Chapter 7
OWL's
Still kneeling on the ground, the door steadying themselves so they could be somewhat comfortable, they heard a table chair slide across the floor, and then being pushed back in again. Without even seeing Snape himself, Harry could still recognize him from that familiar swish that his cloak made with every step he took. The group, was now overly anxious, and Ginny was silently tapping her foot against the floor in anticipation.
Inside the room, Snape stood at the front, replacing the region where Dumbledore had spoken. He had his customary sneer plastered on his face, and it seemed difficult for him to begin.
"Thank you, Albus. First off, I would like to answer any doubts that you all may have had about me knowing of this incident. I hadn't the slightest insinuation about what was happening last night. It seems to me that he kept this exceptionally quiet, even for the Dark Lord, who will on average enlighten his entire inner circle of vital proceedings. But this time, he seemed to have left this only among his most trusted and loyal servants. My theory is, that sometime soon, the Dark Lord is going to come out into the open. And when he does, many people, wizards and muggles alike, are going to be killed. And in immense numbers, I might add. He has been hiding from the public, ever since his escape at the Ministry of Magic in June. Even I am uncertain of his living situation, for he always has us meet at an unidentified location. And Bellatrix has become his most important and trusted servant, after killing off Black in their duel in the Department of Mysteries, since he seemed to be the closest with Potter."
Harry stared at the floor, anger rushing through his body like water. An ice cold ran deep in his veins, and longfully wished that his Cruacius Curse could have been a success. How could Sirius' own cousin betray him? And she was rewarded too, for killing Harry's last hope of a father-figure, Harry thought to himself, if only I could get hold of her now, she would pay for what she'd done...
"But as for his next plan. He has given us a very small amount of informing, but enough to possibly help the Order. He is, for certain, planning a jailbreak, and afterwards, will have all living members back to him once again, that is, if they oblige to come back. After this, there will be brutal attacks. It will be just as it was those many years ago. There is predicted to be more tortures, killings, and controlling of people to help out the Dark Lord. He plans to use Imperius, and has mastered it to a new, and extreme extent. But, if he doesn't have all of his followers, his plan could be delayed, but only a short time. So, in order to stop him from causing as much, or even more devastation, the Aurors and guards must trust no one. I have a feeling that it could possibly be someone on the inside, one of our own, to be informing the Dark Lord of our whereabouts. Be aware of anything, even the slightest movement onto the grounds of Azkaban. And with the dementors now completely crossed over, Death Eaters could bargain with them, and also break into the castle themselves, feeding upon other prisoners in the cells. He has yet to announce the next gathering we will have, and that meeting will most likely be the plans intended for when a full-size outbreak takes place," finished Snape with a sigh. Throughout his entire speech, he let on no emotion whatsoever, and had a voice that scorned.
And following that, Harry and the others heard the billowing of Snape's robes, and then the scraping of the chair, Snape sitting back in it again. There was then a chatter of hurried whispers and minor chair scrapes, as if the people in them were squirming ever so slightly.
"Well, now that we've been so graciously informed by Severus, I will ask you all of how your stations and assigned tasks are going. Afterwards, the Order meeting will be finished, but, please, you all may stay for some tea if you like, made by Mrs. Weasley. Now, we'll start with you Kingsley..." said Dumbledore, who had pointed his hand in Kingsley's direction.
No sooner had Dumbledore took note of tea, Mrs. Weasley smiled from her chair. Harry, who still had his head somewhat, facing the floor in cold fury, had his hand squeezed so tight around the string that his nails were starting to draw blood from the indents they made in his palm. Ginny was now sitting completely on the floor to get into a slight more comfortable position and Hermione was wide-eyed, and seemed to have dropped the string in spite of shock. The twins just sat there, still hoping to receive more information from the meeting that was now wrapping up, but were disappointed to find that no more valuable facts were found. Just as they were about to give up, they were startled by a voice edging closer and closer to the door at which they were all eavesdropping from.
"If you'll excuse me, Albus, I must go and prepare the tea now, the children should be just about finished with dinner if they haven't already!" said Mrs. Weasley, still moving closer to the door.
The Weasley children, along with Harry and Hermione looked at each other panicked. It was difficult for them to get up, having sat on the floor for what had to be an hour or so. They all shakily got up, and could hear Mrs. Weasley having some last minute conversation at the door, the knob was turned to open any second. At this, they didn't even look back to see if they'd been caught, and ran pell-mell to the kitchen door, Harry wrenching it open and Fred quickly, but quietly, slamming it shut. They got into their seats just as the door was opened. To make it look as though they were in the middle of their meals, they grabbed some food in their hands and hid it in their laps.
