Harry Potter and the Riasc Stone

Chapter Four: O.W.L.'s are S.T.U.P.I.D.'s

The following week passed without incident. Harry had gotten permission from Professor Dumbledore to continue his morning runs, and was granted permission only if Harry would allow an Order member to accompany him. Harry had agreed, grateful he was being let out of the house. Each morning he dressed and took his trainers down the stairs and out the door for a morning run. Rigel joined him most mornings, and Harry didn't mind; it was nice to have someone to spend the cold mornings with. Neither Rigel nor Harry spoke about their runs to anyone, though everyone knew they ran together. Neither boy talked during their time running either and Harry was grateful for the silent companionship. He knew there was an order member somewhere, probably on a broom under an invisibility cloak, but Harry didn't care.

Dudley decided he was going to give magic a go, and spent the morning hours reading Harry's first year text books. Twice Dudley joined Rigel and Harry on their runs, but once every two days was all he could handle. Hermione had sent a study schedule that she felt could benefit Dudley and the other teens took turns explaining to Dudley about the magical world.

Ron took it upon himself to explain every intricate detail of Quidditch to Harry's cousin, and Dudley had listened with eager eyes, and made many comments that he couldn't wait to see an actual match.

Ginny explained Wizarding fashions, including robes, cloaks, capes and hats, and even enticed Harry, Ron and Adara to model some examples. Dudley had looked skeptical at first, but once he got it through his mind that everyone dressed like this, he didn't find it to be that big of a deal.

Harry talked about Diagon Alley, well, what was left of it, and the Ministry of Magic, well, what was left of that as well. But Galleons, Sickles and Knuts were still in use, so Harry was able to explain the wizarding monetary system without having to explain that parts of it were gone or failing.

The afternoons were filled with Exploding Snap, or Wizards Chess, both of which Dudley was dreadful at, but he didn't seem to mind. Harry was amazed at how easy his cousin had been to get along with, and wondered if Dudley's new magic ability had something to do with Dudley's attitude change. Harry had secretly spoken to Mrs. Weasley about Dudley's weight and wondered if there was some weight loss potion or tonic or something she could slip into his food. Her eye twinkled and she nodded, saying she knew just the thing. Harry knew that Dudley's weight was a secret problem for the teen, and if he felt better about the way he looked, then he would have a better time at Hogwarts.

Harry had found himself staring at Ginny. A lot. He always managed to turn his head when she would be about to notice him, but he still didn't know what was going on. When she smiled it sent his stomach into a fit of butterflies and hearing her laugh made him grin like a fool.

"A magician walked into a pub," Ginny was saying, and Harry looked up from his Shepard's pie. "'Sod it!' he said. 'I must remember to move that thing!'"

Adara, Ron, Rigel and Harry all snickered and Ginny grinned. Dudley looked blank for a moment before his face broke into a huge grin.

"I have one," Dudley said. "I went to the butcher's and bet him 50 pounds that he couldn't reach the meat on the top shelf. He shook his head and said that the steaks were too high."

Ginny nearly missed spitting out her pumpkin juice and Ron whacked her back as she choked on her laughter. The others laughed and Dudley looked very pleased with himself. They had been at this all evening, each trying to outdo each other with jokes.

"How many Quidditch players does it take to light up a wand?" Ron asked. "Six to work their butts off and a Seeker to take the credit. No offense, Harry." Harry laughed with the others and caught Ginny's eye as she laughed at Ron's joke. The sight made his heart flip over.

Knock it off, Potter, he told himself. Harry quickly looked back at his meal wondering why Ginny Weasley had this effect on him.

"So when does Hermione come?" Ginny asked.

"Not for a while," Ron replied. "Her mum and dad are really upset about what happened last term, and they're really worried about everything."

"They wouldn't prevent her from coming back to Hogwarts, would they?" Harry asked, suddenly a little worried.

"I don't think so," Ron replied. "But she says they don't understand about what's going on. But she says they know that Hogwarts is the safest place for her."

Harry nodded, suddenly feeling guilty. He didn't want Hermione's parents to be mad at her because she went with him to the Ministry. It wasn't her fault she got hurt, he lead them there. Hermione even tried to stop him.

Harry stood with the others to clear his dishes, washing his dishes without much thought.

"Harry," Ginny said, stopping him on his way out of the kitchen. She had her hand on his forearm and he stopped to look at her.

"It's not your fault," she said simply.

