By the time Harry had completed his OWLs, the Easter holidays had arrived. As was becoming customary, he had decided to remain at school, though he was not alone in this choice. Many of his second-year classmates also stayed, partly because they needed to decide which elective subjects they would pursue the following year.
Of course, while numerous students had chosen to stay during Easter, this was not the case for his younger brother. After the OWLs were over, Brian had reverted to the same kind of unpleasant behaviour towards Harry. Apparently, the thought of returning home made him even more self-centred and irritating than usual.
So, on the first day of the holiday, many Gryffindors breathed a collective sigh of relief, delighted at the prospect of two weeks without Brian, even though they all had a substantial amount of work to do. As Draco had commented, all the teachers seemed to forget they had a syllabus to complete until the end of term approached, and for that reason, many students found themselves stressed by the indecent amount of homework and assignments.
Logically, one might assume that since Harry was awaiting official results, he would have a great deal of free time, having no homework. However, the truth was he remained as busy as ever. During his OWLs, he had neglected his small business, and he had no choice but to catch up, though this time with a little assistance from his mentor; Ginna proved remarkably adept at the subject. Then there was Fawkes, who complained about the lack of attention Harry had been paying him lately and "demanded" (or rather, annoyed and begged until Harry relented) that he go flying with him. And finally, to top it all off, Ginna decided to commence teaching him how to consciously use his gift, alongside a bit of its history and methodology.
For their lessons, they had decided to hold them in the same room Harry used for his independent studies and potions. They knew it was well-protected and that no one who didn't already know its location could find it, making it the perfect place to study away from the Headmaster's prying eyes.
"Well, the first thing you should know is that psychics – or Seers, as we prefer to be called – can be categorised into several types. There are the frauds," at this, Harry couldn't help but chuckle, "the lesser Seers, and the greater Seers. As you can imagine, frauds are those who pretend to be psychics when they are utterly incapable of seeing what's right in front of their nose, and they also give the rest of us a rather bad name."
Ginna had begun her clairvoyance lesson with that classification and those comments, aiming to teach Harry how to differentiate the various types and where he himself fitted in.
"Lesser Seers, such as Sybill Trelawney – although she can also be described as a fraud, in truth – are those who can access the gift without being consciously aware of it. They don't truly know what they are doing, they don't comprehend what they see, and they don't remember anything they say. They are usually the ones who deliver prophecies, which, while entirely true, are also imprecise and difficult to interpret, leading to many errors," the woman explained, looking at Harry carefully, as if hesitating whether or not to tell him something. Apparently, she decided against it. "And finally, there are the greater Seers, far rarer and the most reliable… though also the most restricted. Those who possess the gift to a greater degree can access it in a completely conscious manner, in search of a specific or general fact, and will always be able to remember perfectly what they have seen – whether they choose to disclose it is another matter. Now tell me, Harry, which class are you?"
"A greater Seer."
"Why?"
"Because I have always been aware of what I saw, and I have remembered what I have seen."
"Exactly," Ginna affirmed. "Tell me something, Harry, you didn't take Divination as an elective, did you?"
"No… I'm more interested in Ancient Runes."
"I see… So, you don't know the foundational principles, both historical and methodical…"
"Yes."
"Then we'd best begin as soon as possible."
It was then, for the first time in thirteen years, that someone received a proper Divination class. From the outset, Ginna explained to him the first historical signs of clairvoyance, not only in Great Britain but across the globe. She spoke of those early shamans of primitive human tribes, and how, as humanity evolved, and with them magical users, the image of the shaman was replaced by that of the magician and, later, when different types of magic began to emerge, the Seer.
She explained how, throughout history, the Seer had borne a profound responsibility towards those who did not possess the gift, and how, consequently, their primary duty was to aid others. This was the reason the International Council of Seers was formed, and the basis for the laws by which it had been governed for the last three hundred years.
"So, shouldn't we also be governed by the Ministries?" Harry enquired.
"Of course, we are, only there are certain laws that do not include us. Rather, there are some laws within the Council that supersede any Ministry's authority. Do you understand what I have explained to you?"
"Yes. I suppose so."
"Good. You must understand that Seers with a lesser degree of the gift can 'see' in different ways, although their greatest, and in many cases only, asset is prophecy."
"Can you 'see' using more methods?"
To answer this question, the woman began to outline the different minor methodologies, with palmistry, cartomancy, and the crystal ball being the most famous. She also told him that although there were a number of lesser Seers, they could not attain the innate power of a crystal ball, due to the great resemblance it had to the major methodologies. To help him better understand that last statement, she then explained the greater methodology.
