Categories > Books > Harry Potter > To the Rescue
OWLS and Mrs. Figg's
2 reviewsA Sixth Year Story: Voldemort's Return brings in the International Confederation and a team from the North American Wizarding Confederation to take control. In this chapter, Harry's friends decide...
5Original
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters, ideas, and situations created by JK Rowling and owned by her and her publishers. I own the original elements & characters. No money is being made by me, and no trademark or copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 05
Harry read off his marks first.
/O.W.L. RESULTS FOR HARRY J. POTTER/
/Required Courses:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory. .Practical. .Total/
/Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/Charms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Defence against the Dark Arts . . . .O . . . .O+ . . . . .O/
/Herbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/History of Magic. . . . . . . . . . .D . . . .-. . . . . .D/
/Potions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .E. . . . . .E/
/Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Theory I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O . . . . . . . . . .O/
/ (Charms, Defence, Transfiguration)/
/Theory II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . . . . . . . .A/
/ (Herbology, Potions, Defense)/
/Optional Courses/
/Care of Magical Creature. . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Divination. . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .P. . . . . .A/
After receiving his congratulations, Harry quickly offered Neville his. "You read them," Neville said nervously. Ginny smiled at him, and put a hand on his shoulder. Neville managed to smile.
/O.W.L. RESULTS FOR NEVILLE F. LONGBOTTOM/
/Required Courses:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory. .Practical. .Total/
/Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .D. . . . . .P/
/Charms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .E/
/Defence against the Dark Arts . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .E/
/Herbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O+ . . . . .O+/
/History of Magic. . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .-. . . . . .A/ /Potions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/Theory I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . . . . . . . .A/
/ (Charms, Defence, Transfiguration)/
/Theory II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O . . . . . . . . . .O/
/ (Herbology, Potions, Defense)/
/Optional Courses/
/Care of Magical Creature. . . . . . .O . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Divination. . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .P. . . . . .A/
"Ten! Well done!" Hermione and Harry patted Neville on the back, while Ginny kissed his cheek.
"Ginny, stop kissing Neville on the cheek!" Ron complained.
"All right," Ginny said, defiantly tossing her hair. She kissed Neville on the lips. Neville grinned.
"Ginny, keep kissing Neville on the cheek," Ron commanded.
/O.W.L. RESULTS FOR RONALD B. WEASLEY/
"What does the B stand for?" Hermione asked.
Ron mumbled something.
"What?"
"Bilius," Ginny answered. "After an uncle."
"A hundred years ago, you would have had to be named 'Septimus,'" Luna commented.
"Is that a family name, too?" Harry asked.
"No," Ron answered, giving Luna a dirty look. Hermione and Neville looked stunned.
"What?" Harry demanded.
"Would that have been part of your father's name as well?" Luna asked gently. Ron nodded glumly.
"What does THAT mean?" Harry demanded.
"It means he's the seventh son of a seventh son," Luna answered. "They are generally seers of some sort."
"Seventh son?" Harry asked puzzled.
"There was another brother, John, between Charlie and Percy," Ginny said. "He died a few months after he was born."
"And all seventh sons in Europe and most of the Americas were once required to be named Septimus," Hermione said. "Some groups still require it."
"Well, let's see if that helped my Divination grade. Go ahead, Harry."
/Required Courses:/
/. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory. .Practical. .Total/
/Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .P. . . . . .A/
/Charms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .E. . . . . .E/
/Defence against the Dark Arts . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .E/
/Herbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/History of Magic. . . . . . . . . . .P . . . .-. . . . . .P/
/Potions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .E/
/Theory I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . . . . . . . .E/
/ (Charms, Defence, Transfiguration)/
/Theory II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . . . . . . . .A// (Herbology, Potions, Defense)/
/Optional Courses/
/Care of Magical Creature. . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Divination. . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .A/
"Eleven! I can't believe it!"
"Well done!" Hermione said, kissing Ron's cheek.
Ron frowned. "I'll have a hard time making auror without potions."
"But it's possible," Harry said. "We'll talk about it later. Hermione can't wait much longer!"
"Just so you know, the J stands for Jane. Go on, Harry." Ron laid his hand on Hermione's back, and his long fingers went under her hair to massage her neck. Harry saw Ginny roll her eyes.