"What are you talking about, Ginny?" Harry asked, trying to act confused.

"Oh, please, Harry," she replied rolling her eyes. "I saw the look that came over your face when Ron mentioned Hermione's parents. And you've been quiet ever since. Don't think I don't know what's going on."

"I'm fine Ginny," Harry said.

"No," Ginny replied, taking her hand off his arm. "You're not, Harry. And this summer you're not going to push everyone away and let your anger at everything build up."

Now Harry was getting annoyed.

"And why would I do that?" he asked.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Don't take that tone with me, Potter. You might be able to get away with that when it's Ron or Hermione you're talking to, but don't think I can't see right through it. I've been through this, remember? I know what Voldemort can do. Just don't push us away again. Don't retreat into your dark Harry-land of self pity and doubt. And don't look so shocked, Harry, remember I've already had to deal with Voldemort."

But you don't have a prophecy to fulfill, the thought, but regardless of his annoyance, his shoulders relaxed. He found it very hard to stay angry at the cute red head in front of him. He looked at her, really looking and taking in the shape of her face, the deep color of her brown eyes, the soft sprinkling of freckles across her nose and cheeks. She really was quite darling.

"Where are you, Harry?"

He blinked and smiled. "Right here, Ginny."

"You were a million miles away just now," she said.

"No, I was right here," he replied, which was the truth, he was just focused on her. The same stray lock of hair that had been bothering him all week had fallen out of place and before Harry could stop himself- or chicken out- he reached over and tucked it behind her ear.

"Thanks, Ginny," Harry said. Her eyes had gone a bit wide in shock, but she remained calm and collected.

"For what, Harry?"

"For not letting me do what I always do, blame myself," he replied. "I might need you to kick me for it once and a while. You seem to be the only one willing to do it."

"I do what I can," she said and smiled at him.

Uh oh, there goes my stomach again.

"I think I'll go read with Dudley," Harry said and she nodded.

"Night then, Harry."

"Good night, Ginny."

- - - - - -

"How many subjects are there?" Dudley asked Harry. They were seated in the kitchen, the next morning. Harry had pulled out his Potions essay, deciding to get an early start on it.

Harry looked up. "Quite a few. What I'm working on is Potions, it's a bit like chemistry. But then there's Transfiguration and Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts- that's my favorite- and Herbology and Astronomy and-"

"And I have to learn all of these?" Dudley asked.

"No," Harry chuckled. "I mean, there are some you won't need a foundation for, like History of Magic. You really don't need prior knowledge for Astronomy or Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts changes each year, so we'll see about that one. You'll get to pick two electives. You don't need experience for any of those, but Ancient Runes and Arithmancy are supposed to be difficult."

"What are those?"

"Arithmancy is like mathematics, I think," Harry replied. "And Ancient Runes is sort of figuring out puzzles and translating ancient texts and stuff. I really don't know, I don't take either of those."

"What do you take?"

"My electives were Care of Magical Creatures and Divination," Harry replied. "But since I just took my O.W.L.'s-"

"O.W.L.'s?" Dudley asked.

"Ordinary Wizarding Levels," Harry explained. "You take them at the end of your fifth year."

"Oh," Dudley replied. "I took my Ordinary Level test at the end of last year."

"Same sort of thing," Harry said. "And since I just took mine, I have to choose N.E.W.T. level classes based on my O.W.L. scores."

"N.E.W.T.'s?"

"Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests," Harry replied. "You take those at the end of your seventh year. I think McGonagall wants to have you take most of your O.W. L's at the end of next year, and your N.E.W.T.'s the after I take mine. Don't look so horrified, Dud! For some of the subjects, you review most of the year as it is. But there shouldn't be any reason you couldn't take your History of Magic, Herbology and Astronomy, and whatever electives you choose, at the end of this year."

Dudley nodded. "I have a lot of catching up to do."

"I wonder if Dumbledore could get you a waiver on the Restriction of Underage Magic, that way you could practice some of the magic, not just read so much about it," Harry speculated.

"Actually, that is not necessary!" Professor Dumbledore said as he came into the room. "See this morning's Prophet for an explanation, Harry."

Harry took the paper from the headmaster and scanned the front page, his face lighting up.

"What is it?" Dudley asked.

"Minister Fudge lowered the age restriction for underage magic!" Harry exclaimed. "Says he wants every witch or wizard to be able to defend themselves. Apparently if they are old enough to go to Hogsmeade, they can handle doing magic away from school! This is brilliant!"

