Harry Potter and the Gem of the Oracle
KyleGranger342
Chapter Five
Year Six Begins
For the past week, Mr. Weasley has been dealing with situations at the Ministry, while the rest of the Order was in long meetings about the incident with the dementors. None of them had an idea why the dementors acted the way they did, but they all agreed that it was clearly a bad sign.
Harry and Hermione departed from number 12 two days after the attack. Mr. And Mrs. Granger were terrified when Hermione had told them the news and were happy that she got back alright.
September the First was coming along very quickly. Hermione and Harry both waited anxiously for the day they would return to Hogwarts.
The day of the first came faster than they had thought. It seemed to them that it took forever, but looking back on the days, they seemed to go by rather quickly. Harry and Hermione were in their separate rooms packing their trunks with things they bought at Diagon Alley. Mr. And Mrs. Granger were kind enough to take them shopping for any clothes they might have needed for their days off.
After Harry was nearly finished packing his trunk, Hermione came in with two envelopes in her hand. Upon them was their house's logo as seen on their robes.
"They're our OWL results," Hermione explained. Her parents walked in behind her waiting anxiously for her grades. The thought of the OWL tests made Harry's stomach twist.
Hermione handed him the envelope and he opened it and pulled out the piece of parchment it carried.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to present you your OWL results. We are very sorry that it was sent to you very late in the summer.
Madam Yolanda Hicks
Director of Education
Ministry of Magic
Harry placed the parchment on the bed and stared at the one holding his grades.
Astronomy -AverageCare of Magical Creatures -Outstanding
Charms -Outstanding
Defense Against the Dark Arts-Outstanding
Divination-Average
Herbology-Outstanding
History of Magic-Exceeds Expectations
Potions-Exceeds Expectations
Transfiguration-Outstanding
Harry was very shocked at how well he actually did. Hermione of course did better than him, but he didn't really care. He remembered being really stressed around the time he took the exams.
"Congratulations, Hermione," Mr. Granger said kissing her on the cheek.
"That's very good, honey," Mrs. Granger said giving her a hug.
"How did you do Harry?" Hermione asked smiling.
"Way better than I expected," he told her. He handed her his results as she handed him hers. He figured she would do this well. A couple Exceeds Expectations, but most were Outstanding.
"Wow, Hermione, this is really good," he told her, "Good job!"
"Thanks," she said. "You did really really well too." They swapped papers. Harry threw his in his trunk and locked it up.
"Congrats, Harry," Mr. and Mrs. Granger said together. Mr. Granger gave him a pat on the back. "Okay you two, we have two hours before the train leaves the station. Grab a little bit to eat while I throw the trunks in the car and we'll be on our way."
"Okay dad," Hermione said. Her parents left Harry's room followed by herself. Harry dragged his trunk down the stairs to the door leading to the garage. He walked over to the kitchen table and sat down with Hermione whom was currently nibbling on a piece of toast.
"Can't believe were going back today," Harry said.
"I know, the summer has gone by so fast," Hermione said. Harry looked at her awkwardly.
"Maybe for you." He smiled.
"Oh sorry," she said remembering that he had to spend the majority of his life living at the Dursleys.
"Okay," Mr. Granger said coming in from the garage door. "We're ready when you two are."
"Okay, let me do a quick check around the house," Hermione said. She got up and walked in to each room, surveyed it quickly for anything she might have forgotten, and then went to the next room.
Harry followed Mr. and Mrs. Granger out to garage. He got into the black colored car and strapped himself in. Hermione soon came out with a hat and some extra pieces of parchment she thought she might need. Once she was in and buckled, they were on their way to the station.
The trip didn't take as long as Harry thought it would. Hermione had quickly fallen asleep while Harry was reading out of one of Hermione's books. King's Cross Station signs began appearing on the side of the street, indicating its location. They soon arrived and found a parking spot after a long time of searching for one.
Many of the people walking around on the station platforms were wizards and witches. It was easy to tell by what they were talking about and what was on their trolleys.
Platforms nine and ten soon were in sight and many people were trying to rush in unseen. Hermione went first, followed by Harry, and finally Mr. and Mrs. Granger.
