Harry Potter and the Power Unknown

~Chapter Six: Results, Reminders and Revenge~

The next few weeks at Grimmauld Place went better than Harry expected them to. He had seen neither hide nor hair of Kreacher, which suited him just fine. There wasn't much cleaning to do, so Harry, Ron and Hermione spend most of their time together, playing gobstones, wizard's chess or just talking about all sorts of things. Ron told Harry that Percy had made up with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley soon after the events at the Ministry.

"I still think Percy's a git," Ron said bitterly. "But Mum's happy about it."

Harry was also able to borrow a broom and play some Quiddich with Bill, Ginny, Ron Fred and George when they all visited the Burrow. About a week and a half before the start of the school year the Hogwarts letters finally arrived, which included the usual letter from Professor McGonagall and the list of new required books, but also enclosed were the O.W.L. results. Hermione was especially excited because, as she constantly reminded Harry and Ron, the Ministry delayed the results because they had been preoccupied with the return of Voldemort and the ousting of Fudge and Dolores Umbridge.

Dear Mr. Potter,

This is just a reminder that the start of term begins on September 1. Please make sure you are at Platform 9 and ¾ before eleven o'clock of that morning so as not to miss the Hogwarts express. Enclosed is your list for the new required books, your O.W.L. results, and recommendations by the staff for what classes you should be taking in order to pursue the career of your choice discussed last year.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Depute Headmistress

Harry tried not to be nervous as he looked down at his O.W.L. results. The note above the results mentioned that the actual scores he had received consist of averages between the theory and practical exams for each subject.

Astronomy: Acceptable

Theory: Acceptable

Practical: Poor

Care for Magical Creatures: Outstanding

Theory: Outstanding

Practical: Outstanding

Charms: Exceeds Expectations

Theory: Exceeds Expectations

Practical: Exceeds Expectations

Defense Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding

Theory: Outstanding

Practical: Outstanding

Divination: Dreadful

Theory: Dreadful

Practical: Dreadful

Herbology: Acceptable

Theory: Acceptable

Practical: Acceptable

History of Magic: Poor

Theory: Poor

Practical: ----

Potions: Exceeds Expectations

Theory: Acceptable

Practical: Exceeds Expectations

Transfiguration: Exceeds Expectations

Theory: Acceptable

Practical: Exceeds Expectations

Harry was pleasantly surprised on how well he did. He figured Hermione would be proud too, but he wanted to wait to see what Ron got before he went and told her. He was slightly disappointed, though, as he realized that his chances for becoming an Auror were now slim-to-none since he did not receive an "Outstanding" on his Potions exam. However, the thought Snape no longer being his professor was greatly pleasing to him.

Hermione, as expected, did remarkably well. She received nine "Outstanding" in all O.W.L.'s except Astronomy in which she received an "O" in the written exam and an "E" in the practical, giving her an average of "E". This greatly upset her, even though Ron and Harry tried to point out that receiving nine "Outstandings" was probably a new record for the school.

"And besides, Hermione," Ron pointed out, "An 'E' is still a passing grade anyway!"

"Oh, shut up Ron," scoffed Hermione. Harry and Ron decided to stop trying to make her feel better after that.

Ron, on the other hand, was ecstatic about his scores. He received only one "Outstanding" which was in Care of Magical Creatures, but he received "Exceeds Expectations" in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms, and Acceptable in History of Magic, Transfiguration and Herbology.

"Six O.W.L.s! That's one more than Fred and George. Still, it's too bad I won't be able to be in Transfiguration with you all, since McGonagall only accepts 'Exceeds Expectations'," said Ron. "But, hey! No more Potions! That's a plus!"

"I just don't know what to take," said Hermione, sounding exasperated. "I mean, they told me I have my choice among all the classes, but I'm still not sure what I want to do after graduation! I don't suppose I'll need Astronomy anymore. What did they suggest for you, Harry?" She leaned over and looked at Harry's scores. "Wow! Seven O.W.L.'s? That's wonderful."

"Thanks," Harry said with a smile. He looked back down at his letter and said, "But I don't understand something. It's suggested here that I should take Potions if I still want to be an Auror, but Snape won't let me in with an 'E' will he?"

Ron looked down at Harry's letter and said, "Hmm... that is weird." Then a grin spread across his face and he said, "Maybe Snape got killed by Death Eaters or something!"

Harry shook his head. "No such luck. I've seen him already."