"Well, hello, children!" said Mrs. Weasley, in a false cheery voice.
"Hi, mum, meeting go well?" asked George, his tone as innocent as he could muster.
"Yes, indeed! Quite a few topics discussed...nothing that you six would really care about," she said. "You know, I'm a bit shocked, I figured that you two," she glanced at Fred and George, "would try some trick to listen in on the meeting! But I guess I was wrong this time, huh?"
"Mum, what gave you an awful idea like that?" asked George, trying to sound offended.
"Oh, well, last year, you know, and...I guess you all have surprised me a bit!"
"We're all full of surprises," said Fred. And everyone around him laughed, knowing the real meaning behind his joke. But Mrs. Weasley just smiled and started to clear the table. As she did, everyone hid their hands deep in their pockets shoving the food into them.
"Sorry, dears, but I must clear you lot out. The meetings almost adjourned, and some are coming in for tea. I hope you all have finished," she said.
"Oh, don't worry, mum, we've been done for a while now," said Ginny, as they left the room.
They all went out to the hall, and headed for the stairs. Harry, who left the kitchen last, was just about to head up to his room, following the others, when he heard a voice behind him call his name.
"Harry! Wait!" yelled the old, kind voice.
"Oh! Sorry Professor Dumbledore! I thought you'd have left already, what with how busy you are and all..." said Harry, trying to cover up his anger that he hadn't gotten to talk with him in kind politeness.
"Could I have a word, Harry?" asked Dumbledore, his usual twinkle not as bright tonight, but kind all the same.
"Sure!"
"How about in here, where it can be a little more private," he suggested, steering Harry into the back-to-normal sitting room.
When they entered, the entire room was empty, and the fire had been re-lit already and was crackling as it licked the firewood.
"I've been meaning to speak with you, but, as you know, I've really been quite busy," said Dumbledore, sounding a little less than enthused.
They each took a seat by the newly lit stone fireplace.
"First off, I'd like to wish you a somewhat belated birthday, but a Happy Birthday all the same!"
"Thanks sir!"
"Now, as for one of the main reason I'm here, is that I must discuss some very important issues with you. I want to address to you that you will be taught Occlumency yet again in your 6th year, and it will be with Snape, but, someone else will be there to make sure that the both of you aren't at each others' throats, or, invading one anothers' privacy."
Harry glanced at the ground, he knew Dumbledore was speaking of last years' regretted look into Snape's worst memories.
"But all that aside, I must enforce on you the importance of this. Harry, I know you and Professor Snape aren't the best of friends, but you must get past that. You've seen what the effect can have on you, from the happenings that took place in June. I apologize to bring that up, but I must have you do this. It's for your own good."
"But why can't you do it, sir? Why does Snape have to be the one to teach me? He hates me with a passion, and never even told me how to occlude my mind to begin with! He didn't teach me, he just read my thoughts without me having any means of defense," cried Harry, angry that his headmaster was making him take extra lessons with his by-far least favorite teacher.
"Professor Snape, Harry. But, you are still forgetting the other part of that arrangement. Someone will be supervising these lessons, because yes, I know that Severus can be a tad short-tempered."
Ha...a tad, how about the temper of a hungry manticore, thought Harry.
"Alright, sir. I guess I really have no choice, but, I understand that it's vital I do this, and not only for my sake," said Harry, pulling out of his gaze with Dumbledore, and his thoughts drifting back to Sirius.
"Harry, I know you've heard this heaps of times, but, it wasn't your fault about what happened, nor was it your god-fathers," said Dumbledore, with a look of sincere sadness about the whole thing in his kindly eyes.
"Well, Harry, I really must be off. Ever since Fudge has come to believe us, I've been called in night and day, during my teatime or in the middle of my sleeping hours. But, at least he believes us!"
The elder man stepped out of the room, heading for the door to leave Grimmauld Place. He stuck his hand in his pocket to get out his wand, before going out into the harm of the outside world, he turned to Harry.
"Oh, I'm really sorry! I almost forgot!" he apologized. Then he grabbed something that looked like a little bundle of envelopes from one of his pockets in his crushed velvet, purple robes. "It is yours, Mr. Weasley's, and Miss Granger's O.W.L . results. I'm sure you all are anxious to see your scores. Best of luck in your results, Harry! And there's also a little extra in your envelope, too! Have a good night!" And with nothing more than a blink and the sound of a crack!, the Professor was gone.
