Harry Potter and the Betrayal of the Phoenix

by LeTimbo

My guess on what Harry's sixth year will be like. This started off as one of the first 6th year stories out there, but took a year or two break. Expect OWL results, advanced classes, Vodlemort, and more! Pretty much abandonded at this point.

7. Chapter 7 First Day of Classes

Harry Potter and the Betrayal of the Phoenix

Chapter 7 - First Day of Classes

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, the canon herself JK does…or maybe Warner Brothers does…maybe Scholastic…who knows? Anyways, it's not me, and I am not here to make any money…and I got a Beta reader who is new to the job…so forgive her and me for the mistakes :-)

Harry and Hermione joined the crowd of five or six students waiting to get into the Potions classroom. As they were about to enter the all too familiar potions dungeon, Harry heard a voice that if he never heard again, he would be a happy man.

"Harry Potter? Potter? You must be lost. This is NEWT Preparatory Potions...not remedial potions, Potter" spoke the cold voice of Draco Malfoy.

"For your information, Malfoy, I got an O on my NEWT, so stuff it," said Harry as he walked into the classroom, ignoring Malfoy's comments behind his back. As Harry sat down, he looked around the class. The only two Gryffindors in the class were Harry and Hermione, and there was only one Hufflepuff. There were three Ravenclaws, and the rest of the class of ten was all Slytherins.

As Harry was about to comment to Hermione about the lack of any fellow-Gryffindors, Professor Snape made his entrance into the classroom.

"Welcome to NEWT Preparatory Potions, the hardest class you will ever have to take behind NEWT Potions. Everyone in this class got an O on their OWLs, so I refuse to put up with any nonsense like I put up with the past five years. If you fail to maintain an O level, you will leave this class for Advanced Potions. My class will be set up where the daily classes are lectures and reading on how ingredients interact with others to form worthwhile potions, diving into the theory behind potions. The two-hour Monday praticums will be devoted to brewing potions or trying to fix potions that have gone awry. There will be bi-weekly tests to make sure this vital information is sticking in your minds. You will have at least one essay a week, if not more, on what the outcome of theoretical combinations of magical ingredients would be. Now, to make sure you dunderheads are in the right class...Bulstrode, Corner, Finch-Fletchley, Goldstein, Granger, Malfoy, Parkinson, Patil, Potter, and Zabini. Potter? Dare I ask how you managed to get an O in your OWL?  It remains to be seen if you earned it or just talked the examiners into letting you slide because of your fame. You, along with everyone else in here, better prove yourself worthy of the honor of being in this class, or you will regret it."

For the rest of the hour, Snape gave notes on the properties of lacewing flies, and why they are used in potions as all. As the lesson wrapped up, Snape reminded everyone to meet back here for the Potions practicum, where they will be diagnosing potions from other classes in which lacewing flies were used inappropriately, and they had better read up on the usage of lacewing flies before they arrive or else fail the practicum.

Harry and Hermione gathered up their supplies and made their way to McGonagall's class. "Oh Harry, wasn't that an interesting class?"

"Actually, yeah. I think that learning why those ingredients mix with each other and make a potion will help me understand where I kept going wrong with my potions last year. It's just too bad we were the only Gryffindors in there...and imagine how Justin feels being the only Hufflepuff! I'm just glad you are in the rest of my NEWT Prep classes or I'd go insane."

"I know. Hi Seamus! Are you in NEWT Prep Transfiguration too?" asked Hermione as she found a seat in McGonagall's class.

"Aye 'Ermione. Dean also made it in. He should be arriving any minute."
It looked like this class would have a couple more in it than Potions. Four Gryffindors, four Hufflepuffs (Susan, Hannah, Justin and Ernie), three Ravenclaws (the same three from Potions), and one Slytherin: Malfoy.

"Good Morning class, and welcome to NEWT Preparatory Transfiguration. I am glad to see those who excelled in Transfiguration were all able to make a high enough score on the OWLs to make it in this class. Everyone here either received an O or an E, and I expect all of you to keep that level up. This class will be set up a little bit differently than your classes before. During weekday classes we will be learning the theoretical side and also how to perform various transfigurations, and, during praticums, how what we've learned can be practically applied to real life situations."