/O.W.L. RESULTS FOR HERMIONE J. GRANGER/
/Required Courses:/
/. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory. .Practical. .Total/
/Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Charms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O+ . . . . .O+/
/Defence against the Dark Arts . . . .O+. . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Herbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O. . . . . .O/
/History of Magic. . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .-. . . . . .O+/
/Potions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O+ . . . . .O+/
/Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O+ . . . . .O+/
/Theory I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . . . . . . . .O+/
/ (Charms, Defence, Transfiguration)/
/Theory II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . . . . . . . .O+/
/ (Herbology, Potions, Defense)/
/Optional Courses/
/Arithmancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .-. . . . . .O+/
/Care of Magical Creature. . . . . . .O+. . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Muggle Studies. . . . . . . . . . . .O . . . . . . . . . .O/
/Runes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O . . . .-. . . . . .O/
"Thirteen! How'd you sneak in Muggle Studies?" Ron demanded.
"All you need is the permission of the instructor and at least one full year in the subject," Hermione answered. She frowned. "I knew that one rune would ruin things!"
"Hermione, you have thirteen O O.W.L.s, seven of them pluses," Ginny pointed out. "You've done better than anyone I've ever heard of."
"The record for the top scores for the test by whatever name, held by several people in Europe and North America, is thirteen O's, all of them pluses," Hermione said. "The Hogwarts record is ten pluses."
"Held by?" Luna asked.
"Two people," Hermione said. "The test was only established in 1860, after all."
"And they were?" Harry asked gently. He had an idea who one of them was.
"Professor McGonagall, who missed the plus in Care, Muggle Studies, and Herbology -- she didn't take Divination. . . ."
"Surprise, surprise," Ron said with a smile.
"And Tom Riddle, who actually took thirteen O's and an E, the highest combined score of the six people who took fourteen O.W.L.s -- he scored the E in Muggle Studies, believe it or not."
"He was raised in a Muggle orphanage," Harry reminded them. "He probably was told to take it, then dropped it, but tried to get all the O.W.L.s to show off."
"He missed the pluses in Divination, Care, and Astronomy," Hermione concluded.
"Who's Tom Riddle?" Luna asked.
"Voldemort," Harry said softly.
They ate quietly at first, but gradually the discussion picked up. Harry explained the rules on applying for auror training in detail, and Hermione explained the rules for taking classes in the Sixth and Seventh years.
To be a Sixth and Seventh year student at Hogwarts, a student had to take five, six, or seven classes. At least two had to be N.E.W.T.-level. All twelve O.W.L. subjects were available as N.E.W.T.s, as were Introduction to Medicine (required for those interested in medicine or herbology, suggested for those interested in Potions), and Introduction to Laws and Regulations (highly suggested for most Ministry Careers). Both could be used to satisfy auror requirements. There were vocational courses available in potions, charms, and transfigurations, plus a N.E.W.T. level class in accounting (suggested for those entering their family businesses, Gringotts, and some areas of the Ministry) and a special course for those interested in pursuing degrees in Muggle universities. Several tradespeople in Hogsmeade also offered workstudy. Apparation was also taught as either a Sixth or Seventh year option, beyond their set courses.
The four Sixth years discussed their options, and some took a surprising turn. "Why would you take Divination?" Harry demanded. "We're done with that! You swore. . . ."
Ron merely handed around a note from Dumbledore, asking that Ron continue on with Divination.
When Remus came back, Hermione handed Remus their choices and asked if he knew what books they would need. Remus shook his head, a proud smile on his face, and made some quick inquiries. They got started a little late (2:08), which didn't please Alastor Moody, who had joined the group waiting to escort the students, but not even Tobias Jones seemed worried. He just had the students step a bit quicker.
Sixth years classes for:
Harry Potter
Defence, Charms, Care, Transfiguration, Medicine, Law, Apparation (Spring, 1997)
Ron Weasley
Defence, Charms, Care, Transfiguration, Law, Divination, Apparation (Spring, 1997)
Hermione Granger
Defence, Charms, Transfiguration, Medicine, Arithmancy, Runes, University Prep, Apparation (Spring, 1997) Hermione also included an appeal to be allowed to take Potions, or failing that Law, as an eighth full-time course. Despite being interested, she decided the other courses were more important than Potions. She had had to promise her parents to take the University Prep. She had been torn between Law and Medicine (wanting both, until Harry had pointed out that Law was not highly suggested for those hoping to become magical solicitors -- those had to first get Muggle law degrees).