Harry stared at the envelopes, too scared to even open them in public view of others. This was it, this would determine whether or not Harry had the chance of becoming an Auror after his Hogwarts years. He longed to just throw it in the flames of the raging fire in the sitting room, but passed it, and headed on upstairs. He went up to his floor, and instead of turning to go into his and Ron's room, which was now being used to discuss the Order's meeting topics, he went straight, down the hall, and into the room where Sirius used to escape to, where he escaped last year after Harry's court appearance.
He slowly opened the door, wondering if he'd find a hippogriff by the name of Buckbeak waiting to greet him at the door, but when he opened it, there was nothing more than crumbs of old crushed bones on the floor and the slight smell of dead rats. He was disappointed to see no Buckbeack, but glad he wouldn't have to kneel and bow to him again, to avoid being pummeled by the creature. He sat in the corner, and muttered Lumos to see his envelope, his was on the bottom, and pushed Ron and Hermione's off to the side.
And with a sigh, he slit the envelope flap to see it's contents. First was the usual letter sent by Professor McGonagall, telling him that the train would leave for Hogwarts at exactly 11am on September the first and some more information Harry had skipped over, along with another little envelope he set aside. Then, attached was a piece of parchment telling him all the new school books that were required for sixth year, not even bothering to see the books.
Harry threw them both aside and opened the smaller envelope in which his results resided. And with another very deep sigh, and held his breath, he opened it and unfolded the parchment.
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
We congratulate you on your wonderful achievements on the O.W.L. (Ordinary Wizarding Level) exam. We hope that you are most pleased with the results.
Key: O "Outstanding", E "Exceeds Expectations", A "Acceptable"
P "Poor", D "Dreadful", T "Troll"
Charms- O
Herbology- E Transfiguration- E
Care of Magical Creatures- O
Defense Against the Dark Arts- O, plus extra credit
Astronomy- A
Divination- P
History of Magic- D
Potions- O
Harry stared at it. Nothing but numbness filled his body. He was going to be able to take the classes needed to become an Auror. How he did it, he hadn't the slightest clue, but he did, and that was all that mattered now. He, Harry, received four OWL's, one of which having extra credit added onto it. Of course, that was because of his conjuring a corporeal patronus. He was filled with glee. He didn't want to be in that stuffy room any longer. He dashed to the door, but just before leaving, he took one last glance at the sad, old room, and gently shut the door behind him.
Harry dashed down the hall, still carrying his, and Ron and Hermione's results. He wrenched the door back, and saw five alarmed faces staring back at him. Trying to get it out, he gasped for breath.
"What is it, Harry? Is there something wrong? Did the thing that Snape said, happen?" she questioned, her look of worry increasing with every word she said.
"No! Nothing like that! It's only...we've received our O.W.L.'s! Dumbledore's just given them to me," said Harry, trying to sound casual.
"Wonderful!" cried Hermione, dashing to Harry and grabbing the letter. She ripped at the envelope frantically and took an excited, but anxious look at the paper. She beamed around them and just admired the parchment.
"Wicked!" said Ron, running to get his from Harry. But instead of quickly shredding the envelope, he just stared at it, as Harry had done in Buckbeak's old room.
"I've got 9 OWL's! If only that horrible attack on poor Professor McGonagall wouldn't have happened, I'd have ten! But no, that horrible Umbridge woman ruined my chances of ten OWL's! And I'm stuck with one 'E'!" she yelled.
"Hermione, calm yourself! I mean, come on, you've got nine OWL's and your still not satisfied! You were bound to screw up in at least one," said George, trying to calm Hermione of her hysterical state.
Ron had finally opened the letter and looked at his results. He had a small smile across his face, increasing as he read.
"I've received three OWL's! That's way more than I would've expected! Mum'll be pleased enough with this!" cried Ron, looking much happier than when Harry announced they'd received their letters.
"So Harry, how did you do, mate?" asked Ron, finally getting over his surprising results.
At first, Harry just looked around, not knowing how to exactly tell them. He glanced at the paper, and then back at the others, then one more glance at his paper, just making sure that these results were, in fact, Harry Potter's.
"Spit it out already!" cried Ginny, waiting as anxiously as the others.
"I've received four OWL's in all."
"In what, I wonder?" added Hermione, obviously remembering that Harry really needed an 'O' in Potions.
"Let's see," he said, running his fingers down the list. "Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts ('Well that's a given,' said Ron), and...let's see..."
"AND?" shrieked Hermione, seeming to be taking this a little more apprehensive that he'd imagined.
