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Dinner
"I can't believe we have to stay in school in the middle of the summer!" "I'd take Hogwarts over the Dursleys any day," replied Harry, finally taking his eyes off the small, gold watch in his hands. Harry had been starting at it ever since they had left Dumbledore's office; it had twelve hands but no numbers. Instead, it had little planets that rotated around the edge. Harry couldn't imagine such a small thing having so much power and couldn't seem to take his eyes off it.
The three of them were slowly walking the familiar corridor to the Gryffindor common room when Hermione gave a sigh, singling for Harry and Ron to stop. Hermione stepped forward and turned to face them.
"Look, I know it may seem like we have all the time in the world," Ron moved to say something and was cut off, "But we don't, we only have a week to plan and prepare for every possible outcome. Anything could happen! Time travel isn't easy and we all ready know what kind of things Peters is capable of. . ." She had said this so fast most of the color had drained from her face. "I'm going to the library to find information on stealth charms."
"Oh come on Hermione! We've only just got here and Fred and George wouldn't let me eat before we left. I'm starving." As Ron said this Harry's stomach growled from hunger. Harry nodded his agreement and Hermione reluctantly followed them into the Great Hall, for what she hoped would be a fairly short dinner.
Harry was shocked to see that the large room was completely empty and the four house tables had been removed, then felt stupid for thinking the rest of the school would be there. The house tables, which usually stood the length of the room, had been replaced by a small round table in the center of the vast room. Three bench seats surrounded it and Harry noticed a small card had been propped up against a large jug of pumpkin juice. Ron picked up the card and read:
Ask for anything, or feel free to go down to the kitchens, I know you know how to get there. Study and practice hard. If you need to contact the order, use Fawkes. He's living in the Gryffindor common room. Remember not to be seen and best of luck on your mission. –Lupin P.S. Try not to riot the house elves too much.
"Hahaha. . . He has you pegged doesn't he Hermione?" laughed Ron, sitting down at the table. "There's nothing funny about the enslavement of house elves, Ron! Now that I think of it, this will be the perfect opportunity for us to talk to and encourage the House elves." Hermione announced. Harry shot Ron an accusing look and sat down. Ron merely shrugged as a plate of roast beef, potatoes and chocolate frogs magically appeared before him.
Oh and Ron, no going into Hogsmead! -Moony
The words had suddenly appeared on the card, still in Ron's hand. "Ah, someday I'm going to figure out what charm he does that with." sighed Hermione as she too took her seat.
"Wonder if Fred and George ever figured out the true identities of the Marauders?" Harry asked Ron, who was desperately trying to swallow an incredibly large mouthful. "No, of course they didn't, and Lupin's not about to go and tell them is he? They would never leave him alone." Ron finally managed to say after swallowing. "It's just as well. Can you imagine the kind of things they could do if they had a Marauders help."
Harry was happily reminded of the last year, when the twins had let off the most amazing fire-woks in the corridors, much to the loathing of Umbridge. He also remembered overhearing Hagrid once say that the twins could have given James and Sirius, the top troublemakers of Hogwarts a run for their money.
The memory of his godfather hit Harry hard. Ron and Hermione's conversation on mapping charms suddenly seemed meaningless and distant. The anger and grief Harry had been fighting against for weeks were again threatening to engulf him. He drifted away into more thoughts of his godfather, until Hermione's sharp jab in his ribs brought him crashing back to reality.
"What," he asked rather more irritably than he had intended.
"Well," she said looking slightly hurt by the look on his face, "It's just that Hedwig just arrived."
Hedwig, Harry's snowy white owl hopped over to Ron's plate and began nibbling at his potatoes. Ron shooed her away indignantly, while covering his plate with his arms. Hedwig hopped over to Harry and held out her leg so that he could remove the letter attached to it. He scooped some of his potatoes onto another plate and set them aside for her. She hooted her thanks, and began to eat. Harry looked at the letter in his hands, which was oddly thick, and realized that it was from Professor McGonagall. It was addressed not only to him, but to Ron and Hermione as well. He showed the letter to the others and slit open the envelope. Four pieces of parchment fell onto the table. Harry picked up the top letter and unfolded it.
