The Aftermath

Title: The Aftermath

CHAPTER 7: Ron and the OWLs

It was a week before their return to Hogwarts. Harry had finally mastered Occlumency and is now trying to improve his Legilimency. He and Hermione also underwent DADA training from Remus, Tonks and Moody.

"I'm tired. Why don't we go down to the kitchen and have some sandwiches," Harry said. They had been practicing the whole morning after breakfast.

"Okay, you deserve a break. I think you're ready for Dumbledore to test you," Hermione exclaimed.

"Thanks to you, of course," Harry muttered.

"Don't mention it. Well, let's get down for lunch, shall we," Hermione cooed and they both went down to eat.

Tonks was the only member of the Order in the kitchen. Moody was with Remus on a mission.

"I assume you both want to eat lunch," Tonks said as she handed them plates of sandwiches. "These are from Mrs. Weasley of course," she added.

"Grimmauld is almost like the Burrow only quieter and more private but it still has the benefits of Mrs. Weasley's cooking," Harry commented.

"You're are so right. I can't believe it's only a week before we get back to Hogwarts. I spoke to mum and dad I Flooed in the house yesterday Tonks was with me. We went to the Burrow first so it was safe. My parents are inviting you for the Christmas holiday already," Hermione said as she took a bite from her ham and cheese sandwich.

"I'd love to join you and your family on a holiday. So that's why I couldn't find you the whole afternoon. I thought you were with Ginny," Harry exclaimed.

"I actually told them we can't go back for the holidays because of our N.E.W.T reviews. And I think Dumbledore will want us in Hogwarts for the Holidays," Hermione explained.

"Oh. Too much for a happy thought of a new scenery," Harry commented.

"She's right, Harry, and besides I think you'll enjoy staying at Hogwarts. You've always had before," Tonks but in.

"I guess you're both right. Honestly, Hermione I think you're parents are very understanding. You spend so much time away from home," Harry commented.

"I'm just blessed with very understanding parents that's all. I have to say, I feel guilty most of the time and I also miss them a lot," Hermione admitted.

Harry and Hermione were enjoying their lunch when suddenly a group of people burst in the kitchen door. Mrs. Weasley, Fred, George, Ginny and Ron decided to come and join them.

"Ron!" they both greeted as they stood up from their chairs and went to hug their best friend.

"I knew you were both happy to see me," Ron said, "but it would really be nice if you both let me breath," he added.

The three burst out laughing. "We're so glad to see you. You should have been here weeks ago," Harry said as he patted his best friend's back.

"Sorry if you couldn't stand to much of Hermione," Ron joked.

Hermione just rolled her eyes. "Actually, Ron, we were having a splendid time even without you," she said.

"I doubt that. Harry probably had the worst time with you bossing around all the time," Ron said.

"I wasn't bossing him around," Hermione retorted.

"Geez, and you got here less than five minutes. I can't believe you still fight a lot," Harry muttered. "Well, Hermione's right. We had a really fun time here and it got my mind of things," Harry admitted, He wasn't able to continue what he was saying. He wanted to tell Ron that being with Hermione made him forget about his worries and woes about his godfather's death. Somehow he didn't want to see what Ron's reaction would be if he told him that Hermione had comforted him in his toughest and hardest of times. She somehow gave him the spark of hope but even she herself didn't know Harry felt about her. She surely can read thoughts but Harry kept all these feelings in his heart.

"What can I say? I missed the petty arguments and well, I miss Hermione also," Ron, said slightly embarrassed. "And you too Harry," he added.

"Nice try Weasley but I still won't forgive you for what you said. Harry and I definitely had a nice time together even without you," Hermione retorted.

"You guys better sit down and stop arguing. I mean didn't you notice Mrs. Weasley, Fred, George, Ginny, and Tonks leave the kitchen," Harry pointed out.

"Oh, I didn't see everyone leave," Hermione said.

"That's because you were too busy yelling at me for no apparent reason," Ron answered.