"And...POTIONS!" yelled Harry, no longer being able to contain his happiness, beamed at the rest of them.
"Oh, Harry, that's absolutely wonderful! I'm so happy for you!" cried Hermione. And she ran up and gave him a hug that nearly knocked him over.
Another hug was received by Ginny, as well and three friendly pats on the back and a "Congrats, mate!" from Ron, Fred, and George.
Soon, the room was crowded, for Remus and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley entered the room.
"Dear, dear, what in Merlin's name is all this shouting about?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Really, we are trying to have a relaxing cup of tea downstairs, and were soon startled by shouts. May I ask the motive?" said Mr. Weasley.
Remus eyed the papers Harry, Ron, and Hermione were holding and looked relieved.
"Mum, we've only just got our OWL results back!" said Ron, very enthusiastically.
"Oh, my, let's see them, come on now!" she ordered, taking Ron's paper immediately. "Oh, Ron! How wonderful! I'm so proud of you! Arthur, look, three OWL's!"
"What about you, Hermione, how'd you do, dear?" questioned Mrs. Weasley, taking her paper as well.
"Wow! Hermione, that's great! Nine OWL's! You're on your way to becoming a true mastermind witch, you know that?" complemented Mr. Weasley.
Hermione said her "thank you's" and blushed and turned the color of beet red, which was also the color of Ron's ears.
"So, Harry, how did you do?" asked Lupin, seeing that nobody had asked about Harry's results yet.
Harry appreciated Lupin's thoughtfulness.
"Well, I've received 4 OWL's!" answered Harry, unsure of whether he wanted the rest of them to know what his planned occupation was going to be post-Hogwarts.
"In what? May I ask?" requested Remus. He seemed to know what occupation Harry wanted, and what he needed, even if Harry wasn't sure he knew. 'Dumbledore probably told him...' Harry thought.
"Hmm...Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Potions," said Harry, trying not to sound too enthused.
Lupin grabbed the paper from him and stared down at it. "You got extra credit for Defense Against the Dark Arts?" he cried, seeming to be quite happy for him, but not all that surprised.
"It's thanks to you, you know," Harry added.
"How is that possible?"
"The only reason for a bonus point was because I could conjure a corporeal patronus," said Harry, knowing that would make Lupin feel flattered, and Remus deserved that.
"Why, it's not all me! You were the one powerful enough to master it. I'm really very proud of you Harry!"
Harry blushed at being praised by someone other than his friends. Lupin was literally the only one left who was best friends with both his father and Sirius, and seemed to be somewhat shaping into something of a father- type figure to Harry.
"You're mother and father, and Sirius, I might add, would also be very pleased with the results you received. And isn't that what you needed to get into NEWT potions? An 'O'? I'm glad, because now you really can pursue your career!" cried Lupin, obviously knowing about Harry's dream job.
Harry smiled after hearing this, he now felt especially wonderful, after the huge complement from Remus. "Thanks Lupin! I didn't think you knew about what I wanted to be." And after seeing the curious looks on Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's faces, he decided he would tell them about his dream job. "Well, I know you both are wondering what my job is, and I'm sure it will drive you mad, not knowing, so I'll just tell you both here now."
"Okay, dear," said Mrs. Weasley.
"I want to become an Auror when I grow up, and I absolutely needed an 'O' to get into NEWT Potions, because Snape will only take the top scorers."
"Wow, really, Harry? That's great!" said Mr. Weasley, looking politely shocked.
"Now, it's a very dangerous job, dear, that's the career you really want?" asked Mrs. Weasley, who was now receiving a very denote look given by Mr. Weasley, which was saying, 'Why would you say something like that?'
"Yes Mrs., Weasley, that's the job I want," said Harry, sounding awfully straight-forward, just the tone he was hoping , then!" said Mrs. Weasley, realizing that nothing would change Harry's mind and surprised at his tone, and Harry was grateful that she let it go. "Come on, all of you, downstairs for a sundae! This calls for celebration! Maybe we'll even have a little get- together tomorrow evening!"
After having their snacks, which they all inhaled, since they really had no dinner. After seeing as it was almost midnight, the children were soon forced into going to bed. None really refused, as they were all a little sore from sitting on the hard floor for an hour and were really just exhausted from their night.
Harry fell right to sleep that night. His magnificent, cheerful thoughts filling his head. He drifted off to a peaceful dream, about Hogwarts, and even his Auror fantasies. But soon after, it all disappeared, and a new image formed in his head. At the sight of it, his scar felt like it was on fire, and chills ran down his spine at the chilling voice that spoke.
