A message was delivered to Harry at breakfast Sunday morning, it was his schedule for the next day

Chapter Seven – The Exams

A message was delivered to Harry at breakfast Sunday morning, it was his schedule for the next day. He would have the Charms and Transfiguration exams in the morning, a break for lunch, and then the Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potion Exams in the afternoon.

Ron looked over his shoulder. "Looks like you have a fun day tomorrow."

"Yeah, Potions is the cherry on top of a the sundae that is my hell day."

"Nice use of imagery."

"Thanks, well I better be off."

"Beat off?"

"BE OFF, Ron! What happened to you this summer?"

"Puberty and a girlfriend, deal with it."

"I guess so, if you need me you know where to find me."

"The bathroom on the second floor?"

"You're pushing it Ron."

"I'll stop pushing it so you can go pull it."

"This is never going to end, see you later."

"Bye Harry."

Harry made his way down to the library and immediately went for a potions book on rare ingredients from Africa. He had already covered Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Besides Africa all he had left was Australia and that wouldn't be too difficult to cover in a day.

He only had about twenty-four hours left before his day would begin. He was fairly confident about the majority of his tests. He knew that McGonagall, Flitwick, and Figg would be very straightforward with their exams, it was Snape that would try and trick him. After a while he got tired with studying and decided to take a little walk. He made his way around the castle and began to go places he didn't readily frequent. He was about to turn around and head back to the library but a voice shouted out to him.

"Harry!"

Harry turned around and saw that behind a tapestry he just passed stood Gabrielle. "Hey Gabrielle, how are you doing?"

"I'm good, but where have you been? I never really see you around and you weren't there for my sorting."

"Sorry, hasn't your sister told you what's going on?"

"No, she's been keeping to herself mostly. What's going on?"

"I suppose it doesn't matter if I tell you since you already know about my powers. I'm taking tests tomorrow to pass out of some of my classes."

"You must be really special Harry."

"Something like that, so you don't know how your sister is feeling?"

"No, in fact I haven't seen her since late Friday. So, how did your date go?"

"How did you know I went on a date?"

"Cho has been talking about it since she got back. She's very taken with you."

"It was fine, Gryffindors and Ravenclaws don't normally get to hang out so it was nice to get to know her."

"Get any?"

"Gabrielle!"

"Well, did you at least get a good night kiss?"

"A peck on the cheek if you must know. Speaking of significant others I hear you've been hanging out with a Gryffindor named Godric."

"Yeah, we met on the train coming here. He is a really nice boy."

He isn't nice to me Harry thought. "Has he mentioned me?"

"No, the only time we ever talk about you is if I bring up something that happened over the summer. By the way, thank you very much for teaching me English. It has been really helpful in class and getting to know people."

"No problem, so how are classes going?"

"Fine, we have a lot of classes with Hufflepuff and one with Slytherin. Why don't we ever have classes with Gryffindor?"

"I don't know, it does seem a little weird. So, you like your teachers?"

"Almost all of them, Snape is a real nightmare though. He really doesn't like it that I'm Fleur's sister I think."

"Yeah, he has been trying to get the job that your sister is taking over next year."

"Great, so it's a petty reason. Doesn't he have anything better to do?"

"Not really, he seems to get his jollies from it. Well, I should really get going Gabrielle. It was good seeing you but I should really get back to the library."

"You're leaving? You just got here and I have barely seen you in a week."

"Don't worry, I should have more time after tomorrow. Tell you what, I'll meet you on Tuesday for a study session. You can ask me for any help you want."

"Sounds great!" She threw her arms around Harry and rushed back behind the tapestry.

Harry was expecting to go back to the library without any difficulties but another person stopped him. Cho had apparently been coming this way but stopped to watch Harry and Gabrielle's conversation.

"Already cheating on me?"

"Well, she is cute isn't she?"

"I'll give you that, but isn't she a little young for you?"

"Hey, you're the one into younger guys."

"Touche, so what are you doing up here?"

"Just taking a little study break. So, I'm guessing that Ravenclaw House is behind that tapestry?"

"Yeah, but it's enchanted so that only Ravenclaw students can lift it. Maybe I'll sneak you in there sometime."

"For what?"

"If you're lucky you just might find out." She then walked over and pulled off Harry's glasses. "Have you ever thought about correcting your vision?"

