Chapter 14
Albus and Minerva sat in his office drinking tea. They were waiting on Snape so that they may discuss the Potter brat’s first Occlumency lesson. He wanted to know what had happened to his weapon and why he was being difficult.
A sharp quick knock sounded though the office.
Albus flicked his wand, opening the door. “Come in, my boy.”
Snape sneered at the term of endearment Albus used constantly.
“Severus.” Minerva greeted. “Tea?”
The man swept to their table taking the only chair that was still available. “Minerva. Yes, two sugars.” The Potion Master was untrusting as always; by adding sugar if there was a potion in the tea it would cause it to crystalize on the bottom.
“Now that we are all here, we can get started.” Albus announced. “How did your lesson go with Mr. Potter, Severus?”
Snape sneered. “The arrogant brat never showed up.”
“What? I had told him he was to have lessons with you.” How dare that brat not listen to him? He needed to know what was going through the boy’s head and what secrets he kept.
“I wasted precious time waiting for him to show up and nothing. When I see him, he will lose a lot of house points and have detention for a week!” Snape said venomously.
“What are we going to do now?” Minerva questioned. “Legally we can’t force the boy to learn Occlumency and Severus would be thrown in Azkaban if he attempted Legilimency on Harry without his permission.”
“I will speak to him again.” Albus let out a tired sigh. “Try and reason how it’s for the best that he be taught Occlumency from you.”
Snape scoffed. “That boy needs discipline, Albus. He’s been strutting around these halls just like his father since he’s been here.”
Minerva scowled at Snape.
It was times like this that Albus disliked Severus’ prejudice against the Potters. It made times like this hard to actually get the man's help. His mind clouded with memories of the past.
“Now my boy, Harry isn’t like that.” Though as he was saying this Albus did think about how Harry was acting. Not arrogant but more confident then Albus wanted him to be.
“You’re not helping, Severus.” Minerva spoke up. “The only thing we can do is to try and impress upon him the dangers of an unguarded mind. We can’t push too hard however because whatever occurred over the summer caused him to lose a lot of trust in us and his friends.”
“I believe that will have to suffice for now.” Albus agreed, hiding his anger at his ruined plan.
“Do you think Moody is correct and it is perhaps a sweetheart that could possibly be a dark witch?” Minerva hesitantly brought up.
“Who would want a Potter?” Snape scoffed.
He was ignored.
“It is very possible.” Albus agreed thinking it did make sense. Maybe he should put some more thought into that theory.
--*--
Dolores was upset. She had been here in Hogwarts for months and things were not going as planned. She was supposed to already be Headmistress and have Dumbledore fired. She unfortunately couldn’t find enough on the man to fire him. No one was speaking up about him in a criminal way, just that he was biased to his own house and unfair towards others.
Harry Potter seemed to be a completely different person then she expected. She was expecting a brash, arrogant, rude boy and instead he was quiet but respectful. He always completed assignments, never questioned her like his ex-friend, and never caused her any trouble. Dolores had expected that she would need to teach the boy a lesson and to respect the Ministry, but she didn’t.
Those who caused the most trouble were the youngest Weasley boy and Granger. They kept questioning her and shouting nonsense about You-Know-Who. If only her blood quills had survived the wards of Hogwarts.
On top of being here, her holiday break was ruined with the news of Sirius Bl- No Name being caught, tried, and found innocent. Cornelius was absolutely panicking about losing his job due to this scandal. Dolores had to calm him down before she reminded him that he was not a part of the scandal but the Minister who had fixed a mistake from his predecessor.
The only two good things that came out of the trial was Dumbledore looking bad and the scandal about James Potter not being married to Lily Evans which took most of the public’s focus. Everyone loved the drama of that and would rather focus on it then an innocent being sent to Azkaban. Rita Skeeter was doing an excellent job of keeping the focus where the Minister wished it.
The bell rang interrupting her musings.
Dolores sighed. She hated these brats.
--*--
Harry was sitting at the Gryffindor table eating lunch alone when an unknown barn owl landed in front of him. He ignored the stares of the students around him and untied the letter from the owl. The owl then quickly snatched a piece of bacon before flying away.
