Chapter 14 : A Testing Situation
The new Weasley's Wizard Wheezes shop was a bright spot amongst an otherwise gloomy group of small buildings in the little magical community of Hogsmeade. In the front windows of the shop all manner of brightly coloured boxes were displayed, and Harry could easily make out the name 'Skiving Snackbox' printed on one stack of boxes, along with the infamous 'U-NO-POO' emblazoned on the boxes in the other front window.
Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione made their way into the shop to find it was doing a brisk trade. Harry found this surprising as it was only the older students who were allowed to visit Hogsmeade this weekend.
As Harry looked around he saw Verity waving to him from behind the counter. She smiled as she pointed towards the stairs at the back of the shop. Harry took this to mean George was upstairs, so he made his way passed the shelves full of joke products and love potions. Harry briefly considered advising George that perhaps selling love potions next to a school was just inviting trouble, but that was probably George's plan all along.
The four friends made their way up the steps and came to a wooden door with a large brass knocker that Harry didn't quite trust. Instead of using the knocker, Harry rapped on the door with his knuckles. The door opened within seconds to reveal George, long red hair surrounding his smiling face.
"Come in you lot, I've just finished having lunch with my other guest," said George, as he waved them through the door and into his small but comfortable flat. Harry looked around and thought he could see the influence of Verity in the decor, as a few flowers and house plants were dotted around the place.
Sitting at the table in the kitchen, Harry found George's other guest. He tried to hide his surprise as he greeted the man.
"Hello, Mr. Ollivander," said Harry, extending his hand and greeting the old wand maker.
"Harry Potter," said Ollivander, standing from the kitchen table.
Harry took a seat on the far side of the table as the other's greeted Mr Ollivander and sat down.
"How are you, Mr Ollivander?" asked Harry.
"Fully recovered, Mr Potter, thanks to you and your friends."
"I'm glad to hear it," said Harry.
"So, Mr Ollivander, what brings you to my brother's joke shop?" asked Ron, curiosity etched on his face.
"Oh... well, George and I have just been discussing some wand lore," replied Ollivander.
The curiosity disappeared from Ron's face instantly, but Harry was intrigued.
"What sort of wand lore?" he asked.
"Nothing to be concerned about, Mr Potter. George and I were working on an interesting project which I'm sure he can tell you all about, but I'm afraid my presence is required elsewhere," said Ollivander, rather mysteriously thought Harry.
Harry watched as George and Ollivander shook hands. The old wizard turned and waved at the group seated around the kitchen table, before disappearing through the door and down the stairs into the shop.
"George," said Hermione, "what's going on?"
George shrugged his shoulders and Harry thought he saw a moment's sadness cross George's face. "Nothing really, Ollivander and I have been discussing the wands Fred and I both have... or had... and the relationship between a wand and the twin of the wand owner," said George, shaking his head. "Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" said George, brightening up immediately.
Ron grinned at George. "What new stock have you got?"
"Ah, straight to business then, little brother. Follow me."
With that, George and Ron left the apartment and headed down to the shop. Harry and Ginny laughed as they watched Hermione shaking her head and staring sternly at her departing boyfriend's back.
While Ron and George toured the new shop, Harry took the opportunity to head over to the Hog's Head Inn with Ginny and Hermione, and say hello to Aberforth Dumbledore.
The old bartender had sneered at Harry, Ginny, and Hermione as they opened the door to his pub, but the sneer turned to a smile as he recognised Harry.
"Ah, welcome back, Harry. I had heard you had returned to the school to follow in my brother's footsteps, teaching little children."
Harry grinned at the grisly old bartender.
"Not quite, Ab," said Harry, "I'm only teaching for a year and then I'm joining the Aurors."
Aberforth grunted as he raised an eyebrow. "Time will tell, Harry, time will tell. My noble brother didn't plan to teach either; these things just have a way of happening."
Harry, Ginny, and Hermione took a seat at a table by the window and spoke quietly amongst themselves for a few minutes, until Aberforth brought a tray of drinks over and sat down with them. Aberforth looked around and noticed that his other customers were looking at him and Harry.
"Mind your own business, yah bunch of ingrates," snarled Aberforth, before returning his attention to Harry.
"I've been reading about you in the Prophet, Harry, and your lovely lady friend here of course," said Aberforth, inclining his head towards Ginny. "Although they seem to think you may have two lady friends these days," he added, looking at Hermione with a sly grin.
Hermione gave Aberforth a cold stare. "I'm not with Harry, I'm with Ron."
Aberforth held up his hands. "Alright miss, I meant no offence."
Hermione's face fell. "I'm sorry, Aberforth, I just get so sick of the papers printing lies about me."
"Have you thought of setting the record straight then," asked Aberforth, as he took a mouthful of Butterbeer from his glass.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
Aberforth looked around his bar and then out the window before he spoke again. "I don't know if you have noticed, miss, but several of my customers have already left since your arrival. I imagine they have gone to contact the very reporters who are telling lies about you, to inform them that you are, right this minute, sitting in the Hog's Head Inn."
Harry looked at Aberforth and saw the familiar twinkle in his blue eyes.
"Do you have a back door, Ab?" asked Harry as he also started looking around.
"I'm afraid not, Harry. If you leave now you might be able to dodge most of them."
Harry, Ginny, and Hermione stood. Harry was about to leave before he remembered why he had come here in the first place. He turned and extended his hand to Aberforth.
"I wanted to thank you for all your help during the war, Ab. We never would have succeeded without you."
Aberforth shook Harry's hand and smiled kindly at him. "I only helped for one night, Harry. Let's not get carried away about it."
Ginny smiled at that. "Actually, you kept those of us hiding in the Room of Requirements alive by giving us food for months before the final battle."
Harry cocked his head to one side and grinned at Aberforth. "Like the lady said, Ab, you kept her alive. It looks like I owe you one."
"I'll hold you to that, Mr Potter," said Aberforth laughing. "Now, you best make yourselves scarce before those mangy reporters arrive."
