Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does. As Proof of this, notice the sixth book does not have Luna searching for Crumple Horned Snorsnaks... in Harry's pants!
Chapter 8 – Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?
"Oh God...!"
"Will we never be rid of them?!"
Harry had awoken earlier that day to find his room mates chasing after their wands as they were being scurried away by a horde of Gummies.
The night before, Luna had hurriedly whispered to Harry that 'their' box was missing… but Harry had not actually been too worried as he had thought a fellow Ravenclaw had pre-emptively stole them, in a attempt to rid the school of the threat altogether… how wrong he was.
Through out the school, groans would resound as the little bears were discovered in the most obscene places trying to steal anything slightly magical. From bedrooms, to baths, the little critters were proving to be a new permanent feature of the castle as Hogwarts seemed to welcome them with open arms.
What Harry had wondered was, how they had multiplied once again as he was fairly sure everyone had learned their lesson the first time and would not dare shoot spells at the treats. 'Yet here we are…'
Luckily the bears were not in the same numbers the the train had housed but enough that the student body enacted one of Moody's most cherished sayings, as they wandered down the halls.
No where was safe.
:-..-..-..-..-:
It was Sept.2nd and for once, a Saturday. This would be the first time that the school had opened on a weekend since he had been a student. He and Ron had made their way down the stairs to their common room… leaving Neville to re-unite with his toad who had apparently been in his school trunk. Harry thought that that was a bit convenient as the toad was always within reach of Neville…even if he did not know it. But he didn't comment aloud for fear of sounding crazed.
"Is it just me or is that toad always around, I could have sworn he had lost it at the Citadel." Ron asked as he took his final steps down the stairs. He didn't seem to worry about sounding crazed.
Harry was about to tell him he was just thinking that… but instead used his vocal chords to let out an unmanly squeak at the figure that stood before him with an unholy smile.
"Hi-I'm-Pauline… Colin-told-me-all-about-you…. I'm-your-biggest-fan… can-I-have-your-autograph!" the little girl asked all in a rapidly increasing pitch and in one quick breath. At the end it had all turned into one high-pitched siren that left the girl exceedingly red-faced and at the verge of self-affixation.
Harry turned a stunned eye toward Ron who was looking on in surprise at the little girl as well.
Turning back towards the horrifying example of Creavey genetics… Harry opened his mouth to address the little girl.
"Um… Hi…" The little girl squeaked excitedly at that much with wide eyes.
"Ehh yaaa… I'm Harry… this is Ron…" Harry pointed to Ron who had waved a little hesitantly at the girl.
She didn't even notice as she rapidly nodded her head back and forth with each word her crush uttered.
Harry tried to translate what the little girl said but couldn't make it out…"What was it you asked?" he asked hesitantly.
"Can I Have Your autograph!" She all but yelled in the common room. Immediately out of nowhere she produced a pad of paper and a quill, which she shoved in Harry's personal space… forcing Harry and Ron to immediately lean back.
Harry gently pushed the pad back towards the girl as he looked around the common room to find more than a few Gryffindor's sporting amused looks as they watched their housemate deal with the first year.
"Umm… sorry… Pauline… I'm not allowed to give autographs." Harry lied warily to the little girl.
The little Gryffindor then did something so evil… Voldemort would shudder.
Her eyes widened and glistened with unshed tears as her lips trembled, and she slowly let her hands drop down to her side as she looked up to her hero.
"Really?" she asked pouting tragically. Her eyes shining as she looked up towards him.
Harry felt like he had just killed a puppy.
"I'm sorry… ahh… its really professor Snapes fault… he doesn't allow it!" Harry guiltily watched as her head lowered and trembled sending her ponytails bouncing hither and thither with each little shake.
"Are you ok?" Harry asked hesitantly…
"Its… fine… I understand" she said quietly as she refused to look up towards Harry.
Harry kneeled down and hesitantly placed his hands on her shoulders sending her into another set of upset trembles. He looked up towards the common room once more and saw the judgemental disapproving glares from the females. Their faces scowling as they watched him. The boys sending him their sympathy as they watched the duo… When Harry looked up pleadingly towards Ron for help… the traitor turned away in clear refusal to get further involved as he pretended to have never met his best friend.
"I suppose… I can make an exception this once…"Harry hesitantly offered the girl.
Her trembles stopped as she heard this.
"Really." She asked meekly, as she continued to look down on the floor.
"Of course." Harry said kindly.
"It's Pauline with one l… "she immediately said moments after Harry had confirmed his signature… her eyes back to normal as she shoved the pad of paper under Harry's nose forcing him to lean back on instinct as he smelled the paper.
Harry wearily signed the paper and hightailed it out of the room. Ron following in his wake as he grabbed a vastly amused Hermione on his exit.
:-..-..-..-..-:
Harry received much teasing as a result of the newest Creavey but he challenged either of them to handle the situation any better. His challenge went unheard as Hermione pouted tragically at him as she imitated the evil little girls, eviler little face.
They made their way down to the breakfast table and started to pile their plates with food.
"So what are we going to take this year?" Ron asked in between mouthfuls of scrambled eggs… Large mouthfuls.
Hermione cringed at the site but ignored the familiar scene and answered the question.
"I'm going to see about taking the same courses as last year. What about you two?" she asked hesitantly. Referring to neither making the grade to take potions and thus become Aurors.
"I'm dropping history… and divinations… no use taking those. I'm not sure about herbology… but I think the rest will stay the same… except without snape!" Ron said with no lack of cheer. He had managed to beat Harry in the subject percent wise but still short of Snapes standard. Harry was surprised but proud of his friend. He had done slightly worse on the practical aspect, but managed to retain more information in his head for the written. Even Mrs. Weasley was proud of the feat, as his grades. he had returned home each year had been vastly different than his O.W.L. scores. That and Harry didn't think even she believed Snape was a completely appropriate teacher.