"The age restriction has been lowered to age thirteen," Professor Dumbledore said. "Cornelius was apparently very shaken up by the attack on Diagon Alley, and stories of underage students not doing magic for fear of expulsion reached his ears."

"This is fantastic, Professor," Harry said. "Now we can actually practice magic."

"This comes with a great deal of responsibility, Mr. Potter," Professor Dumbledore replied. "The same laws that apply to fully qualified wizards will apply to all over the age of thirteen."

"Of course, Professor," Harry said. Ginny and Ron came into the kitchen and Harry explained to them what had happened and then again when Adara and Rigel came to get refreshments. Each teen seemed eager to start using magic, though all seemed a bit hesitant to try it.

"Oh come on, someone do a spell!" Ron laughed.

"Oh Bugger," Harry replied and pulled out his wand. "Some Gryffindors we are! Accio goblet!" The goblet on the counter soared into Harry's hand and the others remained quiet, listening.

"No, I don't hear any owls," Ron said. "I suppose its okay."

"Mr. Weasley," Professor Dumbledore said, amused by their antics. "The Minster lowered the age restriction; it was printed in the Dailey Prophet."

"But since when does the Prophet print what's true, Professor?" Ron asked and Harry had to agree.

"Too true, Mr. Weasley," Professor Dumbledore replied. "Now, onto the other reason for my visit. We need to get Mr. Dursley a wand, and supplies. You all need textbooks and, some of you, new robes." Ron blushed and Harry grinned at his friend. He had grown at least an inch since the end of last term. "And we need to get our new students Sorted."

"But Professor," Ginny said. "Most of Diagon Alley was destroyed. Where are we going to get these things?"

"Ah, Miss Weasley, you have a point," the headmaster replied. "However, most shops have moved to Hogsmeade until Diagon Alley is rebuilt. Gringotts has set up automatic gold transfers with each vendor, and I think wizards might find that this is much easier than carrying gold coins around."

"We don't know what classes we're taking yet, Professor," Harry said. "We haven't got our O.W.L. scores back yet."

Professor Dumbledore pulled six envelopes from beneath his robe and handed them to each of them. Harry took his, a little nervous to see his O.W.L. results. With a quick glance at their headmaster, they each tore into their envelopes.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Enclosed you will find your results from your Ordinary Wizarding Level exams you took this past June. Please review your scores and choose at least six N.E.W.T. level courses to continue this next school year. Also enclosed is a complete book and supply list for all available courses. Please select your courses, and send the enclosed course form back as soon as possible. You will need to purchase the specified texts and supplies for the courses you choose.

Harry flipped through the pages to his O.W.L. scores and his face lit up.

Astronomy- Acceptable

Herbology- Exceed Expectations

Transfiguration- Outstanding

Defense Against the Dark Arts- Outstanding

Charms- Outstanding

Care of Magical Creatures- Exceed Expectations

Potions- Outstanding

Divination- Acceptable

History of Magic- Poor

Total O.W.L's: 8

"Harry, how many?" Ron asked, seeing his friend's face.

"Eight," Harry replied and looked up at Ron. "You?"

"Seven."

"Ron, that's fantastic!" Harry exclaimed.

"What about Potions?" Ron asked.

"I got an O."

"So did I!"

"Good, at least we can face Snape's ugly face together," Harry said, looking abck at this letter. There were still more papers he needed to read through

"That's Professor Snape's ugly face, Mr. Potter," Professor Dumbledore said.

"Yes, of course, Professor," Harry replied. He flipped through the pages and a gold shiny badge fell out of the folds in the paper, a bold GC in the center.

Mr. Potter,

I am pleased to offer you the position of Gryffindor Quidditch captain. Your life time band placed by Professor Umbridge has been lifted and your broom will be waiting for you when you return to Hogwarts. Please see me at the start of term to discuss this responsibility and also to set up time for tryouts for this year's team.

Sincerely,

Professor M. McGonagall

Harry looked at the badge in his hand and smiled. Quidditch Captain? Me?

"Harry is that what I think it is?" Ron asked and Harry looked at him.

"I got Quidditch Captain," Harry stated.

Ron let out a whoop and jumped up and down. Ginny looked elated, and Harry noticed a shiny badge in her hand as well.

"Did you get Prefect, Ginny?" he asked.