Neville Longbottom
Defence, Charms, Care, Herbology, Medicine, Law, Apparation (Spring, 1997)All the Sixth years would therefore have Defense, Charms, and Apparation in common, Harry, Neville, and Hermione would have Medicine, and the boys would have Care and Law.
Harry had insisted on buying everyone's books, to thank them for coming to stay and work with him. He also bought Hermione the Potions and Law books, knowing she would want to read them whether or not she took the courses. Jones bought all the students except Harry multi-compartment trunks (Harry had had to explain how he got one, however).
Remus told them to ignore clothes for the moment, so they concentrated on books and other supplies, although Harry picked up his dragon-hide boots. They did stop in on Fred and George's, but again Remus refused to let them buy anything. In both cases, he promised they could stop and buy whatever they wanted before September 1st, but said no more.
Harry drew a small crowd, which Moody, Tonks, and Jones kept moving. By 3:35, the teens had been escorted out of the Leaky Cauldron and into a waiting Ministry van. They spent the next three hours shopping in Muggle London. Harry didn't have much to buy, so he helped Ron and Neville to get properly fitted out with Muggle clothing. Hermione helped Luna and Ginny. All the Pure-Bloods were amazed at how much cheaper Muggle prices were for Muggle clothing. The stores in Diagon Alley slapped at least a 20% mark-up on everything from the Muggle world.
Jones gave each teen a cell phone. Hermione showed Harry how to use it, and would show the others later that night. Harry again bought a little something for everyone. Ginny had her ears pierced. (The students giggled a little, hearing Tobias Jones mutter, "That'll teach the biddy to yell at me" -- they all recognized someone whom Mrs. Weasley had not been happy with.) Luna had gotten three pair of pewter earrings, Hermione one pair (owls), while Ron and Neville each got gloves so they could punch the heavy body bag.
By the time they had left the last store, not even Petunia Dursley could have found fault with them. They were then port-keyed to Mrs. Figg's. To Harry's surprise, they were all then hustled over to the Dursleys. Aunt Petunia had prepared a large meal, and, although it was obviously a bit of a strain, managed to be polite to all the young witches and wizards.
Neville had volunteered to stay the night with Harry, and the other teens walked back to Mrs. Figg's under Remus' watchful eye. While Neville got cleaned up, Harry turned on his aunt and asked, "Why?"
"What do you mean?"
"I know you don't like me, let alone my friends. In fact, you hate me. I understand why Uncle Vernon is traveling, and I understand why Dudley was sent along. Why are you trying to be nice? Why allow us here?"
Petunia frowned at Harry, but after a moment's thought, she answered him honestly. "Your kind is about to have another war. Potter's parents and grandparents and other relatives were killed in the last one. My parents were killed in a very mysterious auto accident, which was probably caused by magic. I've been told by the old man that our best chance of getting through this is by having you survive. That means you'll be protected -- and no, I don't like you at all, but you are still my nephew -- and Dudley will be protected. So, if that means being nice to you and welcoming these freaks into my home, I will do so. Vernon couldn't do it, but I can and I will."
"Enlightened self-interest?"
"There's nothing wrong with that!"
"Well, there are certainly a lot of worse things," Harry admitted.
"I take it the girl with all the brown hair was raised normally," Petunia stated, loading the dishwasher.
"Her parents are dentists. How did you know?"
"She was the only one who looked around like a person normally would. I will grant you, the others just looked interested and a little dumb-struck. Some of the ones your mother brought home," Petunia said with a sniff, "they looked at us with nothing but contempt, as if they couldn't imagine their precious Lily coming from such a compost heap."
"There are some like that," Harry admitted. "Ron, and especially Neville, haven't had much exposure to . . . the everyday world. Luna and Ginny have at least studied it."
"Studied!" Petunia shook her head in amazement. "What are we to them? Primitive savages? Or just animals?"
"Not to any of my friends," Harry asserted. "A very different tribe, perhaps, but not primitive. The ones who think so, or worse, wouldn't bother to study you." Harry grinned. "That gives us an advantage, of course."
"How so?" Petunia asked, curious despite herself.
"We can think in both worlds. They have little idea what modern technology is like. If the Pure-Blood types weren't so blinded by prejudice, they could have all of us killed by hiring some gangsters to kill us here, but they won't associate with . . . typical people even to that extent."
"Good. Now, go take your shower, and no larking about after Ten."
"Yes, Aunt Petunia."
