Harry Potter and the Muggle Solution

Chapter 2: O.W.L's

Harry landed with a thump on the front garden, half an hour later, at the Burrow. He switched off the invisibility booster and the ignition

then wheeled the bike into the garage that the old Anglia used to occupy. He put the booster back on and went around to the front door. He knocked. After a couple of minutes the door opened and Ron came bounding out, closely followed by a girl Harry had never seen before.

She looked the same age as Ron and Harry and had straight blonde hair and a few freckles. She was about Harry's height, slightly shorter than Ron and Harry thought, slightly skinny. She stood nervously behind Ron. Suddenly it all clicked with Harry. "So, so, so, so. This is the 'we' I have been hearing about? If you don't mind me asking, who are you?"

"Well," started Ron, "you remember in third year, we went to Egypt?" Harry nodded. "Remember that photo I sent you, from the Daily Prophet? Well, if you examine it closely, sometimes you can see Natalie here, in the back. We met and got to talking. I've been sending her letters since third year."

Harry laughed. He held out his hand and Natalie took it. Harry looked at her closely. He nudged Ron out of the road. "Hello there. I'm Harry Potter, though you probably already know that. Where do you live?"

She glanced at Ron and he nodded. "I'm from Belfast," she said, with a brusque accent. "I went to the Belfast Institute of Wizarding Education, until my parents moved here, to work at the Ministry. When I found out, I told Ronald," (Harry noticed his ears going pink, when she said this) "and he said he would give me the grand tour. While walking through London, I believe he picked up his courage and asked me out. As you can see..."

"Well good for you mate!" said Harry, slapping Ron on the shoulder. "I need a favour. Would you mind if me and Hermione sort of got together and..." He mumbled the last part. Ron got the gist however.

"Yeah, I don't care. We are still best mates right? That reminds me. Hermione is arriving in about twenty minutes, so you can ask her then."

Harry's heart skipped a beat. Twenty minutes? He looked a mess. His hair was very wind swept, his clothes were creased and his face was red raw from the night air rushing past him. "Bugger," he mumbled. "Can I get refreshed then? By the way, the bike's in the garage, with the invisibility booster installed."

"Well," muttered Ron, his arm now around Natalie, "I hope

it's better than the Anglia. Do you have a lisence for it?"

Harry looked awkward. "No I don't. do I need one?"

Ron thought for a moment. "In the wizarding community no, you just have to be of age. But I'm sure old Fudge won't mind eh? Although I'm not sure about the Muggle's. You have to be seventeen to have a lisence right?"

Harry nodded. "A provisional one at that. Oh well. If I'm caught I'm caught. What is the worst that could happen?"

Harry went on inside and headed up to Ron's room. It was more or less the same as he remembered it. Replacing the toad from fourth year was another batch of spawn. Pig was dozing in his cage and Ron's old dress robes were hanging over it. His new ones were folded on his bed. Harry wondered why. Was Natalie teaching him how to dance? He stuttered a laugh, dumped his things and went to the shower. As there was no one inside, he went on in.

Twenty minutes later, Harry was in the garage, fussing over the bike. He just wanted to be outside when Hermione arrived. He was just absentmindedly flicking through the gears when a car pulled up. He stood up, and there she was, looking stunning in jeans and a light t-shirt. Harry smiled and jogged out of the garage.

"Harry!" she squealed and ran into him. They were knocked flying and landed in a heap. Mr and Mrs Weasley came out to see what the noise was. "Oh right. Its only you two. Well, say hello then come in for dinner."

They planned on. Just not in the usual sense. Hermione slipped her hand into Harry's and his heart fluttered into his throat. He was speechless. She just looked at him, in a new light. "Harry", she said suddenly, "you look different. When we left Hogwarts you were heading into a depression. Now though... You like so happy. I'm happy for you. Sorry about Sirius but happy for you none-the-less." She snuggled into his shoulder.

They walked into the Burrow, where Ron and Natalie were sitting on the sofa, Ginny was doodling by the window and Mr and Mrs Weasley were hovering about the kitchen. Ron winked at Harry and Hermione looked at Natalie. She said suddenly, "So. This is the 'we' I presume?"