"But if… if you don't take potions you can't become an Auror… what will you do then. Maybe professor McGonagall could talk to him on your behalf." She said this while looking between the boys.
"Not a chance for me to do that… even if she could convince Snape to let me in, I wouldn't be able to hear the end of me using my fame to get my way in his class. Besides, I'm not sure I want to be a Auror anymore." Harry said reasonably as he took a sip of his orange juice.
"You don't?" Hermione asked sceptically? Even Ron had quirked an eye at that.
"Well not really. I don't want to have to fight for the rest of my life and perhaps escaping with most of my limbs still attached. Plus working for the ministry would suck!" Harry said resolutely.
Ron had cringed at Harry's moody reference. "Ya there is that…" he said. Harry had the sudden mental image of Ron with a peg leg and electric blue eye as he cried Constant Vigilance. Both friends cringed at the same time.
"There must be other jobs out there besides being an Auror… I mean I hardly know enough about the wizarding world to commit myself to any one job right now." Harry explained reasonably.
Hermione seemed to nod and accept his reasoning as she took a bite out of her toast.
Harry looked up from his plate and turned to the great hall doors at a strange tingle of indecision that had flashed in his mind. He heard a faint mumble … he caught the tale end of … 'not wanted' before the sensation and whispers disappeared.
He immediately spotted a familiar Ravenclaw.
"Luna…" he called.
She turned her eyes to Harry and watched as he firmly waved her over and scooted over while patting a seat next to him. She smiled warmly at him as she glided across the floor toward the trio.
"Hello Harry. Ronald, Hermione…" she greeted as she sat next to Harry.
Hermione frowned at her friend but said nothing to unwelcome the Ravenclaw as she greeted her back
"I think I know what happened with the bears…" Harry said with a smile.
"Yes… I figured it out too." Luna said sarcastically toward him with a smile.
Harry had not thought he would ever hear her say anything sarcastically as he had always thought the girl had only dreamy and excitedly dreamy as her only vocal range.
'She must be getting more comfortable with us.' Harry thought with a smile.
"What you figure out?" Neville asked as he sat himself beside Ron. Startling the red head as he took a swig of his pumpkin juice.
"The bears…" Harry said ominously. Neville seemed to shudder at the thought before he occupied himself with filling his plate.
"So what are you going to do with the weekend Neville. Class shouldn't start till Monday." Ron asked as he reached across the table for more bacon.
"My appointment with Professor McGonagall's not till tomorrow so other than that, I figure I'll head down to the green houses. Professor Sprout promised to look after a couple of my plants I had transplanted from home." He said excitedly.
"Right…" Ron said warily.
"Luna…?" Ron asked.
"yes Ronald."
"What you got planned?" He asked, as he took a mighty bite out of his plate.
"I'm not sure… I suppose I'll just wander the castle, maybe talk to him." She said vaguely.
"Him?" Hermione asked.
"Hogwarts… who else.?" She asked.
"What do you mean talk to Hogwarts… the schools not alive Luna." She said tiredly as she recognized another Luna statement.
"Well it's not not alive. It's not like you and me, but it defiantly is aware to an extent… don't you feel it?" she asked confusedly.
"Feel what?" Ron asked intrigued.
"Hogwarts… its always changing… trying to get better." She said affectionately as she looked around the hall.
It might have been Harry's imagination but the school seemed to brighten slightly at her proclamation.
"That's rubbish… no where in Hogwarts a history does it say that the schools sentient." Hermione Condemned.
"I don't know about that Hermione… Dad used to tell us storys… a lot of people think Magical Buildings can be alive." Ron said airily.
"Those are myths Ron…" She said exasperatedly.
"Anyway… you three shouldn't be using up your weekend lightly… I'm going to go study, The teachers will probably quiz us expecting us to have used our time wisely." Hermione reminded them firmly.
Harry thought that it was probably a possibility… especially with Snape, but he wasn't willing to give up his first school weekend so quickly.
"How about we meet up tonight and study… no need to cram like their will be an exam… we don't know what to study for yet anyway" Harry quickly reminded Hermione as she was about to correct him.
"Too true!" Ron agreed as he waved his fork about in emphasis.
"I haven't flown since the last quiditch match… I want to break out the old firebolt and go for a spin… you guys in?"
"Quiditch?" Ron asked excitedly.
"Probably not… we can think up something else to do but when was the last time any of us actually flew together…. Well without threstles." Harry corrected.
"I'm up for it. Neville" Ron queried.
He looked hesitant but at Harry and Rons pleading faces he gave in. Simultaneously they turned their heads to Luna. The girl raised a thin eyebrow at them but smiled her agreement.
"That leaves you Hermione…"Ron asked.
"Nu uh… I have studying to do … and I hate to fly." The girl reminded him.
"Oh come on… the last time I remember you flying a broom was in the key chamber, first year." He whined.
"That was different…"
"But you were really good" Ron said flattering the girl.
'Sneaky!' Harry mentally complimented
The girl blushed but still tried to escape. "I don't know about that… besides… I really should…"
"Come on Hermione… I was really impressed with your technique first year… and I'm sure you read a lot of stuff on how to fly since we were eleven. You're probably a natural." Harry further stroked her ego.
"Well there was this one book… but I don't know?"
"It wouldn't be the same without you…" Ron said charmingly as he rested a hand on her shoulder, causing the girl to blush gloriously… and Ron too, after realizing what he had done.
