Disclaimer: No money is being made or received for this work in her playground of characters.

Incantations & Explanations

The rapid pace of learning continued through March. The teens stayed weary of Rowan, and she exhibited a Snape-like quality in her expectations of advancement. Only voicing concerns about her sanity to one another. Madison the most vocal of all.

It was at the beginning of April when Rowan had to go to the vault in Gringott's, before leaving, she asked Dumbledore to join her. The ride was slowed considerably by the two strong wizards riding. When they came to the vaults on the lowest level, they stopped. Dumbledore got out first and helped Rowan out next. Putting her hand up, she told the Goblin that he was not needed and could return to the bank. He did so without protest.

"Somewhere in this vault is a box of seven rings. We need to find them." He agreed silently. He watched as she placed her hands on the vault marked "COWAN." The door opened for admittance. She navigated through the piles of money and trinkets to the farthest reaches of the vault, dug for a moment and produced the silver and gold box she sought. She turned to look for Dumbledore. Not taking the opportunity earlier, he was engrossed in a bookshelf. She said, "Take what you want, but we need to go soon."

She beckoned Dumbledore to her. The wall shimmered near her, and they walked through the seemingly solid wall into the room of study that linked the homes of Potter and Weasley. She left the box and books on the table for a later time and walked with Dumbledore up the passage way to the Estate and the many people's laughter.

The end of April brought the completion of the Animagus studies. Harry could change into a Lion while Ginny turned into a Black Panther. Hermione turn into a beautiful white long-haired Persian Cat with Orange tips; Ron turned into a great Collie. While Draco was very upset about his being able to turn into a small white ferret. Madison turned into a small grey ferret; which suddenly made Draco happier than his own successful transformation had. Mason turned into a sleek black raven.

Rowan showed them that she turned into a rather large slate grey Irish Wolf Hound. When she returned to her human form, she smirked at Harry, "Yea, Sirius loved that too…" Harry blushed scarlet red. Neville, who was just not quite up to speed, declined to register his form at that point, but the others registered with the proper department before the first of May. The next step for them was to learn other animals.

June

By the end of May, the students were in the best physical forms of their young lives. The muscles toned by running some twenty five kilometers a day over different terrain, their minds honed to a single desire: to finish this fight. Their hearts, each feeling love for the others, were more full than they could imagine.

Rowan, Remus, and Severus were also in top form. Neither of the men had considered that being assistants to a crazy, obsessed witch could help their physical person so much.

Although Willow had been there for a couple of months, it was May 30th, when Buffy, Spike, Oz, Xander, Piper, Phoebe, Paige, Selene, Erika, and the new crossbreed of Vampire and Lycan by the name of Michael joined them at the Estate. His rise to power had taken Lucian and Viktor to their respective graves. He had only met with Rowan briefly to assure her that he would keep the covenants between the Lair, Coven and the Clan of Cowan. He also pledged to support Madison's choice of sides, meaning that the Lycans and Vampires would fight on the side of Harry Potter against Voldemort. Rowan and Madison gave the Lycans refuge in the dungeons of the Cowan Estate, while Draco opened the Malfoy Manor for the Coven members to remain safely hidden.

They would be training with the others. Buffy was not sure about this liaison, but pledged to help her friends and as long as they were properly marked, she would not i poof /i any of them. Michael had commanded his followers from the Lair and the Coven to go to the appropriate houses and prepare for battle. Angel, Wesley, Gunn, Fred and a new demon named Lorne joined them a few minutes later. Angel was intent on getting to know Michael. Buffy raised her eyebrow at the green demon, but said nothing. Molly coordinated the uniforms of the new comers and was sure the ones fighting on the light side were outfitted properly.

Every day for the next two weeks, the seven youths were led out onto the front lawn and blindfolded, where they were assaulted from all sides by magic and non-magic alike. The seven impressed those watching with their uncanny ability to know where the others were, protect them, and still manage to hex their opponents with rapid and almost deadly accuracy. At times, each would change into their animagus form and attack as an animal when the Lycan's changed forms. It was only through sheer will that no one was seriously injured.

