O.W.L.s:
Early the next morning, Harry woke to find Ron sitting up in bed, looking out the window as the first rays of sunlight crossed the grassy square. He had a large smile on his face as he stared into nothing. Taking care not to ruin the moment, Harry shifted to his other side and went back to sleep.
A few hours later, Harry felt a hand on his shoulder, gently shaking him awake. He blearily opened his eyes into the face of Remus Lupin, wearing a very warm smile. "Time to rise, Harry. Molly decided to let you have a lie-in this morning, seeing as you're on holidays, and those nasty muggles you live with weren't likely to let you have a relaxing summer at all. Molly's words," he added. "Plus, you're O.W.L. results just arrived."
Harry sat bolt upright at this. "My O.W.L.s? Have you opened them?"
Lupin laughed, "No, Harry, I rather thought you'd like to read them first."
He handed Harry an envelope bearing the Hogwarts crest and the Ministry of Magic seal. Harry slid a finger underneath the wax seal and lifted out the parchment inside. He read it over quickly, noticing Remus's eyes upon him. He lowered the paper and smiled.
"Well?" Remus asked.
"Good. An Outstanding in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms. An Exceeds Expectation in Transfiguration and Care of Magical Creatures. In Astronomy they gave us all Exceeds Expectations, saying we'd been too distracted to complete the practical thoroughly. Divination only got a Dreadful...not too sad about that, though. And Potions...." Harry stopped. "Remus, this can't be right. They must have gotten something wrong. It says I got an Outstanding in Potions." Harry looked again at the letter in his hands.
"Congratulations, Harry. That's very respectable. Eight O.W.L.s." Remus congratulated him. Harry smiled back.
"Remus, you don't understand. An Outstanding in Potions? How is that possible? I mean...wait..." Harry trailed off, a thought popping in his head, "Remus, does the Headmaster or Professor McGonagall have anything to do with scoring the O.W.L. results?"
But even as he asked, Harry hoped fervently for a negative answer. If Dumbledore or McGonagall were the reason he was continuing on in Potions, he'd feel awful.
"No, Harry," Remus answered immediately, "All judging is does by the board from the ministry. Why?"
Harry felt embarrassed to admit it, "Well, you know I've never been a stand- out in Potions," Remus smiled, "but McGonagall swore to Umbridge she'd make me an auror if it was the last thing she did, and Snape only accepts the top students in his advanced classes, which I'll need to be an auror, so I just thought..." Harry trailed off. "Harry, you want to be an auror? I didn't know that." Remus replied.
"Yeah, well, Moody said something once about my mind thinking the right way, and I think it'd be interesting, plus it'd be good practice and training for when I have to, I mean if I have to, you know, face Voldemort." Harry realized Remus didn't know about the prophecy. He felt an odd pull in him to confide to the older wizard, but he wondered if he shouldn't ask Dumbledore first. He noticed Remus was looking at him oddly.
Harry shook his head, "Sorry, I just got caught up in my thoughts."
"I think you'd make an excellent auror, Harry," Remus told him, "and I don't want to deter you, but don't you think you might eventually have too much of fighting dark wizards?"
Harry thought about this, "Yeah, I suppose so, but right now I really thinks it's a good idea for me to learn about dark wizards and how to fight them as much as I can." Harry saw Remus's eyes flicker for a moment.
"Oh, Harry, there's so much more to your life than fighting Voldemort. I hope you know that."
Harry shook his head. "No, Remus, there isn't. At least, not until Voldemort is no longer a threat. Remus, there's a reason Voldemort tried to kill me all those years ago, and why he's tried so many times since then. I can't hide from it."
"Harry, my boy, you are wise beyond your years, and you have had to live with far more than we should ask of you. I want you to know how very proud I am of you. Getting to know you has been such an honor, and I feel confident that your parents are proud of you, and that Sirius is as well." Remus continued on, "Everyone in the Order cares for you. If you need anything, anything at all, even if it's just to ask about a girl, or homework, or anything, please do. I don't have much to do here, Harry."
