Harry fought back a smile as he descended the stairs, wandering into the common room. The room was completely packed, students cramming for exams. Hermione sat in her usual armchair, a novel in her hands. Ron sat to the side with Seamus, engaged in an intense chess match.

"Oh Seamus, you're worse than me." Harry commented as he came beside them, resting on the arm of Hermione's seat. Ron's pieces dominated the board. Hermione sent him a soft smile, tearing her gaze away from her book.

"Wouldn't go that far, Harry." Ron grinned at him, he eyed Harry, noting his clothing. "Training?"

"Combat." Harry nodded, "no wands allowed."

Ron scrunched up his face. "Still don't understand why they're getting you to do that."

Harry shrugged, "I actually really enjoy it. It's useful… " He thought of the encounter in the hallway. "I mean. Really useful."

Ron nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Have you seen him?"

"Sporting an impressive bruise." Harry nodded, watching as a knight took out a pawn. "But he's ok." The Slytherin had returned to his dormitory however everyone remained quite anxious about him staying there

"An still no idea who did it?" Seamus asked, cursing quietly as Ron retaliated by taking the knight.

Harry shook his head. "Nope."

"Cowards. The lot of them." Ron muttered. "Lucky you arrived when you did, Harry."

"I guess so..." Harry sighed quietly as he checked his watch, noting the time. "I should go."

"Can I come watch?" Hermione asked as he stood up.

"And see me get my ass handed to me?"

Hermione laughed, "now I'm definitely coming." She stood up, holding the book in one hand whilst reaching for his hand with the other and bidding Ron and Seamus farewell.

"What are you reading?" Harry nodded to the book she gripped in her right hand as they exited the common room, stepping out into the corridor. It look old, and by the looks of it, well loved.

"Pride and Prejudice." Hermione replied with a smile, that faraway look coming into her eye.

"What's it about?"

"You're interested?" Hermione asked, surprised.

"Well. You're interested." Harry shrugged, "So I am too."

Hermione smiled that smile at him that made him go weak at the knees, her eyes soft. "Well… in that case." She launched into a very detailed synopsis, only drawing breath at the very end.

"So… it's basically about this rich guy falling in love with a not so rich girl and not liking her family?" Harry replied after she finished.

Hermione sighed, "well. Yes. I suppose, in a very simple way."

"I like the word concise."

"It's Jane Austen, Harry. She tackled a number of issues. Like love, society and class, women and femininity, wealth.." Harry noted how her eyes lit up when she was speaking and he couldn't help but smile at her. "She's remarkable."

"Go on…" Harry nodded for her to continue.

"Her novels are full of this sly wit and cynicism. Her female character's are strong. They went against the grain. She was born 200 hundred years ago, and she's still relevant…" She continued talking all the way to the training room, hands gesturing, voice rising and falling as she spoke. When she finally exhausted all her love for Jane Austen, Harry swept her in a kiss, catching her off guard.

"What was that for?" Hermione asked a moment later, eyes slightly unfocused.

"Do I need a reason to kiss you?" Harry quirked an eyebrow.

"Well, no…" Hermione thought for a moment as Harry pulled the door open, following him in. "I suppose not."

"Maybe we're early." Harry commented as they walked into the vacant space, no sign of Remus or Tonks. He deposited his bag to the side and started stretching slowly. He checked his watch again, frowning. They were usually right on time.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Harry asked. Their DADA practical exam awaited. Their final one. He watched as she sat down beside him, crossed legged. She was dressed in simple clothes, old light 3/4 jeans and a loose fitting white cotton shirt with white converses. Her hair tumbling down her back. She looked so casually stunning it made his heart skip a beat.

Hermione paused for a moment, thinking. "No…" She placed her chin on her palm, leaning forwards. "Well. Maybe a little." She admitted, "but I'm excited too."

"That's good." Harry smiled at her as he continued to stretch. His thoughts drifted to Draco and the attack. He kept on thinking that it could've easily been Hermione in that situation and it made him feel nauseated.

"What are you thinking?" Hermione asked gently, watching him quietly.

Harry refocussed his gaze, sighing. "How it could've been you and not Draco."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully, her forehead creasing in worry. "I've thought that too." She admitted.

"It terrifies me." He said quietly, pausing in his stretching to focus on her.

"I know." Hermione nodded, eyes soft. She chewed her lip briefly before standing up. "Show me some moves." She moved to the middle and looked at him expectantly.

