Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
By: Fred and George Weasley are MY kings
Chapter 5: OWLs and The Bindlstrike
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing!
FIRSTLY REVIEWS: (I decided reviews are to stay first – hehe -- You guys are what make writing FUN after all!)
Hazelle: Thanks for reviewing! We don't get much time for Xmas break either! We get off on the 23rd! It's awful. :( As far as your theory goes you are dead on… but Sirius was involved too. I'll give you a hint. In OotP, when Harry goes back through Snape's worst memory… Well, Clara is the girl staring at Sirius, when they are all taking their tests… Its great really, can't wait till I get to that part in the story! Great suggestion for the name for the Professor! Over and out! – that's great!
Immortal-Dark-Butterfly (Slayer of Evil Penguins?): Glad you liked the chapter! Thanks for again reviewing…you've reviewed like every chapter and I just want to thank you… You are the best! Thanks for the suggestion for the professor's name! Oh! Did you change your pen name?
Special thanks to Hazelle for again correcting my many grammatical mistakes – you are like my human spell checker haha! You're great! Thanks again! I'll fix it as soon as I can.
Sorry about the mistakes: I had Ron say 'hears' instead of 'ears', I had for the title of chapter 4 High Emotions when it was supposed to be Rise of Emotions… I am a dork, sorry :)
wrathofdeath: Thanks for reviewing. Honestly I am not really sure WHAT Ginny is going to do. She's going to be important… that's a no-brainer. She is going to be torn in between to things she loves and I am not sure which one she is going to pick. I guess I am just going with it now, making things up as I go along.
CHAPTER 5: OWLs and the Bindlstrike
The days went by quickly and for the most part uneventfully. The attack on diagon alley had turned out to be a victory for the order, leaving many death eaters wounded and some dead. Clara and Gretchen both hadn't been seen since, but Harry, Ron, and Hermione were assured that they were all right. Lupin was in a worse state everyday, due to the full moon approaching rapidly. Harry, Ron, and Hermione all busied themselves with their holiday homework seeing as they had so much to do in such a small amount of time.
Harry's strange dreams had discontinued, although his scar would prickle at odd intervals for absolutely no reason at all. The tense emotions that had occurred earlier in the week, however, still continued throughout the week. Ron and Mrs. Weasley both went out of their way to not look at or engage conversation with Ginny. Mrs. Weasley appeared to be heartbroken while Ron was just outraged. Ginny, on the other, just ignored the both of them and appeared to actually discontinue whatever was going on with her and Draco Malfoy. Harry was still utterly bewildered at how Malfoy and Ginny had even begun to speak to one another after the mutual hate of each other's family. Ron stayed off the topic completely besides for adding, "You know, I reckon now I shouldn't have made such a big deal about her going with Dean," after the two had finished a particularly long essay about Finster Kanders, an auror from the 16th century (thanks to Professor Bins).
Probably the most exciting thing (if you would even call it exciting – Ron thought it dreadful) were the results from the O.W.L.S. Three proud, tawny brown owls appeared Saturday morning during breakfast, causing quite a stir. Mrs. Weasley was overjoyed and snatched Ron's immediately from the foot of a self-righteous owl. Ron groaned loudly, knowing exactly what the owl post was about. Much to everyone surprise, most of all Ron's, Mrs. Weasley didn't shout, or get a worried or angry expression. She instead passed the post to Ron, smiling faintly, while very quietly saying, "Nice job, Ron,"
Ron picked up his post, hesitantly though it would burst into flames if he touched it. Harry and Hermione both acquired their post and read thoroughly.
Dear Hogwarts Student,
The following information includes the results of the fifth year Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.S) test. Please note the importance and influence of these results in sixth year class selection/placement and the future career selections.