On June 15th, the students were summoned to the Dining room. Dumbledore entered with the professors from Hogwarts. The large table held the staff and guests. Everyone took their usual seats to see what was going to be dropped on them now. Dumbledore spoke "I want to congratulate you on your persistence and perseverance with the tasks you have been required to fulfill. However, you may be glad to know that, for the most part, it is now over. You will be at the castle tomorrow morning after your run. You will be dressed in your school uniforms and eat breakfast in the Great Hall. No one there will notice that you have not been in attendance the entire term. No one will ask you where you have been. Once they see you, the memory charms will break and be replaced by a charm that appears that you were all there the whole time. No specific memories, but they will not feel as though they have missed anything.

"There is one more thing. Over the Easter Holiday, Rowan and I went to the vaults in Gringott's and pulled out something that will be necessary for the completion of the spell you found many months ago."

The teenagers looked at one another. "But…we never mentioned that spell Professor. I mean we practiced it, but did not accomplish much." Hermione said, almost flustered.

"Because you need these, please stand in the circle as the spell indicated." he said. The students rose from the table, turning to stand shoulder to shoulder. Harry stood in the center, looking over Ginny's shoulder at the Headmaster. "Each of you must summon your own ring.

"ACCIO RING" rang the chorus of voices. No wands were raised. The teachers gasped at the casual use of wandless magic. The boxes left the table to their individual perspective owners. The staff was impressed.

"Please place the rings on your last finger of your right hands." Each opened his or her own box and did as requested.

"Stand in the correct formation," they did, "and repeat the spell you found…"

"Abundantia adfero abeo dedoceo cesso adamo" The students knew the chant by heart after months of practicing it. Each raised his or her hand above their heads, except Harry. He was hit with six bolts of magic, infusing him, lifting him, giving him their strength. He was lifted from the floor of the dining room above the heads of the six friends. The chanting ceased after only a few moments, and he was gently placed back on the ground as the lights were removed to the one from which it had originated.

"WOW!" Was all Harry could say, until he realized he was the only one standing; the six in the circle had all fallen to the floor unconscious.

He panicked, as he looked almost helplessly to the adults. Rowan said "You must do it Harry, we are only observers. Give them back what you took from them."

Harry nodded held both hands out straight, palms up, turning slowly; he muttered the incantation "abundantia adfero abeo dedoceo cesso adamo". Tendrils of light shot from his hands to the teenagers on the floor; he continued this until they were all fully awake. Six times he repeated the chant. Six turns of his body. When he looked down at his friends who were now fully awake and revitalized, he knelt beside Ginny "You okay?"

"I feel amazing!"

This was repeated twice more before Dumbledore called a halt. They all agreed and rose carefully to return to the table. "Very well done children," Dumbledore said smiling, "The professors were available in case it was necessary for you to need an outlet for the extra magic. As I was saying, tomorrow morning, with your spirals in hand, you will go to breakfast in the great hall. Do not be late." With that final statement, he left the group to eat dinner and discuss what had happened.

Return to Hogwarts... without notice

After showers the next morning, dressed in their school cloaks, with apprehension, the seven students and one professor apparated to the gates of Hogwarts and walked into the school. Ginny held Harry's hand tightly as they made their way into the great hall for the first time in over six months. Draco and Madison sat with the Slytherins and the others sat at the Gryffindor table.

Rowan left her students and went to her place at the head table between Professors Snape and Lupin. The men had only seen Rowan for their morning run and lessons since their return from Texas. And on those occasions, she had avoided all physical contact with them. She had been so absorbed in the battle, securing the assistance of the others to help, and getting the students ready, that she had put both men on a back-burner. She had refused to be distracted by anyone or anything.

It had paid off, both knew, because as her obsession increased, the students' work improved. They were all tired, but in top form. Severus' thoughts were interrupted as his eyes met hers, and she gave him a sly smile. Sitting between the two men, she put one hand on Severus' leg and the other hand on Remus' leg. Both men joined his hand with hers as the Headmaster called the students to order.

"Good morning students! Today is the day to which no seventh year looks forward. NEWT's will begin promptly after breakfast. As you know, there are changes from prior years. There are no written tests in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Astronomy, Ancient Ruins, Charms, or Transfiguration. The written exams in Arithmancy, History of Magic, and Survival without Magic, also known as Muggle Studies, will begin tomorrow morning.

