Harry Potter & the Honeychurch Institute of Magic
By Darkmoore
Weatherby has returned to Honeychurch!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Twenty Nine: O.W.L.'s & N.E.W.T.'s
'Why is it whenever I get rid of one nuisance another pops right into my life?' Harry thought as he looked across the dining hall at the group of examiners.
Several of the examiners were beginning to mill around and speak to several of the teachers as Harry decided to leave the dining hall before he felt the need to chase Weatherby off the grounds once more. However, he had only made it into the corridor when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Harry turned to see Weatherby standing there.
"Har …" he began, but corrected himself, "Professor Potter, may I have a word?"
Harry thought about it for a moment and said, "Alright." and led him to the main entrance of the library where they could talk in private for a moment.
Before Percy could begin, Harry cut him off stated very plainly, "If you've come here to apologize, you needn't bother, I know the only way you would do that is if someone was forcing you into it. Am I correct?"
Harry could tell Weatherby was doing some quick thinking, but appeared that to realize that honesty would be best when dealing with him. "You are correct Harry. Someone did tell me to come here and make peace with you."
"Is your job dependant upon it?" Harry asked.
"No, it's not, but things would go better for me if I did."
"If you want to make peace with me, make it with your parents first. They deserve it far more than I do and what's more they've earned it." Harry said to the taller man and turned to leave.
"I wouldn't know what to say to them anymore, it's been so long." Percy said in a quiet voice.
Harry sighed; he did not want to get into this with him today. Especially since the examinations were to begin that morning as well.
"Do you have someone special in your life?" Harry asked.
"Yes"
"Are you in love with this person?"
"Yes, Harry I am."
"Are you loved back?"
"I hope so."
"Then that's where you start with your mother, tell her you want her to meet who ever this person in your life is."
"I don't think my parents would approve."
"Why?" asked Harry, not certain if he really wanted to go here or not.
"Just … because, it's not really any of your business anyway."
"It's not a guy is it?"
"NO!" Weatherby responded very offended. "It is a woman."
"Then it's your problem then, go and fix it yourself." Harry said very annoyed and stormed out of the library.
* * * * *
Sometime later that morning, Harry was clearing away the study tables from the library and helping Professors Proctor and Fitzhugh to conjure individual desks for every student to use during their written examinations. Which wasn't too difficult of a task as there were only fifteen students taking exams this year, six fifth years for their O.W.L.'s and nine seventh years for the N.E.W.T.'s.
The first examination was over Herbology and Professor Smallwood was more nervous than the students were, if that were possible. However, she had to teach the fourth year's first thing that morning and couldn't be present for the beginning of the exams.
Harry was present for the first half of the written exams, but had to leave half way through to teach the fourth years, so he wasn't able to witness how well they did or not when the exam was over. So it wasn't until lunch that he say fifteen students who looked they each had a nasty run in with a bludger.
"Vesta?" Harry asked as he was eating lunch, "did we look like they do, when we were their age?"
"Gryffindors might have, but Ravenclaws always looked good." she replied with a small smile.
"Well one of you does at any rate."
Vesta smiled and said, "Any Ravenclaw I might know of?"
"I don't know, did you know Luna Lovegood?"
Vesta's eyes popped larger for a moment before she pinched his thigh under the table.
Harry didn't whether to wince or laugh.
* * * * *
The rest of the week went on in this same manner, written examinations in the morning and then practical exams in the afternoon. The schedule went for the first week, Herbology on Monday, Charms on Tuesday, Transfiguration on Wednesday, Potions on Thursday and Astronomy on Friday. The second week went a little bit differently, Care of Magical Creatures on Monday, History of Magic and Muggles Studies on Tuesday as neither of those subjects had a practical to them, Defense Against the Dark Arts on Wednesday and finally Arithmancy and Ancient Runes on Thursday, once again there were practical demonstrations with those two classes. Friday was considered a school holiday and no one was required to attend classes.
* * * * *
It was during the second week's Wednesday examination that Harry gave the extremely worn out students a little pep talk.
"Alright everyone, you're almost done, just today and tomorrow and then everything will be over with." Harry said, as a couple of them looked terrified. "It doesn't matter how well you score on the exams, they are not a true judge of a person, just a guide to help you achieve your chosen careers. Don't worry about it at all, no matter how well you do or don't do; I'll be proud of you."