"What?!"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you! Dumbledore wanted me to learn how to apparate, so when I was picked up from Privet Drive he, Snape and Lupin taught me how."

Ron gaped at him, but Hermione looked slightly miffed.

"What?" Harry asked her.

"Nothing! It's just, well... oh, never mind," Hermione said, not looking at him. Harry suddenly understood.

"There's nothing to be jealous of, Hermione," he said. "Dumbledore just wanted me to be able to quickly get out of harm's way and back to Hogwarts."

"But you can't apparate into school grounds..." Hermione began.

"Yes, I know, I thought so too," Harry interrupted. "But Dumbledore said my magic is growing and he thought I would be able to do it. I actually apparated here from the Forbidden Forest. I won't be able to disapparate from Hogwarts, unfortunately." He smiled at Hermione, but she still looked irritated.

"Look," Harry began again, starting to get angry. "It's not a good thing when the headmaster tells you to learn something only because it may save your life! It's not as if he's spoiling me or anything. Voldemort wants to kill me, Hermione, so Dumbledore thought this was best. Besides, you'll learn next year."

Hermione's expression softened. "I'm sorry, Harry. I don't know what I was thinking; you're absolutely right." She went back to reading her letter.

Harry turned to Ron and changed subjects. "The house is really clean; I meant to mention it earlier. Did you all do a lot of cleaning when I was at the Dursley's?"

"Nope," Ron said. "It was clean enough at the end of term, so we didn't have to do much. Sirius probably had a lot of time on his hands being here..." He broke off once he saw the look on Harry's face. "Sorry, Harry," he mumbled awkwardly.

"S'ok, I reckon he did do a lot of cleaning since he couldn't go out," said Harry with obvious difficulty.

"Anyway, it's not like Kreacher did anything for him, or anyone else for that matter," Ron continued, ignoring a scowl from Hermione. "But luckily most of the really awful stuff is gone."

"Is Kreacher still here?" asked Harry through gritted teeth.

"Yeah, but he spends most of the time hiding in his den," said Ron. "We finally were able to take down of the portrait of Sirius' mum, but Kreacher took it and stashed it before we could throw it out."

"I hope he stays there. I hope he rots in his den," said Harry maliciously.

Hermione had heard enough. "You shouldn't be so harsh, Harry," she said. "Whatever he is, it's not his fault."

"Oh, come off it, Hermione..." Ron began.

"Shut up, Ron! It's true," she shot back.

Harry whipped around and glared at her. "Kreacher is a lying, foul piece of filth that deserves to..."

"Harry, he's the way he is because of centuries of oppression by wizards on his kind," Hermione interrupted. "You can't blame him for the way he is."

Harry couldn't believe his ears and was about to burst with anger, so Ron tried to change the subject. "Do you think you will be able to play Quiddich again, Harry?"

Harry recognized Ron's attempt to diffuse the situation, so he took a deep breath, turned away from Hermione and said, "I hope so. I miss my Firebolt."

"Well, if the ban is still on maybe they will give you back your broom anyway," Ron said hopefully. Harry, his mind still on Kreacher, simply shrugged.

If Hermione knew what REALLY happened, Harry thought. Luckily, an interruption by Mrs. Weasley announcing lunch prevented any more skirmishes.

The next few days passed without incident. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny went to Diagon Alley escorted by Mrs. Weasley, Lupin and Tonks. The Order was concerned for Harry's safety since Lord Voldemort had been spotted outside of Diagon Alley a few days prior. However, everything went smoothly, and they all enjoyed an ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor after buying their new schoolbooks and after Harry bought himself a new watch. They returned to Number 12 a few hours later, new books in hand.

That afternoon, Mrs. Weasley mentioned the drawing room curtains were full of doxies again, and since she was unable to find (or command) Kreacher, she asked Ron, Harry, Hermione and Ginny to help out. The four of them were at it for a couple of hours when Kreacher opened the door and came in. A fire lit inside Harry as soon as he saw the elf, who looked extremely old and weathered. He was puttering around and muttering under his breath and at first appeared not to notice them.

"Nasty blood traitors and half-breeds messing up my Mistress's house, Kreacher must protect his Mistress, if she knew all the scum has come back, what would she say to poor Kreacher, what would she say if she knew Master had given the house to these traitors..."

Harry gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into fists trying to focus on anything but Kreacher's muttering. The elf looked up and finally seemed to realize he was not alone.

