The next few days for Harry flew by in a blaze. He was enjoying school, and was surprisingly retaining most the information he was being taught in his classes. Professor Dumbledore was much more fair to the Gryffindors than Snape had ever been. Miss Figg was an excellent Divinations teacher, and Professor Lupin was once again amazing the students with practical lessons on dark creatures. This satisfaction, however, was very short lived. During Harry’s second transfiguration class, Professor McGonagall asked Him to stay after and discuss a few things. She advised him that, even though the Triwizard Tournament made him exempt from taking the year-end exams last year, it was custom for the Champions to make the exams up. When Harry told Ron and Hermione that he only had a week to prepare for them, Hermione took it upon herself to become His personal tutor.
“Harry, you must let me help you. If you fail your test, then you won’t be able to stay up in the 5th year classes.”
“Well, looks like quidditch will have to wait for a week.” Harry replied turning to his friends.
The three of them agreed that they would spend every minute they could in the library studying, and by the Friday before Harry was expected to make up the tests, he was ready.
“Hermione, Ron. Thanks for your help. I think I know more than any of the 4th years will ever learn, and I’m surprised at how well I am retaining it. The tests are tomorrow at noon, so lets call it a night.” It was coming close to 8:00 PM, and they quickly gathered their things, and headed for the Gryffindor tower.
“Harry, good luck tomorrow. I know you will do great.”
“Well, he should, you only made him memorize your notes. By the way, how come you didn’t let me study from your notes? You know I could have used them.”
"Well Ron, Harry had a lot more on his mind last year. If you had to go through what he did, then I would have allowed you to use my notes as well.”
Harry started laughing at the comment. “You two. When are you going to realize that regardless of who’s notes we are studying off, we always get the information we need. Ron, how many times has Hermione given us extra information on a subject that we forgot to right down?”
“I don’t know”
“Hundreds, and how man times has she helped us in performing a difficult spell?”
“A lot.”
“Exactly. We both would probably be stuck in 4th year, if she hadn’t helped us so much.”
“Your right. Thanks Hermione” Ron said looking at her. She just blushed, and the three of them kept walking.
The next morning Harry was up early. He wanted to get his mind off of the exams that day, so Ron and He decided to have some fun practicing quidditch moves. Ron was planning on trying out for Gryffindor Keeper, so wanted to practice. Harry pulled out all his stuff, and after getting dressed headed down to breakfast with Ron.
“Hello you two” Hermione said as Harry and Ron approached. “Harry, do you want to do any last minute studying this morning?”
“No thanks. I think I am ready. Any way, Ron and I are going to go practice some quidditch. I want to take my mind off the tests for once.”
Hermione just nodded, and smiled. She knew she had taught him all he needed to know.
After about twenty minutes of silent eating, Harry left to meet up with the Gryffindor quidditch team who were currently talking in the corner. “So, have any of you thought of the best way to hold these tryouts.”
“No Idea” they all said in unison. Turning to Harry as he sat down in a set next to Angelina
“It’s the captains job to boss us around anyway.” Fred said.
“Ok, have any of you thought about who we should make captain.”
“Well Harry seems that since everybody but you will be leaving this year,” Angelina started,
“Ya, and the only reason we win any games is due to how good you are” George interrupted
“We have all decided on YOU” Fred Finished.
“I am honored. Thanks.” Harry said looking at the team. “So, when did you all decide this?”
"Harry,” Angelina said looking at him. “What do you think we were all doing over here all morning? It was Fred’s idea.”
“So is it just Fred that wants me to be captain, or is this a unanimous vote”
“It was unanimous” Fred said jumping onto the table grabbing a glass of pumpkin juice.
“To Harry our new captain.”
“To Harry” The team echoed.
“Ok, ok thanks for the announcement,” Harry said slightly embarrassed by the looks he was getting from the other students. “I am honored, but what are we going to do to replace Wood.”
“No idea.” George said looking to Harry for direction.
