Chapter 63: Chapter 63: "Ordinary Wizarding Levels"
After the plan was set, Harry only needed to focus on taking his exams. The OWLs, or Ordinary Wizarding Levels, had two main locations for testing within the UK: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for its students, and the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Education for everyone else. Harry, not being a Hogwarts student yet, had to opt for the Ministry.
He had two opportunities to take the exams: one during the summer break in July and the other during the winter holidays in December. Harry chose the December slot, wanting to get it done sooner rather than later.
After careful consideration and advice from Arcturus, Harry chose to take his OWLs in Arithmancy, History of Magic, and Muggle Studies. These subjects were primarily theoretical, allowing Harry to demonstrate his knowledge without drawing undue attention. They were also subjects that many bright students could pass easily, ensuring Harry's success wouldn't seem too out of the ordinary to his future classmates.
With over two months to prepare, Harry stuck to his regular study routine, diving into the sixth-year Hogwarts curriculum. He also had to visit Ollivanders a week later to get his new wand which he was pretty excited about.
A week later, Harry headed back to Ollivander's shop. His visit was timed for the evening to ensure that he could pick up his wand after Ollivander had completed the necessary adjustments. The streets of Diagon Alley were mostly deserted by the time Harry arrived, giving the place a quiet, almost eerie atmosphere. Harry had hoped to be there earlier, but a message from Ollivander mentioned needing a little more time to finalize the wand.
Upon entering the shop, the elderly wandmaker emerged from the back, holding a beautifully crafted box. The marine blue exterior of the box, coupled with its standard white bottom, signaled that the wand within was ready and waiting for Harry.
Ollivander, with a grand gesture, unveiled the wand, and Harry immediately felt a surge of excitement. Just by looking at it, he could tell it was special.
The wand, crafted from polished blackthorn wood, had a series of natural bumps running along its length, much like the legendary Elder Wand, giving it a formidable appearance. It measured 11 inches and featured a pointed tip and a crafted grip at the base, with one of the bumps highlighted by a silver band.
"11 inches, Blackthorn, thunderbird feather core. A powerful wand for an equally powerful wizard," Ollivander announced as he handed the wand to Harry.
Grasping the wand, Harry experienced an extraordinary sensation, as if a wave of energy surged through him. It was an experience unlike any he had with other wands, marking this wand as uniquely his. The air shimmered with red and blue sparks emanating from the wand's tip, illuminating the dimly lit room.
"This is exactly what I envisioned. Perfect," the wand maker whispered to himself. Harry, overjoyed with his new wand, paid Ollivander the remaining balance. He couldn't wait to show Sirius his new wand and get back to his studies.
In the weeks leading up to the OWL exams, Harry found himself deeply immersed in his spellwork, thanks to his new wand. The advanced spells he practiced flowed more smoothly than ever before, and it seemed like the wand made magic more efficient, using less magical energy for each spell. This wand was a perfect match for Harry, and he was thrilled with how effortlessly he could now perform his favorite spells. With no further use for the wand he had been borrowing, Harry handed it back to Arcturus, who arranged for it to be cleaned and maintained before placing it back in the collection of the Black family's wands.
As the OWL exams approached, Harry spent the last week before the exams focusing on revising his chosen subjects. The subjects were a breeze for him, but Muggle Studies presented a unique challenge. Harry found himself having to think backwards, to ensure his answers matched the often skewed perspective the wizarding world held about Muggles. It was a strange exercise, writing answers he knew were factually incorrect, but necessary to meet the examiners' expectations.
When the day of the exam finally arrived, everything was set. Sirius had sorted out all the necessary paperwork, so Harry's job was simply to write the exams and return home. Amelia Bones was chosen to accompany Harry to the Ministry instead of Sirius, to avoid drawing attention and raising questions that could alert Dumbledore to their plans. Amelia, with her significant influence at the Ministry, was the perfect choice to navigate any potential obstacles they might encounter.
That morning, Harry and Amelia used the floo network from the Bones Manor, directly linked to the Ministry due to Amelia's position. This was much more convenient than using the more public entrance from the muggle world via the telephone booth. Their choice of entry was part of going openly, without the need to sneak around.
Harry's experience at the Ministry was smooth, thanks to Amelia's presence.
They arrived through the Floo network, landing right at the Ministry's Atrium on level 8. Harry's first task was to check in at a booth for his visitor's badge. It was a straightforward process, and soon Harry had a shiny silver badge pinned to his chest, clearly stating his name and the reason for his visit: the OWL exams.
Only after getting his badge did Harry really take in his surroundings. Despite having spent a good amount of time in the magical world by now, the Atrium's grandeur caught him off guard.
