A/N: Hi folks! I'm thrilled to have received so may reviews! And, well...sorry for breaking so many hearts :'(
Our story continues, and some questions are going to be answered in this chapter. Let me know what you thought of it!
Chapter 32: The NEWTs
May 27th 1978 (Saturday)
On Saturday morning, Hermione sat with her housemates in the Great Hall. Even though everyone was bursting with anxiety and excitement, she wasn't feeling the thrill of the last Quidditch game of the year.
James had kept their team busy during the past week, and Hermione hadn't really seen the boys without their Quidditch gear on, and when she had, they'd been in the common room, their noses buried in books. She was glad they weren't forgetting their education, even though they were training continuously.
"Hey, you okay?" Sirius murmured beside her, giving her a slight nudge.
Hermione had been pushing the omelette on her plate, not really having the stomach to eat it. It had been like that ever since last week…
She arrived to dinner on Saturday evening, having spent the entire day in the Room of Requirement, walking around Regulus's bedroom, examining his personal items, photographs and various newspaper clippings as well as wandering around in the large Grimmauld Place library, her hands skimming along the spines of the endless rows of books. She'd lain in his bed, breathing in his scent, trying to memorise it, trying to remember how he'd looked like the last time she had woken up in his arms.
As she sat down between Sirius and Mary, to her usual place in the Great Hall, everyone stared at her with careful looks. She sighed inwardly. Lily had informed their group that Hermione had some personal issues, and was joining them to dinner that night. Or so Lily had told her she would say, as they'd exchanged messages through their galleons earlier that day. But she reckoned everyone knew what it was really about. She had been crying, and even though she had tried to glamour her appearance, she hadn't managed to conceal her red nose and blotchy cheeks.
Sirius eyed Hermione with a slight frown as he took in her downcast eyes, the way she pushed the roast chicken and mashed potatoes on her plate, not eating anything. He glanced at the Slytherin table, and saw his brother looking at the table with an empty look in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Hermione." Sirius said quietly, as the others started to chat around them.
Hermione gave him a tight smile, not looking up from the table.
After that, she had focused solely on her NEWTs, revising for the exams several hours every morning, and practicing every afternoon for the practical ones. At mealtimes she occasionally ate, and other times she couldn't, when she knew Regulus was sitting there in the Great Hall. She never looked, but she could feel his eyes on her.
"Yeah, I'm okay." She muttered, giving a quick smile to Sirius.
"Can you do something for me?" Sirius asked quietly.
Hermione turned to look at him with her brows lifted. "Hmm? What is it?" She asked, trying to shrug away the thoughts of Regulus from her mind. It turned out to be much harder than she thought because when she looked at Sirius, she found a familiar pair of piercing grey eyes watching her closely.
Sirius gave her a secretive smile. "Have tomorrow off from studying, yeah? I'll have to show you something…"
Hermione frowned. "Well…The whole day?" She asked warily.
Sirius chuckled. "Yeah, the whole day. Don't worry, I can quiz you," He winked.
"I dunno…" She said hesitantly.
"Please? It's important to me," He said and gave her a sincere smile.
Hermione sighed. "Okay. Even though you haven't even told me what we would be doing…?" She said with an arched brow.
He smirked. "You'll see."
After breakfast, everyone headed towards the Quidditch pitch. The Gryffindor team had left before the rest of the students with a tense looking James leading them out of the Great Hall.
Lily had merely kissed him on the cheek for luck, knowing that she ought not to say anything to him to distract him. Gryffindor had to score at least one hundred and sixty points, in order to win the Quidditch Cup. The Ravenclaw team, that was playing against them, had to secure at least four hundred and twenty points to win the Cup. Otherwise it would be Slytherin to win the Quidditch cup this year. And it was certain that James wasn't going to let that happen, especially on his last year.
The sun was shining brightly, and it was a very warm day. Hermione found at least one positive thing from attending the match – they were sitting so high up, that the wind was blowing a bit, making it much more comfortable.
"Did you already read the book on Cross-Species Transfiguration and Human Transfiguration?" Remus asked as he sat down on the bench next to Hermione.