Still kneeling on the ground, the door steadying themselves so they could be somewhat comfortable, they heard a table chair slide across the floor, and then being pushed back in again. Without even seeing Snape himself, Harry could still recognize him from that familiar swish that his cloak made with every step he took. The group, was now overly anxious, and Ginny was silently tapping her foot against the floor in anticipation.
Inside the room, Snape stood at the front, replacing the region where Dumbledore had spoken. He had his customary sneer plastered on his face, and it seemed difficult for him to begin.
"Thank you, Albus. First off, I would like to answer any doubts that you all may have had about me knowing of this incident. I hadn't the slightest insinuation about what was happening last night. It seems to me that he kept this exceptionally quiet, even for the Dark Lord, who will on average enlighten his entire inner circle of vital proceedings. But this time, he seemed to have left this only among his most trusted and loyal servants. My theory is, that sometime soon, the Dark Lord is going to come out into the open. And when he does, many people, wizards and muggles alike, are going to be killed. And in immense numbers, I might add. He has been hiding from the public, ever since his escape at the Ministry of Magic in June. Even I am uncertain of his living situation, for he always has us meet at an unidentified location. And Bellatrix has become his most important and trusted servant, after killing off Black in their duel in the Department of Mysteries, since he seemed to be the closest with Potter."
Harry stared at the floor, anger rushing through his body like water. An ice cold ran deep in his veins, and longfully wished that his Cruacius Curse could have been a success. How could Sirius' own cousin betray him? And she was rewarded too, for killing Harry's last hope of a father-figure, Harry thought to himself, if only I could get hold of her now, she would pay for what she'd done...
"But as for his next plan. He has given us a very small amount of informing, but enough to possibly help the Order. He is, for certain, planning a jailbreak, and afterwards, will have all living members back to him once again, that is, if they oblige to come back. After this, there will be brutal attacks. It will be just as it was those many years ago. There is predicted to be more tortures, killings, and controlling of people to help out the Dark Lord. He plans to use Imperius, and has mastered it to a new, and extreme extent. But, if he doesn't have all of his followers, his plan could be delayed, but only a short time. So, in order to stop him from causing as much, or even more devastation, the Aurors and guards must trust no one. I have a feeling that it could possibly be someone on the inside, one of our own, to be informing the Dark Lord of our whereabouts. Be aware of anything, even the slightest movement onto the grounds of Azkaban. And with the dementors now completely crossed over, Death Eaters could bargain with them, and also break into the castle themselves, feeding upon other prisoners in the cells. He has yet to announce the next gathering we will have, and that meeting will most likely be the plans intended for when a full-size outbreak takes place," finished Snape with a sigh. Throughout his entire speech, he let on no emotion whatsoever, and had a voice that scorned.
And following that, Harry and the others heard the billowing of Snape's robes, and then the scraping of the chair, Snape sitting back in it again. There was then a chatter of hurried whispers and minor chair scrapes, as if the people in them were squirming ever so slightly.
"Well, now that we've been so graciously informed by Severus, I will ask you all of how your stations and assigned tasks are going. Afterwards, the Order meeting will be finished, but, please, you all may stay for some tea if you like, made by Mrs. Weasley. Now, we'll start with you Kingsley..." said Dumbledore, who had pointed his hand in Kingsley's direction.
No sooner had Dumbledore took note of tea, Mrs. Weasley smiled from her chair. Harry, who still had his head somewhat, facing the floor in cold fury, had his hand squeezed so tight around the string that his nails were starting to draw blood from the indents they made in his palm. Ginny was now sitting completely on the floor to get into a slight more comfortable position and Hermione was wide-eyed, and seemed to have dropped the string in spite of shock. The twins just sat there, still hoping to receive more information from the meeting that was now wrapping up, but were disappointed to find that no more valuable facts were found. Just as they were about to give up, they were startled by a voice edging closer and closer to the door at which they were all eavesdropping from.
"If you'll excuse me, Albus, I must go and prepare the tea now, the children should be just about finished with dinner if they haven't already!" said Mrs. Weasley, still moving closer to the door.
The Weasley children, along with Harry and Hermione looked at each other panicked. It was difficult for them to get up, having sat on the floor for what had to be an hour or so. They all shakily got up, and could hear Mrs. Weasley having some last minute conversation at the door, the knob was turned to open any second. At this, they didn't even look back to see if they'd been caught, and ran pell-mell to the kitchen door, Harry wrenching it open and Fred quickly, but quietly, slamming it shut. They got into their seats just as the door was opened. To make it look as though they were in the middle of their meals, they grabbed some food in their hands and hid it in their laps.