A second small cot had been placed in Harry's room. "Sorry about putting you out," Neville said when Harry came back from his shower.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, two small cots instead of a bed. . . ."
"Neville, this has been my cot for years."
"Oh!"
Harry shrugged. "I don't expect you'll find it easy to believe, but this summer has marked the best they've ever treated me, and tonight the best night this summer."
"I believe it, because it's you," Neville said.
"Not that I care, but why did you and Ron decide you were spending the night?"
Neville shrugged. "Two reasons. One, so he could make time with Hermione. . . ."
"And two, to stop you and Ginny from doing the same."
"Exactly." Neville grinned. "I overheard Ginny and Hermione. They're going to have a beauty night -- all sorts of creams, polishes, and use of razors. Luna looked rather . . . bemused by the idea but was going along. And I doubt if Ron will get to see many of the results."
Harry smiled. "And, if you hadn't heard, Ginny will be spending the first week with Hermione, Ron the second, with Luna spending a day or so in between. Are you serious about Ginny?"
"I am," Neville admitted.
"Well, then you'll have a whole week without Ron to see if she's serious about you, or if she was teasing you, and Ron, today."
Neville grinned. "Lights out?" was all he asked, however.
"I need to do my Occlumency first." Still, Harry turned off the lights and lit the candle.
"G'night, Harry."
"Goodnight, Neville."
Harry's dreams were undisturbed yet again.
Sunday, July 21, 1996
Harry woke up at 6:00. He did his morning meditation, then woke Neville up. He showed Neville how to use the equipment, and was a bit surprised to see Neville in his shorts and trainers. Neville was mid-way between Harry and Dudley's height, and still carried a slight layer of fat around his middle. However, he packed as much muscle on his slightly broader, shorter frame than Dudley did. Harry showed Neville the best exercises to add muscle, and the boys set to work. Jones had assured the group that the same exercise equipment had been set up at Mrs. Figg's, so that Neville would be able to keep his exercises up every morning.
Harry stopped the work-out at 7:15, knowing that if Neville over-did the reps, he would be too sore to work-out the next morning. With Petunia's permission, Neville did a survey of her lawn and flowers. Neville complemented her on both, and told her a number of 'acceptable' (ie Muggle) ways to improve their performance. By the time the pair came down for a late breakfast at 8:30, Petunia had decided at least two of Harry's friends were acceptable.
Harry showed Neville how the shower worked, and then they went back to Harry's room so that Harry could brief Neville on how he'd been training with Jones and Lupin that summer, which made Neville a little worried. At 9:40, they left Privet Drive, and walked over to Mrs. Figg's.
Neville's eyes bugged out even more than Harry's when Ginny answered the door, clad in just a very short pair of shorts and a thin white blouse she'd tied just under her large breasts, and obviously nothing else. Like her mother, Ginny was short, and no doubt in thirty or forty years, she might even be stocky. Today, she was just plain cute, sexy, and attractive.
Harry pushed the stunned Neville in the door and shut it behind them. Seeing Ron fuming in the front parlor, Harry leaned over and kissed Ginny's nose and left her to deal with Neville. Harry then walked into the front parlor, and saw Hermione was actually sitting to the front right of Ron, dressed much like Ginny, although she wasn't much bustier than Luna. Harry made a sharp turn, which brought him to Hermione and distracted Ron enough that Ginny could escape with Neville.
"Good morning, Hermione," Harry said, stooping and kissing her offered cheek.
"Good morning. Sleep well?" Hermione took Harry's hands and used them to stand.
"Actually, I have been," Harry said, putting his arm around Hermione's shoulders while she snaked an arm around his waist. "How about you?" he asked in a way that included Ron as well.
Ron looked at the two of them and growled.
"Oh Ron, stop being jealous," Hermione admonished. "Neville is good for Ginny, and both Ginny and I love Harry."
"It would cause talk, but if it makes you feel any better, I could kiss you hello from now on, too," Harry offered with a straight face.
Ron colored in anger, but then burst out laughing. "Yer a right bastard, Harry."
Remus and Luna had come in, and Remus joined Harry and Ron in laughing. "Meeting in the kitchen in ten minutes," Remus managed to say, before leaving.
Harry stared at Luna, who was dressed exactly like Hermione and Ginny, although she had less to show off than either. Harry didn't care. She was gorgeous to his eyes. Harry walked over to Luna, kissed her very lightly on the lips, and both walked to the kitchen, smiling.
