Chapter 27:

N.E.W.T.'s

The remaining time in the school year seemed to slip away, and soon enough it was time for N.E.W.T.'s. The last few days were hectic around Gryffindor Tower as most of the seventh and fifth years began to buckle under the strain of studying for their exams. The panel of testers showed up at Hogwarts the night before the tests were to begin. The group of students were sitting around in Gryffindor Tower, studying furiously, even Ron. Harry seemed to be the only student not in state of panic over his N.E.W.T.'s. He sat in a chair reading a book about Quidditch while everyone studied around him. Hermione finally asked, "Harry, aren't you going to study?"

Harry looked up in surprise, "Why?"

Hermione exploded, "What do you mean why? We have N.E.W.T.'s beginning tomorrow."

Harry nodded, "I know. I've already taken them, though. Its not like there is going to be anything to surprise me."

Ron looked up from his book, "When did you take them?"

Harry grinned, "In Tom's memory. He got O's on every one of his N.E.W.T.'s, and my magical knowledge extends far beyond anything he would have thought was capable at that time. I think that I should be able to handle a few simple tests."

Neville said ruefully, "I wish that I could be as calm about as you."

Harry shrugged, "When you've nearly died as many times as I have, a little test doesn't seem all that bad."

Neville nodded, "I guess not. That's a good way to look at things."

Ron asked, "Which exam do you have first, Harry?"

Harry replied, "Same as Hermione. We both have Potions in the morning."

Ron shivered, "Ugh, Potions. I would rather die than have to ever take another Potions test."

Harry laughed, "I'm sure you will find some way to avoid ever having to take another one."

The group of students continued studying well into the night, but Harry merely went down to the Quidditch pitch to ride his broom before bed. The next morning, all of the students reported to their assigned rooms to take their examinations. Professor Tofty was giving the Potions N.E.W.T. He handed the test papers out to the five students that were taking the Potions N.E.W.T. Harry glanced over the questions on the examination. They all seem fairly straight forward and easy to him, but upon glancing around the room, he noticed even Hermione's brow wrinkled in concentration as she attempted to answer the questions. Harry picked up his quill and began answering the first question about the time intervals for stewing Veritaserum. When Professor Tofty called time for the end of the examination for the morning, Hermione was still writing furiously. Harry had been finished for at least fifteen minutes. The two of them got up to walk out of the room together, and Hermione asked, "How do you think you did?"

Harry shrugged, "It seemed pretty simple. I'm sure I did fine."

Hermione sniffed, "The test was quite difficult. I didn't even get to finish the last question."

Harry chuckled, "Hermione, you always complain about how you think you did, and you always do just fine. Why don't you just relax for a change?"

Hemrione stopped in surprise, and then replied, "I don't know if I know how to relax when it comes to tests."

Harry shot back over his shoulder as he continued walking, "You need to learn. It would do you a lot of good."

Hermione stood still for a few moments before hurrying to catch up with Harry as he headed for the Great Hall to eat lunch.

That afternoon, they returned to the same room to take the practical portion of the N.E.W.T. Potions exam. Professor took his place at the front of the room as each student sat beside a cauldron. He announced, "For your Potions N.E.W.T., you will each be brewing a concentration of Skele-Gro. This is one of the most complex potions in the healing arts. Your ingredients are in your kits, and the cupboard against the wall. You may begin."

Everyone began unpacking ingredients from their kits, while Harry waved a hand at the cupboard and the proper ingredients soared over to his table, and he set to work. The work was long and hard, but at the end of the class period, it seemed that everyone had done a moderately good job of preparing their potions. Professor Tofty dismissed them, and they left to go to dinner.

Ron looked at Harry and Hermione as they sat down to the table, "So, how was it?"

Harry shrugged, "It was alright."

Hermione sighed, "I wish I was as confident as he was. We had to brew Skele-Gro."

Ron laughed, "That stuff Harry had to drink after that idiot Lockhart vanished his bones?"

