Chapter 16
The next morning Harry woke with a groan. "I shouldn't have studied that long."
"Quit complaining, you had me studying with you," Ron said, looking even worse than Harry.
"Well you want to try the tests?" Harry asked.
"No thanks. It was your idea in the first place," Ron said as they both got up and got ready for the day ahead.
When Harry and Ron entered the commong room they spotted Hermione reading one of Harry's library books. "You're still reading even after all the books we went through last night?" Ron asked, sounding less than thrilled.
"Well good morning to you too. Harry, is it alright if I borrow a book or two from you?" Hermione asked.
"Go right ahead. I think there might be a charm on the books that makes them return to the library if they are left alone too long," Harry said.
As the day wore on Harry was glad that he had studied so much the night before. McGonagall came up to him when it was time for his Transfiguration NEWT. "Mr. Potter, are you sure you wish to do this now?"
Harry nodded. "I think I will do fine."
"Ok, then please come with me," McGonagall said, leding Harry into her office. She handed him a small stack of papers. "You have to pass with ninety-five percent or higher."
Once he had finished the written exam Harry returned to the classroom where McGonagall looked up at him, suprised. "You're finished already?"
"It was easier than I thought," Harry said honestly. McGonagall took the papers from his hands then began the practical exam. She had him transfigure simple objects to very complex objects. From objects they moved in to animal to animal transfiguration.
When they were finished McGonagall smiled. "Not bad Mr. Potter. You will get your results by the end of this week. Now you need to head over to Professor Lupin's classroom where he will be waiting for you."
As Harry left he realized he had done his entire practical exam in front of McGonagall's class.
Harry found the DADA exam just as easy as the Transfiguration exam. He breezed through the written portion and Remus looked shocked at seeing Harry do such complex spells.
After the Defense exam Harry went to Professor Flitwick's classroom to take his Charms exam. Professor Flitwick seemed very impresed with Harry's ability to conjure. Harry had no trouble with either part of the Charms exam.
During lunch Harry was dreading his Potions exam. He was considered a Potion Master by Merlin but he knew Snape would be trying to get on his nerves to mess him up.
Snape made Harry sit in front of the class, giving him an exam five times longer than any of the other exams he had taken. Despite its length Harry flew through it. Once he was finished Snape growled and started Harry on his practical potion.
When Harry was finished Snape sneered at him. "There is no way you could have done that potion. Only a Potion Master could have done that."
"Are you sure? Since I know a lot of harder potions like," Harry went on to list potions, each making Snape's eyes grow wider.
"Potter, there is no way you should any of those potions unless you read about them in an advanced Potion Master's book," Snape said.
"Well I can do them, just like I did that simple one you had me do," Harry said, hoping he wasn't going to get detention for mouthing off.
"Simple you say? Then come by this Saturday and I will give you a challenge," Snape said and Harry nodded in acceptance then left the classroom.
Harry walked all the way to his library where he found Hermione reading.
"Classes over?" Harry asked, startling Hermione.
"They have been over for over an hour. How were the NEWTs?" Hermione asked.
"Actually they felt too easy. It might have been because of Merlin's teachings, but Hogwarts seems so easy now," Harry said, sliding down into a chair. "Oh yeah, I also challenged Snape. Saturday I have to do the hardest potion he knows."
"Harry! How do you get yourself into things like this?" Hermione asked. "But I doubt he will give you the hardest potion known to Potion Masters. Then again, Snape has never been too fond of you."
"Oh don't worry. After doing Merlin's potions, any of Snape's will be a piece of cake," Harry said.
"Hopefully not posionous cake. If you insist on doings this just please be careful," Hermione said.
Harry nodded and waved his hand, causing a book to fly towards him.
"Harry, can I learn wandless magic?" Hermione asked him.
"It took me a couple of months to finally levitate an object, and three more to cast simple spells. Are you willing to work that long on this?" Harry asked and Hermione nodded. "Ok, then read this."
A large blue book flew to Hermione. She picked it up from its levitating position and began to read it.
For the rest of the week Harry continued his normal classes. The NEWTs had to be turned into the Ministry so he would not find out the results until the weekend.
On Saturday his NEWTs had yet to arrive but Harry found himself in the Potions classroom. "Well Potter, you think you know everything. Do this potion and I will accept that you are not a Dunderhead. And if you don't I never want to see you here again."
Harry looked at the potion. He had never seen this one before, but when Snape shouted at him again he quickly scrambled to work.
The potion took him the whole day and much of the night. Finally Harry scooped up a beaker of the potion and handed it to Snape. "I am done."
"Lets see what you created," Snape said, looking at the potion closely, sneering. "Not bad Potter. I have seen worse."
