Chapter fifteen: N.E.W.T.S.

The crisp days of winter were over and the spring started to settle in. There were a lot of lovely days in which students wished they could go outside, but were forced to study for the exams. They would start next week and most people were very stressed.

Alicia however was constantly juggling subjects in her mind. This Friday afternoon as the usual study group was sitting in the library, Alicia couldn't stop thinking about Sirius Black. Was he staying in that house the entire time? Did he go out as a dog and run around Hogsmeade? Did he even have food? If he found Peter, shouldn't he need a wand? Those thoughts were troubling her badly. After her time spend with the wanted criminal she couldn't help but pity him. His life was flushed down the toilet even though he did nothing wrong.

'Hey guys,' Alicia was thinking out loud, 'If you could help a friend in need, but it was potentially dangerous, would you still do it?'

Elena looked up. 'Depends on how dangerous I guess. And what friend. Is it worth it?'

Alicia nodded slowly. 'I could really make a difference.'

The other girl shrugged. 'Well if this is a good friend I would say go for it. As long as you don't get in mortal danger.'

'But she probably will,' Michelle wisecracked. She wasn't even looking up from the writing she was doing, but there was a coy smile on her lips.

'I'll be fine. It's just a bit of…traveling.'

'Are you going in the Forbidden Forest again?' Michelle asked, still not looking up. Alicia rolled her eyes. 'I've been going into the forest since I was twelve. Why is everyone suddenly so itchy about it? I hardly think I'm a target for Black. And anyway, I could always ask the centaurs to protect me. They like me.'

'I'm not saying you shouldn't,' Michelle replied as she finally looked up, 'it's actually nice to get a heads-up about your whereabouts. Go, help your friend. It seems important to you.'

Alicia blinked, astonished. 'Did not expect that. Alright, after I go to Hogsmeade with you girls and finish that business with Sarah, I will go my own way. If I'm not back by dinnertime you can sound the alarm. Deal?'

Michelle smiled. 'Deal.'

There was a mutual understanding between the two, and it felt good to have settled their argument from earlier. Alicia really had to include her friends more. Well, not by telling them she was going to buy Sirius Black a wand, but she would at least inform them she would disappear.

It was something.

It had been at least a week since she saw Hagrid last, and she immediately felt bad for not visiting sooner. He had gotten the terrible news that Buckbeak the hippogriff needed to be executed, and that the minister himself would come to attend. When she saw the half-giant on the main street of Hogsmeade she ran up to him and hugged as much of his body as she could.

'I'm sorry I couldn't come earlier! I really am! It was a hectic week, I had catching up to do after all the time I lost in detention. If only all the teachers gave me time to study…how are you?' she rambled.

Hagrid tried very hard to stifle his sniffing. 'Better. I'm doing better. But it will be worse on the day they…'

She took his hand between hers. 'I know. I'm so sorry. But I also studied the Committee before, I knew they wouldn't budge…Hagrid can't you set him free?' He shook his head. 'There is nothing to be done. Dumbledore will take the blame for it if I did, and he doesn't deserve that. Anyway, it was good to arrange that meeting today for little Sarah. Keeps my mind off things.'

Alicia nodded. Hagrid showed the cage he had brought. Sarah the Occamy lay curled up inside, content with her current space. Alicia tried to ask some more questions about the date of the execution and who would be there, but she saw that it pained him to talk about it. So she stopped and told him instead about the many letters the magizoölist had sent to assure them he would take good care of Sarah. It seemed to work.

The meeting took place in the Three Broomsticks, where they met up with a skinny man with a mop of dark brown hair and a styled beard. He dressed eccentric, as many people noticed in the pub, but he didn't seem to mind the stares. It actually felt good to have someone so expressive and friendly, it sparked Alicia's confidence he was a good man for the job.

They took some time looking at and discussing Sarah. He asked a lot of questions and dotted everything down. Alicia had read up on the creatures after she had found Sarah and could answer everything he wanted to know.

'You are a bright witch, you are. If you are still looking for a job after school…I could use a partner as clever as you,' he offered. Alicia blushed slightly at his offer but told him the offer she already had. He seemed impressed by it, but offered his contact details anyway might she change her mind. It was a good confidence boost.