Harry nodded sourly as the memory surfaced in his mind, "Thanks for reminding me, Ron. That stuff tasted horrible"

Neville chuckled, "Better you than us."

Harry laughed with them, "I suppose you're right."

Ginny patted Harry on the arm, "At least if something like that happens again, you have me to pamper you."

Harry snorted, "If something like that happens again, I will fix it myself. I don't intend to ever drink that disgusting concoction again."

Neville asked, "So, what is your next exam?"

Harry replied, "Herbology on Wednesday. Then, Defense Against the Dark Arts is on Friday. We all have Charms on next Tuesday, and then I have Transfiguration next Friday."

Ron said, "At least you have tomorrow off. Neville and I have to take Care of Magical Creatures."

Ginny asked, "What about you, Hermione?"

Hermione smiled, "I'm off tomorrow and Wednesday, but I have Arithmancy on Thursday. Then, my schedule is the same as Harry's."

The next morning Ron and Neville went down to Hagrid's hut to take their Care of Magical creatures N.E.W.T., while the rest of them stayed in the common room to study for their next tests. Harry and Ginny spent some time helping Hermione with her Arithmancy, and then went out to the Quidditch pitch to fly together.

Harry went with Ron and Neville to the greenhouses on Wednesday for their Herbology N.E.W.T. For the practical portion of this test, they were required to care for several different dangerous plants without getting hurt. Ron seemed to be having trouble, but Harry was doing a good job working with his plants. Neville, on the other hand was performing his work perfectly and with such ease that he appeared to be exerting no effort whatsoever.

That afternoon after exams were over, the group of friends met in the common room. Hermione looked up from her book when Ron, Harry, and Neville walked through the portrait hole, "How was the test?"

Harry shrugged as he dropped down onto the couch beside Ginny, "It was fine."

Ron flopped down onto the floor, "It was horrible. I thought some of those plants were going to try to eat me."

Neville laughed, "It wasn't that bad, Ron. The test was actually quite easy."

Ron groaned, "I'm going to take a walk. I'm tired of being surrounded by smart people." He got up and walked back out the portrait hole.

Hermione sighed, "I guess we are a little hard on him."

Harry nodded, "I know, but he'll be better for it. He just needs to realize that he has his own gifts, and that he shouldn't try to compete with us so much."

Ginny snuggled closer to Harry on the couch, "That's a problem for Ron. He has been competing with the image of what he should be his entire life. He thinks that everyone expects him to live up to what our brothers have accomplished."

Harry chuckled, "That's just it. He has. He just doesn't see it."

Hermione got up from her chair, "I'm going to go after him."

Neville nodded, "You do that. He probably needs a good snog."

Hermione blushed slightly as she walked out the portrait hole. Ginny leaned over and blew in Harry's ear, "Speaking of a good snog."

Harry grinned and pulled her into his lap before pressing his lips to hers in a fiery kiss.

Harry, Neville, and Ron spent the next day resting and studying, while Hermione took her Arithmancy test. After that, all of them prepared for their Defense Against the Dark Arts N.E.W.T. On Friday morning, they assembled in class to take the written portion of the test. The questions were pretty straightforward. They included common ways to dispel and defend against different curses and hexes. There were also several essay questions on what to do in certain defensive situations. The Gryffindors got together at lunch to discuss the test. Ron nodded, "I actually enjoyed that test. It wasn't that bad."

"We've had a good teacher the last two years." said Harry.

Ginny smiled, "Two of them, actually."

Harry smiled back at her, "Why thank you, Lady Gryffindor. I appreciate the vote of confidence."

Ron made a gagging sound, "Don't make me sick."

Neville just chuckled at their antics, "I just can't wait for this afternoon. I'm dying to see what the Aurors have planned for us."

Harry shrugged, "I'm sure we will find out shortly."

