The Half Blood Prince Revealed
Summary :
Harry's summer before sixth year is no different from the others. Around every corner surprises, good and bad, and adventure of all kind await. And it looks like the gods have finally granted Harry a possibility for a nicer life. What will this mean for his 6th year at Hogwarts ?
General Disclaimer :
I am just playing in the sand of JKRowling's literary produced beach and am attempting to build my own sandcastle for others to enjoy.
Author's note :
So sorry I missed last week's update. I was seriously under the weather and it has taken me the best part of the week to get better. I'm making up for that though by posting two chapters today. Should be back to update next Saturday.
14 OWLs and NEWTs
It was Monday morning and Mr Black was just in the middle of an interesting story on duelling customs in his young days when the tell tale sign of a phoenix arrival was heard. The next moment Fawkes landed on Harry's knee and dropped a note in his lap. Harry petted the beautiful creature and told him to go on up to his bedroom where Lilly's perch was situated and he would find a few treats.
Mr Black announced he'd take a fifteen minute break while Harry answered his mail. Smiling his thanks, Harry too made his way to his bedroom to read and answer the letter.
Dear Mr Potter
Headmaster Dumbledore has told me upon my return from holidays of the events that have taken place in your life and assured me you are doing well. He also spoke of his promise to you to give you and your friends the results of your exams sooner, so you can shop for your new books a little ahead of time.
With OWL results and school letters ready for dispatch next week I would like to take this opportunity to basically invite myself over to hand you and your friends these letters in person. If you like we can also look at the possibilities your test result will offer you for your NEWT studies. I am at your disposal for the remainder of today or all of tomorrow.
With kind regards
Professor M McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry wrote a note back with instructions and inviting her and Professor Dumbledore for lunch and if she wanted she was very welcome to stay overnight. He also wrote a note to Schmegg, the head goblin at Gringotts to inquire after his availability on either Wednesday or Thursday morning for a talk and a visit to Harry's new vaults.
Mr Black gave up on the idea of continuing his story once Harry announced the OWL results and new school letters would be hand delivered by Professor McGonagall that afternoon. Ron suddenly seemed to remember that those results were due and Hermione was bouncing off the walls with anticipation.
From Professor McGonagall's note Harry figured that maybe the OWL results might be something that students wanted to discuss with their parents and after checking with Remus decided to invite Neville's grandmother and Hermione's parents over too. For Hermione's parents Harry would need Professor Dumbledore's help, so he wrote a note to him, including the note to Hermione's parents.
Both Fawkes and Lilly returned shortly with approvals from Mrs Longbottom, Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore on behalf of the Grangers so Harry made his way to the kitchen to advise Dobby and Winky of the additional guests for lunch. Rather than being put out for the short notice they seemed to be happy with the unexpected extra work.
By the time his guests were due Harry was almost sorry he'd warned about the arrival of the results ahead of time as Hermione had steadily grown worse as the hour approached. With Ginny's help Hermione was no where near the hall when her parents arrived almost immediately followed by a beaming Professor Dumbledore.
As he greeted Mr and Mrs Granger and welcomed them in his house Ginny and Hermione started making their way down from the bedrooms. Once she recognised the new arrivals she rushed down the stairs and hugged her mother and her father and her mother and father all over again, all the while talking nineteen to the dozen.
Shortly after Mrs Longbottom too arrived and Mrs Weasley was guiding everyone over to the kitchen. Harry remained standing in the hall together with Remus, awaiting the final guest of the day. Mere moments later she arrived, with her wand firmly in one hand and a small bag in the other. She smiled and clearly relaxed her stance when she got sight of Harry and Remus. A small pop gave away the arrival of Winky who took charge of Professor McGonagall's overnight bag while Harry welcomed his Head of House to his home. He also warned her of all the others in the house and excused himself for giving her the extra work seeing the other parents too.
"Nonsense, Mr Potter, I enjoy doing that and I normally never get the chance to. And it shouldn't take all that long anyway."
After Remus too said his "Hello" he invited Professor McGonagall to the kitchen, and Harry walking behind her nearly ran into her as she stopped dead still in the kitchen door. Obviously she liked what she saw because Harry was certain he heard her say "Merlin!" before she snapped out of her surprise and continued into the room. While his Head of House said her hellos to all in the room Harry noticed the saucer like eyes on Hermione's parents and realised they would not get to see magic very often. He would have to check with Hermione soon to find out if she'd told them about ghosts to warn them ahead of time when Mr Black would make an appearance.