"Well, hello, children!" said Mrs. Weasley, in a false cheery voice.
"Hi, mum, meeting go well?" asked George, his tone as innocent as he could muster.
"Yes, indeed! Quite a few topics discussed...nothing that you six would really care about," she said. "You know, I'm a bit shocked, I figured that you two," she glanced at Fred and George, "would try some trick to listen in on the meeting! But I guess I was wrong this time, huh?"
"Mum, what gave you an awful idea like that?" asked George, trying to sound offended.
"Oh, well, last year, you know, and...I guess you all have surprised me a bit!"
"We're all full of surprises," said Fred. And everyone around him laughed, knowing the real meaning behind his joke. But Mrs. Weasley just smiled and started to clear the table. As she did, everyone hid their hands deep in their pockets shoving the food into them.
"Sorry, dears, but I must clear you lot out. The meetings almost adjourned, and some are coming in for tea. I hope you all have finished," she said.
"Oh, don't worry, mum, we've been done for a while now," said Ginny, as they left the room.
They all went out to the hall, and headed for the stairs. Harry, who left the kitchen last, was just about to head up to his room, following the others, when he heard a voice behind him call his name.
"Harry! Wait!" yelled the old, kind voice.
"Oh! Sorry Professor Dumbledore! I thought you'd have left already, what with how busy you are and all..." said Harry, trying to cover up his anger that he hadn't gotten to talk with him in kind politeness.
"Could I have a word, Harry?" asked Dumbledore, his usual twinkle not as bright tonight, but kind all the same.
"Sure!"
"How about in here, where it can be a little more private," he suggested, steering Harry into the back-to-normal sitting room.
When they entered, the entire room was empty, and the fire had been re-lit already and was crackling as it licked the firewood.
"I've been meaning to speak with you, but, as you know, I've really been quite busy," said Dumbledore, sounding a little less than enthused.
They each took a seat by the newly lit stone fireplace.
"First off, I'd like to wish you a somewhat belated birthday, but a Happy Birthday all the same!"
"Thanks sir!"
"Now, as for one of the main reason I'm here, is that I must discuss some very important issues with you. I want to address to you that you will be taught Occlumency yet again in your 6th year, and it will be with Snape, but, someone else will be there to make sure that the both of you aren't at each others' throats, or, invading one anothers' privacy."
Harry glanced at the ground, he knew Dumbledore was speaking of last years' regretted look into Snape's worst memories.
"But all that aside, I must enforce on you the importance of this. Harry, I know you and Professor Snape aren't the best of friends, but you must get past that. You've seen what the effect can have on you, from the happenings that took place in June. I apologize to bring that up, but I must have you do this. It's for your own good."
"But why can't you do it, sir? Why does Snape have to be the one to teach me? He hates me with a passion, and never even told me how to occlude my mind to begin with! He didn't teach me, he just read my thoughts without me having any means of defense," cried Harry, angry that his headmaster was making him take extra lessons with his by-far least favorite teacher.
"Professor Snape, Harry. But, you are still forgetting the other part of that arrangement. Someone will be supervising these lessons, because yes, I know that Severus can be a tad short-tempered."
Ha...a tad, how about the temper of a hungry manticore, thought Harry.
"Alright, sir. I guess I really have no choice, but, I understand that it's vital I do this, and not only for my sake," said Harry, pulling out of his gaze with Dumbledore, and his thoughts drifting back to Sirius.
"Harry, I know you've heard this heaps of times, but, it wasn't your fault about what happened, nor was it your god-fathers," said Dumbledore, with a look of sincere sadness about the whole thing in his kindly eyes.
"Well, Harry, I really must be off. Ever since Fudge has come to believe us, I've been called in night and day, during my teatime or in the middle of my sleeping hours. But, at least he believes us!"
The elder man stepped out of the room, heading for the door to leave Grimmauld Place. He stuck his hand in his pocket to get out his wand, before going out into the harm of the outside world, he turned to Harry.
"Oh, I'm really sorry! I almost forgot!" he apologized. Then he grabbed something that looked like a little bundle of envelopes from one of his pockets in his crushed velvet, purple robes. "It is yours, Mr. Weasley's, and Miss Granger's O.W.L . results. I'm sure you all are anxious to see your scores. Best of luck in your results, Harry! And there's also a little extra in your envelope, too! Have a good night!" And with nothing more than a blink and the sound of a crack!, the Professor was gone.