Several of the students looked a little better, some looked like they might need an anti-vomit potion and the rest looked the same as before. However, Harry smiled at them and sent them into the library for the next four grueling hours.
"That was an inspired speech you just delivered Harry." Madame Klump said as she came up from behind him.
"It's the speech I was given right before my N.E.W.T.'S by my Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore."
"Great man he is too. One of the few people that work for the ministry that I feel I can trust."
"There are a few witches and wizards that work there that I feel I can trust, but not many." Harry said as he watched the examinations begin for the students. Then he sighed and said, "I hope I've done right by them."
"You're joking right? Harry you've taught them more in one year than some of them have learned in the previous four. Gregory was a fine man, but there were days I wondered about his abilities as a teacher."
"I always had the impression that he was highly regarded when he taught here." Harry said in disbelief.
She smiled at him and said, "Wasn't it you who gave those surveys on the first week of classes to the students and wasn't it you who was disgusted by the students lack of progress in your subject?"
"Well, yes, but I assumed that he was using an outdated lesson plan or an older set of books to teach from."
"No the past few years, he really began slipping as he aged. He was younger than Taryn Whitlock by a few years, but he had once been an Auror and it had aged him far older than it should have. He was only going through the motions at the end." said Madame Klump. "He so wanted to last another year to see his class graduate, but he knew he just couldn't do it."
"Well, I'm sure he did his best."
"So have you and your best is pretty good." the Headmistress said with a smile and walked into the library to observe the examinations.
* * * * *
Harry continued to watch the examinations with glee, especially the practical demonstrations, which he secretly told on e of the examiners, a Professor Emaline Marwood to ask the students to perform the Patronus charm.
"Professor Potter," she said, "we always examine the seventh years on that charm."
"No, I meant to ask the fifth years to do it for extra credit." Harry replied to her.
"Alright," she said a bit taken back, "but not all students are you Professor."
Harry blinked and then blushed, she must have been there when he took his O.W.L.'s eight years ago.
* * * * *
First thing on Friday morning, after all the O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.'s were complete and the majority of the students were sleeping in as all classes were cancelled for the day. So the majority of the people in the dining hall were either staff members or the examiners.
"Professor Potter?"
Harry turned to see the ancient looking Professor Emaline Marwood looking at him uncertainly.
"Yes ma'am?" he asked respectfully.
"Minister Bones asked me to make sure that young Mr. Weasley has apologized to you for his past dealings with you."
"Ah, we had a conversation, but technically, he hasn't yet apologized. I told him that in order to make peace with me; he must first do so with his parents." Harry said and then asked, "Is his job in jeopardy if he doesn't comply with the esteemed Minister of Magic's wishes?"
"Well, not in jeopardy exactly, but it is required of him in order to remain in the Department of Magical Education." Professor Marwood explained.
"Well, if he approaches me again, I promise to be sure and listen to him carefully."
Professor Marwood smiled at him and said, "You're more generous that I would be."
* * * * *
After Professor Marwood moved back to her seat Harry was suddenly beset upon by a flock owls all trying to deliver their posts first. However, Hedwig was among the group and fluffed her feathers accordingly and took her place as the first one in line.
"Good morning Hedwig." Harry said as he took her letter from her and gave her a bit of bacon before moving on to one of the others.
In all Harry received five letters that morning, one from Ginny concerning facility business that he needed to discuss with the Headmistress later, one from Madame Bones again asking if he would consider attending and being a panelist in a conference concerning the reforms the Ministry of Magic is thinking of making within the Department of Magical Education, one from Hermione asking him to also attend a conference this summer about house elf rights and regulations and lastly one from his aunt Petunia. This is the one that caught Harry's eye the most.
~Dear Harry,
I know that your school year should almost be over with and that you'll be having your summer free or at least freer and I wanted to invite you and your lady friend to come and visit me again at Privet Drive.
I also understand that your not allowed using magic in front of normal people, but don't let that stop you on my account. As I already know about it, there would be no damage done by me seeing any more of it. It's perfectly normal for you after all.
Please let me know what times you have free so that you and Vernon's sister Marge aren't here at the same time. As you may know, that would probably be unpleasant for everyone.
Yours, Aunt Petunia
Harry looked at this letter three times before turning to Vesta and saying, "I think my aunt has lost her marbles."