After a loud but enjoyable lunch Remus showed Professor McGonagall up to her room so she could retrieve the letters she'd brought over. Harry noticed Hermione had calmed down considerably but a twinkle in Professor Dumbledore's eyes explained a lot. He'd probably cast a mild calming charm on her. Taking the opportunity he enquired with Hermione about the ghost situation and was relieved to find out they had been told but Hermione added she wasn't sure they had really taken that fact in.
Professor McGonagall and Remus made it back into the kitchen and suddenly the tension augmented considerably. Handing out the envelopes she started to their astonishment with the twins. As she continued to hand out envelopes Harry looked on in amusement as for once the twins seemed speechless and were in the process of doing a good 'fish on dry land' impression.
Harry wasn't too concerned as he opened his letter. His grades might not be exceedingly good but he was sure to pass the most important classes.
Results Ordinary Wizarding Level
Passing Grades : Outstanding (O) ; Exceeds Expectations (E) ; Acceptable (A)
Failing Grades : Poor (P) ; Dreadful (D) ; Troll (T)
Harry James Potter has achieved :
Astronomy – A
Care of Magical Creatures – E
Charms – E
Defence Against the Dark Arts – O+ (1)
Divination – P
Herbology – E
History of Magic – D
Potions – E
Transfiguration - E
For achievements far above set norm and a demonstration of passion for the subject, a second OWL will be added to your score.
Congratulation on your score of 8 OWLs.
Please refer to following parchment for the list of classes available.
"Wow !" was all Harry could think of, before rereading the page. Remus had moved to stand behind Harry and had obviously read the results along with Harry. He placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and gave him a squeeze. "Well done Harry".
Harry looked up at Remus with a smile and then looked at the others and saw Ron with a beaming smile, Neville had an expression of disbelief on his face and Hermione looked disappointed.
"So Ron did real good, Neville has a surprise score and Hermione did not so good on one or other as she hoped." Harry thought to himself before returning to the second page in his letter.
Dear Mr Potter,
Your OWL scores make following subjects eligible for your upcoming year :
NEWT level :
Care of Magical Creatures - 3 hrs
Charms - 3 hrs
Defence Against the Dark Arts - 3 hrs
Healing - 3 hrs
Herbology - 2 hrs
Potions - 3 hrs
Transfiguration - 3 hrs
Wizarding Society - 3 hrs (a)
Wizarding Sports : Law and Order - 3 hrs
Other available Classes (OWL level or below)
Ancient Runes - 2 hrs
Arithmancy - 2 hrs
Basic Healing - 2 hrs
Care of Magical Creatures - 1 hr
Introduction to Wizarding Society - 1 hr (a)
Muggle Studies – 2 hrs
Study Groups (b)
Arts
Astronomy
Charms Club
Chess Society
Current Affairs Society
Defence Association
Duelling Club
Gobstones Club
Muggle Studies
Readers' Society
Please tick the boxes of the subjects you wish to continue with and return the completed form by 31 July. The following page will reflect the required booklist based upon your choices and will include a list of extra reading material for an in-depth study.
The new school year will start on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross Station, Platform nine and three-quarters at eleven o'clock.
Yours sincerely
Professor M McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"Introduction to Wizarding Society" is Mandatory for all 6th and 7th year students but can be replaced by the NEWT level "Wizarding Society"
Study Groups : Inter-house groups (mainly 6th and 7th years but younger students are accepted) meeting after dinner on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. These might be cancelled if interest is too low. Participation will be confirmed by the second week of classes at the latest.