The scarlet train came into view as he turned from the barrier. The sign that read Hogwarts Express: Platform Nine and Three Quarters was hanging from the side of the brick barrier.
"Pick a car," Harry told Hermione. They spotted Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and ran over to them.
"Harry. Hermione. Mr. and Mrs. Granger," she said, "How wonderful it is to see you again."
"Which car is Ron and Ginny on?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, this one, right here," she said pointing to the scarlet car in front of them.
"Thanks. Goodbye Mum, Dad," she said giving them hugs and kisses.
"You be a good girl and we'll see you winter break," Mrs. Granger said. She then turned to harry and gave him a tight hug. "Take care of yourself."
"I will. Thank you so much for letting me stay with you these past two weeks," Harry said.
"Oh, Harry, it was really no problem," Mr. Granger said. He put his hand out and Harry shook it. A loud hoot came from the train signifying ten minutes till it will be departing. Hermione gave them hugs and kisses once more, then they boarded the train.
Locating Ron and Ginny was not hard. They found them in the compartment they were normally in. Ron and Pig were sitting by the window on the left and Ginny, on the right. Harry slowly moved next to Ginny and Hermione sat down next to Ron.
"Hey Harry, Hermione," Ron said with a smile. "All ready to go?"
"All set," Harry said.
"I cant wait," Hermione said. Ginny agreed.
Many first years were roaming around the halls of the train trying to find a compartment that was empty. Harry remembered his first year. He thought he would have the hardest time making friends, but then he met Ron and Hermione. Everytime a first year looked into their compartment, they widened their eyes at the sight of the older kids.
"Jeez, were only sixth years," Ron said as a small boy looked into their room.
"Ron, they're just freaked out a little," Ginny said. The train hooted once more, meaning it was going to leave. The four students stuck their heads out of the window and waved goodbye to their families.
Soon the station was out of view and was replaced by the bright countryside.
"Cabin check," sneered the most unwanted person at the time. Draco Malfoy barged into the room and began scanning it quickly. He glared at the sight of them.
"Go away Malfoy," Ginny said.
"Shut up, Weasley," Draco said.
"Hey! Shut up Malfoy! Get out!" Harry yelled standing up. The first years in the cabin across the hall looked scared. Draco glared at them for a moment, then turned on his heal and left the room.
"What an idiot!" Hermione said.
A couple hours past. The trolley woman selling candy stopped by and they each bought themselves a small treat before the feast. The castle came into view. You could see its few highest towers above the forest. Looking to straight ahead, you could see Hogsmede.
The train stopped. Ron and Hermione had to fulfill their prefect duties by helping the first years get up to the castle. This left Harry and Ginny, who had not become a prefect, to ride up to the castle alone.
The carriages, drawn by thestrals, were waiting for the upper classman outside the Hogwarts Station. The thought of the thestrals helping Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Neville, and himself to the Ministry of Magic, made him think about Sirius. He sighed softly has be approached the open carriage. He brought out his hand to help Ginny up.
Surprisingly, no one else enter the carriage with them. He was all alone with Ginny.
"Oh, this year is going to be so exciting," Ginny said. She turned to Harry and noticed a tear in his eye. "Harry? Harry, what's wrong?" Harry turned.
"Oh, er . . . sorry," he said wiping the tear.
"Come on Harry," she said, "you know you can tell me anything. If you tell me, maybe I can help you. I'll tell you one of my secrets." Ginny appeared to be desperate. Harry couldn't imagine why.
"Okay. It's just with Sirius dying and Cedric being dead. It's all my fault," he said. Ginny frowned.
"It's okay Harry. It's not because of you. It's because of him. He planted the port key, his servant pushed Sirius," she said softly. "None of it was you." Harry rubbed his eyes.
"Than why does it feel like it is," Harry asked rhetorically. Ginny put her head down.
"What was that secret you were going to tell me or whatever?" he asked when he remembered what she said. She blushed slightly.
"I just wanted to tell you that I like you," she said softly and slowly, now her face was completely red. Harry smiled.