“Well, I guess it is a good thing I thought of a few different ways. Ok, this is what I think the best way to go about this is. Lets break the tryouts out by year, so that we can limit the number of people we have to judge per day. On Monday we will let the 1st, and 2nd years try out. We will take the top 2, and they will move on to the next day. Tuesday, the 3rd, and 4th.,Wednesday the 5th and 6th years, and Thursday, the 7th years. By this time we will have the top 2 players, and we will then have a shooting match with them. The one who blocks the most quaffles is the one we make keeper.”
“Sounds like a plan captain” both Fred and George said standing up, and saluting Harry.
”Sit down you two, I’m not done. Our first match this year is against Hufflepuff. They will be getting 5 new players so we will need to practice a few different types of defenses. Now If I am right they will make Allison Paige their captain, and I have a feeling she is going to change their attack style to one more like ours. Now if we plan on winning that cup again, we need to practice some new moves. I have come up with a few that I think will give any defense problems.” Harry spent the next 20 minutes going over some new tactics. When he was finished he stood up. “Well,. I will post tryout forms in the dorms today with instructions on the tryouts. That gives the 1st, and second years only 1 day to sign up. You guys be ready to practice Monday night right after class.” They all shook their heads in agreement, then separated. Harry walked back to his friends, and immediately noticed the way they were looking at him.
“Congratulations Harry.” Hermione said smiling at him.
“Ya, you know you deserved it, but congrats.” Ron said. “So, what did you decide about tryouts?” Harry looked at Ron. “They start Monday.” He said “I will tell you the details later.”
“I better go and find the best school broom I can. Harry, I will see you on the pitch.” Just as he was about to get up Remus placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Harry, I heard the news, congratulations.”
“Thanks Remus.”
“Your welcome. Hey Ron, I happen to overhear you need a broom. I have a old Spitfire if you want it.”
“Really, that would be great. Hey didn’t they ban those?”
“You know what I think they did, something about to fast to control properly. Don’t worry, I changed the inscription on it to say comet. Just don’t tell anybody.”
Ron’s smile grew. I’m defiantly going to make it now.” He said grabbing another piece of toast. Just then Ginny spoke up.
“Do you mind if I use it two?” she asked kind of timid. Remus just smiled.
“Of course not, you and Ron can both enjoy it.”
“I didn’t know you liked quidditch.” Ron said turning to face his sister.
“Ron, I have six older brothers all who eat, sleep, and dream quidditch. Why would I be any different?”
“Well good luck then.”
“I see you were planning on going and practicing” Remus said looking at Harry’s quidditch gear. “If you want I can summon that broom for Ron.”
“Sure” Ron said standing up again. Harry smiled as Remus pulled out his wand.
“Accio broom.” within a few minutes Harry heard the familiar sound of a broom flying through the air, and looked up just as the broom stopped hovering at chest height for Remus to grab.
“Have fun you four.” He said handed his spitfire to Ron.
“Thanks again Professor Lupin” Ron shouted as he and the rest started for the door.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny spent the next three hours on the pitch. It was surprising how good both Ron and Ginny were. Harry knew that one or the other would make the team, he was just unsure of whom. Hermione, however, did not join in on th game. She hated flying, and spent the time studying. She waved however, every-time Harry would score. He was the seeker for the team, so didn’t handle the quaffle that often. Just before it turned 12:00, Harry motioned for the others to land.
“Hey, I have to go, Professor McGonagall will be waiting for me, and I still need to get my school stuff. Ron, can you return the quidditch equipment?”
"Sure. Do you mind if we practice a little more?’
“Not at all, but I have to go or I am going to be late.” Harry turned and jumped back on his broom. Within a minute he was at the entrance to the main hall, and instead of getting off his broom to walk up to his dorm, he flew. Luckily for him most the students were at lunch. “I wonder how much detention I would get if Filch saw me doing this.” He thought as he weaved in and out of staircases. Harry was surprised at how big the school was. He always new it was a long walk to the Gryffindor common room, but flying there was completely different. He arrived at the portrait hole ten minutes after entering the school, and only had five to get down to McGonagalls class. Harry quickly grabbed his bag, and headed to the window. McGonagalls class was on the first floor, and Harry’s only option was his broom. Jumping out the window Harry quickly threw his broom under him, and flew off. He was able to land and get inside with only 1 minute to spare. "Whew, that was a close one” he said knocking on the class door. When he entered he was shocked at what he saw.