Lily, Alice, Peter and Mary were situated on the first row, with Hermione and Remus behind them. Hermione could see Lily sitting with her back tense in anticipation, as the Gryffindor team flew to the pitch, followed by the Ravenclaw team. The players were circling the pitch as the Quidditch commentator Jackson Abbott started introducing the players and recounting the league points before everyone took their positions on the pitch.
Hermione turned to Remus. "Yes, actually I did. I think it might be helpful for the NEWTs practical, so…would you like to borrow it?" She asked kindly.
It was a book she'd bought from Tomes and Scrolls last time she had been at the village, and even though McGonagall had insisted that they would find all the necessary information from their schoolbooks and the practices they had done in their Transfiguration lessons, Hermione still wanted to understand the process of Cross-Species and Human Transfiguration more thoroughly.
"Yeah, I would." He said and Mary then turned around and shushed them both.
"The game's beginning. Zip it!" She said with a scolding voice and turned her focus back to the pitch. Hermione and Remus glanced at each other, both suppressing their grins. They all knew Mary was something of a Quidditch fanatic.
"Aaand the game starts with Gryffindor in possession – Potter with the Quaffle, speeding towards the Ravenclaw goalposts – narrowly avoiding a Bludger, sent by Ravenclaw Beater Higgs. Potter passes to Marshall – passes back to Potter – who SCORES!" Abbot exclaimed through the magical megaphone. "That, ladies and gents, has to be the fastest goal yet seen on this pitch!"
Hermione chuckled as she saw her roommates cheering wildly and singing for their team.
"Here comes Gryffindor with the lion's bite – "
"Ravenclaws are terrified and just shite!"
"Ravenclaw grabs the Quaffle – McAdams holding on to it as he makes an impressive dodge when Gryffindor beaters use a Dopplebeater Defence!" Abbott exlaimed. "And to all those who are not so familiar with the Quidditch tactics, it means both Beaters striking a Bludger at the same time, to double the force behind a swing." Abbott explained.
"Gryffindor snatches the Quaffle from Ravenclaw Chaser Jones. Marshall in possession again. Marshall makes a reverse pass to Potter who passes to Williams – GRYFFINDOR SCORES AGAIN!"
Gryffindor fans screamed loudly, singing their song again. Gryffindor was clearly having the upper hand in the game, and proceeded to score several goals, making the game ninety against zero for Gryffindor.
"Gryffindor Chaser Marshall takes a hit from a Bludger but that doesn't slow her down! She's speeding towards the Ravenclaw goal posts with the Quaffle," Abbott exclaimed with anticipation in his voice. "Potter and Williams flying aside her in a triangle shape, and that, my friends, is a perfect Hawkshead Attacking Formation! Aaand GRYFFINDOR SCORES!" Abbott exclaimed. "The game is now one hundred to zero! Gryffindor is on fire today!" He yelled over the singing and cheering.
"To them the Snitch is out of sight."
"And the Quaffle won't go in even a slight."
"We're the ones who gonna party tonight."
Hermione couldn't help but sing and cheer with her friends, as the excitement was contagious. When James scored again, Remus turned to Hermione.
"Hey, could we go to see a couple of apartments in London next week?" He asked, glancing at the game occasionally.
"Oh! Yes, of course! Sorry Remus, I've almost forgotten that we have to actually find the place where we want to move in," she said with an apologetic smile.
Remus laughed. "No worries. I mean, I would've forgotten about it as well if Lily hadn't asked me about my living arrangements the other day…" he said with a shrug.
"Well, I'd like to go." Hermione said, and then frowned. "Do you have some places in mind already? Are we going to take a look at muggle properties or some wizarding ones?"
Remus shrugged. "I think muggle. The wizarding homes tend to be a bit…bigger."
Hermione smiled and nodded. "Muggle is fine. Perhaps we could try to make an appointment with a real-estate agent, to see if someone has time next week?"
"Yeah, that'd be great," He said, and their conversation was cut by a loud cheering by the Gryffindor fans, as their team had yet again scored.
"The game is now one hundred and sixty against twenty, for Gryffindor!" The commentator spoke, while Gryffindor supporters screamed with joy. "Gryffindor team has now gained enough points to win the Quidditch cup, if Ravenclaw don't up their game and score some goals!" Abbott spoke.