Harry felt touched at the words, and unexpected at the feeling Remus used to speak them; he promised Remus he'd take him up on his offer of help. He thought about Remus's last comment and looked up at him.
"Remus, what do you mean, you don't have much to do? Last summer you were hardly around, doing Order business."
Remus looked down sheepishly, "I haven't been dealing with losing Sirius very well. Dumbledore thinks, and I agree," he added hastily, "I just need some time to mourn."
Harry looked at Remus closely. Harry thought he knew exactly how he felt. "Remus, does it every get any better? Missing someone, I mean."
"Yes. It gets better, Harry. It never goes away, but it does get better. This is just so tough because I got over losing Sirius years ago, when he went to Azkaban. When I thought Sirius was the one who betrayed your parents, it was easy to put the Sirius I knew to rest and not think about him any more. Losing him a second time is almost unbearable."
Harry nodded. Losing Sirius had hit him much harder than he'd expected. Remus placed a comforting arm around Harry.
"C'mon, Ron's been asking to wake you up all morning. Molly was at her wit's end when she sent me up. Apparently he has something important to talk to you about. I got the impression it wasn't O.W.L. results, as those just arrived." Remus gave Harry a knowing look. Harry felt his cheeks blush a little, knowing full well what Ron wanted to talk him about.
"I'll leave you to get ready, Harry." Remus said, leaving the bedroom. Harry hurriedly pulled on a new shirt and ran a hand through his hair before heading down to the kitchen.
Arriving in the kitchen, Harry found a beehive of activity. Bill, Tonks, and Kingsley Shacklebolt were crowding around some pieces of paper, all talking excitedly. Harry couldn't make out what they were looking at, but before he could crane his neck closer, Mr. Weasley pulled him out of the way as Professor Calabrone swept round the room, her wand apparently directing the movement of dishes from the pantry to the table. Remus was helping Mrs. Weasley put the finishing touches on something, and Harry noticed Ron and Hermione sitting quietly in the corner, not looking at each other. That can't be a good sign, Harry thought, but quickly dispelled the thought, noticing Hermione looked deeply engrossed in the red leather-bound book she was reading. Ron seemed to just be observing everyone, and his eyes latched onto Harry's. Excusing himself from the table, Ron got up and joined Harry. He jostled his elbow, murmuring "c'mon, let's get some fresh air" before grabbing a muffin out of Mrs. Weasley's outstretched hand and leading Harry firmly to the back stoop. Seating himself down beside Ron on the top step, Harry idly munched on his muffin, trying to hide his grin at Ron's obvious discomfort. Harry decided Ron deserved some teasing for his part, or at least some encouragement.
"So, Ron, did you sleep well last night? Only I came in and you were already dozed off." Harry asked, picking at some crumbs in his hand. Ron gulped and raised his face to Harry, his mouth twisted in a half-smile.
"Harry," Ron began, "remember after your first kiss with Cho, how you said it was wet? Well, was it wet only because Cho was crying, or for other reasons too?"
Harry smiled broadly, "I think it was just because of the tears. Why?"
Ron cleared his throat, "Well, so, after supper, Hermione and I went upstairs, and we, uh, we, erm...we kissed. I mean, I did ask her if I could, and she said yes, so we did, but it was kind a surprise she said yes, so when we first kissed my lips were really dry, but then I licked them and then they were too wet, and a little sloppy, and I think I may have bit her lip a little, and I really don't think she enjoyed it, and my heart was beating so fast." Ron said, without drawing breath.
"It couldn't have been that bad. I mean, she's still talking to you, isn't she?" Harry reasoned. Ron cocked his head as though he hadn't considered that.
"I suppose you're right. I reckon I ought to give it another go, eh?" he smiled. Harry felt himself smile back.
