The next six days passed without incident for Harry, he trained with Godric from 4 to 9:30 am, and then cleared his mind for 30 minutes. Afterwards he would go down to make breakfast, do his chores which were far milder than ever before, prepare lunch. Do yard work for two hours, then have lunch, followed by having a shower. Then finish with Occlumency training and school books reading till 10, dinner then sleep.
Today was Monday the 10th, and Harry was happy. Godric moved him from just running to more intensive body conditioning plus starter martial arts training. He also told Harry that he was moving in a pace faster than even King Arthur who was the last true warrior of the millennium. In addition Harry could now keep his mind clear while memorizing the feel of the cloth for as long as he wished.
It was now 10:30 and his aunt had just informed no indoor chores for him today. So Harry was free till noon when he would prepare lunch followed by the yard work. Aunt Petunia had picked a new design for her garden that he was required to follow, which according to her would make it the best looking garden in the neighbourhood.
Harry was about to begin practicing Occlumency, when a flock of owls flew in the open window. He had never seen so many owls in his room at the same time not even on his birthday. Shacking off his bewilderment from the sight, Harry set about to free them from their burdens. Along with distribution a rather large water bowl and an owl treat for each. Harry told them to leave when they were rested as he would send replies with "My beautiful Hedwig here." who puffed with pride that "Her Harry" preferred she send his mail. He chuckled at his owl and petted her some, then went to check the letters.
Harry found that he had a three letters with Seals one from the Ministry, Hogwarts, and Gringotts respectively, followed by two letters with the familiar scrawls of Hermione and Ron. Along with a letter that had alternating handwriting that could only have been written by the twins. Plus five more letters that he had no idea who wrote, one of them had a handwriting that looked like the writer was either in great hurry or in great pain or maybe both.
Sitting on his bed he decided to start with the official letters first starting with one with the Ministry Seal which said:
Dear Mr. Potter,
Due to the rise of the Dark Lord, many families sent us requests to rush the OWL results in order to transfer their children to other schools in fear of the war.
Please note that the grading system is as follows,
"O" Outstanding awarded 3 OWLs.
"EE" Exceeds Expectations awarded 2 OWLs.
"A" Acceptableawarded 1 OWLs.
"P" Poor awarded 0 OWLs.Failed
"D" Dreadful awarded 0 OWLs.Failed
"T" Terrible awarded 0 OWLs.Failed
Failed OWLs are allowed to be retaken at OWL level next year if you so wish.
OWL results for Harry James Potter
Defence Against Dark Arts "O+" 4.5 OWLs (1)
Charms "O+"4.5 OWLs(2)
Care Of Magical Creatures"O+"3.5 OWLs (3)
Potions "O-"2.5 OWLs (4)
Transfiguration"EE" 2 OWLs
Herbology"A" 1 OWLs
Astronomy"A" 1 OWLs
Divination "D" 0 OWLs
History of Magic "T" 0 OWLs
Total for Harry James Potter 19 OWLs.
Congratulations Mr. Potter you achieved the second highest score in your year.
(1) You achieved an all time record in this subject, scoring higher than Albus Dumbledore's OWL results.
Please note that ¾ an OWL was rewarded to you as an extra credit for your impressive patronus charm.
Another ¾ an OWL was rewarded to you in Defence for your extensive information in the subject that was estimatedto be on bar with NEWT level students.
(2) You achieved an all time record in this subject, scoring higher than Lily Evan's OWL results.
Another ¾ an OWL was rewarded to you in Charms for your impressive display in use of true magic and summoning charms during the Tri-Wizard tournament in your fourth year.
(3) You achieved an all time record in Care Of Magical Creatures, scoring higher than the wizard Agrippa.
Please note that should he have been allowed to take OWL exams, Rubeus Hagrid would have achieved a higher scorethough not by far.
(4) Your potions professor has strongly contested your potions score, after revising your results; it was found that you earned them not because of your fame.
A copy of this letter will be sent to your guardians in case your results were not up to their standards so they'd request you retake the year.
Harry snorted at the idea of his aunt asking him to retake Divination to raise his scores.
Head of Examination department,
P.S. having achieved the OWLs all time record in DADA, Charms and COMC, which has also achieved you the following two records.
First, you now have the record for the most OWLs all time records with 3 subjects compared to only 2 previously held by Nicolas Flamel.
Second, you also hold the record in subjects based mainly on magical power and talent, more so than Albus Dumbledore who held the previous record in DADA and Astronomy.