"The Potter boy is here again," said Kreacher, staring at Harry's forehead. "Kreacher wonders why he is here, Kreacher thought he would never return to the Noble House of Black now Master is not here, but Kreacher will soon be alone again, he and his Mistress will be alone at last, now Master has gone."

"So go get your Mistress and leave already!" spat Harry.

"Harry!" scolded Hermione. Harry ignored her, as did Kreacher.

The elf looked up at Harry again and spoke," Kreacher rescued his Mistress from the blood traitors, Master disgraced my Mistress, broke her heart by allowing in such filth."

"You're the only filth around here, Kreacher," said Harry. A creepy smile spread across Kreacher's old and worn face.

"But Master is gone now; Kreacher helped his Mistress to make sure Master never came back..."

Harry snapped. The same electric surge of energy and emotions his relatives felt at Privet Drive burst through him and around the room. With a yell of fury, Harry threw himself forward across a table at Kreacher, whose eyes widened with surprise. Harry knocked into Kreacher's chest and they toppled to the ground. Harry didn't care how old, insane, or sickly the elf was; he wanted to make Kreacher pay for what he did to Sirius. He wanted to wipe that smirk off Kreacher's face forever, and he began punching Kreacher with every bit of strength he had. His scar began to throb; Harry realized Voldemort felt happy, but he paid no attention. He heard Hermione yelling from somewhere and he heard someone leave the room he thought must be Ginny, but he did not care. Ron tried to pull his arms off Kreacher, but Harry yanked a hand free, reached for Kreacher's neck, and began to squeeze.

"IMPERIMENTA!" Someone yelled the spell suddenly and Harry finally relinquished his hold on the elf as he was thrown back across the room. He looked up and saw that Ginny had returned with Lupin, Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley.

"Harry! What is the meaning of this?" Dumbledore asked in a firm and slightly angry tone.

"Well OBVIOUSLY, Professor," Harry began scornfully, breathing hard. "I was attempting to beat every living inch out of that ragged piece of filth, that... that disgrace of a house-elf..." He pointed a shaky finger at Kreacher and made to rush at him again, but Lupin and Ron held him back. Dumbledore moved over to look at the broken and bleeding Kreacher sprawled on the ground, and then Hermione stepped out between Harry and Kreacher.

"Get out of the way, Hermione," Harry said warningly. He was struggling furiously to wrench himself out of Ron and Lupin's grips. "You don't know half of what he really is, you and all your SPEW bullshit. I don't care what you think. He killed Sirius, Hermione; now get out of the way!"

Tears were welling in her eyes, but Hermione did not budge. "No, Harry," she said firmly. "I'm not moving until you clam down and tell me what's going on."

"I said MOVE!"

Mirrors and windows in the room shattered, picture frames cracked and the house began to rumble. Ron and Lupin suddenly released Harry with yelps of pain as another electric shock surged onto them from Harry. Harry stood panting in the room and looked around at all the shocked faces looking at him.

"What the hell are you all looking at?!" he yelled.

"Harry, you need to calm down..." Lupin said gently, but slightly nervously.

"Calm down? CALM DOWN? Do you know what he did, Remus?" Harry shouted pointing down at the now unconscious Kreacher. "He's the reason Sirius is gone, just like Wormtail is the reason my parents are dead! I made the mistake of letting Wormtail live, and I will not make that mistake again!"

The tears were starting to flow now; Ron stared at him with his mouth slightly open, while Hermione clapped her hand over her mouth and looked as if she was on the verge of hysterics. No one made a move except Lupin, who moved around and stopped in front of Harry.

"I know, Harry, I know what he did," he said, his voice shaking. "But this isn't going to help anyone. It's not going to bring Sirius back."

"It doesn't matter!" yelled Harry, tears streaming down his face. "He deserved to feel the pain that I feel! He deserves to die..."

"Harry," Lupin interrupted with a slightly cold tone. "We all miss Sirius, but these are the risks we all took when pledging to the Order. Sirius would have done anything to protect you, and wallowing in sadness and guilt is a horrible way of remembering him."

"Like you should talk, Lupin," said Harry hatefully.

For a brief moment, Lupin looked angry enough to hit Harry, but he recovered his composure and said, "Sirius wouldn't have wanted you to become a murderer for him."