It was nice to be able to worry about little things, like the way Ron's first kiss had gone, rather than think about Sirius and Voldemort. But no sooner had Harry thought that, than his godfather's face came swimming back up in his mind's eye.
"Harry, are you alright? Did I say something wrong?" Ron asked, sounding concerned.
"Nah, Ron, I just started thinking about Sirius." Harry replied quietly.
"Oh," Ron said. "Er, do you want to talk about it?"
"No. At least not right now. It's just difficult being here, is all. Remus and I talking about it a little this morning when he came to wake me up." Ron nodded appreciatively.
Harry remembered, "Speaking of which, how'd you do on O.W.L.s?"
"I got seven," Ron informed him. "Not bad at all. Mum was quite pleased, so was Dad. How about you?"
"Eight. Including Potions. I can't believe it. On the one hand, I get to continue on with Potions....on the other hand..."
"You get to continue on with potions," Ron finished, "Yeah, I didn't get an Outstanding, so I'm out. I wonder if there's anything else I can do to be an Auror? Maybe there's some other kind of potions class I can take. I'll take a look into it." They sat outside for a few minutes longer, until Hermione came to get them, saying she'd been sent to fetch them my Mrs. Weasley.
Harry noticed her blush when she caught Ron's eye and wondered if he'd be getting asked for advice from her. He wouldn't have to wait long to find out. As soon as Ron had walked into the kitchen to find his mother, Hermione turned on Harry.
"Harry, I know Ron probably told you about last night. I want to talk to you about it, too. Will you come upstairs with me right now?" Feeling a little bewildered, Harry agreed and followed Hermione upstairs to her bedroom, larger now that she wasn't currently sharing with Ginny.
Harry gingerly sat down on the unoccupied bed on the left side of the room, while Hermione sat down in the chair, turning it away from the desk it had been facing. Harry avoided eye contact with his best friend, until the silence became unbearable.
"Harry, would you please look at me?!" Hermione said exasperatedly. Harry slowly raised his head. Hermione's cheeks were bright pink, looking rather embarrassed. "Erm, what did you want to talk to me about, Hermione?"
"Harry, I'm not going to ask you for advice on snogging Ron, for heaven's sake!" Hermione laughed at him, "I just wanted to make sure, away from the adults, and away from Ron, that you're completely fine with Ron and I...uh...going out."
Harry let out a sigh of relief. He had been expecting, while not a request for advice, perhaps advice for him to give Ron. Thankfully, it was neither.
"Hermione, I meant it," and he did. "Especially if it means the two of you will stop bickering so much now. It'd gotten almost unbearable." Hermione gave him a weak smile.
"Thanks, Harry. Er, also, how are you doing? And I'm not just being polite, Harry. How are you doing with losing Sirius?" Harry got quiet again. He didn't want to think about Sirius right now, but no one seemed to believe him. First Remus, then Ron, now Hermione. He'd been doing very well since he arrived at Grimmauld Place. Hermione seemed to sense this and immediately launched into another topic of conversation.
"How did you do on O.W.L.s? I got all twelve." Harry smiled. There hadn't been a trace of superiority in her voice, just a simple statement of fact. Harry shook his head, wondering what Ron had gotten himself into.
"Fairly well. I got an 'O' in Potions."
"Potions? Well done, Harry! Of course, that does mean to have to keep dealing with Snape. Have you though about practicing for your Occlumency lessons?" she questioned.
"Hermione! After what happened last time?"
"Exactly, Harry. After what happened last time, it should be more than clear that you do need to continue the lessons. Now that Voldemort knows for sure he can communicate with you through Legimency, he'll do it again. Now, I've been reading several books on the subject, and I have a few suggestions that should help..." Hermione began to ramble.