Harry stared at the envelopes, too scared to even open them in public view of others. This was it, this would determine whether or not Harry had the chance of becoming an Auror after his Hogwarts years. He longed to just throw it in the flames of the raging fire in the sitting room, but passed it, and headed on upstairs. He went up to his floor, and instead of turning to go into his and Ron's room, which was now being used to discuss the Order's meeting topics, he went straight, down the hall, and into the room where Sirius used to escape to, where he escaped last year after Harry's court appearance.
He slowly opened the door, wondering if he'd find a hippogriff by the name of Buckbeak waiting to greet him at the door, but when he opened it, there was nothing more than crumbs of old crushed bones on the floor and the slight smell of dead rats. He was disappointed to see no Buckbeack, but glad he wouldn't have to kneel and bow to him again, to avoid being pummeled by the creature. He sat in the corner, and muttered Lumos to see his envelope, his was on the bottom, and pushed Ron and Hermione's off to the side.
And with a sigh, he slit the envelope flap to see it's contents. First was the usual letter sent by Professor McGonagall, telling him that the train would leave for Hogwarts at exactly 11am on September the first and some more information Harry had skipped over, along with another little envelope he set aside. Then, attached was a piece of parchment telling him all the new school books that were required for sixth year, not even bothering to see the books.
Harry threw them both aside and opened the smaller envelope in which his results resided. And with another very deep sigh, and held his breath, he opened it and unfolded the parchment.
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
We congratulate you on your wonderful achievements on the O.W.L. (Ordinary Wizarding Level) exam. We hope that you are most pleased with the results.
Key: O "Outstanding", E "Exceeds Expectations", A "Acceptable"
P "Poor", D "Dreadful", T "Troll"
Charms- O
Herbology- E Transfiguration- E
Care of Magical Creatures- O
Defense Against the Dark Arts- O, plus extra credit
Astronomy- A
Divination- P
History of Magic- D
Potions- O
Harry stared at it. Nothing but numbness filled his body. He was going to be able to take the classes needed to become an Auror. How he did it, he hadn't the slightest clue, but he did, and that was all that mattered now. He, Harry, received four OWL's, one of which having extra credit added onto it. Of course, that was because of his conjuring a corporeal patronus. He was filled with glee. He didn't want to be in that stuffy room any longer. He dashed to the door, but just before leaving, he took one last glance at the sad, old room, and gently shut the door behind him.
Harry dashed down the hall, still carrying his, and Ron and Hermione's results. He wrenched the door back, and saw five alarmed faces staring back at him. Trying to get it out, he gasped for breath.
"What is it, Harry? Is there something wrong? Did the thing that Snape said, happen?" she questioned, her look of worry increasing with every word she said.
"No! Nothing like that! It's only...we've received our O.W.L.'s! Dumbledore's just given them to me," said Harry, trying to sound casual.
"Wonderful!" cried Hermione, dashing to Harry and grabbing the letter. She ripped at the envelope frantically and took an excited, but anxious look at the paper. She beamed around them and just admired the parchment.
"Wicked!" said Ron, running to get his from Harry. But instead of quickly shredding the envelope, he just stared at it, as Harry had done in Buckbeak's old room.
"I've got 9 OWL's! If only that horrible attack on poor Professor McGonagall wouldn't have happened, I'd have ten! But no, that horrible Umbridge woman ruined my chances of ten OWL's! And I'm stuck with one 'E'!" she yelled.
"Hermione, calm yourself! I mean, come on, you've got nine OWL's and your still not satisfied! You were bound to screw up in at least one," said George, trying to calm Hermione of her hysterical state.
Ron had finally opened the letter and looked at his results. He had a small smile across his face, increasing as he read.
"I've received three OWL's! That's way more than I would've expected! Mum'll be pleased enough with this!" cried Ron, looking much happier than when Harry announced they'd received their letters.
"So Harry, how did you do, mate?" asked Ron, finally getting over his surprising results.
At first, Harry just looked around, not knowing how to exactly tell them. He glanced at the paper, and then back at the others, then one more glance at his paper, just making sure that these results were, in fact, Harry Potter's.
"Spit it out already!" cried Ginny, waiting as anxiously as the others.
"I've received four OWL's in all."
"In what, I wonder?" added Hermione, obviously remembering that Harry really needed an 'O' in Potions.
"Let's see," he said, running his fingers down the list. "Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts ('Well that's a given,' said Ron), and...let's see..."
"AND?" shrieked Hermione, seeming to be taking this a little more apprehensive that he'd imagined.
"And...POTIONS!" yelled Harry, no longer being able to contain his happiness, beamed at the rest of them.
