarding Levels (OWL) results. Any question or clarifications should be addressed to you head of house at Hogwarts.
Hope you're having an enjoyable holiday!
-----------------------------
Harry, almost not wanting to keep reading, forced himself to look down further at the parchment.
-----------------------------
Charms Theory: Exceeds Expectations
Charms Practical: Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration Theory: Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration Practical: Exceeds Expectations
Defence Against the Dark Arts Theory: Outstanding
Defence Against the Dark Arts Practical: Outstanding
Potions Theory: Acceptable
Potions Practical: Exceeds Expectations
Astronomy Theory: Acceptable
Astronomy Practical: Poor
Herbology: Exceeds Expectations
Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding
Divination: Dreadful
History of Magic: Dreadful
-----------------------------
Harry gasped. Had he really achieved all those OWL's? In shock, he re-read them three times before unfolding the next piece of parchment.
-----------------------------
Dear Mr Potter,
Congratulations on your OWL results. It is now the time to choose your NEWT subjects that you will be studying in your sixth and seventh year at Hogwarts.
From you results, you are automatically eligible to study the following courses:
Advanced Charms Advanced Transfiguration Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts Advanced Herbology Advanced Care of Magical Creatures
You may be eligible for the following courses depending on the preferences of the students who achieved a higher grade:
Advanced Potions
Please complete the attached form and return it by owl no later than a weeks tie.
Enjoy your holidays!
Professor Minerva McGonagall Head of Gryffindor House Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
-----------------------------
Harry unfolded the final piece of parchment and read the form:
-----------------------------
All students are to choose five subjects that they wish to study at Hogwarts in their sixth and seventh years. Please list any subjects you may have automatic entry into before listing ones that you are not automatically eligible for. You will receive confirmation of your courses in approximately two weeks.
-----------------------------
The goal of becoming an Auror still fresh in his mind, he firstly wrote down:
Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts Advanced Transfiguration Advanced Charms
After thinking, he added "Advanced Care of Magical Creatures" thinking he would need a lighter subject after his other ones. With a sigh, he next wrote "Advanced Potions" knowing that he needed it to continue on with his dream of becoming an Auror, even if that meant another two years of Snape.
While on the subject of Snape, Harry realised that it had been over two weeks that he had wrote to him and he had since had no reply. Before he could wonder what that could possibly mean, Harry heard a knock on the Dursley's front door. Thinking nothing of it since it was lunch-time and Dudley's gang were probably arriving, he decided not to send of his form until he heard from Hermione and Ron first. However, Harry was taken by surprise when he heard Uncle Vernon come thundering up the stairs and come to a standstill in Harry's bedroom doorway.
"Someone is here to see you" grunted Vernon, his face slightly purple. Feeling curious, Harry walked down the stair and through the front hallway to see who was waiting for him on the front porch.
Hermione was standing there beaming at him.
*****************************
Harry couldn't suppress the surprised looked that he gave as Hermione stood there on the Dursley's doorstep.
"Hi Harry" exclaimed Hermione almost breathlessly, "My parents just dropped me off here on their way to visit a friend". As she spoke, she turned and waved to her parents who were driving off in their navy blue car. "This is okay isn't it?" asked Hermione anxiously.
"Not at all" smiled Harry, "It's great to see you"
"And you too!"
At this point, Harry noticed that Hermione was clutching a letter. He instantly recognised it having only receive something similar only half an hour before.
"Did you get your OWL results Harry?"
"Yeah, about half an hour ago. How did you go?"
Hermione proudly passed Harry her letter so he could read it for himself.
"Wow, 15 OWL's! Congratulations!"
"Thank-you!" exclaimed Hermione, "I was so excited and my parents were ever so pleased. How did you go?"
"10 OWL's".
"Harry!" squealed Hermione, "That's absolutely brilliant! What subjects are you signing up for?"
"Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures and maybe Potions, otherwise, Herbology. How about you?"