The three friends bid Aberforth farewell and headed out into the early afternoon sunshine, making their way back into the centre of Hogsmeade. As they walked down the High street, Hermione saw Ron heading into the Three Broomsticks, a large parcel under his arm.
"Oh no, what has he gone and bought from George?" she asked, mainly to herself. "Come on," she said, turning to Harry and Ginny. "Let's go and pick him up before the reporters arrive."
Harry saw the door to the Three Broomsticks swing open again and a group of four Slytherin students, led by Pansy Parkinson, stepped out into the street. Harry felt Ginny tense beside him as Pansy glared and leered in his direction, before marching off towards the path that led to Hogwarts. Harry shook his head and put his arm around Ginny.
"Are you alright, Gin?" asked Harry as Hermione also put an arm around Ginny.
Ginny looked at Harry and saw his concern. Her own anger quickly faded as she looked into his eyes. Pansy Parkinson had done horrible things and gotten away with it, but Ginny could see the girl was still miserable, while she was happy. Ginny decided not to waste any more effort worrying about Pansy Parkinson; and she thought she was now one step closer to choosing a career path.
"I'm okay, thanks Harry," said Ginny brightly as she put an arm each around Harry and Hermione. "Come on, Hermione, I want to see what Ron brought."
Hermione smiled as she headed for the Three Broomsticks at a fast pace, Harry and Ginny following behind her. They entered through the doors and Harry stopped dead as the whole place went quiet. Everybody in the pub looked at him for a moment, before resuming their original conversations.
Harry looked around at the tables and realised it was mainly full of other students. He smiled to himself as he spotted Ron sitting with Neville and George in the far corner. As he made his way across the room, Harry noticed Cho was sitting alone at another table, nursing a Butterbeer while she stared at the tabletop. Harry turned and spoke quietly to Ginny.
"Ginny, I'm just going to make sure Cho is alright."
Ginny looked around the room until she spotted Cho. Ginny could see Cho looked upset.
"Okay, Harry. Would you like me to come with you?" she asked as she saw the concern in Harry's eyes for his friend.
Harry put his forehead against Ginny's. "Thanks, Gin, but I should probably do this alone."
Harry gave Ginny a quick kiss and headed to the table Cho was sitting at.
"Mind if I join you?" he asked, startling Cho.
Cho clutched at her chest as she gasped. "Harry. You scared me."
"Sorry," said Harry as he sat down beside her.
He looked at Cho and he noticed she had red rimmed eyes, and was wearing an expression similar to the one Harry had seen in the Potions class earlier during the week.
"Are you okay, Cho?"
Cho looked up at Harry and he saw the tears well in her eyes. "Oh, Harry, it's just being back at Hogwarts again, it reminds me so much of Cedric. And when I saw the way you and Ginny were looking at each other in the Potions class the other day, I just wished it could have been me and Cedric."
Harry was taken aback. He knew Cho had loved Cedric, but it been over three years since he died, and she was still trying to deal with it. He didn't even know where to begin.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked softly, as the tears started to flow down Cho's face.
Cho shook her head. "I'll be okay. I just really miss him sometimes. I think that's why we never lasted, Harry. I felt guilty the whole time I was with you and I didn't want to hurt you. I know I wasn't much fun to be with."
Harry didn't dare speak. He put an arm around her and let her cry onto his shoulder until she was able to look up at him again. She wiped her eyes and gave him a small smile.
"Everybody's looking at us," said Cho.
"Don't worry about it," said Harry, "it happens to me all the time."
Cho gave a small laugh. "Thanks for coming to talk to me, Harry. I know what you must have thought after the Potions class, but don't worry, my feelings for you are purely as a friend."
Harry was relieved, but he was still concerned about Cho.
"Why don't you come and have a drink with me and the others. They're just over in the corner."
Cho nodded as she stood from the table. Harry embraced her for a minute, hoping that Ginny would understand, before he led her to the table in the corner.
Ginny gave Harry a small nod as he sat next to her and took her hand under the table. Harry took it to mean that she was okay; and she also knew he would tell her about everything later on.
Meanwhile, Ron had refused to reveal what was in the parcel he was keeping securely beside him. George was grinning at his little brother, and Harry began to fear that whatever was in the parcel may cause an argument between Ron and Hermione.
The afternoon wore on as the group of friends sat and shared stories about the past and their dreams for the future. Harry saw no sign of any reporters and smiled at Ginny as he enjoyed his afternoon.
The arrival of a running Seamus Finnigan told Harry something was wrong straight away.
"Harry," gasped Seamus, "there are reporter's at the Hog's Head. Aberforth is pretending you're hiding in the back room, so I think it's time to go."
Harry grinned as he thought of a mob of unruly reporters trying to talk their way passed Aberforth. It was almost tempting to go and watch, but Harry thought better of it. He stood and made his way out of the pub and into the street, heading towards Hogwarts; the other's all following except George, who headed back to his shop.
As the group travelled up the path, Harry heard voices coming from the direction of the school gates and he knew their luck had run out. Several reporters and photographers were waiting near the gates for them. Evidently they had decided to divide their resources between the Hog's Head and the school.
Harry pulled Ginny close to him as they approached the waiting reporters. Flashes started going off as the photographers began their work, and the questions started shortly after. Mainly they wanted to know if Harry, Ron, or Hermione would submit to an interview, but all three of them kept their eyes down and walked straight ahead.
One reporter asked Hermione how she was coping following her split from Harry. Hermione rounded on the reporter and Harry thought she might draw her wand for a second. Instead, she addressed the pack of reporters.
"Right, you lot, let's get this straight. For the last time, I am not, nor have I ever been, in a relationship with Harry Potter." She turned and grabbed Ron. "I am in love with Ronald Weasley. Feel free to print that," said Hermione as she threw her arms around Ron and started kissing him passionately as the photographers almost fell over themselves to get a picture.
Harry and Ginny grinned at each other as Seamus, Neville, and Cho all laughed. Harry could see many of the reporters were also wearing bemused expressions.
Hermione and Ron finally broke apart and started heading for the school gate again. As they walked passed Harry, he heard Hermione telling Ron that she thought that ought to have set the record straight. Harry laughed and Ron grinned at him, still looking a little dreamy following Hermione's very public display of passion.