The rest of the lesson, a review of the topics they had covered last year, seemed to pass by fairly quickly. Before Harry knew it, it was time to head to NEWT Preparatory Charms, the largest class he had so far.

It seemed that the new additions to the class were Lavender, Pavariti, and a couple of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, but most of the Transfiguration and Potions classes were also in this one. Professor Flitwitck's class would be used for learning new charms, with the practicum looking into the theory, ethics, and practical applications of charms.

Finally, the last class before lunch and the first class Harry and Hermione have with Ron:
NEWT Preparatory Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"Hey Ron...how have your classes been so far?"
"Intermediate Charms seems easy. I'm not too worried. What about you?"
"Oh Ron, the classes are amazing! I can't wait to get started more in depth on the coursework. Harry, when are you planning on reading up on lacewings for Snape's class?"

"At lunch. Lets take these seats. Anyways Ron, it seems like it'll be a lot of work...I only hope I can stay caught up in all my classes."

"Sucks, Mate. This class is the smallest one I've had so far today..."
Harry looked around. There was the same amount of people in this class as in their Charms class. "Its one of our larger ones. I wonder how Lupin and Moody are going to split up the teaching...Hey Neville...and thank Merlin Malfoy isn't in the class! And the only Slytherin is Zabini!"

"Be quiet you two, here comes Professor Lupin."
"Good Morning Class, as I am sure you remember, I am Professor Lupin. I will be teaching you the theory behind Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Professor Moody will be in charge of your practicum, which will explore the practical applications of what we will be learning. If you fail to maintain at least an E level in the course, you will be asked to leave at the end of term, although I hope all of you will stay up to par. To start off, what do you think makes a spell be considered dark or evil? Miss Granger?"

"A dark spell is a spell that causes harm to others." With Hermione's answer, Harry raised his hand.
"Yes Mr. Potter?"
"I disagree with Hermione's answer. I think that almost any spell, when used for the right purposes, could be considered a good, or light, spell. On the other side, any spell, when used for evil purposes, could be considered a dark spell."

"Mr. Longbottom?" Lupin asked to Neville, who had his hand up.
"But what about Cruico? Could you think of any justifications for that to be used in a light or good way?"
At this, Blaise had her hand up. "Do you have a response to Neville's question Miss Zabini?"
"Yes, Professor. What if a wizard or a creature stronger than you was attacking you, and the typical stunning spells aren't working?"

"But Miss Zabini, surely a spell other than Cruico would suffice?"
"Professor, I agree with Blaise," spoke Harry, much to the surprise of everyone but Blaise. "Last year when I was under attack by the Death Eaters, the stunning spells just weren't working, and they kept attacking us. At one point, the only way I could think of incapacitating my opponent, Bellatrix Lestrange, was trying to use Cruico." Harry paused to let all the gasps quiet down. "Granted, I couldn't cast it properly, and it didn't work, but when I was in fear for my life I had no choice. I'm not defending the curse; by all means I don't think it's a wise one to use. But, to me, the spell itself can't be light or dark, it's the intent of the spell."

"Interesting observation, Mr. Potter. The spell itself has no orientation by itself; it's the spell caster who makes the spell used for a light or a dark purpose. I want everyone to write an essay, you can make it however long you want but please no longer than one roll of parchment Miss Granger," said Lupin with a smile, "on what kinds of spells, if any, are inherently dark, and how a spell can become dark. Now, lets review a little of what you were supposed to have learned last year, although I doubt Umbridge taught you very much."

For the rest of the lesson, Lupin gave notes on what was covered last year, or at least, what should have been.  As Lupin finished wrapping up, he asked Harry if he would stay after class for a little bit.  "Sure Professor.  Ron, Hermione, I'll meet you in the Great Hall for lunch.  What do you want to talk about?  Was it my response earlier in class…because I'll explain more in my essay."

"No, Harry, although I admit I was curious about your answer.  I was wondering how your summer went, and how, well, you're recovering from the end of last year."

"Oh, well Professor,"

"You can call me Remus or Moony outside of class Harry."

