Title: Hermione's Helping Hand

N.E.W.T's

Two days later the N.E.W.T tests started. The same examiners were there, like they had been when Harry, Ron, and Hermione had taken their O.W.L's. They chatted with Remus and gave them his approval as Headmaster.

" Thanks!" said Remus, smiling at them.

When the bell rang, those in their fifth and seventh years were kept behind while the rest of the students went to their lessons. Professor McGonagall came around and started to hand out lists. Hermione took hers and saw that today they had their practical Defense Against the Dark Arts exam and then it would be their practical Charms.

" At least we don't have much today," Ron pointed out.

" Me too!" Hermione said.

" Fifth years you have your written Potions and Transfiguration," Professor McGonagall called out. " You will remain here and those that have their practical Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms will follow Professor Brown down to the dungeons. The rest will go to Professor Snape and Headmaster Lupin for where you'll be heading for your practical or written."

At once the group divided and followed Professor Brown down the dungeon steps to take their practical exams. Professor Brown oversaw the practical Defense Against the Dark Arts. She gave them a list of hexes and told them that they had to cast them. To Harry and Ron's horror, they were tested on non-verbal spells. Once they were finished, they left, Hermione joining them.

" I think I did very well," she told them.

" Speak for yourself," Ron said, looking upset about his non-verbal spells. " You were probably the only one that got it right."

" Well, you've got a point there," Hermione said, " But anyway, we've got our practical Charms, so that will be nothing."

Hermione was right. The practical Charms, which were overseen by Professor Marshbanks, was very easy. All three of them knew they got a good score, even if the Professor didn't tell them. They had lunch, and then a whole afternoon of studying for their continuing practical. Tomorrow Hermione would have practical Potions and Transfiguration. Harry had told her before they parted ways that he felt that he had a much better chance with this practical Potion, then last time.

" I hope your right," Hermione said

The next morning Harry reported that he had done very well in his practical Potions and due to Professor McGonagall working on him, he did very well on his Transfiguration. For Hermione, however, she was entering her written, and she had many more exams then Harry or Ron had. Severus found her working hard on the night before her written Arithmancy, and wondered what she would do if she didn't get into what she wanted. However he didn't bother her, knowing that she would probably snap at him.

The next morning Harry and Ron wished Hermione luck as she went to take her written Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. They weren't around to see how she had done, Ron figuring if she did bad, she would snap at them or even hex them.

" Do you really think she would do that?" Harry asked.

Ron gave him a look that told him all he needed to know.

They did have Hermione for their written Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts, and her again for their written Potions and Transfiguration. When it was time for the written Herbology, she was in a snappy mood.

" I don't want to hear about results until they give it us, understand?"

Both Harry and Ron nodded, and she walked off.