"Yeah?" Harry asked, standing up, shedding his jumper and tossing it to the side as he set his eyes on her.

Hermione nodded, "yep. I've taught you about Jane Austen. Now you can teach me how to kick ass."

"You already kick ass, Hermione."

Hermione sighed, "I mean physically." She held her arms up in front of her. "I want to learn to defend myself." Her smile dimmed a little, "If that does happen to me, Harry. I want to make sure I can get out of it."

"Ok." Harry stepped forward ensuring he was still within arms reach. "I'll teach you some blocking moves, ok?"

Hermione nodded and for the next 20 minutes, Harry ran her through a number of defensive blocks. She was an incredibly fast learner and picked them up easily.

"Now." Harry shifted his position so he was standing behind her, "if you're attacked from behind." He pressed his body against hers, trapping her arms against her body so she couldn't move. His hold was gentle and firm, her body soft against his. She had instantly relaxed into him, sinking into his touch. He felt his body respond, his heart rate increasing at her proximity.

"Now what?" Her voice was slightly hitched and made Harry wonder if she was feeling the same things that he was.

"Well…" Harry fought to keep focused, "you could either throw a head butt. Or stamp on my foot. Or bite my arm." His eyes were drawn to her neck, the smooth skin glistening slightly. "The idea is to loosen my grip. After you've done that, you could elbow the ribs." He loosened his grip as he spoke, his hand guiding Hermione's through the motions. "Of course, if you're attacker is a man. There's always one sure fire target to aim for."

Hermione laughed, sending him a coy glance as he rolled his eyes at her. "Because you're so small, you'll most likely never have strength on your side." He continued, his hands now resting on her waist gently, his fingers sneaking under the hem of her shirt. He raised one hand, brushing her hair to one side and exposing her neck. Her shirt having fallen off her shoulder. "So. Biting and scratching works. It sounds scrappy. But you'll just want to get out of immediate danger."

"Right." He felt Hermione nod against him. The air in the room thick with tension. He pressed his lips to her shoulder, nipping at the skin softly, biting back a smile at the goosebumps that appeared. He gently twirled her around, resting his head on hers gently, loving how her eyes had darkened. The tether between them pulled gently, like a magnet. He'd never felt this way before. Never realised how a simple touch could affect his entire body.

"Tonks and Remus should be here soon." She whispered, eyes trained on his lips.

Harry nodded absently, his heart hammering loudly in his chest. He leaned forward slowly, capturing her lips in a kiss that was slow burning, intense and full of emotion. "You'll be the end of me, Harry James." She whispered against his lips.

He was about to lean forward again when they heard the door open. They turned their heads in unison as Remus and Tonks entered.

"You too look cosy." Tonks commented, eying their close proximity.

"You're late." Harry replied checking his watch. 30 minutes. He eyed the two curiously, they were sporting a similar look, grins lining their mouths. "Why are you two so happy?"

"Oh my gosh!" Hermione squealed, the sound so unlike her that Harry was stunned into silence.

"What am I missing?" Harry asked as Hermione rushed forwards, hugging Tonks.

"This." Hermione raised Tonk's hand and Harry noticed for the first time, the silver ring that adorned it.

"We're getting married." Remus told Harry who was still processing the news. A face splitting grin crossed his face.

"Holy shit." Harry couldn't help the words as they tumbled out his mouth. "That's awesome!" He moved forward, meeting Remus in a hug. The older man laughing lightly. "Congratulations!"

"Thanks." Remus smiled at him, eyes alight with happiness.

"You two are the first to know." Tonks smiled at them, her eyes twinkling brightly as Harry pulled her into a hug. "It'll happen pretty soon. Hopefully before the school years out."

"That's like… in three weeks." Harry responded, surprised.

"Well, we wanted to make sure you two could be there. Given you'll have to go back to the Dursley's soon, Harry." Tonks told him.

Remus nodded along with her, "particularly because you'll be my best man." He looked at him, eyes bright. "If you'll accept."

"Me?" Harry was surprised.

Remus nodded, "of course." He clapped him on the back, "what do you say?"

"Of course I will." Harry replied, his smile broadening.

"Obviously this means Hermione will be my bridesmaid, too." Tonks said simply. "Right?"

Hermione opened and closed her mouth, just as surprised as Harry. "Right." She fell into a hug as Tonks wrapped an arm around her, "of course."