Harry turned to the third page and all he saw there was :
Booklist for Harry James Potter
No choices have been made as yet
Harry turned back to his list of subjects and still couldn't believe that Potions was included in his NEWT classes list. He also wondered if the Defence Association mentioned in the Study Groups was actually the DA. That would be a hoot ! Still smiling he looked up again to see what the others had to say. Mrs Weasley was crying and smiling at the same time and the twins were sporting a goofy grin on their faces. Ron was obviously chuffed and both Neville and his gran looked relieved and proud. Harry caught Ginny's eyes and she mimed "I'm not a prefect" at him with a big grin. Harry smiled back at her before he wiped his forehead and mimed back "Thank Merlin". It was Ginny's loud guffaw that had everyone start talking at once and Harry couldn't make anything out of it all so he just sat back and enjoyed the moment. Mere moments later they'd calmed down enough and Harry asked "And, Ron ?"
"Failed Astronomy and History but somehow managed Divination. I've got 7 OWLs."
"That's brilliant, well done."
"And Hermione, is it eleven straight O's for you ?"
Hermione looked like she could cry when she said : "No, I have only an E for Astronomy. I just don't know what I did wrong. It's dreadful."
"But that's still good Hermione, and you most likely only made a mistake because you were distracted. I'm sure you'd have gotten an O if it hadn't been for Umbridge and her cohorts."
"You think so, Harry ?"
"Oh Hermione, I'm absolutely positive you'd have gotten an O otherwise."
She managed a smile when she thanked Harry.
"And you Neville, how did you do ?"
"I have seven OWLs and an O+."
"Well done Neville. That O+ must be for Herbology, am I right ?"
"Yeah, the professor was impressed with my mimbulus mimbletonia. Said not many people can look after them properly."
"That's right. You've the greenest fingers of anyone I know."
Harry saw Mrs Longbottom stare confused at Neville's fingers and was quick to explain.
"I'm sorry Mrs Longbottom. Having green fingers is a muggle expression to indicate someone who has a way with plants. Just like Neville."
"You had me wondering there for a moment, Harry. Smart way to express it though. And you're right. Neville does have a way with plants. He has that from his mum."
"I do ?" came Neville's surprised question.
"Oh yes. All the plants at home are the ones your mum had around your home. It's too bad the hospital won't allow them in their room. They both loved plants a lot."
Neville looked like he'd gotten fifteen years worth of Christmas and birthday presents in one go. His gran noticed and apologised to her grandson for not telling him more about them.
Harry diverted the attention away from the two by asking the twins : "Gred, Forge, what happened guys. Did they offer you Special Awards for Services to the School for re-decorating ?"
The two looked up in astonishment and asked in perfect sync : "How did you know ?"
Harry laughed, sure they were having him back but was surprised to see Mrs Weasley look really proud.
"The Board has also granted us a five year period in which we can enter the NEWT exams we missed out on. Normally we would have had only one year to restudy all the subjects, but now we could spread them out a bit. We weren't going to bother but now we will take our NEWTs after all." explained George.
"Right," said Fred, "not to mention the generations of Hogwarts students to come who will have to polish – without magic – our Award plaques for their detention.
This made everyone grin widely.
"And you Harry, what did you have ?" asked Ginny.
"I have eight but failed divination and History." replied Harry.
To which Remus quickly added with clear pride in his voice "Not to mention his O+ in Defence."
"Because you taught me the Patronus in third year, Remus. That's what impressed the professor to no end." said a pink-cheeked Harry making Remus blush at the returned praise.
It was Professor Dumbledore's "I believe you have all done well." that steered the conversation to the point where Harry finally admitted "I know that the most polite thing would be for me to let all you talk over your results with Professor McGonagall first, but there is something I'd like to ask and inquire about that just might influence things for all of you, so I hope you'll forgive me this breech of cordiality."
"It's quite all right Harry," said Mrs Longbottom, "under normal circumstances we would not have been given the chance to talk to a professor at all."
"As a matter of fact I'd like a word too, Harry, before you plan your class schedule with Professor McGonagall. I too have a question for you that might influence your decisions." said Professor Dumbledore.
Harry nodded, wondering what the headmaster might want to ask. The three of them stood to go to the library and Harry saw Remus looking unsure what to do.
"Will you come too, Remus ? I might your fatherly advice at some point I'm sure." Remus was quick to follow them out of the kitchen and they installed themselves in the comfortable seats at one end of the library.
"Before we start, could you tell me if the Defence Association I saw mentioned in the Study Groups is actually our DA ?" asked Harry.
Professor Dumbledore was the one to answer.