Once everyone was finished with lunch, they proceeded to the Dueling Chamber. When they walked in, they discovered that the room had been magically expanded and altered. Dawlish was standing in front of an opening. "We have constructed an obstacle course for your Defense Against the Dark Arts N.E.W.T. You will have ten minutes to run through the course. You will be judge on how many curses and physical traps that you are hit with. Also, the time you take to complete the course will affect your score. We will be sending you in one at a time. Now, let's get started."

Hermione was the first of the group to go through the course. She did fairly well, but she was hit by several minor hexes, and a couple of physical traps. She exited the course with a black eye. Ron pointed to her, "Ouch! That look like it hurt."

Hermione sighed, "It wasn't enjoyable."

At about that moment, Neville grinned, "Well, its my turn now. See you on the other side."

Harry nodded to him as he darted into the course. Neville immediately cast a complete bubble shield around him, and just concentrated on dodging the physical impediments in the course. Harry overheard one of the Aurors whistle, "I didn't think anyone could maintain a bubble shield that long."

Another one said, "After what I saw that one do in the Dueling Tournament, nothing would surprise me."

Ron leaned over and whispered to Harry, "I think they are impressed by your students."

Harry laughed, "I think so too."

A few minutes later, Neville emerged from the obstacle course completely unscathed. He took a bow as people began applauding him for his performance. Neville looked to Harry, "I guess that you will have to beat my time."

Harry shrugged, "We'll see." Then, he took off into the obstacle course to begin his run through it. Harry ran through the course at a breakneck speed, and seemingly dodged all the spells and traps with ease. Harry came out the other end and walked nonchalantly back over to his friends as if he had done nothing to cause any amount of surprise from the people surrounding him.

Dawlish slapped Harry on the back, "Well, it comes as no surprise to me that you have set the course record. No one has ever completed it that quickly."

Harry smiled, "I try. Ron, I believe you're up, and then we can get out of here for the day."

Ron drew his wand and advanced towards the entrance to the obstacle course. He turned around once before entering and said, "Wish me luck." Then, he plunged through the entrance and began his quest to complete the obstacle course. Ron did remarkably well, and managed to avoid all of the physical traps. He was hit by a few curses, but held up quite well. He exited the course, and smiled as Hermione gave him a hug.

Harry and Neville both clapped him on the back and said, "Good job, mate."

Ron sighed, "Let's get out of here."

The troop of Gryffindors exited the Dueling Chamber and headed back to the common room to rid themselves of school supplies for the weekend. The Gryffindors and Luna took a bit of a break over the weekend, but it was back to the grindstone on Monday as Neville went in for his Ancient Runes N.E.W.T., while the others began preparing for the Charms exam.

On Tuesday morning, they all grouped together to head in for the written portion of the exam. The vast majority of the test covered the Concealment and Disguise Charms, along with essay questions on the various wards and their uses. Harry had little trouble with the test, and neither did any of his friends. That afternoon, Griselda Marchbanks stood before them with several Aurors. She announced, "We will be testing your ability to conceal yourselves at first. The Aurors will be attempting to fins each of you in the room that we have set up next door to this one. You will have a three minute head start to hid yourself. Then, they will pursue. The longer you manage to elude them, and remain concealed the better your score will be. Now, let's begin." She began calling out names for people to line up to take the test.

Yet again, Hermione was the first to go in. After the Aurors went in after her, there was a period of about four minutes before she emerged with Dawlish patting her on the back encouragingly. Harry smiled at her, "Good job, Hermione. Four minutes isn't bad at all."

Hermione shrugged, "It isn't great either. Terry Boot managed to elude them for nearly ten minutes."

Ron said sympathetically, "Terry wants to be a Charm Breaker though. He has to be really good at this kind of thing. I bet he won't come anywhere near your marks on the written test."