Harry couldn't help but smile in amusement at his two friends. 'And so it begins…' he mentally congratulated Ron on starting them on the path to amusing Harry greatly this year.
"I suppose…" Hermione said with rosy cheeks as she kept her head down but with a firm smile on her face.
Ron coughed, trying to regain his manliness and masking his squeaky voice as he avoided everyone's eyes… while saying ridiculous phrases like… "Good show."
'This years going to be fun…' Harry cheered
:-..-..-..-..-:
"Broom tag?" Ron asked.
"Definitely!" Harry readily agreed.
"What's broom tag?" Neville warily asked.
"It's a game me and Ron came up with last year during quiditch practice." Harry explained
"Basically the same as regular tag but on brooms… and with some rules." Ron said with a devilish glint in his eyes. They had just finished cajoling the last broom they needed from Madame hooch and were making their way to the lake instead of the quiditch pitch.
"What kind of rules…?" Hermione asked, wondering what she had gotten herself into.
"Nothing dangerous… actually there there to keep you safe…" Harry tried to comfort the girl.
"Definitely… had to think up some rules to keep us safe while playing." Ron added quickly.
"How so…" Hermione asked warily.
"Well since were going to be chasing after each other we figure its highly likely someone might fall off their broom…" At the quickly paling faces of Neville and widening of Hermione's mouth, Harry took over.
"Its why were by the lake… if we fall instead of hitting the ground… we hit the water… and we can swim up top, back to safety… after this summer I know we can all swim… so its no problem…"
"But we can still hurt ourselves seriously… what if we drown!" Hermione added in quickly.
"Well that's true but that's where the cushioning charms were all going to place on ourselves comes in and the fact that were all going to be casting bubble head charms on our heads before we head up their." Harry added in reasonably.
"Seriously Hermione… we thought this through…" Ron added.
"But… this has to be against the rules… were prefects we can't…" Hermione was desperately grasping at straws as she tried to find her way out of this pickle.
"Nope we checked last year… no rules say we cant fly our brooms anywhere other than the pitch and we are allowed a swim in the lake…. So were all fine rule wise." Ron added proudly.
It had taken another fifteen minutes convincing but they had managed to get the other three in the air. Eventually after the first few rounds… the three new comers found themselves enjoying the game as much as the creators.
They were limited to flying within the area between the beach of the lake and the ends of the Hogwarts boundry… and they had to keep within a 5 meter gap vertically. The person who was 'it' would wield Harry's Firebolt as it was determined that Harry held to great an advantage flying it, while the rest flew the school brooms. They avoided the 'it' person with whatever aerial manoeuvres they could manage while the 'it' person could leave the restrictions of their playing field and come in from any direction as long as they went no higher than the castle height. Which, admittedly was still pretty damn high.
Harry watched as Hermione let out a shriek as Ron targeted her to be the next 'it'.
"Make this easy on yourself granger… You cant out fly a Firebolt." Ron smack talked.
"Try me carrot top" she screamed as she flew by. Harry had to admit she had improved since her first year… but it seemed to be more the fact that she had relaxed enough to enjoy flying… she wasn't performing any fancy manoeuvres but she did manage a decent speed and some sharp turns.
So far she had managed to avoid falling into the lake where as everyone else had managed it at least once. Falling in from such a high altitude with a cushioning and a bubble head charm in place, was actually the better part of the game as the air in the bubble forced you to shoot up rapidly in the water often catapulting you like a yoyo completely out of the water before succumbing to gravity and falling in again. the cushioning charm made it feel like dozens of sheets were sling-shoting you about… it made for an awkward swim but manageable none the less.
Harry watched as Ron rapidly caught up with the girl…. The water slightly slowing him down as Harry had managed to actually perform a wronskei feignt on him over the lake… the result was a very wet red head who had shot out of the lake like a bullet from the buoyant forces and the impervious Firebolt that Harry had taken the time to cushion as well.
Weasley chased the flying encyclopaedia further into the corner of the playing field, she would soon have to make a sharp turn or be forced to be it by default.
He started to slow his approach as he didn't want to collide with her at the speed of a cheetah. Hermione predictably started her slow turn, and started to face Ron when he came to a slow stop in front of her; stuck between the boundary and himself.
"Give up…" he asked.
"Never…" she said firmly.
Ron could only smirk as he did something that Harry would remember for a very long time.
He slowly started to move forward as Hermione tried to move back and give himself some room… but Ron had already positioned himself. He raised his legs up quickly to stand on the end of the broom giving him a posture of an animal waiting to pounce…
And pounce he did.
He jumped high with the added velocity the broom had given him and landed on a shrieking Hermione as he topped her and the two fell head over heals into the water.
Harry could only laugh as every time They popped up he could hear Hermione shouting reprimands for Ron's foolish behaviour… which were quickly muffled as the two sunk back down into the water.
This repeated until they had managed a nice floating stop which predictably ensued in a splashing contest that Harry, Neville, and Luna quickly joined in.
Unfortunately no one thought to cast an impervious on their clothes so it was a very wet but happy group who had finally left the lake and Harry was forced to split from the group, to meat with professor Dumbledore… after quickly changing and casting drying charms on himself.
Harry paused outside the headmaster office as he observed the Gargoyle with annoyance.
The headmaster had simply said in his note that he could figure out the password.
Harry already knew what the password would be but tried to guess a few other magical candies before resigning himself to calling out.
"Gummy bears…"
Immediately the stone guardian moved aside allowing Harry access to the stair case as he traveled up its footings to the wooden door.
"Enter!" a kind voice asked from inside.