When he left with Sarah both Alicia and Hagrid had a hard time saying goodbye. Alicia bought them butterbeers and made sure to keep talking happy stuff with Hagrid. He also seemed to trust the man, and so they were confident Sarah would be fine.

Alicia announced she had another appointment and Hagrid made sure she didn't feel bad about leaving. 'Go, I'll be fine,' he told her. 'Thank you for everything Alicia. You always know how to cheer me up.'

She patted his shoulder. 'I'll visit you before it happens. I'll be there, promise.' She was about to walk out, when a familiar figure walked into the pub. She straight away had an idea.

'Hello professor,' she said as he hung his coat by the door.

'Hello again Alicia. How is your day so far?' Remus asked pleasantly.

'It's been good, but I feel bad about leaving Hagrid. He is in a depressed state because of Buckbeak. You said you wanted to catch up with him…' she tried carefully. He held up his hand. 'You need to say no more. But you aren't staying?' It pained her, but if she stayed longer she might not leave at all. 'No sorry. Also don't tell Hagrid I asked you to talk to him. He will feel like a pity case.'

He nodded. 'Understood.'

'Great! I'll see you later then. At the N.E.W.T.S. probably,' she said with a pained voice.

'I hope you are prepared. But in all fairness, I think you are,' he assured her. She smiled at him and left him with Hagrid.

First she went to an old pawn shop in a side alley that students usually didn't visit. She tried out a couple of second hand wands and picked a black square-ish wand with a unicorn hair core and some form of runes edged into the sides. It responded well to her touch and also seemed capable of great power.

After she got the wand she went shopping for food and some medical supplies. Everything was stuffed in a basket she carried on her arm. Once she was in a back alley, she used a disillusionment charm and practically disappeared. It was a short walk across a grassy hill towards the Shack. It was standing completely apart from anything else. She could see a tiny graveyard on one side, with three crosses sticking out of the ground.

The only problem she found when she examined the house, is that the door was completely sealed off. Literally, someone had put a brick wall where the door opening should be. The windows were boarded up too. The only open spot was a hole in the roof. Deciding that was her best option, she tore a patch of grass and dirt around her open with magic and forced it to levitate. Her makeshift elevator brought her to the opening in the roof, where she jumped in and landed badly on her ankle.

'Damn! That was a bigger jump then I thought,' she exclaimed, chagrined with herself. As she rubbed her ankle she heard a growl coming from the stairs. On the landing below her stood a big black dog. He was growling like he was ready to jump on her.

Alicia placed her hands on her hips. 'Now, is that any way to greet a visitor?'

The dog stopped growling, licked his mouth and slowly turned into the shape of a man. 'Why did you come back? If anyone saw you-,'

Alicia stepped down with a sigh. 'Oh yes I skipped all the way over here singing I'm going to Sirius Black in a high pitched voice. Brought my buddies the dementors too.' She had passed him in the hallway and didn't see his amused expression. 'Come on, I come bearing gifts.'

'My favourite kind of visitor,' Sirius joked as he followed her. Alicia stepped into the bedroom and fixed two broken chairs and a table. She set them up in a corner and placed her basket on top. 'So, when is the last time you ate?'

He shrugged. 'I hunt to eat. It's not much but I survived on less.'

'So I guess you don't want this, then?' She removed the upper cloth to reveal a freshly baked apple pie. 'Just got this home-made pie from the bakery. Interested?'

He positively started drooling at the sight of the pie. 'Please,' he whimpered. She smiled and gave him the pie. There was no need for cutlery, he dived in like a starved man. Alicia waited patiently as he worked away the pie at an incredible speed.

'I also brought a water bottle with a refilling charm, canned food and some fresh fruit. I also have this,' she took out a small cooking pan, 'I don't know if you want to cook some of the food, that is up to you. But here you go.'

Sirius looked astounded. 'Thank you. I was having some problems with finding fresh water. All of it, actually.'

'I wasn't finished yet, you can thank me at the end. I also brought you these.' Next came out some jars and flasks. 'Potions and ointments to heal your wounds. I noticed last time your skin is torn and chafed and you have bitemarks. Of course this won't help any serious infections or illness, but at least you can give your skin a bit of a rest. The potion is a painkiller.'