"Oh, thanks.  Moony…I miss him."

"I miss him too, but he would want us to move on and keep fighting."

"But we'll never know for sure, because he isn't here to tell us what he would want."

"Harry…if you ever need to talk about anything, either come and find me or send me an owl.  I want to be here for you, if you'll let me."

"Look, I'd hate to rush and all, but this is one of the few breaks I have all day, and I've got to study for tonight's Potions practicum.  I'll owl you or send Corning if I need anything, and I'll see you tomorrow.  Bye!"

"Harry," called Professor Lupin as Harry took off for his dorm so he could grab one of his potions book, "who or what is Corning?" but Harry didn't hear him.

Harry joined up with Hermione, who was reading her Potions book just like Harry was, and Ron, who seemed to be trying to have a conversation with Hermione.  Ron should know better by now…when she starts to read there's no stopping her.

"Hey guys…make room."

"Oh, not you too!"

"Ron, if we don't read up on the properties of lacewings, then Snape will fail us!"

"Yah Hermione, not to mention kill us. So, how was your first morning of classes?" asked Harry as he took a bite of his lunch.

"It was OK.  Intermediate Charms was pretty easy…although I'm the only Gryffindor in there besides Neville, and the rest of the class is filled with Hufflepuffs and Slytherins.  I really liked DADA, although this discussion at the beginning of the class was odd.  Do you really think Cruico can ever be used for good?"

"Maybe.  I'm going to write my essay after Potions…I'll let you know what I think after I write it."

"But, you agreed with a Slytherin!"

"Did you hear what the Sorting Hat told us last year and not to mention this year?  We can't assume they are evil just because they are in Slytherin!" exclaimed an exasperated Hermione.  "If you guys need me, I'll be in the…"

"Library"

"Yes, Ron, the library.  Unlike some people, I want to pass my classes.  I'll see you in Care of Magical Creatures."

"Ok"

For the rest of lunch, Harry alternated between chatting with Ron and reading about lacewings.  He was really getting into how lacewings can be used to thicken potions when Ron interrupted him "Harry, we've got to get down to Hagrid's or we'll be late.  Lets go."

NEWT Preparatory Care of Magical Creatures and NEWT Preparatory Herbology passed without much incident, although the trio had a couple of more essays to finish.

"I'm just glad Hagrid's class doesn't have a practicum with it."

"Me too."

"Harry!  Wait up!"

"Hey Neville…you were really awesome back there in Herbology…if I need any help with the essay, mind if I ask you?"

"Sure!" replied a blushing Neville, "What are your next classes?"

"Ron and I have NEWT Prep History of Magic, and Harry's got that Animagi class.  I wish I could take that too!"

"Oh, good.  Harry, I'm in your next class, and we are the only Gryffindors in it!"

"Oh, it'll be fine, Neville.  Lets go…McGonagall will have our hides if we're late.  Bye Hermione, bye Ron.  See you guys at dinner!"

"Welcome to Animagi and Metamorphmagi class.  You have been asked to enroll in this class because you have demonstrated some previous ability to become an Animagi, Metamorphmagi, or both.  Today Tonks, who is a noted Metamorphmagi, will assist me.  She will help to instruct any Metamorphmagi among us in the future lessons.  To start class, we will take you into the room behind me to determine what Animagi forms you may have, or what Metamorphmagi abilities you may have.  Please refrain in discussing your results until everyone has gone."

One by one, she called up the class.  First, Hannah Abbott went with McGonagall and Tonks, and she came back beaming.  She was followed by Corner, then Goldstein, two of the Ravenclaws that Harry seemed to be having several classes with, then it was Neville's turn, followed by Malfoy's, Ernie Macmillian's, then at last it was Harry's turn, second to last in the class.

"Harry Potter, if you'll follow me please."

Harry got up and followed McGonagall and Tonks into the side classroom.

"Hey Harry!"

"Hey Tonks."

"Bet you are surprised to see me here!"

"Well, I got my hopes up once I saw the class title."

"Potter, Tonks, enough talk.  You two aren't supposed to know each other yet."