The place was bustling with activity. People hustled across the polished dark wood floor, while paper airplanes whizzed above, carrying messages from one ministry department to another. The Atrium stretched out impressively long before him, its peacock-blue ceiling adorned with golden symbols that shifted and changed, reminiscent of a vast, celestial announcement board.
The walls, gleaming with shiny dark wood, housed numerous gilded fireplaces. Wizards and witches popped out from the left-hand fireplaces, while others lined up on the right, waiting for their turn to whisk away.
In the middle of the Atrium stood the Fountain of Magical Brethren. This fountain featured a group of golden statues - a wizard, a witch, a centaur, a goblin, and a house-elf - all elegantly spouting water into a shimmering pool below. Further down, at the Atrium's end, were golden gates guarded by a security stand. Harry, with Amelia's assistance, checked in his brand-new wand there before heading towards the lifts.
They were bound for the Department of Magical Education, where Harry would sit for his exams. Amelia effortlessly handled all the necessary permissions for Harry's entry, escorting him to the room where he would be tested. The entire process felt surreal to Harry, yet Amelia's presence and the efficient flow of their movements through the Ministry made everything seem perfectly ordinary.
Harry blended in quite well with the other examinees, looking more like a slightly shorter 15-year-old rather than his actual age. This helped him avoid drawing undue attention, as his visitor badge did not disclose his age.
The other students there seemed to be either from less wealthy backgrounds, unable to afford Hogwarts or other schools, or from old families preferring private tuition over institutional education. Harry noticed he was unique in his situation, taking the exams earlier than usual.
The examination days were spread out, with Harry needing to attend on three separate occasions due to his choice of subjects. To his surprise, the exam hall was enormous, akin to fitting a football stadium inside, with each student's desk spaced five meters apart in every direction to prevent any possibility of cheating.
The invigilators did not move around much. They kept a watchful eye from their elevated positions, ensuring the integrity of the exams. Harry, experienced in taking exams from his past life, found the process quite straightforward. The expansive setup of the exam hall and the distance between the desks made any attempt at peeking futile.
Amelia was always there, waiting outside, ready to assist with any complications, but their thorough preparation ensured that none arose. Harry completed each of his exams smoothly, marking a crucial step towards his goal of gaining independence and securing his future without any hitches. Each successful exam day brought Harry closer to the freedom he sought, a testament to the meticulous planning and support from Sirius, Amelia and the rest of his family.
Chapter 64: Chapter 64: "Emancipation"
After finishing his OWL exams, Harry felt quite sure he'd pass with top marks, so there wasn't much worry in the air. Sirius then began the process to have Harry emancipated, which, to Harry's surprise, resembled the muggle world's bureaucracy more than he had anticipated. Just like in the non-magical world, there was a heap of paperwork to sort through before the emancipation could be officially filed and approved. This process was entirely devoid of any magical shortcuts, requiring each step to be completed with the same meticulous attention to detail as any muggle legal procedure.
About a month after the exams, the results arrived via an official Ministry owl. As expected, Harry achieved an Outstanding grade in all three subjects he had chosen to take. This excellent outcome was no shock to Harry or his family, but it still provided a good excuse to throw a small celebration. Harry, particularly, was keen on having this gathering, knowing that such moments of togetherness would become less frequent once he started attending Hogwarts.
Following the celebration of his OWL results, Sirius shifted into high gear to finalize Harry's emancipation paperwork. This last phase involved filling out the final form and gathering the necessary signatures to expedite the process.
Thankfully, the process unfolded smoothly, and they managed to keep the entire operation under wraps, away from the prying eyes of the Potters and Dumbledore.
Frank Longbottom was more than willing to lend his signature to the application. He didn't pry into the details, understanding from Harry's noticeable absence from the Potter family events and now the move towards emancipation, that things were far from harmonious between Harry and his biological parents. Frank's own dissatisfaction with James Potter's recent behavior made him all the more supportive of Harry's desire for independence. His only request was for an opportunity to personally thank Harry for the lifesaving warning Harry had provided on that critical night.
Sirius readily agreed, suggesting they arrange this meeting once Harry's emancipation was complete, and he was legally considered an adult in the wizarding community. This would allow Harry to engage more openly with others, free from the oversight of his legal guardians.
Soon Harry found himself at the final stages of his journey towards emancipation, a process he had to navigate by himself.
His first stop was the office of Madam Griselda Marchbanks, the head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority. She had Harry show her some basic spells to ensure he could perform magic safely. Satisfied with Harry's proficiency and control over magic, she officially approved his OWL results with a formal stamp.
Next on his agenda was a visit to the Improper Use of Magic Office within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Here, Harry was briefed on a series of rules and regulations that he was expected to adhere to as a magic user in the wizarding world.