"Oh, Harry, that's absolutely wonderful! I'm so happy for you!" cried Hermione. And she ran up and gave him a hug that nearly knocked him over.
Another hug was received by Ginny, as well and three friendly pats on the back and a "Congrats, mate!" from Ron, Fred, and George.
Soon, the room was crowded, for Remus and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley entered the room.
"Dear, dear, what in Merlin's name is all this shouting about?" asked Mrs. Weasley.
"Really, we are trying to have a relaxing cup of tea downstairs, and were soon startled by shouts. May I ask the motive?" said Mr. Weasley.
Remus eyed the papers Harry, Ron, and Hermione were holding and looked relieved.
"Mum, we've only just got our OWL results back!" said Ron, very enthusiastically.
"Oh, my, let's see them, come on now!" she ordered, taking Ron's paper immediately. "Oh, Ron! How wonderful! I'm so proud of you! Arthur, look, three OWL's!"
"What about you, Hermione, how'd you do, dear?" questioned Mrs. Weasley, taking her paper as well.
"Wow! Hermione, that's great! Nine OWL's! You're on your way to becoming a true mastermind witch, you know that?" complemented Mr. Weasley.
Hermione said her "thank you's" and blushed and turned the color of beet red, which was also the color of Ron's ears.
"So, Harry, how did you do?" asked Lupin, seeing that nobody had asked about Harry's results yet.
Harry appreciated Lupin's thoughtfulness.
"Well, I've received 4 OWL's!" answered Harry, unsure of whether he wanted the rest of them to know what his planned occupation was going to be post-Hogwarts.
"In what? May I ask?" requested Remus. He seemed to know what occupation Harry wanted, and what he needed, even if Harry wasn't sure he knew. 'Dumbledore probably told him...' Harry thought.
"Hmm...Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Potions," said Harry, trying not to sound too enthused.
Lupin grabbed the paper from him and stared down at it. "You got extra credit for Defense Against the Dark Arts?" he cried, seeming to be quite happy for him, but not all that surprised.
"It's thanks to you, you know," Harry added.
"How is that possible?"
"The only reason for a bonus point was because I could conjure a corporeal patronus," said Harry, knowing that would make Lupin feel flattered, and Remus deserved that.
"Why, it's not all me! You were the one powerful enough to master it. I'm really very proud of you Harry!"
Harry blushed at being praised by someone other than his friends. Lupin was literally the only one left who was best friends with both his father and Sirius, and seemed to be somewhat shaping into something of a father- type figure to Harry.
"You're mother and father, and Sirius, I might add, would also be very pleased with the results you received. And isn't that what you needed to get into NEWT potions? An 'O'? I'm glad, because now you really can pursue your career!" cried Lupin, obviously knowing about Harry's dream job.
Harry smiled after hearing this, he now felt especially wonderful, after the huge complement from Remus. "Thanks Lupin! I didn't think you knew about what I wanted to be." And after seeing the curious looks on Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's faces, he decided he would tell them about his dream job. "Well, I know you both are wondering what my job is, and I'm sure it will drive you mad, not knowing, so I'll just tell you both here now."
"Okay, dear," said Mrs. Weasley.
"I want to become an Auror when I grow up, and I absolutely needed an 'O' to get into NEWT Potions, because Snape will only take the top scorers."
"Wow, really, Harry? That's great!" said Mr. Weasley, looking politely shocked.
"Now, it's a very dangerous job, dear, that's the career you really want?" asked Mrs. Weasley, who was now receiving a very denote look given by Mr. Weasley, which was saying, 'Why would you say something like that?'
"Yes Mrs., Weasley, that's the job I want," said Harry, sounding awfully straight-forward, just the tone he was hoping , then!" said Mrs. Weasley, realizing that nothing would change Harry's mind and surprised at his tone, and Harry was grateful that she let it go. "Come on, all of you, downstairs for a sundae! This calls for celebration! Maybe we'll even have a little get- together tomorrow evening!"
After having their snacks, which they all inhaled, since they really had no dinner. After seeing as it was almost midnight, the children were soon forced into going to bed. None really refused, as they were all a little sore from sitting on the hard floor for an hour and were really just exhausted from their night.
Harry fell right to sleep that night. His magnificent, cheerful thoughts filling his head. He drifted off to a peaceful dream, about Hogwarts, and even his Auror fantasies. But soon after, it all disappeared, and a new image formed in his head. At the sight of it, his scar felt like it was on fire, and chills ran down his spine at the chilling voice that spoke.