Dear Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger,
Enclosed are your scores from your Ordinary Wizarding Level (OWL) Examinations. If you have any questions about how your examinations were scored please feel free to owl me. Term starts September First. Please be
on Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station in London on this date.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry looked around at the others after he finished reading this. Hermione had a look of pure elation on her face. As soon as she finished reading the letter, she jumped up out of her chair and catching her foot on Ron's robes, promptly fell backwards onto the floor. Harry and Ron, trying their best not to laugh, moved around in their chairs to help her up.
"What was that about?" asked Ron as soon as he was able to get his laughter under control.
"Well, I was just so excited about the OWL's that I must have tripped."
"Are we going to look at them, or are we planning on standing here debating the issue of gravity all day?" asked Harry, who felt as excited as Hermione looked. He picked up the pieces of parchment and handed the ones with his friends' names on them to their rightful owner.
"Should we open them one at a time so that we can all see each other's marks?" suggested Hermione, glancing back and forth between the boys.
"Sure," replied Harry and Ron together. They had the same idea that if they could get the others to open theirs first, then they could delay the bad news.
"OK, who should open theirs first," asked Hermione, shaking with the anticipation of finally seeing how she had done on her exams.
"YOU!" replied the boys in unison.
Hermione started to unfold her piece of parchment, but stopped before they could see anything written on it.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry concernedly.
"I can't do it, I'm to nervous. You open it," she said, holding the parchment toward Ron with a shaking hand. He took the parchment from her, looking quizzically at Harry. Ron started to open the parchment when Hermione snatched it out of his hand.
"What was that about?" Ron asked in bewilderment.
"You were opening it too slowly!" Hermione exclaimed, finally opening the parchment, and showing it to the others.
Ordinary Wizarding Level (OWL) Scores
Passing Scores: O – Outstanding E- Exceeds Expectations A- Acceptable
Non-Passing Scores: P- Poor D- Dreadful T- Troll
Hermione Jane Granger
Ancient Ruins
Practical---- O
Written-------O
Arithmancy
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Care of Magical Creatures
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Charms
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Practical---- O
Written----- O
Herbology
Practical---- O
Written----- O
History of Magic
Practical---- O
Written----- O
Potions
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Transfiguration
Practical---- O
Written----- O
Astronomy
Practical---- E
Written----- O
Harry looked at Hermione's face to see her reaction. As her eyes scanned the Astronomy scores, they welled up with tears. Her knees started to collapse, and Harry caught her and helped her to sit down in the chair.
"What, you passed all of them, why are you crying?" asked Ron in sincere confusion.
"I g..g..got an E in Ast..Astronomy," Hermione sobbed as Ron looked to Harry for an answer.
Harry, trying to change the subject, opened his OWL results.
"Look, you did better than me," he said showing his letter to Hermione.
Harold James Potter
Care of Magical Creatures
Practical---- O
Written------ A
Charms
Practical---- O
Written------ E
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Practical---- O
Written----- O
Divination
Practical---- E
Written----- E
Herbology
Practical---- E
Written----- O
History of Magic
Practical---- E
Written----- E
Potions
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Transfiguration
Practical---- O
Written----- E
Astronomy
Practical---- E
Written----- O
After congratulating Harry on his seemingly impossible achievement of E's in Divination, Ron opened his scores.
Ronald Billus Weasley
Care of Magical Creatures
Practical---- O
Written------ A
Charms
Practical---- A
Written------ E
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Practical---- O
Written----- E
Divination
Practical---- D
Written----- T
Herbology
Practical---- E
Written----- E
History of Magic
Written----- P
Potions
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Transfiguration
Practical---- E
Written----- A
Astronomy
Practical---- A
Written----- P
Ron looked at Harry, his face radiating amusement, "Hey Harry, I got more OWL's than Fred and George combined!"
As Harry and Ron looked at Hermione, they were surprised to see that she was still crying. As they looked to each other, wondering what to do, Pig, Ron's tiny owl crashed into the jug of pumpkin juice on the table. Ron, still smiling, righted the jug and took the letter from the owl's leg.
Dear Harry, Hermione, and Ron: This owl came with Hedwig, and would not stop zipping around my house and
pecking my fingers until I gave him a letter to deliver too.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
All three burst out laughing. Hermione stood up, and turned to the others. "I think we should go to bed now so that we can begin researching as soon as possible tomorrow morning." The three of them headed for the Gryffindor Common Room, and went to their dormitories. All three fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.
I hope you enjoyed chapter 4. Thanks to those that reviewed, I really appreciate it.