"There are parchments on each table as to the order and approximate times for each students expected test. Please follow this schedule and do your best to keep to it! Good Luck!" He resumed his seat and leaned in to speak to Professor McGonagall.

Ron turned to Hermione and bit his lip to keep from laughing at the look on her face. "How could he spring this on us?" she hissed to him. He knew that she would be angry at the lack of revising specifics, but he also knew that they had learned more in the past six months than every other Seventh year put together.

He put his arm around her and kissed her temple. "It'll be okay, I promise. He always knows what he's doing." She nodded silently.

Harry scanned the parchment for the name order for the tests. It was not in alphabetical order this year. Harry Potter was up first in Defense against the Dark Arts. He was followed by the Gryffindor Seventh year boys, then the girls; immediately the Gryffindor girls, Mason and Madison were to take the tests. Draco was the first Slytherin, followed by the others in his house, then Hufflepuff, then Ravenclaw.

The practical DADA was amazingly easy for the students. Each of them had been practicing intensely for almost six full months. The elderly wizard looked at Madison appraisingly. "Were you here for the OWL's?" He wheezed.

"No Sir, I only found out I was a witch in November."

"And Dumbledore thinks you can take this level test?"

"Apparently, Sir. Are we going to have a test now, or shall we continue the interview?"

"Hrmf! Yes, Miss Madison Black Cowan, by all means, let us start your highest level Wizard test in Defense Against the Dark Arts." He turned to his clipboard and quill in hand, asked her to produce a patronus.

She thought of Valentine's Day and the belt Draco gave her. "EXPECTO PATRONUM!" A fully corporeal horse shot out of the end of her wand and galloped around looking for something to scare away. When it found nothing, it returned to Madison, bowed low and disappeared. "What else sir?"

"Galloping Gargoyles!" Wheezed the old man, "that was the first time I have ever seen a patronus bow to its maker before disappearing." He stared at her appraisingly. "Next I would like you to banish a Boggart."

Grinning broadly, she said "Bring it on!" And so the test went. Madison's test lasted longer than the others did. Draco came and went before the old man was satisfied with her knowledge. He congratulated her upon completion and assured her that she had received top marks.

They met on the front lawn and made their way down to the lake to sit under a tree. Draco told the others of Madison's patronus bowing and the reaction of the wizard who was testing her. Her eyes twinkled as he bragged on her. Neville had joined them and told the group that he thought he would be receiving top marks on that test. There was that confident grace about him, which had only started last summer.

The next practical was Potions. They were set up to take this test all at once. The witches and wizards over the tests set them to make the Preserver Potion base, one that the seven had made several times. At the end of the test, they bottled their attempts and turned them in to the tester.

One hour later, found them again, before elderly wizards who had single boxes for each of the students. "At the bell, you have twenty minutes to decipher the runes on the box in front of you. If you can open your box, and remove the item inside at the end of the test, you will pass. If you can open the box, but not remove the item inside, you will receive partial credit. Assuming all of you can open the box, you can scrape some passing grade. They were split to the farthest corners of the room. There were many students between them. Hermione was first to open the box and remove a purple iris. Ron was second, followed by Ginny, Draco, Harry, Mason, and Madison. The rest of the students who could do it were finished by the time the bell rang. The old witch stood at the front of the students. "Who has the Iris'?

Each student raised their hands. "Please bring them to the front." The seven made their way to the front, followed by Pansy Parkinson, Theodore Knott, and Blaise Zabini. They were dismissed from the classroom.

The Charms practical was again, a one-at-a-time test, the same order as the DADA test. Professor Flitwik looked on anxiously as Mason was tested. He got the same wizard who had quizzed his sister that morning. He wanted everything to be smooth, however, so he kept his mouth shut unless asked a question. He was sent on his way after thirty minutes of testing.

They met, once again, after Draco finished his test and were sitting by the lake when Hagrid strolled up. "Harry? Good y're here. Hedwig just dropped me this letter f'r ya'." He handed over the letter then retreated.