Harry was admittedly shocked when the letter was immediately ripped from his grasp. Turning around he saw Hermione holding it. He didn’t even hear her enter, which was a first cause she’d so huffy at her Defense study idea failing.
“This is from the Ministry.” She loudly proclaimed.
“It’s none of your business, Granger. I suggest you give me back my letter and learn some manners. It is rude to take what’s not yours.” Harry spoke coldly towards her.
She, of course, ignored him. “Why is the Ministry sending you letters?” she questioned. “What did you do?” She looked gleeful.
Harry, noticing all the people watching, understood he had a few options. One he could demand the letter back again and/or just take it. He understood that that would allow rumours that they could possibly use against him. He could also just let her open it and read it out loud. As he suspected what was in the letter, he decided the latter option was best.
“Why don’t you read it out loud, Granger, since you're so determined to know.” Harry suggested watching her.
Granger looked suspicious but smirked and opened the letter.
Harry flicked his hand and subtly cast a spell so she would have to read the entire contents out loud. He did this so she wouldn’t back out and not read it all.
With a final glance at Harry, she opened the letter and began to read.
“Dear, Mr. Potter.
Below you will find the result of the O.W.L.s that you have taken at the Ministry on December 20, 1995 and December 22, 1995.
Passing Grades: O=Outstanding, EE=Exceeds Expectations, A=Acceptable.
Failing Grades: P=Poor, D=Dreadful, T=Troll
Results for Harry James Potter
Runes …………………………………………………O
Arithmancy ……………………………………..…..O
Warding ………………………………………….….O
Enchanting ………………………………………...O
Healing ……………………………………………..O
Congratulations, Mr. Potter. You have passed all the exams you have so far taken and have thoroughly impressed us examiners with your knowledge and skills. Keep up the good work. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Professor T. Tofty
Wizarding Examinations Authority
Department of Education
British Ministry of Magic”
After Granger finished reading the letter, the Great Hall was silent for a moment before people began congratulating him on his results.
“This is a lie!” Hermione screeched, silencing the well wishers. “First, you’ve never taken any of these classes! And Warding? Enchanting? Healing? Those O.W.L.s don’t exist! You’re lying.”
“Miss Granger. There are more O.W.L.s than what Hogwarts offers at the Ministry. Warding, Enchanting and Healing are only a few examples. That is also an authentic Ministry seal, impossible to replicate. Now give Mr. Potter back his results and stop causing a scene.” The Head of Hufflepuff told Granger sternly.
Hermione tossed the letter at Harry before storming out of the Great Hall.
“Congratulations, Mr. Potter.” Professor Sprout smiled at him.
“Thank you, Professor.” Harry smiled back, before placing the letter in his satchel. He then decided he was done eating and left the Great Hall. He had Herbology next, and Neville was already there, choosing to check on his plants instead of eating lunch with the masses.
“Hey Harry.” Cho says as she starts walking next to Harry.
“Hi.” Harry greeted politely, hiding his grimace.
“Congratulations on your O.W.L.s. I never knew how smart you were.” She flutters her eyes at him.
“Ah, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiles.
They walk in silence for a bit and Harry can see that she is becoming uncomfortable with the silence.
“Harry, will you go to Hogsmeade with me?” She flushes and gives him a hopeful look.
Harry stops walking and she follows suit.
“Cho, I think you're great but I’m not into you like that.” There he let her down easy.
“Is it because of Weasley? Or Granger?” She scowls at him.
Oh boy. “Absolutely not. Now that’s just disgusting.” Harry shudders in disgust. “If you ever see me with either of them that way, do me a favour and get me checked for potions.”
“Oh!'' She looks a little shocked at his reaction. “Okay…” She gives him a thoughtful look before her eyes widen. “Oh Harry. I’m so sorry. When I read that Granger used love potions on you I thought it made up. I didn’t know it was true. I will take you to get checked if I think you need it.” She pulls him into a quick hug before leaving.
“What just happened?” Harry mumbled before shrugging it off and continuing to the Green houses.