Hermione smiled and blushed at the compliment. After a few more minutes of conversation, Neville was called in to begin. The Aurors followed a few minutes later. When Neville's time was approaching twelve minutes, the Aurors finally emerged with a grinning Neville in tow. Ron crowed, "Dang, Neville, that was brilliant. Nobody has lasted that long yet."

Nevilled shrugged, "It was a nice little game. It would have been more fun if you could fight back though."

One of the Aurors nearby heard the comment and replied, "I don't think there are very many of us that would dare cross wands with you, Longbottom. We all know what its like to duel Frank, and if anything, you're better than he ever was."

Neville beamed at the praise, and the comparison to his father. The four Gryffindors continued to chat until it was Harry's turn to enter the room. He looked up at the ceiling after he had entered the room, and waved his hand to cast a Sticking Charm on part of it. Then, he levitated himself up to the ceiling to place his back to the sticky part of the ceiling and hang suspended from it. Then, he vanished from sight and waited for the Aurors to come in. After they did so, he watched in amusement as they searched the cavernous chamber for him. They were quick and efficient, that was clear. However, it occurred to none of them to check the ceiling. Although, even if they had they would not have been able to penetrate his veil of invisibility. After waiting for several minutes, he Apparated to Dumbledore's office.

Dumbledore glanced up from where he was working on papers, and asked, "Aren't you supposed to be taking a Charms test at the moment?"

Harry nodded, "Actually I'm in the middle of my test at this moment. I just thought that I would pop up here and ask you how long I should let them search for me before revealing myself."

Dumbledore chuckled and then asked, "How long have they been searching for you?"

Harry shrugged, "I think about ten minutes."

"I would say about another ten minutes and then show yourself. No point in letting it go on all day." replied Dumbledore.

Harry nodded, "I suppose. Well, I guess I'll return to my perch."

As he started to leave, Dumbledore echoed, "Perch?"

Harry nodded, "I stuck myself to the ceiling."

The last thing Harry heard as he Apparated back to the room, was a roaring boom of laughter from Dumbledore and the portraits of the previous Headmasters that would have done even Hagrid proud.

Harry returned to the room and floated down to the ground. Being completely invisible, he had little trouble evading the Aurors for another ten minutes. Once this amount of time was up, Harry walked to the door, and made himself visible. Then, he waited for one of the Aurors to notice him. Finally, Adams saw him and yelled, "I've got him."

Harry chuckled to himself as he turned and walked out the door. All of the other students stood there staring at him in awe. Ron said, "Wow. You were in there for over twenty minutes, Harry."

Griselda Marchbanks said happily, "And unless I am much mistaken, the only reason he was found was because he got bored with waiting. I haven't seen such a display since Dumbledore was a student. Merlin's descendants always make things interesting.

Harry replied, "I'm sure we do. Now, guys, let's get out of here."

All of them went back up to the common room to meet Luna and Ginny. Then, they went to dinner and spent the rest of the evening playing.

Harry, and Hermione had their final N.E.W.T. in Transfiguration on Friday. The written exam covered a great deal on Conjuring and Animagus transformations. That afternoon, they went in to find Professor Tofty awaiting them. He said, "By far the most difficult part of Transfiguration is Conjuring. Each of you will be asked to conjure various objects and then you will be finished with your N.E.W.T.'s. Now, I'm sure you are familiar with how we will be conducting this. I will call out your names and you will form a line accordingly." The Transfiguration students lined up to await their practical exam. Hermione went up to the table first, and was asked to conjure a tea set, and a plush armchair.

After several more people went, it was finally Harry's turn to take his place before Professor Tofty. Professor Tofty smiled, "Well, Mr. Potter, are you prepared?"

Harry nodded, "Of course. This should be a snap."

Professor Tofty shook his head, "That's not what I meant. Are you prepared to face the Dark Lord?"

Harry eyed him warily, "What do you know about that?"

Tofty smiled, "I was once an Unspeakable at the Ministry, Mr. Potter. I've known about the Prophecy for years. I have watched you just as Dumbledore has over the years. If you are ready, I know you will defeat Tom."