With a cry of defeat and aggravation, Harry turned his back on the crowd and stormed out of the room. Once he reached the guest bedroom, he slammed the door and sat on his bed, his tear streaked face in his hands. He was shaking from the adrenaline still pumping through him and his scar ached dully. He stood up suddenly and with an anguished yell, he grabbed his schoolbooks and threw them across the room as hard as he could. Then he grabbed his robes, his sneakoscope and anything else he could get his hands on and chucked them all in turn as well, very much like he did in Dumbledore's office a few months before. Finally, having exhausted himself, having used all the physical and emotional energy he could muster, he collapsed on his bed and stared at the empty trunk on the floor. He noticed pieces of glass at the bottom, and as he leaned forward to examine them, he found his father's mirror that Sirius had given him. All the emotion from the deaths of Sirius, Cedric and his parents began to boil up inside him. He picked it up and looked at the shattered face for a moment, then clutched the mirror to his chest and cried himself to sleep.

Harry woke early the following morning to Ron's snores. It was still dark, and he reached for his glasses to check his watch, which read 2:15. Someone must have cleaned the room while he was sleeping because his trunk was full again and there was nothing on the floor. He noticed his pendant was sitting on his bedside table, so he reached for it and placed it around his neck. Suddenly feeling hungry, he crept out of bed and headed to find some food in the kitchen. He paused at the bottommost stair when he heard voices.

"He'll be fine, Dumbledore. Harry beat him unconscious, but there is no permanent damage," Harry heard Lupin say.

"I'm sure Kreacher will recover," said Dumbledore. "The magic of his kind is indeed very powerful. My main concern is for Harry."

"Do you really think his power is growing too fast for him to handle?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"I can only speculate, Molly," Dumbledore answered. "His hurt and anger towards Kreacher, though not entirely unpredictable, seems to be much more intense than I originally thought. Harry has always had a quick temper, but this surge of violence is unexpected."

"Albus, he made the whole house shake just through his emotions! He needs to learn some control," Lupin said worriedly.

"I understand that, Remus," Dumbledore said calmly. "But Harry doesn't understand the extent of his power. I thought it wouldn't show until his seventh year at least, but I believe the death of Sirius must have triggered something deep within him."

The room fell silent, and Harry strained his ears to hear any whispers, but Dumbledore suddenly spoke once more.

"I know you are all concerned about Harry, but you must be strong for him. The last thing he needs is all of us to be tiptoeing around him so as not to anger him. Harry needs our support and advice, not our distance."

Harry knew the conversation was over from the finality in Dumbledore's voice, and sure enough, he heard the creaking of chairs and scuffling of shoes as everyone got to their feet. Harry hid himself in the shadows and watched Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Moody and Tonks leave the room. Then he heard Dumbledore say, "I would like a word with you, Remus." Harry heard the sound of a chair being pulled out and he moved closer to the door once again.

"What is it, Albus?" asked Lupin. Harry was surprised by Lupin's bitter tone, and he felt a surge of affection toward his old teacher for feeling the same way he did about the headmaster.

"Remus, I meant what I said about Harry. He needs guidance and support, especially from you." Lupin said nothing. "I know Sirius meant a lot to you," Dumbledore continued. "However, both you and Harry need to accept that he's gone and you both need to let go of your anger. You are Harry's last father figure, and he needs you. I cannot help him as much as I had hoped because I feel he has lost all trust in me, as you have," Dumbledore said sadly, and Harry felt a slight twinge of guilt and wondered if Lupin felt it too.

"I'm wouldn't be much of a father, Albus," said Lupin quietly.

"You don't need to be his father, Remus. You just need to be there for him," Dumbledore explained. "He needs stability right now, and I know he can find that through you."

Lupin must have nodded his agreement because Harry heard footsteps coming toward the door. He quickly proceeded back up the stairs and into his room having completely lost his appetite. He lay awake for hours, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, and thought about what he had overheard. He had felt for a long time that Lupin blamed him for Sirius' death, and now he really believed his feelings were correct. He began to feel incredibly alone once more. He didn't even want to use the pendent to make him feel better since the pendant showed him images of the people who had their lives taken or broken because of him. Trying to rid his head of guilt, he turned his thoughts to the discussion about his powers.

Is my power really out of control? He thought hopelessly. How did it get like this? How did I get like this? He finally fell asleep in the late hours of the early morning with one phrase repeating over and over in his mind:

"He will have power the Dark Lord knows not..."