Harry had secretly already done so before so he could wear his new glasses. He hoped she wouldn't try on his glasses thus finding out he had special glasses. He quickly tried to grab the glasses. "I've kinda grown used to them, don't you like them?"

"Oh, I think they're darling. But don't you think you would look cuter with them off?"

"Maybe, but I don't want to start making out with my reflection now do I?"

"Yeah, so what's the hurry."

"I have some studying to do in the library."

"Fine, I'll let you get back to the library under one condition."

"Name your terms."

"We go on a picnic next Saturday."

"Fine, can I have my glasses back?"

"Great, see you Saturday." She gave Harry a peck on the cheek and headed towards the tapestry. Harry saw it move as Cho was saying goodbye, using his glasses he peered through the fabric. He saw Fleur running away from the tapestry at a very quick speed. Why was she doing that? Oh well, he could ask her tomorrow.

Harry rushed back to the library and decided to chance getting into the restricted section. If his plan didn't work then he could always go back to reviewing other books he knew wouldn't help at all.

"Excuse me, Madam Pince?"

"Yes?" She asked in a way almost as if she was annoyed that he talked with her.

"I was wondering if maybe I could go into the restricted section for a little bit?"

"Of course you can, I'm surprised you haven't done so already."

"Why are you letting me back there?"

"The Headmaster has given you special permission to use the area, didn't you know that?"

"Apparently not or else I wouldn't be surprised now would I?"

"Don't get smart with me, go and read your books."

"Thanks." Harry said almost sarcastically.

He was glad that he would be able to review these books, even if it was for a short time. He learned about rare ingredients and about dark magic creatures that had been avoided in other books. Also, there were spells and charms that were not permitted for anyone in school, especially a boy of fifteen. His biggest discovery was a book on human transfiguration. He read up on all the theories but decided he shouldn't try anything without permission and supervision.

He spent hours in the restricted section before Madam Pince came up and told him the library would be closing. He was lucky to have got in there when he did so he thanked her very much and left the library. It felt as if he had been studying almost nonstop for a week straight and he needed his rest.

Before he knew what was going on he was already through the portrait of the Fat Lady and in the common room. He gave some waves to people that seemed to be saying hello to him but for some reason he was too tired to talk. He knew that he would have a restful sleep tonight, and he would need it. Tomorrow would be more difficult than any final exam schedule, he guessed it would be on par with the O.W.L.'s or the N.E.W.T.'s. Crap, the O.W.L.'s were at the end of the year and he would have to go through this all over again.

Harry flopped down on his bed and immediately fell asleep. He didn't see that there was a long awaited reply for him from Fleur. The little figure was trying to get his attention by jumping up and down but to no avail. Harry was gone for the night and wouldn't show any signs of life till morning.

Harry got out of bed quickly, thinking that he was already late to his Charms exam. He threw on some clothes, grabbed his wand, and rushed down the stairs. In his rush he once again missed the message from Fleur.

Harry arrived at Flitwick's class in plenty of time. In fact, he was more than an hour early but did not feel like eating. Instead, he decided to use his extra time to practice some charms. After a while the tiny Professor Flitwick joined him.

"Hello Mr. Potter, early are we?"

"Yeah, didn't realize what time it was. How are you doing?"

"I'm good, this is a first for me. So, Dumbledore tells me that you've really accelerated over the summer. Think you're up to a bit of a challenge."

"I'll do my best."

"That's all I expect of you. Ready to get started?"

"Sure, what's first?"

"I'll be testing you on some spells that will be very useful for you in the real world and some ones that can be used for fun. Let's start with some self levitation."

"Okay."

Suus Leviosa

Harry began to levitate a foot off the ground. Flitwick began to clap madly.

"Very good Harry, you did it perfectly. Most people have trouble controlling their height during the charm. Can you perform the counter spell?

Finite Incantum

"That was simple, but I wanted to make sure you could do it. Now, what should I have you do?"

"I don't know, what would you like me to do?"

"Sorry, just thinking out loud. How about a disabling charm?"

"You want me to do that to you?"

"Well, let's do something first to prepare for it. There are ten pillows in that cabinet, I want you to summon them and then place them over on the other side of the room."

