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.
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15 Spreading the good tidings
Remus and Harry left Professor McGonagall to enjoy her tea and went in search of the others. They found Mrs Longbottom and Neville in the kitchen and Harry told them about his question regarding the Potions class. When Neville heard that he'd be dealing with Mr Teague or someone other than Snape for Potions he looked like the weight of the world fell off him.
"If that could be arranged, I could take Healing anyway, gran. You know I'd love to do that above all other. Please say you'll let me ?"
"Yes, Neville you may. I was worried about Potions for you but if Mr Teague will accept Harry's offer, you can join him and pursue Healing. All I'd like to ask you, Neville is to also take the NEWT in Wizarding Society."
"That makes two of us then, I'm registering for that class too. Professor McGonagall said not too many students bother with the full course and it did sound interesting."
With Neville in a much better mood, he and his gran were off to the library to speak with Professor McGonagall. Harry and Remus went looking for the others and found them all in the living room. Mrs Granger and Mrs Weasley were talking about wizarding life, Ginny and Hermione were discussing the OWL exams and the twins were watching Ron play a game of chess against Mr Granger. When they noticed Harry and Remus were in the room all eyes were quickly trained on the two. As Harry had expected it was Hermione who was quickest to ask "So Harry, what was so important you needed to speak to Professor McGonagall first ?"
"I wanted to find out if studying at Hogwarts could be combined with home study or private tutoring. I was pretty sure I'd never make it to Snape's NEWT potions classes and that's a requirement for auror studies. Unfortunately Professor Dumbledore told me that Hogwarts will not allow that."
Harry saw the expected emotions flitting across the student faces in front of him. Both Ginny and Ron were looking happier as he explained, but looked crestfallen at the latest news. Hermione on the other hand had a slight rebellious look about her and was a little relieved at the bad news so far. So Harry was quick to continue with his news.
"On the other hand a personal tutor might just be allowed due to the unusual circumstances of me being both a minor and considered of age at the same time. What my tutor then ends up teaching me is of no one's concern. And I can also invite anyone I like to join me for those classes."
Ron was the most vocal of the group, whooping at the idea of not having to deal with Snape but still able to take Potions should he decide to continue with Auror classes.
"Do you have anyone in mind for these classes, Harry ?" asked a hopeful Ron.
"Well, Mr Teague is a Potions Master and already does some tutoring so I was going to ask him."
"Ooo, Harry, please say I can join too ? It would be so good to have Mr Teague for Potions this year, rather than Snape. Please say I can ?" pleaded Ginny.
Harry smiled at her and than looked at Mrs Weasley, the question clear on his face. She was smiling and nodded her approval at the plans.
"Hold your horses, Ginny, you might not be so keen anymore should Mr Teague decline my offer. Professor Dumbledore has a reserve for us in mind, but you might prefer Snape over the mysterious alternative. Why don't you wait for a few days until you know for certain who the teacher will be before you decide."
"Honestly, Harry, do you think that there could be an even worse teacher at Potions than Snape ?" laughed Ginny.
Harry chuckled at the idea.
"Well, before I go off writing my letter begging Mr Teague to teach us Potions, there was also the other issue that Professor Dumbledore threw at me. Tell me Hermione, did you notice the list of Study Groups mentioned in the second letter ?"
"The one with Art and Duelling on ? Yes I did, but I'm not taking any of those. I'll need my time for more important things."
"You're not ! That's a shame because I was about to ask you for your help running one of these Study Groups again."
"Again, what are you talking about … ooh, you mean the Defence Association is actually us, the DA ?"
"Yep, and we've been asked to continue this year, expand it to allow students from second year up. There would be three sessions, one for 2nd and 3rd years, another for new recruits and one for the DA members of last year. The DADA teacher is enthusiastic about the idea and will help any way possible."
"But Harry, won't that be an enormous amount of extra work ?"