Harry was feeling borderline euphoric; he almost could not believe he had done so well. He thought about his potions score and almost shouted in triumph. This will show Snape, even with his lack of teachingskills and constant hovering in class he still passed with an Outstanding. Thinking of the greasy git brought his mood down; the ass had tried to contest his scores. Thank god Hermione had kept drilling stuff into his head all year. Harry was 100percent sure she was the one who scored the highest score of the year.
He opened the school letter next.
Dear Mr. Potter.
First let me congratulate you on doing so well in your OWLs.
I'm happy to tell you that you qualify to enter all the courses that allow you in Auror training should you choose.
You're eligible to the following courses in NEWT level:
DADA- Charms- Transfiguration- Potions- COMC- Astronomy- Duelling- Apparation- Healing- Occlumency- Animagus- Magical Theory.
All other courses offered at school can be taken at OWL level.
Note that you're only able to take 5 courses as regular classes; however you can take Independent Study in as many of the rest as you feel inclined and join the final exam in them.
Also according to school rules set by the Founders, a student that achieves an all time record in there OWLs will be appointed a Junior Headmaster/Headmistress in their sixth year, and head boy/girl in their seventh. So you're the first since your mother and the first boy since the Headmaster.
The responsibilities of this position equal those of head boy/girl, you will be asked to attend prefect meetings and do patrols at irregular intervals.
The privileges of such position add to those of head boy/girl that you will be able to award and discount point from students, give detentions, and your curfew will be non existent. You'll also be able to exit the castle any time you wish as long as you do not miss classes and a professor knows where you are and when you are expected back.
In case your decisions are contested, which you should note that only me plus the Headmaster will be able to overrule them in case they were found unjust.Other than that, contesting your decisionsrequires the Head of the House of the complaining student, The Deputy Headmistress and another teacher to investigate themin order to either overrule or confirm the decision.
Please take this position very seriously and note that the Headmaster tried to contest you having it but could not since the Founders had made the rule incontestable. And please keep being Junior Headmaster a secret for now.
Please send a list of your selected courses no later than June 20th; this letter has a charm to show the required books according to what you choose.
Deputy Headmistress,
Minerva McGonagall.
P.S The subject of Occlumency was added on the request of the headmaster since it's not normally offered in school curriculum. He told me to tell you that it was his wish that you take them; if continued they will be conducted by Professor Snape. I highly disagree with this and advise you to think about this very seriously before you accept.
P.P.S Harry, I would like you to apply for the Animagus course as independent study so I'll be able to tutor you privately in it, I feel it is the least for what I owe you and your parents. Please note that the Headmaster does not know about this offer, and should you agree, I would like it to stay that way even when you do register.
P.P.P.S The Magical Theory class was offered to you by Professor Flitwick. Please note that you will be the only student in this class if taken. You'll also be tutored first in Arithmacy and Ancient Runes in the first 2 months, and then Professor Flitwick will take over your tutoring himself.
Harry was astounded; it seems Professor McGonagall pulled quite a few strings to ensure Harry got what he earned. He had felt so sad last summer when he was not chosen as a Prefect, now he had something that screamed "hard work and talent" and no one would be able to say he got it because of his fame. He looked in the envelope and found the badge there. It looked so eye catching, an oval with emerald green background, the Hogwarts symbol in the middle, his name across the top curve and the words Junior Headmaster on the bottom one.
Next, he readthe Gringotts letter:
Mr. Harry J. Potter.
First accept my condolences for the loss of your godfather.
Even though he was a fugitive to the ministry, he was a welcome client here for the sole reason of being your godfather. For you have shown more tolerance to magical beings in your five years in the wizarding world, than any wizards has shown in the last fifty years. That's why we at Gringotts would like to extend you a hand of friendship to you and offer any help we might be able to provide.
Now back to business. In his will, Mr. Black has instructed us to wait an entire month after his death then to read the will at the first day of the next month. Following this we have set the time for the will reading on July 1st at 9 am. We have set this letter as a portkey for you to use, please be there at least an hour before that time as we have some business you should attend to.
Please note that your self appointed guardian Albus Dumbledore will not be informed until June 30th.
Also, it was Mr. Black's death wishenforced by the magic of his line, since he was the head of the black family,that you bring one Bellatrix Lestrange in unharmed to the will reading yourself, even if she was the one who killed him. We suggest that you comply, Mr. Potter as Mr. Black's soul will not rest until his death wish isfulfilled. Nothing can hurt her till Mr. Black's wishes are met.
Also we were asked to inform you that no matter what happens that day, you will not be returning to your relatives so prepare accordingly.