"How nice of you Harry, to start with the reason I wanted to speak to you. Yes indeed, that would be your DA. The Study Groups section of the letter you just received is something that is automatically added by the magic surrounding Hogwarts. It will list all the groups that have been active in the past ten years. The duelling club would be a remnant from your second year when Professor Lockhart was going to introduce you to duelling. But there is also a group of students, friends from before Hogwarts actually who learned to play a musical instrument and who have met on a regular basis for the four years they've been at Hogwarts. Since you started the DA before Dolores forbade these groups it was also added to that list.
Now to the reason why I wanted to speak to you Harry. I met with the Board yesterday to discuss this year's overall results and they had a question for me regarding the discrepancies in grades. It seems that the grades for DADA have reached an all time low with most students barely passing. But very strangely, scattered among three houses and several years there is a group that has gained the high scores of O and E's, including even someone with an O+ and they wanted to know how that was possible. So I told them about Umbridge's policy and your DA group. They were shocked at Dolores' approach and simply raved about your DA. It is on their behalf Harry, as much as my own that I want to ask you to continue the DA and even expand it. All students could do with some extra tutoring in Defence and I had in mind to open it to second years and up."
Harry's eyes widened ever further at what the headmaster was asking. He started shaking his head at the impossibility of the whole idea. Too many students with too wide a variety in expertise …
Professor Dumbledore stopped at the movement of Harry's head. "You don't want to do it, Harry ?"
"No, I mean, yes, I mean … Sorry Professor but it wouldn't work with all those students together. We'd need a few instructors for the second and third years alone. No offence but apart from Remus and maybe Moody alias Crouch we've not had the best teachers for DADA. And those in last year's DA would be quickly bored with the rest of the students, so you'd look at at least three different sessions. And even then you have the potential problem that there would be too many students in the two new groups. And what will the new DADA teacher say when he, ehm, or she finds out that a student is teaching alongside him or her ?"
"Well, Harry, I can already tell you that the DADA teacher will be very happy you are willing to help her and she in turn will help you by keeping you up to date on what they are learning in classes. And splitting up the group into three will be very good. I don't think all students will want to participate in what is effectively an extra curricular activity anyway. So you'll work mainly with highly motivated students Harry. The question is do you want to sacrifice six or seven hours on top of your own schoolwork every week to teach them. Think it over Harry and talk to your friends and even the old DA members. You have until mid-September to decide and I'll keep you informed of the amount of students that actually sign up from 6th and 7th year when they return their letters. I can also tell you Harry that if you do accept it the Board would be open to any unusual requests you might have for your own education."
Harry looked up at that statement. Did Professor Dumbledore suspect what he wanted to ask ?
"How much control would I, and the rest of the group, have on who to accept into the DA or would everybody that registers automatically have to be accepted ? There are a few students I would not trust."
"The beauty of these groups, Harry, lies in the fact that they are to all intents and purposes organised by the students themselves, and unless the students would ask for help the teachers would not interfere with the running of them. And since the DADA teacher is wild about the idea, she'll offer her help regardless leaving you still in control. As I said, Harry think it over, you don't have to decide right this moment. As you know the letters need to be returned to us by 31 July, so I'll let you know who has signed up within the week following."
"OK Sir, I'll talk it over with my friends and will keep you informed as well on any developments that might occur."
During this whole conversation neither Remus nor Professor McGonagall had spoken but now his Head of House clearly wanted to say something.
"Professor McGonagall ?"
"Oh dear ! Harry, after this conversation I'm not sure how you'll receive this bit. You see, I wanted to talk to you about Quidditch. You know Gryffindor needs a new captain again, and Katie Bell indicated at the end of term that she wanted to concentrate on her NEWTs. She'll play but did not want the extra work of being captain. That leaves you Harry as longest standing team member."
"But Professor, don't you want the best for captain, rather than the one with the most years in the team ? Yes, I'll agree I would love to be captain but I'd be no good at it. I'm a good Seeker but I don't know enough about strategies for the team or the other positions. And remember, I have a lifetime ban on Quidditch. I'm not even part of the team for the moment. And even if I was I would suggest you give captaincy to Ron. He lives and breathes Quidditch. He'll be as good as Oliver Wood if not better."
Professor McGonagall visibly relaxed as Harry talked.