Dear Harry,

Surely, by now, you realize that I know everything you do. Your training will not assist you in any fight with me or those who have wisely aligned themselves with me. You already know, as does Mrs. Black, that I am going to win. You cannot study or learn enough to defeat me. Your allies have picked the wrong side. I will deal with them directly however. Your mind cannot close enough doors to escape me as you sleep. I know your secrets. I know your strengths. And yes, Harry, I know your weaknesses.

We shall see one another soon. At that time, I will reclaim who is mine. You had no right to take her from me then and I will remind you why it is not nice to play with other's possessions.

Lord Voldemort

Harry reread the letter several times. He passed it around before standing up and suggesting that they take it to the Headmaster's Office. After entering the office, Harry casually laid the letter on the desk and began to laugh. He found it amusing that the 'great Oldy-Fart' was reduced to hand written threats, because he could not get them to Harry any other way. Dumbledore shook his head as he read the letter. They exited the office without a conversation of any kind.

Lunch was a pleasant affair. Draco and Madison sat with their friends. They talked of Quiddich and tests. Ron, who was holding Hermione's hand under the table, leaned into her and asked how she was with the tests. She was surprised but answered that it seemed amazing that she was doing as well as she was. Maybe she did study too much.

Transfiguration was after Lunch. Individual tests once again. Ron's teacup to a ferret transfiguration seemed to amuse him much more than necessary when he saw Draco walk into the room. When Draco saw the perfect white ferret, he met Ron's eyes, but shook his head with a smile before approaching his own tester. Ron's test was simplistic to him. He didn't even remember learning all of this in his time at Hogwarts.

After the completion of the tests, the Great Hall was returned to normal. They made their way to the Gryffindor common rooms to relax or maybe play chess. Draco followed Madison, but hesitated to follow her into the opening behind the portrait. Ron, who was behind them, simply picked Draco up, as he had Hermione so many times and carried him into the room.

There was a full scale party inside. Loud music, dancing, food and laughter rang through the large room. Draco looked to see Madison talking to Seamus. She motioned for him to come over. "Seamus wants to learn to dance. Think I should teach him?"

"No, I do not think you should teach him," he scowled but could only hold it a moment as his face broke into a smile, he added, "but we can show him!" Grabbing her hand, he led her to the area of the room and whispered something under his breath. The music was changed from Brittany Spears to a 40's Jazz number. Once again, as she did at the start of every opportunity to dance with her boyfriend, Madison shrieked and ran into his arms. He caught her and lifted her to the music. He set her down for a moment and both removed their school robes. Madison turned away from him and simply fell back, expecting him to catch her. Luckily he did.

Everyone had stopped trying to dance near them. They took over the make-shift dance floor until the last beat of the music. The crowd clapped wildly when they finished. Even Hermione, who still had a couple of tests the next day, was relaxed. Madison and Draco rejoined Seamus who was amazed at their ability. "I saw ya' dance at the Halloween Feast; but where'd ya' learn to do that?" He quizzed.

Madison told him "Mom had this friend in Texas who was a Ballroom dance instructor; he taught us all how to do it. It's not hard once you learn the basic steps." She spent the next fifteen minutes teaching Seamus how not to step on someone's toes.

That night, the seven left the castle and returned to the estate. Collapsing into their favorite chairs, they began to talk about the tests. "They were easy." Ron said.

"Almost too easy," Hermione added twisting the ring on her index finger, "it was like I knew all of the information. Even though some of it I never studied."

Draco agreed, then pulled Madison into his lap and kissed her. Mason rolled his eyes and thought he should send another note to Katie. Standing, Madison told them that she was tired and was going to bed.

Draco walked her to her room and kissed her passionately as he pinned her against the door frame. He stopped when he felt the passion building in his groin could be felt between the two. "Someday, Miss Madison, I will not be a gentleman with you. I will take you in your room and make love to you. But tonight, is not the night." She panted with the fire in his kiss and the abrupt way he pulled away. Grateful, yet angry that he never took it to the next level. She watched him go to his room and close the door.