"Not really, Hermione. For the youngest group I think it will be mainly an opportunity to give them a bit of additional practice time. After all they have a year's worth of studying to catch up. And that will be mainly basic stuff. And we can start with a revision for the middle group and then do what we did for the original DA last year. The only extra work we'll have is for the old DA where we'll need to come up with new material. I was thinking to ask the DA for help with the new sessions though. If two or three of them would assist per session then it would mean one extra session per month for the old DA members. Both the DADA teacher and Professor McGonagall have promised their assistance and I'm positive that Remus might be persuaded to give us a few helpful tips, as will Tonks and Mad-Eye, I'm sure."
Harry was now looking at Remus trying to see what the last Marauder was thinking of the idea and saw the man's eyes light up at the idea. Remus' words were just the confirmation Harry needed.
"What do you think I've been doing in those DADA practices, guys. We have six more weeks before school starts again, so I'll make sure you have enough material to fill two weekly sessions for the Advanced DA."
Ron and Ginny were both looking amused and eager but Hermione looked doubtful so Harry continued.
"Hermione, I know how important the next two years of education are and I for one intend to do my utmost to keep up with work and get decent grades. And I already promised both Remus and Professor McGonagall that if things become too much I'll be flexible towards those extra DA classes and even the Potions classes. But I won't forget to have some fun too, Hermione, after all we all need to live a bit ! And for your information, Professor Dumbledore saw this coming ages ago and is in full support !"
Harry turned to leave the room and said while walking out :
"Neville and his gran are in with Professor McGonagall now. Could anyone fill him in on the DA ? He's already aware of the Potions situation. Wish me luck with my letter to Mr Teague."
"I'll come and help, Harry, after we've spoken to Professor McGonagall, OK ?" suggested Ginny.
"Ehm, Harry, maybe we could all sign the letter ?" came from Hermione.
"I'll get the parchment and quills and come back down and we can write the letter together and all sign it, will that do ?" smiled Harry.
The next hour they spent compiling a first draft letter to Mr Teague. Halfway through the letter Ron and his mum disappeared and Neville joined them. Harry brought him up-to-date with the latest news and also told the others they could expect a deliriously happy Ron, the latest Gryffindor Quidditch captain when his talk was over.
After Ron's earlier suggestion to write "Dear Mr Teague, Please save us from Snape and teach us potions.", they agreed the finished letter was much better.
Dear Mr Teague,
Today our Head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress, Professor McGonagall delivered our OWL results. We are all very pleased with our marks and are looking forward to our future education (there's an interesting new mix of subjects available to us this year.)
However, as I mentioned to you on your first visit we have one subject that we are less enamoured with and that is Potions. Our teacher at Hogwarts is a very good Potions Master but according to most of his students lacks the teaching skills. I have discussed with our Headmaster, our Head of House, my guardian and the other students here the possibility of changing teacher.
Would you be willing and able to teach my friends and me ? These lessons would have to take place at Hogwarts, once a week and to avoid too much grumbling from other teachers, students or parents, scheduled either on Saturday or Sunday (preferably mornings). The regular 6th year Potions course states 3 hrs of classes per week.
For your information there would be five students for sure and maybe a sixth one should she so wish. There would four sixth year students (Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom and myself) and Ginny Weasley is a fifth year student preparing for the OWL exams in June next year (as is our friend Luna Lovegood, whom you've not yet met).
Although there is no need to hurry your decision (our class list needs to be returned to Hogwarts by 31 July only) your hopefully future students eagerly await your decision.
Looking forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience,
Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley
When all his friends but Harry had signed the letter, Harry added a little PS to the letter.
PS I enquired after the going rate for a private tutor and heard from different knowledgeable sources that it would be 15 Sickles per hour per student. I would like to offer one Galleon to compensate for the difficulty in having to teach two grades and the inconvenience to teaching during the weekend. If my calculations are correct (4 weeks/month, 3 hrs a week, 5 or 6 students) this would make a monthly fee of either 60 or 72 Galleons.
Knowing the four men lived close to the estate border Harry happily sent Hedwig off with the letter so she wouldn't feel left out and wished her a safe trip. After all she was a very noticeable owl and after last year's injury Harry was feeling very protective of her.
