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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35 Dreams and Things
It was with a vague sense of unease that Harry prepared for bed that Wednesday evening. Their Wizarding Society Class had been both very interesting and fun and, even based on this small sample of teaching, it would prove more than worth the extra effort of taking the NEWT class.
Finishing well before Ron's History class had ended and with plenty of work to do, especially reading for tomorrow's classes, the three of them retreated to their own study-spaces. Nearly three hours later, Harry was still trying his best to comprehend the first chapters in his Arithmancy handbook, Ron had come calling to head down for dinner and Harry had gladly complied.
And that's when things had gone a little sour. Ron had been miffed as, upon his return from another boring History class, he'd found not only Hermione but Neville and Harry too occupied doing their homework. It was still only the first week of school and Ron didn't really want to get started on learning just yet. He had wanted to tell Harry about arranging the Quidditch team try outs, the moves he wanted the players to learn, the new brooms the team would be playing with and the many and exciting possibilities a reserve team brought with it. Instead he'd found himself alone with Dean and it just wasn't the same.
All through dinner he'd complained about it and Harry, knowing that an extra read of those first chapters tonight wouldn't suddenly bring him the needed comprehension anyway, allowed his friend to vent his frustration and then gave his comments and limited insights to the different plays Ron suggested.
But as he got ready to go to bed he hoped that Ron's lack of enthusiasm to start on his homework would quickly be solved or the peaceful future in Gryffindor Common Room didn't look too good.
Harry was enjoying the sun in his face, the cries of the seagulls, the gentle salty breeze through his hair and the soft tickling of the sand around his bare toes as he held his lovely Ginny by his side. They were taking a leisurely stroll along their beach while the fine summer weather permitted them to do so.
From a short distance off they heard Ron's voice shouting "Hey lovebirds, picnic's ready!" and Hermione's less loud but still audible "Oh honestly, Ron, I could have hollered too."
His two closest friends were seated some way further up ahead, surrounded by a gaggle of children. Ted, Remus and Tonks' son at 6 just made it as the eldest of the group of kids, baby Pippa, Percy's second child, at six months the youngest. There were two sets of twins, boys for Fred and girls for George, another daughter for Percy, Ted's two younger siblings and Charlie's son to complete the group. Their parents were enjoying a free day, while the kids came to play with their youngest uncles and aunties at the beach.
"How do I know all this ?" Harry began to wonder as suddenly the barking voice of Sirius could be heard.
"Harry my boy, well done – excellent dream, by the way !"
Harry looked up, puzzled at the remark, until he saw the not-so-slender Ginny beside him, obviously pregnant with their child. No sooner had Harry had that notion enter his head and Sirius and he found themselves back in the Ministry of Magic in the room with the veil. Not really liking the twinkle in Sirius eyes – not to mention the smirk on his face - Harry just knew he'd be teased with this later.
"I'm sorry to disturb such a lovely dream, Harry, but I figured you'd like to see this for yourself." And away Harry was once again, this time ending up in a dark and dreary dungeon like room. Currently three people were present. Voldemort himself sat on an ornately carved throne, two death eaters kneeled at his feet. They were explaining why they had returned so quickly from their mission. The tower block where they were supposed to go was in fact totally empty and ready for demolition and redevelopment so it was probable the address change of one of the muggle families had not yet been registered in the files at the Ministry at the time Basil had managed to get his hands on the address list. Voldemort was taking their report with enough grace that a mild crucio was their only 'reward'.
But his relative calm didn't last much longer. In quick succession four death eaters popped into existence in the room, one even more dishevelled than the other, two of them sporting numerous albeit smaller cuts, bruises and wounds.
An angry Voldemort was shouting out his fury toward the newcomers as one of them voiced his own disbelief. "He betrayed us, that bastard actually betrayed us."
"Who did?" demanded Voldemort.
"Basil." The death spat said.
"You lie, he would not dare !"
