Disclaimer: All of this is based upon the lovely J.K. Rowling's work. I own nothing except Salazar's wife, son, and various other original characters. This story is an AU of sixth year, but it will contain a few spoilers from Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows. However, it will still seriously diverge from canon. Also, there is a poem with an unknown origin and author and a reference to a movie, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, both of which I most certainly do not own.


"blah": dialogue

'blah': thoughts

"blah" : Parseltongue

"blah": Legilimency/Telepathy

Italics: excerpt from a book /newspaper or any other written form

Bold: a word or phrase that is emphasized

Italics, Underlined, and Bold: location/date of a scene in the story


Chapter Six: Star Bright

Number Four, Privet Drive: July 26th, 1996

A young man, of no more than sixteen, sat quietly on his windowsill, gazing up at the brilliant stars. A nightmare had woken him, making him flee from his bed to the window for comfort. Outside, a slight breeze rustled the deep, green leaves of the trees. A small, black cat sauntered down the sideway. In the distance, a dog barked. The young man simply ignored it all, for his attention was focused on a single object in the sky. His emerald eyes were fixed on one star, Sirius, the Dog Star.

He exhaled slowly, his breath fogging the cool glass. Light from the sky glinted across teeth as he moved his lips in a faint whisper:

"Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight.
I wish I may, I wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight
."

He breathed softly, deep in thought. "I wish for peace, for happiness… for this war to end and Voldemort to be defeated." He paused, eyes gleaming in the starlight. "But most of all, I wish Sirius was here. I wish that he could come back to me." He sighed heavily and turned his head, moving away from the window. His feet slipped quietly to the floor as he went back to his bed.

If the teenager had stayed but a second longer he would have undoubtedly noticed the bright flash of pure light. High above in the heavens, a single star glowed brighter for a moment, coating the sleeping land in its light. The wind stopped for an instant, as though holding its breath. The black cat froze mid-step. The barking dog was silenced.

After a rather long minute, the light quietly dimmed, returning the star to normal. The breeze again picked up, the cat continued down the sidewalk, and the dog resumed his barking.

Everything was now as it should be.

Early the following morning, the aforementioned young man, a Mr. Harry Potter, sat quietly at his rather beaten up desk. He was in a chair that was quite rickety, having once been sat on by Dudley. A thick, black book rested in his hands. Its title, Occlumency: Defending the Mind, was emblazed in gold across the cover. Numerous others laid, surprisingly enough, in neat stacks on the wooden surface of the desk. While some of the volumes were course books or part of the set Harry had received from Sirius and Remus, most were actually gifts – read appeasements – from a certain wily headmaster.

Within hours of discovering the house-elf, Harry had received a rather large package from said headmaster. Inside, there were roughly thirty different books, covering everything from Defense to Charms to Occlumency. Also inside, lying neatly on top, was a letter. The gleaming green ink of the parchment had proclaimed the old man's undying sorrow for the subterfuge and its necessity. The professor had bluntly stated that he felt Harry needed close watching "lest you are incapacitated or harmed by a vision."

Harry had not believed this statement for a minute. He felt that what Dumbledore truly meant, though he would never actually say it, was "Incase something happens, and you don't feel the need to tell the Order."

The headmaster had further written that the books were "for you to gain knowledge useful in both defending yourself and for the upcoming war." Translation: "I am trying to make you like me again."

The ever misleading letter had continued, mentioning almost everything from Sirius' death to the acknowledged return of Voldemort to the fact that he was still being watched by the Order. Yet, while the inky green script persisted for several paragraphs, it didn't actually tell Harry anything new. It was just writing, sentences put together with no real value.

After several minutes of reading what accounted to nothing more than nonsense, Harry had thrown it in the rubbish bin with the rest of the garbage. The Gryffindor had stared silently at the letter before smirking and turning to the unpacked books. The headmaster may not have realized it, but he had just given Harry an exceptionally valuable resource, though the teenager was not going to use it in the way Dumbledore had imagined.

