I do not own Harry Potter. Charlotte Potter and Tommy Nickerson are my OCs.
Of O.W.L.s and Dangerous Dreams
"He did what?!"
"Shh!" hissed Charlie, gesturing for Ron to stay quiet. She glanced around the courtyard in which they were gathered, but there was still no one around to overhear them. "He brought his half-brother back with him and is hiding him in the Forbidden Forest."
Ron buried his face into his hands and moaned in despair. "I can't believe him. And you said we'd teach—what's his name?"
"Grawp," supplied Harry.
"You said we'd teach Grawp English? Are you mad?"
"Little bit," admitted Charlie. "But you should have seen him, Ron. He didn't look good and I couldn't say no."
"Besides, we only have to do so if Umbridge fires him," spoke Hermione. "If he can hang on until the end of term, we don't have to do anything."
"Well," muttered Ron miserably, "there goes my good mood."
Though Ravenclaw had ended up winning the Quidditch Cup, it had been a very close match, and Ron was very proud of his performance. So were the Gryffindors, and they took every moment to congratulate him. Ron chatted about his saves to his friends whenever there was a lull in conversation. But now that the situation with Hagrid and Grawp had been revealed, he was drastically brought back to reality.
"Hermione's right, we don't have to worry about Grawp at the moment," reasoned Charlie. "We do, on the other hand, have to stress like crazy for our O.W.L.s."
"Hooray," said Harry in a monotone voice.
…
Charlie couldn't remember a time when she had been genuinely stressed over school. When she attended the same elementary school as Dudley, her aunt and uncle got angry when she did better than him. So she dumbed down her work to meet his level, and thus didn't have much to worry about. When she got to Hogwarts, she was finally able to reach her full potential, but she hadn't stressed over it.
Until now, anyway.
Perhaps it was the atmosphere that was causing her to panic about the upcoming exams. The fifth and seventh-years were in full studying mode, crowding the library, common rooms and corridors, pouring over textbooks and notes with a sense of urgency. Classes were now devoted to revision, with only one pause during Charms for Flitwick to explain the procedure for O.W.L.s and let the students copy down their exam schedule.
"You will have two successive weeks in which to do your Ordinary Wizard Levels," he spoke, standing at the front of the room. "You will take your theory papers in the morning and your practical exams in the afternoon. The only exception is your practical Astronomy, which will of course take place at night."
"I'm going to die," whispered Ron, staring glumly at the schedule.
"I don't think I need to inform you that cheating is strictly forbidden, but I shall do so anyway. Auto-Answer Quills, Remembralls and Self-Correcting Ink are banned from the examination hall, and there are strong anti-cheating spells applied to the exams. Our new Headmistress would like us to remind you that anyone who tries to cheat will be dealt with severely, for their actions will reflect poorly on her—"
"Tyranny?" offered Charlie innocently, causing her peers to burst into laughter.
Flitwick shot her reproving look, but there was a glint of amusement in his blue gaze. "Regime, Miss Potter. But I know we will have no problems from this group. You can expect your O.W.L. results in July. Study hard and do your best."
Their first exam was Theory of Charms. Charlie was curled up in one of the sofas in the Ravenclaw common room, textbook propped open in her lap, eyes darting back and forth as she devoured the highlighted pieces of information.
"Yo, Charlotte."
Leaning her head backwards so that it hung over the arm of the couch, she regarded sixth-year Eddie Carmichael from her upside-down viewpoint. "What's up?"
"I've got some spare Brain Elixir. I can sell it to you on a discount." He dangled the glass vial in a tempting manner. "You'll get to skip the boring studying."
"Eddie, where did you get Brain Elixir?"
"I have my sources," he said vaguely.
"Oh, please." Tommy looked up from where he had been doing his own studying, feet propped up on the table. "You've been in this castle for the past ten months and Umbridge has been inspecting every piece of mail that comes and goes. That's probably some melted chocolate mixed with something to make it taste nasty."
"I suggest you get rid of the evidence before Hermione gets back," replied Charlie, returning to her reading. "She already nailed Harold Dingle for trying to sell a supposed powdered dragon claw."
"A guy try to makes an honest dollar," grumbled Eddie, reluctantly shuffling towards the boys' washrooms to dispose of his homemade Brain Elixir.
"Try being more honest in your next endeavor!" called Tommy with a laugh.
The studying continued until dinner, where everyone reluctantly set their books down and set off for the Great Hall. Charlie waved Hermione ahead, wanting to finish the chapter she was on. She set off out of the common room ten minutes later, stomach growling.
When she reached the Entrance Hall, it was to see Umbridge speaking with a small group of witches and wizards who looked like they had lived for over a century. Figuring them to be the examiners, Charlie walked down the marble steps, eyeing them curiously.