"Although we are not restricted to any medium, being able to have visions without any stimulus, just a slight trance, it is usually easier for us to see on any reflective surface, such as a mirror or a pond. It's easier because you don't need any kind of trance, and we can more easily notice the details."
"And then what is the difference between the ball and the mirrors?"
"To begin with, crystal balls already possess an innate magic that helps us to 'see,' albeit in an uncontrolled way. Mirrors, however, lack magic, and it is ourselves and our magic that enables us to see. That's the only difference."
"How many lesser Seers are able to see with a crystal ball?"
"One or two out of every hundred thousand; those who possess the strongest gift, though still to a lesser degree."
"So it couldn't be said that it is a greater methodology since it is easier for those who possess the gift to a greater degree than for those who possess it to a lesser degree?"
Harry demonstrated with his new mentor, as well as with his teachers before her, that he possessed an analytical and privileged mind for any question related to magic. Always an intelligent child, it was not difficult for him to use his intellect to resolve his doubts in a logical and orderly manner, leaving his elders surprised and impressed.
It was about halfway through the holidays that what could be considered the fateful owl from the Ministry arrived. It was during breakfast on the seventh day of vacation, and the Great Hall was bustling with students eager to devour their morning meal. Nobody paid much attention to the mail; after all, if they had letters, they would find out very shortly (more or less, when an angry owl landed heavily on some part of their body demanding attention, or if it was a somewhat clumsy bird, when it landed directly in their food bowl).
Nothing seemed different from the rest of the breakfasts until a tense silence fell over the Hufflepuff table. That might have gone unnoticed, if it weren't for the fact that it was a generalised silence throughout the table, causing someone to notice the strange behaviour sooner or later. When they tried to ascertain the reason for such a situation, their gazes followed those of the Hufflepuffs until they found Harry Potter, who held in his hands a letter that appeared to be official. His OWLs.
"Hey, Harry!" one of the Weasley twins shouted from the other end of the Great Hall. "Is that what I think it is?"
"It's your OWLs!" Athenea answered for him, practically jumping out of her seat.
That sparked a common movement at the remaining three tables, where Terry, Neville, Hermione, Ginny, Fred, George, and Draco sprang up and practically ran to where the last three members of their group were, in order to give their friend "moral support," or in other words, to gossip as much as possible.
The friend in question was looking at the letter with what appeared to be a blank stare that showed complete indifference; only those who knew him well could discern the nervousness that was developing inside him. Harry was completely terrified, and even more so considering the attention the entire Great Hall was paying to him, teachers included.
"Well, what?" Draco urged. "Are you going to open it?"
"Shhh…" Hermione silenced him. "Those grades are very important for your future, Draco. Depending on your results, you'll be able to study certain subjects or others, and depending on what subjects you study, you'll have certain professions open to you."
"Very well, 'Mione, you've reassured him, haven't you?" Neville broke out, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"I'm sorry!"
While his friends were arguing, and seeing that the situation was likely to drag on for a while, Harry opened the envelope, breaking the sealing wax. He took out the two scrolls that came inside the letter and began to read. The first sheet was a letter of congratulations from the Ministry, especially considering his unique situation, being a younger student than stipulated and with a much smaller age and experience difference than usual. The second parchment contained his actual results. Giving a deep sigh, he began to look at what his grades had been and smiled, relieved. By this time, the others had stopped arguing and were looking at him impatiently.
"Well?" Jonathan asked.
"Yes, how did it go?" Athenea added, practically bouncing with anticipation.
"Well…" Harry began but was interrupted by one of the twins.
"Well! Hand it over!" Fred said as he snatched the parchment from Harry's hands and glanced at it, then whistled, "Merlin, Harry, you will never cease to amaze us!"
"How did you do?" Neville asked, trying to peer at the parchment.
"Give it here, I'll read it!" the twin commented, pushing the scroll aside so that the young Gryffindor could not read it. "The results of our Harry, in his OWLs, are:"
"Charms: Outstanding" "Transfiguration: Outstanding" "History of Magic: Outstanding" "Astronomy: Outstanding" "Defence Against the Dark Arts: Outstanding (Distinction)" "Ancient Runes: Outstanding" "Potions: Outstanding (Distinction)" "Care of Magical Creatures: Outstanding (Distinction)"
"And there is also an added note that indicates they strongly advise further learning after your NEWTs!"