Accio Pillows

All at once the ten pillows burst out of the cabinet and began to swarm at Harry. Before they could reach him he redirected them so they gathered together in a perfect pile on the side of the room.

"Very good Harry, now let's try the disabling charm."

Harry made sure that Flitwick was properly placed so he would hit the pillows instead of the wall. After he felt that everything was perfect for the charm he told Flitwick he was going to do it.

"I'm sorry about this."

Stupefy

Flitwick flew into the pillows at a very alarming rate. Harry rushed over to make sure that he wasn't hurt. He appeared to be fine but Harry wanted to wake him to be sure.

Ennervate

"Oooh, my head."

"Sorry about that Professor, but you did ask me to do it."

"I know I did Harry, it's just been a while for me. Ready for the last part?"

"Let me do one thing first."

Relevare

"This is amazing Harry, my headache is gone!"

"I found it in an old book, it's a cure for headaches. So, what's next?"

"In case you ever come across a Muggle that witnesses you using magic it will be necessary to erase their memory. Do you know how to do the memory charm?"

"Yes."

"Then you must know that the memory charm is only to be used at rare moments and should never be used for evil."

"I know, but if I do the charm then how will you know if I passed?"

"We'll just have to trust in you won't we?"

"Guess so, ready?"

"Hit me!"

Obliviate

"Oh, hello Harry. Ready for your test?"

"Thought this might happen, so if obliviate erases then this may work. I really hope it works."

"Hope what works?"

"Trust me Professor, this is for the best."

Rememorari

Flitwick's eyes fluttered and then he seemed to come back to reality. "Well done Harry, come up with that on your own?"

"Yeah, can probably only performed by the person who performed the memory charm in the first place though."

"That would make sense, I believe you have passed Harry."

"Really? That's it?"

"Yes, you have demonstrated that you can perform complex spells that will be helpful to you after you leave school. Also, you even came up with a spell of your own. You have done everything I would expect of a graduating student and then some. When would you like to meet for our private studies?"

"Can we wait till I find out if I pass the rest of my tests?"

"That would fine, good luck with the rest of your exams. Have a good day."

"Thanks Professor, I'll let you know later about what I want to do."

Harry felt really good after the first test, it was almost too easy. He made his way down to the Transfiguration class and was greeted by Professor McGonagall.

"Hello Harry, how did your Charms exam go?"

"It was great, Flitwick said I passed."

"I knew you would, ready to change some objects."

"Yeah."

"Good, let's begin. My exam will have four parts, the first will be changing an inanimate object into an animate object. Sound easy?"

"Yeah, I've done it before."

"Well, let's make a little more challenging. I want you to change that cabinet into Professor Snape."

"Easy."

"Not so fast! I haven't finished. I heard about the Boggart from a couple years ago and I want to see what you students saw."

"Professor, this isn't very much like you."

"I know, but Severus said a rather nasty comment to me and I want a little revenge."

"Alright, just as long as I don't get in trouble."

"Don't worry, it'll be our little secret."

Harry raised his wand and focused on the cabinet. He thought back to the day when Neville had turned the Boggart into a dress wearing Professor Snape. He almost started laughing again when he thought of the vulture hat. Composing himself, he turned to the cabinet and turned it into an exact replica of what the students saw that day.

She began to laugh uncontrollably. "That's funniest thing I've ever seen."

"So, you approve?"

"Yeah, it's perfect. Just what I needed to get me through the year."

"You seem different Professor, is there anything wrong?"

"No, just learning to let my hair down a little more; so to speak."

She really had been letting her hair down. What had gotten into her? The Professor McGonagall he knew would never ask for a visual joke and surely would never laugh as hard as this woman just had. Harry would have thought she had finally found a man, but then the thought of Professor McGonagall with a guy made him queasy so he asked what was next.

"You did very well on the inanimate to animate, now you will turn an animate into an inanimate." Harry looked around, he and the Professor were the only animates in the room.

"What should I change?"

"I'm sorry, I forgot my test subject." McGonagall left the room for a few moments before finally returning with a very familiar bird.

"What are you doing with Hedwig?"

"I won't be doing anything with her, you will be changing her into an exact sculpture of her in flight."

"Material?"

"Let's be daring, how about silver."

"Don't worry Hedwig, I'll be gentle." Hedwig gave a hoot and then turned into an exact copy of herself. However, she now had her wings spread out and was made of shiny silver.