"I like you too," Harry said after a moment. Ginny turned to him and giggled. "Would . . . would you be my girlfriend?" Harry asked her hesitantly.
"Yes," Ginny said softly. Harry grabbed her hand as she put her head on his shoulder. They didn't speak till they reached the castle.
The castle finally came close. Once the thestral completely stopped the carriage, Ginny and Harry exited for the Great Hall.
The Great Hall was filled with decorations. Banners of Badgers hanging above the Hufflepuff table; Serpents above the Slytherin table; Lions above the Gryffindor table; and Ravens above the Ravenclaw table. At the staff table up front, the usual staff with few additional teachers watched as the students walked in.
Ginny and Harry sat next to each other towards the end of the of the Gryffindor table. Hermione and Ron soon joined them after the first years were in the building and in the care of Professor McGonagall.
All the upper classman turned as the large doors opened and the first years cautiously walked in. The usual lecture voice of Professor McGonagall began echoing around the hall.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you The Sorting Hat," she said as the torn hat on the stool behind her shaped eyes and a mouth. Once McGonagall's echo faded away, his replaced it.
Many centuries ago,
When I was newly sewn,
The wizarding population began to grow,
Creating a school of magic,
That's what the founders were doing.
First there was brave old Gryffindor,
Very brave indeed,
Their daring, nerve, and helping core,
Cause Gryffindors succeed.
Then there was Lady Hufflepuff,
Very loyal and just,
They're very loving and tough,
With that, success is a must.
There was also Madam Ravenclaw,
Very smart and kind,
In her view, wit and learning, is a law,
And should always be on the mind.
Finally, noble Slytherin,
Very brave and cunning,
In his view, everyone sometime sins,
And never away should you be running.
Now put me on,
And make some friends,
Prepare yourself for a good ole' year,
Muggle life now ends,
Your magical education now begins . . .
The hall was roaring with cheers from the students. The first years still remained quiet.
"Now when I call your name, you will come forth. I will place the sorting hat on your head and you will be sorted into your houses," McGonagall said. "Abermath, Deborah."
A short brunette slowly walked up to the stool and sat down. The professor lowered the hat onto her head. There was silence in the room until the sorting hat shouted, "Ravenclaw!"
The Ravenclaw table began to shout and applaud to their newest 'family member.' The sorting hat continued until there was no more students to be sorted. Dumbledore finally stood up.
"Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts," he said. "I would like to make a few announcements. First off, the Department of Education asked me to send their apologies to the sixth years about their OWL results coming so late during the summer. Secondly, I would like to warn all first years and upper classman that the Forbidden Forest is forbidden and you can only go in there or even within five meters of it when accompanied by a seventh year prefect or teacher."
Harry turned to Ron and Hermione expecting them to tell them why, but instead the raised their shoulders signifying they didn't know.
"Now, let the feast begin," Dumbledore said waving his hands. A wide variety of foods prepared by the house-elves appeared before them. With in seconds, Ron already had a quarter of the large turkey on his plate.
The feast soon ended and Hermione and Ron gave the first years the tour of the castle and grounds. Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny took a short walk around the grounds, hand in hand, before they had to be back in their common room.
Ron was waiting for them up in the common room.
"I just wanted to tell you that Hermione went to bed and I'm on my way up now," he said.
"Okay. I'll be up in a few minutes," Harry said. Ron began walking up the staircase to his bedroom. Harry had just remembered that Ron and Hermione doont know about him and Ginny yet.
"Well, I'm going to bed," Ginny said.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Harry said. He pecked her quickly on the cheek and rushed up to his room.
Ron was asleep in his four-poster bed when Harry walked over to his own. Hedwig was sitting on her perch next to it. He looked out the window next to her revealing a lot of the castle, the grounds, and Hagrid's hut. Harry changed into his pajamas and got into bed. The familiar comfort caused him to drift to sleep right away.
Hope you enjoyed it. I know the song was really bad, but I thought I'd try and I personally think I did pretty good. As most of you know, this is a Harry / Ginny story. There may be other couples, but I haven't decided who they are yet. Please Review. Pretty Please! I'd like to know how I could write better for you guys. Chapter Six is coming up soon . . .