Harry resisted the urge to groan at the expected behaviour and opened the door to the headmaster's office.
The room was the same as always with multiple silver tinkering instruments that did who knew what and a wall covered in paintings of headmasters of yore.
Admittedly wary looking headmasters, who had watched Harry with a sort of guarded stance.
Harry figured they hadn't forgotten his little explosion at the end of last year.
What did catch his attention though was the rising figure of …
"Remus!" Harry called excitedly as he caught the warm smile of his fathers friend.
Remus opened his arms and pulled Harry into a paternal hug as he greeted him.
"My… you've grown since last I saw you… How have you been Harry" Remus asked as he pulled him away and observed Harry from head to toe.
"I've been great… where have you been?" Harry asked. He had received a gift from the marauder; a set of leather gloves and black sunglasses that had confused him to no end, but had seen hide, nor hair of the man.
"Ahh… I'm sorry about that Harry, I was called away on order business but I've been recalled and Professor Dumbledore…" he nodded to the smiling man who watched the pair with a bright twinkle in his eye.
"… Informed me that he has some things you need to understand that a guardian might be better present for."
"Am I in…Guardian?" Harry paused at the word and looked guardedly towards the headmaster and Remus.
"Yes Harry, Guardian… Let me start from the beginning." The headmaster cleared his voice as he prepared for a little tale.
"You see, after that faithful Halloween night, we were still looking for a suitable home for you… in your parents wills it was mentioned that should Sirius be an unsuitable guardian for any reason, Remus was to be your second choice, if not them, a list of other names were given… unfortunately for one reason or another Remus here was the only name on the list left capable of the task. Unfortunately, due to former werewolf restrictions… Remus was denied the guardianship." Dumbledore explained cautiously to the listening youth.
"I really tried to fight the ruling but the ministry was dead set against it… and well… they placed a general restraining order for any Dark creatures entering Surrey. It's one of the reasons I was never allowed to come see you as a child… I desperately wanted to… but never had the ability or the resources to until last year with the help of the order."
Remus explained imploringly to the stoic faced youth; willing Harry to believe him.
"I know it's a bit late… and I don't know if you even need me… but since the Order is running the show I have been given an exemption and they're allowing me to be your guardian… I won't force it on you if you don't want me, but I'll be more than happy to…" What Remus was about to say was cut off by Harry quickly hugging him… tightly. No one said a thing as Harry fastened on to the belated dream come true.
The unknown relative who had come to take him away from the Dursley's…
Remus took that as a yes.
"I have a home… its in muggle London. The order is placing warding on it for now. It should be ready by Christmas… It's a bit small but you will have your own room and its close enough to the tube that you can get to Diagon alley within minutes… I'll stop by during the year and we can make plans…" the werewolf said happily… more so than he had been in a long time.
No one said anything for a long time till a red faced Harry had wearily released his grip on the man and tried to conceal his embarrassment by fidgeting in his seat.
Dumbledore, understanding Harry's plight, decided to divert the awkward silence away from him.
"There are a few other matters I would like to address with you Harry. One is a serious oversight on Hogwarts part. It is a wonder you had been able to function in our society so long without the proper instruction." Dumbledore praised him.
"Sir?" Harry asked gratefully accepting a new topic.
"Do you recall earlier this summer when we were talking about the Order's origin and place in the magical world. I had mentioned a guide." Dumbledore refreshed Harry's memory.
Just as Harry was about to comment there was a knock at the door.
"Just in time… Come in" Dumbledore called.
The door opened to reveal the hunched over figure of Rubeus Hagrid as he squeezed through the door frame.
"You wanted to see me Professor? Harry?" The man quickly spotted his favourite student as he made his way inside.
"Hi Hagrid." Harry greeted the man.
"Hello Hagrid. Yes… it is actually about Harry that we need to discuss." Dumbledore said in explanation.
"Is everything alright professor?" Hagrid asked while taking glances between the two and looking towards Remus every now and then.
"It is nothing that can not be fixed. An oversight has been made; I am afraid I did not check when you first picked up Harry, to make sure all the proper arrangements had been made." The man explained. He waved his wand creating a much larger chintz chair for the large man; causing Harry to be trapped between Hagrid and Remus.
"Oh?"
"Yes… Hagrid… in all the commotion of that day… did you perhaps forget to present Harry with his guide?" Dumbledore gently asked. He seemed to try and keep it as friendly a question as possible as he did not want to upset the man.
Hagrid looked at Dumbledore in confusion for a moment before his face seemed to pale.
Hagrid said a number of hushed colourful words before starting on a minute long apology as he babbled about how sorry he was to both Harry and Dumbledore.
Harry could only pat Hagrids hand in comfort while saying that it was okay.
"…It's just that I got so angry with them Dursley's… and I meant to, I remember checking me pockets before entering the door and I felt the book in one of them… I still have it… I'll go get it." The man tried to get up and make a run for his cabin, perhaps ramming through the walls in the process but Dumbledore silenced him and beckoned him to stay seated with a firm… "Hagrid!"
"It is all right… I do not believe Harry will hold a grudge on the matter and I happen to have an updated Guide I have prepared just for this meeting with me." Dumbledore explained.
"Really?" the giant of a man asked with beetle eyes glinting towards Harry in desperate confirmation.
"It's okay Hagrid… its no big deal… I'm getting a better guide than the one I would have gotten… sounds like a plus." Harry said smiling at the man.
"Indeed." Dumbledore said with no small amount of amusement as Hagrid enthusiastically thanked Harry.