Harry grinned, "Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm sure that we will find out if that confidence is justified soon enough."

Tofty nodded, "I'm sure we will. Now, to finish your exam. If you would conjure a curio cabinet, and a bed off to the side here."

Harry snapped his fingers and both objects appeared. Tofty clapped, "Excellent, Mr. Potter, you may go now."

Harry and Hermione went back to the common room to meet up with the others. Harry made a motion with his hand for Ron and Neville to follow him, and they headed up to the Head Boy's room together.

Ginny mused aloud, "I wonder what those two are up to?"

Luna giggled, "I bet I know."

Hermione asked, "What?"

Luna smiled, "Well, N.E.W.T.'s are over. I believe that Harry has a question to ask you, Ginny."

Ginny smiled to herself, "Yes, he does. I'm just curious about how he is going to do it."

Hermione laughed, "So are the rest of us."

The three boys went into Harry's room. Harry pulled out a package and handed it to Neville, "This is the fireworks package I had the twins put together for me. I need the two of you to get it on the roof of the Astronomy Tower before dinner is over. I'm going to take Ginny up there to propose as soon as we are through eating."

Ron asked, "Do I need to give you the big brother lecture?"

Harry shook his head, "I don't think so. I'm going to marry her. It's time for me to be her protector. Not that she needs one. I think she takes care of herself just fine."

Ron and Neville both slapped Harry on the back. Neville said, "Don't worry, mate. We will make sure the fireworks are waiting for you."

Harry nodded, "Thanks, guys." The two boys carried the fireworks down the stairs, while Harry turned to his chest of drawers and pulled the ring box out and put it in his pocket. He walked downstairs to find the three girls staring at him, "What?"

Hermione said, "Neville and Ron just darted out the portrait hole holding something. What are they up to?"

Harry shrugged, "I have no idea." Then, he turned to Ginny, "Are you ready for dinner?"

She replied, "Of course. Let's go."

Luna and Hermione followed the couple down to the Great Hall where they were met by Ron and Neville. After dinner, Harry steered Ginny towards the Astronomy Tower. She asked playfully, "So, where are you taking me, Lord Gryffindor?"

Harry merely smiled mysteriously and led the way up the stairs to the top of the Astronomy Tower. He said as they stepped out under the tapestry of stars, "I've got a little surprise for you." He flicked his hand and the Weasley Whiz Bangs began exploding into the air. Harry took a step back as Ginny gasped at the breathtaking display of red and gold that was taking shape in the sky. He quietly opened the box and held it in his hand. Students from inside the castle started coming outside to see the display. Finally, the last rocket went up into the air and exploded forming the words, "Will you marry me, Virginia Molly Weasley?"

Ginny spun around to face Harry , and her eyes immediately zeroed in on the ring. Then, her eyes roved up to meet Harry's eyes, "Harry James Potter, you better put that ring on my finger right now."

Harry shook his head slightly, "You have to answer the question first."

Ginny giggled, "Yes, Lord Gryffindor, I will marry you."

Harry slid the ring onto Ginny's finger, and then drew her into a kiss. Ginny reached down to Harry's belt and began to undo it. Harry slid around to begin kissing her neck, while Ginny breathed into his ear, "I want you." At that moment, a clear clarion trumpet blast split the air, and Harry staggered back from Ginny as pain flared in his scar. He turned to Ginny, "Go to Dumbledore. Voldemort is here."

A/N: I would like to extend thanks to all my readers and reviewers.

Aalikane: My utmost apologies. This was always intended to just be thirty chapters.

Tahwoo89: I didn't make up a new name for the shop. Weasley's Whiz Bangs is the product name for Fred and George's fireworks line. Its in Order of the Phoenix.

Blind Faeri: Hermione's Animagus form is a lynx.

Fawkesfreak: I would be hard pressed to give you an accurate description, but they are small and quick.