There was a row of items on the table now. Sirius' hands were still dirty with pie, but he had stopped eating to watch everything that came out of the basket. 'How can I ever-,'

She stopped him. 'Still not done. I have a good finale.' She gave him an intense look as he cleaned his fingers and sat still, like a child waiting for his Christmas present. 'Now this is the tricky part. Because there is still a chance you have been lying to me all this time and you really are dangerous and prepared to kill me or others.' He sat perfectly still, listening intently. 'So some might think me crazy for giving a wanted murderer a weapon, but here I am. I trust you, Sirius.'

She took out the wand from the basket and handed it over. He held out both his hands like he was carrying something breakable. He stared down at the wand for a long moment before he grabbed it in his hand and started feeling the magic pulse from him to the wand. On contact, the tip lit up with some sparks.

'You gave me a wand,' he whispered, still admiring it. She nodded. 'It's a second hand. London was a bit far away. But I think it will do fine. Give it a try.'

Sirius found a piece of paper on the ground, probably an aged newspaper, and said: incendio! The paper caught on fire immediately.

'Straight up destroying things,' Alicia couldn't help but say. He looked at her and smiled. 'Sorry. Old habits. Here, watch this. Reparo!' The fire stopped and the paper grew to its original size. Even the ink came back. It revealed to be a newspaper from 1962.

'That works well. It seems to agree with you,' Alicia noticed.

He caressed the wand like it was a loved one. 'It is raw and unpredictable. Perfect for me.'

The one moment he was smiling, the next he grew grim. He placed the wand carefully on the table. 'It's too much. I can't take it.'

'Don't be silly. You need all of this. When you face Peter you need a wand. The rest speaks for itself. I only wish I could do more.'

'More? More? Alicia, no one has done so much for me in…well at least twelve years. Your kindness and faith in me exceeds all possible expectations. You are extraordinary.'

She huffed. 'Are you serious?'

He sat still, blinked twice, and then said: 'Yes I am.' A devilish grin came on his face.

Alicia wanted to face-slap herself at his stupid joke, but suddenly remembered something. 'That's it! That's what he was responding to!'

'Who did what now?'

She laughed. 'A little while ago I said the same thing to Remus, and he looked around expectantly. I bet you made that joke all the time!' Sirius laughed. 'All those years and Moony still can't handle hearing 'are you serious'. Legendary.'

They laughed together for a moment. 'I think he will be delighted to have his friend back. He talks so often about the Marauders. Well, to me he does.'

Sirius giggled. 'Bet he does. We had enough adventures to last a lifetime in those years. At some point we decided to make a map-,'

'I solemnly swear I'm up to no good. Yeah, I saw it.'

Sirius raised an eyebrow. 'How could Moony still have it? We lost it to Filch in our last year.'

It was Alicia's time to be confused. 'Well, I don't know actually. I think he got it from Harry just recently. How Harry got it, I have no idea.'

'Hmm. Potentially dangerous that thing is. I bet Filch never figured out how to unlock it.'

They talked for a bit, but Alicia explained she couldn't stay long because last time everyone was out looking for her. She told him about all the detention and her wonderful evening with Snape.

'Ha! Snivellus the teacher! These poor, poor students, having to listen to that slimy git. So if you kept changing teachers, did Moony also give you detention?'

'Yes. Snape wanted two days, but Remus saved my ass,' she told him, a little wary.

'Did you have sex during detention?'

'I'm so not telling you!'

'So you did. Man, Moony is on fire! Never thought he would grow up to be the best Marauder. Also, I don't pity you anymore for the detention you served. You had a pretty… let's say… happy ending.'

'You are the worst,' Alicia grumbled. She was about to get up when he placed his hand on her arm. 'Don't leave just yet. I wanted to ask you a question.'

'As long as you stop asking questions about me and Remus,' she told him. His face grew solemn, and she knew it was about something else. 'I need information. I want to time this thing right. But you should not ask me too many questions, okay? Actually, don't ask questions at all.'

Alicia sighed. 'Okay, promise. What do you need to know?'

'When is the hippogriff getting chopped up?'