"Thank you Harry. I had no idea that Professor Dumbledore was going to suggest you running the DA on such a large scale. And just for the record, you'll do a marvellous job and I'll help you any way I can if you accept the task. But I feared after that conversation with the headmaster you might have taken my decision to indeed award captaincy to Mr Weasley as a way to manipulate you into a decision."
"So you already decided that Ron would be a good Captain ?", asked Harry. Upon her nod, he beamed and said "I think that it might be just what Ron needs to take his studying a bit more serious."
"Harry, I must admit I'm terribly curious to find out what you wanted to talk to Professor McGonagall about. Would you mind ?" came Remus with an apologising air.
Harry smiled at the unusual curious behaviour of Remus and started with his explanation.
"I wanted to ask you Professor McGonagall, about the possibility of home study and if it could be combined with studying at Hogwarts. I've looked in the Black library but the only references I can find deal with either pre- or post-Hogwarts education. I wanted to find out about it because I was convinced I would not make it to Professor Snape's NEWT classes. I saw that it was mentioned, so either you have found another Potions teacher or you have been able to wangle me on the list, but I'd still like to know about home schooling.
I'm sorry Professor Dumbledore, I know you trust him, but in the past five years Professor Snape has not given me many reasons why I should trust, like or even respect him. I understand he may be important to the Order, but as far as I'm concerned, I would prefer it to never have to deal with him again."
"I understand Harry, and can respect your viewpoint. What did you have in mind that would also involve your friends ?"
"Well I, or I should say, we have met another Potions Master, who already does some tutoring. I would like to hire him if he's willing, to tutor both my friends and me. Preferably that would happen during the school year, on a weekly basis, like regular classes, but if not, I'm sure that we could spend parts of our holidays studying like we do now. In any case, I've not yet suggested this to either my friends or Mr Teague, but no matter what the outcome is, I'll not be taking Potions with Professor Snape."
Harry looked at Remus and was relieved when he nodded and smiled at Harry. Professor McGonagall looked pensive but Professor Dumbledore also sported a smile and his eyes were twinkling at him.
"I suspected you would suggest something like that Harry ever since you introduced Mr Teague two weeks ago. And when I talked to him yesterday I discovered he not only knows and loves Potions but he will make a great teacher. I also looked up different possibilities. The Hogwarts Board normally does not allow for students to bring along their private tutors. But sometimes exceptions need to be made. I found reference to a case where a fourteen year old became Head of his Family and was actually declared 'of age'. He too had an honorary guardian and it was decided that he would receive additional classes in Estate Management. As Hogwarts does not provide these classes they were allowed to bring in a personal tutor.
I can bring up these circumstances and in view of your majority next year and second estate you'll need to manage then, I'm sure you'd get permission, with or without the DA job. Only restriction I can see them placing on the scheme would be that they request these extra classes to take place in the weekend so no one could claim favouritism with regard to the other class schedules. Once the Board agrees to your 'home tutoring' you can invite whomever you want to join you in these private sessions.
I'll return to Hogwarts and prepare your case. If you could contact Mr Teague and ask if he's interested in the job, that would be helpful. Should he decline your offer I know someone else who will be a great Potions teacher for you and I'm confident you'll like him too. Anyway, we have nine days to organise this as your class list needs to arrive by the 31st . You can inform your friends about this Harry. We'll find a solution no matter what the Board decides. I'll leave you to finish this conversation unless you have more questions for me, Harry ?"
"No Sir, Professor McGonagall and Remus will be able to help me with the remainder of my questions. Thank you for your help and consideration."
Professor Dumbledore said his goodbye and stepped out of the room. Professor McGonagall was looking at Harry with something close to pride and when she spoke Harry was surprised at her affectionate tone.
"When Professor Dumbledore told me you were doing well Harry I had my usual doubts but I must admit that I'm impressed with you. At the same time you leave me puzzled. You were so angry and depressed by the end of term. What happened to make you so happy in such a short time ?"
"I have had tremendous help, Professor. In fact I'd like you to meet someone later. He's been an inspiration to me in more ways than one."
"Very well, Harry. Do you have an idea of which courses you'd like to take ?"