"Well Minerva, I'm bored.  There haven't been any Metamorphmagi yet!"

"Enough! Potter, could you please touch the Scroll of Marshall.  This will enable us to see what Animagi forms you may have, if any at all."

Harry touched the scroll, and immediately saw the form of a really large snake.

"Oh Harry…that's a…"

Tonks didn't need to finish that sentence.  Harry knew what it was…it was a Basilisk.  Just as he recognized the shape, the Basilisk turned into something else…it looked to be a pigeon.

"A pigeon?  Well at least we'll be able to train that one in front of everyone else.  I'll have to talk to Albus about what to do with the Basilisk."

"Ok Harry," started Tonks, "its time to touch something else this time…the Orb of Anastasia.  This will show all of us what, if any, Metamorphmagi abilities you have.  Before we start…have you ever magically altered your appearance before?"

"Well, once when I was really angry at my Aunt for cutting my hair, I was able to grow it back overnight."

"Why didn't you tell me that last year Harry?!?  Come on, touch the orb."

The Orb of Anastasia glowed a bright lime green, and Tonks let out a cheer.

"Awesome Harry!  Lime Green means you've got a moderate ability for being a Metamorphmagi…only the strongest, most gifted Metamorphmagi get electric purple!  Congrats!"

"Yes, well done, but its time to rejoin your classmates."

"Sure professor"

Stunned, Harry walked out to sit back down next to Neville.

"Miss Zabini, if you'll please follow me"

A short while after Blaise went back to join McGonagall and Tonks, he heard Tonks let out another "Whoop" of excitement, and Blaise came back looking rather pleased.

"Well Class, everyone in here is an animagus, although there are only two who have any Metamorphmagi ability.  Tonks will be here once a week to work with you, Mr. Potter and Miss Zabini.  As for your animagus abilities, I would like you to separate out into what type of animal you are.  Birds and other fowl over here, cats and dogs over to that corner, large mammals over there, and other animals over in that last corner.  You will be training with those who are in your same group."

Harry got up to walk over to where McGonagall was.  Since she didn't call "Deadly, Magical Serpents, I guess I should go over with the birds.  He was joined by Blaise, and that was all.

"Potter."

"Call me Harry.  We've got enough classes with each other after all.  Hey Blaise.  Nice hair…did you color it red over the summer?"

"Color it?  No Harry…that's one of my Metamorphmagi abilities…I learned how to change it over the summer…but I like the red so I'll stick with it for now."

"Cool.  So what type of bird are you?"

"I'm a blasted parakeet!  A parakeet!  Why couldn't have I been something cool like an owl or an eagle?"

"Hey…at least parakeets are interesting!  I'm a pigeon!"

"Hah!  A pigeon!  That's classic Harry!"

"Well glad you approve."

"Hey, Harry," whispered Blaise, "thanks for agreeing with me back in DADA…I don't think I could have argued that well."

"No problem" whispered Harry back.

"Class…that's all for now.  You can leave early.  Mr. Potter, would you mind waiting back for a minute?"

"See you in the potions practicum Potter"

"'Kay. Bye Blaise.  What do you need Professor?"

"As you are the only one in our class to have two Animagi forms, you are going to need to do a little extra work. Normally, you wouldn't have this class on Friday, but I'm afraid that you will need to be in here on Friday's as well."

"But Professor…"

"I'm sorry but you must.  Once you are able to transform into a basilisk and back within a second, you will have to keep up with the Friday classes.  Now I don't want you to be late for Professor Dumbledore, so off you go."

Great.  Now the only time I would be able to practice Quidditch is one hour a week, and on the weekends.  Oh boy, Ron is not going to like that at all.  Am I even going to be able to play?  Should I?  I know Hermione wouldn't want me to…but its one of the few things I can still enjoy without many problems…although I did manage to do OK last year.  Well, no use in worrying about it until I can talk to Ron.

"Mr. Potter, good of you to show up on time.  I've asked Professor Lupin to work with me today.  First up, I would like you to call Corning to you."

"How Professor?"

"You should know it by now.  Just think about it for a minute…"

Corning…would you please join me

And Corning immediately zoomed into the room, looking like she was on fire.