As the gates shut behind them and the reporters were left behind, Harry realised the moment he had dreaded all afternoon was now upon him, but he had a few more people with him than he had planned when he told Minerva McGonagall that he would inform his friends about the N.E.W.T. tests.
Harry decided there was nothing for it as he walked towards the castle.
"Ah... everyone, I need to tell you all something," he said, coming to a stop halfway across the grounds to the castle.
The group all turned to look at him.
"What is it, mate?" asked Ron.
Harry swallowed before he began. "I met with Professor McGonagall during lunch today. The Ministry have set the date for us to sit our N.E.W.T. level exams."
Harry saw most of the group draw a sharp breath. Ginny, on the other hand, was smiling. Harry didn't know it, but she now knew why he had been so distracted at lunch, and she was relieved that it wasn't anything really serious.
"Well, come on, Harry, when are they then?" asked Hermione impatiently.
Harry bit his bottom lip and braced himself. "Tomorrow."
The silence lasted longer than Harry expected.
"That's not funny, Harry," said Hermione sternly.
"Ah, 'Mione, I don't think he's joking," said Ron, who had visibly paled.
Harry pulled the timetables out of his pocket and produced three more copies for Cho, Neville, and Seamus. He passed them around to his shocked friends.
"If your name is on the list next to the subject, it means you can sit the exam tomorrow," explained Harry.
Ginny looked up from her list. "What about the other subjects, Harry?"
"Professor Slughorn has said that we all need to continue studying potions, while I don't know anything about the rest. I can ask Professor McGonagall if we can hold early exams in the other subjects if we get through this lot," said Harry, now feeling his own stomach lurch at the prospect of two exams tomorrow. He consoled himself that at least he didn't have three exams like Ginny, Hermione, Cho, and Seamus.
Hermione glared at Harry. "You could have told us earlier, Harry. We've wasted hours sitting in Hogsmeade when we should have been studying. Come on, Ron," said Hermione as she took Ron by the arm and marched him back to the castle for a night of intensive study.
Harry didn't envy Ron, but he knew Hermione would get over it once she had finished the exams tomorrow. Seamus, Neville, and Cho, also quickly said their goodbyes and headed for the castle, leaving Harry alone with a smiling Ginny.
"You're not mad?" asked Harry cautiously.
"No, Harry. If I don't pass tomorrow, I'll just have to take the exams again latter."
Harry smiled back at her. "Well then, how about that nice quiet dinner we had planned then?"
Ginny laughed. "I'm afraid that may have to wait, my sweet Harry. I will let you help me study though."
With that they made their way to the castle together. While Ginny headed straight for their room, Harry visited Professor McGonagall and advised her of the people he had informed about the exams, before heading to his room as he felt the nervousness start to creep in.
The bright sunlight, combined with his tiredness, was hurting Harry's eyes, and he was now regretting his decision to sit his exams early. He rubbed his eyes and looked out the window of the small classroom he had been sitting in for nearly two hours.
He glanced around the room and noticed he wasn't the only one who was tired. Terry Boot was staring off into space and Harry thought Michael Corner may have actually gone to sleep. Only Hermione was still writing furiously as the others all sat and waited for the time to run out.
Harry thought back to last night and the restless sleep he had endured. He and Ginny had actually ended up having dinner in their room together; but unfortunately, instead of candles between them, there had been a pile of open books and hastily written notes.
Eventually, Ginny had thrown her hands in the air and declared she was going to bed because she couldn't concentrate on the words in the books anymore. Harry had joined her, thinking a good night's sleep was just what they needed, but they had both lay awake for hours, unable to get comfortable enough for sleep to take hold. Finally Harry had closed his eyes and drifted off. He opened his eyes after what felt like only seconds, to discover it was already morning. Now he sat and wondered if he should put his head down now and try and get a few more minutes sleep before his next exam.
The examiner at the front of the classroom checked her watch. She looked at it for a while before calmly announcing that time was up and quills had to be put down.
Harry felt a wave of relief as he stood up from the desk. The Charms theory exam was over, and he knew that would be his longest test of the day. Next was the Charms practical evaluation, which was only scheduled to last for twenty minutes; followed by a short break before an hour long Transfiguration theory exam was conducted, and finally another twenty minute practical evaluation.
That would be the end of Harry's exams, and he felt for Ginny and the others who would still have to endure the very long Defence Against the Dark Arts exam in the afternoon.
Harry, Ginny, and the others stepped out of the class room and waited to be called back in for their practical evaluations. Terry Boot and Ron went first, and both reappeared only minutes later looking quite pleased with themselves.
Harry and Hermione went next, and Harry found the practical exam consisted of merely demonstrating a similar set of spells to the ones he had used in his first Charms lesson this year. Upon request of the examiner he and Hermione had both produced a Patronus, Harry again casting the charm non-verbally. It was over in minutes and Harry had been happy with how it went. He didn't realise he had almost caused his examiner to faint as she witnessed a non-verbal Patronus.
Following the easy practical Charms exam, Harry had felt much more relaxed as he entered the much shorter Transfiguration exam. The theoretical section of the exam was still challenging for Harry, but he felt much more confident with his performance in this exam than in his Charms exam. Again, he found the practical exam was easy and he went to the Great Hall with Ginny and the others for lunch, a wave of relief passing through him.
He had found Ron sitting at the Gryffindor table with Neville, Lavender, and Michael Corner; none of them having been approved to sit the Transfiguration exams by Professor McGonagall.
As the group had lunch, word had begun to spread among the other students about what they had been doing all morning. The Great Hall was abuzz with rumours as to the reasons why they were sitting their exams so early, but Harry ignored it all as he reassured Ginny, Ron, and Hermione that they would do just fine in their last exam.
Finally, born out of concern for his friends, Harry had stood and addressed the whole group.
"You will all pass this test. I know it, now you need to believe it. You all fought in the battle and survived, so you know your practical skills are second to none. When you answer the theory questions, just ask yourself how you would have handled it during the battle and the answer will become obvious to you."