"Fabulous." Tonks smiled, "now that's sorted. Training's cancelled for the night. Carry on with your snogging." She winked at the two, laughing as Hermione blushed. "We'll see you two later. We have some celebrating to do."


He stared into the trees, watching as they swayed gently in the breeze. He had skipped out on breakfast this morning, knowing the article would be published and not wanting to be in the midst of more attention. He looked deep into the trees, memories of past experiences coming to mind. Many of his encounters in the forrest had not ended well.

He wore his Gryffindor shirt and loose black pants, his wand twirling through his finders absent-mindedly. He felt his magic thrum in his veins, coursing through him. He embraced the feeling. One by one, other students slowly arrived. Everyone was tense, all anxious about what exactly to expect. Harry watched each quietly from his spot on the outskirts. There had been makeshift benches placed, making for a communal waiting area. Everyone was dressed in their house colours. The fight in the corridor still echoed in his head, the accent on one of them nagging at him. He knew that voice. He wondered if they walked around now, pretending.

"Harry?" Harry raised his eyes to her, drinking her in. She wore the same top as him but with GRANGER stitched to the back. Instead of pants, she donned 3/4 black leggings. The material hugging her skin in all the right places. All other thoughts drifted from his mind as he looked at her. She noted his gaze, heat rising to her cheeks in response. "Stop it." Hermione told him, blush coating her cheeks.

He quirked an eyebrow innocently. "Stop what?" The blush ran down her neck, creeping underneath her top. Harry wanted to find out where it ended.

"You know what." She replied. "I need to focus." She sat down in front of him, mimicking his pose with her legs stretched out before her. She glanced to the forrest, her forehead creasing.

"You need to relax." Harry countered, "here." He put his arms out and gripped Hermione's hands in his. He locked eyes with her, that tether between them tugging. The fire in his stomach simmering. "Breathe." His voice was gentle, coaxing. She followed him, letting him pull her towards him and stretching. He watched as her breathing evened out, her muscles relaxing. After a couple of minutes she pulled back, a smile on her face. Harry returned her smile as he crossed his legs. His hand moved to her calf, the skin like silk as he caressed it. "How are you feeling?"

Hermione nodded to him, "I actually feel ok. I feel ready." She met his eye, her brown eyes glinting with confidence. "I read some pretty inspiring words this morning…" She grinned at him, "there was also this photo of this really good looking guy."

Harry groaned, "How did I get roped into that again?" For whatever reason, he had allowed Colin Creevey to take a photo of him, with both Luna and Hermione stating that a photo alongside the picture would have more of an impact on readers. He had looked right into the lens of the camera, eyes bright and scar visible.

Hermione smiled at him, a spark glinting in her eye, "I'm anticipating an entirely new level of infatuation."

"Are you now?"

She sent him a sly smile. "There was this moment when the entire hall let out this collective sigh. Hearts melted." Harry sighed, throwing a blade of grass at her. It caught in the wind and didn't make the distance. "It'll adorn many rooms across England." Hermione continued, laughing quietly, "mine included." She winked at him.

"Hermione…" Harry let out a light laugh.

"He's a catch, let me tell you."

"I heard his girlfriend is quite the catch, too." Harry replied, his hand squeezing her leg. "Easy on the eye."

"Ahhuh. Sure." Hermione shook her head. Harry rolled his eyes at her before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to her lips, ignoring those around them. He felt her smile into the kiss and he deepened it briefly before pulling away. "It's good, Harry. Really good." Hermione told him, her voice ernest.

"Are you talking about the article?" They raised their eyes to Ron who had just arrived, Draco trailing behind him. The latter still sporting some faded bruising around his eye.

"Yeah." Hermione nodded as they sat beside them.

"I think I saw McGonagall crack a smile." Draco remarked, smirking at Harry who snorted.

Ron let out a laugh, his red hair falling into his eyes as he looked at Harry. "I never realised you had such profound thoughts, Harry."

"Surprised me as well." Harry admitted with a shrug. He looked at Ron, noting his pale complexion. "You look nervous."

"I keep thinking I'll stumble upon Aragog's nest…" Ron shuddered at the thought.

Harry laughed lightly, "he's not too bad."

Ron sent him a wide-eyed look, "he wanted his spider children to eat us, Harry. Eat us." He shook his head, "honestly. Only Hogwarts would want its students to take a test in a forrest with a number of different species who despise humans. What a great bloody idea."