"Very good Harry, I'm very impressed so far." Harry quickly changed Hedwig back into her real form and stroked her back.

"What's next?"

"I want you to turn an inanimate object into another inanimate object."

"Sounds simple enough."

"You are very confident aren't you?"

"To be honest, it has been really easy so far."

"I'm sure it has, but you're doing things that give many highly trained wizards great difficulty. You should consider yourself lucky that things are as easy as they are. Now, for this part of the test I would like you to turn this desk into an exact copy of itself."

"What would that prove?"

"Wait, I want you to turn it into an exact copy of itself meaning I want all of the nicks and scratches to stay where they are. The thing I want you to change is I want the desk to be made out of Hawaiian Koa wood."

"What is that?"

"It's a very rare and beautiful wood."

"I can't do it if I don't know what it looks like."

"I know you can't, that's why I brought a sample." She brought out of her pocket a very small piece of wood that was indeed very beautiful. Harry then walked all around the desk making sure he knew where every imperfection was so he could make the proper transformation. Finally feeling like he had it all memorized he stood back and gave it a go.

The desk had changed in appearance. It had changed from a dull Oak into the beautiful wood of the Hawaiian Koa. Professor McGonagall began to clap while jumping up and down. At least, that's what Harry thought he saw. Nah, he probably was just imagining it.

"Thank you Harry, it's perfect."

"Want me to change it back?"

"Not on your life, I've always wanted a desk like this."

"Then why didn't you transfigure it yourself?"

"It's time I leveled with you Harry, what you just did is nearly impossible. It would take me more than twenty years to learn how to do what you just did."

"Really? But you're an Animagi."

"I know I am, and that also took many years to learn how to do it. Changing that desk was so simple for you Harry and I'm afraid to say that I'm a bit jealous."

"I'm sorry."

"What do you have to be sorry about, I think it's great what you can do. You can do almost anything you want Harry so you should consider yourself lucky."

"I do, so what's the last part of the test?"

"I was going to have you turn Hedwig into another animal but I think you can do a lot more. Harry, do you know what the difference between transfiguring yourself and becoming an Animagi?"

"Yeah, when you transfigure yourself you think like the object you become but an Animagi still retains all their knowledge and powers."

"Very good Harry, have you ever thought about becoming an Animagi?"

"Ever since I learned my dad was one I always wondered what it would be like. Do you think I can do it?"

"Not only do I think you can do it, I think you can advance on it."

"What do you mean advance on it?"

"Traditionally, after years of training a witch or wizard will gain the ability to transform into an animal. That animal becomes the only creature that they transform into for the rest of their life because it took so long to learn in the first place. Harry, for someone like you it shouldn't be too difficult to have more than one animal form."

"You think I could change into different animals?"

"Yes, I think it is well within your grasp."

"How do I do it? I mean, I've read theories and all about how to become an Animagi but they don't really go into detail."

"That's because of the difficulty involved in doing it. There are very few people who have accomplished the feat and there has never been a real authority on the subject."

"No wonder I couldn't find a decent text on it."

"Now Harry, we have to make an agreement here. If you are able to accomplish what we start today you have to give me your word that you will only use your powers for good."

"Of course I will, why are you so worried?"

"Well, people have to register themselves as Animagi as you already know."

"Yes."

"We will only be registering you as one animal with the Ministry. If you register yourself as being anything you want to be then I think some questions would be raised."

"Fine, I'll behave. So what do I have to do?"

"Well, since this will be your first time you will be taking on your true animal form."

"True animal form?"

"Each person has an animal within them, mine is a cat. It is just kind of a representation of ourselves in animal form."

"I'll give it a try, what do I have to do?"

"You have to want to become an animal, it isn't a simple transfiguration spell. Sure, you can point your wand at yourself and change into something else but it wouldn't be the same. You wouldn't have control and if you ever did it when you were alone you'd be out of luck. Think of all the studying you've done for this test. Think about how easy it was for you to change these things today. Know that you want to become an animal and you will become an animal."

Harry began to focus on his desire. Ever since the story of his father's transformation he wanted to do it. Hell, even Pettigrew was able to do it. He sat there, thinking of everything he has changed and then began to feel a weird sensation come over him. He felt his head grow and then his arms went down to the ground. Harry was doing it, he was becoming an animal. After he felt nothing else was going to happen he decided to open his eyes. He was now face to face with McGonagall and she had a big smile on her face. She brought up a mirror and showed him just what he had become.