Professor McGonagall had listened to Harry from the staff table and watched as the group had once again become Dumbledore's Army. She had actually seen their resolve hardening as Harry spoke to them, and she was finally beginning to understand why this group had been so effective during the battle. They fought as one, and they trusted their leader and each other implicitly.
As the group strode from the hall, Professor McGonagall had made her way down to Harry.
"That was well done, Harry. But what will you do if they don't pass?" she asked.
Harry turned to face his Headmistress, and Minerva was startled by the fierce look she received from Harry.
"They won't fail... I know it," said Harry forcefully, and Minerva was surprised to find she believed him.
She wondered just how far that group would follow Harry, before her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Harry's muggle class. She marvelled as she saw Harry's expression shift to one of the kindly teacher as he greeted his excited students. Harry was led away by his class to sit at a table and talk about flying, and Minerva felt such a swelling of pride in Harry that she couldn't help but smile.
Ginny was exhausted as she made her way back to her room with Harry beside her. The Defence Against the Dark Arts exam had been the most intense of the day, but she felt confident that she had done well enough to pass.
When she arrived in her room, she had been surprised to find a letter addressed to her and Harry from Professor McGonagall. It was an invitation to a feast to be held tonight in the Great Hall. Ginny sighed as she handed the invitation to Harry.
"What are we celebrating?" asked Harry.
"I don't know," said Ginny, "I just want to go to sleep."
Harry checked his watch. "You could get about two hours sleep before we have to go."
Ginny gave him an imploring look. "Maybe we could just skip the feast. I'm sure Minerva would understand."
Harry put his arms around Ginny. "I'm afraid you're a Prefect, Ginny. You will be expected to attend; and it looks like Minerva has gone to some trouble to send the invitation to us."
Ginny groaned. "Well, I'm going to go and have a shower and see if that wakes me up. Could you come and scrub my back for me?"
Harry grinned at her. "Of course, my Ginny."
Harry and Ginny stepped out of the bathroom wearing only towels.
"Well, I'm glad to see you are both enjoying your time at Hogwarts," said a very familiar voice.
Harry and Ginny froze where they stood as the colour drained from their faces. Before them stood the great majority of the Weasley family. Molly had her arms crossed while Arthur was deliberately looking in any direction except at his daughter and adoptive son. Bill, Charlie, Percy, and George stood behind their parents, and Harry suspected they might explode if they held their laughter in any longer.
"Um..." was the best Harry could do.
That was all the Weasley boys could take. Their eyes watered as they bent double in fits of laughter. Harry could have sworn he also saw Arthur wiping a tear from his eye while he kept his mouth firmly shut.
As the laughter continued, Harry and Ginny grabbed some clothes and headed back into the bathroom to get dressed. They re-emerged a few minutes later looking highly embarrassed. Ginny looked at her mother with a very sheepish expression on her face.
"What are you all doing here?" she asked, bewildered.
"Minerva has invited us to attend a feast tonight. I thought it would be a good opportunity to arrive early and visit my children for a while," said Molly, and Harry could see the corners of her mouth curling as she tried not to smile.
"How did you get in?" asked Ginny.
Molly sighed. "Minerva let us in, dear."
"Oh... right then... we'll just finish getting ready and head down to the Great Hall then," said Ginny, apparently still a little put out by the sudden appearance of her family in what she thought was her private room.
Two minutes later the entire group was standing in the corridor outside Harry and Ginny's room. Molly was peering intently at the blank piece of wall opposite Harry and Ginny's door, as if trying to see through the stone work.
"Ron and Hermione's room is through the wall, isn't it Ginny?"
"Yes, Mum," answered Ginny nervously, "I'll get them for you."
Ginny stepped to the wall and tapped her wand against it three times. She uttered the password as quietly as she could and the wooden door appeared. Harry stepped to Ginny's side, making sure they were blocking the door from Molly. Harry knocked on the door and waited for a minute.
Eventually the door cracked open and Harry could see Ron's eyes peering out at him.
"Harry," said Ron, somewhat surprised, "what are you doing?"
Harry moved briefly to the side and he saw Ron's eyes widen in panic.
"Ah… five minutes," stammered Ron as he slammed the door and it disappeared into the stone wall.
Harry and Ginny turned and faced Molly, trying to look apologetic as they struggled not to laugh. Bill, Charlie, Percy, and George, had significantly less self control and were quickly falling over each other again as their laughter echoed down the corridor.
Molly threw her hands in the air. "George, you wait here and bring your brother down to the Great Hall when he is ready to grace us with his presence. The rest of you lot, let's go."
Harry and Ginny made their way down the central staircase behind the rest of the Weasley family. They were both grinning at each other until Charlie remarked that it was lucky they were wearing towels when they came out of the bathroom. Ginny looked mortified at the thought, while Harry, remembering Ron's panicked expression at the door, suspected that Ron and Hermione may not have been so lucky had Molly chosen to enter their room, instead of his and Ginny's.
"Mr Potter, Miss Granger, and Mr and Miss Weasley; I need to speak to you all privately for a moment," said Minerva McGonagall sternly.
The four friends stood up from the Gryffindor table and followed their Headmistress, as she also asked Neville, Lavender, and Seamus to join her. Harry noticed that his three friends had also been sitting with what looked like family members. He was only sure about Neville because he recognised his grandmother and her hat with the stuffed vulture perched on top. Harry briefly wondered were Hermione's parents were.
Harry started to wonder what was going on as they rounded the corner into the Entry Hall. He then saw that all the other former Dumbledore's Army members who had sat exams today were waiting for them.
As they joined the rest of the group Minerva addressed them and Harry was startled by the sudden change in her demeanour. She smiled and her eyes twinkled as she looked at her students.
"First of all," she began, "I just want you all to know how proud I am of how you conducted yourselves today. I know you didn't have much time to prepare for the exams, which is astonishing given the results."
The group of students all started looking at each other and smiling. A question came to Harry but before he could voice it, Hermione beat him to it.
"Do you mean you have already got our results?" she asked, a mixture of hope and fear in her voice.