"Well, it was a tough decision but I think I've decided on Transfiguration, Charms, Arithmancy, Study of the Ancient Runes and Defence Against the Dark Arts". For a moment, both Harry and Hermione stood awkwardly.
"Err, do you want to come inside?" asked Harry.
"Sure, thanks".
Harry led Hermione down the hallway. They were about to enter the kitchen when Harry saw that the Dursley's were already in there. Instead, Harry and Hermione went to Harry's room where Harry hastily cleaned up his belongings which were sprawled over his bed, trunk and floor. Hermione however, was looking curiously at the large boxes taking up most of Harry's floor space. Harry explained about the boxes and how he had come to find them. Hermione gasped.
"You mean your Aunt and Uncle never told you about them? That's really quite rude of them".
" I know" answered Harry, "Professor Lupin seemed really happy when I finally received them". Harry opened up one of the boxes and prodded around inside. "It's all I have left of them". He paused for a moment before continuing. "There's even some of my mum's old diaries in there. I think some of them are really old".
"Have you read any of them" asked Hermione.
"No. It seems..almost intruding".
"Well, you know Harry" Hermione spoke quietly "You wanted to know more about your dad and stuff. These diaries would probably tell you". Hermione looked almost fearful, as if she expected Harry to explode at her. Harry however, was quite calm.
"You're right Hermione, maybe I will. It would definitely clear up a lot of things".
*****************************
Harry and Hermione spent the afternoon talking and swapping stories. He had never had a friend from school come for a proper visit before but he quickly found that it was great to just be able to hang out and talking to someone. They stayed around at the Dursley's for a while before taking a walk down to the park and sat themselves on the grass.
Suddenly, their time was interrupted by a loud jeer. Both Harry and Hermione stood up and swung around in time to see Dudley and his gang heading towards them. Dudley however, was looking slightly anxious.
"Hey Big D, you didn't say your cousin had a girlfriend! Does she come from St. Brutts too?" spoke Dudley's friend Piers.
"Shut up" muttered Dudley, clearly wanting leave.
"Oh come on D, these two will be easy. I mean, they're both as crazed as each other. What can they do?"
"Yeah diddykins, tell them just how mental I am" spoke Harry loudly. He wasn't going to put up with Dudley and his gang anymore. "Tell them then get our of our faces".
"You're going to take that cheek from him?" spoke another of Dudley's friends.
"Well, uh, come on, let's go" answered Dudley hurriedly before streamlining out of there, closely followed by his gang.
"He's scared of me" spoke Harry out loud "I never want to put up with him again".
"Good for you Harry" answered Hermione "How horrible that lot? Still I guess the Slytherins would steam-roll them any day".
*****************************
A/N: I had some trouble writing the second part of this chapter for some reason. I ended up scrapping the ending and changing the confrontation with Dudley's gang (I just wasn't happy with it), so I'm sorry if the ending seems a bit sudden.
In regards to Lily's diaries, I'm most likely not going to dedicate whole chapters to them but I'll probably just include snippets. I'm considering writing a new fic based on this once this one is finished as after all, this is my first fic and I don't want it to go on forever lol! I'll keep you posted.
Anywhoo, that's it for now. Thanks for reading and please review! I've got a busy four weeks ahead of me before the end of semester but I'll definitely try and get a chapter or two in. Next up: Snape's reply and the new Minister of Magic announced.
~RV
*****************************
Two weeks after his visit to Diagon Alley with Fred, George and Mad-Eye Moody, Harry was seated on his bed reading the latest Daily Prophet with great interest.
-----------------------------
FUDGE FIRED. MINISTRY IN DISARRAY
It can now be officially declared that Cornelius Fudge is no longer the Minster of Magic. In a move that has been expected for the past several weeks, it was announced by Ministry officials yesterday afternoon that Fudge had been delegated.
"Well, much of the magical community has been calling for it" spoke Ministry official, Percy Weasley, "A replacement will be announced after internal voting commences next week".