As more students arrived and the time drew closer, the quieter everyone became. As Snape appeared, McGonagall following close behind, the students came all gathered around, straining their ears to listen to Snape's instructions. "You will all enter from this pathway." He indicated to the space directly in front of them. Total and utter darkness loomed. "If you stray exceedingly far from the path, there are wards in place to prevent you from going too deep into the forrest. I will be at the finish line, waiting. Professor McGonagall will remain here." After everyone nodded, he continued on. "You will face a number of different challenges, all testing your combat and knowledge that you've learnt in the past year. If you run into any trouble, raise your wand into the air and release a distress signal. Someone will come to retrieve you. You will be timed and graded on skills shown. Your only weapon is your wand. You have one hour to complete the course. Be vigilant. Be prepared." He allowed the words to sink in for dramatic effect, students shifting from one foot to the other anxiously.

After a moment he produced his own wand and directed it towards the chalkboard that stood nearby. He waved his wand and names appeared. Harry sighed quietly as he saw his name in a messy scrawl at the very bottom. He placed his hand on Hermione's back, her name resting on the very top. She sent him a shaky smile. "Granger." Snape called, "to the front."

Hermione was there in an instant, her wand readied in her hand. Harry watched her take a deep breath, steadying herself. A few of her classmates called out to her, wishing her luck. Professor McGonagall sent her a small smile, "all the best, Miss. Granger."

"Thank you m'am." Hermione nodded to her before heading in. Harry watching until she disappeared into the darkness.

They waited silently, minutes ticking by. Students paced back and forth, restless and itching to go. Harry remained sitting, watching everyone else. Observing. They all waited in silence, a nervous energy in the air. They were sent in staggered, 30 minutes elapsing before the next student entered the forrest. It was an incredibly boring wait. He watched as Draco marched in, his eyes set in determination. He watched as Ron entered, blue eyes anxious. He continued to wait, resting his hands on his knees, his leg tapping on the floor impatiently.

Harry sent Hannah a reassuring smile as she looked at him with wide eyes, having received the signal from McGonagall that she was due. As many had done before her, she took one deep steadying breath before exiting. Harry turned to Lavender, the two remaining students. She met his gaze with a nervous smile. "I just wanted to say, Harry." Lavender started, her voice unusually serious. "Thank you for everything." She shook her head and took a deep breath.

Harry shook his head, "you've improved a lot this year, Lavender. That doesn't come from me."

The brown-haired witch sighed, "you've helped me though. To see what's important. To see what matters." Her voice was soft, she wrung her hands together nervously, eyes flickering to the forrest. "I've not been the nicest person, Harry. I've been bitchy and judgemental and gosh, always thought I was somehow better than everyone else."

"And now?" Harry asked curiously.

"I guess I can see the bigger picture now. My world's now included all these people I never even spoke to before. Never spared a second glance. Now I can't imagine my life without them. And that's thanks to you, Harry and the DA. And your article. Well, I just hope other people see it as well."

"I hope so too." Harry replied. They sat in a comfortable silence before she received the signal, Harry sending her a thumbs up before she left.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, Harry walked slowly to the entrance. Before he could begin, McGonagall reached out her hand and gripped his arm. Harry looked at her in surprise. His head of house looked at him for a long moment, her eyes boring into his. Harry felt something inside of him stir at the look and couldn't help but feel as though she was really looking at him. The article reverberated in his head.

"Miss. Brown was right. Thank you, Harry." The choice of his first name didn't go unnoticed. "I'm proud of you, and dare I say, believe your parents would be too."

Harry nodded, a lump forming in his throat. Coming from McGonagall, that meant a lot. "Thank you, m'am."

She nodded to him, eyes softer than usual. It was a strange look but made her appear younger. He sent her a smile before stepping forward, letting the forrest envelope him in darkness.

He stepped forward cautiously, his wand held in his hand loosely. He was relaxed, yet alert. He walked for 10 minutes, the only sound his feet crunching on the ground beneath him. He was well away from the castle, the trees becoming thicker and closer together. It was difficult to see but he resisted the urge to use his wand for light. The sun peaked through the branches overhead, offering enough light for him to make his way. The trees rustled in the wind, an eery sound that he would always attribute to the forrest. As he turned a corner and came upon a clearing, he stopped short. It was a small clearing, the path resuming on the opposite end. He eyed the ground curiously, scanning for anything unusual. He craned his head upwards, looking for any obvious traps. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary but it nagged at him. This was too easy. He looked to the ground near him and picked up some loose stones.

