July 7, 1995 12:30 PM
Harry and the Potters were at a restaurant in a muggle district of London, they had just finished buying Harry every muggle clothes there is. It took them a lot of time shopping though it didn't cost them a lot of money than it usually does. Lily had chosen to shop in a cheaper clothes as they were uncertain of Harry would grow out of those clothes quickly. All of them were kind of tired and there were still a lot of shopping to do. Lily and James were thankful that Michael had opted to go to the Weasley's rather than join them for shopping. If he was here it would be a lot of nagging, complaining and bullying and probably fighting. Now that Harry is here, he will probably defend Jasmine more from Michael's bullying and that is the last thing they need.
The table was awfully quiet as the four of them were very hungry and were waiting for the food to arrive silently, none of them wants to waste any energy they had left to talk because of the hunger they were feeling. Then food arrived and the four of them were very excited, especially Harry. Now that the feeling of hunger was gone, Jasmine decided to break the silence between them.
"Hey mum." Jasmine said while eating, Lily stopped eating, looked at her daughter and frowned. "Jasmine, don't talk while your mouth is full." Lily reprimanded, Jasmine looked embarrassed and swallowed her food quickly. "Sorry." Jasmine apologized. "I expect you not to do it again, especially on public as it is very ill-mannered and very unlady like." Lily explained, when Jasmine decided not to tell her what she was supposedly about to say.
"You were saying." Lily said while gesturing her to continue. "Oh yeah, Harry said that he needs a tutor so he can catch up with his peers. I was thinking of Hermione as a tutor." Jasmine said.
"Really? Hermione? Don't you think that it would be better to hire a professional tutor rather than a student? A student who doesn't have to do OWL's this year." Lily said while looking alternately. Jasmine looked at Harry and then shrugged and continued eating. James looked at Harry who was still eating hungrily his food,
"We were also thinking that it would be best that Harry be home-schooled next year and go to Hogwarts the next year." James announced, awaiting for Harry's response. After hearing what James' said, Harry stopped eating, chewed his food and swallowed it quickly.
"No, I'll be going to Hogwarts this year. Don't worry about the catching up, I'm already at 3rd year level in terms of theory and hiring professional tutors is a sound idea but I think it's better to hire... Uhmm" Harry stopped as he was trying to recall his memory, "ah Hermione to be my tutor me so that I'll have someone to ask about Hogwarts and so she can be my friend." Harry said, or lied, days, months and 3 years of spending his time at the library made his theory level beyond NEWTs then he continued eating.
"How is that--" James started saying but was cut off by Lily "Is it really wise to do so? You only have a month and a half to study to pass the entrance exam." Lily said while looking at James and then glared immediately to stop him from continuing what he was going to say.
The four of them went to Diagon alley after eating at the restaurant, in there they bought Harry a new wand. It was 11 inches, with acacia as it's wood. A wood that produces the best and most powerful but only to its master, great things will happen to the wizard who has acacia as it's wand especially when well-matched with its owner. Harry's wand core is phoenix feather, a core capable of the greatest range of magic. While at it they had also bought Jasmine her wand, it was 10 and a half inches with beech wood and a dragon heartstring as its core.
They also bought him some wizarding and Hogwarts' robes which are charmed to adjust with the size of the owner, a few books and materials to have a crash course with the Hogwarts curriculum and they opened a trust vault for Harry at Gringotts. They didn't buy anything for Jasmine as her Hogwarts' letter is still yet to come but she didn't mind, it was fun helping Harry buy some clothes and books. While Harry was fitted in the store for his robes, Lily left them to buy some furniture that they were going to put in Harry's room, she bought a bed, blankets and pillows which are to be charmed so that it would adjust to the environment's temperature, would last longer and to maximize comfort for the user. She also bought him an expanded wardrobe cabinet and book shelf and lastly she bought a nice study table. All the items they had bought were shrunk and was put in an expanded bag which is charmed to be light weight.
It was already 6 PM when the four of them finished shopping so they decided to have dinner at Leaky Cauldron before going home. When they arrived at the house, Jasmine immediately went to her room, washed her face, change into her pajamas and immediately went to bed. James on the other hand sat down on the living room turned, ordered an elf to get him some whiskey. Lily, Harry and the elves were in the Manor's pool house to convert it into Harry's living quarters. Harry had asked them during dinner if he could live in the pool house rather than in his room, Lily and James were reluctant to agree with him but with Harry's argument that the manor holds unpleasant memories for him they agreed immediately plus the pool house wasn't used anyway.