Hermione and her friends cheered wildly. The game hadn't ended yet, but they now had a very good chance to win the Cup, as Ravenclaw would've had to make several goals if they were aiming to win.
Then the Snitch made its appearance.
"Gryffindor Seeker Anna Alderton and Ravenclaw Seeker Sam Middleton have spotted the Snitch! How will the game end? Nevertheless, Gryffindor will win the Quidditch Cup if either of them catches the Snitch now!" Abbott exclaimed, and every single student and teacher had stood up, staring breathlessly as the two Seekers soared towards the small golden ball.
"Aaand RAVENCLAW SEEKER CATCHES THE SNITCH! RAVENCLAW WINS THIS MATCH, BUT GRYFFINDOR WINS THE QUIDDITCH CUP!" The commentator yelled, and every Gryffindor supporter was standing, screaming, and running towards the pitch.
Hermione followed her friends and joined them on the pitch, where the Gryffindor team members had landed and were now jumping against each other, in a large group hug, roaring with happiness, cheering with joy, some of them even shedding a few tears.
Lily flung herself at James and snogged him thoroughly there, in the middle of the Quidditch pitch, not caring one bit if someone would have found it indecent. Hermione smiled at the pair, who stared at each other with so much happiness in their eyes, that it was a bit overwhelming.
"Here comes Gryffindor with the lion's bite"
"Ravenclaws are terrified and just shite"
"To them the Snitch is out of sight."
"And the Quaffle won't go in even a slight."
"We're the ones who gonna party tonight."
The Gryffindors sang loudly as they headed towards the castle, occasionally whooping and laughing as they walked towards their common room. James had announced that they would have a party that night in the Gryffindor Tower and everyone was invited. Hermione wondered how in the name of Merlin was he going to fit everyone in there, but reckoned that perhaps they'd just expand the room.
The seventh year Gryffindor girls went to get ready for the party later that afternoon. Everyone wanted to put their best on, since it was their last party in their common room. It was the last time they would get ready together in their dormitory before graduation.
Hermione had opted to borrow a dress from Mary. It was a high neck lace dress in red colour, with a couple of frill layers on the hem. It was far too revealing for her taste, as the hem came only to her mid-thigh. She put on only a light makeup and Alice charmed her hair straight again, pulling it into a low ponytail.
Alice too was wearing a close-fitting red dress with long flare sleeves and high neck. She had a dark, smoky-eye makeup and dark red lips. It was a somewhat daring look for her, as she usually didn't even use makeup. Mary had on a black leather skirt paired with a red, high-neck sleeveless blouse and had curled her dark brown hair into soft ringlets and pinned them up. Lily was wearing an emerald green tassel dress, the colour matching her eyes, which she had accentuated with heavy eyeliner.
When they were ready, the girls joined the others downstairs. The Marauders had indeed expanded the Gryffindor common room, and the large room in red and gold colours had now several new seating areas scattered here and there, a couple of new study nooks between bookshelves, some comfortable armchairs with side tables, a large buffet table, and of course, a proper bar. Many of the seats were taken, and some of the partiers sat on pillows on the floor.
The Marauders had of course reserved the seats in front of the fire, and sat there with the rest of the Quidditch team members. As the girls neared them, James pulled Lily to sit on his lap, while Mary and Alice sat next to him on the couch. Hermione went to the bar to get them drinks. As she grabbed four bottles of Butterbeer, she viewed the room again. She only now noticed that in one corner of the room, partly hidden with a makeshift wall, was a dance floor, where a few Hufflepuff girls were dancing. She smiled to herself as she inspected the room, all its decorations; balloons, disco balls, flags and what not. The buffet table was full of wizarding treats, and the bar was filled with Butterbeers and Firewhiskey.
Hermione was impressed. It must've been a strenuous job to charm and organise all that, and to acquire the foods and drinks. The boys definitely knew how to throw their parties.
She was still smiling as she sat down on another couch next to Peter. Remus was sitting in an armchair to her opposite.
"What's with the look, kitten?" Sirius asked as he plopped next to her on the couch.
Hermione arched a brow at him and shrugged. "Well, I'm just…impressed. By all of this," She said, gesturing to the room.
"Hear that, guys?" Sirius exclaimed to James, Remus and Peter. "Finally, recognition from the great Dumbledore herself!" He said with laughter in his voice.