To Be Continued…
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Author's Note: To everyone who reviewed, thanks again...
athenakitty wrote Harry learns a bit about women? How many time will the cup be passed around? Will Percy learn to behave himself? Will Winky make an encore performance?
Answer - I don't think Harry will ever understand women at all. :) As for Percy, well you'll find out.
dragonclawz54 wrote Great chapter. I like the match it was really good. finally proctor accepts the two gay men. ha ha ha. PERCY NO will he die!?! jus joke. well good story and keep up the good work.
Answer - Actually there are more than two gay boys in the school, you've only just met two of them. :)
Tanydwr wrote This is great! Very wicked, I mean, urgh at what everyone had to do and thank God Draco's not in love with Harry more. That was just too weird. What did they talk about in that secret meeting? And aren't the students gossiping about Harry and Vesta? Normally, they would be, especially the older ones. And why was Procter *nice* and transformed Draco? There's something weird about him. And has anyone mentioned that the Headmistress is most definitely evil? 'Talk to me like one of the guys', honestly! Keep up the good work. And when Xander gets old enough, please make him straight. I mean, since he went to the Valentine's Ball with Daisy, it seems like it, but make sure, will you?
Answer - hehehehehe, if you remember correctly Draco attended the Yule Ball in fourth year with Pansy Parkinson and then he was dating her in the fifth book. When it kicks in, it kicks in. hehehehehe Also Edwina ain't evil, wicked maybe but not evil. :D Also, you think that mayeb there more to Proctor than what meets the eye?
Ferdia wrote More Percy bashing, yeah yeah yeah. Oh can he be fired. Because to the an examiner you need to be or had been a teacher.
Answer - Not much that goes on in the Ministry of Magic makes a whole lot of sence, besides Weatherby was once head boy.
'The Girl Who Wrote' wrote Yay, another great chapter! Proctor is very confusing, especially with this lastest development; I wonder what kind of explanation is going to come out of it? I know it will be good one though! Please update soon!
Answer - Prof. Proctor, well there is a reason for his behavior, you've just not seen it as yet. :) In fact I may never tell you, just to keep you guessing.
By Darkmoore
Weatherby has returned to Honeychurch!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Twenty Nine: O.W.L.'s & N.E.W.T.'s
'Why is it whenever I get rid of one nuisance another pops right into my life?' Harry thought as he looked across the dining hall at the group of examiners.
Several of the examiners were beginning to mill around and speak to several of the teachers as Harry decided to leave the dining hall before he felt the need to chase Weatherby off the grounds once more. However, he had only made it into the corridor when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Harry turned to see Weatherby standing there.
"Har …" he began, but corrected himself, "Professor Potter, may I have a word?"
Harry thought about it for a moment and said, "Alright." and led him to the main entrance of the library where they could talk in private for a moment.
Before Percy could begin, Harry cut him off stated very plainly, "If you've come here to apologize, you needn't bother, I know the only way you would do that is if someone was forcing you into it. Am I correct?"
Harry could tell Weatherby was doing some quick thinking, but appeared that to realize that honesty would be best when dealing with him. "You are correct Harry. Someone did tell me to come here and make peace with you."
"Is your job dependant upon it?" Harry asked.
"No, it's not, but things would go better for me if I did."
"If you want to make peace with me, make it with your parents first. They deserve it far more than I do and what's more they've earned it." Harry said to the taller man and turned to leave.
"I wouldn't know what to say to them anymore, it's been so long." Percy said in a quiet voice.
Harry sighed; he did not want to get into this with him today. Especially since the examinations were to begin that morning as well.
"Do you have someone special in your life?" Harry asked.
"Yes"
"Are you in love with this person?"
"Yes, Harry I am."
"Are you loved back?"
"I hope so."
"Then that's where you start with your mother, tell her you want her to meet who ever this person in your life is."
"I don't think my parents would approve."
"Why?" asked Harry, not certain if he really wanted to go here or not.
"Just … because, it's not really any of your business anyway."
"It's not a guy is it?"
"NO!" Weatherby responded very offended. "It is a woman."
"Then it's your problem then, go and fix it yourself." Harry said very annoyed and stormed out of the library.