"I do, but I believe I'll have to change a few. I had in mind to continue the DA anyway, only on a less grand scale. I wanted to continue with Charms, DADA, Herbology, Transfiguration and Care of Magical Creatures and I liked the idea of Healing. But I was also recommended to take Ancient Runes and Arithmancy."
"Yes, I was disappointed when you took Divination in stead. Even only Runes or Arithmancy would have been so much more interesting."
"I agree up to a point, Professor, but at the time I think Ron and I were unconsciously trying to hold on to our childhood years. And I think I especially will appreciate the study more now than back in Third year."
Professor McGonagall smiled at Harry's last statement and nodded. "You could be correct Harry about both assessments. And it is also true that you have too much on your plate with all the NEWT classes you mentioned. But if you were to choose the OWL level studies for say Care and Healing I believe that your schedule would be workable then. What about the Wizarding Society class ? Which do you prefer ?"
"I don't know professor, I have no idea what that class is all about. Is it the reverse of Muggle Studies ?"
"In a way it is. The introductory course will give you a general overview of rules, regulations, things like traditions, the workings of the Ministry and the power the Minister holds. It is very basic but most students opt for this version. I believe that most, even the pureblood students, would be better prepared if they had bothered to take the full course. A lot of the times however, those that do opt for the full version find themselves in a class of five or even fewer students and thus get a more personal approach to the course than would be usual. Several alumni have told me they enjoyed the class immensely and that they did not regret the extra two hours a week."
"Would it cover something like Estate Management ?"
"It does so to some extent in 7th year but can be addressed in 6th if there are not too many students in the class."
"OK so if I was to take NEWT Charms, DADA, Herbology, Transfiguration and Wizarding Society and the OWL level Runes, Arithmancy, Basic Healing and Care, that should leave me the time to do three sets of DA. With some of the old hands to help out with the two other sessions, and the assistance from teachers it would be workable. Don't you think ?"
"Harry, NEWT studies involve a lot of self studying so you'll need to be disciplined to keep up with your work. A lot of students find themselves suddenly overwhelmed with background reading, essays and summaries on top of the other work and sometimes even crack under the pressure. If you keep an open mind with regard to both those extra Potions classes and DA sessions and arrange to have a free week every now and then should the schedule be too much, than I believe you can handle it, including Quidditch and the DA."
"Thank you Remus, you think so ?"
"Harry, I saw how you worked on that Patronus, back in your third year. If you really want something you go for it even if it is hard and tiring work. So yes I know so. All I would ask of you, Harry, is for you to ask for help should it become too much anyway. It might be that you just need a break for a few days to recharge your inner batteries but if left ignored would lead to serious harm."
"I promise, Remus, I will. If anything that's what I learned from last year's fiasco. And I now have a much stronger support, don't I. I can send Sirius to haunt the bad guys !"
Harry had an impish smile on his face and Remus' only retort was a playful slap to Harry's head.
"All right gentlemen, that will do ! If you have no further questions, please leave this room and send in the next student." Said a smiling Professor McGonagall.
"Actually, professor, there was something else. Do you know what happened to my Firebolt ?"
"I knew I'd forgotten something in between all your jokes. It is currently residing in my office. When Madame Hooch returns in two weeks I wanted to ask her to run a thorough check on it. If you can handle not having it back until you return you'll be sure it's jinx free and well cared for."
"That will do fine, Professor. I have another question. I know Mr Malfoy bought brand new brooms for the entire Slytherin team. Do you think that if a Gryffindor alumni were to offer purchasing brooms for both the House and reserve team that it would be accepted ?"
"That would be most generous and very smart thinking. And yes, a gift like that would be more than accepted."
"Thank you Professor McGonagall, for your help and advice. I'll keep in mind your offer of assistance to the DA. I'll go and tell them about the Potions classes before I send in the next; that should cut the explanations a bit on your end. Would you like something to drink while you wait ?"
"Ooh, a cup of tea would be wonderful Harry."
No sooner had she finished speaking and with a soft pop Dobby appeared with a full tea tray.
"Thank you Dobby. One of these days you really have to tell me how you keep doing that. It's brilliant."
Author's Note :
Thanks for reading. Would love some feedback from you though.
If you enjoyed this (and previous) chapter(s), you might be interested to know the story is a few chapters further along on my yahoo group (for link see profile page).
Have a nice weekend all.
kadedeetje