Finally regaining his color, Ron said, "Well, it's better than his yelling, I suppose."
Chapter 05
Harry read off his marks first.
/O.W.L. RESULTS FOR HARRY J. POTTER/
/Required Courses:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory. .Practical. .Total/
/Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/Charms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Defence against the Dark Arts . . . .O . . . .O+ . . . . .O/
/Herbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/History of Magic. . . . . . . . . . .D . . . .-. . . . . .D/
/Potions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .E. . . . . .E/
/Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Theory I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O . . . . . . . . . .O/
/ (Charms, Defence, Transfiguration)/
/Theory II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . . . . . . . .A/
/ (Herbology, Potions, Defense)/
/Optional Courses/
/Care of Magical Creature. . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Divination. . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .P. . . . . .A/
After receiving his congratulations, Harry quickly offered Neville his. "You read them," Neville said nervously. Ginny smiled at him, and put a hand on his shoulder. Neville managed to smile.
/O.W.L. RESULTS FOR NEVILLE F. LONGBOTTOM/
/Required Courses:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory. .Practical. .Total/
/Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .D. . . . . .P/
/Charms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .E/
/Defence against the Dark Arts . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .E/
/Herbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O+ . . . . .O+/
/History of Magic. . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .-. . . . . .A/ /Potions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/Theory I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . . . . . . . .A/
/ (Charms, Defence, Transfiguration)/
/Theory II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O . . . . . . . . . .O/
/ (Herbology, Potions, Defense)/
/Optional Courses/
/Care of Magical Creature. . . . . . .O . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Divination. . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .P. . . . . .A/
"Ten! Well done!" Hermione and Harry patted Neville on the back, while Ginny kissed his cheek.
"Ginny, stop kissing Neville on the cheek!" Ron complained.
"All right," Ginny said, defiantly tossing her hair. She kissed Neville on the lips. Neville grinned.
"Ginny, keep kissing Neville on the cheek," Ron commanded.
/O.W.L. RESULTS FOR RONALD B. WEASLEY/
"What does the B stand for?" Hermione asked.
Ron mumbled something.
"What?"
"Bilius," Ginny answered. "After an uncle."
"A hundred years ago, you would have had to be named 'Septimus,'" Luna commented.
"Is that a family name, too?" Harry asked.
"No," Ron answered, giving Luna a dirty look. Hermione and Neville looked stunned.
"What?" Harry demanded.
"Would that have been part of your father's name as well?" Luna asked gently. Ron nodded glumly.
"What does THAT mean?" Harry demanded.
"It means he's the seventh son of a seventh son," Luna answered. "They are generally seers of some sort."
"Seventh son?" Harry asked puzzled.
"There was another brother, John, between Charlie and Percy," Ginny said. "He died a few months after he was born."
"And all seventh sons in Europe and most of the Americas were once required to be named Septimus," Hermione said. "Some groups still require it."
"Well, let's see if that helped my Divination grade. Go ahead, Harry."
/Required Courses:/
/. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory. .Practical. .Total/
/Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .P. . . . . .A/
/Charms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .E. . . . . .E/
/Defence against the Dark Arts . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .E/
/Herbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/History of Magic. . . . . . . . . . .P . . . .-. . . . . .P/
/Potions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .A/
/Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .E/
/Theory I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . . . . . . . .E/
/ (Charms, Defence, Transfiguration)/
/Theory II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A . . . . . . . . . .A// (Herbology, Potions, Defense)/
/Optional Courses/
/Care of Magical Creature. . . . . . .E . . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Divination. . . . . . . . . . . . . .E . . . .A. . . . . .A/
"Eleven! I can't believe it!"
"Well done!" Hermione said, kissing Ron's cheek.
Ron frowned. "I'll have a hard time making auror without potions."
"But it's possible," Harry said. "We'll talk about it later. Hermione can't wait much longer!"
"Just so you know, the J stands for Jane. Go on, Harry." Ron laid his hand on Hermione's back, and his long fingers went under her hair to massage her neck. Harry saw Ginny roll her eyes.