Harry listened with half an ear to the tips Hermione was rattling off. He hadn't thought about the upcoming lessons at all, for the simple reason that they would include more time spent alone with Snape, something Harry wanted to avoid at all costs. However, if Hermione truly did have something that may help, he'd try it. Absently promising her he'd try, Harry didn't notice her slight frown, as his attention was pulled to the door. Ron's red hair peered around the door. His expression was slightly puzzled.
"What happened to the two of you? I've been looking throughout the whole house. You were right behind me going into the kitchen." Ron said.
"Oh, I wanted to ask Harry some things." Hermione said dismissively. Ron's eyes widened.
"About what?" he asked nervously.
"About O.W.L.s, and Occlumency" Harry told Ron. Ron nodded, looking mildly relieved.
"Well, your lunches are sitting on the table down there. So's Snape." He added darkly.
"Snape? What's he doing here? He's never here during the day." Harry asked. "He wants to see you." Ron shrugged. "He didn't look very happy."
"When does he?" Hermione asked.
None of them had an answer to that, and so all three filed downstairs. Ron and Hermione sat on the far edge of the kitchen table, next to the plate piled high with sandwiches, while Harry walked straight forward, to stand in front of Snape, whose sneer was firmly in place.
"Potter. Nice of you to take your time getting down here."
Harry squelched the urged to roll his eyes and answered calmly, "Sorry, sir. Hermione and I were discussing our O.W.L.s. I got an outstanding in Potions." He couldn't help adding. He let a small smile play on his lips, noticing a muscle twitch in Snape's jaw.
"Congratulations, Potter." The statement landed in the room with a splech. Snape picked a piece of lint of the left arm of his robes.
"In keeping with our agreement, tomorrow evening we will commence again with Occlumency. Seven o'clock sharp in the library. The lesson will last approximately three hours. Please be prepared. Clear your mind before you go to bed this evening. I am sure Miss Granger," Snape said, his lip curling, "will have multiple methods to recommend to aid your relaxation." Snape stood and was at the door when he turned and looked directly at Harry, "By the way, Potter, thank you for the book." He turned and left, leaving the three Gryffindors staring at him in amazement.
Early the next morning, Harry woke to find Ron sitting up in bed, looking out the window as the first rays of sunlight crossed the grassy square. He had a large smile on his face as he stared into nothing. Taking care not to ruin the moment, Harry shifted to his other side and went back to sleep.
A few hours later, Harry felt a hand on his shoulder, gently shaking him awake. He blearily opened his eyes into the face of Remus Lupin, wearing a very warm smile. "Time to rise, Harry. Molly decided to let you have a lie-in this morning, seeing as you're on holidays, and those nasty muggles you live with weren't likely to let you have a relaxing summer at all. Molly's words," he added. "Plus, you're O.W.L. results just arrived."
Harry sat bolt upright at this. "My O.W.L.s? Have you opened them?"
Lupin laughed, "No, Harry, I rather thought you'd like to read them first."
He handed Harry an envelope bearing the Hogwarts crest and the Ministry of Magic seal. Harry slid a finger underneath the wax seal and lifted out the parchment inside. He read it over quickly, noticing Remus's eyes upon him. He lowered the paper and smiled.
"Well?" Remus asked.
"Good. An Outstanding in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms. An Exceeds Expectation in Transfiguration and Care of Magical Creatures. In Astronomy they gave us all Exceeds Expectations, saying we'd been too distracted to complete the practical thoroughly. Divination only got a Dreadful...not too sad about that, though. And Potions...." Harry stopped. "Remus, this can't be right. They must have gotten something wrong. It says I got an Outstanding in Potions." Harry looked again at the letter in his hands.
"Congratulations, Harry. That's very respectable. Eight O.W.L.s." Remus congratulated him. Harry smiled back.
"Remus, you don't understand. An Outstanding in Potions? How is that possible? I mean...wait..." Harry trailed off, a thought popping in his head, "Remus, does the Headmaster or Professor McGonagall have anything to do with scoring the O.W.L. results?"