"I saw him, he stood by, smirking as the aurors captured the others." the man replied indignantly.
A look of disbelief showed briefly on Voldemort's face as he looked the death eater in the eye but he was quick to return to his fury and frustration when he realised the man not only spoke the truth but he'd lost even more of his followers to the aurors rather than gaining them back.
Venting his rising anger Voldemort threw out hexes and curses at the six unfortunate death eaters, but in his anger he missed more than he hit his targets which only angered him further.
Harry could see that while Voldemort was blazing in anger and blind to all but his fury his shaking was getting worse and he was – even to Harry's untrained eye – visibly weakening. Once he'd sent the six on their way – ordering one of them to summon Snape – he plopped down ungracefully into his chair.
That's when Harry found himself back in the Ministry of Magic in the room with the veil, where a grinning Sirius and Remus were awaiting his return. Obviously Sirius had not been able to keep his mouth shut about the dream he'd interrupted, but when even Remus started teasing him Harry was quick to retaliate and ask about Remus' own love life and his interest in Tonks. If even Harry, who freely admitted not noticing such things even if they were staring him in the face, had registered enough to come up with that scenario, there had to be some truth to it, no ?
After a blushing Remus had stuttered his way through his denial, they called a truce and discussed the successful actions at the ministry that evening.
When Harry woke that Thursday morning he was sporting both a smile and a blush. How was he ever going to be able to look Ginny straight in the eye after that !
Quickly however, curiosity drove him to his trunk-study to check on the Serious Hell Prison Status book to see what the current situation was.
The book worked even better than Harry anticipated as he looked through the list of prisoners already present in their new accommodation. Not only did he see the sometimes numerous crimes the prisoners had committed but also the current mood they were in.
From the length of the listed prisoners it looked like the aurors had been quite busy in the past two days. Looking in more detail to the list of crimes of some of the senior death eaters, of Lucius Malfoy's calibre, Harry was shocked at the sheer number and gravity of them.
Equally jumping out at him were those death eaters that had no crimes listed other than "forced to join TMR". Harry penned a quick note to Madame Bones to ask what happened with these people. It wouldn't do to release them, as they would just as quick be forced to join once again. On the other hand did they deserve to be locked up ?
After taking care of his morning ablutions and packing his school things for the day Harry went down to the common room to wait for the others and have another go at Arithmancy.
At breakfast a little later the mail delivery brought the student population up to date on the latest news in the wizarding world. Current headline was that Azkaban prison was officially abandoned now the dementors had joined Voldemort and a new prison had been set up with better security and that was even more impenetrable than Azkaban had been. A quote from one of the aurors, most likely one of those who'd experienced first hand how bad it would and could be, would do wonders for the reputation of Hell Prison.
"I've been in Azkaban many times and did not like it one bit, but when I visited Hell Prison I realised Azkaban can be considered as a holiday resort compared to the new accommodation."
The volume of the chattering in the Great Hall had gone up considerably, and a few students, one first year Gryffindor especially, were looking quite sad and upset. Over on the Slytherin table, so Harry noticed, the mood was almost predictably less morose. Malfoy especially seemed certain that no prison would be able to keep his dad locked up for long, or maybe even keep Voldemort from breaking his followers out.
In his first class of the day Harry was reminded that NEWT potions was also scheduled that morning, as several students were missing and he ended up joining just Susan Bones, Sally-Anne Perks and Meghan Jones for class. He felt a bit uncomfortable as only male in the group, but quickly found that these classes would be very good for him. With so few students the class became almost like private tuition.
But no amount of tutoring seemed to help for now and Harry couldn't make head nor tail of it. What had looked so easy when talking to Mr Black at the manor over the summer was now like Chinese. He hoped that a visit tomorrow to Mr Black through his trunk study would bring a little more understanding of the subject.
In his solo class for Basic Healing Harry had a go at his first diagnostic spells on the patient dummy and then questioned the situation.