Griphook
Gringotts manager
So many conflicting emotions ran through Harry's mind at that, he had been blocking the thoughts of Sirius' death to avoid breaking down but it now seemed impossible. Nothing helped, not meditation, nor Occlumency, it felt like dam holding it all inside had shattered. He broke down crying, drowning in wails filled with grief and guilt. Suddenly he felt bed next to him sink along the same warm feeling he associated with the strange woman from Hogwarts. Looking up at her and seeing that she was there, Harry was wrapped into her embrace, heheld onto her like she was the one spec of light in an ocean of darkness all the while cried ever harder. She held him, rubbing his back and speaking softly in his ear. When a phoenix song erupted forth in a burst of flame along with Fawkes who was also soothing Harry. The combination of phoenix song and the woman's warm embrace helped Harry calm down.
Looking up he found Fawkes standing on his desk looking at him, Harry said in a voice strained from his cries, "Thank you my friend". Suddenly noticed he was still leaning into the woman's embrace and resting his head on her shoulder, Harry blushed from embarrassment and tried to stand but she held him a little tighter while saying in a motherly tone of voice, "Relax child, it's time for you to know who I am."
Harry hearing this wrapped his arms back around her as he felt safe and content in her arms so he leaned in an enjoyed the feeling. No one had ever cared for him enough to give him such a kind gesture.
"You have heard stories about Hogwarts being sentient, right?" was her first question. Harry just nodded since he felt it himself a few times but was slightly confused by the question.
"Hogwarts is sentient Harry. A sentient being has a lower level of intelligence than humans while higher than animals. When the founders built the school they poured some of their minds into the wards to make them self preservative. Later a prophecy was made and they enhanced the wards and changed the school into a sentient being, they built a central chamber where the heart of this being was to be, and tied most of the wards to it. The most significant one was a knowledge transfer ward, it is part of the contract that all new teachers sign which included to never hide any knowledge from the student that would help them. Using this ward it was able to transfer all the knowledge of magic that the teachers and the headmasters into itself, the very being of the school. Year by year it progressed into a very intelligent being. Fifteen years ago, the progress seemed to increase, and more complex feelings started to change it till was neared the level of a human. Last Christmas a box appeared in the central room. The last step came when you stopped in front of the central room and asked for guidance, you helped it as the being gained a body and then it was clear where the complex emotions came from. Harry, I'm Hogwarts combined with the essence of your mother after she died. It was meant to be that I would be your mentor, but I also need something from you Harry, I need you to accept me as your mother, since I have her essence in me, my very instincts scream for you to accept me. Please Harry."
Harry was overwhelmed by this information, but the last bit shocked him more. He looked in her eyes and saw nothing but love and hope, he had longed for a mother for as long as he could remember and now more than ever. Hogwarts has always made him feel like home more than the Dursleys or even the Burrow. "I accept, mother". Eyes alight with joy; they embraced each other in joy. Harry looked and saw Fawkes still on his desk and seemed not to be leaving any time soon.
Over the next hour he spent time telling his new mother about his life before Hogwarts since she knew all about his Hogwarts years.
The door opened suddenly to reveal Petunia standing there looking in a mix of shock and confusion at them, "Time for your chores, Boy" she said. The lady ("call her Higgy you idiot" shouted the sorting hat at the poor author from its shelf in the headmaster's office) looked at her in cold hatred, Harry put his hands on her shoulder to calm her "It's alright mother, it's better this way for me." he said. Having known about the deal he had with them, Higgy agreed reluctantly. She stood up and hugged Harry saying, "I'll go now, son. I'll be back later for your training" she kissed him on the forehead and was gone. He turned and found his aunt standing there staring at the spot where Higgy was standing. "Who was that?" she asked. "In short, she adopted me, I will be leaving to move in with her later." with that he left to do his chores.
Petunia stood there processing this, the boy said he'd move out soon, it couldn't be soon enough.
Having finished his chores, Harry took a shower and went to his room. Upon entering he found his mother 'I like the sound of that', he thought. She had a piece of paper with her and was drawing on it. "What are you drawing?" he asked. She smiled at him "Nothing, just doodling." she replied.
"So what should we start doing?" he asked excited about the concept of training with her. "Now you should start reading your friends' letters." she replied. Harry complied realising the logic. He opened Ron's letter first.
Hey mate.
Sorry mate but you don't get to spend the summer with us this year. We're all going to Egypt to visit my brother till august 25th. Dumbledore said you couldn't be at headquarters till then.
Look mate I want you to promise not to keep any secrets from either me or Hermione this year. We're both best mates, right?
Dumbledore said he could place a charm on Hedwig so she could reach me and back in Egypt as if I was in London.
Your best mate,
Ron.
