A/N: Hey guys! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a year (I'm so ashamed). Life gets in the way. I had no intention of continuing this story, but recently I've become enthusiastic about writing again and I have a great partner who supports my creativity, so I'm back. This doesn't mean I'll be posting 24/7, but I will update more frequently. Thanks for being so patient.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter or Supernatural. I'm just a enthusiastic fangirl.
Carry On My Wayward Wizard Chapter 3:
Severus Snape was not a happy man. After learning from the old goat that the Potter brat would be attending Hogwarts, he envisioned himself performing seppuku. He couldn't understand why Potter would choose to come to Hogwarts now, he had obviously made his choice about the matter long ago. It was only because Potter was fated to defeat the Dark Lord, which stopped him from hastily packing his belongings and leave Hogwarts. What made the situation more unbelievable, was that the boy thought he was at the same level as his sixth year peers! No amount of reading, and learning by oneself could replace a full-blown Hogwarts teaching experience. The arrogance of Potter riled Severus up more and more, and he hadn't even met him yet. The potions master was not looking forward to today's events.
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"Now, Harry you will have both written and practical exams for all of the core subjects- assuming that you have not thoroughly studied an elective." Dumbledore got up from his seat and walked over to feed the red bird that sat on a perch by his desk. "Since we are testing you on six core subjects that all include a practical portion of the examination, you shall spend six hours on day one and five hours for day two to cover all six subjects, seeing as History of Magic does not have a practical portion. Is that clear, Harry?"
The hunter barely paid attention to the old man, and instead, his gaze was fixed on his future professor who stood beside the bearded man. He knew all about Severus Snape, the double agent. Harry couldn't help but be appreciative of his work. Unlike most people in the Wizarding World, he was able to look past former misgivings of the dour man. He had learnt from an early age that anyone could succumb to darkness, but it took a person with willpower and restraint to overcome it, and that's what Snape did. Moreover, with pale man being able to convince the likes of Voldemort that he was loyal to him for multiple years, in Harry's book that made him a worthy teacher. The only problem the boy-who-lived had of course, was to determine whether or not Snape would take out his issues with Harry's biological father on him, or see him as Lily's son instead. He needed Snape on side, regardless of the the current state of the potions maverick's mindset- he was determined to gain an ally in him.
On one of Harry's trips to Godric's Hollow, he took the initiative to find out all he could about his parents. This led him and Vic to Petunia Dursley. The excitement that Harry initially had after finding out he still had living relatives wore off after meeting his aunt. Petunia was anything but pleased to see him at her doorstep and was adamant that she "wouldn't allow freaks into her lovely house", but after staring into his eyes for an uncomfortable amount of time, she decided to let Harry in.
Petunia's husband and Harry's cousin, Dudley were at work and school respectively, so the lonely housewife was desperate to have someone to converse with. After explaining to her that he was muggle-raised and had no intention to live his life as a wizard, she decided to open up. She told him about her and Lily's childhood in Spinner's end and the shy, sorrowful boy who played with them named Severus. After that meeting, he decided to look up the potions master, and find out everything he possibly could on the man. Harry had learnt many things about Snape since that day, solidifying his resolve to make the man one of his wizarding allies.
Harry's thoughts were interrupted by the angry man himself.
"See, Albus! He isn't even prepared to listen to you, just like his know-it-all father. How do you expect us to have faith in such an arrogant boy?"
The headmaster's condescending, grandfatherly smile made an appearance.
"Severus, you need to understand that Harry is our only hope." Severus scoffed at this, but Albus continued.
"The boy possesses a set of skills that not even Voldemort will be prepared for. Even if his OWL scores are not at sixth year level, he will be a great asset to us."
"And pray tell, what are these 'amazing' skills."
Harry thought it was time to intervene.
"Professor Snape, I believe the skills I possess will become more apparent after my Defence practical. After that, I assure you that I will offer up a full explanation to you."
Severus did not see an ounce of arrogance in the boy in front of him. Confidence, yes, but not the same pompousness he often saw in Potter Sr and the Malfoy scion- Lily's eyes assured the professor that it was confidence rightfully achieved. He nodded silently at Harry and led him to the classroom where he would take the written portion of his Charms, Herbology and Transfiguration OWLs.