Of all the questions he could ask, this one surprised her the most. 'Uhh next week Friday. At sundown. Wh-,'

'No questions, you agreed,' Sirius quickly said. His dirty finger was on her lips and she resisted the urge to slap him away. 'Fine. I kind of wanted to bring soap too, but I suppose there is no use in that. You will just get dirty living in a place like this.'

Sirius grinned and took his hand back. 'Very true. Believe me, I'd rather be my charming self again. Haven't seen that version of me for a while. But now is not the time for manicures. I think you should go now, before people start missing you again.'

Alicia stood up. 'You are right. Well, this has been…fun I guess.'

He stood up too, and to her great surprise he hugged her. 'Definitely fun. It almost feels like I'm sane again.'

She laughed and pulled back from the hug. 'I don't think I will visit again. I hope you will get what you want soon. Maybe one day we can be friends.'

He grinned a charming smile. 'I would like that.'

He accompanied her up the stairs and saw her off through the hole in the roof. Alicia returned quickly to the village.

Everything became hectic when the exams started. Alicia studied more than she had ever done before, and still she felt unsure. There was so much material they could get questioned on. She had read and reread complete books from third and fourth year in case there were tiny details she had missed.

Some subjects gave her more stress than others. Astrology, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures were all subjects she felt pretty good about. But the remaining ones, Transfiguration, History of Magic and Potions were the ones she was stressing about. Potions had always been a well-going class, up until Snape decided to hate her and continue to try and get her in trouble. She needed to make sure there was no room for error, so she mainly studied that subject.

Monday and Tuesday went by in a blur, but it left Alicia with a good enough feeling. Michelle and Elena felt good too, but Sophia had always been bad at Charms. Alicia was mostly looking forward to Wednesday, because the Care of Magical Creatures exam was happening that day. Hagrid still felt terrible, but he knew the N.E.W.T.S. were important so he faked his enthusiasm. There were also two judges present, someone from the Ministry who worked in the disposal section and a Magizoölist. Naturally, the Magizoölist and Hagrid weren't too interested in the third exterminator his opinion.

First off Alicia was led to an enclosure with bowtruckles in them who were defending the tree they were sitting in. It was the task to distract them to retrieve branches for wand-making. Next, there was an angry fire crab that was setting the forest on fire. Alicia knew just how to handle him and got praising words from the judges. Then she was led to the lake, where she had to find a kelpie and bring it back. When all that was done, the man from the Ministry asked her how to deal with centaurs if they invaded your land.

'You talk to them, because centaurs are sentient beings and not beasts,' she told him defiantly. He scribbled something down but Hagrid looked very pleased.

Her friends hadn't taken that subject, so she would meet up with them in the Hall for lunch. She got a moment alone with Hagrid to assure him she would be there on Friday. He clapped her on the shoulder and urged her back inside before he would cry.

Potions wasn't as bad as she feared. In the end they were asked to make three complicated potions in three hours, but Alicia knew just how to do it. First, she made a schedule. One of the potions needed a long time to sit in between the adding of the ingredients and the stirring phase, so a little time-management seemed like a good choice. It stressed her out every time Snape came near her. She protected her potion like a child. After a couple of attempts to catch her off-guard he got annoyed and left her alone. She succeeded in all three potions, with only a little density issue.

'I'm so done with all of it,' Sophia complained as she fell backwards on her bed. 'Can't it just be over already?'

'One more day Soph. Two more exams. Then we are done,' Michelle told her, but she looked just as exhausted.

'Who planned to do History of Magic on the last day? Honestly…' Alicia chimed in as she rubbed her temples. 'At least it is in the morning. I hope I still have my wits later in the day.'

'Somehow I can't see you failing Defence,' Michelle said chipper. Alicia gave her a look but it only encouraged Michelle. 'You being the top dueller and all.'

'I bet if you duelled Lupin you would still win,' Elena said from her upside-down position on the bed, holding her notes up in the air. Sophia laughed. 'I'd love to see that happen! Can you challenge the teacher for your exam?'

'I don't think so, and I'm not gonna try,' Alicia told them certainly.

'I'd love to see that too,' Michelle continued in her 'I'm going to be annoying' voice. 'I bet you would end up on top.'