There was a general uproar as the news began to spread like wildfire. No one knew who had passed the news to the other tables, but the point was that in a very short time, even the teachers were aware of Harry's OWL results, and Professor Sprout herself approached his table to congratulate him.
"I'm very proud of you, Mr. Potter," said the witch, squeezing his shoulder gently. "Please, if you can come to my office this afternoon, we can discuss which subjects you would like to pursue. Alright?"
"Yes, Madam."
The choice of subjects was quite swift. He merely had to state which subjects he wished to continue, which were practically all of them. The only ones he did not wish to continue were History of Magic and Astronomy, as he already possessed sufficient knowledge without the need for additional classes. On any other occasion, Professor Sprout would have advised him against taking so many subjects; but she trusted in the boy's abilities, and she knew that he could perfectly well not only follow them but also excel, as he had done so far. For that is the burden of having such a reputation: he would always be what they expected of him.
"Well, Mr. Potter, with this, we can finalise your timetables for the next term. I suppose you will want your classes with Madam Piori to replace those that would have been History of Magic."
"Yes, Professor."
"Very well, we'll have it ready for you very shortly. You should know that we will not rush you in your studies; we do not want you to feel stressed about finishing in June when this term is over. If you need more time, you will have it."
"Thank you, Professor."
After that, Harry left his teacher's office and went to where his mentor was supposed to be, as she had indicated that he should go and collect her, as she wanted to make plans regarding his education or their next trip to Diagon Alley. The interest his mentor had in his studies disconcerted him; he had assumed that once he had passed his OWLs, she would want him to drop some of his subjects, but it was not like that. On the contrary, she had encouraged him to take as many as possible.
"Have you spoken to your Head of House yet?" was the first thing she said to him as soon as he entered her room.
"Yes. I already have the list of books."
"Good… Tomorrow we are going to Diagon Alley, so you will have to tell your family so that they can give you the necessary money."
"Wouldn't it be better if I paid for my own materials?"
"If you do, your father will become suspicious. You had best continue to act as if you are financially dependent on them."
Likewise, Ginna convinced him of the necessity of doing things her way, and it was she herself who wrote the letter to Mr. Potter. Being the boy's mentor, her authority would carry more weight than that of his own son, who seemed more like a stranger than anything else to his own family. The man's reply was short and concise, assuring them he would be there.
He didn't quite know why, but when the day came for him to go to Diagon Alley, he woke up rather nervous. At first, he thought that perhaps it was because he was afraid his father wouldn't come despite the letter he had received previously, but later he understood that it was more about the fact that he was going to begin what would be his first year of non-compulsory studies, and it was not fear, but excitement that he felt.
The trip to Diagon Alley was just like the rest of the ones he had made since starting school: first, he went to his Head of House's office, and from there, he used the Floo Network to the Leaky Cauldron. If Tom, the owner of the establishment, was surprised to see what was obviously a Hogwarts student, he did not show it, unlike the rest of the patrons. Of course, the man at the bar had already witnessed that same scene several times during the last two years, and in a way, it was nothing out of the ordinary. Instead, he greeted the pre-teen in a friendly manner.
"Mr. Potter! What a joy to see him again!"
"Good morning, Tom. Have you seen my father?"
"Yes, he just arrived not even five minutes ago…" though I didn't know he had stayed here to see him. Then, looking at the woman who accompanied him, he added, "And you are…? I have never seen her here."
"True. My apologies," the amused woman chuckled, seeing Harry's expression change to one of shame at his perceived lack of manners. "My name is Ginna, and I am his mentor."
"His mentor?" the barkeep said with a suspicious expression. "I thought young Mr. Potter was studying at Hogwarts."
"And he does study there, but there are certain sciences that are best learned with someone who also possesses the gift. I'm no Death Eater, if that's what worries you, and both his parents and the Headmaster are aware of my position."
The barkeep's expression softened considerably, and now with much more kindness, he pointed them towards where the boy's father was waiting, who was not far from them. They both approached his father, who was waiting with a rather sour expression.
"Hello, Father," Harry murmured, the moment he was beside him.
"Harry…" he greeted. "I believe you need money to buy the new materials."
"Yes. Will you come with me?"
"I'm sorry, but I cannot. Today I have work to do, and it is inexcusable. You will have to go with your mentor."
"I supposed," Harry murmured resignedly.
His father said nothing further, simply handed him a bag full of Galleons, and left, abandoning his son without bothering to look back.