A Different Path

by Michael in Arizona

When Harry supports Hermione after Ron treats her horribly in POA, it leads Harry and the world down a different road. Always remember that Hagrid was right on the money with his correct perspective that Ron should value his friend more than rats. FRIENDS SHOULD ALWAYS BE VALUED ABOVE PETS! NO EXCEPTIONS! Always remember that friends run far deeper than pets.

11. Sirius's Advice

"Harry, " asked Sirius curiously, "Which elective are you taking?"

"Unfortunately, I had no idea what the elective classes were all about when I made my choices. I ended up choosing the same classes as Ron. I'm taking Care of Magical Creatures and Divination, " piped up Harry ruefully.

"Care of Magical Creatures is fine, but Divination was a very poor choice, " said Sirius firmly.

"That has become obvious, but it's too late now, " sighed Harry.

"Not so fast my friend, " smirked Sirius, "Hogwarts students are allowed to change electives between years provided they do some catch up studying over the summer. If you can pass a test at the start of a new school year, you can get into a new elective."

"Dropping Divination seems like a no brainer, " said Harry matter of factly, "But what should I replace it with?"

"Ancient Runes, " said Sirius at once, "More useful and more interesting."

"Harry, if you'd like I can help you catch up on Ancient Runes over the summer, " offered Hermione.

"I would like that, " said Harry brightly, "But how do I change my elective for next year?"

"Just go to McGonagall and talk it over with her at the end of the year, " said Sirius simply.

"That's simple enough, " replied Harry., "Any other advice?"

"It can be tempting to goof off and be adventurous at Hogwarts. Resist such temptations and focus on your education, " said Sirius seriously.

"That will be much easier with Ron out of the picture, " said Harry bluntly, "I haven't realized it, but Ron has been a poor influence on me. Hermione's been right all along-"

"Don't fall into the trap she did this year and kill yourself though, " said Sirius clearly.

"It's not as though I've earned enough trust that McGonagall would give me a Time Turner. After Hermione's poor experience with the Time Turner this year, I don't think the staff will approve the use of one again any time soon anyway."

"Another piece of advice I have for you, " Sirius told Harry, "Is to avoid making eye contact with other people. Some witches and wizards have a skill known as Legilimency that allows them to access the thoughts and feelings of others. This is a weapon that can be used against you in many different ways. But eye contact is usually critical to Legilimency so don't give it."

"I'll keep that in mind, " said Harry, "Is there anyone in particular who I should not trust?"

"Dumbledore, " said Sirius firmly, "Dumbledore is a manipulative old bastard. Don't trust him, do not allow him to seduce you into thinking he cares about you, and if you already have developed a relationship with him, then terminate it. The less you have to do with Dumbledore, the better. The less Dumbledore has to do with your life the better."