Alicia nearly choked. She tried to calm herself down and drink some tea as Elena fuzzed over her. She gave Michelle a deadly glare, she winked back and the conversation was over.

When Alicia woke up on Friday, she knew it would be long and eventful. First, she had to sit through the most boring exam of all. Then she had to sit through an exam with Remus. Then she had to calm Hagrid while his Hippogriff got slaughtered. And tomorrow was the full moon. Not that she had to do anything, but she wanted to give Remus some form of comfort. She actually considered going to the Shack in the evening and asking Sirius if they could help Remus. Later on she remembered that he now had the Wolfsbane potion again and would remember everything from that night. So, there was nothing she could do but wait it out.

History of Magic was everything they were afraid of. It was deadly silent in the Great Hall as they took their exams. Every once in a while you could hear someone having a mental breakdown. Alicia fought through, and hoped she knew enough to pass.

The Hall was quickly rearranged for lunch, and then back again for their DADA exam. One student at a time would come in and have to duel a member of the judges. There was a line of nervous students waiting in the Entrance Hall. When the second student came out he looked very perplexed, and Alicia could swear his ears looked twice their normal size.

'What happened?' someone asked him.

'I…I duelled Professor Lupin.'

There was a lot of confusion. 'You can ask him too? I thought it was just the Ministry people!'

'Well I shouldn't have. He is clearly way stronger than the others.'

'Miss Alicia Doreen?' a witch said from the entrance to the Hall. Alicia stood up and walked over to her. She passed Michelle, who gave her a challenging look.

The massive doors closed behind her and silence returned to the room. As she followed the witch, she noticed four other Ministry people, at least one an Auror, sitting behind a table. Remus was also behind the table, but he was drinking some water and looking a bit tired. Oh right. He is tired and he still beat the crap out of Justin.

'Welcome Alicia,' said another voice. In her quick scan of the room she had missed the flamboyantly dressed Professor Dumbledore, sitting a little to the left. 'Professor Dumbledore? I didn't know you attended the N.E.W.T.S.'

There was a twinkle in his eye when he leaned forward. 'Ah I was curious. Simply couldn't resist to be a part of these tests. Also, I wish to see how the students grow. And it so happens I like Defence Against the Dark Arts the most. Are you ready for your test?'

She nodded. 'Yes professor.'

'Then you may pick anyone from this room to duel,' he told her. That surprised her even more. Did that mean…you could duel Dumbledore? She wasn't stupid enough to challenge what many called the greatest wizard currently alive, but the possibility interested her.

Then her eyes roamed over the other options. Clearly the witch was an option too, and she looked rather weak with her old glasses and dusty robes. But looks were very deceiving, and she could put money on it that this woman was exceptionally skilled. The other men looked quite similar, all wearing neat robes and straight haircuts. What some people might think is impressive, she ruled out as a threat. They were too neat to be good fighters. They were bureaucrats.

So, they were the easy pick. Then, of course, she could do what Michelle wanted her to do. In her mind that wasn't fair though. He was already having a rough day, why make it worse?

'Calculating your options, miss Doreen?' Dumbledore asked.

'Sorry sir. I'll make a choice.'

'Professor Lupin told me you are the best dueller of the class,' he said back with a smile. She could see Remus smile too. 'That's very kind of him, sir.'

'Indeed, and probably true. I hope you are not making this exam too easy on yourself. You should look for the challenge, if you truly want to prove yourself.'

Alicia couldn't help but laugh. 'I don't mind a challenge, but there is wisdom in knowing when you are out of reach. I'm sorry professor. I won't pick you. Unless you assure me I pass simply by trying.'

Some of the Ministry men looked shocked, whereas Dumbledore just looked amused. 'I'm afraid I can't do that, no matter how much I would like to see your skill up close. The last student challenged Professor Lupin. He failed. Do you think you can succeed?'

Sometimes it was like he could read minds, and it was very scary. But she couldn't see a way around it. 'I think I can. Professor Lupin, I challenge you.'

He got up from his chair. 'You are making me work today, Headmaster,' he said lightly. He donned his cape again and stepped in front of the table, opposite Alicia. She got her wand out and donned her Hogwarts robe as well. Was it getting hotter in the room or was she getting more uncomfortable?

There was the traditional bow, then the stepping away and raising the wands.