"What do you mean no apparent reason? You deliberately accused me of being a boring person by the context of your previous statements not to mention your 'I'm a too bossy accusation'," Hermione retorted.

"Just apologize to her Ron and it will be over with," Harry said. He was getting tired of all the arguing. 'And to think we still have a week to go together. If only Ron could be a little nicer with his comments,' he thought to himself.

"You're taking her side now!" Ron retorted. "What have you done to him?" he asked Hermione.

"Nothing. Just proving to you that Harry and I get along just fine," Hermione smirked and folded her hands on her chest.

"Fine. I'm sorry but I still I honestly don't know why I should," Ron still argued.

Harry and Hermione both smiled.

"It's hard enough that I have to win arguments with Hermione. Now, it will be more difficult if you always take her side. I am your best friend Harry, if I may remind you," Ron said.

"Of course, Ron. I never forget that. Now stop whining and have some sandwich," Harry offered.

"I already had some at home. Those sandwiches did came from our house you know," Ron pointed out.

"I can't believe that this day actually came. Ronald Weasley had refused food. This should go as a milestone for the three of us," Hermione said sarcastically. Harry couldn't stop himself from laughing and the three of them end up laughing.

After a few minutes later of Harry, Hermione and Ron sharing their summer experiences, Hedwig and a school owl came with the mail.

"Oh my! The O.W.Ls are here!" Hermione said nervously.

"It's about darn time," Ron commented.

Harry was both excited and worried. The O.W.L.s will determine whether he'd get enough N.E.W.T. level courses so he can qualify for Auror training.

Hedwig and the school owl dropped the envelopes in front of each of them. Ron, Hermione and Harry were eyeing their envelops as if uncertain whether to open their letters or to throw them away in the rubbish bin.

"So, who will open his letter first?" Hermione asked.

"Seriously Hermione. You probably got all twenty possible O.W.Ls," Ron teased.

"Very funny, Ron. I can only get seventeen O.W.L.s if I did well on all my exams both written and practical," Hermione said. "How about you Harry. Are you excited to see the results?" Hermione asked Harry.

"I really don't know how I did in the exams. I mean I feel confident in most of the subjects but now I don't think I'm really sure about it," Harry admitted.

"Relax, Harry. The O.W.L.s are just exams and besides you can always be a Quidditch player and you don't need much O.W.L.s or N.E.W.Ts scores," Ron mused as he ripped the envelop open to reveal his O.W.Ls Result.

Both Harry and Hermione eyed Ron's reaction.

"No more Potions!" Ron shouted with glee. "Finally! I would be far from Snape's clutches," he added.

"Ron, don't you think it's a bit of a disadvantages on your part. I mean what if you don't make it as a Quidditch player? What will become of you then?" Hermione asked as if she was Ron's inquisitive mother.

"Err... I was thinking the same thing. Although it is quite a relief to know you wouldn't have to share some quality learning time with Snape in the dungeon," Harry said.

"What has Hermione done to you Harry?" Ron jokingly asked. "If ever I don't make it as a Quidditch player I might as well join in the family business."

Hermione rolled her eyes and Harry just chuckled. Somehow there was still tension. Two O.W.L. results were still sealed and lying on the table.

"In case you guys want to know I got ten O.W.L.s. It's a lot better than Fred and George's O.W.L.s but not super high like Percy and Bill. I mean who on earth can get twelve O.W.Ls like those two. My D in Potions got me out of Snape's class. I won't be taking Divinitions and Astronomy I also got Dreadful in those subject. Thank goodness! I mysteriously got an Outstanding in my Care for Magical Creatures, the rest are rated Acceptable and Exceeds Expectations," Ron reported.

Harry had enough courage in him to open the envelope. Hermione smiled at him and somehow he knew whatever results the O.W.Ls may contain he still has Hermione and Ron and they wouldn't abandon him even if he got a T.

Harry read his O.W.L. result. His eyes widened. He could not believe what he was seeing.

"What is it Harry? What scores did you get?" Hermione asked.

