Unofficial Portkey Archive

Chapter Fourteen

Harry began practicing defensive spells on a daily basis. He and Remus also worked out with the weights every morning together and soon, their muscles became accustomed to the exercise. Tonks and Mad Eye stopped by regularly to help and make suggestions. Harry was also practicing Occlumency and was becoming quite good at emptying his mind. Dumbledore was stopping by every other day to check his progress and congratulated Harry on his efforts.

He had also begun sleeping in his own room, which was something to get used to. He definitely missed having his roommate.

One morning, as he was getting dressed, he heard Remus call out, "Harry, there's an owl for you."

Puzzled, Harry hurried down the stairs and saw a large tawny owl that was bearing an envelope with the Hogwarts crest on it. He loosened the letter and the owl flew off. Harry prized open the envelope, pulled the parchment out and scanned the writing.

Subject Written Practical

Astronomy E E*

Care of Magical Creatures E O

Charms O E

Defense Against the Dark Arts O O**

Divination A A

Herbology E E

History of Magic P*** --

Potions E E

Transfiguration E E

* Due to extenuating circumstances these grades have been modified.

** Extra credit given in this area for exceptional performance.

*** Examination not completed due to illness.

We are pleased to inform you that Mr. Harry James Potter has earned 8 O.W.L.s out of a possible 9.

Congratulations,

Griselda Marchbanks

Wizarding Examinations Authority

Ministry of Magic

"These are my O.W.L. results!" He said in surprise as it had totally slipped his mind that he would be receiving them. "I did all right!"

"Well, tell me what you got!" Remus said.

Harry handed the parchment to Remus and he looked over them.

"Harry, these are really good-you did well! I'm proud of you! Congratulations!" Remus pulled Harry into a one-armed hug.

"Thanks," Harry smiled as his heart swelled. It was the first time that he could remember someone congratulating him on a report card. "I couldn't have done it without you and Hermione. Did you know they gave me extra credit in my Defense Against the Dark Arts practical exam because I was able to produce a Patronus? I also did very well with the Boggart."

"That's great-we'll have to do something to celebrate."

Harry's smile spread to a grin. "Really? That would be great…I wonder if Hermione and Ron have gotten their O.W.L.s yet?"

"I have a feeling you'll be hearing from them soon about that. You about ready for lunch?"

"Yes."

"Tell you what…let's Floo over to Diagon Alley for dinner tonight. How does that sound?"

"D'you think it's all right with what Dumbledore said and all?"

"I think it'll be okay if we use some of Fred and George's sweets…you all right with that?"

"Sure…can't wait."

~>^<~>^<~>^<~>^<~

Later that night, a blond-haired, blue-eyed Remus and Harry had dinner at a small restaurant. Harry didn't remember ever being taken out to dinner like this to celebrate anything. He smoothed his bangs over his forehead again trying to hide the only thing that could give his identity away.

"You're okay," Remus said quietly. "I'll let you know if there's a problem."

Harry nodded and dug into his spaghetti. "This is great," he said before he popped his loaded fork into his mouth. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," Remus returned. "This is one of my favorite places and I don't get to come here often enough. Any place you want to go after this?"

"We could always see if Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes is still open."

Remus nodded. "Sounds good, then."

After they had eaten, they walked to Fred and George's store. They could see lights on but the sign on the door said "Closed".

Remus walked up to the window and knocked. Harry saw Fred's head pop up from behind a shelf and grin when he realized who it was. He hurried over to open the door. "Hello, guys, come in. So I see you're sampling the sweets, are you?" He locked the door behind them.

Remus smiled. "Yes, we came over for a bit of a celebration dinner and Dumbledore had advised us to use some camouflage."

"What is it that you're celebrating?"

"I got my O.W.L.s results today…" Harry said, a little sheepishly.

"Really, so how'd you do?"

"Eight out of nine."