"Yes..." said Ron, blushing. He explained to Hermione what he had to Harry. She listened with rapt attention.

"Well," Hermione droned on "I'm happy for you Ron. Took long enough, I must say."

Ron looked at her. "What do you mean?" Harry, sensing the tension, stood between them.

That was when Mrs Weasley called on them. she went to the foot of the stairs and called as well. The four teenagers headed to the kitchen, where an extravagant dinner had been placed there. "I hope you all enjoy," said Mrs Weasley. It was then that Fred, George and Bill came in, accompanied by Fleur Delacour. She smiled and waved at Harry, then spotted his arm around Hermione. She scooted over. "Not such a leetle boy anymore are oui?" she whispered into his ear.

Harry blushed. Fleur noticed and went back to Bill. They all sat down and observed Harry and Hermione, the new love birds. They were oblivious to it, only interested in each other. Harry was hearing about her summer so far. He put his hand in her lap, and she interlocked his fingers in hers. They heard Mrs Weasley give an audible gasp, cover her mouth and then check on dinner. Everyone looked away then, as Harry was looking around.

Dinner was a beautiful affair. Everyone enjoyed it. They were just starting to kick into desert when there was knock at the door. Mr Weasley went to answer it and a second later Remus walked in. He noticed Harry and Hermione, sitting unnaturally close and winked. "I should've known", he whispered to Harry as he sat down next to him. "Nice to see you all. I hope everyone is enjoying themselves?" he asked casually, to everybody else.

Everyone nodded and they resumed their meal, with the chat generally spreading to the new term at Hogwart's. It seemed the adults were discussing the new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher. Harry listened with interest, as DADA was by far his best subject.

After dinner, they all headed in their different directions. Ron went for a walk with Natalie, Bill went back to his room with Fleur while getting disgruntled looks from Mrs Weasley, the twins headed upstairs as well and Mrs Weasley fussed over the mess in the kitchen. Harry took Hermione out to the garage to show off his gift.

"Wow" she gasped. "It's beautiful. When can you take me on it?"

Harry was stunned. Ever since first year Harry was of the opinion that Hermione hated flying. Third year had proved this as well and at the Ministry with the Threstrals. Why the sudden change? "Um, well, we could go for a ride now if you want?"

She nodded.

So, around ten minutes later they were flying over Ottery St. Catchpole, the village near the Burrow. Hermione was loving it. She had no idea where Harry was, as he had used the invisibility booster, only that she felt wartmth where her hands were holding on, which must have been his abdomen. He liked it, as did she. After staying up for nearly half an hour they came back down as the temperature was beginning to drop.

"That was so romantic. Thank you Harry, for letting me have a go." She then kissed him, on the check mind but he still liked it.

He lifted his hand to the spot, and warmth spread through his body. "Would you, um like to, er, go out at, um some point, Hermione?"

"Yes you great dolt. I've been waiting so long for you to ask. First dates are the best by far." She left it at that and walked into the house. Harry remained outside, still with his hand on his check. She had kissed him before, at the end of fourth year. He had passed it off as a once in a lifetime experience. But... Hopefully...

***

Harry awoke next morning in Ron's room. He had slept like a log. After the kiss he couldn't remember much, other than sitting on the sofa, with Hermione in his arms. He headed downstairs and was surprised to see Remus still there. However what he did not expect was...

Three very stern looking owls were sitting on the table along with a long thin package. Harry recognized it as his Firebolt, which had been confiscated last year. They each had one letter, addressed to Harry, Ron and Hermione. He stopped dead. He suddenly felt very sick. The other two weren't up yet. He wanted to leave his until Hermione got up. But... Curiosity killed the cat, and right enough Crookshanks decided to try and get breakfast. An owl. It took off and landed on Crookshank's head. Harry laughed, as Ron and Hermione came in, followed by Natalie. Harry was wondering if she had taken O.W.L's.