"Now Harry, as the name suggests… The Guide is a guide to the magical world we give to muggleborns or wizarding children who do not live within wizarding populations, or all wizarding families. This guide interactively fills in the gaps of knowledge on what the child needs to know for his or her given situation on magical life, in and around London."
"Interactively?" Harry asked perplexed.
"Rather than explain, how about I show you." Dumbledore reached into his desk and pulled out a black leather bound book with gold embossed lettering naming it… The Guide.
Harry took the book in his hands and after looking towards the adults in the room for confirmation opened it to reveal…
"Its empty?" Harry said perplexed.
The first paged was a clear plastic like sheet of paper that divided the cover from the hundreds of blank yellowing pages.
"Please place your hand on the clear paper of the first page Harry." Dumbledore instructed. Harry did so if not warily and waited. He didn't feel or see any difference and looked up at the headmaster for further instructions.
The man smiled while peering down at the book and said. "You may now read Harry…"
Harry looked back down only to find the page he had his hand on earlier to be completely black and clouded over, except for a few words written in the same clear transparency the paper had been moments before
Welcome to the magical World Harry Potter.
Harry flipped the page and found a table of contents listing different aspects of wizarding culture from holidays to currency. He flipped to a random page and found a description of the wizarding legal system.
"I would suggest you read that at your leisure to get caught up with the rest of your classmates." Dumbledore suggested. Harry nodded emphatically.
"Hagrid If I could trouble you… could you inform professor McGonagall that we are ready for her."
"Of course professor. Harry, I'm really sorry. I'll see you in class… I will see you in class won't I?" the man asked worriedly.
"Already got my text book Professor" Harry said with a smile.
Hagrid could only blush as he still hadn't gotten used to be called a professor. He patted Harry on the shoulders rocking his chair back as he left the office.
"I hope you don't mind Harry but I had asked Minerva to schedule your appointment for your class schedule after our meeting. I would like to work in some time for your other activities throughout the year. Thus, would like to be present for your appointment… do you have any objections."
Harry shook his head saying that it was fine.
"Sir… why are we having these appointments… I don't remember any of the other sixth years having them." Harry asked the man.
"Actually Harry… they did. It was during the summer the previous years after they had received their results, but this summer has been a little more hectic than normal so we decided to use this fortunate weekend of ours to compensate." The headmaster explained.
"Oh… well that makes sense… but why an appointment at all… I don't remember having one for when we were deciding our third year courses."
"An excellent point Harry, But you see these appointments are not just for course schedules… they are also here to help guide you on all aspects of your final two years at Hogwarts." The man explained.
The rest of the time spent in the office passed by slowly as Remus took the time to demand Harry explain how his training was going and in general fuss over him as much as Mrs. Weasley ever did.
It was a good 15 minutes until the head of Gryffindor, and surprisingly Slytherin made their way through the door.
"Hello Mr. Potter, Remus." Professor McGonagall greeted them as she carried with her a slightly thick file she quickly placed on the desk. Snape grumblingly ignored the occupants of the room only greeting the headmaster as he took a seat as far away from his student as possible.
"Professor" Harry said in greeting nodding toward his head of house but resolutely ignoring his previous potions instructor.
"Now shall we get right to it then…? I have reviewed your scores for your O.W.L.'s and I am most pleased with your results… although normally I would frown upon any of my students receiving a troll. No one will fault you for that with Sybil…"
"Minerva" Professor Dumbledore said in warning…
"Yes well… as I was saying… I believe last year I promised you my assistance with helping you become an Auror. I have brought Professor Snape here to negotiate your acceptance into his class." Professor McGonagall announced warily.
Harry fidgeted under his head of houses reminder of her pledge to help him in his endeavours.
"Actually professor… I've done a lot of thinking since I got my results…. And I've decided that becoming an Auror is not a career I want." Harry said warily as he slowly made eye contact with his head of house.
He did not see the scolding glare he had expected to see but the soft accepting smile he had witnessed only once before during his second year.
"By all means Mr. Potter, it is your life… do you have a career goal in mind that you would like to focus on though?"
"That's the thing professor… I don't know of any wizarding professions other than Auror, Ministry worker and teacher. And opening up your own business but other than those I don't know enough to make a decision…" Harry said a little embarrassed, especially admitting it in front of his most hated professor who was coldly observing Harry.
"What is this nonsense…? Don't waste our time Potter! You are expected to have done enough research in preparation for these meetings." The Slytherin head scolded frigidly.
"That is not true and you know it Serverus… you yourself had been indecisive no less than three times during your own appointments." Professor McGonagall sternly reminded the man.
"Also Mr. Potter has just been given his Guide as of 20 minutes ago… and has yet to review it…" Dumbledore piped up, staring pointedly at a Snape.
"Just been given… don't tell me Hagrid forgot! I remember reminding the man when I handed him the copy." McGonagall flustered as she took in the information.
"The matter has been resolved… but because of the situation Harry is lacking in the knowledge of suitable careers he might want to pursue."
"Yes … of course… Tell me Harry what would you like to be… or do for that matter, describe your ideal career and we will see if there is a career to match it in the wizarding world." The woman gently prodded.
Harry stopped to think… 'What do I want to be…?' He honestly had never really considered it. He thought of all the muggle jobs he could remember admiring.
"Umm well, when I was young I always wanted to be a pilot…but I don't want to spend the rest of my life flying a broom. I always thought bill Weasley's Job was great… a curse breaker. But I don't really know much about it… and the goblins are kind of rude."
"I know for sure I don't want to work for the ministry as they are; too much politics… and I'd probably be used right away as a spokesman for them. Could you tell me what options I have available to me so far with the courses I've taken?" Harry asked desperately in an attempt to stop talking.