"Congratulations! Hey George, come here!" Just then there was a bang and George appeared in the door of their laboratory with smoke trailing out around him. "Harry got eight O.W.L.s!"

"Congratulations!" George walked to Harry and after rubbing his hands on his shirt shook Harry's hand. "That's really good…I wonder if Ron's gotten his in Romania, yet?"

Harry shrugged. "I haven't heard anything from him or Hermione yet. I just got mine this morning."

"Well, it'll take them a little longer to get theirs, being out of the country and all." Fred said. "Oops, I think you've stayed a bit too long-your hair and eyes are turning back. Want to use our fireplace instead of the public ones?"

"That's a good idea, thanks," Remus said. "We'd better get going, then." They walked to what was now the break room where the fireplace was located. Remus and Harry both bid Fred and George good night and went back to Grimmauld Place.

Harry arrived first to find Tonks having some tea as she sat on the couch by the fire.

"Wotcher, Harry," she said. "You've got a smudge of soot on you." She tapped her chin.

"Thanks," He said rubbing his chin as green flames burst in the fireplace and Remus stepped out.

"Dobby said you both went out to celebrate Harry's O.W.L.s. Did you have a good time?"

"Yeah! We went to a great little place and the food was really good." Harry said, and then turned to Remus. "Thanks, again."

"You're quite welcome-I enjoyed it myself." He smiled.

"So Harry, how many O.W.L.s did you get?" Tonks asked.

"Eight out of nine," Harry answered grinning.

"Fantastic, Harry! That's great!" Tonks jumped up and hugged him.

"Well, I wouldn't have been able to do it without Remus and Hermione."

"Everybody has help along the way, Harry," she responded. "So what career are you thinking of?"

Harry squirmed a bit. "I was thinking I'd like to be an Auror…"

A big smile spread over Tonk's face. "And a fine one you'll be, Harry."

"I suspected that but didn't know for sure," Remus nodded. "You'll make a good Auror but it's a very dangerous job as you well know."

"Just being Harry is a dangerous job," Tonks said wryly.

"True enough." Remus replied.

Harry decided to escape before he had to answer any more questions. "I'm really tired…I think I'll go on up to bed."

"Are you feeling okay?" Remus asked and Harry nodded. "Well, goodnight, then Harry."

"'Night, Harry," said Tonks.

"'Night." Harry walked up the stairs, got ready for bed and got under the covers. He began his nightly ritual of clearing his mind. It had been getting easier but he was a little wound up tonight wondering what Hermione and Ron had gotten on their O.W.L.s. He was very glad to have done so well-much better than he expected, actually. Although he wondered if Snape would let him into his Advanced Potions class seeing that he hadn't achieved the necessary `O' that Snape required.

Harry sighed. Hopefully Dumbledore could convince Snape to allow him in. Even though this was the last class Harry wanted to take, he knew he needed it to be considered for training as an Auror. He rolled over, sank into the soft bedding and was soon asleep.

About an hour later, he awoke with a start. His scar was burning but at least he hadn't had any dreams or visions. He decided to see if Remus was still up and padded out to the landing. He could see the light from the fire flickering out into the landing below so he walked down the stairs and through the drawing room door. Harry stopped in his tracks and stifled a gasp; there on the couch were Remus and Tonks in a passionate embrace. Harry backed slowly out and made it quietly up the stairs to his room, his thoughts in a bit of turmoil. This relationship wasn't unwelcome-he just hadn't expected to find them together like that. He thought it might be little like walking in on your parents or something. He padded through his bedroom door and closed it softly. `Well,' he thought, `Remus and Tonks…' As he sat back down on his bed, he smiled to himself and whispered, "You were right, Hermione…"

~>^<~>^<~>^<~>^<~

Sure enough, the next morning, a very large tawny owl bearing the Hogwarts crest brought a letter from Hermione. He looked extremely tired so Harry removed the parchment and took him up to Hedwig's cage so he could get some food and water. Hedwig quickly made room for the visitor, scooting over on her perch. After he had eaten and taken a drink, he cast a grateful look to Harry and Hedwig then tucked his beak under his wing and slept. Harry unsealed the letter.