* * * * *
Sometime later that morning, Harry was clearing away the study tables from the library and helping Professors Proctor and Fitzhugh to conjure individual desks for every student to use during their written examinations. Which wasn't too difficult of a task as there were only fifteen students taking exams this year, six fifth years for their O.W.L.'s and nine seventh years for the N.E.W.T.'s.
The first examination was over Herbology and Professor Smallwood was more nervous than the students were, if that were possible. However, she had to teach the fourth year's first thing that morning and couldn't be present for the beginning of the exams.
Harry was present for the first half of the written exams, but had to leave half way through to teach the fourth years, so he wasn't able to witness how well they did or not when the exam was over. So it wasn't until lunch that he say fifteen students who looked they each had a nasty run in with a bludger.
"Vesta?" Harry asked as he was eating lunch, "did we look like they do, when we were their age?"
"Gryffindors might have, but Ravenclaws always looked good." she replied with a small smile.
"Well one of you does at any rate."
Vesta smiled and said, "Any Ravenclaw I might know of?"
"I don't know, did you know Luna Lovegood?"
Vesta's eyes popped larger for a moment before she pinched his thigh under the table.
Harry didn't whether to wince or laugh.
* * * * *
The rest of the week went on in this same manner, written examinations in the morning and then practical exams in the afternoon. The schedule went for the first week, Herbology on Monday, Charms on Tuesday, Transfiguration on Wednesday, Potions on Thursday and Astronomy on Friday. The second week went a little bit differently, Care of Magical Creatures on Monday, History of Magic and Muggles Studies on Tuesday as neither of those subjects had a practical to them, Defense Against the Dark Arts on Wednesday and finally Arithmancy and Ancient Runes on Thursday, once again there were practical demonstrations with those two classes. Friday was considered a school holiday and no one was required to attend classes.
* * * * *
It was during the second week's Wednesday examination that Harry gave the extremely worn out students a little pep talk.
"Alright everyone, you're almost done, just today and tomorrow and then everything will be over with." Harry said, as a couple of them looked terrified. "It doesn't matter how well you score on the exams, they are not a true judge of a person, just a guide to help you achieve your chosen careers. Don't worry about it at all, no matter how well you do or don't do; I'll be proud of you."
Several of the students looked a little better, some looked like they might need an anti-vomit potion and the rest looked the same as before. However, Harry smiled at them and sent them into the library for the next four grueling hours.
"That was an inspired speech you just delivered Harry." Madame Klump said as she came up from behind him.
"It's the speech I was given right before my N.E.W.T.'S by my Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore."
"Great man he is too. One of the few people that work for the ministry that I feel I can trust."
"There are a few witches and wizards that work there that I feel I can trust, but not many." Harry said as he watched the examinations begin for the students. Then he sighed and said, "I hope I've done right by them."
"You're joking right? Harry you've taught them more in one year than some of them have learned in the previous four. Gregory was a fine man, but there were days I wondered about his abilities as a teacher."
"I always had the impression that he was highly regarded when he taught here." Harry said in disbelief.
She smiled at him and said, "Wasn't it you who gave those surveys on the first week of classes to the students and wasn't it you who was disgusted by the students lack of progress in your subject?"
"Well, yes, but I assumed that he was using an outdated lesson plan or an older set of books to teach from."
"No the past few years, he really began slipping as he aged. He was younger than Taryn Whitlock by a few years, but he had once been an Auror and it had aged him far older than it should have. He was only going through the motions at the end." said Madame Klump. "He so wanted to last another year to see his class graduate, but he knew he just couldn't do it."
"Well, I'm sure he did his best."
"So have you and your best is pretty good." the Headmistress said with a smile and walked into the library to observe the examinations.
* * * * *
Harry continued to watch the examinations with glee, especially the practical demonstrations, which he secretly told on e of the examiners, a Professor Emaline Marwood to ask the students to perform the Patronus charm.
"Professor Potter," she said, "we always examine the seventh years on that charm."
"No, I meant to ask the fifth years to do it for extra credit." Harry replied to her.
"Alright," she said a bit taken back, "but not all students are you Professor."
Harry blinked and then blushed, she must have been there when he took his O.W.L.'s eight years ago.
* * * * *
First thing on Friday morning, after all the O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.'s were complete and the majority of the students were sleeping in as all classes were cancelled for the day. So the majority of the people in the dining hall were either staff members or the examiners.