/O.W.L. RESULTS FOR HERMIONE J. GRANGER/
/Required Courses:/
/. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Theory. .Practical. .Total/
/Astronomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Charms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O+ . . . . .O+/
/Defence against the Dark Arts . . . .O+. . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Herbology . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O. . . . . .O/
/History of Magic. . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .-. . . . . .O+/
/Potions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O+ . . . . .O+/
/Transfiguration . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .O+ . . . . .O+/
/Theory I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . . . . . . . .O+/
/ (Charms, Defence, Transfiguration)/
/Theory II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . . . . . . . .O+/
/ (Herbology, Potions, Defense)/
/Optional Courses/
/Arithmancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . .O+. . . .-. . . . . .O+/
/Care of Magical Creature. . . . . . .O+. . . .O. . . . . .O/
/Muggle Studies. . . . . . . . . . . .O . . . . . . . . . .O/
/Runes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .O . . . .-. . . . . .O/
"Thirteen! How'd you sneak in Muggle Studies?" Ron demanded.
"All you need is the permission of the instructor and at least one full year in the subject," Hermione answered. She frowned. "I knew that one rune would ruin things!"
"Hermione, you have thirteen O O.W.L.s, seven of them pluses," Ginny pointed out. "You've done better than anyone I've ever heard of."
"The record for the top scores for the test by whatever name, held by several people in Europe and North America, is thirteen O's, all of them pluses," Hermione said. "The Hogwarts record is ten pluses."
"Held by?" Luna asked.
"Two people," Hermione said. "The test was only established in 1860, after all."
"And they were?" Harry asked gently. He had an idea who one of them was.
"Professor McGonagall, who missed the plus in Care, Muggle Studies, and Herbology -- she didn't take Divination. . . ."
"Surprise, surprise," Ron said with a smile.
"And Tom Riddle, who actually took thirteen O's and an E, the highest combined score of the six people who took fourteen O.W.L.s -- he scored the E in Muggle Studies, believe it or not."
"He was raised in a Muggle orphanage," Harry reminded them. "He probably was told to take it, then dropped it, but tried to get all the O.W.L.s to show off."
"He missed the pluses in Divination, Care, and Astronomy," Hermione concluded.
"Who's Tom Riddle?" Luna asked.
"Voldemort," Harry said softly.
They ate quietly at first, but gradually the discussion picked up. Harry explained the rules on applying for auror training in detail, and Hermione explained the rules for taking classes in the Sixth and Seventh years.
To be a Sixth and Seventh year student at Hogwarts, a student had to take five, six, or seven classes. At least two had to be N.E.W.T.-level. All twelve O.W.L. subjects were available as N.E.W.T.s, as were Introduction to Medicine (required for those interested in medicine or herbology, suggested for those interested in Potions), and Introduction to Laws and Regulations (highly suggested for most Ministry Careers). Both could be used to satisfy auror requirements. There were vocational courses available in potions, charms, and transfigurations, plus a N.E.W.T. level class in accounting (suggested for those entering their family businesses, Gringotts, and some areas of the Ministry) and a special course for those interested in pursuing degrees in Muggle universities. Several tradespeople in Hogsmeade also offered workstudy. Apparation was also taught as either a Sixth or Seventh year option, beyond their set courses.
The four Sixth years discussed their options, and some took a surprising turn. "Why would you take Divination?" Harry demanded. "We're done with that! You swore. . . ."
Ron merely handed around a note from Dumbledore, asking that Ron continue on with Divination.
When Remus came back, Hermione handed Remus their choices and asked if he knew what books they would need. Remus shook his head, a proud smile on his face, and made some quick inquiries. They got started a little late (2:08), which didn't please Alastor Moody, who had joined the group waiting to escort the students, but not even Tobias Jones seemed worried. He just had the students step a bit quicker.
Sixth years classes for:
Harry Potter
Defence, Charms, Care, Transfiguration, Medicine, Law, Apparation (Spring, 1997)
Ron Weasley
Defence, Charms, Care, Transfiguration, Law, Divination, Apparation (Spring, 1997)
Hermione Granger
Defence, Charms, Transfiguration, Medicine, Arithmancy, Runes, University Prep, Apparation (Spring, 1997) Hermione also included an appeal to be allowed to take Potions, or failing that Law, as an eighth full-time course. Despite being interested, she decided the other courses were more important than Potions. She had had to promise her parents to take the University Prep. She had been torn between Law and Medicine (wanting both, until Harry had pointed out that Law was not highly suggested for those hoping to become magical solicitors -- those had to first get Muggle law degrees).
Neville Longbottom
Defence, Charms, Care, Herbology, Medicine, Law, Apparation (Spring, 1997)All the Sixth years would therefore have Defense, Charms, and Apparation in common, Harry, Neville, and Hermione would have Medicine, and the boys would have Care and Law.