'Take your positions. In three, two, one…' one of the men said.

'Stupify!' Remus said as he quickly fired the first offensive spell. Shielding charms weren't hard for her anymore; she could do them non-verbally. She easily blocked his spell and fired a Slicing charm back in his direction. He parried it and continued to fire three spells in rapid succession. First off it seemed like he would go easy on her, but she quickly realised he would not do that. He was increasing his pace, making her work for it. They had circled each other fully and were using all the available ground. He tried to push her against the table with the judges to get her distracted and cornered, but she wouldn't let him. She had gotten very creative with levitation charms. She quickly enlarged a stone on the floor and then made it give her a boost so she could jump high away.

Remus was dazed for a moment and she used it to fire a spell at his shoulder. It hit him and he started bleeding.

'Sorry,' she said simply.

He did some healing spells and was back. 'Sorry you didn't aim for someplace more lethal?'

She rolled her eyes. 'I'm not trying to kill you Rem-professor.'

She didn't dare to look at Dumbledore or the others, so figured it was better to continue their fight. She was throwing a lot of complex spells his way, showing off all she had learned over the years. Remus didn't seem slowed down by her many attempts.

He found a hole in her attack and threw his own spells at her. She could see how Justin had failed, he was really, really good. Then she remembered he had already fought in a war. Of course he was good, or he wouldn't be alive!

It had taken more than ten minutes, and she could feel a stitch in her side. She needed to end it or she would make mistakes. The jumping trick seemed to work last time, so she wanted to use that again. All she needed was a distraction.

'Incendio!' Alicia screamed, to make absolutely certain everyone knew what was coming. A yet of fire came from her wand and launched at her boyfriend. Remus seemed ready.

'Aguamenti!' he said back, making sure the fire wouldn't reach him. As the water reached the fire, great clouds of steam were rising between them. For a moment, the opponents couldn't see each other. This was her moment.

She did the same trick with enlarging a rock with Engorgio and used it as a step up into the air. She turned around in the air, making her legs swing up and over Remus. In the smoke he could only see her long hair tangling somewhere above him, but he was too slow to react. When the smoke cleared, Alicia was behind Remus and he could feel the tip of her wand in his neck.

'Got you,' she taunted.

Both of them were breathing heavily. For a moment that was all the sound in the Hall. Then she heard clapping behind her, and figured she could let Remus go. Dumbledore was giving her a standing ovation.

'Splendid Alicia, splendid! Such clever tricks you have. You are an excellent dueller,' he praised.

Alicia bowed and took in the happy faces of the judges. They were all taking notes. Dumbledore leaned in over the table. 'Did you ever think about a career where you can use those skills?'

There was water on the table which she happily drunk. 'I'm sure they come in handy when one is trying to control dragons.' Dumbledore didn't seem content with that answer. 'But if you had to fight, would you?'

She cocked her head to the side, wondering what he was asking her. Remus came up next to her to drink water too. 'I'm sure she will do wonderfully in Romania. But it is always good to be ready to defend yourself. Remember what you have learned when one of those creatures is threatening you. It might save your life.'

She just nodded and left it at that. Remus told her how proud he was of his student and that she was dismissed. She thanked the judges and turned to leave. When she came closer to the doors she noticed that they weren't completely closed. The door stood slightly ajar, and a couple dozen faces were peering in. Alicia blushed and smiled at her classmates.

'No peeking! Do that again and we consider it cheating!' the witch shrieked as they all dispersed. The next student was called in and the doors closed.

'That was incredible!'

'You floored Lupin!'

'You are so brilliant Nessie!'

'Thanks guys,' she said uneasily. 'It was pretty awesome, I must admit that.'

'Did I see Dumbledore in there?' Michelle asked as she pushed forward in the crowd. Alicia nodded. 'Yeah, and you can challenge him to. So if anyone wants to take over my fame…that's the way to do it!'

Some laughed nervously, others looked scared. No one was stupid enough to challenge him.

'Well, you did it,' Michelle said proudly when everyone was back to their own nervous state. 'You challenged Lupin and you won.' Alicia placed her arm around her friend. 'I couldn't have done it without your trust in me.' They laughed and waited out the rest of the people taking their exams.