"Well?" said Hermione, in a stern voice.

Harry was dreading this. He opened up the parchment and read:

Dear Mr Potter,

As you are well aware, last term at Hogwart's you sat your Ordinary Wizarding Level's. Enclosed are your results.

The grades are: O- Outstanding, E- Exceeds Expectations, A- Acceptable. These are the passing grades. P- Poor, D- Dreadful. The results are an average of your written test and the practical.

Harry looked up at this at the twins that had just arrived. They had told him last year there was a T grade, which stood for troll. He didn't know whether to believe them. Reading this, it seemed it was a joke. By the look on their faces they knew as well. He went back to the letter with butterflies in his stomach.

Charms: O

Divination: D

History of Magic: D

Transfiguration: O

Potions: O

Defence Against The Dark Arts: O, O

Care Of Magical Creature's: O

Herbology: E

Astronomy: A

We wish to thank you for being an excellent student to teach and will look forward to seeing you next year.

Also included is a checklist of the N.E.W.Ts you may take, according to your O.W.L results. We hope to receive your answer by the 31^st of July.

Also, just so you may know, the lifetime ban that Dolores Umbridge placed on you has been lifted. We are proud to present you with your broomstick.

Yours sincerely

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Harry, yet again was stunned. He had gotten an O in potions. He had done the impossible. The rest were measly. Hermione, who was looking over his shoulder, gasped. She grabbed his note and stared at it.

"Hermio-"

"Oh my word! Harry! You got an O, O in Defence Against the Dark Arts? Do you know what that means?" She saw the blank look on his face. "It means that you scored over 100% in the test. My word. I knew you were good at the subject and all, but after Umbridge I never-"

"DON'T YOU DARE SAY HER NAME!"

Everyone jumped at Harry's outburst. He looked down at his hand, where the words I must not tell lies were embedded. They were healing, slowly but you could still see them.

"Oh. Harry I'm so sorry. But you know what this means? You are a star pupil. You get your name on awards. I have yet to hear of anyone, anyone, that got a double outstanding in DADA. This is incredible."

Harry however wasn't too perplexed. While she was not looking Harry stole her form. She had taken up ten O.W.L's and had passed each one. She had gotten an E in Herbology, and an A in Ancient Runes but she had still managed. There were no double O's.

Ron was looking perplexed. Harry looked at him, and Ron gulped and stared at Hermione.

"I got 6. Potions-E, DADA-E, Herbology-E, Charms-E, Care of Magical Creatures-O and Transfiguration-E. My word. Means I'm an Auror."

"Not quite. You need an O in potions to get into Snape's N.E.W.T classes. But I'm sure he has some form of Remedial class you can take." It was Natalie who spoke. She was looking at Ron as though her dreams had come true. Probably have, thought Harry. Ron's a bit of an idiot in class. I'm surprised.

"Well done. Looks like it mate. Means we'll all have the-" He stopped mid sentence.

Hermione walked up to him and put her lips over his. He wasn't expecting this. Neither had the rest of them by the sounds of their gasps. At first he was surprised, then he leaned into the kiss. Apart from Christams last year this was his first kiss. He had no idea what to do. He just relaxed and slowly let it pass. He felt so happy. Her lips were so soft, so fresh it awoke in him a feeling of bliss. It tasted so sweet and lasted so long! He would never get tired of this. After what felt like an eternity, she pulled away and blushed. Harry took her hand and caught his breath. He felt so happy.

"Hem, hem." Harry spun around expecting to see Umbridge. But it was only Ginny. "Get a room," she hissed. Then she laughed. "The look on your face." Then she noticed where Harry's hand had gone and stopped laughing. She looked fearful.

Harry had, in fact put his hand into his jacket, ready to pull out his wand, in case it was Umbridge. He smiled, brought his hands up in mock surrender and hung his head. Hermione kissed his check again. "I'm so proud of you, Harry. A double O. The first ever in a Defence Against the Dark Arts O.W.L. I'm so jealous."