The room was broken up into five stations. “One for each class” Harry thought as he pushed open the door. When Harry looked down, he immediately realized he would be taking his Defense against the Dark Arts exam first. Professor Lupin had transformed half of the classroom into a swamp, and Harry saw many dangerous creatures jumping in and out of the water.
Realizing that he was already standing in the swamp, he swung his bag, and broom over his shoulder. Pulling out his wand he saw a hickipunk swim his way. “Inferno” he shouted as he hit it on the back of the neck, successfully driving it the opposite way. “Looks like a long day.” He said starting to head to what looked to be the end. Over the next twenty-five minutes Harry was able to make his way through Remus’s Obstacle course. Using many curses, hexes, and charms he was able to ward off any creature, and made it to the end un-touched. When he stepped out of the swamp, it suddenly grew dark. He realized the swamp had disappeared, and that a forest was now in its place.
Not knowing what to expect he quickly murmured “Lumos”, and lit the end of his wand. Just as the light reached the edge of the trees, he noticed a silvery looking creature coming his way. Harry couldn’t tell what it was until it was close enough for him to feel it. As soon as the creature was within wand sight, Harry heard the screams of his mom, and felt cold of a Dementor engulf him. “Expectro Patranum” He shouted as a silver stag shot out his wand driving the Dementor back. When the Dementor fumbled, and looked as if it was going to change shapes Harry instantly realized it was a Boggart, and yelled “Ridiculous” causing it to explode. “Is that all you got? I thought this was suppose to be difficult” he yelled, starting to enjoy the course, and playing to the crowd he new was watching.
Remus, not liking the fact Harry had so easily walked through his obstacle course stepped out wand in hand. Harry only caught “totalus”, but realized as a white stream headed toward him that Remus was attacking. Diving out of the way of Remus’s freezing curse, Harry quickly shouted “Engorgeo Noise” and then “expelliarmus” causing Professor Lupin’s noise to grow five times his normal size, as well as loosing his wand in the process.
“D-hat’s gee-nough Podder” He said holding up a hand to his noise. “Will you kiddly redurn by wand?”
“That depends really.” Harry said restraining a laugh.
“Depends on whad?”
“Weather or not you plan on giving me detention for turning you into Pinocchio.” That was the clincher. Regardless of how hard he tried, Harry burst into laughter, followed by Remus.
“Mither Podder, I would dever live it down if I did. Full points doday so long as you can shwink by dose do its normal size.”
Harry just laughed, and pointed his wand at Professor Lupin.
“Riverseo”.
“Well Harry, well done. Well done indeed.”
“Thanks Professor, where to next?” I believe it is charms for you; I am going to clean up my mess, and attempt to come up with ideas for a more difficult obstacle course.”
Harry just smiled as the two of them walked out of the forest.
Remus turned around to his handy work muttered something Harry didn’t understand, and within seconds the classroom was back to normal. The only things different were the teachers hovering in chairs above. It seems that they all took an interest in watching Harry complete the obstacle course. And were all talking, and laughing at the results.
“Great, just wait till the school hears you turned me into Pinocchio.” Remus said noticing as well as Harry that they had been watched.
Harry waved good-bye to Remus as he walked up to Professor Flitwicks class.
“Harry, I saw you use some very complicated charms in that course today, that and the perfect Summoning Charm you did in the Tournament last year, full points from me, go ahead and move on. I believe it is History Of Magic next.
2 hours, and 1 Owl later, Harry moved from the History of Magic class on to Transfiguration. When Harry told Hermione he was ready for History, he was obviously mistaken. He struggled with every question during the exam, and barely got enough right to move on.
Bloody class, how am I suppose to remember all that information? Not like I will ever need it.” He mumbled on his way to Transfiguration.