"Yeah," Ginny said, trying not to blush. "Wait till Fred and George find out. They'll never let me hear the end of it."

"Congratulations Ginny," Harry said.

"You too, Harry," she replied. Harry painfully tore his eyes away from her and looked at his cousin.

"What does it say, Dudley?" Harry asked.

"That I've been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," his cousin replied, a sound of awe hinted on his voice. "It explains the courses I'm to take, and what levels."

"We'll help you through it," Harry replied and looked at Rigel. "What about yours?"

"Adara and I took O.W.L.s at Salem Institute," he replied. "Except they were called Standard Testing Used Per Industry Demands, S.T.U.P.I.D's. These are just our Hogwarts acceptance letters, our S.T.U.P.I.D scores and what classes we can take at Hogwarts."

"How many did you get then?" Ron asked.

"Eight," Rigel replied and smiled "Same as Harry."

"And you, Adara?" Harry asked.

"Nine," she replied and her brother rolled his eyes.

"Only because she sat the S.T.U.P.I.D. Muggle exam," he replied. "She didn't even take the course."

"Sounds like Hermione might have some competition," Ron laughed and Harry agreed.

"So it seems the four of you have some course decisions to make," Professor Dumbledore said. "Let's plan to depart for Hogwarts in twenty minutes."

"Hogwarts?" Harry asked. "But I thought-"

"We will hold a private Sorting Ceremony for Rigel, Adara and Dudley first," Professor Dumbledore explained. "Then we will be off to Hogsmeade."

Harry nodded and smiled as Mrs. Weasley came into the kitchen.

"Mum, where have you been?" Ginny asked.

"Oh, out and about, dear," her mother replied but looked tired, like she'd been up all night. "Order stuff, don't worry about it."

"Does Dad know?" Ron asked.

"Of course he does, Ron," Mrs. Weasley replied. "He doesn't know specifics, but then again no one knows exactly what each member is doing at every moment. Much safer that way."

"Glad to see you are safe and sound, Molly," Professor Dumbledore said. "I've just given the students their Hogwarts letters and O.W.L. results. We are going to Hogwarts to Sort our new students and then into Hogsmeade."

"Oh, how did you all do on your O.W.L.'s?" Mrs. Weasley asked. They relayed their scores, Ginny's new Prefect badge and Harry's appointment of Gryffindor Quidditch Captain. She fussed and cried and hugged each of them before hugging them all in one large hug.

"Oh that is such wonderful news," she said, dabbing at her eyes. "And you three, good luck with your Sorting. You might even have to wrestle a troll!"

Harry and Ron looked at each other and then at Mrs. Weasley and burst out laughing.

"Mum!" Ron cried. "You were the one that started that! Fred and George told me that before my first year and I believed them!"

"Now, Ronald," Mrs. Weasley said, laughing. "I can enjoy a good joke once in a while."

"I would have never expected that from Mum," Ron replied. "I am quite proud."

"Well thank you, Ron," his mother said. "Albus, will you need me to-"

"Today, Molly, you need to get some rest and put your feet up," Professor Dumbledore said, putting a hand up to cut her off. "We have five other Order members who are going into the village with us, and you need your rest."

Mrs. Weasley looked a little hurt but nodded and smiled away her expression.

"Be careful, you lot," she said, wagering a finger at them. "I know about this new age restriction, or lack there of, and I don't want you getting into any trouble."

"Yes, Mum," Ron and Ginny chirped and Harry, Rigel and Adara nodded. Dudley was still looking at his Hogwarts letter. Harry took notice, but didn't comment on it at that time.

He, Ron, Rigel and Adara sat down to chose their classes for next school term. Rigel, Ron and Harry all decided on Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Transfiguration, Charms, Astronomy, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. Adara chose the same, exchanging Astronomy for Arithmancy and Herbology for Ancient Runes.

"Wish we could know what Hermione was taking," Ron said.

"Easy," Harry replied. "Everything."

Ron snorted but continued in a serious tone of voice. "I hope she's doing okay. I know her parents ore bothering her a bit, and I really hope she can make it for your birthday."

Harry nodded, understanding Ron's worries about their friend, but not understanding the tone of care and concern in Ron's voice.

One more thing to try and figure out.

They all, with the exception of Dudley, grabbed cloaks from their rooms and met Professor Dumbledore in the front entry. He held out a feather quill and once they were all touching it, they were jerked backwards, flown through space and silence and landed in the front hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.