Dear Harry,

I asked this owl if he wouldn't mind delivering this letter to you on his way back to Hogwarts. I got twelve O.W.L.s!

"Wow…way to go Hermione!" Harry grinned.

I'm so excited and I wondered if you had received yours yet. I'm sure you did well. I'm having a great time in Austria. We've visited some beautiful castles and the mountains are breathtaking.

I hope your training is going well. I'm working on those things in my spare time on the trip. Don't worry about sending Hedwig back with a message-it's such a long way and I'll be seeing you in a week on your birthday anyway.

Love From,

Hermione

Harry folded the letter, placed it on his bedside table and picked up a large book from his bed. Then he walked down the stairs to the dining room where Remus was probably already working out given that Harry was hearing music blasting from the wireless.

"G'morning!" Harry yelled over the sound and then went to turn the music down a bit. He put the book down by the radio.

"Morning," Remus nodded not breaking his rhythm.

"I just got a letter from Hermione-she got twelve O.W.L.s!"

"Good Heavens…twelve?"

Harry grinned and nodded proudly. "Pretty great, huh?"

"You bet, but I'm not at all surprised."

"Me either. So…did you get a good night's sleep last night?" Harry said with the tiniest smirk.

"Yeah, I guess so…" Remus' eyes cut over to Harry's then narrowed slightly. "Why?"

"Just asking."

"Hmm…it's not what you asked, but how you asked it."

Harry smiled. "Well, I woke up last night because my scar was hurting. I came downstairs to see you but you and Tonks looked pretty cozy on the couch so I hightailed it back upstairs."

"You saw us?"

"Yeah…so are you and Tonks together now?"

"Yes," Remus met Harry's eyes. "So just how much did you see?"

"Not much," Harry chuckled. "I got out of there as fast as I could."

Remus looked relieved and laughed a little but then stopped and said seriously, "I hope our being together's not a problem…"

"Of course not!" Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm happy for you!"

"Thanks, Harry. I would ask you to please not tell anyone-we're trying to keep a low profile for awhile."

"Fine with me, but you better let Hermione know that…she was on to you guys before she left but I didn't believe her then."

"Sometimes she's too smart for her own good," Remus smiled.

"Well, someone's got to help the rest of us."

Harry picked up a set of weights and joined Remus on the mats.

~>^<~>^<~>^<~>^<~

"That was good work, Harry," Remus said a few hours later as they walked down the stairs to the kitchen. "I think you've got the binding spell down.

"Thanks," Harry replied tiredly. "I really appreciate all your help."

Harry and Remus sat down at the old kitchen table to have a snack. Harry thumped an ancient leather-bound book on the table beside his plate.

"What's that?" Remus asked, spooning some rhubarb crumble onto his plate and Harry's.

"I found it upstairs. It has some good chapters about Legilimency and Occlumency," Harry answered. "I don't want for Hermione to be ahead of me when she gets back. I know she's studying even on her holiday."

Remus smiled. "You're probably right."

"Were any of the Marauders Legilimens?"

"Yes…mostly to communicate silently with each other. None of us ever worked too much at Occlumency that I know of-never any need to back then."

"Well, Dumbledore gave Hermione those books about it. She asked him if she could learn how and help me some this summer."

"Letting someone see into your mind-your thoughts and memories…that's pretty personal," Remus said. "Are y'sure you're ready for that?"

"I trust Hermione," Harry shrugged. "What makes you ask that?" He took a bite of crumble.

"Well, we all have things in our minds that we wouldn't usually share," Remus answered, smiling slightly at Harry. "I just wondered if you were ready for her to see what you might normally keep hidden."