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Harry thought that the first three exams went well, even Herbology. Whilst never really studying the subject from the books he bought for Hogwarts, his hunter skills aided him instead. When things went bad on a hunting trip, or if he was separated from Vic- foraging was a godsend. Harry picked up the skill around the age of ten, when he and his surrogate father were separated in a Russian forest. Learning what plants and berries were edible, and what could be used for healing became the difference between life and death for him.
The Transfiguration and Charms exams were even easier for Harry, as he didn't realise that the books he studied from were more advanced than what he needed to know as a sixth year. He was extremely pleased at this revelation, and hoped that it would convince Dumbledore of his capabilities, hopefully leading the old coot to reveal everything he knows about the Dark Lord to Harry.
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The next day started off with Harry's History of Magic exam which bored him to no end. It wasn't that he didn't know the answers, it was realising that he had studied much more about the history of the wizarding world, than Hogwarts taught. All of the exam questions were to do with the Goblin Wars, rather than about actual Wizarding history.
He finished the exam with half an hour to spare, and decided to use the time to go through his DADA strategy. He knew that the board would either provide an experienced duellist to battle with in a mock duel or he would have to show them what he can do on a training dummy. If it was the former, Harry was more than prepared. He researched all of the Hogwarts staff's duelling techniques before arriving- it always helps to know your enemy. The two teachers that impressed him the most were Duelling Champion, Fillius Flitwick, and of course the former Death Eater, Severus Snape. Whilst Flitwick stuck to light and light-neutral spells, Snape only fought with dark-neutral spells only. He never once crossed the line and performed a dark spell whilst duelling without his face hidden.
The half an hour passed quickly and Harry was brought out of his musings by Professor Snape's finger, beckoning him to follow. Under normal circumstances, Harry would be insulted and would refuse to follow, but he sensed that the Professor's prickly behaviour was not intended to be offensive. If the rumours Harry had overheard from Hogwarts students at Hogsmeade were true, Snape can be far more insulting than this.
He followed the man deep into Hogwarts' dungeons, until they reached an empty classroom.
"This is where you will be taking your potions examinations." The professor gestured to the desk in the centre of the room. "You shall be seated here for the written portion of the exam, which will start in five minutes and then you will collect the necessary ingredients and appliances for the practical segment and begin immediately. Is that clear, Mr Potter?"
"Yes, sir" Harry replied curtly as he moved to his desk.
Potions was a subject that wasn't something that came naturally to Harry. However, watching Vic perform spells that required certain ingredients and accuracy, made the subject easier for the boy. There wasn't much difference between the spells hunters use to summon, track and ward and the potions wizards concoct to do much of the same things. Also, after hearing that his mother was incredibly talented in the field, he made it a point to become skilled in potions. Now he stood in front of the youngest potions master in centuries, he just hoped his training was enough to please the man.
"You shall begin now, Potter. You have one hour to complete this part of the test."
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The potion Harry had to brew for the practical was the Draught of Living Death. It was a standard potion that was usually taught in the sixth year. He didn't bother to question why he was being asked to brew a sixth year potion for his OWLs, as he already had an inkling as to why. Either his future potions professor was being hard on him due to a petty, school rivalry with his father, or Professor Snape wanted to see just how much of Harry's mother's skills he inherited.
Harry chose to believe the latter.
Once the equipment and ingredients were at his desk, he waited for Professor Snape to give him the signal to start.
"Before you start, do you have any questions about the task at hand?", the pale man asked slowly.
Harry realised that the potions master wanted him to mention that this particular potion wasn't on the OWL curriculum- the man was testing his abilities for something other than exams it seemed.
"At first I was curious as to why I was given a sixth year potion to brew for an OWL exam, however I trust your judgement and believe that it is a compliment allowing me to show you my more advanced skills, sir."
Severus was speechless. The boy had known that this potion was not on the OWL curriculum, yet he still wanted to brew it and not question him? Maybe he did inherit Lily's skills after all.
"Very well, you may begin now, Mr Potter."
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Once the exam was over, Harry enquired about how the examination board would grade him as he did not brew an OWL level potion.
"When I inform Headmaster Dumbledore of your ability to brew a NEWT level potion- after I've tested it of course, he will inform the board on your behalf of your circumstances."
And with that the pointed man exited the room, cape billowing much like Harry's favourite comic book hero, Batman. He rushed to catch up with his future potions professor.