At that point Remus walked in, along with everyone else in the household. Before Harry knew what he was doing he had run to Remus and flung his arms around him. Remus looked happy about it. When Harry let go he shoved his letter at Remus then went to dry his eyes. When Harry looked back over Remus was steadying himself on a chair.

"My God. Harry. D-d-do you know what this means? You are the first person ever to get a double O in DADA. Everyone thought it was impossible, me included. But-"

"I don't want to hear it. I'm famous enough as it is at the moment. The less fame I have the better I feel."

Suddenly the tension was broken as a giant star floated across the ceiling. Fred or George had let off a firework. Harry recognized it as one of their new ones. Mrs Weasley nearly had a fit. She shouted at them until she was hoarse.

However Harry was happy. It was a beautiful day. He had Hermione as a girlfriend, he had gotten the grades to start being trained as an Auror and he would be selecting his N.E.W.T classes tomorrow. If it was anything like today he would soar, without the motorbike.

***

Harry awoke in good spirits, a week later. He had spent the week doing the usual things. Tending to Hermione, homework, flying, tending to Hermione, helping around the house, and tending to Hermione to name a few. He was at the Burrow, he was happy, he was 16 in 17 days and he was looking forward to playing Quidditch today with Ron. Remus, unfortunately had to go, work for the Order Harry presumed. This didn't bother Harry. He would see him again. Before Remus left he had taken Harry aside.

"I'm very proud of you. James and Sirius would have been as well. Can't wait until next week, when the celebrations really begin. Oh, that reminds me." He pulled Harry outside. "I was wondering if you knew about, well, er seeing you now have Hermione-"

Harry understood. "Yes I do. You mean the birds and the bees?"

"I take it that is the Muggle term?"

"Why," asked Harry, "what is the wizard term?"

Remus smiled. "The bowtruckle's and the fairies."

Harry sniggered.

"Well as long as you know I can leave. See you soon Harry. And try to hold it off? Eh?" He winked and with one loud pop was gone. Harry went back inside.

First of all, he headed to Hermione.

"Good morning" he said cheerily. She smiled at him and his heart cascaded. He couldn't get over her beauty.

"Hello yourself. You look different. Have you been working out?"

He had. Late at night, when no one was awake he had slipped quietly into the living room and done some sit-up's and push up's. He was getting built up, slightly, but enough to notice. At her words, everyone looked around. He blushed a deep crimson.

"Well, I er, I have. What's it to you?" he asked, jokingly.

"Nothing" she replied. "Only you need to beef up before you can butch up."

***

Harry took her advice. Over the next few days, he gained a little weight. Not much, but enough to show off his now muscular frame. No longer skinny, he had also grown. He was now reaching 5' 10", nearly the same size as Ron. There were two inches in it now.

He had also been improving his Quidditch skills, and helping Ron with his. Ron was the goalkeeper and although he still winced when someone sang "Weasley is our king" the Slytherin version, he was getting better as the days wore on. Ginny was becoming pretty decent as well. She was going to try out for a Chaser position, as there were only three people on the side now. The two beaters from last year, Harry didn't even remember their names, may have still been on the team but he didn't know. Hermione was also flying quite well. Although she was not as good as any of the others, she was getting there. She could now go on an old Shooting Star without shifting and nearly falling off. Harry was proud of her. He was going to ask her to try and learn to fly, then put an offer forward for the team. He knew better.

However, Harry did notice Natalie's flying. She was decent with a quaffle and even better with a beater's bat and Ron put his ideas forward about the team.

"Maybe. I don't know" she had replied, blushing. Ron left it at that.

It was then that Harry saw the snitch they were using. He flew above the clouds to get it, so it wouldn't fly off. It was just as he was looking at where it could have gone when he noticed something strange. It was a cloud, shaped like a giant dog. It looked familiar. He recognized it. "Sirius" he whispered, into the thin air.

Then he noticed another one, shaped like a stag. "Dad."

He then landed, with the snitch in hand and a far-away look on his face.

"What is it?" said Hermione, as she landed beside him.

"Oh nothing", he replied. "I just have a couple of guardian angels."