"Madame Pomfrey, what happens if your patient is severely injured, unconscious and bleeding terribly ? Isn't there a chance the patient might die before you've been able to establish what's wrong or needed ?"
"That is a good question, Mr Potter. It's not something we teach in basic healing, as the spell concerned is protected by the Professional Secrecy Act, and as such cannot be discussed in too much detail with non-professionals. The effect of the spell is that the patient is put on hold, so to speak, freezing the time passing for them. Depending on the strength and experience of the caster, you could buy up to fifteen minutes worth of time to allow you to cast the diagnostic spell. A further advantage is that the spell enhances what's wrong, so you'd get a stronger reading."
"And why don't they teach that to basic healers ? It seems that it would be most interesting to them to know this spell. Coming across someone who's injured far beyond your capacity you'd be able to send for more experienced people to help the patient, wouldn't you ?"
A startled Madame Pomfrey replied "I never actually looked at it like that ! You're right, it's exactly what I do when a seriously injured student comes in. I'll spell him and ask for assistance through the floo from a mediwizard from St Mungo's." Thinking for a moment, she suddenly nodded her head and continued in a certain voice "I'll address this in the next session, Mr Potter. Thank you."
At the end of class Harry received two assignments, one to be handed in next month and the other only due by the Christmas break, but both would require a fair amount of reading and research.
Ancient Runes was a near copy of that morning's Arithmancy, in that once again Harry found himself in a much smaller class with the same three girls. Fortunately Harry had more luck with the subject at hand and he thoroughly enjoyed his lesson.
Lunch was, like Wednesday, a mixed bag of attendances. Neville and Ron both had the morning off but Ron had his Introductory Wizarding Society class at one, just before DADA. Neville had no other classes but DADA that day. Hermione started out her Thursday with Newt Muggle Studies followed by Newt History and her lunch break before DADA. Ginny on the other hand, had a two hour lunch break in what was an otherwise busy day with Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, History of Magic before lunch and double Arithmancy followed by double Herbology and DADA after the break.
But finally it was time for their first official class with Tonks. Ron came back from his first Wizarding Society Introduction class complaining how it would be a waste of time if things continued in this way. As the class was compulsory many students didn't really want to be there in the first place, add a disruptive and stupid git like Malfoy to the mix and you were almost certain to end up with trouble.
The little Ron was able to say before class started however was enough for Harry to be even more thankful he'd chosen the NEWT version. While Ron was busy keeping him informed about the goings-on in his previous class, Harry was looking at his fellow students. So far he'd been lucky and although the classes were mixed with students of the four houses, he'd not shared one class with Malfoy. This, effectively his last but one class, seemed to be Malfoy free too.
Then a once again limping Tonks came in and started immediately on a rather unusual NEWT spiel.
"As this is now your first NEWT year, you are supposed to be doing a lot more on theoretical DADA than on practical."
A few sighs escaped from the attending students and Tonks actually grinned as she heard them.
"But since you've had plenty of theory last year, I am planning to incorporate a lot more practical demonstrations than is the norm. It still won't be quite as much as you might like, but to compensate for that I can highly recommend the student led DA classes that will run again this year. More information on those can be found on your common room notice boards."
Quite a few grins and thumbs-up were directed Harry's way at this, including from Tonks, and Harry simply grinned back at the Senior DA members.
"Unfortunately altering the lesson plans even slightly will leave you with even more reading and studying to do on your own after classes. After all, you still need to take the exams as usual at the end of seventh year."
Tonks moved to the side of the class where a few boxes stood and she directed one upwards and made it float before her. On the side of the box Harry could see in large script the words "sixth years". She moved to the side of the first row and handed several heaps of paper from the box to the first person in that row to pass along, then stepped up to the next row and repeated this several times as she moved down the line of desks, all the while giving her explanation.
