Chapter 6: Decisions Made.

Dear Harry Potter:

Congratulations on successfully completing your OWL (5th) year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Listed below are the results of your examinations.

Grades are as follows:

Outstanding [O] (always continues to N.E.W.T.-level) Exceeds Expectations [E] (usually continues to N.E.W.T.-level) Acceptable [A] (rarely continues to N.E.W.T.-level)

Failing grades Poor [P] (may repeat) Dreadful [D] Troll [T]

Professor M. McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress.

Defense against Dark Arts

Written: O+

Practical: O++

Overall: O+

Potions

Written: E

Practical: E

Overall: E

Transfigurations

Written: E

Practical: O

Overall: O

Charms

Written: E

Practical: O

Overall: O

Divinations

Written: E

Practical: A

Overall: E

Care of Magical Creatures

Written: O

Practical: O

Overall: O

History of Magic

Written: P

Herbology

Written: E

Practical: E

Overall: E

Astronomy

Written: E

Practical: E

Overall: E

Congratulations on received 8 OWLs out of the 9 you tested for, also not that you have received the highest score in Defense against Dark Arts that has been recorded in the last 50 years.

Harry looked at his test scores in amazement as he had done quite a bit better than he had originally thought. He knew that he had failed History of Magic class so that was no surprise. He couldn't wait to owl Hermione and Ron to see what they scored. He quickly wrote a quick note to Hermione, Ron and Daphne sharing his scores with them. Just as he was about to leave his room to head to the Owlery there was a tap at his window. He quickly approached the window to see Hedwig perched on the windowsill. Quickly he opened the window and the owl gracefully flew into the room and landed on his shoulder. Hedwig gave him and affectionate nip to the ear and presented her leg to him which has a note fastened upon it. Harry quickly detached the note and tied the three other notes. Hedwig gave a soft hoot and was then airborne.

Harry silently watched his owl until she disappeared over the horizon. He then turned to the note that she had delivered and was please to find that it was from Daphne.

Harry,

I was very please to receive your owl this morning. My family and I are doing great. My father is constantly busy with his work, as is my mother. Astoria is as usual annoying. I am glad that you are getting to spend some time with family, and a little jealous that you are at Hogwarts and are able to do magic, but it's only a couple weeks until the term starts. I haven't received my OWL results yet but father says they should be here tomorrow. Which courses are you going to take this year? If my grades are acceptable I would like to continue Transfigurations, Charms, DADA, Potions, Herbology, Ancient Runes, and Care of Magical Creatures. I would like to eventually get my Masters in Potions.

So what courses are you planning on taking? What would you like to do after Hogwarts? Have you told your friends about the contract yet? Looking forward to your next owl.

Yours truly,

Daphne

Harry sat the note on his desk so that he would remember to write back in the morning. A grumble in his stomach made him realize that it was dinner time. He exited his room and was about to continue to the Great Hall when a voice called out behind him.

"Well lad how was your results for your exams?"

Harry turned around to see Merlin's portrait giving him a calculating glance. "I did well…umm...sir. I receive 8 out of the 9 I tested for."

Merlin chuckled, "Relax lad you're family call me Merlin. Which class did you fail?"

"History of Magic," Harry responded bashfully as he looked at his feet.

"Ah! That explains it; I always failed that course as well, dreadfully boring that class." Merlin chuckled. "Well of to dinner with you lad."

Upon entering the Great Hall Harry noticed that all of the Professor's had arrived and were seated and sharing casual conversations with each other. Upon Harry taking a seat next to the Headmaster several of the Professors looked confused as to why a student was at Hogwarts before the start of the term. The many looks of confusion did not go unnoticed by the Headmaster.

"Good evening Harry, your day was pleasant I hope." Dumbledore greeted with a large smile.

"Yes of course Grand-dad, and yours?" Harry returned failing to notice several gasps and open jaws as he started to dish some food onto his plate.

Dumbledore chuckled, "Alas the day of a Headmaster is never boring Harry. There is always something needing my attention."

The rest of the staff who had not been present for lunch continued to stare at the pair in confused amazement. With a bright twinkle in his eyes Dumbledore finally decided to put them at ease, "As everyone is here and are aware of the presence of Mr. Potter, it's probably best that I share some information that was until now kept secret. I am Harry's great-grandfather, and as such I am his only living magical relations. We have decided that he will remain with me until he chooses otherwise. That being said Harry has his own quarters near mine and will be joining use for meals. In between that he will be spending time with me and of course ensuring that he is caught up on all his school work."

Still amazed the staff returned their attention to their plates and casual conversations. Professor McGonagall who had been talking with Professor Flitwick decided to take the opportunity to flash Harry a small grin.

"Harry my boy Professor McGonagall has informed me that you have received your OWL results. How did you do?" Dumbledore asked. Unknowing to him the staff once again fell silent waiting for the boy's answer.

Harry who had noticed the sudden silence concentrated on his plate as he responded, "I received 8 OWLs grand-dad."

"That's great Harry but I do believe you tested for 9, am I correct?"

"Yes, Sir. I failed History of Magic exam." Harry responded turning the famous Weasley red.

"I see, and how did you do on the others?"

"I received an O+ in DADA, an O in Transfigurations, Charms and Care of Magical Creatures, and an E in Potions, Herbology, Astronomy, and Divinations." Harry answered quietly.

"Splendid, then you'll be able to continue the courses you need to become an Auror as you wanted am I correct?" Dumbledore said with a smile.

"No Sir I didn't receive the Potions grade required to continue." Harry informed softly.

"Actually Headmaster, Potter is mistaken. I have decided to accepts all those who wish to continue as long as they received at least and E on their overall grade." Professor Snape informed flatly.

"That is excellent news Professor Snape," Dumbledore stated brightly to the Potions Master before turning his attention back to Harry, "I do believe Professor McGonagall also made an offer of some sort."

"Of course Headmaster, you are aware that Mr. Potter has received the highest OWL mark in Defense against the Dark Arts in the last fifty years. I can also say that everyone who was involved in the Defense Association taught by Mr. Potter all received a passing OWL mark. Most of them in fact received at least a grade higher than their peers who did not participate." Professor McGonagall informed with a slight smirk. "In light of that news I have offered Mr. Potter one of the available Prefects positions and the opportunity to continue the Defense Association this year. Depending on if he accepts it or not will depend on how it is structured."

"I think that's a splendid ideal Minerva. Have you made a decision yet Harry?"

"I have been thinking about it Professor, and I have decided that I would like to continue it. Perhaps if Professor McGonagall has some free time tomorrow we can go over the details." Harry informed.

Professor McGonagall normally strict face completely broke into a large smile as she gave a curt not of her head acknowledging that she was agreeable to meet. The rest of the diner carried on with casual conversations and the occasional clinks of silverware on the plates. Harry arrived back to his room as the sun was setting. He had spent some time after dinner visiting with his grand-dad and the portrait of Merlin. It had been a long but enjoyable day as he laid upon his bed and let the peaceful silence to lullaby him off to sleep.