McGonagall furrowed her brow in thought and reached into her folder for a white sheet of paper.
"Well I can't fault your reasoning, but to avoid working for the ministry does limit your choices… From your grades and courses you have taken… you can easily apply to become, a beast specialist, an example would be the Weasley's second eldest son, Dragon tamer I believe, you could also become a healer should you continue your potions studies…" professor Snape scornfully snorted at that, causing the other three adults to glare at him in warning.
"… we have certainly allowed exemptions to continue in the course before and I see no reason why that cannot be the same here. Also if you are willing to independently study Runes in addition to potions, you will be eligible to become a ward crafter. With the same constrictions plus one more year of apprentice ship under any chosen field of magic. You may apply to be trained as a magical researcher."
"Magical Researcher?" Harry asked intrigued.
"You have met many during your time at the order headquarters… they mainly study magic and its interactions with our world. They are also in charge of spell development and are the ones responsible for designing almost all the spells you have used since you started Hogwarts." Dumbledore explained to the youth.
Harry suitably impressed could only look on in thought as he considered the career.
"It sounds impressive… but how come arithmancy isn't part of any of the requirements?" Harry asked puzzled. He thought it would at least be a requirement for research position.
McGonagall frowned imperceptibly but answered any way. "It is a difficult course, but it has no real world applications unless you are looking to make statistical projections. It is another form of divinations in essence. A much more precise form, but just as vague. Most of the careers I have listed do not require it as a prerequisite skill; as to apply its concepts to any of them could result in dangerous circumstances."
Harry only nodded a little surprised. He had to admit he had assumed the course dealt with math and all its intricacies when applied to magic. He had assumed he was severely limiting himself when he did not take the course. To say he was relieved was an understatement. But he did find it Ironic that Hermione had given up one form of divinations just to take another.
"Well professor… I'm leaning towards the magical researcher position or ward crafting, but, do I have to decide now, or can I still have the option to choose a different subjects later on." Harry asked. He thought it was slightly unfair that he had already set his course load in third year without having any understanding as to how it would affect his career choices in the future. It made him blush slightly, at his and Ron's reasons for choosing the courses they had.
"It is getting a bit late to do so…but if you are willing to work at it… There are independent night courses run by the ministry that you may choose to take to further your options once you are out of Hogwarts. May I suggest that you continue taking Charms, Transfiguration, and Defence, as your core subjects Care of magical creatures and potions as extracurriculars, and you use the free time from your smaller schedule to study Runes independently." McGonagale said while using a quill to check off subjects on a page.
"I think not Professor, I will not allow this glory hound to waste valuable time in my class roster. Let him become a bar tender at a run down pub in knockturn alley." Snape said acidly.
"Serverus, that is enough!" Dumbledore said sharply. Snape and Harry could both tell that Dumbledore was beyond agitated… the angry frown he wore was one step bellow frightening.
An Awkward silence followed where Harry thought Snape was deciding on the best way to save face.
"My apologies headmaster…" Snape said formally. He seemed to be apologizing to Dumbledore instead of Harry. Harry didn't think he would ever consider apologizing to a Potter and he didn't really care, but just watching Dumbledore scold him was worth the insult.
Professor McGonagall turned an irate eye toward her colleague but said nothing to further escalate the tensions as she shuffled her papers.
"So are we agreed that Harry shall take potions with the sixth years… McGonagall said with finality."
Harry was about to object… but Snape did it for him.
"I do not remember agreeing to such." He said aristocratically as he observed a tiny cylindrical object on the shelf that emitted black smoke.
"And why not." McGonagall asked testily. Harry could see she was holding back a scream of frustration from the man.
"Simply put, Mr. Potter has not achieved a grade I deem worthy of being taught in a sixth year level potions class. The potions we will be creating are far too temperamental for a novice without the talent to safely attempt."
"If I recall… Some of the students in your Slytherin class… achieved far lower grades than Mr. Potter, but are being allowed to continue. And If I am not mistaken Many of their grades previous, did not reflect the mark they achieved under the more than fair exam conditions of an O.W.L. Procter." McGonagall said smugly.
"Are you insinuating something Professor…" Snape asked dangerously.
"Just stating a fact… Professor." McGonagall said as dangerously.
Harry took the frigid glaring contest between the two role models for the student body as his best chance to state his wishes.
"Professors If I may." At the abrupt hand gesture Professor McGonagall gave him he took his opportunity.
"It is clear that me and Snape…" At the warning nod from Dumbledore Harry conceded… "Professor Snape… Will have a difficult time dealing with one another if I was his student."
When no one said anything Harry continued on.
"Maybe it would be best if I were to study potions independently as well." When no one said anything he decided to go on as all eyes were on him. Even if Snapes were less than friendly.
"I've already bought a Potions text this summer with this in mind, if I were to borrow class notes and perhaps have an outline of what the sixth years were to be taught, I think I could handle…"
"Such arrogance, do you think you can do better without an instructor's guidance. Simply by following notes and outlines. There are reasons you have teachers." Snape said sardonically, but something in his voice seemed off, Harry almost thought he sounded worried.
"Well Professor, maybe you could explain to me what you would add to the scenario…" Harry challenged. It was borderline rude but Harry had a point he wanted to make.
"What would I add? I have years of experience that accredit me a master of the art. You barely managed to scrape by a worthy cleansing draft." Snape snorted amusedly at the absurdity of it all.
"Well all I have planned is to use the instructions in the book I have purchased with your no doubt useful class notes to prepare my potions… In class so far we have taken notes and been given a recipe to follow… I don't see how the scenario will be any different." Harry said theatrically perplexed. He wanted to point out on how useless Snape really was for the subject. If he was a good teacher… he sure as hell wasn't one when Harry was in class.