Student: Potter, Harry James
Exam #1: Theory of Charms
Letter received: O
Exam #2: Practical Charms
Examiner: Professor Gregory Tofty
Letter received: O
Exam #3: Theory of Transfiguration Letter received: O Exam #4: Practical Transfiguration
Examiner: Professor Gregory Tofty
Letter received: E
Exam #5: Theory of Herbology Letter received: O Exam #6: Practical Herbology
Examiner: Professor Marchbanks
Letter received: E
Exam #7: Theory of Defense Against the Dark Arts
Letter received: O
Exam #8: Practical Defense Against the Dark Arts Examiner: Professor Tofty
Letter received: O
Exam #9: Theory of Potions
Letter received: E
Exam #10: Practical Potions
Examiner: Professor Marchbanks
Letter received: E
Exam #11: Theory of Care of Magical Creatures
Letter received: O
Exam #12: Practical Care of Magical Creatures
Examiner: Professor Hall
Letter received: O
Exam #13: Theory of Astronomy
Letter received: O
Exam #14: Practical Astronomy
Examiner: Professor Marchbanks and Professor Tofty
Letter received: A
Exam #15: Practical Divination
Examiner: Professor Marchbanks
Letter received: A
Exam #16: Theory of History of Magic
Letter received: E
Harry was completely surprised that he had actually managed to still snatch an 'E' in both History of Magic and Potions. He was pondering on this when an unlikable thought entered his head… Dumbledore had done this. There was no way he could've gotten an 'E' in either exam, especially in History of Magic, which he hadn't even finished. There they went again, treating him as a child. Bloody hell, he was sixteen years old! He didn't need any of this, and he was so tired of it. He went to cram the paper in his pocket, when he suddenly realized that there were three sheets all together, two of which he hadn't seen. He unwrinkled the piece of parchment as best as he could, and peered over the second sheet. It was a list of the sixth years' school supplies. Uninterested, he pushed it aside absently and looked over the third sheet. Much to his surprise, it was a letter from Professor McGonagall
Mr. Potter,
It has come to my attention, not to my surprise, that you have achieved the proper letters in order to carry out your selected career choice. Since I made a certain promise to guide you through the necessary courses and steps in order to achieve the honor of becoming an auror, I have given you a complete list of the courses you must take and those that would be helpful in both your sixth and seventh years. Please remember, Mr. Potter that this a difficult profession and if you seriously are considering it, you must be prepared to work hard and with continuous perseverance. This job is not easy and requires some courses even after your seven years are complete. I hope to keep my word and assist you through your last two years.
The rest of the letter consisted of a list of courses that he was required to take. He groaned softly as he noticed Potions was among the extensive list. He had been looking forward to dropping Potions after fifth year. He hadn't put much thought into sixth year classes or happenings because he had been so preoccupied with the order, prophecy, and Sirius's death throughout the entire holiday (It was clear Professor McGonagall had done some thinking). But now, Harry felt a rising wave of anxiety. Did he really want to become an auror? It was really the only profession that interested him. Yet, it seemed almost impossible to achieve as he glanced over the long list, and remembered Professor Umbridge's words at the career meeting last year.
"Harry, is it bad?" Hermione's voice sounded, interrupting Harry's thoughts. He glanced up to see the whole breakfast table looking at him wearing worried expressions. "Oh… Not really… I suppose it's not great, but good enough for me." A sigh of relief seemed to come from every person.
"Dear, you looked so upset," Mrs. Weasely said with a half-smile, " I thought something must have gone awful."
Harry just nodded and turned back to Hermione and Ron. "How did you two do?"
Hermione appeared to be glowing, when she answered with a humble, "Okay." Ron, who had returned eating his breakfast, replied with a mouthful of eggs, "Rrety ood! Cept por dinvincin."
"Great, let's hear it in English now," Fred said with enthusiasm as Ron threw a sausage at him, which hit him square in the face.
"Boys, please! Have some manners." Mrs. Weasely said, as she went up to refill her coffee cup. Harry and Hermione laughed as Ginny entered the room. Ron quickly retrieved a piece of parchment that had come with his post and gave it to Ginny, but avoided looking at her. "Here's your school list for fifth year." Ginny got it from Ron's hand as a sad expression crossed her freckled face. Hermione shot Ron a dark look as Ginny sat down and became engrossed in conversation with Fred and George since no one else would speak to her freely. "Ron, I think you should stop that nonsense." Hermione hissed softly as Ron helped himself to some more eggs.
"What are you talking about? I am eating breakfast." Ron said back.
"I am talking about ignoring your sister… It's gone on long enough."
"Hermione," Ron said sharply, " I am not talking about this with you." Hermione looked slightly taken aback, while Harry glanced up, surprised. He had expected to hear protest, and some more bickering. Ron, however, had either matured overnight, or was deeply bothered by his sister's actions. Harry assumed the latter. Hermione returned to her breakfast and fell silent, obviously not expecting that response either.
Mrs. Weasely asked, somewhat breaking the silence between the three friends, "Ron, Did they send your list along with the results?"
"Yeah," Ron replied absently, handing his own list over to his mother.
"Well, I suppose we better make our annual trip to Diagon Alley tomorrow." Mrs. Weasely said cheerfully as she glanced over the list.
X-X-X-X-X
Harry woke early the next morning after a sharp pain flashed across his forehead. He instantly began to rub his head as his eyes watered. As soon as the pain had come, it ceased. He glanced up to see Ron laying with his mouth wide open, rythmitically snoring. He rolled over to his side and tried to fall back asleep but was unsuccessful. He sat up, stretched, put on his glasses, and got out of his pajamas and fetched fresh clothes from his trunk. He limbered somewhat gingerly down the smooth and slippery steps, since it was slightly dark because of the early hour.
