After getting back to his dormitory, Harry took out his mirror to talk to Sirius.
"Did anyone break out of Azkaban?" he asked.
"Not that I know about," Sirius said.
"All the death eaters are supposed to break out tonight," Harry told him.
"It's not going to happen," Sirius said. "Do your occlumency."
"I just asked Snape to test it," Harry said.
"Good," Sirius said. "I don't like him, but I'm happy he's helping you."
Harry reluctantly went to bed. He was relieved the next morning when the Daily Prophet didn't mention anything about a mass breakout.
Harry had regular quidditch practice for his team. Ron still wasn't keeping up. Harry considered scheduling all day practice the day of their next Hogsmeade weekend in February but decided that was going too far.
At Hogsmeade, Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione went to Madam Puddifoot's. Harry was relieved that he didn't go with Cho. After that, they went to the Three Broomsticks for lunch. There was no need to talk to Rita Skeeter as Voldermort wasn't back. Harry invited Luna to join them anyway.
Harry had another disastrous quidditch practice after returning from Hogsmeade. Somehow, they managed to win Hufflepuff in their next match, but it was a close game.
A couple of weeks later, Harry went to Professor Snape again.
"What now, Potter?" Snape said crossly.
"I'm here for an occlumency lesson," Harry said.
"You know how to do occlumency," Snape said crossly.
"I want to make sure I could push him out at night," Harry said. "My whole fifth year, he controlled my dreams."
"Are you going to let me enter or block me from entering?" Snape asked.
"I'll let you enter and try to push you out," Harry said.
"Okay," Snape said reluctantly.
Harry saw Dudley trying to force him into the toilet.
"Protego!" Harry yelled raising his wand.
He saw a hook-nosed man shouting at a cowering woman, while a small dark-haired boy cried in a corner…. A greasy-haired teenager sat alone in a dark bedroom, pointing his wand at the ceiling, shooting down flies….A girl was laughing as a scrawny boy tried to mount a bucking broomstick.
"Enough," Snape said.
"I'm sorry, professor," Harry said. "That toilet memory is not one of my better ones, and since I have a lot in that category, I got you out the fastest way I could."
"Keep it quiet, Potter," Snape said crossly. "And keep practicing."
"Yes, professor," Harry said. "I'm sorry."
As the school year continued, Harry was relieved that there was no Umbridge and no inquisitorial squad.
Harry was really excited when Fred and George made their Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-Bangs. They set them off outside so as not to destroy the castle, but they managed to ruin quidditch practice for the Slyterins.
Close to Easter holidays, Harry went to Snape's office again.
"Now what?" Snape said crossly.
"I think I need remedial potions," Harry said. "I can't see myself getting an O on my OWL."
"That's because you don't focus," Snape said. "You rush through things and don't pay attention to what you're doing."
"I try," Harry said. "I try harder in your class than in any other class. Potions are hard for me."
"What should I do about that?" Snape asked.
"You know how in your sixth year book, you wrote down all sorts of tricks?" Harry asked. "Did you do that in your fifth year book too?"
"I can't give you my books," Snape said. "That would be cheating."
"How am I supposed to get an O?" Harry asked.
"Study very hard," Snape advised. "Ask Granger to explain anything you don't understand. Pay attention to details."
"I'll try," Harry said. "Thank you."
Harry knew he would have to try for both him and Ron. Neither one of them had a chance of getting an O and they both wanted to be aurors.
When Harry had his meeting with McGonagall after the holidays, he told her his concern. She seemed to think he would make a good auror but that he needs to do better in potions.
That night, Harry spoke to Sirius again.
"How come you and my dad were mean to Snape?" Harry asked.
"You already beat me up for that," Sirius said.
"I still don't understand why you did that," Harry complained.
"Me neither," Sirius said. "How's school going?"
"I don't think I'm going to do well on my Potions OWL," Harry said sadly.
"It's not important," Sirius told him.
"It is if I want to be an auror," Harry argued.
"At least you have a normal concern now," Sirius said.
"I also want to invest in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes but I don't think Fred and George will take my money," Harry added.
"Ask and you'll find out," Sirius said.
"I hate tests," Harry whined.
"Go prank someone," Sirius said. "It will make you feel better."
"I should study instead," Harry said. "Good night."
Harry went down to the common room where he approached Fred and George.
"Do you guys have enough gold for a store front yet?" he asked.
"Sirius gave us some," they said. "I hope it will be enough."
"If you need more, I want to invest in your store," Harry said. "I like what you're doing."
"We reserved a store at 93 Diagon Alley," Fred said. "I think we could afford it."
"I can't wait to see it," Harry said.
He walked over to where Hermione was studying.
"Sorry to bother you," he said, "but do you have a set studying schedule?"
"Do you want me to make one for you too?" Hermione offered.
"I was wondering if you have time to tutor me in potions," Harry said. "Probably Ron will want to join too."
"I'll let you know when I do potions," Hermione said.
"Thank you," Harry said.
He wondered if he had a chance to get an O.