The Marauders and few others laughed. Hermione punched Sirius on the arm. "Sod off," She grumbled, making him laugh harder.
"So, Remus tells me you two are moving in together…" Sirius said after a moment, eyeing Hermione with a teasing smirk. Every pair of eyes around them whipped to their direction.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes, we are. As roommates." She said pointedly, scowling at Sirius, who grinned mischievously. He obviously knew about the details, but merely wanted to tease her and shock the others.
"I mean, we're both poor and would otherwise have to stay with our parents." Hermione explained, mainly to the girls as she hadn't yet had the time to tell them about it. Truth to be told, she had forgotten about it, as her thoughts had been mulling over her breakup with Regulus.
"That's great," Lily said, beaming at the soon-to-be roommates.
Alice nodded in agreement, smiling at them kindly, while Mary forced a smile and looked away. Hermione frowned a bit. In the midst of her own heartbreak, she had forgotten that Mary was probably still hurt because of her past relationship with Remus.
Mary hadn't really talked about their breakup with the girls. She hadn't actually shown her feelings regarding Remus around the others, and instead she had merely kept a distance and ignored him. But now Hermione could see that she still cared for him, had feelings for him, and based on the subtle glances Remus gave to Mary when she wasn't looking, the feelings seemed mutual.
Hermione sighed inwardly at the complexity of their situation, and briefly wondered if there was something that she could do to make things better.
Later on, the dance floor was packed with dancers gyrating to the disco beat, and James insisted that every one of their group had to dance, and so all the seventh year Gryffindors soon found themselves on the dance floor dancing with each other.
A moment later, someone switched to a slow song, and Hermione stood awkwardly next to Peter and Sirius as others paired up around them. Peter cleared his throat and muttered something about a Butterbeer. Hermione was about to turn and leave the dance floor when Sirius grabbed her hand.
"Hey…dance with me, okay?" He asked with a sincere smile.
Hermione worried her lip.
"It's not polite to keep one waiting," Sirius said and gave her a wink.
With a huff, she took his outstretched hand, and just when he was about to pull her closer, they heard James's voice booming over the music.
"I'll have the prettiest girl in the whole school in my arms!" He exclaimed with a huge grin.
Hermione could see that Lily was eyeing him with a mix of embarrassment and adornment, but the expression was quickly wiped from her face as James walked away from her.
"What – " Hermione started as James approached them and dragged Sirius away.
"Apologies, Hermione." James said with a wink and pulled Sirius into a tight embrace, swaying in the rhythm of the slow song. Sirius burst in laughter and danced with his mate. Everyone near them whooped and cheered as they watched the pair and Lily, who shook her head in exasperation.
Hermione snorted and went to sit down on the couches with Peter and Remus. She had been a bit down during the past week, so the party was exactly what she needed. She needed her friends; she needed their support and their company. She needed their comfort.
The seventh year Gryffindors stayed up until the sun was beginning to rise, and as they were the only ones awake, they went to the balcony to watch the beautiful morning. It was bittersweet, the feeling that these were the last times they would watch the sunrise together from the Gryffindor Tower, their last moments when they would be mere students, and not yet shouldering the responsibilities of adulthood that came after leaving the school.
May 28th 1978 (Sunday)
Hermione had agreed to spend time with Sirius after lunch the next day, and as they sat down in the Great Hall, she gave him a scrutinising look.
"What?" Sirius asked with an amused expression as he loaded steak-and-kidney pie onto his plate.
"You're really not going to tell me where we are going?" Hermione huffed as she handed her plate to Sirius's outstretched hand. He put a heavy portion of pie onto her plate.
"Nope." He said and smirked as he began to eat.
After lunch, Hermione followed Sirius out to the grounds, towards the path that lead to the village.
"Sirius? We're not exactly supposed to leave the school grounds? What if someone sees us?" She hissed as she tried to keep up with him.
He waved his hand. "Pfft. You have Dumbledore's permit and it's not like it matters anymore? I mean, the school's almost over," He said indifferently.
Hermione pursed her lips but said nothing as they continued their walk towards Hogsmeade.
"So, um…You and Reggie?" Sirius asked after a while, glancing at her quickly.