But even as he asked, Harry hoped fervently for a negative answer. If Dumbledore or McGonagall were the reason he was continuing on in Potions, he'd feel awful.
"No, Harry," Remus answered immediately, "All judging is does by the board from the ministry. Why?"
Harry felt embarrassed to admit it, "Well, you know I've never been a stand- out in Potions," Remus smiled, "but McGonagall swore to Umbridge she'd make me an auror if it was the last thing she did, and Snape only accepts the top students in his advanced classes, which I'll need to be an auror, so I just thought..." Harry trailed off. "Harry, you want to be an auror? I didn't know that." Remus replied.
"Yeah, well, Moody said something once about my mind thinking the right way, and I think it'd be interesting, plus it'd be good practice and training for when I have to, I mean if I have to, you know, face Voldemort." Harry realized Remus didn't know about the prophecy. He felt an odd pull in him to confide to the older wizard, but he wondered if he shouldn't ask Dumbledore first. He noticed Remus was looking at him oddly.
Harry shook his head, "Sorry, I just got caught up in my thoughts."
"I think you'd make an excellent auror, Harry," Remus told him, "and I don't want to deter you, but don't you think you might eventually have too much of fighting dark wizards?"
Harry thought about this, "Yeah, I suppose so, but right now I really thinks it's a good idea for me to learn about dark wizards and how to fight them as much as I can." Harry saw Remus's eyes flicker for a moment.
"Oh, Harry, there's so much more to your life than fighting Voldemort. I hope you know that."
Harry shook his head. "No, Remus, there isn't. At least, not until Voldemort is no longer a threat. Remus, there's a reason Voldemort tried to kill me all those years ago, and why he's tried so many times since then. I can't hide from it."
"Harry, my boy, you are wise beyond your years, and you have had to live with far more than we should ask of you. I want you to know how very proud I am of you. Getting to know you has been such an honor, and I feel confident that your parents are proud of you, and that Sirius is as well." Remus continued on, "Everyone in the Order cares for you. If you need anything, anything at all, even if it's just to ask about a girl, or homework, or anything, please do. I don't have much to do here, Harry."
Harry felt touched at the words, and unexpected at the feeling Remus used to speak them; he promised Remus he'd take him up on his offer of help. He thought about Remus's last comment and looked up at him.
"Remus, what do you mean, you don't have much to do? Last summer you were hardly around, doing Order business."
Remus looked down sheepishly, "I haven't been dealing with losing Sirius very well. Dumbledore thinks, and I agree," he added hastily, "I just need some time to mourn."
Harry looked at Remus closely. Harry thought he knew exactly how he felt. "Remus, does it every get any better? Missing someone, I mean."
"Yes. It gets better, Harry. It never goes away, but it does get better. This is just so tough because I got over losing Sirius years ago, when he went to Azkaban. When I thought Sirius was the one who betrayed your parents, it was easy to put the Sirius I knew to rest and not think about him any more. Losing him a second time is almost unbearable."
Harry nodded. Losing Sirius had hit him much harder than he'd expected. Remus placed a comforting arm around Harry.
"C'mon, Ron's been asking to wake you up all morning. Molly was at her wit's end when she sent me up. Apparently he has something important to talk to you about. I got the impression it wasn't O.W.L. results, as those just arrived." Remus gave Harry a knowing look. Harry felt his cheeks blush a little, knowing full well what Ron wanted to talk him about.
"I'll leave you to get ready, Harry." Remus said, leaving the bedroom. Harry hurriedly pulled on a new shirt and ran a hand through his hair before heading down to the kitchen.
