"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." Aristotle
After the pranks, many of the Order members drifted off. Sturgis Podmore gave Harry one last "Happy Birthday Harry" before he left.
Only the Weasleys, the Flamels, Gallagher, Killian, the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall remained. Moody and Remus were amongst the first to go, but Harry knew that they would also be amongst the first to return in the morning.
Everyone was talking amongst themselves when Harry heard McGonagall clear her throat behind him.
"First of all, Potter, Happy Birthday. Your gift, your Firebolt is in your room. All ministry decrees have been lifted and you have been re-instated as Seeker for the Quidditch team. Second of all," now addressing all of them, "I know you have been wondering about your OWL results, we decided to give them to you when you were all together."
McGonagall gave out thick envelopes to the four soon to be sixth years. Ron took his with a pale face and a trembling hand.
"Here's an idea. Why don't we all open each others?" suggested Harry.
Harry noticed that everyone had quieted down to listen to their results. Harry gave his envelope to Hermione, Neville gave his to Ron, Ron gave his to Harry, and Hermione gave hers to Neville. They all looked at each other, took a deep breath and opened the envelopes. Harry unfolded Ron's OWL results and scanned down.
"I'm sorry Ron," his face downcast. "Mate, you only got 7 OWLs."
Ron swallowed hard and paled, then his eyes widened as he comprehended Harry's words. He realised Harry's trick and scowled as he snatched his results from a smirking Harry.
"Congrats Neville, you got 8 OWLs," Ron said handing Neville his results.
Neville announced Hermione's 10 OWLs after hearing his own with a stunned expression.
"Harry, you got 8 OWLs," Hermione said, handing Harry his results.
"Congratulations Harry," she said with a smile.
They all exchanged the parchments to review their own results.
The twins looked to Ron in horror.
"First prefect, then 7 OWLs, what is the world coming to? Ginny, you're our last hope," said George in an appalled voice.
Ginny told them that she was made prefect, McGonagall having handed her and Luna their own letters. Fred and George leaned on each other and pretended to break down in tears.
Mrs Weasley was beaming with pride. Neville was also in shock; however his Gran was hovering around him in pleased manner.
Harry looked through his results.
His results were:
DADA – O
Potions – EE
Charms – EE
Transfiguration – EE
History of Magic – A
Herbology – EE
Care of Magical Creatures – O
Astronomy – A
Divination – P
Harry asked if he could talk to Professor McGonagall in private.
"Professor, I um... I wanted to thank you for sticking up for me last year. You know, in front of Umbridge..."
"Ah, yes, about that Potter. Well, I promised you Potter that I would help you become and Auror even if I had to train you myself and that offer still stands. Professor Snape takes nothing less than Outstanding in his NEWT classes, but if you still want to pursue that ambition then I can organise Independent Potions studies with you."
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Harry Potter and the Protectors of Hogwarts
FanfictionHarry goes into his sixth year with a new attitude and a plan. Learning new truths about his family, Harry decides to take his own destiny in hand. Tired of being lied to, Harry finds it difficult to reconcile everything he knew about his family to...
