Chapter 2: and OWLs
Harry walked over to the owl and relived it of its two letters. The owl hooted and stared expectantly at Harry. He tossed the owl a treat and it flew out the window. Harry looked at the first envelope and his heart gave a jolt. In elegant, sapphire handwriting was the three letters Harry had been waiting for: O.W.L. He opened the letter eagerly.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have received six OWLs. Your marks are below.
Yours sincerely,
Griselda Marshbanks
Transfiguration E
Potions O
Defense against the Dart Arts O
History of Magic P
Charms O
Astronomy A
Care of Magical Creatures O
Divination D
Harry hurriedly read the marks once, taking nothing in. He had to force himself to read slower, and the second time he could understand what this letter had given him. The letter he had just received gave him a chance to become an Auror. Charms, Transfiguration, Potions and Defense against the Dark arts were the thing Professor McGonagall said Harry needed a NEWT in. That meant Harry having another two years with Professor Snape. At least there wasn't any more History of Magic or Divination.
Harry remembered that Professor McGonagall had told him that he needed a minimum of five NEWTs to become an Auror, so he decided to take Care of Magical Creatures, too.
On the back of the parchment was Harry's booklist:
The Standard Book of Spells, grade 6 by Miranda Goshawk
Advanced Transfiguration by Emeric Waffling
Moste Potente Potions by Ingranee Flagcot
The Dark Arts Revealed by Grind Eldwald
Rare and Dangerous Magical Creatures by Raymond Maning
Harry was surprised that Moste Potente Potions was on the list. For his experiences with the content of the book, and Snape, this was sure to be an eventful year. Harry was glad to see that Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, had appointed a new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. Harry groaned at the last book on the list, though. Rubeus Hagrid, the Care of Magical Creatures Teacher had an odd idea of what was a normal pet. For example, a giant, a giant spider, a giant dog and a giant dragon had all been Hagrid's pet at one time.
Harry had been up for the past hour, writing the letter to Lupin. It would soon be time for breakfast, so Harry thought he might as well go downstairs.
On his way down, he met up with his cousin Dudley. Harry and Dudley had been rivals since an early age, when Dudley had tried to use Harry as a punching bag. Dudley used those skills and was the Surry boxing champion. Dudley's eyes grew when he saw Harry. Last year, before Harry had gone to school, he had saved Dudley's soul from a Dementor. Harry hadn't seen Dudley all summer, for he had been obviously been avoiding him. Every morning Dudley got up before Harry and took his breakfast out with him and every night Dudley snuck in, eating, or so Harry guessed, in his bedroom. Dudley stood gaping at Harry for a moment, then said,
"Look, we need to talk for a moment." He gestured with one of his massive hand to his room.
Gasp, Another cliffy! I'm sorry about this one. I'll not to make the next chapter a cliffhanger. See that little review button? Click it. See what happens. I had a crazy idea about making Harry a Gringotts curse breaker, but then I remembered he needed Arithmancy. Lots of thanks to my beta reader, ERMonkey!