Chapter 6: O.W.L.s and Diagon Alley
The Potters, the Blacks and Hermione are at the Burrow. "What's this?" Sirius asks.
"It's their special clock." Harry explains. "It shows the locations of the Weasleys."
"However, it seems to consider us to be always on "mortal danger" ever since You-Know-Who came back." Molly sadly comments. Then a bunch of owls shows up.
"Our O.W.L. results!" Hermione excitedly exclaims.
HARRY POTTER'S GRADES
Divination: P
Astronomy: A
Defence Against the Dark Arts: O
Charms: E
Herbology: E
History of Magic: D
Potions: E
Transfiguration: E
Care of Magical Creatures: E
Ron got seven O.W.L.s but no "Outstanding". Hermione got "Exceeds Expectations" as her Defence Against the Dark Arts and "Outstanding" as her other grades. Mrs. Weasley is proud at Ron for having more O.W.L.s than Fred and George together.
"Congratulations, Prongslet." James comments. "Sure, you failed Divination and History of Magic but Divination has no sense and I couldn't expect to have a son able to stay awake during Professor Binns' classes."
"I know." Harry sadly says. "But I can't become an auror without Potions and Snape won't let students who didn't get "Outstanding" on their Potions O.W.L.s to take his N.E.W.T. level classes."
"Severus can't do it." Lily exclaims.
"Actually, each Professor can estabilish a certain passing grade as a minimun needed for a student to take his or her topic on a N.E.W.T. level." Sirius explains.
"How do you know that, Sirius?" Lily asks.
"During my fifth year, Phineas Nigellus Black kept telling me to be prepared just in case the professors decided to increase their standards." Sirius explains.
"He did the same to me." Regulus adds.
"I'll talk to Professor Dumbledore." James says. "I'm sure he'll pull some strings on your behalf, Prongslet."
"And give Snape a reason to accuse me of using my fame to bend the rules?" Harry asks, not seeming to like the idea.
"Well, anyway, we'll get some Potions equipment so you can practice for when you retake your Potions O.W.L.s." Lily suggests.
Then they all go to Diagon Alley. "I can hardly wait to see my joke shop." James comments.
"What?" Harry stares at his Dad. "Since when do you have a joke shop?"
"Since you invest part of my inheritance on it, son." James explains.
"Nice try, Dad." Harry replies. "But the money I invested on Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes is the money I won at the Triwizard Tournament."
"Well, but until you come of age, I'm responsible for your finances." James explains. "And that includes your interest at the joke shop."
"Not that you'll need it with my brothers, Prongs." Ron replies.
As they enter the joke shop, they realize Ron is right as Fred and George throw themselves at James' and Sirius' feet. "The Marauders! At our shop?" Fred asks.
"What an honor!" George adds.
"Told ya." Ron whispers.
It took hours after James and Sirius left before the twins regained their breath.
As they get back to the Burrow, the Potters and the Blacks floo themselves to Sirius' home. "Prongslet, don't forget to pull a prank on Snivellus for me." James asks.
"And another one for me." Sirius adds.
"James. Sirius. Stop encouraging him." Lily demands. "He must focus on his studies."
"In that case, I'm going to my room." Harry replies as he leaves the adults alone. James then turns his attention to a portrait. "Phineas? Headmaster Black?"
"What do you want, blood traitor?" The Slytherin Headmaster asks.
"Did Dumbledore get my letter?" James Potter asks.
"Headmaster Dumbledore might be crazy but he has better things to do than answering to the whims of a parent asking him to bend the rules." Headmaster Black answers.
However, an owl delivers James a letter from Hogwarts.
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