Chapter Seventeen: H.A.S.T (Hogwarts Approved Standardized Testing) Testing
That special time of the year was upon them, finals.
They were largely practical exams, spells needing to be demonstrated and potions to be made perfectly. And so they were easy enough to deal with, although it was very clear that Hermione flunked Divination. She was nearly hysterical over this fact and had to be sedated.
They were relaxing outside the castle one lunch hour, The four Americans, Hermione, and Ron, lounged against the birch tree as Harry wandered freely when they heard a commotion; Malfoy was harassing Harry once again.
"You and what army Scarhead?" the blond asked maliciously.
"This army." Malfoy paled as he saw the six approach.
"Who are you?" Malfoy spat out.
"His army." Ben said.
"His bodyguards," added Julie.
"His friends," interjected Hermione.
"His family." Ron intoned.
"His parents." Hissed Kevin and Gwen, both stepping forward to get between the boys, "You've got five seconds to run…One…"
"You can't do anything to me!"
"Two…"
"My father's on the board of gover—"
"Three…"
"Harry step back please," Gwen and Kevin readied their wands.
"Four…"
"Malfoy, you bloody idiot, run!"
"Fiv—"
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle fled the scene.
Later that night Harry sat in bed, cuddling his stuffed dragon.
"Harry," Gwen's voice called up the stairs, "Harry," she came into the dormitory and found him, "Harry what's wrong? You didn't come down to dinner," she sat on Ron's bed.
"D-did you guys mean it?"
"Mean what?"
"You and Kevin told Malfoy you've adopted me, did you mean it?"
"Yes of course we did."
"But you're only a few years older than me!"
"Doesn't matter, you have a home with us Harry. We'll protect and provide for you. You're a Tennyson now." She smiled, "and a Levin." She stood up, telling him, "Now come down, we brought you dinner."
He, smiling and nodding happily, jumped up and followed her down.