"Indeed I do. What did you think tonight's feast was for, if not for you? It is customary to have a feast following the completion of exams."
Hermione looked sceptical. "But we only finished a couple of hours ago," she protested.
"Miss Granger," sighed Minerva, "I would be happy to keep your results to myself until you have deemed an appropriate amount of time has passed before you receive your grades."
Hermione looked appalled at the thought. "No, Professor… sorry."
Minerva smiled again as she produced a small stack of parchments from under her robes.
"Before I hand these out, I must advise you all that not everyone has passed every subject. If you discover you have not passed this time, rest assured, we will make sure you pass during the end of year exams."
Harry felt a small jolt of fear pass through him. Despite the fact he would still have to stay at school to finish Potions, he was suddenly overcome with a fervent hope that he had passed his exams. Seeing as they had been staged for his benefit, it would have been a shame to be the one who didn't pass.
Professor McGonagall handed out the parchments and the group stood silently reading their results. Harry glanced around and had trouble reading the other's expressions. He looked at his own parchment and felt his heart skip a beat. He shook the parchment and looked at it again to make sure he had read it correctly the first time.
Harry breathed out as he looked at the 'Outstanding' score he had received in both Charms and Transfiguration. He felt a smile spreading across his face and he could hear his own heart beat pounding in his head. He had done it; he was just one more N.E.W.T. away from his goal of starting Auror Training.
Ginny's hand appeared under his nose. He looked up at her and he could see she was also smiling. He put his parchment in her hand as he took hers. Harry was stunned. Ginny had passed all three exams with an 'Outstanding' in Defence Against the Dark Arts, an 'Exceeds Expectations' in Charms, and an 'Acceptable' in Transfiguration.
Harry looked at Ginny, his face beaming with pride. She threw her arms around him and kissed him fiercely. This reaction broke the silence that had been holding everyone else back. Cheers and shouts for joy were heard as parchments were exchanged with each other.
Harry took Hermione's parchment and was not surprised to see three 'Outstanding' grades, despite the tears in her eyes. Ron gave Harry a lopsided grin as he showed off his two passing grades; including an 'Outstanding' in Defence Against the Dark Arts.
Minerva McGonagall held up her hands as she tried to settle the group down.
"My congratulations to you all. You have all passed at least one exam, and all of you have passed Defence Against the Dark Arts with 'Exceeds Expectations' or higher." Minerva beamed at the group. "It is an astonishing performance, and speaking as a member of the Order of the Phoenix, I salute your achievement. Now, I believe a feast has been arranged in your honour."
With that Minerva turned on her heel and headed back into the Great Hall with a very giddy group of teenagers following her.
The members of Dumbledore's Army returned to their families to tell them the good news. Harry was glad to see Hermione's parents had arrived and were able to celebrate their daughters achievement.
Following dessert, Harry and Ginny sat at the table talking with the Weasley family about their first week back at Hogwarts. Minerva McGonagall interrupted their conversation as she stood at the podium and called for quiet.
"Tonight, we congratulate those students who sat their N.E.W.T. level exams today, in Charms, Transfiguration, and Defence Against the Dark Arts. These exams were held now due to the incredible skill and talent demonstrated by these students during the war, and of course, the final battle. It gives me great pleasure to announce that the following students have achieved a N.E.W.T. qualification today."
Harry sat and watched as his class mates went to the front of the hall to receive the parchments acknowledging their passing grades. He cheered as Ron received his two N.E.W.T. qualifications, and nearly cried as Ginny accepted her three qualifications. Molly and Arthur had abandoned any attempt at dignity in favour of their delight for their children, as tears streamed down both of their faces.
Neville, Cho, and Seamus had received extra attention as their muggle born students had rushed forward to congratulate each of them; and Neville's Grandmother had also left the Gryffindor table to embrace her blushing Grandson.
Minerva stood at the podium and addressed the crowd. "And finally, it is my great pleasure to present the certificates of qualification to two students who have achieved a grade of 'Outstanding' in all three subjects. Mr Harry Potter, who took Charms and Transfiguration today after receiving his N.E.W.T. for Defence Against the Dark Arts during the summer; and Miss Hermione Granger, who achieved all three grades today. Miss Granger is the first student to achieve three 'Outstanding' results in one day since Albus Dumbledore."
Harry and Hermione stood, their faces reddening, as they made their way to the front of the hall and received their certificates. As Harry made his way back to the Gryffindor table he suddenly found himself surrounded by his muggle born class, as they jumped up and down and laughed. Harry knelt down and hugged his students, as tears welled in his eyes; and nearly the entire school body stood as one and applauded him and Hermione.
Once Harry finally made it back to his seat, the Weasley's all took their turn to embrace him, and Harry was stunned when Gawain Robards and Alicia O'Riley also came to congratulate him. As Gawain had embraced him he had whispered in Harry's ear that they would need to talk soon.
The night had worn on and Harry was beginning to wonder if it would ever end. Most of the younger students had gone to bed already, and Harry could see Ginny resting her head in her hands on the other side of the table as she struggled to stay awake. Harry stood and said his thanks and goodnights to everyone, before taking Ginny by the hand and leading her back to their room.
The tired and happy couple had fallen into bed without getting changed, and within seconds they were both fast asleep.
A wet and misty Monday morning dawned, and Ginny sat in the bed watching Harry sleep as she smiled to herself. She had been so proud of Harry and her friends last night, and she had been proud of her own achievements as well. Her elation was still running through her now, and she was waiting for Harry to wake up and share in her excitement.
While she waited, she thought about what she would do with all her free time now that she only had two subjects left to study; Herbology and Potions. Quidditch trials would be held soon and she loved to play the game, so maybe she would try and make the team again. Last year there had been no Quidditch Cup, and she had missed it terribly; along with the freedom of flying, it always reminded her of the first time she had kissed Harry following a game during her fifth year.
Ginny also thought about her future. She would also have plenty of time to visit Poppy Pomfrey and talk to her about being a Healer. After her 'Outstanding' result in Defence Against the Dark Arts she knew now that she wanted to be an Auror, but the extra time available to her would allow her to learn some of the healing techniques as well. She also wondered if she should continue with Transfiguration and try and achieve a higher grade. She would talk to Minerva about that later today.