Harry had insisted on buying everyone's books, to thank them for coming to stay and work with him. He also bought Hermione the Potions and Law books, knowing she would want to read them whether or not she took the courses. Jones bought all the students except Harry multi-compartment trunks (Harry had had to explain how he got one, however).
Remus told them to ignore clothes for the moment, so they concentrated on books and other supplies, although Harry picked up his dragon-hide boots. They did stop in on Fred and George's, but again Remus refused to let them buy anything. In both cases, he promised they could stop and buy whatever they wanted before September 1st, but said no more.
Harry drew a small crowd, which Moody, Tonks, and Jones kept moving. By 3:35, the teens had been escorted out of the Leaky Cauldron and into a waiting Ministry van. They spent the next three hours shopping in Muggle London. Harry didn't have much to buy, so he helped Ron and Neville to get properly fitted out with Muggle clothing. Hermione helped Luna and Ginny. All the Pure-Bloods were amazed at how much cheaper Muggle prices were for Muggle clothing. The stores in Diagon Alley slapped at least a 20% mark-up on everything from the Muggle world.
Jones gave each teen a cell phone. Hermione showed Harry how to use it, and would show the others later that night. Harry again bought a little something for everyone. Ginny had her ears pierced. (The students giggled a little, hearing Tobias Jones mutter, "That'll teach the biddy to yell at me" -- they all recognized someone whom Mrs. Weasley had not been happy with.) Luna had gotten three pair of pewter earrings, Hermione one pair (owls), while Ron and Neville each got gloves so they could punch the heavy body bag.
By the time they had left the last store, not even Petunia Dursley could have found fault with them. They were then port-keyed to Mrs. Figg's. To Harry's surprise, they were all then hustled over to the Dursleys. Aunt Petunia had prepared a large meal, and, although it was obviously a bit of a strain, managed to be polite to all the young witches and wizards.
Neville had volunteered to stay the night with Harry, and the other teens walked back to Mrs. Figg's under Remus' watchful eye. While Neville got cleaned up, Harry turned on his aunt and asked, "Why?"
"What do you mean?"
"I know you don't like me, let alone my friends. In fact, you hate me. I understand why Uncle Vernon is traveling, and I understand why Dudley was sent along. Why are you trying to be nice? Why allow us here?"
Petunia frowned at Harry, but after a moment's thought, she answered him honestly. "Your kind is about to have another war. Potter's parents and grandparents and other relatives were killed in the last one. My parents were killed in a very mysterious auto accident, which was probably caused by magic. I've been told by the old man that our best chance of getting through this is by having you survive. That means you'll be protected -- and no, I don't like you at all, but you are still my nephew -- and Dudley will be protected. So, if that means being nice to you and welcoming these freaks into my home, I will do so. Vernon couldn't do it, but I can and I will."
"Enlightened self-interest?"
"There's nothing wrong with that!"
"Well, there are certainly a lot of worse things," Harry admitted.
"I take it the girl with all the brown hair was raised normally," Petunia stated, loading the dishwasher.
"Her parents are dentists. How did you know?"
"She was the only one who looked around like a person normally would. I will grant you, the others just looked interested and a little dumb-struck. Some of the ones your mother brought home," Petunia said with a sniff, "they looked at us with nothing but contempt, as if they couldn't imagine their precious Lily coming from such a compost heap."
"There are some like that," Harry admitted. "Ron, and especially Neville, haven't had much exposure to . . . the everyday world. Luna and Ginny have at least studied it."
"Studied!" Petunia shook her head in amazement. "What are we to them? Primitive savages? Or just animals?"
"Not to any of my friends," Harry asserted. "A very different tribe, perhaps, but not primitive. The ones who think so, or worse, wouldn't bother to study you." Harry grinned. "That gives us an advantage, of course."
"How so?" Petunia asked, curious despite herself.
"We can think in both worlds. They have little idea what modern technology is like. If the Pure-Blood types weren't so blinded by prejudice, they could have all of us killed by hiring some gangsters to kill us here, but they won't associate with . . . typical people even to that extent."
"Good. Now, go take your shower, and no larking about after Ten."
"Yes, Aunt Petunia."
A second small cot had been placed in Harry's room. "Sorry about putting you out," Neville said when Harry came back from his shower.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, two small cots instead of a bed. . . ."