"You'll receive two sets of papers. The first I'm handing out now is an overview of what to expect for the next two years from your DADA classes. As your individual goals for this as for any other NEWT subject vary I have given each sub-subject a grading as per the key on the first page. Those interested in obtaining masters in DADA should know the list is in fact the barest minimum required, so those individuals will have a lot more to learn and investigate. Have a read through it at leisure and next week I'll answer all your related questions.
Next set is another overview but this time of the material that is supposed to be known by sixth year. Sadly, I have also noticed that your education on DADA so far has had its ups and downs. Please read through the list carefully and mark anything you are not familiar with. Next week I'll make copies of your lists and will then provide you either with more details on the missing information or guide you to where you can find that information at the earliest possible time. Note you are not required to learn what you do not already know but please bear in mind that some of what you are about to learn can and will be based upon this."
As she spoke she'd finished handing out the first set of papers and gone back to the front to select a second box marked "sixth year" to start the handing out process from the beginning.
Throwing a quick look at the papers, Harry was surprised to see Tonks had worked very much like Elijah had done for his Potions overview. He had an alphabetical list of anything DADA, be it spell or animal, with plenty of explanation of what it did, what to do as counter and a reference to the year it was thought in school.
Tonks continued to explain about the different types of assignments they would get and what was expected of them when handing them in.
At the end of their first DADA session the general mood of the students was happy. Their newest DADA teacher had not only shown she was pretty and fun, but she was knowledgeable about her subject and with a bit of luck on their part it looked like she might shape up to be as good as their previous best professor, Remus Lupin.
After the DADA class Harry was off for his one hour of Care of Magical Creatures with Hagrid but not before suggesting to Ron to have a fly once he was done. Ron eagerly agreed and they arranged to meet in the Entrance Hall with Ron bringing Harry's broom.
Much to his relief the two Slytherins for whom this was their solo period were nowhere to be seen, and Harry spent a pleasant hour with Hagrid, who, after some initial discomfort, gave a splendid lesson. It looked like Hagrid was better in a one-on-one situation too, as Harry had never heard Hagrid this ... organised before. He explained that for this level of classes the practical or hands-on part was normally deleted from the lesson plan, as it took up too much of the class time, but Hagrid figured that the practical aspect would be most interesting. After all you could read up about animals any time, but to actually see some of the rare or wild animals up close would be nigh on impossible for most people.
And as Hagrid listed the various species he had already planned to introduce in his classes Harry couldn't help but agree that he definitely would never get to see these animals if it weren't for Hagrid's passion for all magical creatures, great and small.
Great timing or sheer dumb luck on both their parts had Harry arriving in the Entrance Hall just as Ron came down the last few steps, two brooms perched on his shoulder. It was then that Harry realised he still had his bag with all his school things in his hand and really should return that to his room before going outside for some fun. Ron must have noticed something was amiss and as Harry explained his need to quickly run upstairs a youngish looking house elf popped up next to them, and said :
"There is no need, kind sir, youse can use the Location Lockers in this here Entrance Hall."
Harry looked questioningly at Ron who looked back equally puzzled.
The elf noticed his help only brought further confusion so he took them over to the wall that had the Main Hall to the back and, just like the one of the Room of Requirement, an albeit small door appeared at the elf's eye level, and as he opened it, an open space became visible, large enough for Harry's bag to fit comfortably.
"Youse can say the destination youse want to send it to, or youse can ask the Location Locker to hold it here."
The elf than proceeded to put a duster he'd just seemingly plucked out of nothingness into the locker and said "Hold please." and closed the door. The door vanished from sight as if it faded away into nothingness. The elf then moved several steps to the left, where once again a now even smaller door appeared. When he opened it, the duster was right there.
"And what happens if someone has seen me put the bag there and wants to get it out ?" asked a now intrigued Harry.
"No one but whose put it there can gets it," smiled the elf. "Youse try it!"