Ginny looked at Harry as he rolled onto his stomach, thinking that he was finally going to wake up, but after another minute it became obvious this was not the case. Ginny started bouncing on the bed, hoping this would wake Harry up. This had no effect so she decided a more direct approach was required. She began by shaking Harry's shoulder, again with no result.
Harry remained blissfully asleep, dreams of Ginny running through his head. He could feel somebody nudging him in the ribs and he tried to bat the hand away.
"Wake up, Harry," said a soft voice in his ear.
Harry's mind swam up to consciousness as he felt Ginny's lips brush his cheek.
"Harry... wake up," said Ginny again.
Harry grinned but kept his eyes shut.
"Harry... if you wake up you'll get a present," said Ginny in a sultry voice.
Harry couldn't resist any longer. "What sort of present?" he asked as he rolled over to see Ginny sitting in the bed beside him.
Ginny smiled as she lowered herself onto Harry's chest. She kissed his neck before whispering in his ear.
"Me."
Harry felt the electricity surge through him as he wrapped his arms around Ginny.
"My Ginny," whispered Harry, as they were lost to the world.
Harry and Ginny lay in bed, wrapped in each other's arms as they gazed at each other. Harry didn't want to say anything to break the mood, but he knew one of them had to.
"What classes do we have today?"
Ginny grinned at Harry. "Not many, but you do have a muggle born class at eleven."
Harry grunted. He would have to make sure he did something nice for his class soon. They had been so happy for him last night at the feast.
"What time is it?" asked Harry.
"Almost nine," replied Ginny as she sat up in the bed. "Come on, let's go and see if we can find Hermione and Ron."
Ginny jumped out of bed and Harry followed her. Now that Ginny had mentioned the others, he had a burning desire to see them and talk to them about their exam results. He got out of bed and quickly showered. Within minutes he and Ginny were dressed and heading out of their room.
They found Ron and Hermione in the Great Hall. Ron was happily consuming a second helping of breakfast while Hermione had her head buried in a book. Harry was astounded by Hermione's unrelenting dedication to study.
"Morning, you two," said Harry as he sat down across the table from Ron and Hermione.
Ron grinned at him but was unable to respond due to the amount of food he had stuffed into his mouth.
"You pig," commented Ginny.
Harry laughed as he turned his attention to Hermione.
"What could you possibly be studying now, Hermione?" asked Harry, bemused by his friend.
Hermione looked up and held her book up for Harry to see. The title was 'A History of Magic'.
Harry was confused for a minute. "But Hermione, you're not studying History of Magic this year."
Hermione sighed as she rolled her eyes. "How on earth did you get an 'Outstanding' in all your exams, Harry? Honestly, do you really think I'm studying History of Magic for me?"
Realisation dawned for Harry. "You still want to teach the muggle born class, do you?"
Hermione nodded. "Please, Harry, I'm only taking four subjects now. I've got plenty of free time."
Harry was stunned by the yearning he saw in Hermione's eyes. He wondered what was driving her so hard to teach the muggle born class.
"Alright, Hermione," said Harry. "I'll get you a copy of my students schedule and you can teach them History of Magic."
Hermione gasped loudly, startling everyone around her. "Oh, thank you Harry," she said before throwing her arms around Ron, almost causing him to choke.
Harry grinned as he watched Hermione, and he knew that his students would now have five good teachers. My little kids are going to be brilliant, thought Harry, as he remembered the thrill he had experienced when he was taught by a good teacher.
Hermione had begun to gently bounce up and down in her excitement. Harry shared a look with Ginny, who shrugged her shoulders and shook her head before returning to her breakfast.
As Harry finished his breakfast he received a visitor in the form of Gawain Robards.
"Harry, well done yesterday. I was hoping I could have a word if you've got a minute."
Harry nodded. "Of course, Gawain."
Harry followed the Auror to the staff table where they could sit and talk without being overheard.
Gawain looked very stern as he began. "Harry, we need to talk about your intentions now that you have nearly finished school."
Harry nodded. "Okay."
"Do you feel you could pass your Potions N.E.W.T. if I arranged for the exam to be conducted as soon as possible?" asked Gawain.
Harry suddenly felt trapped. He knew where this was going.
"I don't think so, Gawain. Sorry, but I haven't learnt antidotes yet," said Harry, seeing Gawains face fall a little.
Gawain gave Harry a small smile. "I had to ask, Harry. My office is desperate for new recruits, and it would have been a great boost for us if you could have commenced the Auror program a year early."
Harry understood Gawain's predicament. While the dark arts and its followers had been keeping their heads down since the war, the Daily Prophet was now littered with articles about how the criminal element were now returning to their usual behaviour as they realised just how shorthanded both the Auror and Magical Law Enforcement Offices were.
"I'm sorry, Gawain," said Harry, "but even if I had passed all of my classes yesterday, I would not have left until after the school year ended. I made a commitment to Minerva and Kingsley to teach this year, and I intend to honour that commitment."
Gawain nodded resignedly. He had expected nothing less from Harry, and while it hurt him professionally, personally he was very pleased to see that Harry wouldn't abandon his duties to pursue other interests.
"Very well, Harry. Could I perhaps persuade you to join me for some advanced training, along with several other students who also wish to join the Aurors. While we can't speed up your school lessons, we may be able to save you some time when you join the training program."
Harry considered this. He was only taking Potions now, as well as teaching his class, but this could be a good way to test his new power.
"What sort of training did you have in mind?" asked Harry, as his curiosity took hold.
Gawain suppressed a grin, knowing he had won a small victory for his Office. "Duelling, strategy and tactics, and investigations. They are the three most rigorous parts of the Auror Training Program. If we can give you a good grounding in those areas now, you should be able to finish the program early."
Harry grinned. "Do you really think I need more training in duelling?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Gawain regarded Harry for a moment. "Harry, my Auror's have spent the last four months hunting Death Eaters and Voldemort supporters up and down the country. This work has involved many duels. When was the last time you practiced duelling?"