"Congratulations Harry, meet your animal self." Harry stared in the face of a large stag, not unlike his father. He tilted his head around to see just how good he had done. Then he noticed it, his marking that would be used to identify him. On his forehead there was a patch of hair that was an exact replica of his scar. Harry was really pleased with himself but then got a little scared.

McGonagall could tell something was wrong when Harry began to rear back on his hind legs as if trying to stand upright. She tried to calm him down but wasn't having much luck.

"Relax Harry, you have to be relaxed to change back. Simply do the opposite of what you just did. Think of yourself becoming a human again and you will do it.

Harry stopped rearing and settled down. He felt his heart rate return to normal as he tried to think about becoming human again. Soon, he felt his head returning to normal as well as the rest of his body.

"I'm very impressed Harry, you accomplished in a matter of minutes what takes years for many highly trained wizards."

"Thanks, it felt great until I freaked out about changing back."

"Sorry, I forgot to tell you about that first. So, what did you think of your Animagi form?"

"It reminds me of my dad. Almost everything was the same, except for the marking."

"Yes, that's your identifier that you're an Animagi. We'll have to take you to London as soon as possible to register you." Professor McGonagall looked at her wrist. "Oh my, you're missing your lunch."

"Great, I'm starved. By the way, did I pass?"

"Of course you did, we can start working on further transformations in the future. Contact me for preferred times. Good luck with your other tests Harry."

"Thanks Professor." Harry quickly ran to the Great Hall because his much neglected stomach was now aching. He spotted Ron and Hermione at the table and quickly took a seat.

"Hey guys, how's it going?" Harry asked.

"Harry, thought you were a no show." Ron replied. "What happened this morning?"

"I thought I overslept so I rushed out the door."

"How did your tests go this morning?" Hermione asked.

"Great, I passed them both. We can talk later when there are fewer people around."

"Uh Harry, what's up with that little Fleur figure?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, since last night it has been jumping up and down waving her arms."

"Crap, there must be a message from Fleur. Oh well, I'll be seeing her right after lunch."

"Speaking of after lunch, it's time to leave." Hermione said when she looked at her watch.

"Already? I just got here." Harry said with a mouth full of sandwich.

"Well, maybe you shouldn't take so long the next time. Your next test starts in ten minutes."

Harry choked down the rest of his sandwich and ran out the door. He could of swore that Malfoy said something to him on his way out but he was too busy to care. Harry ran up to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom and was out of breath by the time he got there.

"You know, you won't be penalized if you're late Harry." It was Mrs. Figg.

"Sorry, but these tests have been going long. How are you Mrs. Figg?"

"I'm good, but I'm still a bit worried that you might get hurt. That's why I brought a spotter to help us out."

"Spotter?" At that moment Fleur walked in carrying a crate. She set it down next to a large tank of water and a big black trunk.

"Hey Fleur, how's it going?"

"I'm good Harry, how about you?"

"I'm good, sorry I missed your message though. Ron just told me about it."

"That's okay, ready for your test?"

"Yeah, let's do it. I don't want to chance being late for Snape."

Mrs. Figg then walked over to the large tank of water. "For this test Harry you will be facing three dark creatures and then you'll be participating in a wizarding duel."

"A duel?"

"Yes, and don't think I'll be going easy on you. Ready for your first challenge?"

Harry nodded and then Mrs. Figg opened the large tank of water. The creature crawled out of the water very slowly and began to eye Harry with delight. It slowly walked over to him and looked like it wanted blood.

"Here's to an excellent fight." Harry said and then bowed. The creature facing him then did the same thing and fell dead.

"Very good Harry, you knew what you were facing?"

"It was a Kappa from Japan. If you can get it to bow it will lose the water from the pool on his head and will die."

"Well done, now for the second creature. Be very careful with this one Harry, Fleur and I will be watching to make sure you don't get hurt." She then waved to Fleur who opened the crate she had just brought in.

Out of the crate came a voice, rather three voices that seemed to be talking in a conversation.

"I say we kill him."

"But what if he's fun to play with? We could go out in the woods or maybe chase some rodents."

