Disclaimer: I own nothing but my plot and characters

A/N: Wow, I'm definitely liking how this is going to be longer than the first book lol. Shout to Gwen: HURRY BACK!

Chapter 23: Tough Choices

Today is a week after the E.Y.P tests. Supposedly, each student who took it is going to be called to Dumbledore's office to see the results, and start thinking about what we want to do if we stay an extra year. Anyone who wants to stay had to have at least gotten ninety percent right on the test. All I have to respond to that is ... Damn! I'd be lucky to even have twelve percent right. Ok, I can't be too hard on myself. It's Friday, after all. I need to have some fun.. Fun for me equals mischeif.. I think I might go bother Snape into telling me my current grade. The class had a quiz a few days ago, and I want to know if I passed. Nah, maybe I shouldn't go bother the Snake. I really don't want a detention. Besides, I have Potions first, and if I piss Snape off, I'll have to deal with it for the rest of the day.

"I have discussed the E.Y.P results with Headmaster Dumbledore," Snape liked knowing everyone's business, "and he decided to let me talk to the students I had during the test. So, while everyone does the assignment I am going to give in a moment, I will call the few names out of this class to approach my desk. Supposedly, a few other teachers are doing the same so that your Headmaster isn't too bogged down by incoming students today. Without further adue, take out your books and turn to our current chapter. Read the chapter and answer all of the review questions in essay form. This will also count as your homework if you do not finish. However, if I spot any screwing around, I will assign the next chapter for homework. Now, get to work and I will call the first name soon."

I knew that Neville had Snape during the test. Poor kid, Nev started to shake. On a piece of paper, I wrote, 'Don't worry, Nev, we'll protect you if the snake moves in for a bite.' I passed the paper to Neville via airmail, and Snape didn't notice. I giggled, but stopped before getting caught. My book was open, and I was ready to start working when I felt a crumpled paper hit my head.

As I uncrumpled the paper, I saw my note to Neville, and under my words read, 'Thanks Manic-Mara. I'll count on you for that.'

Snape called the first name, which was a Slytherin, and only for a few seconds did any noise take place. When the Slytherin girl named Tasha walked to Snape's desk, he showed her the score she recieed on the test. Apparently, she didn't make it, for her eyes soon filled with tears. She sniffled and Snape appologized for being the bearer of bad news. She sat down and continued to work, but still cried silently. Unfortunately, Neville was next.

My fingers and his were crossed. I knew Hermione was crossing hers too. For the entire year, Neville had stayed quiet in this class, not speaking a single word. He and Snape got along best that way. Now that Snape was going to speak to Nev, I feared for his sanity. If Neville passed, Snape would put him down and say he didn't deserve it or something. Yet, if he didn't pass, Snape would probably shoot Neville in the heart with his words.

"Mr. Longbottom..." Snape spoke loud enough for our whole class to hear, "You did pass. However, the requirements to stay are for at least ninety percent. You missed by two percent. I'm sorry, but the questions you missed were on potions. If you had payed a little more attention in class, you would have been free to choose to stay for another year or not. It just goes to show you that keeping quiet all year is not a good idea."

Neville looked down right pissed off. He took a deep breath and the class watched as he opened his mouth, "I stayed quiet because you always pick on me. Just because I stayed quiet, as you ask the whole class to, doesn't mean I didn't know what I was doing during the test."

"Oh," Snape sneered, "Mr. Longbottom has a mouth all of a sudden. From whom did you aquire this sudden bravery? To speak about something you know is wrong..It just proves that you are a know-nothing little dunderhead."

My anger was boiling for Snape, and hopefully Neville felt it.

Taking a step back, Nev coughed, "..I've always had a mouth. I just choose not to use it all the time because you mock everything I say!"

Neville glanced at me, and I shook my head slightly. I had faith in him, but I didn't want him to fight with Snape.

"Well, why don't you cry about it? Either way, will you sit down now before I take points from Gryffindor?" Surprisingly, Snape seemed to just want to move on with the day.

Neville said nothing, as usual, and shamefully journeyed back to his seat. I continued to answer the chapter review questions for the rest of class. I decided not to snoop anymore before Snape caught me glaring at him and his clever remarks to the failing and passing students. Only three more students were in our class that took the test in here. Everyone else must've been from other periods.

Second period of the day was, of course, Poptart's Defense Against the Dark Arts. Unlucky though, for he was also calling up names to see their scores from the E.Y.P tests. Great...Not only did I now get to sit next to a fruity poptart, but Draco also had to be called up soemtime soon.

"Good Morning class," GIlderoy appeared in front of his desk and lectured about his ability to show us the scores and such. He also ordered us to get our books on the desks and read the chapter. According to the Poptart, we'd have a quiz on it tomorrow.

What a way to be a burnt poptart..

I began reading the chapter, and it soon dawned on me that there were only four people in this class who took the test here. So there was a one out of four chance I would be called first. I hope, by God, that I'm not first. I want to know if Draco passed before I do.. If he passes, anyone can.