"Come on Harry? Tell us?" Ron cooed.

"I got thirteen O.W.L.s," Harry muttered but he was still shocked.

"You did it!" Hermione leaped from her sit and threw her arms around Harry.

Harry became aware that his thirteen O.W.L.s was in fact a good thing. He then realized that he was returning Hermione's hug.

"Okay, okay, I'm happy for Harry but you two ought to break it," Ron said with a little air of annoyance.

Harry and Hermione broke apart but Hermione was beaming at Harry's accomplishment.

"Can I see the results?" Hermione asked and Harry handed her the piece of parchment.

"It says here Harry got both Outstanding Points for Theory of Charms and his Practical exam, He also got the same in Transfiguration (Practical and Theory), Defense and the Dark Arts (Theory and Practical) with an additional bonus point for his Patronus. Harry also had an Outstanding mark in Potions. He got an Exceeds Expectations in Herbology (Theory and Practical) and Care for magical Creatures (Theory and Practical). He got Acceptable in History of Magic but had Two Dreadful marks in Divination and Astronomy but who did well on those subjects anyway," Hermione said proudly. "You will be able to get all the N.E.W.Ts level courses you need to be an Auror. I just knew it. You're really smart," she added.

"We opened our letters now it's your turn," Ron said a bit distant. He and Harry both looked at her.

She carefully opened the envelope. "I hope I got at least twelve," Hermione muttered to herself.

"Relax Hermione, you practically aced all your exams. You're really smart you know," Harry tried to reassure her. It was something he never usually did before. It was usually Hermione reassuring him.

"Okay, relax," Hermione said as she slowly opened her eyes to look at her results. She found Harry and Ron behind her reading the results.

"Bloody hell, Hermione you got all 17 O.W.L.s. I don't recall anyone getting that many," Ron exclaimed.

"You probably broke Hogwart's records for this," Harry said.

Hermione was still speechless. She had gotten all her exams with high marks. With only her Astronomy with an E grade and the rest were O.

"Shall we look at our course guide this year?" Ron asked. "I can't believe it I still need to take Divination. I thought when you get awful grades on that exam they'll let you drop it," Ron grunted.

Hermione took his schedule and read it. "They still want you to take those subjects because you already lost your slot in the N.E.W.T. level Potions. You will just have too much free time so they still want you to take Divination but you do have an additional subject and that's Advance Defense against Dark Arts," Hermione said.

Harry looked at his own schedule. He will be taking six N.E.W.T. level courses. He also had additional two additional subjects, Ancient Runes and Advance DADA. "I also have Advance DADA and Ancient Runes," Harry said.

"Well, good thing you helped me while I was studying my Runes lessons. I bet they'll make you attend make up classes to catch up with our class," Hermione exclaimed. She then read her own schedule. "I'll be having almost the same schedule as Harry only I have Arithmancy too," she added.

"I think this year is going to be great," Harry exclaimed.

"Of course it will be. I wouldn't be seeing Snape as for you two, well, I can only wish you good luck," Ron said. "Actually, I'm rather excited about Quidditch. I mean we'll be looking for a new Quidditch captain not to mention new Beaters and Chasers," he added.

"I'm sure you'll find a suitable captain," Hermione said as he eyed Harry.

"I'm sure we'll find someone," Harry said. He realized that Ron was actually eyeing the position of Quidditch captain.

"Now, Hermione if you'll excuse me and Harry for a while we'll have our little Quidditch chat," Ron said.

'Hermione, I don't like the feeling of this little private talk,' Harry legilimenced to Hermione.

'Tell me later about it. It's just Ron don't worry about it,' Hermione legilimenced in return then she left both of them. She probably went out to look for Ginny.

"So Harry, do you know why Fred and George are here?" Ron started.

"You're the one with them. I really don't know why they're here. You're the brother, shouldn't you be the one with the information?" Harry replied.

"I was thinking maybe they got admitted to the Order since they're done with school and all," Ron muttered. "I thought you guys know about it because you're staying at the head quarters," he added.