"Your journey here was pleasant, I hope," spoke Umbridge, and Charlie felt a flare of satisfaction at the nervous expression on her face.
"We've taken it many times, it's no different than before," spoke a tiny witch with stooped shoulders. Charlie remembered Neville talking about Griselda Marchbanks being the head of Wizarding Examinations Authority, and figured that the small witch was her. "It's been a while since I heard from Dumbledore. Still hasn't been found, then?"
"No," said Umbridge in a tight voice, and she shot a glare of pure hatred towards Charlie as she passed by to get into the Great Hall. "But I'm sure the Ministry will find him soon enough."
"Oh, I doubt that," replied Marchbanks. "I examined Dumbledore myself many a year ago. He did amazing things with his wand in Transfiguration and Charms, things I've never imagined before. You won't find him."
Grinning, Charlie stepped into the Great Hall as Umbridge seemed to be at a loss of what to say next.
Ma'am, I like you. I like you a lot.
…
After breakfast Monday morning, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Charlie lingered in the Entrance Hall with the rest of the fifth and seventh-years as the other students headed to classes.
"This is intimidating," whispered Harry, watching as his fellow peers muttered spells and other facts and figures rapidly in low tones.
"Fifth-year Hufflepuffs and Slytherins, Charms class, please proceed into the Great Hall and take a seat," McGonagall, their staff supervisor, called, her voice magically amplified.
"See on the other side," whispered Ron as a nervous Harry shuffled into Great Hall.
Soon they were all seated inside the Great Hall, which was set up in an exact manner to how it appeared in Snape's Pensieve. Charlie and Hermione sat two seats apart, and Ron and Harry managed to get seats diagonally from each other. When everyone was seated and quiet, McGonagall flipped over the large hourglass resting on the desk beside her and instructed them to begin.
Taking a quick, calming breath, Charlie flipped over her exam paper and read the first question, which asked her to describe the wand movement and write out the incantation for a spell that made objects fly.
It was not something she had revised thoroughly, but a quick image of a club soaring into the air and slamming into the skull of troll flashed through her mind. She grinned and immediately started writing, quill skittering across her parchment.
Well, Quirrell, you're still not fully forgiven, but I think I can let the troll incident pass.
Two hours later, she rejoined her friends in the Entrance Hall, where Hermione fretted until Ron told her in exasperation to knock it off. They studied until lunch, where the Great Hall was temporarily reverted to its normal state, and entered the chamber adjoined to the Great Hall afterwards. They were to wait until they were called in for their practical examination, and it was a while before it was Charlie's turn.
Flitwick directed her to Professor Tofty, who was bald and looked very old. She approached his small desk and folded her hands in front of her. "Ah, Charlotte Potter," he said, looking up from his notes with a crooked smile. "It's an honour to meet you."
Smash!
Charlie shifted her gaze to the side, unable to hide her smile at the broken wine glass that rested near Pansy's feet. The girl, who was being tested by Marchbanks directly next to them, cast Charlie a brief, scathing glare.
"That's the way," said Tofty encouragingly, mistaking her smile of amusement for confidence. "No need to be nervous, just do the best you can. Let's start by turning this rat orange."
She went through the Charms carefully and with precision, and by the end Tofty had an impressed smile on his face. "Very good, Miss Potter, very good! You may leave."
Well, that's one down, she thought as she left, ready to prepare for her next test.
In the practical exam for Transfiguration the following day, she had just Vanished her ferret when there was a cacophony of squawking. Something solid struck her in the back and she fell to the ground with a startled yelp. She turned around and stared with wide eyes at the flock of bright pink flamingoes that charged through the hall, causing the examiners and students to hastily get out of their way.
"My word!" exclaimed Tofty, getting shakily to his feet.
"Everyone into the chamber!" ordered McGonagall, hastily stepping aside to avoid an eccentric flamingo from running into her. "The examination is halted temporarily and you will be called back in once these birds are removed!"
Charlie locked eyes on Hannah Abbott, who was slumped on the floor with her hands covering her face. There was no ferret on the desk and the raven-haired girl immediately figured out where the flamingoes had come from.
She crawled over to the mortified girl and tapped her on the shoulder. Hannah peeked through her fingers; eyes wet with tears. "I'm a moron," she croaked.
"You're not," said Charlie instantly. "You panicked, that's all."
"I'm going to fail," she said miserably.
"You kidding? I wouldn't be surprised if you get points for creativity. I don't even know how to Transfigure a ferret into a flock of flamingoes."
Hannah burst into laughter and wiped her eyes. "Neither do I, really."
They stood up just as McGonagall approached them. "Go wash your face and calm yourself. You'll continue your practical once we are ready to continue," she said to Hannah.
The Hufflepuff hesitated. "I can help. It's my fault."
"Never mind, child. It's not the worse we've faced during O.W.L.s and it won't be the last mistake. You're doing fine."