Harry made his way to the kitchen to grab a toast, and was surprised to see Mrs. Weasely sitting upright by the table, drinking what suspiciously looked like butterbeer. "Harry, good morning dear. Why are you up so early?"
"I just woke up," Harry said uncertainly deciding against telling her about his scar.
"Excited about Diagon Alley?" Mrs. Weasley asked somewhat uncertain as well.
"No… not really. Oh, Mrs. Weasley, I'll have to stop at Gringotts too."
"Oh that's no problem at all," Mrs. Weasley said as the kitchen door swung open again as Aberforth entered. He obviously was surprised to see both Harry and Mrs. Weasley standing and conversing in the kitchen. He slightly stopped as if taken aback by their presence, and then continued on his way through the room into the other hallway in silence. Harry felt as if he had an air of "touch me not" quality, or in simple terms, intimidating. He seemed to be hard, cold, and insensitive… The exact opposite of his brother Dumbledore. In fact the two were opposite in every way. Aberforth had short, jet black hair similar to Harry's though not as messy. Aberforth also had deep cold brown eyes, with a strong chin, and a straight small nose. Dumbledore, on the other hand, had silvery, long hair framed by warm, blue eyes with a crooked nose that held up half moon spectacles. "Well, good morning to you too," Mrs. Weasley muttered in an offended tone.
"He is a bit err… odd, isn't he?"
"Well, he just prefers to…keep to himself."
"It's so hard to believe that he and Dumbledore are brothers."
"Dear, they are half-brothers… same father, different mothers. They were both raised by two different people; Aberforths mother was a muggle while Albus's mother was a respected witch. Aberforth is much younger than Albus for that matter as well." Mrs. Weasley said as she emptied her goblet with one last gulp. "I best be getting the others up. We need an early start this morning." With that Mrs. Weasley left Harry. He made himself a toast, when he heard a strange noise coming from the wall. He perked his ears and listened again as he dropped his knife lightly on the counter. It was a gentle hum of male voices and it appeared to be coming out of the wall. Harry walked over following the sound and pressed his ear firmly on the wall.
The sound still seemed to be somewhat above him. He looked up to see a small square outlet that appeared to be a vent of some sort. Climbing on the counter to get a height boost, he leaned against the vent and heard the hum of voices. A familiar voice sounded, "Do they have him? The actual one?" Harry soon recognized to be Tonk's voice. Another voice which was unmistakenably Dumbledore's voice said, "I nor does anyone else know for sure who they have captured, and if he is very well the one. For a long time, it was believed to be Harry Potter but it appears no longer. Harry seems to be playing a different role in the prophecy… he is not the seer, but the seen…" Dumbledore was continuing, but Harry heard footsteps approaching. Figuring that it was either Mrs. Weasley or Aberforth returning, he climbed down as fast as he could not wanting to be caught eavesdropping on what seemed to be an important secret meeting.
It was indeed Mrs. Weasley returning with Ron, Ginny, and Hermione following. With a wave of her wand, breakfast was served and everyone dug in while Harry thought over what he had just heard. 'Harry is no longer the seer, but the seen'. What the bloody hell did that mean? The seer? The seen? Harry itched to hear more, but seeing as he room was quickly filling with order members he reluctantly ate his oatmeal that Mrs. Weasley had provided. He wanted to know who was at the meeting… It was becoming more apparent that there was an inner circle that seemed to be much more informed than others. When he knew who those people were, he could possibly get at least one of them to give something away.
Well Harry was distracted by his thoughts, something much more important was taking place. Someone in the room was reading a document in a corner unnoticed by everyone. He was reading it avidly searching for some clue, any clue. He knew the rest were all wrong, and knew Dumbledore had been tricked… Yet they refused to see that what they had taken as an answer was much too obvious. Aberforth stood up and swept his black cloak around him. Potter was the key and he knew it… but there was someone else as well, maybe even more important… And he was determined to find out who that person was.
X-X-X-X-X-X
Right after breakfast, (everyone finished at around 8:00) Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Tonks, Lupin, and Mrs. Weasley all left for Diagon Alley. Since they couldn't travel by floo powder, since all the networks were still being watched by enemies, they drove a small muggle car and had quite some time squeezing every one in. Luckily, Moody and Mr. Weasley had both apparated so they didn't have to worry about getting them into the car but it was still a tight fit with four teenagers and three adults. Lupin was also not the best driver, and would've caused countless accidents if it hadn't been for Tonks who was constantly shouting out spells moving cars and other things out of the way.