Dinner
"I can't believe we have to stay in school in the middle of the summer!" "I'd take Hogwarts over the Dursleys any day," replied Harry, finally taking his eyes off the small, gold watch in his hands. Harry had been starting at it ever since they had left Dumbledore's office; it had twelve hands but no numbers. Instead, it had little planets that rotated around the edge. Harry couldn't imagine such a small thing having so much power and couldn't seem to take his eyes off it.
The three of them were slowly walking the familiar corridor to the Gryffindor common room when Hermione gave a sigh, singling for Harry and Ron to stop. Hermione stepped forward and turned to face them.
"Look, I know it may seem like we have all the time in the world," Ron moved to say something and was cut off, "But we don't, we only have a week to plan and prepare for every possible outcome. Anything could happen! Time travel isn't easy and we all ready know what kind of things Peters is capable of. . ." She had said this so fast most of the color had drained from her face. "I'm going to the library to find information on stealth charms."
"Oh come on Hermione! We've only just got here and Fred and George wouldn't let me eat before we left. I'm starving." As Ron said this Harry's stomach growled from hunger. Harry nodded his agreement and Hermione reluctantly followed them into the Great Hall, for what she hoped would be a fairly short dinner.
Harry was shocked to see that the large room was completely empty and the four house tables had been removed, then felt stupid for thinking the rest of the school would be there. The house tables, which usually stood the length of the room, had been replaced by a small round table in the center of the vast room. Three bench seats surrounded it and Harry noticed a small card had been propped up against a large jug of pumpkin juice. Ron picked up the card and read:
Ask for anything, or feel free to go down to the kitchens, I know you know how to get there. Study and practice hard. If you need to contact the order, use Fawkes. He's living in the Gryffindor common room. Remember not to be seen and best of luck on your mission. –Lupin P.S. Try not to riot the house elves too much.
"Hahaha. . . He has you pegged doesn't he Hermione?" laughed Ron, sitting down at the table. "There's nothing funny about the enslavement of house elves, Ron! Now that I think of it, this will be the perfect opportunity for us to talk to and encourage the House elves." Hermione announced. Harry shot Ron an accusing look and sat down. Ron merely shrugged as a plate of roast beef, potatoes and chocolate frogs magically appeared before him.
Oh and Ron, no going into Hogsmead! -Moony
The words had suddenly appeared on the card, still in Ron's hand. "Ah, someday I'm going to figure out what charm he does that with." sighed Hermione as she too took her seat.
"Wonder if Fred and George ever figured out the true identities of the Marauders?" Harry asked Ron, who was desperately trying to swallow an incredibly large mouthful. "No, of course they didn't, and Lupin's not about to go and tell them is he? They would never leave him alone." Ron finally managed to say after swallowing. "It's just as well. Can you imagine the kind of things they could do if they had a Marauders help."
Harry was happily reminded of the last year, when the twins had let off the most amazing fire-woks in the corridors, much to the loathing of Umbridge. He also remembered overhearing Hagrid once say that the twins could have given James and Sirius, the top troublemakers of Hogwarts a run for their money.
The memory of his godfather hit Harry hard. Ron and Hermione's conversation on mapping charms suddenly seemed meaningless and distant. The anger and grief Harry had been fighting against for weeks were again threatening to engulf him. He drifted away into more thoughts of his godfather, until Hermione's sharp jab in his ribs brought him crashing back to reality.
"What," he asked rather more irritably than he had intended.
"Well," she said looking slightly hurt by the look on his face, "It's just that Hedwig just arrived."
Hedwig, Harry's snowy white owl hopped over to Ron's plate and began nibbling at his potatoes. Ron shooed her away indignantly, while covering his plate with his arms. Hedwig hopped over to Harry and held out her leg so that he could remove the letter attached to it. He scooped some of his potatoes onto another plate and set them aside for her. She hooted her thanks, and began to eat. Harry looked at the letter in his hands, which was oddly thick, and realized that it was from Professor McGonagall. It was addressed not only to him, but to Ron and Hermione as well. He showed the letter to the others and slit open the envelope. Four pieces of parchment fell onto the table. Harry picked up the top letter and unfolded it.