Harry had no idea what that meant, but he couldn't concentrate on caring, he was too hungry. He apparated himself to the kitchens to have a huge meal.
During dinner on Sunday Harry finally received his NEWTs. "What did you get?" both of his friends asked at once.
"Well, I got..." Harry trailed off, puzzled. "I got nine. Two in DADA, two in Transfiguration, two in Charms and three in Potions."
"The third one must be from the potion you made yesterday," Hermione suggested.
"But that shouldn't count, it was a challenge by Professor Snape. It wasn't part of the test," Harry said, confused.
"Actually, it wasn't part of the test Potter," Snape's voice came from behind Harry. "But since it was an advanced potion I inisited that it be graded as a NEWT. Congratulations."
The three of them sat shocked as Snape walked away. "Was Snape just nice?" Ron asked, amazed.
After dinner Dumbledore called Harry to his office. When Harry arrived he realized that an Order meeting was taking place.
"Ah, Hello Harry," Dumbledore said. "Please sit down. I called you all here to reveal the identity of the Golden Mage. It appears that our young Harry was keeping a bit of a secret from us."
"It can't be Harry, he can't do all the things we've seen the Golden Mage do," someone said.
"You are right, he is too young for many of those things," someone else chimed in.
"I believe you will be pleasantly surprised if you allow Mr. Potter to explain," Dumbledore said, leaving Harry to prove his identity.
Harry stood up and his golden armor appeared on him. He conjured a table full of food wandlessly. Then he snapped his finger and was back to wearing school robes. "Please eat up, I was told by my friends that I conjure pretty good food."
Still no one moved. Then Dumbledore, Sirius and Remus walked up and grabbed a plate each of food. Several other people, after looking around, walked up and grabbed food as well. Everyone was still dazed at the proof that the Boy Who Lived was also the Golden Mage.
Dumbledore inducted Harry into the Order of the Phoenix with no objections from any of the members present. Harry told them of his nightly visits to Voldemort.
"Harry, it that wise?" Dumbledore asked.
"Headmaster, I know a much more advanced occlumency than what Professor Snape tried to teach me. I can both enter Voldemort's mind without him knowing and completely block his mind from entering mine. Because of this skill I stopped Wormtail from attacking the Grangers," Harry said.
"Alright, I trust your judgement. Can you do this at any time?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, I can do it now if you would like," Harry said and Dumbledore nodded. Harry closed his eyes and immediately found himself back in Voldemort's room.
"Get Avery started. We'll attack Hogsmeade at the next Hogsmeade weekend. Get a spy to follow Potter. Something is up with Potter. I can't reach him anymore," Voldemort yelled. Anger was written all over his reptillian face. Not having learned anything important, Harry left Voldemort's mind.
"He is going to attack Hogsmeade during our next visit. Voldemort wants me captured," Harry said the instant he opened his eyes.
"Did he say anything else?" Dumbledore asked, concern on his face.
"Yes, he is angry that he can't enter my mind anymore and is going to have spies following me around until the attack. I will know when they are following me though. I can take care of myself. Remus, you don't need to follow me around anymore," Harry said.
"You knew I was following?" Remus asked, shocked.
"Yes, I've known since I came back from the past. What should we do about this attack?" Harry asked.
"We will let the visit continue. We have two weeks to prepare for the attack," Dumbledore said. "Until then you will be our top spy."
Harry nodded.
"Alright. We won't need Professor Snape to return to Voldemort," Dumbledore said. "It is too dangerous to continue when we have a simplier way."
"Professor Snape, would you like your tatoo removed?" Harry asked.
"The tattoo can not be removed," Snape said.
"I can remove it. Do you want me to?" Harry asked.
Snape stayed silent for a moment. "If you can then do it."
Harry walked over to his Potions Professor and sat down next to him. Snape rolled up his sleeve, revealing a dark black tattoo of a skull. Harry changed his wand into a staff and touched the top of the staff to the tattoo. He chanted a spell in a whisper.
Snape ground his teeth as the tattoo started to burn. "Ah, that felt like I was being called."
"It is gone sir," Harry said.
Everyone's eyes widened as they were greeted with a sight few had ever seen before. Snape was smiling. "It's gone."
"Yes it is. I should be going. I used a great deal of magic and I feel very tired," Harry said, getting up to leave.
"Make sure you tell us anything you learn this evening," Dumbledore said and Harry nodded then apparated away.
Once Harry was gone Moody spoke up. "Do you think we should rely on him for something this important?"
"It looks like we have no choice. Harry can penetrate Voldemort's mind. He should be able to get more details than any other spy of ours," Dumbledore said. Then the conversation turned to preparing for the upcoming Hogsmeade attack.