“Harry, how are you?”
“Three hours, and only three classes remaining, I'dsay I'm doing pretty well” he said taking a seat in front of McGonagalls desk.
“Harry, today I am going to have you transform this rusty old chair into a useable filing cabinet.” She said pointing to a pile of rusty medal, and decaying wood. “Points will be added based on your creativity, and taken away due to errors.”
Harry just nodded, and got out of his seat headed toward the chair. He rather liked Transfiguration, and within five minutes had successfully transformed the metal into working wood, and the chair into a cabinet. Taking a step back to look at the finished cabinet he remembered what McGonagall said, "Points will be added for creativity..." “Well might as well make it look nice.” After fixing the drawers to where they slid in and out without jamming Harry really got into it. He spent the next forty-five minutes adding decoration on it such as miniature metal broomsticks for handles, and an engraved emblem of the Hogwarts seal on the front.
When he was finished Professor McGonagall was very pleased with the results, and in turn awarded Harry full points. “If you would like to keep this Harry, I can have it moved to your dorm.”
"I do want to keep it, but let me do one more thing.” Harry turned to the cabinet, and within a few more minutes had it transformed it into a new trunk. The one that he had was old, worn, and very heavy, so Harry decided to replace it. He made sure to keep the detail of the emblem on the front, added a Gryffindor Lion on the lid, and moved the miniature brooms to each side creating handles. When he was finally done, he engraved his name across the top in old English Writing, and placed a weight charm on the trunk, making it a light as a feather. Happy with his results he turned to McGonagall who was just beaming with pride, and told her that she could now take it.
“Mr. Potter. That will be one extra owl for creating the most spectacular trunk I have ever seen.” Harry smiled as she clapped her hands, and advised two house elves to bring the trunk to “Mr. Potters room.” When one of the house elves picked the trunk up with one hand, she looked back at him
“I placed a weight charm on it. It shouldn’t way anything if I did it right.”
McGonagall just smiled, and pointed him to Miss Figg.
As Harry walked over, his mind was racing. “I can’t believe it took me so long to think of this. 6 owls in one class. That’s got to be a record.”
Harry spent the next hour drinking tea, reading palms, crystal balls, and interpreting star formations. When he was done he was surprised at the things he had predicted. “So Harry, you feel that Hagrids quest to the northern Mountains is a success, and that he will be returning shortly do you.”
I think that is what I saw. Besides that though I have a few questions.”
“And what are those?”
“Well. I know I saw the quidditch cup. I am assuming that it meant Gryffindor would win it. However thinking about it, I couldn’t make out who was holding it, so maybe it just meant that we would be able to finish a season.” Noticing Miss Figg smile, Harry continued. “There were three things I didn’t understand. What was the meaning of the carved pumpkins covered in vampire cloaks? Also I saw what looked to be two people standing in a very poorly lit passage surrounded by a blinding white light. The third thing was a round table with 8 people around it?
“Harry, I am going to give you full points today. I also saw the return of Hagrid. Rest assured that he will be back before the end of the up coming holidays. As for the carved pumpkins with vampire cloaks. Were you aware that we are planning a Halloween ball this year?”
"Actually no I had no Idea, when were you planning on announcing it?” “Dumbledore just finished announcing it to the students in the great Hall. It will be October 31st, and it is Muggle costume.” Harry just laughed. He had finally made a prediction.
“You know when Professor Trealawaney was the teacher, Ron and Myself used to predict horrible ends to our lives in order to get credit. He received 3 owls on his final. I am glad that she retired; I was tired of predicting my demise.
“Yes, I have looked over most of the classes old papers. It seems that women had a thing for death.
“Do you know what the circle with 8 people around it was?”
"I only saw it with 6, but no I am unaware.” Harry could tell by the look in her eyes that she was keeping something from him, but decided that he wouldn’t push the subject, “How about the hall with the light.”
“Again Harry, I assume it is something that will happen in the future, but am unaware of what the meaning is.” Harry audible sighed at the lack of explanation, but realized that it was not a exact art, and turned to face the last station.