"Professor Potter?"
Harry turned to see the ancient looking Professor Emaline Marwood looking at him uncertainly.
"Yes ma'am?" he asked respectfully.
"Minister Bones asked me to make sure that young Mr. Weasley has apologized to you for his past dealings with you."
"Ah, we had a conversation, but technically, he hasn't yet apologized. I told him that in order to make peace with me; he must first do so with his parents." Harry said and then asked, "Is his job in jeopardy if he doesn't comply with the esteemed Minister of Magic's wishes?"
"Well, not in jeopardy exactly, but it is required of him in order to remain in the Department of Magical Education." Professor Marwood explained.
"Well, if he approaches me again, I promise to be sure and listen to him carefully."
Professor Marwood smiled at him and said, "You're more generous that I would be."
* * * * *
After Professor Marwood moved back to her seat Harry was suddenly beset upon by a flock owls all trying to deliver their posts first. However, Hedwig was among the group and fluffed her feathers accordingly and took her place as the first one in line.
"Good morning Hedwig." Harry said as he took her letter from her and gave her a bit of bacon before moving on to one of the others.
In all Harry received five letters that morning, one from Ginny concerning facility business that he needed to discuss with the Headmistress later, one from Madame Bones again asking if he would consider attending and being a panelist in a conference concerning the reforms the Ministry of Magic is thinking of making within the Department of Magical Education, one from Hermione asking him to also attend a conference this summer about house elf rights and regulations and lastly one from his aunt Petunia. This is the one that caught Harry's eye the most.
~Dear Harry,
I know that your school year should almost be over with and that you'll be having your summer free or at least freer and I wanted to invite you and your lady friend to come and visit me again at Privet Drive.
I also understand that your not allowed using magic in front of normal people, but don't let that stop you on my account. As I already know about it, there would be no damage done by me seeing any more of it. It's perfectly normal for you after all.
Please let me know what times you have free so that you and Vernon's sister Marge aren't here at the same time. As you may know, that would probably be unpleasant for everyone.
Yours, Aunt Petunia
Harry looked at this letter three times before turning to Vesta and saying, "I think my aunt has lost her marbles."
To Be Continued…
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Author's Note: To everyone who reviewed, thanks again...
athenakitty wrote Harry learns a bit about women? How many time will the cup be passed around? Will Percy learn to behave himself? Will Winky make an encore performance?
Answer - I don't think Harry will ever understand women at all. :) As for Percy, well you'll find out.
dragonclawz54 wrote Great chapter. I like the match it was really good. finally proctor accepts the two gay men. ha ha ha. PERCY NO will he die!?! jus joke. well good story and keep up the good work.
Answer - Actually there are more than two gay boys in the school, you've only just met two of them. :)
Tanydwr wrote This is great! Very wicked, I mean, urgh at what everyone had to do and thank God Draco's not in love with Harry more. That was just too weird. What did they talk about in that secret meeting? And aren't the students gossiping about Harry and Vesta? Normally, they would be, especially the older ones. And why was Procter *nice* and transformed Draco? There's something weird about him. And has anyone mentioned that the Headmistress is most definitely evil? 'Talk to me like one of the guys', honestly! Keep up the good work. And when Xander gets old enough, please make him straight. I mean, since he went to the Valentine's Ball with Daisy, it seems like it, but make sure, will you?
Answer - hehehehehe, if you remember correctly Draco attended the Yule Ball in fourth year with Pansy Parkinson and then he was dating her in the fifth book. When it kicks in, it kicks in. hehehehehe Also Edwina ain't evil, wicked maybe but not evil. :D Also, you think that mayeb there more to Proctor than what meets the eye?
Ferdia wrote More Percy bashing, yeah yeah yeah. Oh can he be fired. Because to the an examiner you need to be or had been a teacher.
Answer - Not much that goes on in the Ministry of Magic makes a whole lot of sence, besides Weatherby was once head boy.
'The Girl Who Wrote' wrote Yay, another great chapter! Proctor is very confusing, especially with this lastest development; I wonder what kind of explanation is going to come out of it? I know it will be good one though! Please update soon!
Answer - Prof. Proctor, well there is a reason for his behavior, you've just not seen it as yet. :) In fact I may never tell you, just to keep you guessing.