"Are you questioning my teaching methods Potter?" Snape said icily as he leaned into face the brat.
Harry was proud that he did not as much as budge as the man leaned in to intimidate him.
"No…Sir" Harry said with as much respect as he could muster for the man. Which was nil.
"Gentleman…" Dumbledore said sternly as he looked over the two.
"Sir" the duo said in sync as they turned to face the man.
Dumbledore directed a furrowed brow at the two… but sighed in consternation at their equally hot headed attitudes.
"Harry, I believe your suggestion may have merit. At the end of the year I will have an Impartial Newt examiner come in to test your skills." He directed a stern glare at his head of Slytherin, but said nothing.
"Mr. Potter, I'm afraid I must point out, that should you attempt this, I can not allow you to continue on the quiditch team as you will be attempting to catch up with your fellow students in two subjects without a instructors guidance." McGonagall said regretfully. She seemed more upset with having to say this with her competing head in the same room, than with the actual scenario.
Harry stopped to pause... He did love quiditch, and it was one of the few things he had been looking forward to this entire year. But it did eat up a lot of his time. Harry was prepared to argue the matter but knew there was only one responsible thing for him to do… at the smug look Snape was wearing, he knew he would regret what he was about to say.
"I suppose I must give it up then… I'm sure the new captain would be more than capable of finding a good replacement. Besides I hardly played last year and we still won… I'm sure Gryffindor will do fine." Harry said this more for his head than himself, as she looked particularly crest fallen.
"I understand Harry. It is the most responsible choice considering…. But I am allowing you to participate as a reserve seeker should the Gryffindors seeker be incapacitated during a game." McGonagale said with more cheer at the possibility that Harry might still be able to play.
"Thank you professor." Harry said graciously.
Harry was a little confused as he had expected Snape to be giddy with depriving Harry the chance at quiditch… but he was grumpily avoiding eye contact with all members of the room.
"Well then the matter has been settled. Mr Potter, you will be taking Transfiguration, Defence, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, and in your free time you will study Potions and Runes. I will have the course outlines and class notes delivered to you…" McGonagale said primly as she scribbled some notes in her paper."
Harry tried to get a look at what she was writing but the folder was closed quickly.
"Expect your formal schedule Monday during breakfast." She said as she gathered a few documents she had scattered on Dumbledore's desk.
"Thank you professor." Harry got up awkwardly as his head of house did.
"On a side note… I had the opportunity to review your written exam… I am very pleased with your performance. You came in second of your year; for my class." The woman said warmly as she spared a rare smile to her student.
Harry blushed at the praise and thanked her once more as she, and a sick looking Snape exited the office.
"You got second of your year in transfiguration… well done. What were your grades?" Remus asked excitedly. Harry, startled at Remus's sudden input, could only blush further under the praise and secretly for forgetting his presence.
"I did okay… It was nothing special." Harry tried to downplay the score
"I do happen to have the results with me if you would care to have a look." Dumbledore said happily as out of no where his exam results were presented to his new guardian…
Dumbledore ignored the aggravated looks Harry was sending him in favour of observing his new guardian.
Remus readily grabbed the folded parchment and quickly looked at it.
Harry watched as Remus scrutinized every detail of the paper. Harry fidgeted under the silence as he waited for Remus's verdict.
He slowly raised his head above the folds of the paper to look at his new charge.
"You got better than perfect on a defence exam…" Remus deadpanned as he looked at Harry in proud astonishment.
Harry stuttered that he got lucky but couldn't avoid the ruffling of his hair as Remus took his time praising him for each and every mark.
"Oh this does remind me Harry, we should schedule you to take your history exam again." Dumbledore said in embarrassed shock at his own forgetfulness.
"I don't really intend to take history sir…" Harry said in respectful dismissal.
"Even so… it would be better for you in the long run and much easier on my paperwork if you would retake the exam, if nothing else it could raise your already impressive 7 O.W.L. Score to 8 and that does reflect well on a resume." Dumbledore coaxed.
Harry conceded agreeing that he had nothing to loose and was informed that the retaking would take place before the winter holidays.
"Now Harry I did bring you here for one other purpose… we are almost done I do promise."
Harry waited patiently for the headmaster to continue… he was getting a little hungry as he had skipped lunch.
"You might have noticed yesterday that Professor Snape was absent yesterday during the feast." Dumbledore asked. At Harry's Nod that he had indeed noticed he continued.
"He was debriefing the order on his summer long reconnaissance with Voldemort." At Harry's surprised but eager face Dumbledore quickly said.
"I can not tell you all the information that he had gleamed, but some information that he did gain was who Voldemort planned to target next.
"New targets…" Harry asked warily already knowing the answer.
"Yes… I'm afraid that in addition to a few notable names… you have been targeted specifically to be killed on site." Dumbledore said sadly
Harry relieved at the information only released a breath he had been holding in and sighed.
"Oh I was worried that my friends had been targeted… This isn't very new sir" Harry said with a smile.
"Well it is in the sense that all death eaters were given orders previously to capture you and bring you to Voldemort directly. He at the time wanted to make you an example and clear any doubts anyone had about his being defeated by a child. But now he does not appear to want to take the chance that you would embarrass him once more."
Harry had paused to frown at that but wasn't to upset over the information… Remus on the other hand was twitching ever now and then as he put his arm around Harry's shoulder. He would squeeze a bit harder than Harry had thought a normal human could and Harry swore his shoulder would pop out of his socket from the strain.