Harry suddenly felt rather foolish. The last time he had duelled was against Voldemort, and that had only been one spell, not really a true duel.
"So, duelling practice is required," said Harry. "When do we start?"
Gawain smiled at Harry. The young man had accepted his rebuke with good grace. He certainly has the temperament of an Auror, thought Gawain.
"When do you have some free time?"
Harry thought quickly. "I'm teaching until three o'clock this afternoon. Then I'm free for the rest of the day."
"I'll organise it with Minerva to have the wards lifted in the Great Hall for after three o'clock. We can assess your skill level then."
Harry was startled. "This afternoon in the Great Hall, but that will mean other students might see us."
Gawain chuckled. "Of course. We will see how you fair while under scrutiny. That is, after all, how you will be assessed following Auror training," said Gawain, noting the look on Harry's face. "I do seem to recall that you fought Voldemort in this very hall with an audience looking on."
Harry nodded. "Yeah… but that was different."
"Oh, relax, Harry. Just do whatever it is you do in your lessons and you'll be fine."
Harry made his way back to the table where Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were. After he had told them what he and Gawain had agreed to do this afternoon, both Ron and Hermione had looked apprehensive, but Ginny had been grinning. She would get to see Harry trying out his new power again, and that always thrilled her.
"Merlin's beard, Harry, try not to destroy the place," said an alarmed Gawain Robards, as he picked himself up off the floor.
Dust was still falling from the ceiling and students and teachers were gathering at the entrance to the Great Hall, trying to see inside.
"Sorry, Gawain," said Harry grinning.
Ron, Ginny, and Hermione got back to their feet. "Blimey, Harry," said a stunned Ron.
Harry's stunning spell had been so powerful it had knocked Gawain off his feet, even as the Auror used the most powerful shield he could produce. The walls had shaken from the force of the rebounding spell hitting the floor.
Gawain shook his head to clear it. "Maybe we should concentrate on speed, instead of power," said Gawain as he saw people starting to enter the hall and stand against the back wall.
"Okay," said Harry calmly, as he was now enjoying himself.
Gawain cast a series of spells at Harry in rapid succession, the jets of light coming one after another. Harry blocked the spells with ease before firing back with his own series of spells. Gawain grunted as he blocked the spells. The Auror decided to see just how good the kid was.
Spells flew at Harry so fast he could no longer see Gawain through the flashes of light. He could block the spells easily but he could not return fire if he couldn't see his target. Harry decided to improvise. He turned on the spot and apparated to a point ten feet to the left, and unleashed his own barrage of spells at Gawain.
Gawain was stunned. He couldn't figure out how Harry had been able to apparate in the middle of defending himself. It was a great trick, and one he was determined to learn as soon as this practice session was over.
Harry and Gawain settled into a rhythm as they both cast and blocked spells. Harry was no longer grinning as he concentrated on finding a way around the Auror's defences.
Against the wall, Ginny was enthralled as she watched. She had never seen anything near this speed; not even during the battle of Hogwarts. As she watched, she caught the telltale gleam in Harry's eyes. They were starting to glow, but she had no idea which emotion was causing it this time.
Meanwhile, Harry thought he saw a way around Gawains defences. If he couldn't fire a spell through his shield, he would just have to put himself on the other side of it.
Gawain saw Harry grin at him and disappear. It had only just registered to Gawain that Harry had just apparated without having to spin around, when he felt the tip of a wand press against the back of his neck. Bloody hell, that can't be him, thought the Auror as he raised his hands and turned around slowly.
Gawain was left shaken as he saw that it was indeed Harry Potter, looking at him with glowing eyes and grinning from ear to ear.
"Harry, please tell me how you did that," said Gawain weakly.
Harry lowered his wand. "How I did what?"
"Apparated while under attack," said a now flustered Gawain Robards. "And you didn't even spin into it. How did you do it?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know. Without making my spells stronger, I couldn't get past your shield, so I decided I needed to move to a position behind you, so I did."
"So you did..." muttered Gawain as he tried to comprehend just how powerful Harry was. He can just think it and it happens, Merlins beard.
"Let's try that again," suggested Gawain, "but this time, you will have two opponents." Gawain turned and signalled for Alicia to join them.
As Alicia reached them, Harry noticed how large the crowd had become in the Great Hall. The younger students had started to finish their lessons for the day now, and were joining the older students who had had the afternoon off. Harry also noticed Minerva McGonagall was watching from the back of the hall, her expression unreadable.
"Harry, I don't want you to use anything damaging, but I give you permission to incapacitate Alicia or myself if you are able to. You can't fight two people at once if you can't remove us from the fight," concluded Gawain as he smiled at Harry.
Harry nodded his understanding. "Should we protect the crowd?"
Gawain nodded and called to Minerva, asking her to provide a shield for the crowd. Harry watched as his Headmistress cast the shield and he saw his muggle class students had made their way into the hall, and were now sitting at the front of the crowd. Harry winked at them as they waved at him, before he returned his attention to the two Aurors who were about to attack him.
"Ready, Harry?" asked Gawain.
Harry stepped back to the edge of the hall and took up a duelling stance. He felt his adrenaline surge as he braced himself for the onslaught of spells.
Gawain and Alicia also stepped back, putting distance between each other and Harry. Gawain was almost transfixed as he saw Harry's eyes flash brightly for a second, before they returned to a soft glow.
Alicia made the first move, followed quickly by Gawain. Harry blocked their incoming spells as he watched them. They would be expecting him to apparate behind them and so would be waiting for him to disappear.
Harry apparated. It was over in seconds. Gawain lay crumpled on the floor as Harry held his wand against Alicia's back. The crowd gasped and the murmuring echoed throughout the hall. Alicia held up her hands and Harry lowered his wand, stepping over to Gawain and reviving him.
Ginny felt her pulse race. She looked at Ron and Hermione, and all she could see was wide eyes and open mouths. She tried to replay what she had just seen in her head, but it had happened so fast that she wasn't entirely sure of what she had just witnessed.