“Am I to head over to the next area now?” He asked looking at Miss Figg for direction. He knew Dumbledore was going to give him his potions exam, and was starting to get tired. After Professor Figg released him, He hurried over. Professor Dumbledore was waiting for him with a cauldron already over a fire, and water filled to the top.
“Harry, I know that you are hungry, so I took the liberty of prepping the ingredients needed for the potion. Now it is my understanding that Professor Snape taught you the counter draught to the truth potion Veritaserum Is that correct?”
“Yes. Professor.”
“Very well. That is what I will be testing. If you successfully create the antidote in thirty minutes, and answer a few more questions for me, you will receive full points. Good Luck.” Harry simple smiled. He had remembered the ingredients, and the order they went in for this potion the day after he heard of it. He was always worried the Professor Snape would use it on him, and he wanted to be able to use the antidote before he gave out any information especially about Sirus. Harry quickly concocted the antidote, and was successful in warding off the effects of the potion when Dumbledore gave him veritaserum.
After forty-five more of going over other potions, and ingredients Dumbledore released Him to the great hall for dinner.
“Harry, Hagrid advised me how well you helped him take care of the blast ended skrewts last year, and he signed off on rewarding you full marks for Care of magical creatures. If I am correct, that makes 27 owls today. That is 1 less than Hermione if I remember right, and the highest score from any 5th year boy. Congratulations Harry, you truly are your Fathers son.”
"Thank you Professor, besides History of Magic, I really enjoyed these exams. Now if it's okay, I have had a very long day, and am very hungry.”
“Then you better get off to dinner. I expect your friends are waiting for you.” Harry just smiled at Dumbledore, and turned to leave. He had one thing on his mind, and was not going to wait to get it done. After practically running to the great hall, Harry decided to enter through the back door. When he entered Ron, and Hermione waved to him, expecting him to come right over. By the looks on their faces Harry could tell that they were just waiting to tell him about Dumbledore’s announcement. Harry just waived, and made his way over to the Ravenclaw table. Once there he found Cho, and asked her if they could talk.
“Sure, have a seat.” She said moving over for him to sit down. After taking a quick look at here friends, Harry motioned her to the hall instead. Cho smiled, and excused herself from the table. With Harry’s help she stood up, and the two started off toward the doors. Just before they opened the doors to leave, they stopped as they heard the entire Great hall start laughing.
“What’s going on” Harry said turning around with Cho. The second they did, they noticed what the commotion was all about. “Nice” Harry said noticing a picture of him and Cho holding Hands floating in the air above the Slytherin table. The words;
were shinning in green just below it.“I JUST FAILED TO PASS 4TH YEAR WILL YOU COMFORT ME”
Cho obviously embarrassed by the scene in front of her turned bright red, and slide behind Harry. She did not like to be embarrassed, and the fact that she felt embarrassed in front of the entire school was enough to make Harry loose his cool. Pulling out his wand Harry turned toward Malfoy. Just as he was about to advance on him, he stopped dead in his tracks. Instead of making a scene, and making the matter worse, he simply muttered an incantation needed to change the writing, and picture.
The picture was the first to change. Instead of Cho and Harry holding hands. It was a picture of Harry on a knee offering a single white rose to her. The words however changed significantly. Once they stopped the transformation, Harry reached behind him, and pulled Cho out to read it. By this time the entire hall had broken into applause, and Malfoy was throwing a fit in the corner. In brilliant red and gold writing, Harry had transformed the words to read;
“I JUST PASSED 4TH YEAR WITH A TOTAL OF 27 OWLS. CHO, WILL YOU CELEBRATE WITH ME BY BEING MY DATE TO THE HALLOWEEN BALL?
Cho smiled and turned to Harry. She didn’t see him until she looked down. Just like the picture above, Harry was on a knee with a single white rose. Blushing furiously Cho accepted the rose, and held her hand out for Harry to take. Once standing she gave him a hug.
“Harry, 27 owls, that must be the most anyone has ever gotten.”
“Well not quiet, Hermione received 28. And that as far as I know is a school record. Wait a minute, did you read the entire message?”
