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Chapter 55- Exam Fortnight

Exam fortnight had come, and nobody was ready for it. As if to make things worse, the full moon was going to make an inconvenient trip on the last day of it, as clearly, the moon wanted Remus to fail his last few exams. Their first exams was potions- a practical exam this time, and the four were not prepared: The was the obvious flaw of not being able to practice at all! Much to their delight, they knew the theory behind the warts solution they had to brew, so they probably did better than many others, but Sirius' potion was still too dull in colour and Peter's had solid lumps in it- which was definitely not meant to happen. Still: they were satisfied. The following day only had an astronomy exam, so they mainly relaxed, they didn't really care for astronomy that much.

When night came, they all went away to the astronomy tower, where they found out that they were doing star spotting, and Sirius rejoiced. You know how, at one point in your life, you have to research, or get told, the meaning behind your name? Well, Sirius had done so, only to find that the rest of his family's names were embedded within the night sky, and he sought to identify them all. By the time he had done all of those on the tapestry, you could easily say Sirius was quite good at star gazing! However the same couldn't be said for the rest. So while Sirius was certain he had passed, the others were certain they had failed- though Peter thoroughly enjoyed astronomy. They had to rely on how well they did for their written question (explain the differences between muggle and magically-enhanced telescopes).

Two exams on, and everyone was already super stressed, and in certain belief that they had failed. It was Lily Evans who reminded them of something from a while ago.

'Guys! Remember on Valentine's Day? When Peter asked Mary to join them for a picnic that never happened? How about we go on that picnic after exam fortnight? As a way of rewarding ourselves.'

Nobody said no. Even the blushing and thoroughly embarrassed Peter couldn't refuse.

With the prospect of a nice picnic waiting ahead, the rest of the exams seemed to be a lot more relaxed. As usual, James and Sirius didn't need their results to know that they aced Transfiguration (both practical and written), and the other two were most confident that they had done well too! History of magic less, as everything Binns had ever said went through one ear and out through the other in that very lesson; it was very hard to recall it in the exam if they didn't remember it at the end of the lesson! And with that, their first week was over, and the weekend was here to provide a nice break from revision and assessments.

'It's not like it's our O.W.L.s or anything! Why are we so stressed?!' Sirius complained loudly.

'You know nothing of stress!' A random fifth-year shouted back. 'Nothing!'

'You know, we actually just don't have to do all this work and revision. You just enjoy doing it.' Sirius looked aghast, while Remus chucked. 'And you James!' He added, so the messy-haired one mirrored Sirius' expression. 'And I guess you too Peter. You may not have noticed, but we do like studying. I know everyone wants to be top of the class, but often, it's us. We are the ones who like studying, and re-capping what we've done! And don't tell me you don't enjoy Transfiguration and Defence immensely you two. And Peter, you- who normally has to be dragged out of bed each morning- is the first ready for astronomy. And you really don't mind getting your hands dirty in Herbology. I know we are meant to be the mischief-makers, but we are also a bunch of school-loving idiots.'

'You could not have been more blunt.' James stated.

'I've been told.'

'Though I have to mention, Most the stuff we learnt, we use for mischief. To create trouble!' Peter bravely added in.

'Knowledge is power. Power means we can do such mischief.' chanted Sirius dramatically.

'Will you be quiet, or I'll practice my bird-transfigurations on you!' shouted a Seventh-Year in response.

They forbade themselves from working that weekend, so instead made some preparations for Peter's party, since they had now entered the month of May, and Peter's Birthday was in two weeks! They wanted to make sure it was 'wizz-bang packed with magic' for it was also when the O.W.L.s started with always bought a silent, somber and serious atmosphere all over the school, which everyone- especially the youngsters hated. However they wanted it to be different: last year, they had don't their average whole common room party...how about a whole school party?

'That'll involve the Slytherins having fun.' voiced Peter.

'Well, just something at breakfast? Like, something loud, and bright...'

'Not fireworks.' Remus said quickly- feeling that it was too late.

'No, not fireworks.' Sirius said.

'Yeah, we've done that too many times!' James continued.

'How about...we get our owls to drop confetti all over the place while hooting?'

'Except-'

'Only my owl will comply, yes. But who's to say-'

'-that Alphia can't do all this on her own?'

'How do you two do that? You are like twins! Who can read each other's minds!'

'It is very weird!'

'I think we are long lost twins actually.'

'Brothers from another mother!'

'Separated at birth!'

'Well-' Peter interrupted- 'Alphia better be good. I have high expectations for my birthday!'

'Oh don't worry-' James started:

'She will be.' Sirius finished.

'I forgot we still had exams to go!' Sirius complained outside the Defence room, upon remembering they had an exam today. Peter followed him up:

'Me too. And it's not even a practical! Just a written paper!'

Professor Ackerly then opened the door, which was when the exam was considered started. In silence, they entered, ready for the exam.

And this is how the second exam week passed. With a Charms practical that actually went pretty well for the four, and Herbology seemed alright too, though James did get the order of potting some scathing seedlings incorrect- and true to their name, James received a dozen angry little nips from their scissor-like leaves before their professor came to help. And not to mention, Remus fell asleep half way through the written paper.

