Chapter Thirty Two

Exams

"We have to do some last minute studying." Hermione insisted as she dragged the two reluctant boys to the library. Ron and Harry were sick and tired or studying. As the exams drew nearer, Hermione got crazier.

"Hermione!" Ron called exasperated as she pushed him into a chair at a table in the back of the library. "The exams are tomorrow. I doubt we can learn any more then we already know now!"

"We can try." Hermione said shrilly as she dropped some thick volumes onto the table.

After over an hour of studying, or of Harry and Hermione studying while Ron drooled over the book he had fallen asleep over, Harry closed the thick Charms book he'd been reading through. "I'm going to bed." He announced to Hermione.

"But the exams are tomorrow! We need to get as much as we can before then." Hermione pleaded.

"As Ron said, I don't think we can get any more then we have now." Harry reminded her. "Besides, I don't think staying up all night studying will help us with our exams, we need sleep."

Hermione sighed exasperatedly. "Okay, fine." She said dramatically. "Will you help me wake Ron?" She asked as she eyed Ron disdainfully as he drooled over the ancient book.

Harry nodded and began to prod Ron. "Ron, C'mon. You need to get up."

"Ten more minutes, Mum." Ron said as he buried his head further in his arm.

Harry looked up at Hermione with a disgusted expression. "He thinks I'm his mom?" Harry whispered grossed out.

Hermione giggled.

"Ron." Harry continued. "Get up before I dump some ice water on you. I have managed to learn the ice water charm." Harry reminded the still drooling Ron. Luckily his threat was heard by Ron who immediately snapped awake.

"C'mon." Hermione said as she grabbed Ron's arm and dragged him to his feet. "Let's head to the tower." Ron nodded gratefully but leaned on her tiredly as they began to walk out of the library and through the quiet halls of Hogwarts.

"So when are you coming back to the tower?" Hermione asked as they neared Gryffindor tower.

"I don't know." Harry answered with a shrug. "When they figure I won't get myself sick again."

"I still can't believe you ran yourself down like that, and that no one noticed it was that bad." Hermione announced.

Harry smiled guiltily. "I'll see you later." He said as Hermione said the password to the Fat Lady guarding Gryffindor Tower.

Arriving at the headmasters office he said the password (Hershey) and entered and walked to Dumbledore's private chambers.

"Hello, Harry." Dumbledore said as Harry entered the living room. Dumbledore was sitting on the couch reading a book.

"Hello, Headmaster." Harry said tiredly as he rubbed his eyes. "Goodnight." Harry said as he left the living room to enter the guest room.

Dumbledore smiled as Harry left the room. Harry appeared to be doing much better then he had month's ago, when he collapsed. He had gained a few pounds, not as much as they would have liked, but it was an improvement. He was eating regular meals and doing better with school. Dumbledore felt Harry may be able to go back to the tower soon, provided nothing changed.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Harry sighed as he entered the Great Hall for his first examination. He was nervous. Unlike everyone else, he had never taken the yearly examinations.

"Mr. Potter." A man off to the right called. Harry nodded and made his way to the man. The man was of average height, had dark brown hair speckled with grey and dark brown eyes. "My name is Mr. Mathews. I will be examining you in Charms, History of Magic and Herbology." Harry nodded and sat down across from Mr. Mathews.

They worked on the examinations all day, only breaking for ten minute periods between examinations and for meals. Around two that afternoon they were finished for the day and Harry found himself relieved. He was nervous about his results, but he did the best he could. Hermione kept going on and on about the tests she thought she had failed. Ron grumbled about them having to do that again the next day.

The next day's exams had gone better, in Harry's opinion. They had had Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and Potions.

Harry knew he did well in Defense Against the Dark Arts. He was one of the best in his class at Defense.

Potions he felt pretty sure about. He had been doing well in class in Potions. And his lessons with Professor Snape helped a lot.

Transfiguration was more difficult. He was still working hard to keep up in that class. Some things came easier for him to transfigure then others. Thankfully, he felt he had done well.

(A little over a week after the examinations)

"Mr. Potter," The Auror called. Remus was sitting next to him and smiled at him as Harry stood to follow the Auror. It was a little over a week after the examinations had taken place. This was his only visit before the conclusion of the trial.

"Thank you." Harry told the Auror as he opened the door to the detaining room. The Auror nodded to him as he entered.

"Hey, Kiddo." Sirius called as he embraced Harry.

"Hi, Sirius." Harry said hugging Sirius back just as fiercely.

Finally they broke apart. Immediately Sirius began to question him. "How are you doing?"

Harry smiled. "I'm okay. We had our examinations a little while ago."

"Remus and Dumbledore have told me." Sirius informed him.

"Did they happen to tell you my results?" Harry asked smiling at Sirius.

Sirius grinned at Harry's antics. "Nope, sorry. You'll have to wait with everyone else."

Harry scowled playfully.

"How is everything else? How do you think you did on your exams?"

"I think I did okay." Harry answered him truthfully. "Dumbledore says I might be able to move back to Gryffindor Tower soon."

Sirius grinned happily. "That's great!"

"Yeah, it is." Harry answered also smiling. They talked a little more about school and Harry's friends (who Sirius was eager to meet).

"Do you think things will be okay?" Harry asked quietly after a long pause.

Sirius sighed. "I don't know kiddo." Sirius said truthfully. "I hope so. We've done all we can." Harry nodded distractedly. "Don't worry about it, okay, Harry?" Sirius asked as he watched Harry intently. After Harry nodded Sirius gently pulled Harry into a hug.

End of Chapter Twenty Two.

A/N: Hello everyone! I'm sorry this chapter seems a bit rushed, but it accomplished what I wanted. I hope you enjoyed it and please REVIEW! There are only a few chapters left!

Next update: Wensday at the latest. I have it written already.

Review answers:

Has Dumbledore been tutoring Harry?

No, Hermione and his teachers have more to do with how well his schooling goes. Harry's constant studying earlier in the story was a large help. He has always been one to keep up with his school work.

Ginny dating Harry?

I haven't decided if Ginny should date Harry in the sequel. I have a poll up at my Yahoo group (You can find the link on my profile page).