Chapter 1

Confessions and O.W.L.S

Life at Number 4 Privet Drive had never been exactly normal for sixteen year old Harry Potter, but this year had to be the strangest yet. While his uncle and cousin basically ignored him, his Aunt Petunia had scared him on his first night home.

Harry had just settled down on his bed with a book on Advanced Potions that he had picked up on the last Hogsmeade visit when a he heard a gentle knock on his door. Before he could hide his book, his Aunt Petunia entered and closed the door.

"Can I talk to you for a minute, Harry?" Harry nodded and sat down, as Petunia took a deep breath. "There are many things that you should have known a long time ago." She paused and continued. "Your mother wasn't muggleborn, Harry. I'm a Squib. Our parents left the magical world to protect me from ridicule. The Evans' were from a long line of purebloods, and it had taken a long time for them to have me. Lily was a surprise, and the fact she was a witch, was assurance that the Evans bloodline, if not the name would continue in the magical world. I was jealous and convinced myself that I was the normal one, that they were all freaks. Then I met and married Vernon when I was eighteen. When your mother died, you were all that was left my family. Our parents had been killed by Death Eaters during Lily's seventh year. I was so scared that I would lose you the same way that I lost them, which is why I never told you. Lily was so free-spirited that I agreed with Vernon that keeping you down would somehow make you...well...normal. I never hated you, and I hope that one day you can forgive me for being a insecure fool. I never heard about dementors from your father. My father told us about them during the first Voldemort war. Harry, every year since you started at Hogwarts, I got a letter from Dumbledore. I know about the Sorcerer's Stone, the Basilisk and the Chamber of Secrets, how you and your friends rescued Sirius Black, the Triwizard Tournament. When I heard about that Umbridge woman, and what she did to you, I was tempted to find my way there and feed her to a shark. Then I decided that even a shark didn't deserve that." Harry laughed and Petunia grinned. "I am so proud of you, Harry. Now, I just saw this letter as I was heading upstairs. I believe that you took a major exam this year, because this letter is from your Education Department. Well, open it, Harry." Harry carefully opened it and read it aloud.

Ordinary Wizarding Levels: Harry James Potter

Astronomy: A

Care Of Magical Creatures: O

Charms Theory: E

Charms Practical: O

Defense Against the Dark Arts Theory: O

Defense Against the Dark Arts Practical: O+

Divination: A

Herbology: E

History Of Magic: A

Potions Theory: E

Potions Practical: O

Transfiguration Theory: O

Transfiguration Practical: E

Total O.W.L.S: 13

Mr.Potter, Due to your exceptional performance in Defense Against The Dark Arts, You have received an Additional O.W.L. for your ability to conjure a Corporeal Patronus charm. Congratulations.

Sincerly,

Griselda Marchbanks

"I knew you were smart, Harry, you are an Evans, but this is amazing! I am so proud of you. Now, I know what happened, and if you need to talk, I'm here." With that, Petunia hugged him and slipped out the door, leaving behind her a very surprised nephew.

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