Arriving in the kitchen, Harry found a beehive of activity. Bill, Tonks, and Kingsley Shacklebolt were crowding around some pieces of paper, all talking excitedly. Harry couldn't make out what they were looking at, but before he could crane his neck closer, Mr. Weasley pulled him out of the way as Professor Calabrone swept round the room, her wand apparently directing the movement of dishes from the pantry to the table. Remus was helping Mrs. Weasley put the finishing touches on something, and Harry noticed Ron and Hermione sitting quietly in the corner, not looking at each other. That can't be a good sign, Harry thought, but quickly dispelled the thought, noticing Hermione looked deeply engrossed in the red leather-bound book she was reading. Ron seemed to just be observing everyone, and his eyes latched onto Harry's. Excusing himself from the table, Ron got up and joined Harry. He jostled his elbow, murmuring "c'mon, let's get some fresh air" before grabbing a muffin out of Mrs. Weasley's outstretched hand and leading Harry firmly to the back stoop. Seating himself down beside Ron on the top step, Harry idly munched on his muffin, trying to hide his grin at Ron's obvious discomfort. Harry decided Ron deserved some teasing for his part, or at least some encouragement.
"So, Ron, did you sleep well last night? Only I came in and you were already dozed off." Harry asked, picking at some crumbs in his hand. Ron gulped and raised his face to Harry, his mouth twisted in a half-smile.
"Harry," Ron began, "remember after your first kiss with Cho, how you said it was wet? Well, was it wet only because Cho was crying, or for other reasons too?"
Harry smiled broadly, "I think it was just because of the tears. Why?"
Ron cleared his throat, "Well, so, after supper, Hermione and I went upstairs, and we, uh, we, erm...we kissed. I mean, I did ask her if I could, and she said yes, so we did, but it was kind a surprise she said yes, so when we first kissed my lips were really dry, but then I licked them and then they were too wet, and a little sloppy, and I think I may have bit her lip a little, and I really don't think she enjoyed it, and my heart was beating so fast." Ron said, without drawing breath.
"It couldn't have been that bad. I mean, she's still talking to you, isn't she?" Harry reasoned. Ron cocked his head as though he hadn't considered that.
"I suppose you're right. I reckon I ought to give it another go, eh?" he smiled. Harry felt himself smile back.
It was nice to be able to worry about little things, like the way Ron's first kiss had gone, rather than think about Sirius and Voldemort. But no sooner had Harry thought that, than his godfather's face came swimming back up in his mind's eye.
"Harry, are you alright? Did I say something wrong?" Ron asked, sounding concerned.
"Nah, Ron, I just started thinking about Sirius." Harry replied quietly.
"Oh," Ron said. "Er, do you want to talk about it?"
"No. At least not right now. It's just difficult being here, is all. Remus and I talking about it a little this morning when he came to wake me up." Ron nodded appreciatively.
Harry remembered, "Speaking of which, how'd you do on O.W.L.s?"
"I got seven," Ron informed him. "Not bad at all. Mum was quite pleased, so was Dad. How about you?"
"Eight. Including Potions. I can't believe it. On the one hand, I get to continue on with Potions....on the other hand..."
"You get to continue on with potions," Ron finished, "Yeah, I didn't get an Outstanding, so I'm out. I wonder if there's anything else I can do to be an Auror? Maybe there's some other kind of potions class I can take. I'll take a look into it." They sat outside for a few minutes longer, until Hermione came to get them, saying she'd been sent to fetch them my Mrs. Weasley.
Harry noticed her blush when she caught Ron's eye and wondered if he'd be getting asked for advice from her. He wouldn't have to wait long to find out. As soon as Ron had walked into the kitchen to find his mother, Hermione turned on Harry.
"Harry, I know Ron probably told you about last night. I want to talk to you about it, too. Will you come upstairs with me right now?" Feeling a little bewildered, Harry agreed and followed Hermione upstairs to her bedroom, larger now that she wasn't currently sharing with Ginny.
Harry gingerly sat down on the unoccupied bed on the left side of the room, while Hermione sat down in the chair, turning it away from the desk it had been facing. Harry avoided eye contact with his best friend, until the silence became unbearable.