Gawain opened his eyes to find a smiling Harry Potter offering him his hand. He grimaced as he took the offered hand and got to his feet.
"How..." was all Gawain could manage.
Harry felt sympathy for Gawain and Alicia. They had survived the war only to be beaten by a shaggy haired teenager in front of a bunch of school students. He decided he would not gloat, but rather just explain.
"I knew you were waiting for me to apparate behind you, so I apparated to the opposite corner, hoping I would blend into the crowd. Once you turned to defend your back I stunned you. Alicia turned towards you as you fell so I apparated to a position right behind her," concluded Harry.
Gawain thought about this for a minute. "Could you sense my thoughts, Harry?"
"No, but I do know some Legilimency. Maybe I should try that," said Harry thoughtfully.
Gawain and Alicia shared a look. Whatever Harry was capable of was far more than they taught in the Auror program. A giddy feeling came over Gawain and he could see the same feelings etched on Alicia's face. When Harry Potter joined the Auror's, they would be fully returned to their place of respect and fear amongst those who dabbled in the dark arts.
"One more time, Harry," said Gawain, "for my benefit."
Harry grinned. "How many this time?"
Gawain thought for a moment. Initially he was only going to use Alicia and himself again, but if the kid wanted a challenge, he would oblige. He was fascinated to learn just how far Harry could go. He walked to the crowd at the end of the hall.
"Professor McGonagall, Professor Stonely, could I ask you both to join us in our next little test?"
Minerva raised an eyebrow before she gave a curt nod and lowered her shield. A tall thin man also stepped forward and Harry guessed this was the new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. Harry laughed to himself as he saw Professor Slughorn hastily erecting a new shield for the crowd.
As the four witches and wizards gathered around Harry, he began to have doubts. He knew three of them where formidable opponents in their own right, while the fourth was an unknown talent, but Ginny had told him Professor Stonely knew his stuff. Harry swallowed as he looked at the very stern face of Minerva McGonagall.
"Right," said Gawain, "nothing stronger than a stunning spell."
With that Harry's four opponents walked to a different corner each, leaving Harry in the middle of the hall. Harry noticed they were leaving no room for him to apparate behind them. Clever buggers, he thought ruefully as he took up his duelling stance. Again Harry's eyes flashed as the first spells started coming at him.
Ginny watched on in astonishment. Harry was blocking spells from four directions at once, while firing the occasional spell back at his opponents. He was ducking and twisting, weaving and spinning as he kept pace with the barrage of spells for several minutes. She grinned as she heard Ron cheer beside her.
Harry was concentrating hard, trying to find a pattern to the attacks. He could strike when they attacked because they had to lower their shield charms to fire at him, but he was having trouble finding an opening. He would have to try something a little more powerful to get out of this situation.
The members of the crowd began to hold onto one another as the Great Hall shook with the force of the spells Harry had started firing. Many of the younger students had fantasised about being in the final battle, but now that they were seeing a glimpse of what it must have been like, their fantasy was replaced by fear, along with absolute respect for those who had fought and survived the battle.
In the centre of the hall, Harry was starting to feel the pressure of maintaining his defence. It was time to move. He began to apparate randomly around the hall, and he could sense the confusion he was creating. He apparated directly in front of Professor Stonely, then apparated away again instantly as the spells from his other opponents headed towards the startled Professor. Stonely blocked the spells, but gave his colleagues a withering glare for their mistake. It was all the distraction Harry needed. Harry apparated directly beside Professor Stonely and stunned him as he still glared at Minerva.
The crowd cheered as Harry took up a position in the corner he had liberated from Professor Stonely. He continued to block spells before he apparated three times in quick succession down the hall, reappearing in a crouched position next to Alicia. Another stunning spell and Harry was down to two opponents.
Ginny saw Harry's eyes flash as he spun and apparated away from the prone figure of Alicia. Whatever emotion he was feeling was very strong, but she wasn't worried; she suspected Harry was enjoying himself now.
Gawain and Minerva increased the tempo of their attacks now, holding nothing back. Harry blocked and fired spells as he looked for a way through their defences. He decided he would inspire his muggle born students with a demonstration.
Harry began to apparate so rapidly around the hall that Gawain and Minerva could no longer keep track of him. He watched and waited as he kept moving as fast as he could, until he glimpsed them both lower their wands a fraction as they tried to follow him.
He jumped and twisted through the air between his two opponents as he yelled out his first verbal spell since the final battle.
"Expelliarmus."
Gawain's wand flew out of his hand and Harry caught it as he landed. Using Gawains wand he produced a shield while he fired a stunning spell around the side of it with his own wand. As Minerva blocked his stunning spell he cast a disillusionment charm on himself and disappeared. Minerva scanned the hall trying to predict where Harry would reappear.
Harry felt a tinge of regret as he reappeared and fired the disarming spell at Minerva, not bothering to use the verbal spell this time. Minerva's wand flew through the air and clattered onto the floor near Harry's feet.
Harry apparated back to the centre of the hall and stood still for a moment, scanning the room to make sure all of his opponents were down or unarmed. His eyes glowed brightly and he could feel his pulse pounding in his head. He began to breathe heavily as he grinned at a stunned Minerva McGonagall.
The sudden silence was broken by cheering from the far end of the hall. Harry turned and looked at the crowd. He could see the disbelief etched on the faces of both students and teachers alike. He saw his little class standing and cheering for him at the front of the crowd. He smiled at his students and gave them a small bow.
A breathless Gawain Robards appeared beside Harry. Harry handed him his wand back and shook the hand offered by Gawain. Minerva also walked to him and put a hand on his shoulder as she gave him a stern glare, but Harry could see the corners of her mouth twitching. He gave his Headmistress a lopsided grin and reminded himself to apologise to her later.
Harry moved towards the prone figure of Alicia and revived her, while Gawain did likewise for Professor Stonely. As Harry stood up and turned back to face the crowd, he found Ginny was running towards him. She didn't slow down as she reached him and threw her arms around him. Of all the things he had faced in the last two hours, it was this that sent him to the floor.