During his lessons with Tonks, he had been taught to always check for traps. Taught to take his time. This was something he struggled with as he had a tendency to go straight into situations without a second thought. His impulsive nature often leading him to dangerous situations that otherwise could've been avoided.

He looped the stone in the air, watching as it soared and landed in the middle of the clearly. For a moment, nothing happened at all and Harry let out a puff of air, slightly embarrassed at his own paranoia before he heard a loud snap, triggering a trap door that opened out of no where. Harry grinned in relief. Had he been standing there, he would've fell 3 feet into a ditch.

Following another hunch, Harry looped a second stone into the air. It fell just short of the other one. This reaction was instantaneous. A net appearing from the floor, trapping whatever had stood in its place moments before. Harry wandered underneath it, as it now hung from a tree and made it to the other side. When he glanced back, the clearing had reverted back to its previous state.

He continued on for a couple more moments before he heard another rustling. He slowed his pace even more, his ears prickling. A cloaked figure emerged from his left and he adjusted his position. He couldn't see who it was but they were short. Much shorter than he was. They fired a spell at him that Harry deflected quite easily. Harry stood still for a moment before rallying a number of spells. He was apt at nonverbal now and they poured from his wand with such speed that the cloaked figure stood no chance. As soon as the cloaked person was disarmed, they offered a slight bow before disappearing back into the darkness.

He continued on, stopping as he reached a T junction. He paused, eying each path thoughtfully. He studied the floor. The one on the left look well treaded, footprints still showing. The other on the right looked almost untouched, overgrown. He sighed, knowing immediately which way he would go. He turned right, his footsteps light. He encountered different tasks and challenges, having to crawl in mud to get past certain obstacles. Leaping from rocks and paths to avoid detection. He thrived in the rush of it, embraced the feeling. He wiped at his brow as he came to a stream. He watched the water as it trickled slowly downstream. Another rustling caught his attention and he looked up, wand outstretched. A familiar looking centaur stood on the opposite side of the stream, black hair and wild looking.

This was not part of the exam.

Bane levelled him with a look.

"Harry Potter." He said in way of greeting, coming forwards. He struck an imposing figure.

Harry lowered his wand, not wanting to antagonise the creature. He had a flashback to their last encounter, with Umbridge.

"Bane." His voice was cautious. Measured.

"You have changed." Bane observed him. Harry knew he was referring to more than his appearance. His eyes flickered to Harry's scar, now clearly visible.

"I had too." Harry replied shortly. He stood up straight. He was conscious that he was losing time. He also knew Bane would not have sought him out if it wasn't important. "What have you come to tell me?"

"He approaches." Two words. Sent a tingle down his spine.

"How soon?" He fought to keep his voice low.

The centaur looked to the sky as though searching for the answer, "it is unclear." He returned his gaze to Harry, "you must beat him." He paused for a moment as though weighing up to continue or not. Harry met his gaze, his green eyes open. It seemed to be enough.

"I have seen two futures. Two outcomes, Mr. Potter." His voice was low, gravelly. "The Darkness of one is all encompassing." He took a few steps forward, "But the light of the other. It is seeped in freedom. Trust yourself. Trust your heart."

"There isn't just one future?" Harry asked curiously.

Bane shook his head, "it is a constant state of flux. Fighting against one another. Only rarely do we experience such events as we are now. Two lives. So intrinsically intertwined, yet so vastly opposed."

"Will I ever be free of him?" Harry asked, voicing one of his greatest fears. That he would always, for whatever reason be connected to him.

"Embrace the light, Mr. Potter." Bane spoke.

Harry sighed, he'd heard that before. He thought back to what he said earlier, about him approaching. His army had grown substantially. His power increasing with each day. He had sensed he was building for something but to have it confirmed still unsettled him.

"Why are you telling me this?" Harry asked, aware that Bane always advised against meddling into human affairs. It was one of the reasons Firenze now resided in the castle.

"Because the light of one future, Mr. Potter." He spoke evenly but his voiced was full with an emotion that Harry had never come across before in him. It made his skin rise. His heart pound. A fierce yet quiet passion. "It's a light that all of us deserve."