The next day, they woke early and ran for almost ninety minutes before returning to the Estate and getting ready for another day of tests. Dumbledore had left a note on the door for their return and asked them to all take each written exam, regardless of the results, as it put them all in the same room. Harry groaned almost as loud as Ron and Mason did.

The breakfast was followed by three hours of History of Magic, a twenty minute break, Survival without Magic, a revised test, for two hours, followed by lunch. Arithmancy was a four hour test set between lunch and dinner. All of them took the tests and surprisingly, felt that they had done well.

At dinner, Dumbledore congratulated the Seventh years on two days of hard tests complete. He reminded them to look for their results at the end of July. He caught Ginny's eye and motioned for her to join him for a moment. When she returned, she told them that he wanted to see them in his office before they left the castle.

The world beyond studies

They entered the headmaster's office and were surprised to see members of the order, and several staff members, as well as Neville Longbottom deep in conversation with Mad-Eye.

Dumbledore conjured more chairs for them to sit. As they made their way to the chairs, the headmaster began to speak. "Thank you for joining us. I trust you realize that you have all done very well on your NEWT's? Good, good, I hoped you would. This meeting is being called because while you have all been secluded and in training, the world has continued around the rest of us. You may have noticed that Professor Black has been a bit… obsessed… since returning from your overseas adventure in February? The reasons are this…" with a wave of his wand, stacks and stacks of magazines and newspapers appeared along the upper portion of his office, "world wide attacks of muggles, Muggle born, squibs, and anyone not to Voldemort's liking have been attacked. There have been more attacks in the past six months than there was in the first war total; untold lives have been lost.

"Additionally, the wards at Hogwart's have been breached. Hagrid reports that there are giants in the forest, as well as a group of Acromantula that he has never seen before. The French Goblin Horde arrived sometime last week to meet with Voldemort, and sources close to the situation say that they have chosen to join him. Dementors have been sighted over nearby towns. There are other dark creatures as well; we believe them to be demons, but none as organized as the ones I have mentioned.

"I believe that the meetings around the school are because this is the last true strong hold of the Wizarding world. The Ministry has been breached and invaded several times, Diagon Alley, Salem, Beaubatoux, Durmstrang, several smaller schools, and even orphanages have been attacked and destroyed or nearly destroyed during the course of the battle.

"Mr. Longbottom has done an incredible job, with the assistance of Mr. Weasley's strategies. He believes that the DA will be able to defend the castle while you dispatch the one who started all of this. They have done well to this point with the castle defense.

"When the time comes, and I believe it to be very soon, they will not find a school of children running in fear, but powerful witches and wizards who are trained to fight. Neville seems to have the rest of the school in order.

"The Ministry has readied its forces as well. The dragon keepers have been recalled from around the world, the Aurors are ready at a moments notice. The English Unspeakables have united with other people in the same positions around the world. There are also contingents of other non-ministry or Order related individuals who have pledged to assist us during the upcoming battle.

"As you know, Rowan spent many hours securing support from around the world. If it helps at all, she has been as pushy with the governments of the world as she has been with you." His eyes twinkled in amusement as he told them about some of her meetings. She stuck her tongue out at him.

Looking each of the seven directly in the eyes, before moving to the next, he studied their reaction to the declaration of the Wizard community to assist them. "That being said, I must insist that you not be far from one another. From this point forward, you will sleep in a shared bedroom and be close. I need to be sure of is that you are ready for the fight."

They stood as a unit, quietly, confidently; an eerie glow surrounded them as they did so. The rings on their fingers vibrated as if to remind the wearers that the choices had already been made. A beautiful hum to fill the room as Harry took one step in front of the others. Breathing deeply, the seventeen year old spoke with the confident voice of a man with honor and conviction, "We will do what we have to do. You take care of the rest. Leave Tom Riddle to us. You should have no doubts as to our abilities or convictions. When the time comes, we will deal with the situation as it happens. If you can keep as many people safe as possible, it will lesson our burden, but make no mistake about this: It is our burden. The seven of us are going to finish this one way or another."

He turned from the Headmaster, nodded once to Neville and left the room, the others in his wake. Rowan shot Dumbledore a sly smile. "They are so very dramatic at this age - don't you think?" Laughing, she stood and followed the young warriors out of the room.