Cho just laughed, and pulled out her own wand. She muttered something quietly, and a shivering blue light flew out of her wand in the direction of the floating invitation. Harry looked back up at the display he had transformed, and in a soft Ravenclaw blue were the words;
YES Harry, I would be honored.
“Well there goes the whole subtitle approach.” He said taking her hand, and leading her back to her chair. “But thank you for saying yes. I didn’t even think what would have happened if you had already been asked. Or if in fact you wanted to say no.” Cho just tightened her hand in his.
“Harry, I answered the way I wanted.”
“I know, but can you imagine my embarrassment if you said no. Should have kept my temper, I am sorry if I embarrassed you.”
“On the contrary. I was flattered.” By now Harry and Cho had made there way back to Cho’s table, so Harry smiled at her as he helped her to her chair. After saying goodbye Harry turned back to Ron and Hermione. The giggles he receiving from Cho’s friends, and the grins he was getting from everybody else made him uncomfortable. By the time he finally sat down to eat, he was beat red, and a little agitated.
“Ron, I think it is about time we pulled out that book my father gave me. Malfoy will pay for embarrassing Cho like that.”
“Embarrassing Cho! You wiped the smug grin off Malfoy and his goons face faster than I can say quidditch, what do you mean embarrassing Cho.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m not going to get Malfoy back, and I’m lucky she said yes. I didn’t even think of the results of my question until after I placed the charm.”
“How could she say no.” Hermione said looking at Harry smiling. “I mean the way you transformed the picture, the attitude in your words, the fact that you got down on a knee, and brains to match. I think you have every girl in here wanting to go with you.”
“The brains part is thanks to you guys.” He said going even redder. “Thanks so much for your help.”
“Don’t mention it” Ron said turning to the deserts that just appeared.
“So, what are you going to do to get back at Malfoy?” Hermione said brushing off Ron’s eating habits. Harry just smiled, as he formulated his plan.
“If I heard correctly, Malfoy put a leg locking curse on Colin Creevy for taking some pictures of him kissing that Slytherin girl Erika Bell. Colin just developed them yesterday, but from his explanation of the picture. I am assuming she did not enjoy it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, in the picture Erika pulls away from Malfoy very quick, leaving him standing by himself looking like a big git. I am thinking that this would make a great decoration.”
“Children. When will they grow up.” Hermione said obviously disagreeing with the idea.
Harry ignored her comments, and turned to the food instead. He had not eaten since breakfast, and was extremely hungry. Luckily for him Dumbledore noticed this, and made sure that the main courses, around him remained. Once full to the point of exploding. Harry Ron, and Hermione made there way up to Gryffindor common room. On the way up Harry explained each test, and the results from them. When he got to History of magic, and how he only got 1 owl Hermione spoke up.
“Harry, I went over all that information with you what happened. Wait a minute, if you only got 1 owl, how did you end up with 27. That’s not possible.” Harry started laughing,
“Just wait, I will explain.” He continued on explaining everything, and when he was done Hermione nodded her approval of his grades, and opened the portrait to the common room. Once in Ron spoke up.
“Harry, can I see the trunk?”
“Sure, its probably up by my bed,. Why don’t you and Hermione check it out while I put up the sign up sheets for tryouts?" With that Ron and Hermione ran up stairs, while Harry stayed back making the announcement about tryouts, and conjured up the tryout sheets. After explaining the rules three more times to the noise to the excited students, Harry finally made it up to his room. When he walked in Hermione was studying the emblems on the trunk while Ron was sitting on his bed staring back and forth from Harry’s trunk, and his old trunk.
“Harry, can I have your old trunk? It’s a lot bigger than the one I have.”
Harry just nodded, and made his way over to the trunks. After unloading everything from one to the other He motioned for Ron to do the same. Hermione who suddenly realized that she was in the boy’s dormitory hurried out.
“Ron, tomorrow I want to come up with a plan to get Malfoy back, are you in?”
“Harry I wouldn’t miss this opportunity for anything.”