Hannah gave a small smile and left to go collect herself. Charlie hurried towards the chamber to wait, hastily jumping aside to avoid getting struck by an out-of-control flamingo.
Her Herbology exam went pretty well, and after all the studying she put into Defense Against the Dark Arts she nailed the paper. The practical exam went just as well and she performed all the counter-jinxes and defensive spells, aware of Umbridge watching from the Great Hall doors.
"Wonderful!" exclaimed Tofty, who was once more her examiner. "That is all, Potter, but if you don't mind, I heard from my old friend Tiberius Ogden that you can cast a full Patronus. Would you mind showing me, for a bonus point?"
"Sure." Charlie lifted her wand, cast a cool glance at the observing Umbridge and said, "Expecto patronum!"
Her silver unicorn burst from the tip of her wand and galloped the length of the hall. Delighted with her display, Tofty applauded her and sent her on her way. When she passed by Umbridge, the woman cast her a nasty, tight-lipped smile, and she responded with a wide grin of her own.
Sorry, Umbridge, but I just scored an Outstanding. Say hello to the future Auror that will bring you down.
Her Ancient Runes exam went well, though her spirits fell when she heard Umbridge screeching about another Niffler being let into her office. She knew the woman would try to find a way to blame Hagrid, even though he was currently teaching a class.
Potions went well and the second it was over she focussed on studying for two exams; Divination and Care of Magical Creatures. Her Care of Magical Creatures exam was first and after the theory paper she went outside for the afternoon practical. Hagrid watched anxiously from his hut window, and once Charlie finished all the tasks given to her, she gave Hagrid a confident smile as she made her way back to the castle.
Wednesday morning was devoted to the Astronomy exam and she would have to wait until the evening for the practical. The afternoon would be spent in her Divination exam, which held no theory paper, since most of Divination was hands-on work. She sat across from Marchbanks, a crystal ball in front of her and tea-leaves nestled at the bottom of a teacup.
She mixed Firenze's teachings with everything Trelawney had taught her since third year. She did not attempt to make images appear in the blank crystal ball. She focussed on what she was feeling and spoke of what those feelings caused her think of. She seriously considered the tea leaves and made her predictions accordingly, and used the same method when it came to palm reading.
At the end, Marchbanks regarded her with a sense of impressed awe. "If I am to be honest, I never did hold much stock in Divination. But I must say, you have caught on to these teachings and practices very well. It's not easy to teach such a subject."
"I learned from the best," she replied. "Professors Trelawney and Firenze are great."
"I remember seeing Professor Firenze," said Marchbanks, mildly perplexed. "But I don't recall seeing Professor Trelawney. What happened to her?"
"Wrongful termination," answered Charlie, and she left.
At eleven o'clock that night, Charlie, Hermione, Ron and Harry made their way to the Astronomy Tower. The sky was full of sparkling silver stars and cloudless, so they had a clear view of the constellations they needed to record on their star chart.
She had just completed filling out Orion when the doors directly below her flew open, causing light to spill out onto the grass. Distracted, she glanced down the parapet. Six shadowy figures stepped out of the castle and before she could get a good look the doors shut, plunging everything back into darkness.
Blinking, Charlie raised her telescope to work on the positions of Mars and Venus. But she found her attention brought back to the people striding across the lawn, and with a jolt of her heart she realized one of them was Umbridge.
Oh no.
Star chart forgotten, she watched helplessly through the telescope as they walked straight for Hagrid's hut. Fang's barking could be heard after one of them knocked on the door, and Hagrid's large form passed by the window of his hut. The door opened and the six people filed inside.
Biting down on her bottom lip, she reluctantly lifted her telescope and started labelling the rest of the planets, quill moving hastily across the parchment.
BANG!
Ignoring the startled shouts of her peers, Charlie practically whipped the telescope back to stare at Hagrid's hut. He had burst out, the light spilling out through the doorway and illuminating his massive form. The six figures were quick to follow him and streams of red light shot towards Hagrid, but the Stunning spells were not working, thanks to his giant blood.
No no no no.
"Come now, boys and girls, you don't have much time left," prompted Tofty.
But no one seemed to care about the exam. All were concentrating on what was going on below.
"Yeh won' take me like this!" roared Hagrid.
Barking fiercely, Fang bounded out from the cabin to defend his master. He was struck by a Stunning spell and immediately crumpled to the ground. Furious, Hagrid let out a shout as he charged at the one who struck his dog. He lifted the man into the air and tossed him to the ground, where he rolled twice and did not get up.
The castle doors flew open once more and McGonagall stormed out. "You cowards, leave him alone!" she shouted. "He's done nothing wrong—!"
She was immediately cut off when four Stunners struck her in the chest. McGonagall fell to the ground, unmoving, and Charlie stared numbly.