"I'm as surprised as you are and Hermione couldn't have known about it without telling me," Harry replied.

"I guess you're right. Speaking of Hermione. Does she get letters from Vicky?" Ron inquired.

"Well, I really don't know. I mean don't you think that's kind of personal?" Harry asked. " And besides Hermione told me Krum is just her friend so we shouldn't worry," he added.

"Well, we're her friends we do have a right to know," Ron said. " I mean you told us about Cho didn't you?"

"Well, That is a different case and besides Cho is history," Harry said with conviction.

"That's nice to hear. Maybe you can go and ask Ginny out then," Ron exclaimed.

Harry almost chocked from what he just heard. "Excuse me? Did you just ask me to date your only sister?" Harry asked.

"Yes I did. Harry, we both know that you know Ginny has a thing for you. She's not a little girl anymore and a big brother like me will only feel comfortable if his sister is dating someone I personally know," Ron reasoned.

"Ron we both know that I don't like Ginny, well, not in the way that you want me to and besides she does have a boyfriend who happens to be someone you know," Harry argued. He also wanted to add that he likes someone else.

"Think about it Harry, me and Hermione and you and Ginny," Ron muttered.

"So you want me to date Ginny so you can have Hermione to yourself," Harry said indignantly.

"You make it sound so sinister," Ron retorted.

"Because it is. Ron, they're human beings and they can pretty much think for themselves. Ginny is your sister and Hermione is our friend, can't you at least think of how they'll feel if they found out. I'm not going to date Ginny. I don't want to lead your sister on and she's a smart girl she'll figure out your little scheme. As for Hermione, you of all people should know that she's not going to fall for any silly plan you might have in mind," Harry blurted. He was upset with what Ron just told him.

"I thought you'd back me up on this one. I guess I was wrong," Ron said. He left with a disappointed look on his face.

Harry didn't want any further conflicts with Ron but he knew that it was only the beginning of the many trials his friendship with Ron will go through.

"What's up with Ron?" Ginny asked as she and Hermione went inside the kitchen.

"Your little Quidditch talk didn't go well," Hermione said.

"Err... you can say that," Harry replied.

"Anyway, I was just telling Hermione about my trip to Diagon alley. I saw Neville and some of the members of the DA. Well, we're hoping you'll continue training us," Ginny explained.

"I told her we better ask Dumbledore and that we will probably have a real DADA teacher this year," Hermione muttered.

"I'd love to have DA meetings but we might have a good teacher this school term and we wouldn't need any DA meetings anymore," Harry replied.

"Makes me wonder what happened to Umbridge?" Ginny asked.

"She probably got what she deserved for torturing Harry," Hermione said. "Harry, can I borrow Hedwig for a while? I want to tell my parents the good news. My O.W.Ls results I mean."

"Sure, Hermione," Harry said and Hermione left him with Ginny.

"Now tell me what my brother just told you?" Ginny said in a very serious tone.

"Nothing, important just Quidditch," Harry answered abruptly.

"He asked you to date me didn't he?" Ginny interrogated. "I know he did, that insufferable git," Ginny muttered.

"Well, he did but I didn't agree with him," Harry said.

"Of course you didn't. You have enough common sense in you that my brother most definitely lacks. Don't worry, I didn't tell Hermione and Harry just so you know. I don't have a crush on you anymore and I'm happy with my life. My brother can bugger off for all I care," Ginny blurted.

"Thanks Ginny. I understand Ron in a way but I completely think his a bit out of line," Harry replied.

"And besides, Harry, I know the perfect girl for you and I don't mean Cho," Ginny said with a knowing look. "Come on the twins want to talk business with you," she added.

"I hope you didn't find my refusal to Ron's scheme as an insult--," Harry said.

"Hey, not at all. Like I told you I think Ron is losing his marbles sometimes but he's my brother and I love him. Sometimes I think he should date Luna because he thinks really weird thoughts like she does," Ginny said as they got out of the kitchen and went out to look for the twins.