In the meantime, Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement has taken the position of acting-minister. However, it seems as though Albus Dumbledore is the favourite amongst the wizarding population to take the main job, but is highly unlikely due to his commitments at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
-----------------------------
Harry chucked the newspaper of the floor once he had finished reading it, just as an owl flew into the room and dropped a thick looking envelope onto his bed. Harry instantly recognised it to be a letter from Hogwarts and gulped as he realised it was probably his exam results. Trembling slightly, he opened the envelope and unfolded the first piece of parchment.
-----------------------------
Dear Mr Potter,
Below contains your Ordinary Wizarding Levels (OWL) results. Any question or clarifications should be addressed to you head of house at Hogwarts.
Hope you're having an enjoyable holiday!
-----------------------------
Harry, almost not wanting to keep reading, forced himself to look down further at the parchment.
-----------------------------
Charms Theory: Exceeds Expectations
Charms Practical: Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration Theory: Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration Practical: Exceeds Expectations
Defence Against the Dark Arts Theory: Outstanding
Defence Against the Dark Arts Practical: Outstanding
Potions Theory: Acceptable
Potions Practical: Exceeds Expectations
Astronomy Theory: Acceptable
Astronomy Practical: Poor
Herbology: Exceeds Expectations
Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding
Divination: Dreadful
History of Magic: Dreadful
-----------------------------
Harry gasped. Had he really achieved all those OWL's? In shock, he re-read them three times before unfolding the next piece of parchment.
-----------------------------
Dear Mr Potter,
Congratulations on your OWL results. It is now the time to choose your NEWT subjects that you will be studying in your sixth and seventh year at Hogwarts.
From you results, you are automatically eligible to study the following courses:
Advanced Charms Advanced Transfiguration Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts Advanced Herbology Advanced Care of Magical Creatures
You may be eligible for the following courses depending on the preferences of the students who achieved a higher grade:
Advanced Potions
Please complete the attached form and return it by owl no later than a weeks tie.
Enjoy your holidays!
Professor Minerva McGonagall Head of Gryffindor House Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
-----------------------------
Harry unfolded the final piece of parchment and read the form:
-----------------------------
All students are to choose five subjects that they wish to study at Hogwarts in their sixth and seventh years. Please list any subjects you may have automatic entry into before listing ones that you are not automatically eligible for. You will receive confirmation of your courses in approximately two weeks.
-----------------------------
The goal of becoming an Auror still fresh in his mind, he firstly wrote down:
Advanced Defence Against the Dark Arts Advanced Transfiguration Advanced Charms
After thinking, he added "Advanced Care of Magical Creatures" thinking he would need a lighter subject after his other ones. With a sigh, he next wrote "Advanced Potions" knowing that he needed it to continue on with his dream of becoming an Auror, even if that meant another two years of Snape.
While on the subject of Snape, Harry realised that it had been over two weeks that he had wrote to him and he had since had no reply. Before he could wonder what that could possibly mean, Harry heard a knock on the Dursley's front door. Thinking nothing of it since it was lunch-time and Dudley's gang were probably arriving, he decided not to send of his form until he heard from Hermione and Ron first. However, Harry was taken by surprise when he heard Uncle Vernon come thundering up the stairs and come to a standstill in Harry's bedroom doorway.
"Someone is here to see you" grunted Vernon, his face slightly purple. Feeling curious, Harry walked down the stair and through the front hallway to see who was waiting for him on the front porch.
Hermione was standing there beaming at him.
*****************************
Harry couldn't suppress the surprised looked that he gave as Hermione stood there on the Dursley's doorstep.
"Hi Harry" exclaimed Hermione almost breathlessly, "My parents just dropped me off here on their way to visit a friend". As she spoke, she turned and waved to her parents who were driving off in their navy blue car. "This is okay isn't it?" asked Hermione anxiously.
"Not at all" smiled Harry, "It's great to see you"
"And you too!"
At this point, Harry noticed that Hermione was clutching a letter. He instantly recognised it having only receive something similar only half an hour before.