"Quiet you two, both of you are stupid."

At the end of the little conversation a vivid orange snake with three eyes slithered out of the crate. It began to move towards Harry and then stopped. Harry looked up to Mrs. Figg.

"Uh, I think this is too easy."

"What do you mean?"

"Watch and I'll show you." Harry then bent down and looked all three snake head's in the eyes.

"I think you should go back into the crate." To himself he was speaking English but to Fleur and Mrs. Figg it sounded like hissing. They were both a little startled by what had just happened.

"Okay, nice to meet you." All three heads said in unison and then turned around. The snake slithered back into the crate and even closed the lid.

"Nice to meet you too." Harry replied.

"I told you it would be too easy, didn't Dumbledore tell you that I was a Parselmouth?"

"Yes, but I didn't believe him." Replied Mrs. Figg. "Well, you may have got past the Kappa and the Runespoor but I've saved the most deadly for last." She walked over to the big black trunk and opened it. Harry was surprised to see that she actually ran to the side of the room as did Fleur.

Harry waited for a creature to come out but at first nothing happened. He just stared at it with his wand ready for anything. Then, he saw something move. The shadow in front of the trunk appeared to be moving towards him. It was moving towards him! Harry remembered reading about this in a magical creatures book. He quickly thought of the moment that Dumbledore told him that he could stay with Sirius at Hogwarts for as along as he wanted. Then he called for his friend.

Expecto Patronum

From Harry's wand came a shining stag that careened towards the creature. He guarded Harry while the creature attempted to return to the confines of the trunk. It appeared to be in pain at the sight of Harry's Patronus. As soon as the creature was fully in the trunk Mrs. Figg ran up and closed it. Then Harry stared at the brilliant creature in front of him.

"Think you can stay for a little longer?" To his shock the stag bowed its head. It didn't disappear like it normally did and it actually acknowledged him.

"Um, Harry. We still have something else to do. Do you think your friend can join us again later?" Mrs. Figg asked.

"Fine, I'll see you again okay?" The Patronus nodded and then disappeared. Wow, it had actually remained behind at my request!

"Well done Harry, you recognized the Lethifold and knew to call on a Patronus. May I ask how you made such a brilliant Patronus?"

"I've had some problems with Dementors in the past, but something was different this time. Why did it stay?"

"I don't really know we can look into that later. Ready for our duel?"

"Yes, but I'm afraid you'll lose."

"Rather confident aren't you?"

"During my down time in the library I read up on the art of wizard dueling."

"Well, let's see what you learned. There is only one rule, no forbidden curses."

"Agreed. Don't worry Mrs. Figg, I have learned all proper counter curses as well as healing charms incase something happens to you."

"Don't sing it, bring it." They bowed and the duel had begun.

After about two minutes Mrs. Figg laid in a heap on the ground. Harry ran over to her to make sure that she was okay. "I warned her." Harry said to Fleur, who had also run over to be at her mentor's side. Harry quickly reversed everything that he had done to her and checked to make sure that nothing was broken. Feeling that she was alright he revived her with a quick healing charm.

"You okay?"

"Too fast, could barely put of a defense let alone an offense. Maybe I've been out of the game too long."

"I told you, I've been studying this. I knew what you were going to do before you even knew. After that it was a just a series of jinxes and curses to take you out of the game. Sorry about any pain you may be feeling."

"Harry, the only thing feeling pain right now is my pride. I was a top Auror and you defeated me with ease. I am happy to say that you have passed out of Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Thanks, but are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine Harry."

"Okay, but I hope I corrected everything. I don't want you crapping out tadpoles in the morning."

"Why would you use that one?"

"Kidding, thanks for the duel."

"Congratulations Harry." Said Fleur before she walked out of the room.

"Thanks Mrs. Figg but I gotta go." He then ran over to Fleur. "Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm fine, why?" Responded Fleur.

"No reason, just the fact that you've been avoiding me."

"Sorry, it has been a busy first week. You did great Harry but now I have to prepare for class."

"Why are you acting this way? You're one of my best friends and now you are avoiding me at all costs. Tell you what, I'm meeting Gabrielle in the library tomorrow night and if you aren't there then we'll drag you out."

"Fine, I'll be there."

