Chapter 31
Correspondences Circumscription
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. It is not my playground, just my dreamscape.
A/N: Per the many request for the letter, here ya go. Happy New Year :-)
Someone asked about ships, I'm thinking H/G, Ron & Hermione just seem made for each other too me. Honestly though I can take just about any ship except Cho (This is my warning to those of you, if there are any, who are Harry/Cho fans … I can definitely see a broom accident in her future.)
::smiles brightly:: Well it sees I need to get my act together as I only have until 7/16/2005 to finish this. I would hate it if all my work becomes obsolete. (Hopefully she has the hint about Cho too! G )
Forgive me for my limited American knowledge. I tried, even looked it up. G
Harry took a deep breath and steeled himself for what he would find. As he began to tear the edges slowly, Tonks ripped the letter from his grasp with sudden memories of George beginning suspended in the ward at Grimmauld Place. She gave a lopsided grin and handed the envelope to Remus. "Can't be too careful."
Remus sighed knowing but hating the fact that she was right and tore into the envelope. Everyone in the kitchen held their breath only to breathe again when two sheets of parchment, one written in the same emerald green and another more in a formal bolded black were the only things that fell out of the envelope.
Harry carefully picked up the parchment and took another heaving breath and began reading.
My Dearest Harry,
I am afraid that I must again apologize for an old man's mistakes. It seems a have failed you yet again by underestimating the power of youthful exuberance. I do have your best interest at heart, Harry. I may not have always been the best mentor, but I have endeavored to prepare you for the fate that lies ahead. It is fortunate then that Remus has chosen to act on behalf of your welfare. I am honored to be your counsel, and to share that position as required. I would like to meet with you when you return to Hogwarts to discuss this further.
It is also of great benefit to all of us that you have come to see your destiny and embrace it. I have always tried to instill in my students ability as well as a craving for knowledge. Thus, I am pleased to see that you have taken such a forthright interest in your education. To that end, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley and yourself have proven yourselves worthy of a quest for knowledge on several occasions when the need arose. Moreover, I believe you all have the maturity level necessary to provide access to more sensitive materials. Nonetheless, should any such knowledge be abused, for example, Polyjuice potion, your access would need to be revoked.
I will remind you however that practicing magic as an underage student is not permitted. Therefore, I can only assume that you are studying theory versus practical lessons. As such, I would like to recommend to you Wilbert Slinkhard's Advanced Defensive Magical Theory and Auror Defensive Training and Theory.
I must say I am quite curious regarding your request for a tester rather then a tutor in Occlumency. I had hoped that you would see the importance of this realm of study. Furthermore, it is not an area of expertise easily learned without practical experience and there are few with the skills necessary to teach this skill. Perhaps, we could discuss the request further upon your return to Hogwarts.
I am also delighted in your choice of tutors. Remus is of course well versed in all types of general defense. Moreover, Alastor is an excellent mentor. I would note however, he has not taken a student in many a year. If he has agreed to grace you with his knowledge, I can only assume he sees the same potential for greatness I see in you. Be mindful of the respect you have earned. I see no problem with allowing these men access to the school as advisers. I would need to have notification of anyone else prior to entering the grounds, if only to ensure the safety of all students.
I have also spoken to Professor McGonagall in regards to your request for Animagus training. She has agreed to meet with the three of you to discuss this further, but will not agree to train you, should it even be possible until she speaks with all of you further.
As per your requests for the school year, I can certainly acquiesce to most of these. Your classes will be scheduled as you desired. You are eligible for NEWT level classes of Transfiguration, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures and Defense Against the Dark Arts and this information has been passed onto Professor McGonagall, your head of house.
It is a pleasure to note that you have found your time with Firenze worthwhile. He shall be gracing us with his presence once again, teaching the sixth and seventh year divination classes. This too shall be added to your course load. I have also taken the liberty of informing Firenze your requested his class personally.
I have also acquired a Potions apprentice. His name is Bret Michael Sychak. He has the skills required for making of the Wolfsbane potion. In addition, he has no particular aversion to making it. In spite of this, it will be up to the parties involved to come the terms of any agreement. Moreover, Professor Sychak will be available for tutoring each evening in his potions lab from after supper until 10 pm. Should you choose to utilize this time to acquaint yourself with the NEWT potions curriculum, it would be to your benefit. As your friend Hermione could tell you, formal classes are not required in order to sit for OWL or NEWT examinations.
The Defense Association that you started last year will be formally introduced to the student body as a study club. However, it will be limited to no more then 35 students. This should accommodate your students from last year as well as allow for some replacements for the ones that have graduated as well as anyone who does not desire to participate. You will be entirely responsible for the club, managing, organizing, etc. A faculty monitor will not be necessary. You may continue to use the Room of Requirement for this purpose. Moreover, you may use this room for tutoring sessions. As it has not been used for many a year at Hogwarts, it is available; likewise, it may be able to provide you with materials that may not otherwise be easily accessible.
In addition, there will be a Defense Assistant, Liam Roarke, as well who will be available from after supper until 10pm for students wishing to brush up on their techniques. He will offer a special session twice a week on techniques. I agree whole heartedly with your concept. One session will be for fifth year and above and the other for fourth year and below. These sessions will be tailored to the skills of practical self defense as appropriate to their skill level. I would hope you would be amenable to anyone that Professor Roarke feel could benefit from your group.
Finally, all educational decrees have been revoked. This would include your quidditch ban. Although, I should point out this position now belongs to Miss Weasley and you would need to try out for any position on the team. Professor McGonagall was pleased to hear of your inquiries about the team.
I have done my best to answer your concerns and guide you through the academics needed to further guide you on your path. I have also enclosed your OWL results. I thought you might be anxious to have them.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore
The smile that had graced Harry's face as he realized all the demands within Dumbledore's power had been granted faded as he nervously eyed the paper on the floor. Slowly, he picked it up and began reading. He passed the letter from Dumbledore to Remus and Mikhail who were anxiously awaiting the outcome.
Harry James Potter
Care of Albus Dumbledore
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Scotland
Mr. Potter:
Congratulations. You have completed your Ordinary Wizarding Level exams. Your results are as follows:
Astronomy - Acceptable
Astronomy- Theory - Acceptable
Astronomy - Practical - Acceptable
Care of Magical Creatures - Outstanding
Care of Magical Creatures -Theory - Outstanding
Care of Magical Creatures - Practical - Outstanding
Charms - Exceeds Expectations
Theory - Exceeds Expectations
Practical - Outstanding
Defense Against the Dark Arts - Outstanding
Theory - Outstanding
Practical - Outstanding
Divination - Acceptable
Theory - Poor
Practical - Acceptable
Herbology - Acceptable
Theory - Acceptable
Practical - Acceptable
History of Magic - Dreadful
Theory - Dreadful
Practical - N/A
Potions - Exceeds Expectations
Theory - Exceeds Expectations
Practical - Outstanding
Transfiguration - Outstanding
Theory - Exceeds Expectations
Practical - Outstanding
Congratulations, you have received a total of 8 O.W.L.s.
Sincerely,
Griselda Marchbanks
Harry whooped with joy, 8 OWLs! He couldn't believe it. This was turning out to be a good day after all. Looking up at the shocked faces on his new "family" he thrust out the paper he was holding, as if they could read it while he was hopping about the room. Yes, this wasn't such a bad day after all.