The next morning Harry woke with a groan. "I shouldn't have studied that long."
"Quit complaining, you had me studying with you," Ron said, looking even worse than Harry.
"Well you want to try the tests?" Harry asked.
"No thanks. It was your idea in the first place," Ron said as they both got up and got ready for the day ahead.
When Harry and Ron entered the commong room they spotted Hermione reading one of Harry's library books. "You're still reading even after all the books we went through last night?" Ron asked, sounding less than thrilled.
"Well good morning to you too. Harry, is it alright if I borrow a book or two from you?" Hermione asked.
"Go right ahead. I think there might be a charm on the books that makes them return to the library if they are left alone too long," Harry said.
As the day wore on Harry was glad that he had studied so much the night before. McGonagall came up to him when it was time for his Transfiguration NEWT. "Mr. Potter, are you sure you wish to do this now?"
Harry nodded. "I think I will do fine."
"Ok, then please come with me," McGonagall said, leding Harry into her office. She handed him a small stack of papers. "You have to pass with ninety-five percent or higher."
Once he had finished the written exam Harry returned to the classroom where McGonagall looked up at him, suprised. "You're finished already?"
"It was easier than I thought," Harry said honestly. McGonagall took the papers from his hands then began the practical exam. She had him transfigure simple objects to very complex objects. From objects they moved in to animal to animal transfiguration.
When they were finished McGonagall smiled. "Not bad Mr. Potter. You will get your results by the end of this week. Now you need to head over to Professor Lupin's classroom where he will be waiting for you."
As Harry left he realized he had done his entire practical exam in front of McGonagall's class.
Harry found the DADA exam just as easy as the Transfiguration exam. He breezed through the written portion and Remus looked shocked at seeing Harry do such complex spells.
After the Defense exam Harry went to Professor Flitwick's classroom to take his Charms exam. Professor Flitwick seemed very impresed with Harry's ability to conjure. Harry had no trouble with either part of the Charms exam.
During lunch Harry was dreading his Potions exam. He was considered a Potion Master by Merlin but he knew Snape would be trying to get on his nerves to mess him up.
Snape made Harry sit in front of the class, giving him an exam five times longer than any of the other exams he had taken. Despite its length Harry flew through it. Once he was finished Snape growled and started Harry on his practical potion.
When Harry was finished Snape sneered at him. "There is no way you could have done that potion. Only a Potion Master could have done that."
"Are you sure? Since I know a lot of harder potions like," Harry went on to list potions, each making Snape's eyes grow wider.
"Potter, there is no way you should any of those potions unless you read about them in an advanced Potion Master's book," Snape said.
"Well I can do them, just like I did that simple one you had me do," Harry said, hoping he wasn't going to get detention for mouthing off.
"Simple you say? Then come by this Saturday and I will give you a challenge," Snape said and Harry nodded in acceptance then left the classroom.
Harry walked all the way to his library where he found Hermione reading.
"Classes over?" Harry asked, startling Hermione.
"They have been over for over an hour. How were the NEWTs?" Hermione asked.
"Actually they felt too easy. It might have been because of Merlin's teachings, but Hogwarts seems so easy now," Harry said, sliding down into a chair. "Oh yeah, I also challenged Snape. Saturday I have to do the hardest potion he knows."
"Harry! How do you get yourself into things like this?" Hermione asked. "But I doubt he will give you the hardest potion known to Potion Masters. Then again, Snape has never been too fond of you."
"Oh don't worry. After doing Merlin's potions, any of Snape's will be a piece of cake," Harry said.
"Hopefully not posionous cake. If you insist on doings this just please be careful," Hermione said.
Harry nodded and waved his hand, causing a book to fly towards him.
"Harry, can I learn wandless magic?" Hermione asked him.
"It took me a couple of months to finally levitate an object, and three more to cast simple spells. Are you willing to work that long on this?" Harry asked and Hermione nodded. "Ok, then read this."
A large blue book flew to Hermione. She picked it up from its levitating position and began to read it.
For the rest of the week Harry continued his normal classes. The NEWTs had to be turned into the Ministry so he would not find out the results until the weekend.
On Saturday his NEWTs had yet to arrive but Harry found himself in the Potions classroom. "Well Potter, you think you know everything. Do this potion and I will accept that you are not a Dunderhead. And if you don't I never want to see you here again."
Harry looked at the potion. He had never seen this one before, but when Snape shouted at him again he quickly scrambled to work.
The potion took him the whole day and much of the night. Finally Harry scooped up a beaker of the potion and handed it to Snape. "I am done."
"Lets see what you created," Snape said, looking at the potion closely, sneering. "Not bad Potter. I have seen worse."