Contrary to Harry's earlier comment they'd face an exuberant Ron, the youngest Weasley son was subdued after his talk to Professor McGonagall. When Neville inquired about Ron's final subject choices he perked up a bit explaining he'd chosen Law and Order in Wizarding Sports as an additional NEWT in view of a possible auror career now that he'd be able to take potions classes away from Snape.
When Harry made the semi casual remark that the NEWT was also a good choice now Ron was both Quidditch keeper and Captain and it would open up another career path for him, Ron looked up surprised and asked :
"You knew ?"
"The reason the badge and nomination wasn't included in your OWL results, was because Professor McGonagall wanted to explain to me she'd chosen for competence before years on the team. I honestly am happy she chose you, Ron. I won't lie to you. Of course I would have loved being captain, but you know better even than I myself, that I know too little of the game to be a good captain. You'll do great. Congratulations !"
Harry's words clearly lifted a heavy burden off Ron's mind and true to Harry's earlier words Ron was bouncing around in gleeful anticipation for quite some time.
The talks with Professor McGonagall had taken slightly longer than planned so it was decided to skip what would be a very late tea but opt for an earlier dinner instead. Harry took this opportunity to tell Professor McGonagall about his unusual summer, the dreams of Sirius, Remus joining him in those dreams too and the warm feeling and his parents' voices. He told her of arriving at the manor and the first shock at meeting the resident ghost. As the two of them were again seated in the library, Mr Black made his appearance at just the right moment.
"Mr Black ?" came the very wobbly voice of his Head of House.
"Yes and no, Professor McGonagall. This is the ghost of Sirius Black who died three hundred years ago. In the last generations the Black family motto has been seriously misinterpreted and he was the last true Light of Heart Black. It is thanks to his Inheritance Charms that I came to be here."
Harry went on explaining the Amor spell and the consequences they'd found out so far.
"So you see, Professor, what with these powerful wards, knowing I don't have to worry, and feeling very rested even if I do visit with Remus and Sirius in some strange way and having fun for the first time in long, I'm really doing well. The house elves are providing us with plenty of delicious food and snacks and we're learning new things and even get to practice our DADA. We get to play Quidditch without fear of being seen and are swimming to our heart's content. This is the best summer ever !"
"Yes, Harry, I can see that you are doing well and I'm very happy for you. I realise life hasn't been kind to you before so if anyone deserves this it's you."
Professor McGonagall shook her head slightly and smiled at Harry. "Now that's enough of Auntie Minnie speaking, I'll best revert back to being your Head of House before you get too used to it. Mr Potter, you better work hard this year so that I don't regret telling you this. The reason you got on the NEWT Potions list was that Professor Snape had to lower his standards. Hermione and Justin Finch-Fletchely were the only students to achieve an O grade and the Board decided that it was a ridiculous demand to start with."
Harry tried to hide a grin but failed miserably and found to his amusement that Professor McGonagall too couldn't stop smiling. That's when Dobby popped in to announce dinner was served and the two made their way to the kitchen. Harry invited Professor McGonagall to drop by as much as she wanted over the summer as he pointed to a book he knew she had wanted to consult for some time.
"Mr Potter, thank you for the invitation. You can be sure I'll drop by over the summer. I've already spotted a few other books as well that I'd like a look at."
Despite the late change in their schedule the house elves served a brilliant dinner and every one was in high spirits after the OWL results and the talk of future plans. They'd finished their meal but were still sitting at the table when a regal looking and very tall owl came swooping through one of the large glass panes and landed in front of Harry. The letter it carried had the Gringotts seal so Harry took the letter from the owl and Dobby came to take the owl for a quick snack and drink before it returned to Diagon Alley.
Dear Mr Potter
Both Wednesday and Thursday are fine provided you arrive before 7:30 am at Gringotts Bank. Business at that time of day is still slow so your arrival will pose no problem.
Looking forward to making your acquaintance.
Yours sincerely
Schmegg
Head Goblin
Gringotts
Harry was finished reading the note and said :"I can go to Gringotts either Wednesday or Thursday morning, so whatever suits you guys best. I have some serious shopping to do though so don't forget to pack your walking shoes !".