So Harry thought of a place to store his broom, and a long but narrow door appeared right in front of him. Opening the door he expected to find the same barren bare bricked space he'd seen when the elf used it, but instead the space looked more like the inside of a professional broom carrying case he'd seen for sale in Quality Quidditch Supplies. Ron's surprise was obviously as great as Harry's because he let out a "Bloody Brilliant that" under his breath. Closing the door again after putting the broom inside, Harry watched as … nothing happened at all. He saw the door right there in front of him, but Ron obviously couldn't anymore.
"Hey, where's the door gone ? How am I supposed to get it out ?"
"That's brilliant, here Ron, you try this." said Harry as he proceeded to take back the broom. Then turning to the elf he said "Thank you for showing us. What is your name please ?"
"D-D-Dinky, sir, I is Dinky. Youse is so kind to ask. Thank you" stammered the elf.
"On the contrary, Dinky, we should be thanking you again for showing us and coming to our aid when you have so many things to do around the castle."
"Dinky's happy to help youse young sirs." smiled the elf again and he popped away before Harry could say more.
Ron in the mean time, had indeed tried it out and found he too could now see the door still there. Checking with Harry the latter could confirm he didn't see it this time around.
Happy with the solution Harry deposited his bag in the locker and asked for it to be moved to his bed before quickly catching up with Ron on the way out and towards the Quidditch pitch.
In no time the two of them were up in the air enjoying the fine late summer weather and the thrill of speeding through the air. Harry, happier than expected to have his beloved Firebolt back was zooming, spinning, diving and loop-the-looping as if dancing to a tune only he heard. It was slowly getting dark and they were about to call it quits when they realised the two of them had gained an audience.
Quite a number of the first years, Harry noticed they were from all four houses, were sitting in the stands, some of them with wide eyes and mouths hanging open. He waved and flew their way when he spotted his namesake.
"Hello there, you haven't lost your way again, have you, young Harry ? This isn't the way to the Astronomy Tower, you know." Harry smiled at them.
A few shy smiles, several mild to vigorous head-shakes and a few indignant "No"'s were his answer and it was young Harry who answered.
"We saw you passing by in the Great Hall with your broomstick and were curious to see so we followed you."
"Does that mean you haven't had your first flying lesson then ?" asked Harry.
Again head shakes all around were his answer, although the shyness seemed to have lessened a little.
"It looks so much fun. Will we be able to do that too?"
"Well, some of you might, but not immediately, mind you. Some of you might not because you don't have such an advanced broom, and some of you will probably not like it all that much anyway."
"Why not ?" one of the smallest girls in the group asked, immediately blushing and trying to hide behind one of her fellow classmates.
"Well, I'm not exactly sure either, but my friend Neville doesn't much care for flying. He's very good at herbology and anything to do with growing plants though. So sometimes I think he's sort of too attached to the earth to enjoy flying. And someone like my other friend Hermione enjoys it too much to find out how things work. She'll probably be able to tell you exactly how and why people can fly with these brooms, and why not with others, but although she too flies, she doesn't enjoy it. And well, Ron and I, we just love it so that's why we're good at it I guess."
In the short silence that followed both Ron's and Harry's tummy were announcing loudly they wanted to be fed soon, so amongst the giggling and jostling group of first years, the two made their way back to the castle.
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Author's Note :
Hello everybody,
My working schedule has altered drastically in the last few weeks, so unfortunately I've less time to write – hence the delay in posting this chapter. Hope you enjoy it though.
My earlier MS Office problems are now solved. Thanks to those of you suggesting I switch to OpenOffice, but having purchased the product key already – and no possibility for a refund – I ended up having to re-install nearly all my software. Took the opportunity to add a little oomph to the computer and clear up the hard disk. Keeping my fingers crossed and touching wood – so far all is well with my PC !
Anyway, I would love some feedback from you. If you have any questions about the story, please don't hesitate. For a little extra info and pictures I can recommend my yahoo group (for link see profile page).
cheers
kadedeetje