Harry had no idea what that meant, but he couldn't concentrate on caring, he was too hungry. He apparated himself to the kitchens to have a huge meal.
During dinner on Sunday Harry finally received his NEWTs. "What did you get?" both of his friends asked at once.
"Well, I got..." Harry trailed off, puzzled. "I got nine. Two in DADA, two in Transfiguration, two in Charms and three in Potions."
"The third one must be from the potion you made yesterday," Hermione suggested.
"But that shouldn't count, it was a challenge by Professor Snape. It wasn't part of the test," Harry said, confused.
"Actually, it wasn't part of the test Potter," Snape's voice came from behind Harry. "But since it was an advanced potion I inisited that it be graded as a NEWT. Congratulations."
The three of them sat shocked as Snape walked away. "Was Snape just nice?" Ron asked, amazed.
After dinner Dumbledore called Harry to his office. When Harry arrived he realized that an Order meeting was taking place.
"Ah, Hello Harry," Dumbledore said. "Please sit down. I called you all here to reveal the identity of the Golden Mage. It appears that our young Harry was keeping a bit of a secret from us."
"It can't be Harry, he can't do all the things we've seen the Golden Mage do," someone said.
"You are right, he is too young for many of those things," someone else chimed in.
"I believe you will be pleasantly surprised if you allow Mr. Potter to explain," Dumbledore said, leaving Harry to prove his identity.
Harry stood up and his golden armor appeared on him. He conjured a table full of food wandlessly. Then he snapped his finger and was back to wearing school robes. "Please eat up, I was told by my friends that I conjure pretty good food."
Still no one moved. Then Dumbledore, Sirius and Remus walked up and grabbed a plate each of food. Several other people, after looking around, walked up and grabbed food as well. Everyone was still dazed at the proof that the Boy Who Lived was also the Golden Mage.
Dumbledore inducted Harry into the Order of the Phoenix with no objections from any of the members present. Harry told them of his nightly visits to Voldemort.
"Harry, it that wise?" Dumbledore asked.
"Headmaster, I know a much more advanced occlumency than what Professor Snape tried to teach me. I can both enter Voldemort's mind without him knowing and completely block his mind from entering mine. Because of this skill I stopped Wormtail from attacking the Grangers," Harry said.
"Alright, I trust your judgement. Can you do this at any time?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, I can do it now if you would like," Harry said and Dumbledore nodded. Harry closed his eyes and immediately found himself back in Voldemort's room.
"Get Avery started. We'll attack Hogsmeade at the next Hogsmeade weekend. Get a spy to follow Potter. Something is up with Potter. I can't reach him anymore," Voldemort yelled. Anger was written all over his reptillian face. Not having learned anything important, Harry left Voldemort's mind.
"He is going to attack Hogsmeade during our next visit. Voldemort wants me captured," Harry said the instant he opened his eyes.
"Did he say anything else?" Dumbledore asked, concern on his face.
"Yes, he is angry that he can't enter my mind anymore and is going to have spies following me around until the attack. I will know when they are following me though. I can take care of myself. Remus, you don't need to follow me around anymore," Harry said.
"You knew I was following?" Remus asked, shocked.
"Yes, I've known since I came back from the past. What should we do about this attack?" Harry asked.
"We will let the visit continue. We have two weeks to prepare for the attack," Dumbledore said. "Until then you will be our top spy."
Harry nodded.
"Alright. We won't need Professor Snape to return to Voldemort," Dumbledore said. "It is too dangerous to continue when we have a simplier way."
"Professor Snape, would you like your tatoo removed?" Harry asked.
"The tattoo can not be removed," Snape said.
"I can remove it. Do you want me to?" Harry asked.
Snape stayed silent for a moment. "If you can then do it."
Harry walked over to his Potions Professor and sat down next to him. Snape rolled up his sleeve, revealing a dark black tattoo of a skull. Harry changed his wand into a staff and touched the top of the staff to the tattoo. He chanted a spell in a whisper.
Snape ground his teeth as the tattoo started to burn. "Ah, that felt like I was being called."
"It is gone sir," Harry said.
Everyone's eyes widened as they were greeted with a sight few had ever seen before. Snape was smiling. "It's gone."
"Yes it is. I should be going. I used a great deal of magic and I feel very tired," Harry said, getting up to leave.
"Make sure you tell us anything you learn this evening," Dumbledore said and Harry nodded then apparated away.
Once Harry was gone Moody spoke up. "Do you think we should rely on him for something this important?"
"It looks like we have no choice. Harry can penetrate Voldemort's mind. He should be able to get more details than any other spy of ours," Dumbledore said. Then the conversation turned to preparing for the upcoming Hogsmeade attack.