Dear Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger,
Enclosed are your scores from your Ordinary Wizarding Level (OWL) Examinations. If you have any questions about how your examinations were scored please feel free to owl me. Term starts September First. Please be
on Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station in London on this date.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry looked around at the others after he finished reading this. Hermione had a look of pure elation on her face. As soon as she finished reading the letter, she jumped up out of her chair and catching her foot on Ron's robes, promptly fell backwards onto the floor. Harry and Ron, trying their best not to laugh, moved around in their chairs to help her up.
"What was that about?" asked Ron as soon as he was able to get his laughter under control.
"Well, I was just so excited about the OWL's that I must have tripped."
"Are we going to look at them, or are we planning on standing here debating the issue of gravity all day?" asked Harry, who felt as excited as Hermione looked. He picked up the pieces of parchment and handed the ones with his friends' names on them to their rightful owner.
"Should we open them one at a time so that we can all see each other's marks?" suggested Hermione, glancing back and forth between the boys.
"Sure," replied Harry and Ron together. They had the same idea that if they could get the others to open theirs first, then they could delay the bad news.
"OK, who should open theirs first," asked Hermione, shaking with the anticipation of finally seeing how she had done on her exams.
"YOU!" replied the boys in unison.
Hermione started to unfold her piece of parchment, but stopped before they could see anything written on it.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry concernedly.
"I can't do it, I'm to nervous. You open it," she said, holding the parchment toward Ron with a shaking hand. He took the parchment from her, looking quizzically at Harry. Ron started to open the parchment when Hermione snatched it out of his hand.
"What was that about?" Ron asked in bewilderment.
"You were opening it too slowly!" Hermione exclaimed, finally opening the parchment, and showing it to the others.
Ordinary Wizarding Level (OWL) Scores
Passing Scores: O – Outstanding E- Exceeds Expectations A- Acceptable
Non-Passing Scores: P- Poor D- Dreadful T- Troll
Hermione Jane Granger
Ancient Ruins
Practical---- O
Written-------O
Arithmancy
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Care of Magical Creatures
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Charms
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Practical---- O
Written----- O
Herbology
Practical---- O
Written----- O
History of Magic
Practical---- O
Written----- O
Potions
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Transfiguration
Practical---- O
Written----- O
Astronomy
Practical---- E
Written----- O
Harry looked at Hermione's face to see her reaction. As her eyes scanned the Astronomy scores, they welled up with tears. Her knees started to collapse, and Harry caught her and helped her to sit down in the chair.
"What, you passed all of them, why are you crying?" asked Ron in sincere confusion.
"I g..g..got an E in Ast..Astronomy," Hermione sobbed as Ron looked to Harry for an answer.
Harry, trying to change the subject, opened his OWL results.
"Look, you did better than me," he said showing his letter to Hermione.
Harold James Potter
Care of Magical Creatures
Practical---- O
Written------ A
Charms
Practical---- O
Written------ E
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Practical---- O
Written----- O
Divination
Practical---- E
Written----- E
Herbology
Practical---- E
Written----- O
History of Magic
Practical---- E
Written----- E
Potions
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Transfiguration
Practical---- O
Written----- E
Astronomy
Practical---- E
Written----- O
After congratulating Harry on his seemingly impossible achievement of E's in Divination, Ron opened his scores.
Ronald Billus Weasley
Care of Magical Creatures
Practical---- O
Written------ A
Charms
Practical---- A
Written------ E
Defense Against the Dark Arts
Practical---- O
Written----- E
Divination
Practical---- D
Written----- T
Herbology
Practical---- E
Written----- E
History of Magic
Written----- P
Potions
Practical---- O
Written------ O
Transfiguration
Practical---- E
Written----- A
Astronomy
Practical---- A
Written----- P
Ron looked at Harry, his face radiating amusement, "Hey Harry, I got more OWL's than Fred and George combined!"
As Harry and Ron looked at Hermione, they were surprised to see that she was still crying. As they looked to each other, wondering what to do, Pig, Ron's tiny owl crashed into the jug of pumpkin juice on the table. Ron, still smiling, righted the jug and took the letter from the owl's leg.
Dear Harry, Hermione, and Ron: This owl came with Hedwig, and would not stop zipping around my house and
pecking my fingers until I gave him a letter to deliver too.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
All three burst out laughing. Hermione stood up, and turned to the others. "I think we should go to bed now so that we can begin researching as soon as possible tomorrow morning." The three of them headed for the Gryffindor Common Room, and went to their dormitories. All three fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.
I hope you enjoyed chapter 4. Thanks to those that reviewed, I really appreciate it.