"Harry, would you please look at me?!" Hermione said exasperatedly. Harry slowly raised his head. Hermione's cheeks were bright pink, looking rather embarrassed. "Erm, what did you want to talk to me about, Hermione?"
"Harry, I'm not going to ask you for advice on snogging Ron, for heaven's sake!" Hermione laughed at him, "I just wanted to make sure, away from the adults, and away from Ron, that you're completely fine with Ron and I...uh...going out."
Harry let out a sigh of relief. He had been expecting, while not a request for advice, perhaps advice for him to give Ron. Thankfully, it was neither.
"Hermione, I meant it," and he did. "Especially if it means the two of you will stop bickering so much now. It'd gotten almost unbearable." Hermione gave him a weak smile.
"Thanks, Harry. Er, also, how are you doing? And I'm not just being polite, Harry. How are you doing with losing Sirius?" Harry got quiet again. He didn't want to think about Sirius right now, but no one seemed to believe him. First Remus, then Ron, now Hermione. He'd been doing very well since he arrived at Grimmauld Place. Hermione seemed to sense this and immediately launched into another topic of conversation.
"How did you do on O.W.L.s? I got all twelve." Harry smiled. There hadn't been a trace of superiority in her voice, just a simple statement of fact. Harry shook his head, wondering what Ron had gotten himself into.
"Fairly well. I got an 'O' in Potions."
"Potions? Well done, Harry! Of course, that does mean to have to keep dealing with Snape. Have you though about practicing for your Occlumency lessons?" she questioned.
"Hermione! After what happened last time?"
"Exactly, Harry. After what happened last time, it should be more than clear that you do need to continue the lessons. Now that Voldemort knows for sure he can communicate with you through Legimency, he'll do it again. Now, I've been reading several books on the subject, and I have a few suggestions that should help..." Hermione began to ramble.
Harry listened with half an ear to the tips Hermione was rattling off. He hadn't thought about the upcoming lessons at all, for the simple reason that they would include more time spent alone with Snape, something Harry wanted to avoid at all costs. However, if Hermione truly did have something that may help, he'd try it. Absently promising her he'd try, Harry didn't notice her slight frown, as his attention was pulled to the door. Ron's red hair peered around the door. His expression was slightly puzzled.
"What happened to the two of you? I've been looking throughout the whole house. You were right behind me going into the kitchen." Ron said.
"Oh, I wanted to ask Harry some things." Hermione said dismissively. Ron's eyes widened.
"About what?" he asked nervously.
"About O.W.L.s, and Occlumency" Harry told Ron. Ron nodded, looking mildly relieved.
"Well, your lunches are sitting on the table down there. So's Snape." He added darkly.
"Snape? What's he doing here? He's never here during the day." Harry asked. "He wants to see you." Ron shrugged. "He didn't look very happy."
"When does he?" Hermione asked.
None of them had an answer to that, and so all three filed downstairs. Ron and Hermione sat on the far edge of the kitchen table, next to the plate piled high with sandwiches, while Harry walked straight forward, to stand in front of Snape, whose sneer was firmly in place.
"Potter. Nice of you to take your time getting down here."
Harry squelched the urged to roll his eyes and answered calmly, "Sorry, sir. Hermione and I were discussing our O.W.L.s. I got an outstanding in Potions." He couldn't help adding. He let a small smile play on his lips, noticing a muscle twitch in Snape's jaw.
"Congratulations, Potter." The statement landed in the room with a splech. Snape picked a piece of lint of the left arm of his robes.
"In keeping with our agreement, tomorrow evening we will commence again with Occlumency. Seven o'clock sharp in the library. The lesson will last approximately three hours. Please be prepared. Clear your mind before you go to bed this evening. I am sure Miss Granger," Snape said, his lip curling, "will have multiple methods to recommend to aid your relaxation." Snape stood and was at the door when he turned and looked directly at Harry, "By the way, Potter, thank you for the book." He turned and left, leaving the three Gryffindors staring at him in amazement.