"How dare they!" exclaimed Tofty, now transfixed on the events. "Four on one! That's despicable!"
The fall of McGonagall was the last straw for Hagrid. In only a few swiped he knocked out the rest of the Ministry workers. He picked up Fang and raced for the gates, soon disappearing in the darkness, leaving Umbridge's furious shouts the only sound in the night air.
"Five minutes left," said Tofty weakly.
At that moment, rage erupted through Charlie, whose eyes were fixed on McGonagall's prone figure. The telescopes crumpled and shattered, leaving the students to scramble away with cries of shock.
"What in Merlin's name?" cried Tofty.
Hermione reached up to squeeze Charlie's wrist. The girl took a quick breath, screwing her eyes shut and trying to calm down. The rage ebbed just as Tofty repaired the telescopes, bewilderedly instructing them to get back to work.
They finished their exam and filed out of the Astronomy Tower.
"I can't believe her," said Ron, trembling with rage.
"She probably ambushed him to avoid a scene like Trelawney," muttered Harry in disgust.
"It's good that he escaped," said Hermione shakily. "I suppose he's gone to join Professor Dumbledore now. But we've lost another thanks to Umbridge. She's taking over the castle."
"No, she's not," said Charlie darkly. "Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid didn't get taken by the Ministry. Trelawney is still here and Firenze is still teaching. The students are against her, the Slytherins are outnumbered. She's not winning. She's not going to win."
"But what about McGonagall?" asked Ron urgently.
"I finished last, so I took a peek to see what was up," voiced Harry. "She didn't look good, but Flitwick, Snape and Sinistra carried her back inside the castle."
"Pomfrey will sort her out," said Ron in a hopeful voice. "She always sorts people out."
"I hope so," said Charlie feelingly. "Good night, guys. See you tomorrow."
Bidding goodbye, they went their separate ways, none of them in any mood to study for their final exam, History of Magic. Thankfully, it wasn't until the afternoon, so the next morning Charlie slept until breakfast, where she ate a quick meal and did some last-minute revision.
At two o'clock, the fifth-years entered the Great Hall and took their seats. Marchbanks instructed them to begin and turned over the hourglass. Charlie locked her eyes on her exam paper and moved through the questions, writing paragraphs of information and feeling some relief that this would be the last time she would take a History of Magic exam.
I'll ace this exam for you, Professor Binns, but I'm afraid this is about as much as troll and goblin wars I can take.
She paused on the question asking what about trolls had caused a breach to come between Pierre Bonaccord and Liechtenstein. She gazed blankly ahead, staring at the slowly trickling hourglass as she attempted to bring the information from the depths of her mind…
The corridor was cool and dark, and the Department of Mysteries was just ahead. She walked with a purposeful stride, intent on finally making it to her destination…
Her mental blocks went up, subconsciously, and she was thrust back into reality with a sharp jolt. Heart pounding fiercely in her chest, Charlie breathed heavily, in slight awe that she had actually managed to guard her mind against the dreams and visions. She supposed she really did need to want it to happen—she was in the middle of an exam, and she had no time to partake in these recurring dreams.
She glanced around to see if anyone had noticed her momentary lapse of reality, and her green gaze locked on Harry. He was sitting limp in his seat, face glazed over, quill resting by his exam paper.
Confused, Charlie stared at her brother, not really wanting to contact telepathically, for she was sure it would cause him to startle in such a way that would attract the attention of the examiners.
A stab of fear shot through her gut and she resisted the urge to gasp. Now scared, she stared at her brother, who looked completely withdrawn from reality.
What the heck is going on? He looks like I probably do when—
See, it's Charlotte who Voldemort can connect with.
Remus' voice exploded into her head, and Charlie's eyes widened with horror. No, Voldemort could not directly get into Harry's head. He wasn't connected with him. But he was connected with her, and she was connected with Harry…almost like a telepathic channel.
Another vicious stab of fear went through her and with almost reckless abandon she thrust down her mental shields. She was harshly dragged back into the cavernous room with the glass spheres. She was in the middle of row ninety-seven, her spidery-white finger extended, wand pointing at a writhing figure on the ground.
"I am waiting," she spoke in a cold voice.
The figure sat up, face blood-drenched and twisted with pain, but eyes flashing with defiance. "I'd rather die," declared Sirius.
"I suggest you be careful what you wish for. You will die, but only after you give me what I want. I have all night, Black, and there will be no one to hear your screams."
Another Crucio struck Sirius and Charlie was hollering, her scar burning in pure agony. A sharp pain went through her side and burst her back to reality, laying on the floor of the Great Hall with everyone staring at her in terror. Through the dancing white spots of her vision she could see Professor Tofty shuffling along towards her, face lit with concern, and Harry, slumped over his desk, face stark white.