"I'm sorry to say that until further notice I can not willingly let you leave the school unless you are escorted by bodyguards or by at least two teachers. This means until further notice Hogsmead visits are out of the question." Dumbledore said sadly.
Harry for a moment wanted to complain but could respect the decision as at least he was informed why instead of being mislead like in third year.
"I must ask you not to try and sneak out either… I am trusting you in this matter to not." Dumbledore said sternly. Harry quickly assured him that he would comply.
"Now it is getting late and I have taken up much of your time. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and should you ever need to see me please do not hesitate." Dumbledore said by ways of a friendly dismissal.
Harry and Remus quickly left discussing their respective summers as they made their way down to the kitchens.
:-..-..-..-..-:
"Harry where were you mate?" Ron asked as he spotted his friend entering the Gryffindor common room.
Harry spotted Ron sitting on the love seat by the wall opposite Neville in a game of wizarding chess. With Ginny sitting next to him engrossed in a book she seemed to be forced to read. Harry could tell she was forced to read it by the stern look Hermione graced as she seemed to be tutoring Ginny in a subject. Also she seemed less than willing as she lazily turned a page in her book while zoning out in boredom.
"Oh I was talking with Remus in the kitchens… I guess time sort of flew by." Harry said as he sat beside Neville to observe the game.
"Remus was here… how come?" Hermione immediately questioned… relieving Ginny temporarily of her forced studies.
"Dumbledore brought him over for the meeting. He managed to become my new guardian so he thought it would be good if he was there to explain things."
"Is that all he asked you there for…? "Hermione questioned.
"Well no… I also had my appointment with McGonagale there." Harry said vaguely. He didn't want to mention his news on Voldemort as he was fairly sure Hermione and Ginny would start to rant.
"What you taking mate." Ron asked eagerly. Neville and Hermione both turned their heads to stare at Harry in question as well.
"Well I'm going to be taking Transfig, Charms, DA, and Hagrids class." Harry explained.
"Is that it… what about potions… or herbology… or astronomy…" Hermione asked scandalized.
"Well I need the free time to catch up in runes and study potions on the side." Harry said reasonably.
"You're doing runes… That's great… I'll get you my notes. What about arithmancy… it's a fascinating subject." Hermione gushed as she tried to persuade her friend to take more courses.
"I don't really need it for what I'm planning to be." Harry said.
"What's that?" Ron asked.
"Well McGonagale told me if I work at it… I could probably become a Magical researcher or a ward crafter… those sound much better than becoming an Auror." Harry said a little excited himself.
"A Magical Researcher…" Hermione asked a little hesitantly… Harry got the idea that she had not thought him the researcher type.
"What?" Harry challenged.
"Well are you sure you don't want to become a Auror, your already training with the order, and no one would deny you that, you just don't seem the type to research."
Harry thought about arguing with her for her lack of faith but decided to ignore the matter.
"Well those are the things that interest me the most, but who knows… I might not want to work in the wizarding world at all. I might want to go find a job in the muggle world later on." Harry said reasonably… he had indeed considered the possibility as he was much more comfortable in the muggle world than he was in the magical one.
"You're leaving the magical world..." Ron asked in shock. Hermione to was not expecting that, as she stared in surprise at her friend… Ginny looked if at all the most dumbstruck. Neville seemed to be taking it the best as he looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow but accepted the statement.
"But Harry you don't have any schooling in the muggle world. We can't just go back. We quite their schools when we were 11 how are you going to hold down a job." Hermione asked in worry.
"Well I can't be the first one to have wanted to return to the muggle world after finishing Hogwarts. I'm sure there's a way… and my parents left me enough money so I can definitely live on my own while I'm getting whatever prerequisites I'll need." Harry tried to comfort his shocked friends.
"Besides I'm not dead set… but its another option I have for after Hogwarts." Harry reminded.
Needless to say Harry did not hear the end of the conversation until late into the night… when he could finally escape to his warm bed.
:-..-..-..-..-:
AN: Huh… this is my longest chapter yet… but one of my most boring in my opinion. Anyway I'll see about getting another chapter out before the new year… I kinda rushed this chapter out for Christmas.
That's right… no more quiditch… well at least… not much of it… Harry will get his chance but it won't be a major thing to look forward to this year. I'm not much of a fan of the sport as I find the games a bit boring, I didn't want Harry to start to find the game boring himself as in the books its clearly shown that he is just as obsessed with the game as Ron… but I figure if he is given a choice between getting a good job and going toe to toe in the Gryffindor Slytherin annual quiditch match… he'll choose getting a good job.
I'm compromising on Luna's character a bit… she is still the same dreamy girl as cannon described her as but she is slightly more guarded than people realize… she is starting to become comfortable enough with Harry to drop that guard and interact with him on a more natural level. Normal Luna I cant see as making a teasing sarcastic remark… my Luna I figure will if she knows the person. Its all under the principal that if your more comfortable with a person, your more willing to expose your own personality to them… not just the face everyone else normally sees. I don't think I explained that well… but hopefully the majority of you guys will get that.
You might notice that not everyone in Harry's circle of friends are exactly keen on inviting Luna in.
How did you guys like my Pauline… I figure as the only Creavey female inexistence… she has a couple tools she can use on Harry that her brothers simply can't master.
For all those Ron Hermione shippers out their… I wouldn't get to excited… I have plans for their relationship but its not going to end the way you guys would like. I have some plans in place for them. I'm deviating from cannon at a slow pace…
Next chapter expect classes some new spells, and the return of a previous character.
Also some other things I'll keep secret for now
And yes I have a reason for bringing back the gummy bears. Plus I kinda like them.
Merry Christmas
Quazi