"Did you get your OWL results Harry?"
"Yeah, about half an hour ago. How did you go?"
Hermione proudly passed Harry her letter so he could read it for himself.
"Wow, 15 OWL's! Congratulations!"
"Thank-you!" exclaimed Hermione, "I was so excited and my parents were ever so pleased. How did you go?"
"10 OWL's".
"Harry!" squealed Hermione, "That's absolutely brilliant! What subjects are you signing up for?"
"Defence Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures and maybe Potions, otherwise, Herbology. How about you?"
"Well, it was a tough decision but I think I've decided on Transfiguration, Charms, Arithmancy, Study of the Ancient Runes and Defence Against the Dark Arts". For a moment, both Harry and Hermione stood awkwardly.
"Err, do you want to come inside?" asked Harry.
"Sure, thanks".
Harry led Hermione down the hallway. They were about to enter the kitchen when Harry saw that the Dursley's were already in there. Instead, Harry and Hermione went to Harry's room where Harry hastily cleaned up his belongings which were sprawled over his bed, trunk and floor. Hermione however, was looking curiously at the large boxes taking up most of Harry's floor space. Harry explained about the boxes and how he had come to find them. Hermione gasped.
"You mean your Aunt and Uncle never told you about them? That's really quite rude of them".
" I know" answered Harry, "Professor Lupin seemed really happy when I finally received them". Harry opened up one of the boxes and prodded around inside. "It's all I have left of them". He paused for a moment before continuing. "There's even some of my mum's old diaries in there. I think some of them are really old".
"Have you read any of them" asked Hermione.
"No. It seems..almost intruding".
"Well, you know Harry" Hermione spoke quietly "You wanted to know more about your dad and stuff. These diaries would probably tell you". Hermione looked almost fearful, as if she expected Harry to explode at her. Harry however, was quite calm.
"You're right Hermione, maybe I will. It would definitely clear up a lot of things".
*****************************
Harry and Hermione spent the afternoon talking and swapping stories. He had never had a friend from school come for a proper visit before but he quickly found that it was great to just be able to hang out and talking to someone. They stayed around at the Dursley's for a while before taking a walk down to the park and sat themselves on the grass.
Suddenly, their time was interrupted by a loud jeer. Both Harry and Hermione stood up and swung around in time to see Dudley and his gang heading towards them. Dudley however, was looking slightly anxious.
"Hey Big D, you didn't say your cousin had a girlfriend! Does she come from St. Brutts too?" spoke Dudley's friend Piers.
"Shut up" muttered Dudley, clearly wanting leave.
"Oh come on D, these two will be easy. I mean, they're both as crazed as each other. What can they do?"
"Yeah diddykins, tell them just how mental I am" spoke Harry loudly. He wasn't going to put up with Dudley and his gang anymore. "Tell them then get our of our faces".
"You're going to take that cheek from him?" spoke another of Dudley's friends.
"Well, uh, come on, let's go" answered Dudley hurriedly before streamlining out of there, closely followed by his gang.
"He's scared of me" spoke Harry out loud "I never want to put up with him again".
"Good for you Harry" answered Hermione "How horrible that lot? Still I guess the Slytherins would steam-roll them any day".
*****************************
A/N: I had some trouble writing the second part of this chapter for some reason. I ended up scrapping the ending and changing the confrontation with Dudley's gang (I just wasn't happy with it), so I'm sorry if the ending seems a bit sudden.
In regards to Lily's diaries, I'm most likely not going to dedicate whole chapters to them but I'll probably just include snippets. I'm considering writing a new fic based on this once this one is finished as after all, this is my first fic and I don't want it to go on forever lol! I'll keep you posted.
Anywhoo, that's it for now. Thanks for reading and please review! I've got a busy four weeks ahead of me before the end of semester but I'll definitely try and get a chapter or two in. Next up: Snape's reply and the new Minister of Magic announced.
~RV