This confused Harry a lot, it was not like Ron to be this thoughtful about secrets and friendship, maybe he finally matured. He decided in his reply he'd tell him about his new mother. He'd reply to all letters once he finished.
The next letter revealed to be from Neville.
Dear Harry.
I just wanted to thank you for what you did for me last year. Gran never stopped saying how proud she was of me. She even told me she'd get me a new wand next month.
Your friend, Neville
Harry was happy for Neville; the boy grew up in fear of not being up to the standards his Gran set for him. He now held more confidence in himself and would do loads better at school.
He turned to the twins' letter.
Hey Harry.
First we swear that every thing we'll say in this letter is nothing but true.
Yes Harry, we swear by the debt we owe you and anything that makes us humans, even though we know you won't like it.
Last month we joined the Order after we settled into our shop. There we learnt a few surprising facts.
Last summer, Ron and Hermione joined the Order; their only mission was to keep tabs on you.
From what we know, they both accepted right away without hesitation. Remus and Sirius were strictly kept in the dark about this.
Sorry to deliver the bad news Harry, but we owe you at least this much.
For some good news, we made you a silent partner in our shop, there's no way for you to refuse this.
Your friends,
Fred and George
P.S. they'll start magical training next month.
Harry was seething, he was beyond angry. He wasn't this angry when he blew up Aunt Marge.
Fawkes and Higgy started singing soothingly to him till he calmed down a little. Harry showed Higgy the letter, she read it and said, "I'm sorry my son. I knew about that but was waiting in hope for your friends to rectify their mistakes first. It seems too late now." She hugged him a little more.
He grabbed Hermione's letter and was about to rip it in pieces but Higgy stopped him. "Please Harry; leave it till you calm down. Till then, let me show you your new room."
Harry noticed for the first time the changes in his room; it seemed fit for a prince. A giant bed stood where the old cot was. The room itself was the size of the Gryffindor common room. The walls painted in an elegant mix of all the Hogwarts house colours. Where his old desk stood, was an ornate desk that would make Dumbledore jealous. The chair was also very comfortable looking. A few book shelves and a large closet.
The rest of the room looked like a piece of the Gryffindor common room, a sofa, a fire place, a few chairs and even a love seat.
"Here Harry you can use any magic you want, and no one will know. It is a charm similar to the Fidelius, only the people you allow will be able to see the change. If they have any intend to tell other people they will forget about it." She said in pride.
"There's a milder form of time altering charm than the one on the book of fighting. It can work for 20 hours a day, every day inside will equal two hours outside, you'll be able to retain any physical changes you take there even though you won't age."
Harry was impressed and told her so. She blushed and told him she was planning for this ever since she had merged with Lily's essence. "Now I think you should read the letter, and note that I'll be preparing your food from now on, so tell that to your aunt."
Harry turned to Hermione's letter; he had to admit that while Ron's actions hurt him a bit, it wasn't that surprising. It hurt far more deeply that Hermione would do that to him. He always thought of her as his fortress, that he could find her there for him even when the world was against him. He opened the letter to see what she had to say.
(A.N. this chapter was meant to be a bit longer, but i couldn't finish it in time
sorry about the delay, i just had a few problems and i'm not doing it at home right now.)
LunarExcalibur: actually many poeple ask me to elongate chapters a bit, i just can't write more, and merging the chapters will distract me as i concentrate each chapter on one or two main events.
Your suggestion about wives is almost correct but wrong on two accounts, care to guess who?
Your warnbing about the story dissolving to crab is actually quite correct, that's why i ask you and anyone else to tell me as soon as you notice the fic going down, like i said i have the chapters on paper till 29, i just don't like the last ones so i need help when i come to them.
dragon-king: you have to understand that as the heir of magic, harry will have to be completely stable in his life. take it this way, for every power rising, an equal or higher power will rise to oppose it, harry is the balance, to oppose him voldie and dumbledore will have to cooperate which won't happen, that's why i need harry as stable as possible.
Whatever Star: you haven't seen the last of dumbledore cruelty,... Yet.
Amscray: ginny read Hogwars a History for three reasons, one, that hermione always pesters her to read it. two, that hermione gave her her old copy. three, she was dead bored.
You almost got the part about Dumbledore right. he's like the judges of the witch burning times where they judged according to their firm belief that every thing different should be gone. in this he's no differentthan voldie or the dursleys.
alen: in this fic there's one role, losers have no evidence of ever being winners, ron is a major loser and i can't let a major female character be on his side. so i can't let hermione be unforgiven so ron can't have her.
wizardmon92: just send me an e-mail so i can have your address and we'll discuss what is to be done. you can't write a scene without having background information.