"Good, I'll see you tomorrow night. I gotta go, I don't want to be late for Snape. Bye Fleur."

"Bye Harry, good luck."

Harry quickly rushed down to the dungeons for his last exam of the day. He went into the room to find that Snape was not alone. Standing with Snape was Albus Dumbledore. He gave Harry a smile while Snape gave him a sneer.

"Mr. Potter, so nice of you to be on time." Snape said sarcastically.

"Sorry, my tests have been going long. Hello Headmaster."

"Hello Harry, how have your exams been going?" Asked Dumbledore.

"Good, so far. I've passed all three."

"Wonderful, are you ready for the Potions exam?"

"Yeah, but what are you doing here?"

"Can't the Headmaster be here Potter?" Asked Snape.

"Of course he can, but I was just wondering."

"I've come here to make sure your last exam goes smoothly, aren't I Severus?"

"Yes Headmaster." He seemed to bow out of the way and then redirected his attention back to Harry. "Get over there Potter!"

Harry walked over to a table that had a cauldron and many ingredients. He recognized many of them from their appearance but some were impossible to tell. He hoped he would be able to ask questions.

"Recognize everything Potter?" Asked Snape. Dumbledore had gone over to a stool in the corner of the room and appeared to be observing the test at a distance.

"Most, am I allowed to ask names of ingredients?"

"I told you Headmaster, he is not competent enough to do this."

"I'm plenty competent. It's just that some of these need labels."

"Fine Potter, you can ask me right now and only now." Harry then pointed at several ingredients and Snape rattled off their names rather quickly.

On his table he had many common ingredients but there were also just as many rare ingredients. Included among the many common ingredients were some rare ingredients like Ashwinder eggs, Billywig stings, an eggshell of a Chinese Fireball dragon, Mandrake meat, the exploding fluid of an Erumpment, Jobberknoll feathers, Lobalug poison, Re'em blood, and Salamander blood. There was also a small vile of Phoenix tears that Dumbledore had procured from Fawkes. Harry also recognized the various magical ingredients from Dragon's and Unicorn's.

"Okay, what am I supposed to do with all of these?" Harry asked.

"Make a potion, you do know what test you're at don't you?"

"Of course I do, but no potion uses all of these."

"Are you sure about that?"

"I'm positive. Some of these are for love potions, some for healing, while others for dark arts potions."

"Well, at least you know something about potions. Fine, your task today is to make any potion you like."

"I can make anything I want?"

"Yes, but it must meet my standards."

"That's unfair!"

"Why is it unfair?"

"I could make a great potion but you could say it's unsatisfactory. At least if you gave me a specific potion then I could have a basis to be graded on."

"Well, if you think you are a potions master then I would not think that this task would be that difficult. You should be able to come with a great potion very easily."

"Headmaster!" Harry yelled to Dumbledore to complain.

"It's fine Harry, I agreed to Severus' terms."

"Fine, how long do I have?"

"As long as you want, I want to give you as much time as possible to fail."

Harry began to grab various ingredients off the table and began to chop them into various sizes. He started the fire under the cauldron and threw in various ingredients. He then monitored his brew as he began to search around for more ingredients. Snape was watching in disbelief as Harry was grabbing various ingredients that shouldn't be mixed together. Snape thought that Harry had no idea what he was doing and began to laugh.

"What?" Harry asked when Snape laughed.

"You have no idea what you're doing, do you?"

"I know exactly what I'm doing, you'll just have to wait and see."

"You know Potter, I'm not taking this potion. If you were planning on killing me off before I grade you then you are mistaken."

"Fine, I'll take the potion."

"I wish I could say it was nice knowing you."

Harry tried to ignore him as he began to through in more ingredients. It was now nearing dinner time and Harry was getting hungry. He felt like the potion should be ready judging by the various ingredients that were in the brew. Just to make sure Snape didn't say it was too runny he added some Flobberworm mucus to thicken it.

"Done." Harry proclaimed.

"What, we aren't going to be here for another few hours?" Said Snape rather snidely. "Okay Mr. Potter, what is your so called potion supposed to do?"

"It is supposed to boost your energy and make you light on your feet, I call it Gatorade™." Snape looked at him with a confused look but Dumbledore chuckled. Dumbledore had obviously spent some time in the Muggle world while Snape remained in the confines of his dungeon.