When they were done arranging the pool house, Harry took a good look of the inside, the house was twice the size of his old room and was divided into three parts, the largest part which was the same size of his old bedroom was the bed and the bathroom, the next part which was about half the size of his old room was the work-out area which has various weight lifting equipment and boxing equipment, the third part was the mini kitchen and the study area. Satisfied with the arrangement, he changed into his sleeping attire, the pajamas were still going to be washed tomorrow by the elves.
July 10 1995
Now that Harry has the equipment, he started to train his body extensively, to make it stronger, faster, quicker and more agile like his body was before. During the morning he would do cardio, endurance and agility training, in the afternoon he lifts weights and perform exercises to become stronger and in the evening he would practice martial arts. But he had to make adjustments to his schedule, he needed to add the time for being tutored and a time for studying. He decided to be tutored after lunch and to study after dinner.
Hermione was looking forward to being a tutor, it would be a great way to review all the subjects from 1st year to 4th year materials while she was earning money. It was great that Jasmine thought of her first when they needed a tutor, summer was something she was not looking forward to like her classmates, being in school was fun for her and she love it and because of that she had a hard time and still is in making friends. Though there was a time when she was a friend of Michael, it was after they saved her from the troll in her first year for a moment after that incident she did became friends with them but after that Ron, Michael's lapdog and best friend kept on teasing her which Michael followed on, by the end of her first year she was again friendless and alone though the two of her bullies kept making her do their home works.
It was better in her second year, she made a friend of Luna Lovegood, who was also bullied by her fellow housemates. In her third year she acquainted with Daphne Greengrass, Susan Bones and Padma Patil because the four of them were partners at Ancient Runes and Arithmancy projects as they were the best in their years. Her fourth year was the worst of them, because she refused to support Michael as the fourth champion, she became the target of the bullying and pranks of her fellow Gryffindors and because she was a Gryffindor and they hated the fact that Michael was able to cheat his way into the tournament, Susan and Padma were cold and distanced themselves towards her. She thanked God that Luna was still friendly to her. But the bullying became worse after the Tri-wizard Yule Ball, every one even the teachers believed that she bewitched Viktor Krum into becoming her date to the ball.
When the Knight Bus arrived at the street of Godric's Hallow where the Potter Manor is located, she walked towards the manor, she still remembered the location since she used to tutor Jasmine and it wasn't really hard to miss because it stands out the most in the neighborhood. She arrived at the entrance was greeted by Tippy, one of the Potter's house elves, and lead her to the study room that is next to the library. She only caught a glimpse of it and was instantly amazed of how big it was. She was a bit down that she wasn't allowed to enter the library as it was warded against intruders but she understood, knowledge is power and power can be terrifying if in the wrong hands.
"Please sit Miss Hermy. Master Harry would be with you in just a second." the elf said, offering her a seat while bowing and the disappeared after. Hermione took the chair and sat, she prepared some of the books that they were going to use for today's lesson. After a few moments of waiting Harry finally arrived.
"Hey, are you Hermione?" Harry asked with bright eyes and a warm smile. Hermione looked at him and returned her smile, and replied "Yes that would be me. Are you Harry?" Hermione asked while offering her hand for him to shake. Harry shook her hand "Yes that would be me" Harry replied and gesture her to sit down and he followed after her. "Before we begin, I have to tell you that I'm already finished my second level and I want to take the OWLs this school year." Harry stated.
Hermione was listening intently and nodded, "Okay, that's no problem. I can adjust my schedule so we can learn 2 years of Hogwarts in one summer but we have to follow through it strictly. But for now I have to test you if you're truly are at your 3rd year level." Hermione said while shuffling through her bag to look for her 3rd year index card notes. She then proceeded to test him about his level of knowledge which he didn't disappoint. She was actually happy to see someone like her, who was also smart yet works very hard.
August 25 1995
The order was having a meeting for an update before the school year starts. Everyone was already gathered around the table of 12 Grimmauld place, awaiting for Dumbledore's arrival. Some were chatting with the other members while some were just waiting patiently. Then the door opened signaling their Dumbledore's arrival. "Good Afternoon ladies and gentlemen. We'll now start the meeting for the Order. Alastor how is the creation for emergency safe houses?" Dumbledore asked, it was Alastor's idea to create these and they whole heartedly agreed, many lives were lost in his first rise to power because muggle-born families didn't have wards on their houses and that their homes were easily located.