Harry remembered what he had seen of Snape's memories but dismissed it. "I can't think of much that she doesn't already know about me…"

Remus stopped eating, pushed his chair slightly back from the table and looked at Harry. "Harry, what do you think of Hermione?"

"Well…she's my best friend…very smart, brave…" Harry responded, puzzled, looking at Remus. "What d'you mean?"

"I guess what I mean is, do you have any feelings for her?"

"Feelings? I don't understa…" Harry's eyes widened in sudden realization and his voice pitch rose a bit as his hands gripped the table's edge. "What! Hermione's my best friend…I can't…She doesn't…"

"Hang on…sorry." With a slight smile, Remus held up his hand to stop Harry. "Didn't mean to get you all flummoxed…forget I said anything."

Harry sagged back in his chair, looking at Remus uneasily then down at his plate. "Why do people keep saying that? I've heard this over and over. You, Ron, Rita Skeeter, Viktor Krum, Cho, and the list goes on…"

Remus shrugged. "Maybe we're all mistaken in what we think we see…just thought I'd ask."

Harry cut his eyes back at Remus.

"Well, I think I'm done here," Remus pushed his chair all the way back and stood to put his plate in the sink. "I'll be working in the drawing room. Feel free to come and study up there when you're finished eating." He left through the kitchen door, whistling softly.

Harry picked at his crumble for a bit, then sighed and pushed it away.

~>^<~>^<~>^<~>^<~

That night as Harry lay in bed, he was again having trouble emptying his mind. He could still hear Remus' voice asking how Harry felt about Hermione. Harry mused that if he had been asked that question in the middle or at the end of last year, he probably would have answered, "At odds." They had seemed to be on the opposite side of each other so many times. With hindsight, Harry knew that Hermione had usually been right and had wanted only to protect him.

Harry let his mind wander over the last school year and cringed a bit. He'd been so angry…not thinking straight. His anger had controlled his actions and his words much of the time and had warped his perception of things. Voldemort had succeeded in driving Dumbledore and him apart temporarily and Sirius and him apart forever. And Hermione…he'd almost lost her forever, too. A vision flashed in his mind of Hermione getting hit by the purple jet of light and crumpling to the floor. Harry felt a shivery feeling form in the pit of his stomach and travel through his body `til it reached the edges. He realized that his breathing was becoming more rapid and he mentally shook it off. Thank goodness Hermione and Ron had stuck by him. Harry hoped he would be able to learn to block Voldemort soon. Of course, Umbridge hadn't helped his year either, with the detentions and taking Quidditch away from him. Harry unconsciously rubbed the back of his hand where the scars from the lines he'd had to write were faintly raised on his skin.

The D. A. was one of the only bright memories for him. Harry had been surprised at how much he had enjoyed planning and teaching the lessons-how happy it had made him feel when the other students showed progress. It had helped his mental state to be able to combat Umbridge in some way. He'd also been able to do that with the Quibbler article. That article had started to sway public opinion in his favor. Harry remembered meeting Hermione and Luna at the Three Broomsticks for the interview with Rita Skeeter. He wondered if he had ever thanked Hermione for setting the meeting up. He chuckled to himself as he realized that the D. A. had been her idea, too. Harry smiled as he realized that she had given him the only two bright spots in his school year. He wondered briefly how she had been able to do all of that and still study for their O.W.L.s.

`I need to remember to thank her,' Harry thought on a yawn. Then he shrugged and turned over to his side to go to sleep.

~>^<~>^<~>^<~>^<~

It started in a familiar place. Harry strode along the dark corridor in the Ministry that he knew led to the Department of Mysteries. This time, however, his thoughts were swirling in his head. He didn't feel intensely focused on a particular goal as he had been before. `Why am I here? Is there something in the Department of Mysteries that will help me defeat Voldemort?' Harry suddenly remembered Dumbledore's words: "There is a room in the Department of Mysteries that is kept locked at all times…" Harry opened the door that led into the circular room and saw the blue flames dance to life as he stepped over the threshold. Dumbledore's words continued in his mind, "It contains a force that is at once more wonderful and more terrible than death, than human intelligence, than the forces of nature."