"Melisa Knowles..." Lockhart called the first name. I was overjoyed that I was not first.

Returning to my book, I accidentally read the same paragraph over. Something across the room caught my eye; Draco was staring at me with the same eyes I had seen when he first kissed me. When I caught him looking, he quickly shot a glance at his textbook. If he has another trick up his sleeve against me, I'm going to have to go to the only person that can help me plan revenge...Hagrid.. True, Hagrid had never actually planned any revenge for me, but he was great at distributing advice.

Only a wide grin could be seen on Melisa Knowles' face. This plainly indicated she passed. Now, I was eager, even though I didn't know the girl, to know if she would choose to stay next year or not. I guess there's a choice whether to stay or not if your parents or guardians didn't approve of sending you back for another year, instead of going straight to a college or work. I wouldn't know what it felt like to have a parent disallow me to do anything. Perhaps I'm lucky in that sense, in other people's opinions, but I would love to hear my Mom or Dad yelling at me. At least they'd be there.

If only I could find who my parents' murderer was. Why would someone randomly kill innocent people? Hell, I bet everyone asks that question sometime in their life.

"Maranda Maguire," My name was second, and Gilderoy had no problem calling it loudly.

I stupidly answered, "Coming," as I got up from my seat.

Lockhart's desk was tidy, as though it had prepared itself for visitors. I sat in a chair that Gilderoy had placed out for students. He honestly seemed really put-together today, and I applauded him in my mind for dealing with us students so well.

"Miss Maguire," Gildy Poptart began, "before I show you your test scores, I have to explain that it is up to you to join us next year or not if you pass. I'm sure you already know that, though. Now, let's get your test scores out."

He sorted through some papers and finally, as my nerves grew, Lockhart found my test scores.

In a stern tone, Gilders spoke, "Here.." He handed me my test paper.

My eyes were either very problematic, or just idiotically deceiving. . .

"Ninety-eight Percent? Holy Moses!" My outburst of euphoria caused the entire class, including damn Ferret Boy, to laugh at my bluntness. I had received a high score! What the hell? How did I do it?

Chuckling, Gilderoy told me to sit down. I didn't realize I stood.

"Congratulations," He pressed on, "Do you have any idea who you want to work with when you come back? Or what you want to take?"

I contemplated, "Not sure yet. I think I might want to teach..And I don't know what teacher to work with as an apprentice, but I'll be happy if it's someone I've had."

"I understand," Gilderoy broadly grinned, "and I could always be an option in the apprentice area. Defense Against the Dark Arts is a very good subject to learn how to teach from."

"Thanks, I'll think about it. When do our choices have to be turned in?"

"At least before Valentine's Day." Lockhart took the score paper back and I nodded.

My seat was waiting for my return, as was a folded piece of paper. I opened it as Gilderoy called, "Draco Malfoy."

The paper read, 'Maranda Maguire, scored higher and higher, all on one test result day, Maranda Maguire, was red like fire, as Gildy hit on her in each and every way. Hope you have fun with your new love muffin, Half-Blood. XOXO, Draco.'

What in Kung Fu's Name of Nunchucks? Why was Draco picking on me again with childish rhymes? At least he called me a half-blood and not a mudblood like he used to. Still, why the sudden contact with each other? Eye contact, and now notes? XOXO? And what's with Gilderoy? I didn't like my teacher! Eww!

Whatever..

At supper time, Hermione told me joyfully that she passed with a ninety-nine percent. Ron had a ninety-three, and Harry had a ninety-five. However, Harry had already decided to join the Chudley Cannons as a professional Quiddich player. Draco, on the other hand, got a ninety-eight as well, which was unbelievable for a dumb ferret.

The rest of supper was enriched with words on tough choices for next year. Ron said his sister, Ginny, might be in one of the classes while we work with a professor. That'd be cool to help teach a sister of my best friend! We most likely won't have her though, because we are only supposed to help teach in the first and second year classes. We definitely wouldn't see her then.

On the way out of supper, Gwenneth Thompson ran up to me with a letter in her hand.

"Maranda!" She practically screamed in my ears, "This is for you, from Draco. He says it isn't bad, he just wants you to read it before you torch it in burning flames of fury. Those are his exact words too. And in my words," She smiled, "I hope everything is fine in your world. If Draco gives you any crap, tell me and I'll sick my puffskein after him."

"Your what?" Must've been her pet.

She beamed in grins, "Nevermind.. Hey, how'd that thing go when you went back to Snape's room that day?"

"I," I was the one grinning now, "told him I had my period.. He didn't say anything degrading in response."

"Even I would have thought of that eventually. Very good idea. Anyways, I'll let you go, I have to finish my arithmancy homework. Good luck with that letter." Gwen raced off in a giddy mood.

She inspired me..

As I returned to the Gryffindor Common Room, I opened the letter and sat down, ready to intake anything the Ferret wrote to me.