When they arrived at Diagon Alley, Ron, Harry, and Hermione went off on their way accompianed by Lupin and Moody. Diagon Alley was slightly depressing as the three teenagers led the way with the two adults about ten feet behind. Lupin and Moody had informed the three to just go about their business as normal, but it was hard to while noticing all the damaged. Many shops were missing windows and everywhere you turned there seemed to be either a witch or wizard sweeping up some shattered glass or repairing damaged goods. The recent attack seemed to slightly alter business as well. The main alleyway by Flourish and Blotts and Olivander's Wand did not have the steady flow of consumers like it normally had.
Ron and Harry finally convinced Hermione to first stop at Quality Quidditch Supplies. Harry was in desperate need of handle polish, while Ron wanted to have a look at the new broom. "Words out that all of the Quidditch teams around the world are importing this new broom. It's pretty advanced, but it hasn't hit the market yet. There's been loads of speculation about it in the Daily Prophet and my quidditch Cannons Newsletter. I read somewhere it hit American stores yesterday, and was due here in London today. Mind you, I doubt we'll even see it." Ron said excitedly as they turned the corner. There was huge crowd of young and old alike, obviously there for the same reason Ron, Harry, and Hermione all were. Ron, the tallest, quickly stood straight to see if he could have a glimpse of the infamous new broom. Hermione and Harry did the same, but were unsuccessful. The shop owner began speaking and the crowd suddenly became quiet, anticipating the news.
"The Bindlstrike has arrived!" A cheer rang through the crowd as some pushed to get in through the store doors. Soon many people piled along behind Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they entered the store after a wait of about fifteen minutes. The store was packed with at least a hundred people as they all filed in to see where the broom was displayed.
The crowd all gathered to where six shiny brooms were sitting in a huge bright spotlight. The brooms were all labeled "Bindlstrike" in glossy, fiery writing. The handle was curved ensuring balance, with glossy curves and brimming beauty. The end was full of perfectly conformed and even twigs, all the shade of pure gold. It was and would be the most beautiful and elegant broom Harry would ever see in his teenage years. Ron was open-mouthed clearly not expecting this, even after all of his in-depth research. Hermione, who knew almost nothing about brooms, seemed to appreciate its beauty. Ron looked up and pointed, aghast. Harry followed his gaze, and saw a huge sign in slick, curvy letters reading: The Bindlstrike is not only advanced in looks but also in performance. This is no longer a simple broom controlled by the steering of your hands… But now it is controlled by the steering of your MIND. Hermione, who also must've followed Ron's gesture, exclaimed "Controlled by your mind? How is that possible?"
"Simple," a voice sounded behind them… The three seemed to have lost Moody and Lupin a while back. They all turned to see a young boy about twelve who was standing on his toes trying to peer over the others. "It senses brain waves, and listens to what you tell it to do. You control it with your thoughts… My dad says it got all sorts of enchantments and stuff, but it dangerous too. You gotta learn how to control what message you send it and stuff. My dad says you gotta train yourself. I think it's bloody brilliant! I have been beggin' for one ever since I knew they were a comin' in May."
"You knew they were coming in May?" Ron asked, slightly offended that a kid about the height level of his forearm knew more about the topic than he did.
"That sounds awfully unsafe," Hermione said looking at the broom scathingly, "Someone could really get hurt if they don't know what they are doing."
"With any luck Malfoy will buy it," Ron said as a grin crossed his face, "He certainly wouldn't be smart enough to control one of those."
"At least I could afford it, weasel." A drawling, and familiar voice blasted to their left. Malfoy was standing a few people away, and apparently within earshot. He seemed to be more loathing than ever if it was possible and gave them a look of pure hatred, especially Harry. Harry, whom had been expecting Malfoy's increased hatred after his father's imprisonment, turned and said, "Malfoy you may have the gold, but obviously not the brains."
"They say that this broom puts the Firebolt to shame. I guess we'll see on the field." Malfoy then turned to the clerk and exclaimed, "I'll take the one in the middle!" Everyone turned to look, not thinking anyone would actually dare to buy one of the brooms. The store clerk than said in return almost challenging, "950 galleons, then sir." Malfoy beamed with pride as he gave the clerk 950 galleons exactly, and then retrieved his broom.
A/N: Sorry about the wait… things are hectic now with the holidays -- teachers are loading us with work, plus I am in sports, and then there's time spent with friends and family… so yeah it hard to get time to write. I'll try and update during Xmas break, but no promises! Alright hope you liked the chapter! I certainly enjoyed writing it. I know I said in the chapter preview in chapter 4 that they were going to go back to Hogwarts in the fifth chapter but I changed my mind… sorry about that. I really needed this chapter so I could through in Aberforth again, and decided against combining it with the Hogwarts Express ride back. ANY COMMENTS, COMPLAINTS, SUGGESTIONS IDEAS? TELL ME! REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!
PS: My DADA teachers name is Tonson Hall: Thanks Guys!