"I'm sorry, that probably wouldn't be a good potion name. Maybe the Supremacy Potion would be a fitting title. This potion will rejuvenate the drinker by giving them super strength, healing all of their wounds, making them light on their feet, and even giving them an increased resistance to magic."

"And you think your little concoction will actually work? What were your active ingredients?"

"Re'em blood for the strength, Billywig stings for the lightness of feet, Phoenix tears and Mandrake meat for healing, and Erumpment fluid for increased resistance to magic. There may be a downside to it though, with all of these ingredients I don't think the effects will last long."

"We shall soon find out, if your potion works and you manage to live then I just may pass you."

Harry was a bit worried, he felt confident his potion would work but he didn't know if some of the ingredients would have a bad reaction with each other. He took a spoon and dipped it into his brew and took a sip. Immediately he felt the effects, it was like nothing could hurt him.

"Well, at least you're still standing. Now prove to me it works. First, your supposed strength."

"What? Want me to smash something?"

"Yes, that chair you're sitting on."

Harry picked up the chair in his hands and easily began to crush it. Soon it was just a pile of rubble and Harry felt very satisfied.

"Very good, now your 'lightness of feet' as you put it."

Harry standing perfectly still and then jumped ten feet into the air and did a double back flip onto a worktable.

"Adequate, I'm guessing you didn't have any wounds from your earlier tests?"

"No, I wasn't harmed in any of them." Snape frowned.

"Well, we can't prove your potion heals then can we?"

"I guess not, so you better just hit me with a spell."

"What?" Snape was confused.

"We can't prove that part of the potion works so we'll just move to final part. I think the Erumpment fluid has given me a higher resistance to magic and I want you to hit me with a disabling charm."

Snape gave a smile at the opportunity to hit Harry with a charm. "If you insist Potter."

Stupefy

The charm hit Harry's head but it didn't work. The only thing that it accomplished was to knock his head back.

"Is that all you got?" Harry was still feeling the effects of the potion.

"Your potion seems to be working perfectly but it appears to have a side effect."

"It does not! I feel perfectly fine."

"Headmaster, do you agree with me?" Albus Dumbledore got up and walked over to Harry.

"I'm sorry Harry, but I have to agree with Severus on this one." Said Dumbledore.

"What's the side effect?"

"You're not behaving normally. The potion appears to boost the users ego beyond control."

Harry collected himself, he had been acting differently. He was almost to the point that he wanted to have a fist fight with Snape just to prove himself. This was not like him at all. "Did I fail then?"

"No, but you must promise me that you'll never make that potion again. It may do everything you wanted to do but at too high of a cost."

"Fine, so can I go to dinner?"

"No, you will remain here with Severus and Myself until you calm down."

"You're probably right, got any food?"

"Haven't come across that in your studies?" Dumbledore asked.

"Err, no."

"Well, have Flitwick teach you some charms for food making when you meet with him." He then produced a plate full of sandwiches for the three of them to enjoy.

It was midnight before Dumbledore asked how Harry was feeling. "I feel normal, I guess."

"Sounds good enough to me. Well Severus, did he pass?"

Snape raised his head. "Barely, and I still say this is a mistake."

"I know you do but I think you'll change your mind when you work with Harry."

"Looking forward to it Professor." Harry said sarcastically.

"Just as much as I am." Snape replied truthfully.

Dumbledore stopped Harry to tell him one more thing before he left. "Harry, since you have class tomorrow you don't have to start yet but I want you going on the private studies as soon as possible."

"Okay, my afternoon is free tomorrow Professor how does yours look?"

"Well, I was planning on doing something but if your forcing me to do this Headmaster then tomorrow afternoon will be fine. Don't be later Potter, just because you passed out of Potions doesn't mean you can't lose points for your house."

"Fine, I'll see you tomorrow." He then turned back to Dumbledore. "Thank you Headmaster."

"Congratulations Harry, good luck with your studies."

Harry rushed out of the dungeon desperately wanting to go to bed. He still had Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures in the morning and he didn't want to miss any of it. He especially wanted to ask Justin why he didn't tell him about making captain.

He had passed his tests and the worst of it seemed over. Except for the fact that once a week he would be forced to spend time with Snape while non of his friends were around. That is one thing he would never look forward to. Oh well, after today he could get through anything.