The centaur nodded once before clicking his heels and galloping off. Harry was left at the stream, his heart unsettled. The trickling of the water bought him too and he shifted his feet, eyes scanning the area once again. He took another steadying breath before easily jumping the gap. He checked his watch and let out a low curse word. He needed to make up time. He gripped his wand in his hand and set off again at a jog.

He ran through the forrest. The challenges coming fast and frequent. He managed each one with an ease that even surprised him. He could sense when someone was near before he saw them, cloaked figures continuing to come out of nowhere. Sometimes in twos and threes- all hooded and cloaked. More traps occurred, strewn throughout the path. He came across another clearing and after testing for any traps went to run across it. He was blocked by a figure on one end, swivelling around the finding another behind him. Although they were still cloaked and hooded, Harry recognised their stances. Remus and Tonks circled him slowly.

"I was wandering when I was going to meet you two." Harry said casually as he gripped his wand tighter. He knew Tonks would always make the first move and directed a neat spell in her direction before she could fire. He moved swiftly around, dodging and narrowly avoiding spells. It was the hardest challenge he'd faced yet, they matched every spell he sent with one of their own. For the first time, Harry felt his forehead bead with sweat. He tapped into his magic, letting it out bit by bit. The world slowed around him once again, the pulsing of his own heart loud in his ears. The swish of cloaks moving in and out, the crunch of the ground beneath them, the laboured breathing, the smell of dirt, of leaves and bark. He felt himself become a part of the environment, fell into it. He moved fast and swift, his wand cutting through the air with a swiftness that caught even Tonks and Remus by surprise. Their wands clattering to the ground in unison. They removed their hoods, sent Harry an appraising glance before swiftly leaving. Harry allowed himself a wry smile before continuing on, light between the trees becoming clearer telling him he was close to the end.

When he passed the finish line, a cluster of students hovered around. He wiped at his forehead, sweating from his encounter with Remus and Tonks. Snape held a clipboard in his hand and was standing by the entrance. He glanced at his watch, and scribbled something down. He nodded to him, shortly. A flicker of approval gracing his face before disappearing just as quickly. An act that was so unlike him that Harry didn't know how to respond.

"Harry!" Hermione called out, rushing forward, bringing his eyes to her. She wore a grin, telling him she was quite happy with her own performance.

"Hey." Harry sent her a crooked grin as she stopped just short of him. "How'd I go?"

Hermione smiled brightly, "quickest time of the day." She told him, "Lavender finished just before you."

"Oh, good." Harry felt some relief. "I thought I'd lost time…" He was about tell launch into his conversation with Bane but paused, "I'll tell you later."

Hermione nodded, eying him curiously. She nodded toward Snape. "We're to be marked on each of our duels. They were some of our Professors. Some yr 7 students." She sent him a smile, "and I'm sure you already saw Remus and Tonks."

Harry nodded, noticing for the first time a cluster of people near the outskirts of the forrest, all de-cloaked and now recognisable. He frowned suddenly, "I think I gave Madam Hooch a blood nose." He watched as the witch pinched the bridge of her nose, professor Sprout placing an arm on her shoulder comfortingly.

He looked to Hermione. "You're ok?" He looked her up and down again, nothing but concern in his eyes. She had some mud on her clothes, similar to his.

Hermione nodded, "yeah. Some scratches but I'm fine." She nodded to the rest of the students who were all in varies states of health. "Dean got a nasty knock to the head from one of the traps but he managed to get out of it. Seamus has taken him to the hospital wing." She glanced around, "there are a few there actually. Parkinson got completely taken out and had to be stretched out." She didn't look all too sorry at having to deliver the news.

"You've had quite the entertainment." Harry commented.

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I had a long wait." Her eyes flickered to someone behind him and he turned to follow her gaze, Draco and Ron slowly approaching. The latter clapping him on the back.

"That was actually kind of fun." Ron commented.

"Didn't come across any spiders?" Harry asked, smiling as Remus and Tonks made their way over to them.

Ron shook his head, a grateful expression on his face. "Not one."

"You were all amazing!" Tonks smiled at the group, "you even impressed me, Ron." She grinned at him.

"Why do you sound so surprised?" Ron frowned before shrugging, "whatever. Exams are over. Let's go eat." He rubbed his stomach, "I'm starving."

Harry let out a slight smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, as they turned to follow them to the castle, he cast one long, parting look at the forrest. His heart still unsettled. Bane's warning echoing loudly.


A/N: Thanks to those who take the time to leave a review. Always heartening reading feedback :)