Now this made James -and the others- really guilty. They had certainly noticed how tired he looked before, but since they were nearly always chattering, Remus managed to stay awake. But in the silence of the exam- and the smell of the hypnoflora still in the air- and obviously the full moon two days away- it was no doubt Remus felt terribly sleepy. So as soon as Professor Sprout turned away, James did a risky thing- he quickly snatched Remus exam paper and quill, and did both his and Remus' paper, doing his best to copy Remus' really messy scrawl and writing style. Remus needed this sleep more than the exam.

Professor Sprout was right in front of his desk when Remus was awoken. Suddenly remembering that he was in the middle of a test- that he had not completed- he swore out loud, to the astonished Professor.

'Mr. Lupin! Language!'

'Sorry Professor.' Came his meek reply. He accepted his detention solemnly, when he heard some loud (and certainly rather rude) shouting coming from the places of Peter, Sirius, and James. They accepted their detentions much more cheerily.

The following night was the full moon, and none of them slept. The three in the Gryffindor dorm were very much troubled, their mind solely on Remus.

'You know, I believe one full moon ago, I said Remus was luckily for missing the lesson. About the full aura moon.'

'I remember...Merlin, we were so blind! Oh poor Remus!'

'Each full moon, we've been snug in our beds while Remus...'

Sirius nearly cried. 'This picnic on Sunday,' He said, 'is going to be the greatest picnic Hogwarts has ever heard of, and Remus will enjoy every second of it.'

'You really should've stayed up all night.' were Remus' first words upon entering the dorm. 'This one wasn't even that bad.'

'Remus, I can see that huge scar going down your back.'

'I know. And you don't even know about the one on my face. I use some magical creams to cover that thing up. But really- this is little compared to other experiences.'

'Still, I doubt you can refuse this!' Peter said, holding out a bar of chocolate. Remus chucked.

'Oh. Suddenly I am in excruciating pain. I'll take twenty, thank you.' He had never joked about it before, but with these lot... it seemed normal. Though he hid how much pain he was in, soon, he could let it slip from his mind.

They strolled around the grounds of Hogwarts, looking for the best spot for a picnic. They knew it was probably going to be at the clear patch by the lake, but hey! It was fun walking around Hogwarts! They watched Hagrid water a huge patch of venomous tentacula, which had to be moved further away, after attacking one too many students, while Remus pulled off his jumper for once, as it was most unusually warm for Scotland. He forgot that his thin shirt let his scar show well, for he was too absorbed in admiring his school. Schools had always been dull according to muggles, but Hogwarts was so obviously...different!

'How about by the Whomping Willow?' James joked.

'Why that'll be great! It'll love our company, and embrace us with open branches for sure!' He replied, with strong mock-enthusiasm.

'Actually, I think the tree may be overly friendly and invite everyone along to its warm embrace.' continued Sirius...

'How about the lake?' questioned Peter.

'Too unfriendly.'

'Oh let me correct myself: in the lake? With the minuscule squid?'

'Well Peter, we have to say...'

'Great idea!' exclaimed Remus and James,

'Brilliant idea!' Sirius shouted simultaneously.

It ended in Sirius gasping, exclaiming 'betrayal!' Before flamboyantly running away, the other three chasing after him, giggling, snorting and laughing their way back.

Their next trip was to the kitchens, so they found their way there, giving a good tickle to the pear, to meet the ever-willing House elves.

'Hello there elves!'

'Hello good masters!' They chorused.

'Do you have the picnic orders?' One squeak emerged from the crowd.

'Yes!' Sirius replied, being the one who was best with House elves apparently, 'Here. This is a little tally of what everyone would like. Don't strain yourselves though, and remember the putting is tomorrow! We'll be missing lunch- so also remember you can make a little less food!'

'Picnic baskets!' Peter suddenly exclaimed.

'Oh don't worry Sirs! Master Dumbledore gave us some! There has been odd picnics in the past, except usually Good Professors take orders for good Students! We is honoured sirs, that you come to visit House Elves!' a young voice cried.

'Well that's great! So only a few knew this place eh?' Peter mused.

'Yes Sir! Only one student Master had come to seen us in the last fifty years! Master Riddle was exploring the school, when Master came across the kitchen!'

'Now Toddly!' His mother scolded, 'House elves do not chatter! House elves work!' With the reminder of their work, the House elves hurried off to their duties, leaving the four wizards to leave happily.

The final thing to do was to select outfits, which was actually pretty hard to do. Sirius owned pretty much only wizarding robes, but in a flash of light, he remembered his birthday gift from the Potters: he carefully pulled out his red, muggle sleeveless shirt, taking a moment to admire the shining gold thread, forming the words 'Gryffindor' on the front, and 'Sirius' on the back- almost certainly hand done through the joint efforts of Mr and Mrs Potter. James pulled out his matching one- pretty much identical- though this one obviously said 'James' at the back. Remus' muggle clothing consisted of jumpers- certainly not suitable for Summer, which was the same case for Peter. Everyone turned to James.

'Come on then. Find something that fits.'


See you next week!