The twelve doors were there just as before and when he closed the door behind him, the walls started to rotate. Harry shut his eyes for a bit to avoid the dizzying effect the motion of the moving flames had. When he opened them, he was facing a door. Harry stood contemplating the dark smooth surface and realized it was the one with no handle that had broken Sirius' knife in its refusal to open. Harry took his wand and marked it with a diagonal red line then stepped back and the walls began to rotate again. This time a different door came to rest in front of him. Harry walked to this one and slowly opened it. It was the death room. Harry could see the veil swaying slightly in its arch below and shivered as he felt the chilly air emanating from the room. The memory of Sirius plunging through the opening scored along his mind bringing a fresh wave of pain. Breathing rapidly, he swiftly closed the door used Hermione's marking charm and the room began to revolve again, a red cross blurring with the diagonal mark and the blue flames. When it stopped, Harry saw that the locked door had come to rest in front of him once again. Harry walked closer to it this time and lifted his hands to rest his palms on the door's surface. He was puzzled when it felt warm to the touch-he had expected coldness. Harry could feel the door seemingly vibrating against his palm just a bit in a rhythmic way. He pulled his hands away and stepped back quickly. The room began to spin again.

This time when Harry opened the door opposite him, He heard the ticking of clocks and looked in to see the large bell jar containing the humming bird in the swirling sand that represented time. Harry crossed the threshold hesitantly, his eyes sweeping over the various time pieces. He made his way down another hall to the office where Dolohov had nearly ended Hermione's life. He stood in the doorway and saw a ghost of Hermione's crumpled form lying unmoving on the floor and felt a wave of dizziness threaten to take his legs out from under him. Harry turned away quickly, found his way back to the time room and crossed the threshold back into the circular room closing the door behind him. He stood for a moment gathering himself trying to stop the trembling that had overtaken his body. He just had time to mark this door before the room began spinning again.

By the time the doors had become still again, Harry had been able to calm himself somewhat and once again saw the door with the diagonal slash mark. The door he'd not been able to open so far. `Why does this one keep stopping in front of me? Is this the one Dumbledore was talking about? I can't see what's so important about it. Looks like all the others to me.' He stood once again staring at the door then walked forward again. An impulse overtook him and quite before he even thought about it, he knocked on the door. For a split second, Harry didn't think his action had caused any change but suddenly the door began to open and a lovely warm light began to spill out bathing Harry in its glow. He couldn't see inside because the strangely pulsing light was filling his eyes.

`I've been waiting here for you,' said a familiar voice.

Harry took a step forward. `Hermione?' He felt a soft hand grasp his pulling him gently into the room. `What are you doing in here?' He was beginning to be able to make out a silhouette joined to the hand that was still in his.

`Just waiting,' she said, her face becoming clearer and clearer in the pulsing light.

`What is this place?' he asked looking around and then gazed back into her deep brown eyes.

`Oh, Harry, haven't you figured it out yet?'

He shook his head, confused, his eyes fixed on hers.

Hermione began to fade and her voice sounded a little sad as she spoke, `Maybe next time, then. I'll be here.'

`No, Hermione!' Harry said panicking as he felt her hand slip from his. `Please, tell me…' But she was gone.

Harry sat bolt upright in his bed, breathing rapidly. `What was that all about?' he wondered disconcertedly as the dream began to unfold itself in his memory. He automatically reached to his forehead. His scar wasn't burning…he hadn't had the same feelings prodding him to find a certain thing or act in some way as he had when Voldemort had been using his mind. Harry let his head plop back down on his pillow. He was relieved that his dream hadn't seemed to have anything to do with Voldemort. But as he turned over to go back to sleep, he was left with an uneasy feeling that he was missing something and that this wasn't the first time he had had this dream.

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