"Pack, Harry ? What do you mean ?" Neville asked.
"Drats, I knew there was something I didn't tell you yet. Sorry guys, but you see, this place is so protective that if the owner isn't at home no one can stay. If I go to another Black residence, you'll all simply travel along with me but if I were to leave at 7 o'clock for Gringotts you would all end up Merlin knows where. Before you came, Remus and I were in the kitchen and since I'd finished I thought about visiting another home of mine and decided to pop over, only poor Remus here, in the middle of his breakfast, ended joining me. The only exception to that would be Grimmauld Place as the Order now has its official HQ there and so we move for the night, I go to Gringotts at the crack of dawn and you'll all be able to sleep in. Once I'm done at Gringotts I'll pop back there and we'll all return to Diagon Alley for some heavy shopping. We'll do that either on Wednesday or Thursday when Diagon Alley will not be too crowded and dangerous."
"What will we do if Mr Teague hasn't decided yet whether or not he'll teach Potions by then Harry ?" asked a still concerned Hermione.
"Good point Hermione." Came from a pondering Harry. "Professor McGonagall, can you first tick a subject and then remove the tick again ? If so, we could indicate NEWT Potions, note down the books required and get them anyway, and then remove the tick from the box. That way we'll have the title of the book handy. And if we don't get all the books upon this shopping day, we can always return later."
"Yes, Mr Potter, you can tick a box and remove it afterwards. And from what I've heard of Mr Teague, you'll not have to wait that long for your answer, as I believe Mr Teague is actually walking this way now."
"What ?" came from several sides and as one the students turned towards the garden to look outside, a hopeful expression clearly visible on all faces. Professor McGonagall was amused to see the rapidly changing emotions playing on her favourite Gryffindor student's face.
And indeed, there came the quickly approaching Mr Teague and Harry scrambled to his feet in an attempt to reach the door in time to allow the man inside.
It wasn't until right that moment that Harry understood himself how much he really wanted Mr Teague to say yes to his offer. Barely able to cling to his propriety he managed to introduce Mr Teague to his Head of House and Hermione's parents, but only just, before blurting out "And ? Will you be our teacher, Mr Teague ?"
With five eager faces looking on, Mr Teague gave a slight smile and said : "Well, seeing as you're all so enthusiastic, yes, I'll teach you Potions."
Harry heaved a huge sigh of relief and both Neville and Ron gave a louder expression of their happiness at the news. Remus, the twins and Mr Weasley were all grinning and even Professor McGonagall sported a small smile.
Mr Teague spoke up again.
"I wanted to know your level of studies, so does anyone have their notes and the books you've used of the past four or five years. I'll get them back for you within the week and we can discuss the practicalities for the classes then. Will that do ?"
"That is fine, sir," said Harry, "but would you have an idea for a course book yet ? We were planning to go shopping for our school supplies later this week. If you have a strong preference we could already get it along with the rest. But if you prefer to wait before you decide on a book, that's fine too. And I have all my books and notes here, including all my homework. I'll be back in a moment."
As Ginny had brought her notes and books too, having packed them thinking she'd end up in Grimmauld Place for another miserable summer, the two of them made their way up to their rooms and returned to the kitchen shortly after both laden with a pile of course books and notes.
Mr Teague took a quick look at the two sets of course books and returned Ginny's as they were identical to those Harry had. Dobby provided him with a weight-reducing bag and Mr Teague left after promising to provide them with the title of the book or books he would like them to use in the next two years by tea time tomorrow. After sending Lily to Professor Dumbledore with a note giving the positive outcome of Harry's question the seven youngest residents of Black Manor remained in the kitchen while the elders went off for the comfort of the sitting room.
When Mr Black, duly informed of Mr Teague's decision to teach them, came into the kitchen several minutes later, he found the seven still sitting at the table, all silent and with a silly grin on their faces. His appearance in the kitchen seemed to bring them out of their daydreaming haze and Ron voiced their sentiments when he said "I did not dream that, did I guys ? Mr Teague has just agreed to teach us potions, didn't he ? It's going to be brilliant not having to deal with Snape anymore !"
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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