Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the wonderful wizarding world and all credit must be given to Ms. JK Rowling, however, anything unrecognisable is of my own creation.

Chapter 11: One Smart Bookworm

I wondered into the kitchen this morning, to find Dorea and Charlus having breakfast: Dorea spoke.

'Good morning, Hermione... your Hogwarts letter arrived in the post this morning.' I moved across the kitchen to accept the letter from Dorea: my stomach filled with butterflies, this letter contains my OWL results. I was motionless for a moment, before slowly opening the letter. I feel sick. I pulled the letter out of the envelope, and began to read.

Dear Miss. Hermione Jean Granger

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is very pleased to award you with the following OWLs: Ancient Runes – O; Arithmancy – O; Astronomy – O; Care of Magical Creatures – O; Charms – O; Defence Against the Dark Arts – O; Herbology – O; History of Magic – O; Potions – O; and Transfigurations – O.

Hogwarts would like to congratulate you on these outstanding results, and inform you that you have been accepted in NEWT classes for all of the above subjects. If you wish to discuss your results further, or have decided to drop subjects at NEWT level, please contact the school, so that the appropriate meeting can be arranged. If not, Hogwarts looks forward to seeing you on September 1st. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Your Sincerely

Minerva McGonagall – Deputy Headmistress

I'd achieved 10 Outstandings in my OWLs! 10 Outstandings! I couldn't stop the massive smile that spread across my lips: Dorea pulled me from thought. 'Going to share your results with us, Hermione?' I glanced away from the letter, towards Mr. and Mrs. Potter.

'I got 10 Outstandings!' Charlus and Dorea looked stunned; nevertheless, soon Dorea was hugging me.

'That's fantastic, hun!' Charlus spoke next.

'Congratulations, Hermione. You must be very pleased.' I nodded.

After a moment, I was calm enough to help myself to breakfast: it wasn't long, before Sirius appeared in the kitchen. I watched Sirius go pale as Dorea informed him about his letter. Sirius accepted his letter from Dorea, but didn't seem able to open it. I spoke.

'Siri, you alright?' Sirius shook his head.

'I can't open it... Mynee, open it for me.' I raised my eyebrows.

'Really?' He nodded.

'Yes. Quick, or I'm going to vomit.' I took the letter from Sirius, opening it and scanning over his grades.

'You got Acceptables in Divination and History of Magic: Exceeds Expectations in Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, and Herbology: and Outstandings in Charms, DADA, Potions, and Transfigurations. You've been accepted in NEWT classes for: Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfigurations.' I glanced towards Sirius, as relief washed over his face.

'So... I'm still going to be an auror?' I nodded: a gorgeous smile appeared on his lips. Dorea was first to hug Sirius, sounding rather proud as she spoke.

'Sirius. That's brilliant, congratulations.' I hugged Sirius once Dorea let him go.

'I'm proud of you, Sirius Black... all that studying paid off.' I pressed my lips to Sirius's, and as I pulled away he spoke.

'How'd you do?' I flushed a little.

'Erm... 10 Outstandings.' Sirius's face fell.

'What?! Really?!' I nodded, and the next second, Sirius was spinning me around. 'Mynee! That's exceptional! I'm so proud of you!' I flushed a deeper shade of red, as Sirius kissed me again; though, at this point we were interrupted by James's voice.

'What's with all the noise?' Sirius glanced towards James.

'OWL results are here, mate' James suddenly looked like a deer caught in headlights, making me and Sirius laugh.

We all watched James open his letter: he was silent for a moment, before smiling.

'Okay. It's fine. I got Outstanding in Charms, DADA, and Transfigurations: Exceeds Expectations in Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, and Potions: and Acceptable in Divination and History of Magic. That's not...' James's voice faded at this point, and the deer caught in headlights returned. I glanced towards Sirius, who shrugged, before speaking.

'Prongs, everything okay, mate?' The next second, James exploded.

'Yes! Everything is great, Padfoot! I'm going to be Quidditch captain! Yes... screw my results!' Dorea snapped.

'James!' James mellowed for a second, glancing towards his mother.

'Sorry, mum... but I'm Quidditch captain!' Sirius laughed, whispering into my ear.

'Quidditch is going to be unbearable this year.' I laughed.

'Congratulations James. That's great news.' Sirius agreed with me.

'Yeah Prongs, you'll be a fantastic captain... I've always said that.' James remained on cloud nine all morning, talking animatedly about new Quidditch drills and formations, and whom he wanted for the team. Dorea and Charlus took the three of us out for lunch at some local muggle pub to celebrate: Dorea even let James and Sirius have alcohol, as a treat for doing so well. James and Sirius floo-called Remus, once we'd returned to Potter Manor. Remus seemed very impressed by James and Sirius's results, though, I think he knew they'd do well. Remus said he'd received 6 Outstandings and 4 Exceeds Expectation, which is no less than I expected from the smartest Marauder. Sirius mocked Remus a little by saying that I'd beaten him, to which Remus asked what I'd gotten. Remus was speechless when I told him my results, before congratulating me. James and Sirius told Remus he'd been replaced, because they had found themselves a smarter bookworm: Remus laughed. A letter from Lily also arrived this afternoon: she'd received 8 Outstandings and 2 Exceeds Expectations. It had been a successful day all round, and it ended with Sirius and I, stargazing from the roof of Potter Manor.

A/N: Next chapter will be Bellatrix's Wedding, which I mentioned way back in the first part. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Remember to spare a moment and review. Love RoxannetheLaugh x.