"Neville, this has been my cot for years."
"Oh!"
Harry shrugged. "I don't expect you'll find it easy to believe, but this summer has marked the best they've ever treated me, and tonight the best night this summer."
"I believe it, because it's you," Neville said.
"Not that I care, but why did you and Ron decide you were spending the night?"
Neville shrugged. "Two reasons. One, so he could make time with Hermione. . . ."
"And two, to stop you and Ginny from doing the same."
"Exactly." Neville grinned. "I overheard Ginny and Hermione. They're going to have a beauty night -- all sorts of creams, polishes, and use of razors. Luna looked rather . . . bemused by the idea but was going along. And I doubt if Ron will get to see many of the results."
Harry smiled. "And, if you hadn't heard, Ginny will be spending the first week with Hermione, Ron the second, with Luna spending a day or so in between. Are you serious about Ginny?"
"I am," Neville admitted.
"Well, then you'll have a whole week without Ron to see if she's serious about you, or if she was teasing you, and Ron, today."
Neville grinned. "Lights out?" was all he asked, however.
"I need to do my Occlumency first." Still, Harry turned off the lights and lit the candle.
"G'night, Harry."
"Goodnight, Neville."
Harry's dreams were undisturbed yet again.
Sunday, July 21, 1996
Harry woke up at 6:00. He did his morning meditation, then woke Neville up. He showed Neville how to use the equipment, and was a bit surprised to see Neville in his shorts and trainers. Neville was mid-way between Harry and Dudley's height, and still carried a slight layer of fat around his middle. However, he packed as much muscle on his slightly broader, shorter frame than Dudley did. Harry showed Neville the best exercises to add muscle, and the boys set to work. Jones had assured the group that the same exercise equipment had been set up at Mrs. Figg's, so that Neville would be able to keep his exercises up every morning.
Harry stopped the work-out at 7:15, knowing that if Neville over-did the reps, he would be too sore to work-out the next morning. With Petunia's permission, Neville did a survey of her lawn and flowers. Neville complemented her on both, and told her a number of 'acceptable' (ie Muggle) ways to improve their performance. By the time the pair came down for a late breakfast at 8:30, Petunia had decided at least two of Harry's friends were acceptable.
Harry showed Neville how the shower worked, and then they went back to Harry's room so that Harry could brief Neville on how he'd been training with Jones and Lupin that summer, which made Neville a little worried. At 9:40, they left Privet Drive, and walked over to Mrs. Figg's.
Neville's eyes bugged out even more than Harry's when Ginny answered the door, clad in just a very short pair of shorts and a thin white blouse she'd tied just under her large breasts, and obviously nothing else. Like her mother, Ginny was short, and no doubt in thirty or forty years, she might even be stocky. Today, she was just plain cute, sexy, and attractive.
Harry pushed the stunned Neville in the door and shut it behind them. Seeing Ron fuming in the front parlor, Harry leaned over and kissed Ginny's nose and left her to deal with Neville. Harry then walked into the front parlor, and saw Hermione was actually sitting to the front right of Ron, dressed much like Ginny, although she wasn't much bustier than Luna. Harry made a sharp turn, which brought him to Hermione and distracted Ron enough that Ginny could escape with Neville.
"Good morning, Hermione," Harry said, stooping and kissing her offered cheek.
"Good morning. Sleep well?" Hermione took Harry's hands and used them to stand.
"Actually, I have been," Harry said, putting his arm around Hermione's shoulders while she snaked an arm around his waist. "How about you?" he asked in a way that included Ron as well.
Ron looked at the two of them and growled.
"Oh Ron, stop being jealous," Hermione admonished. "Neville is good for Ginny, and both Ginny and I love Harry."
"It would cause talk, but if it makes you feel any better, I could kiss you hello from now on, too," Harry offered with a straight face.
Ron colored in anger, but then burst out laughing. "Yer a right bastard, Harry."
Remus and Luna had come in, and Remus joined Harry and Ron in laughing. "Meeting in the kitchen in ten minutes," Remus managed to say, before leaving.
Harry stared at Luna, who was dressed exactly like Hermione and Ginny, although she had less to show off than either. Harry didn't care. She was gorgeous to his eyes. Harry walked over to Luna, kissed her very lightly on the lips, and both walked to the kitchen, smiling.
Finally regaining his color, Ron said, "Well, it's better than his yelling, I suppose."
Sign up to rate and review this story