Obligatory Disclaimer:  I don't own the Harry Potter universe or any of the recognizable characters living there.  I am just borrowing them to tell this story.
 
A/N:  Ooh, chapter 8! Sorry about this being so short, but I wanted to get this out since I won't have time to post anything for a few weeks since finals are fast approaching. I hope you like it anyway.

Don't forget to review and tell me what you think. Flames are welcome. I'll just have to remember to do a fire freezing spell.
:D
 
 
September passed by quickly for Hogwarts' newest fifth year student. He couldn't believe that he was about to take the tests that he'd been preparing for since the beginning of summer. To say that he was nervous would be understating things in a big way. He could barely remember when he had taken any test without using magic to cheat. He tried not to think about what would happen if he failed. There was no doubt that Professor Dumbledore would be disappointed. Their plan hinged on Bryan being able to pass these tests.

He entered the classroom where his first test would be administered about ten minutes early, took a seat near the professor's desk, and thought about his new friends. They were going to Hogsmeade, an entirely wizarding town, and would be having fun, just as most of the students in third year and above were doing. He knew that they all deserved the break. They had all been helping him study, talking about their experiences with each professor and what they liked to test on, and making sure that he didn't burn himself out by engaging him in a game of Exploding Snap or Wizard Chess each night. They'd also talked at length about themselves until Bryan knew more about each of them than he'd known about almost anyone else before. Bryan couldn't help but wish that he was with them instead of taking these tests. It was a Saturday for Merlin's sake!

He could easily picture what each of his friends would do in Hogsmeade. Ginny and Sarah would go with Colin to get more film for his camera, then drag him to Gladrags Wizardwear to check out the latest in dress robes. Ginny would also make a side trip to Zonko's Joke Shop to find something to get back at her twin brothers with. Hermione could be counted on to buy several new books, while Harry and Ron would head straight for the Quidditch shop. All of them would be certain to stop at Honeydukes Sweetshop before finishing their day at the Three Broomsticks to enjoy a couple butterbeers.

Of all his new friends, he knew Hermione the best. She'd been the first of the famous trio that he got to know. One night during Bryan's first week the two of them had somehow gotten on the subject of books that they'd read. When Hermione found out that they'd read many of the same books, she seemed to beam with joy. It seems that her other friends hadn't shared her interest in learning as much about the wizarding world as she was. Finally she'd found someone that had that same drive, that same passion. For the rest of that evening and well into the following morning they had talked about such books as Hogwarts, A History, Magical Theory, and Notable Magical Names of Our Time. Bryan found himself enjoying these discussions as much as, if not more than, playing games with the others.

They were also in every class together since Bryan had opted to take Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, and Care of Magical Creatures. When he had researched all of the elective courses he'd found out that Divination dealt with reading tea leaves, palmistry, crystal gazing, and other such topics. He couldn't help but think about the carnival gypsies that made their living fooling people into forking over large amounts of money for vague ramblings that could be applied to anyone's future. He had to laugh at that. Muggle Studies wasn't necessary since he'd lived his entire life in the muggle world. He probably knew more about muggles than any professor.

Hermione had proven that she was deserving of being referred to as the smartest student at Hogwarts. She knew the answer to every question that was put to her by any of her professors, including Professor Snape. This seemed to be a constant irritation for Snape. Whenever he was forced to allow her to answer a question he got a look on his face like he'd just bitten into a lemon. Bryan could tell that Snape would've been pleased with Hermione if she were in Slytherin, but since she was a Gryffindor he kept referring to her as a know-it-all. Hermione never let it bother her, though. She had the fact that she continuously was at the top of the class to offset it.

Not only was Hermione smart, but she was also one of the most caring people Bryan knew. She took it upon herself to help others whenever they needed it. In this way she was no different than Harry. Even after the other students had gone to bed, Hermione would stay with Bryan and make sure that he understood everything. She had even given Bryan a list of additional books to read to help round out his knowledge, which she would quiz him on later. During these late night study sessions they'd discuss anything that Bryan wasn't sure about in the old material, a new book that they'd read, or the newest assignments they received in classes that day.

They also talked about their other friends. It was during these talks that Bryan came to the realization that Hermione was in love with Harry, except she didn't seem to know she was. Whenever she mentioned something that Harry had done or said, her eyes would get that extra sparkle and her smile was a little deeper. He had observed similar behavior in Harry around Hermione, except he seemed to be aware that his feelings ran deeper than friendship. Of course whenever anyone asked either one about their feelings for the other they always responded that they were 'just best friends.' Bryan hoped that someday the two of them realized the truth. They were the opposite sides of the same coin, so very different and so very similar at the same time. They were meant for each other.

Of course Harry and Hermione weren't the only ones that were eyeing each other. Ginny and Colin were openly dating and weren't above such public displays of affection as holding hands, lying in the other's lap, or just leaning against the other when there wasn't room enough for lying down. They hadn't reached the point where they were comfortable kissing in front of others, but Bryan suspected that it wouldn't be too much longer.

Ron and Sarah had also been spending a lot of time together and weren't afraid to admit that they liked each other, but hadn't started dating yet, opting to just enjoy each other's company. They probably felt that one month wasn't enough time to make such decisions in. Many nights when the seven of them were in the Gryffindor common room, the two of them would end up engrossed in their own conversation and laughing at something the other had said.

Bryan couldn't help but feel like the odd man out, but knew it was for the best. Many times he found himself cursing his fifteen year old body and its unwillingness to cooperate with his twenty-two year old mind. He recognized what was happening, having gone through it once already. His body was, once again, maturing. His hormones and emotions were becoming erratic. He could feel his body's instinctive drive to seek out the opposite sex and his emotional need to find his soulmate. He was jealous of his friends and happy for them at the same time. As long as he remained in this body he knew he'd have to deal with these things as best he could. He may not be able to control his body's reactions, but his emotions were something that he'd learned to suppress in his four years of solitude. He knew he could get through this, and as soon as he told his friends the entire truth, they'd be able to help if needed.

"Well, I hope you're ready because I'm not happy about sacrificing my weekend for one of Dumbledore's special cases." Professor Snape chose that moment to enter the room and stopped in front of Bryan. Snape looked at him with his normal annoyed-at-the-Gryffindor look. "This test will be on four years of Defense Against the Dark Arts. For the next ninety minutes I will be asking you questions about the material and you're to answer as quickly and as fully as possible."

This surprised Bryan and his earlier worries returned. He'd been prepared for written exams. "So this is an oral exam?"

"Yes, and several demonstrations as needed. Let's begin. Explain in detail the difference between hexes and curses."

And so began one of the worst days in Bryan's life. He'd had worse in the past and would be facing far worse in the future, he just didn't know that yet.