"It's going great, only a few people know the location of the safe houses. There is still a lot of work to do, like stocking them with supplies and adding more wards for security but other than that it's going great." Mad-eye Moody replied grumpily. Dumbledore nodded, Alastor was the only one who he fully trusted in the order, deciding to move on he focused his attention on another topic. "As you have known I've sent Remus to a pack of werewolves to recruit to our side against Voldemort or at least convince them to be a neutral party of this war. I've also sent some members to go to the coven of Vampires and Veelas. Fortunately the Veela coven decided to side with us as they were the victims of Voldemort's and his death eaters. Unfortunately, the vampires had already sided with Voldemort as they were a bit early in arriving to their coven and recruit them. It was a relief that they returned with us with minor injuries. Arthur, any word from the Ministry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, as Fudge becomes more and more paranoid, there were rumors about placing his very close associate to spy on Dumbledore and Michael. But two days ago, it was already confirm that someone will be place as the Defense professor and it is not good news on who it is. It's Dolores Umbridge, his undersecretary." Arthur stated grimly. Everyone who worked at the Ministry groaned. "That vile woman is going to teach our children?" Lily asked incredulously, just how crazy was Fudge already. "Many couldn't believe it either, there were many protests around the Ministry as everyone knew that Umbridge is an unpleasant and vile woman that should not be allowed within a hundred meters near children. But Fudge is strict and won't budge with his decision because…" Arthur said before he was cut off.
"Because it is a very smart political move. The story of Voldemort being back is truly unbelievable and whether we like it or not the people will continue to believe that he is not back, denying the dark days that have dawned upon us. He placed Umbridge in Hogwarts to spy on me is truly cunning. If he can prove that I am raising an army out of the students then his credibility and power as a minister will exponentially grow. Add to that he would be in the good side Voldemort if I would be ousted as a headmaster. If we were able to prove to the public that Voldemort is indeed back and alive then he could make excuses about not spending taxpayer's money just because a 14 year old boy told an unbelievable story of how Voldemort came back to life which is supposed to be impossible." Dumbledore explained. The whole room went solemn as Dumbledore explained Fudge's motive and explanation for his political move. They realized that they were truly on a thin line to walk on.
"That's why he is also increasing the budget, even though it is only a small amount, at the Auror department. So he can save face when Voldemort's resurrection is reveal or when the order's existence is revealed." Frank Longbottom said. Dumbledore nodded at his reply grimly. "Aye, that's why we keep guarding the department of Mysteries. We had intelligence that Voldemort wants the prophecy orb in there and only he and Harry Potter are able to obtain the orb but he'll keep trying to send death eaters or try any other way to obtain that orb." Mad-eye replied.
"Like baiting Harry into getting it for him." Sirius said and Dumbledore nodded as a reply.
'WHAT! Shouldn't we warn Harry about this?" Lily asked angrily. "We could but what difference does it make? Voldemort is going to keep trying into getting that orb and making Harry worry over something that he shouldn't is going to help us. Plus he is not a member of the order." Dumbledore replied firmly.
"He's right Lily. Harry should just try to enjoy this year as much as possible. Making him worry over this won't do well to him or to the order." James said while trying to soothe his wife.
"Speaking of young Harry how is he doing? Is he prepared to take the exam yet?" Dumbledore asked jovially.
"We don't know, but he is very confident that he is going to pass so he must be ready." James replied.
"How is that possible? I mean I know he is smart but 4 years' worth of Hogwarts can't be learned in the span of 2 months." Alice asked curiously. "Actually just 2 years' worth according to Hermione. Before we sent him to Petunia he kept reading books at the Library that his knowledge is already at 3rd year level but it's only his theory and not his practical that is on the third year level." Lily answered.
"Still it should not be possible." Alice replied "Hermione is responsible for it. She is an exceptional student and an exceptional tutor." Lily answered with a warm smile. Alice notice this and replied with a cold shoulder and a glare. Lily sighed sadly and turned to Dumbledore, awaiting for more news or announcement.
Seeing that there no more to discuss Dumbledore decided to end the Order of the Phoenix meeting. Everyone started to leave the room but Dumbledore stopped James and Lily to inform them that tomorrow they should bring Harry to Hogwarts and take the entrance exam at Minerva's office.