The weeks after what Harry had dubbed the "Spies and Lies" incident, had been quite productive. At least for the aforementioned young wizard. First, he had started to create and implement a plot against everyone's favorite Dark Lord, Voldemort. While only the first stages of said plot had been instituted or even devised, its goals remained the same. Its primary objective, of course: the complete and total annihilation, destruction, and obliteration of one Mr. Tom Riddle. The first stage of this plan merely consisted of what Harry had already been doing, studying. Yet, there had been a second facet, recruiting help.

So that was exactly what Harry had done.

However, there was far more to his plan than defeating Voldemort. Secondary aims included: stopping Death Eaters, saving Muggles and Muggleborns. Also getting that idiot Fudge out of office, restitution for the wrongs committed by Dolores Umbridge, and finding a way to remove the words "I must not tell lies," which seemed to be permanently etched onto Harry's skin.

Luckily though, these were not the only goals. It also included bringing down at least a few pegs a certain meddlesome old coot. This part of Harry's plan, affectionately called "Operation Oldster" by its creator, was still in the development phase. But hopes were quite high that the near future would bring breakthroughs. The director of this operation and overall second-in-command, Miss Hermione Granger, expressed great optimism for the plan's potential. Mr. Bill Weasley, her direct underling, concurred.

The third and fourth chairs, Mr.'s Fredrick and George Weasley, were currently working on the final aspect. The project codename "Gred and Forge's Great Adventure" entailed the creation and testing of new gadgets, gizmos, and weapons that were to be used in the fight against Voldemort. Miss Ginerva Weasley, the final link in the command chain, acted as their assistant – read tester. She was also department head for recruitment.

Potential recruits included, but were not exclusive to Luna Lovegood and Remus Lupin, who was currently expressing some doubt about the aforementioned coot. Of course, there were also Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, and Athena Avis, a close, personal friend of Miss Weasley. Not to mention Lee Jordan, Charles Weasley, and Ronald Weasley--

'Well, that is if he stops being such an insufferable git!' Harry thought vehemently.

He huffed and, looking up from his book, rolled his green eyes dramatically. He exhaled, grinding his teeth together and wishing for the thousandth time that he knew what Ron's problem was. Maybe the brains from the Ministry really were making him barmy, just as George, or was it Fred, had suggested.

Earlier in the week, Harry had received a much overdue letter from Ron. But instead of bringing happiness or some derivative of joy, as letters from friends are wont to do, it only made the teenager feel like hitting his head repeatedly with a blunt object. His eyes glazed over at the memory, just remembering the letter and his reaction to it.

(Flashback)

Filled with excitement, Harry unrolled the letter he had just got from Ron, shooing Pig over to Hedwig's water dish. He hastily glanced to the top off it, noticing that it didn't seem to have a header or addressee at all.

I'm you-know-where

And Harry paused and rolled his eyes after reading this. 'Subtle, Ron,' he thought, 'real subtle.'

And have been having a pretty good time. All of the old crowd has been coming and going. It's been fun watching them, but I have no idea what's going on. Odd, but it's kind of lonely here. Ginny's been spending a lot of time with Fred and George, and she's been writing a lot of letters. I mean there's only so much that she could write to Dean. Then, Fred and George have been gone most of the time, and when they are here they're always with Ginny. You don't think that she's helping them with pranks or anything, do you?

Hermione and Bill have been spending a lot of time together, too. Supposedly on a research project. But they won't tell me what it's about. Practically, every time I see them their heads are stuck together, and they're whispering quietly. When they notice that I'm there, they suddenly stop what they are saying. You don't reckon that something is going on between them? What if she fancies him? I don't…

The letter continued on in vain for several paragraphs before finally returning to the original topic.