He learned about the appropriate contexts for magic use, the actions to take if a Muggle witnessed magical activity, and the severe consequences for violating the Statute of Secrecy.
The officials made it clear to Harry that once emancipated, any legal transgressions he might commit would see him tried and punished as an adult, with no allowances made for his age.
With these critical steps completed, Amelia stepped in to finalize Harry's application. Her expertise and efficiency wrapped up the process within an hour, and with that, Harry was officially recognized as an adult in the wizarding community.
One of the last formalities involved the Department of Magical Law Enforcement recording Harry's magical signature in their records. This was an unusual step, necessitated by Harry's unique situation of being emancipated at such a young age. With his magical signature now in the system, Harry was reminded of the importance of exercising caution when performing magic in Muggle areas. However, outside of Hogwarts, he was now free to use magic without the imposition of the Trace, giving him a new level of freedom and responsibility.
Harry's journey to becoming a legally emancipated wizard was a momentous occasion, marking a significant turning point in his life. This newfound status didn't just allow him the liberty to wield magic with greater freedom; it also bestowed upon him the responsibility to adhere to the laws and regulations that govern the adult wizarding community.
In celebration of this pivotal achievement, a grand party was held at the Black Castle. The event was particularly meaningful as it represented the culmination of concerted efforts by everyone involved to guide Harry safely through his education up to the OWL level and help him break free from the ties of parents who had left him behind.
During the festivities, Harry took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to each individual who played a vital role in his journey toward emancipation. He thanked Arcturus for his meticulous and safe instruction in the magical arts, Cordelia for her vigilant care over his well-being, Emma for imparting her extensive knowledge of potions, Amelia for her invaluable assistance with the Ministry, and Sirius for his strategic oversight of the entire process.
Surrounded by these caring figures, Harry felt a deep sense of happiness and belonging. Unlike the solitary protagonists often found in web novels, Harry was fortunate to have a supportive circle of adults dedicated to his welfare and success.
---
While Harry was enjoying a wonderful time with his family at the Black Castle, celebrating his newly found freedom, two important letters were dispatched from the Ministry of Magic, each bound for a significant destination.
The first letter was on its way to Hogwarts, intended for the desk of Headmaster or Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot Albus Dumbledore. This letter carried news that would undoubtedly catch the attention of the aged wizard.
Meanwhile, another owl embarked on a lengthy flight toward a secluded spot nestled in the hills of Ireland, far removed from the hustle and bustle of wizarding society.
This remote location was home to a quaint little house, standing alone amid a sprawling yard. The yard boasted an improvised Quidditch pitch, complete with homemade hoops for practicing the beloved wizarding sport, and a modest flower garden that added a touch of color and life to the serene landscape.
As this second owl crossed into the property's boundary, it experienced a brief ripple of magical energy—a protective enchantment designed to screen incoming visitors. However, since the owl bore no threat, merely a letter, it passed through the magical barrier unscathed and continued its approach toward the house.
Approaching a closed window, the owl persistently tapped its beak against the glass, signaling its arrival with a message to be delivered.
Inside, the cozy scene of a family enjoying their evening meal unfolded. The family consisted of a young couple, both 29 years old and their 8-year-old son, gathered around the dinner table. They were none other than James Potter, Lily Potter (née Evans), and their son, Charles Potter, known to the world as the Boy Who Lived.
Charles, eager for some mischief, asked, "Dad, when will you teach me that hair color-changing prank? I want to try it on my friends."
Lily immediately responded, "Charley, you can't use spells on your friends. And don't brag about having a training wand when they don't. That wand is for learning, not for playing pranks."
James tried to soften the conversation, "Lily you are right here but don't blame pranks, pranks are harmless. However, Charley, you should listen to your mom. Be careful not to show off your wand in public. If someone complains, the ministry could take it away. Plus, you're not quite ready to learn that spell. Focus on your training."
Charles complained, "But training is so boring. Pranks are way more fun, and I don't want to just read books while Ron has a great time playing Quidditch with his brothers."
Lily emphasized, "Training is crucial, Charley. You wouldn't want to let Professor Dumbledore down, would you?"
Charles pulled a face but agreed.
Just then, James heard a knock on the window. An owl was there with a letter. After giving the letter to Lily, he went to release the owl back into the night.
Lily started reading the letter, murmuring, "Why would the ministry send us a letter now? It's not about another event... Let's see..." As she read on, her complexion turned white.
Returning to the room, James noticed Lily's distress and asked, "What's wrong, Lily?" Seeing her unable to respond, he quickly took the letter from her and began reading.
As James read the letter, his expression mirrored Lily's shock. The room fell silent, with young Charles looking at his parents, puzzled and worried about what had upset them so much.
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