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The moment Harry looked forward to had finally arrived. He knew that he would achieve his highest grades in Defence Against the Dark Arts, as he knew the subject as well as the back of his hand. Even though he was also confident in the other subjects, his muggle-raised mind made it a bit difficult when remembering all of the wizarding terminology, so he often put things into his own words. Harry wasn't sure if the board would go easy on him for that, but he figured it would be fine considering how many muggleborns passed their OWLs and NEWTs.
Much to his dismay, like with the previous exams Harry had to do the written portion first before showing off his duelling skills. He finished the test with ease and had over fifteen minutes to spare. He wondered who he would duel against, or if there even would be someone to duel. With it being an exam which every Hogwarts student would have to take, Harry doubted that the ministry or even Dumbledore would allow the their aurors and very limited number of staff fight forty students each year.
Dummy it is then, he thought solemnly.
He knew professor Snape would be there with him, so he wasn't too upset about not fighting the man. All he wanted to do was showcase his skills to him so he would be more inclined to take Harry on as an apprentice. Originally he wanted Dumbledore to mentor him, but between his obvious manipulative manner and reluctance to teach dark spells, he was soon struck off his list.
Professor Snape entered the room once more.
"Follow me, Mr Potter. Your practical will be starting shortly."
The pair walked into the DADA class and as Harry assumed, there was a dummy in the centre along with three ministry officials. The only woman in the group began to speak.
"Good afternoon, Mr Potter. My name is Griselda Marchbanks, I am the Governor of the Wizarding Examinations Authority. Myself and my colleagues are here to observe the practical portion of your Defence Against the Dark Arts exam to make sure nothing goes awry, seeing as you are new to the wizarding world."
Harry scoffed internally. What a load of crock. He knew the only reason the ministry came to observe this exam in particular, was to gauge the extent of his combat skills as he was the prophesied saviour. They wanted to know if they had any hope in winning the war. He thought that they should be ashamed of themselves for pinning their hopes on a sixteen year old, but he also understood that desperate times called for desperate measures. Plus, he was no ordinary sixteen year old boy. He was a notorious hunter.
He gave the woman a nod and moved towards the dummy.
"We are grading you on how many counter-jinxes and defensive spells you manage to produce within the time limit. You may begin."
Harry wasted no time in firing various spells in succession, ranging from a simple 'Expelliarmus' tomore advanced spells. He also incorporated his hunting skills by using his carefully concealed throwing knives on the target. He then cast a powerful 'Bombarda', which shattered the training dummy, leaving Harry no choice but to produce his last spell- the Patronus Charm.
He focused carefully on the memory of him and Vic on Brighton Pier, where the man swore to always be by Harry's side no matter what.
"Expecto Patronum!"
A beautiful eagle flew from the tip of his wand, gliding across the classroom with a shrill squawk. As it has been since he was thirteen, his patronus was corporeal and mirrored his true nature. Harry was an eagle in all but his physical form. He travelled the world with Vic, never feeling tied down to one place, and much like the majestic bird- he was a brilliant hunter.
Griselda Marchbanks couldn't contain her shock at the boys performance. She had hoped that he would be competent enough to study at Hogwarts and then with a few year of training with Albus he would be ready to face the Dark Lord, but after seeing him conjure a corporeal patronus at sucha young age, she thought he could be ready in less time. She knew it was silly pinning her hopes on a child, but the Light had exhausted all possibilities, and he was truly their last hope.
"That was a stunning display, Mr Potter. No doubt the rest of your OWLs will be as satisfying as your Defence performance." Griselda continued, "I believe my co-workers and I should be heading back to the ministry, good luck Mr Potter."
'You'll need it', She thought sadly.
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"Come in."
Harry didn't have time to look at Professor Snape during his practical, but he hoped the man was impressed.
He slowly entered the professor's private quarters.
"Mr Potter, what can I do for you?" Severus asked in a bored tone.
Harry's nervousness kicked in. He was asking one of his idols to tutor him, the butterflies in his stomach were there rightly so.
"I-I was wondering if, if"
"Spit it out, boy." The potions master barked.
With a gulp of air, the words rushed out of Harry's mouth, "I want you to be my tutor, sir!"
A/N: And here's a nice cliffhanger for you guys (as if you haven't waited long enough already).