His uncle hadn't reacted nearly as bad as Harry had expected. Of course, Harry didn't tell him that if he passed the test he'd be able to transport himself places by magic, but Harry convinced himself that this little face wasn't important at the moment.

Uncle Vernon's face had turned a bit purple, but it was nothing to Aunt Petunia's reaction. She started raving about the mess Mr. Weasley had made the last time he had come for Harry, but he was quick to assure her that they would not even have to see Mr. Weasley, as he would come directly to Harry's room, then leave from there. Aunt Petunia seemed placated by this, but it did make Uncle Vernon's face turn even darker.

"The m-word going on in my house? I won't stand for it!"

He didn't calm down until Harry assured him he would have his door closed and his window curtained.

As Harry walked back to his room that night, he smiled, trying to picture what color his uncle's face would turn when he found out that Harry would now no longer be an underage wizard, and would be allowed to do magic outside of school. He was still thinking about it when he got ready for bed, and he fell asleep with a smile on his face.

*

The next morning Harry jumped out of bed after he woke up. It would be so refreshing to get to do magic again! He really hoped that he passed the first time. He remembered hearing that Percy failed his the first time, but he couldn't remember how long he had had to wait before getting to take the test again.

Harry showered and dressed in a flash, and realized when he got back that it was only eight o'clock. He still had two hours to wait.

He decided to go downstairs and make himself something quick to eat, in case he didn't have another chance to. He got back to his room and noticed only 10 minutes had passed. So, out came Exasperated by Apparating again.

I don't think I've studied this much for anything! he thought with a laugh as he sat on his bed and propped the book open on his knee. He was only about a quarter of the way through when he looked up and saw the time. The delegation should be there in about 15 minutes.

Harry put the book away and picked up the sleep clothes he had discarded after his shower and threw them in the laundry bin, then sat back down on his bed to wait – impatiently – for the delegation to arrive.

He didn't have to wait long. At 10 o'clock, on the dot, he heard a loud CRACK that was echoed half a dozen times and stood up quickly as an assortment of seven witches and wizards appeared in his bedroom.

Good thing I cleaned my room or they wouldn't have a place to stand! thought Harry ruefully.

"Harry! How are you?" asked Mr. Weasley, stepping forward and shaking Harry's hand vigorously.

After the pleasantries were finished, Mr. Weasley introduced the rest of the delegation to him.

"This is Rebecca Taliaferro," Mr. Weasley motioned to a younger witch of about 30 years with dark hair and even darker eyes. "Kieran Thomlinson," he said motioning to an elderly wizard with blue-gray hair and a vacant expression on his face. "Lewis Bradley," a stately gentleman who looked odd in his wizarding robes. "Alexander Conner," a friendly looking wizard who winked at Harry as he was motioned at. "Niamh Umbridge – no relation, I assure you," added Mr. Weasley motioning to a very handsome older witch with a ready smile that, thankfully, looked nothing like Delores Umbridge's simpering one. "And last but not least, you know Tonks."

Nymphadora Tonks, who had been bouncing on the balls of her feet, waiting to be mentioned, smiled and called out "Wotcher, Harry!"

Lewis Bradley looked around Harry's room quickly and commented on the state it was in.

"Most boys your age never clean up after themselves. It's nice to see a wizard with his priorities straight."

Harry did his best not to smile and just answered "Yes sir."

"Well," started Mr. Weasley, rocking on his heals, "Shall we get on with it?"

Kieran, still with the same empty expression, pulled an empty soda can out of his vest pocket and held it out in front of him. Everyone else circled around him and touched a piece of it. Harry stood between Tonks and Mr. Weasley and touched the bottom of the portkey with the tip of his index finger and presently felt the familiar jerk just behind his navel.

~*~*~*~

Hermionegreen: Right on the nose, as always!

Kyra Invictus Black: I'm glad it didn't bore you! And I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to Snape! lol

Xikum: Exactly! Though, I'm sorry I didn't let my POV on the test out. I had some ideas on how the Apparating test would work, but when I tried to write it. . .well, let's just say it didn't work well, and leave it at that! lol

msmattybloom: Thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it!