"Very good Mr. Potter."

"Harry?  You got a phoenix?"

"She chose to serve me."

"Ok, Mr. Potter, now I would like you to…"

For the rest of Harry's The Return of Lord Voldemort class, Dumbledore taught him everything that Fawkes had done for Dumbledore, and how to ask Corning to do the same for Harry.

"Now, if I'm not mistaken, its time for dinner.  I will meet you in the Great Hall.  I must speak with Professor Lupin first."

After talking to Hermione and Ron about their classes, Harry sat down to eat as fast as he could so he could read up on lacewing for the Potions Practicum coming up right after dinner.

"Hey Pigeon Potter"

"Heya Parakeet."

"Reading up on lacewings?"

"Of course"

"Pigeon Potter?  Parakeet?  What are you two talking about?" asked a befuddled Ron, "And Blaise, the Slytherin table is over there."

"Oh Ron, be nice.  Harry, are you talking about your Animagi class?"

"Yes. It turns out that one of my animagus forms is a bloody pigeon!"

"Wait, one of your forms?"

"Oh yeah, see, I've got two.  The other is a basilisk, and I can't practice that one in front of the whole class now can I?"

Blaise laughed, "Guess not.  Anyways, see you in Potions."

"Bye Parakeet"

"Harry!  You have two animagus forms?  That's really rare!"

"I bet one of them I got because of bloody Voldemort.  Could you pass the rice?  Thanks!  So Ron, I've got some bad news."

"Me first…you know how you talked about when you could practice?  Well, the only time I can on Fridays is from 3-4 because I've got Astronomy from 4-5.  Anyways, if that's the only time you can practice during the week, I don't know what to tell you…because I signed up our team for 3-4 on Fridays, Sunday afternoons, and twice a week at night, and I can only let you miss one practice a week.  It's only fair to the other players."

"Well FINE Ron…I can't practice from 3-4 because that's when I've got training with McGonagall, and I've got bloody praticums every night of the week!"

"Uh…sorry mate…but my hands are tied."

"Yah I bet they are.  Come on, Hermione, we're going to be late for Potions."

"Oh Harry," said Hermione as she hurried to catch up with Harry storming out of the Great Hall, "Sorry about Quidditch, but it may be for best anyways with all the work you have this year."

"Hermione, I don't need to you tell me that it's a good thing I can't do the only thing I seem to enjoy anymore, I need to you tell me that it sucks, its an injustice, etc."

"Oh, well. I just can't do that…good luck in the practicum!  I doubt Snape will let us work together."

"You too.  I'll meet up with you in the common room later if one of us finished before the other."

"Sounds good."

Hermione was right about Snape not letting the two of them work together.  Hermione got stuck with Malfoy, and Harry had to work with Blaise.

"Looks like we're going to work together in every class we've got together Pigeon"

"Yah Parakeet"

"Ok, so lets look at this potion.  It's supposed to be purple, but its neon yellow.  And Snape said that all the problems with these potions were because of improper lacewing usage…now how to fix this?"

The rest of the practicum went on like that, until they had finished 7 potions.  Harry and Blaise were the first ones finished, and were on their way out when Snape assigned more homework "Potter and Zabini: Write up why you added the quantities of lacewings you did and why it worked."

"Sure Professor.  Harry - lets meet up tomorrow to work on the essay.  How about after the Herbology practicum tomorrow?"

"Ok…see you then."

All in all, it was a busy first day back.  I hope not all the days are going to be like that, or I'll need some professional help!  Tomorrow we've got the first DA class…I need to make sure to talk with Hermione about the exact plans tomorrow…now I guess I should start work on the DADA essay that's due on Friday.

A/N: I refuse to tell you what the title means yet and what "Phoenix" performs the "betrayal."  But I did decide that if I manage to get up to 500 reviews (which will, well, dumbfound me,) I will answer any one question, including what the title means, via e-mail…so be sure to register with FF.net and sign in with your reviews so I can find a way to contact you if its you…and no cheating! (aka, signing 10 reviews in a row to make sure you get it)