Other than that my summer has been great. As I said, we've been you-know-where the entire summer. Every true member of our family is here

Harry raised an eyebrow at this, knowing that Percy was not currently at Grimmauld Place.

The only bad parts are that I can't play Quidditch and I can't get away from Fred and George – the rare times that they are here and not off somewhere with Ginny. They keep pranking me! I have been on CONSTANT VILAGENCE, but they still keep getting me every time. It's like they're mind-readers or something. They always know what I'm about to do, and they're always prepared for it!

The letter again rambled for a time, only skimming through.

Well, I have to go. Mum just yelled for me.

Your best mate,
Ron

Harry sat quietly for a moment, deep in thought over what he had just read. 'Well, it is certainly nice to know that Ron has remembered me.' He rolled his eyes again at the thought. 'But excluding the very last bit, he didn't even acknowledge that I exist.' The Gryffindor sniffed, tossing the letter down in disgust. 'I didn't even get a 'Dear Harry' in the beginning. It's like I have been reduced from best mate to person Ron vents all his frustrations to. Simply smashing!' he added sarcastically, his arms folding across his chest

Harry continued to sit in silence for several minutes before reaching down to pick up the letter. His gaze traveled to a particular sentence, reading it over again.

"Yes, Ron," he whispered more to himself than to anyone else, a slight grimace on his face. "I do think that Hermione fancies Bill. She has a very good reason to."

(End of Flashback)

An abrupt tapping on the window brought Harry out of his musings. A large, dignified looking owl was at the window.

The teenager smoothly slid his wobbly chair back, approaching the bird. Within seconds, the owl was inside, and Harry was untying its burden. The Gryffindor brought the tawny bird over to Hedwig's cage for water, receiving a small hoot of thanks for his efforts. His own snowy owl opened a sleepy amber eye, gazing at the newcomer.

A few short moments later, the window was again closed, the tawny owl was gone, and Hedwig was again sleeping. Harry stood next to his desk chair, a rather weighty envelope resting in his hands. He glanced absentmindedly at the label before suddenly doing a double-take, and he exhaled noisily in a rush of air. His knees wobbled, forcing him to quickly reach for his chair in order to support his weight. Harry fidgeted, a small trickle of sweat creep across his brow.

It was his OWL results.

Harry gazed silently at the envelope clutched in trembling hands, turning it over with a shake of his head. Inside, there was a letter. A single, measly letter that could change the rest of his life. He inhaled through his mouth, slowly gliding his fingers across the parchment. He stood completely still, his eyes slightly glazed, as though coming to a decision. He firmly pressed his lips together and harshly breathed out. The teenager suddenly nodded his head and ran his hand through his dark hair. He finally and rather shakily peeled away the seal, opening the envelope.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster:
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Potter,

Enclosed are your OWL scores from the 1995-1996 school term. Given the nature of events from the previous term, certain scores were adjusted.

Also enclosed is a form listing the possible sixth year class choices available for you. This list includes both Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests (NEWT) and Ordinary Wizarding Levels (OWL) courses. All students are required to take at least five NEWT or OWL courses. Only those that scored an OWL (an Acceptable or higher) in a particular course are eligible for the NEWT class. In addition, students must meet the course requirements set by the professor. OWL courses are available to all, regardless of actual OWL score.

It should be noted that NEWT classes are more difficult and that students enrolled in said courses are required to take the NEWT after completion. OWL classes are simply a continuation of learning from previous years, and as such, they are suitable for all students, regardless of skill in the particular subject. Students in these courses are not required to take the NEWT but do have the option. However, OWL classes do not cover all of the material necessary for the NEWT, so additional study is required.

On a personal note, I am pleased by your scores and fully plan to assist you on your career path of choice. I foresee few problems.

Additionally, it should be noted that your Quidditch ban has been lifted. Also, due to the fact that you have been on the team for five years, you are a contender for captain. Congratulations.

Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
,
Deputy Headmistress
Head of Gryffindor House

ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVELS
Head Examiner:
Griselda Marchbanks
(Order of Merlin, Second Class, Grand Sorc., International Confed. of Wizards, Wizengamot Council, Wizarding Education Board)

Grades for both practical and written examinations are listed with the overall score. However, only the overall grade determines the number of Ordinary Wizarding Levels (OWLs). A grade of Acceptable (A) or Exceeds Expectations (E) is awarded one OWL. A score of Outstanding (O) is awarded two OWLs. Poor (P), Dreadful (D), and Terrible (T) are failing grades, and as such, they are worth zero OWLs.

Astronomy
Practical:
Acceptable
Written:
Exceeds Expectations
Overall:
Exceeds Expectations

Care of Magical Creatures
Practical:
Outstanding
Written:
Exceeds Expectations
Overall:
Outstanding

Charms
Practical: Exceeds Expectations
Written:
Exceeds Expectations
Overall:
Exceeds Expectations

Defense Against the Dark Arts
Practical:
Outstanding
Written:
Outstanding
Overall:
Outstanding

Divination
Practical:
Outstanding
Written:
Exceeds Expectations
Overall:
Outstanding

Herbology
Practical:
Exceeds Expectations
Written:
Exceeds Expectations
Overall:
Exceeds Expectations

History of Magic
Practical:
N/A
Written:
Acceptable
Overall:
Acceptable

Potions
Practical: Exceeds Expectations
Written:
Outstanding
Overall:
Outstanding

Transfiguration
Practical:
Exceeds Expectations
Written:
Exceeds Expectations
Overall:
Exceeds Expectations

Total Number of Acceptables
Practical:
1
Written:
1
Overall:
1

Total Number of Exceeds Expectations
Practical: 4
Written:
6
Overall:
4

Total Number of Outstandings
Practical: 3
Written:
2
Overall:
4

Total Number of OWLS
Overall: 13

Courses Available:
OWL
: Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Divination, Herbology, History of Magic, Potions, Transfiguration
NEWT
: Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Divination, Herbology, History of Magic, Potions, Transfiguration

Congratulations Mr. Potter,

We at WEB, the Wizarding Education Board, are delighted by your excellent scores, Mr. Potter. Your Defense Against the Dark Arts grade, in both practical and theoretical, is the highest we have ever seen. Further, not only did you pass all of your OWLs, but all of your regular courses are available to you for both OWL and NEWT.

On the enclosed form please select the courses that you wish to take.

On a personal note, I am greatly looking forward to your NEWT testing. I truly hope that I will once more be able to examine you for the Defense practical. Your Patronus is the finest I have seen in all my days.

Sincerely,
Claudius Tofty
Assistant Examiner

To say that Harry was merely shocked by his exam grades would be the underestimation of the century. It was like stating that a monsoon was rainy and wet or that a dragon was merely a big lizard with wings. Understatements of epic proportions. The difference between surprise and Harry's current emotional state was comparable to the disparity between a lit candle and the sun in terms of heat and light.

Surprise did not even come close to what Harry was currently experiencing.

He was seated quite dazedly upon the floor, having missed his chair when he unceremoniously sank just after reading his grades. Green eyes glittered in a strange light, a bemused grin upon his clearly shocked face. He chuckled to himself occasionally, but the action had a slightly hysterical tone to it.

And a single thought pervaded his very astonished mind. 'Wait until Hermione hears about this!'


AN: There is a very important reason why Harry scored as well as he did, particularly in Divination. Oh, and the current age of the Weasley siblings are as follows: Bill: 26, Charlie: 24, Percy: 20, Fred and George: 18, Ron: 16, and Ginny: 15.

To everyone who reviewed: Thanks!

Special thanks to Hobbit-Tabby and DracoQueen for the beta.

Chapter Seven: We're off to See the Wizard


Ever Hopeful,

Azar

Updated and Edited:

05/31/08