Hermione sighed and shook her head. Sirius hummed in understanding.
"You want me to kick his arse?" He asked lightly, his lips curving a bit.
Hermione let out a small huff. She wished it could've been the solution, one that made her feel better, but she knew it wouldn't. "No. Thank you, Sirius." She said and smiled weakly at him.
They had reached the main road, but Sirius was walking away from the shops and buildings, towards the battered house up on the hill. The Shrieking Shack.
"Sirius…We're, uh…Not going to…You know." She stammered awkwardly, as she walked beside him and eyed him cautiously. She remembered the last time she had been there. With him. When she'd dated him…
Sirius barked a laugh, knowing what she'd meant. "As much as I'd like a recurrence of that particular occasion, kitten, that's not what we're going to do today." He said, chuckling still.
"Oh?" She said, slightly relieved. "So…what is it?"
He smirked at her. "Aren't you impatient," He merely said.
Soon they were standing outside the decaying, abandoned house.
"Wait here." Sirius said and disappeared around the corner of the house. Hermione huffed but stayed behind, glancing around her to make sure no one was following them.
Then she heard a roar of engine. What?
She stared at the motorcycle, which didn't look at all like the one she had given him last year. The one Ab had had in his shed, the ramshackle bike she had doubted would even start.
Now she was facing a brand-new looking bike, with shiny chrome parts and black leather saddle bags. Sirius was steering the motorcycle towards her, stopping next to her.
"What do you think?" He asked and sniggered when she merely gaped at him and the bike.
"You fixed it?" She asked in bewilderment.
He grinned. "Yeah, that was the plan. And look, I got something for you," He said and pulled a helmet from the saddle bag, handing it to her.
Hermione's eyes widened with dread. "Oh, no…"
"Oh, yes," He grinned mischievously.
She worried her lip for a moment. "On one condition. You pull over as soon as I say so, okay?" She asked, giving him a strict look.
"Sure," Sirius said with a shrug, stood up from the bike and came to stand in front of her. "Now, let's put this on, shall we," He murmured and gently pulled the helmet on, smoothing her hair off from her cheeks.
He then sat on the bike again, pulling his own helmet on and watched her expectantly. "Hop on."
She took a steadying breath and situated herself against his back, gripping his shoulders for support.
"That won't do. Put your arms around me. Otherwise you'll fall the minute we take off." He said simply.
Hermione blanched. "Take off?! As in flying?!" She shrieked. She of course knew Sirius had had a flying motorcycle, but she hadn't realised he had managed to fix that feature as well.
Sirius barked a laugh. "Don't go spare on me, kitten. You'll be fine. Trust me," he said and started to drive down the street slowly, gaining speed. Hermione immediately flung her arms tightly around him, making him chuckle. They made about five blocks until the front tire lifted towards the sky, with the rest of the bike following.
Hermione squealed under her breath, her nails digging into the front of Sirius's leather jacket while she pressed her eyes tightly shut.
"Relax, Hermione," He exclaimed to her as they ascended up towards the clouds.
When they weren't rising anymore, and instead soared through the air steadily, she dared to open her eyes.
"Wow…" She whispered.
It was amazing. The green sea of trees, the small dots of people down in the village, and Hogwarts in the horizon, the sun glimmering on the surface of the Great Lake. They weren't going towards the castle though. Where they were heading, she saw only thick woodlands, glittering lakes, hills and towering mountains. It was so beautiful, that it took her breath away. She could only stare at the magnificent nature and hold on tight to Sirius.
Soon he started to steer the bike downwards, towards a lake, smaller than the Great Lake near Hogwarts. This one was nestled in a forest, surrounded by trees, next to a mountain. They landed on a beach area, near the treeline in case there were muggles wandering around. But no one was there. They got off the bike and started to walk slowly along the beach.
"It's beautiful…" Hermione said softly, glancing at Sirius. "Thank you."
He lifted his brows. "For what?"
"For bringing me here," she said with a smile.
He nodded. They didn't speak much as they moved forward, and after a while, Hermione sat down on the beach, facing the green lake and the high mountains behind it.
Sirius settled next to her, throwing an arm around her. She leaned her head against his shoulder and they simply enjoyed the view in silence.
May 31st 1978 (Wednesday)
On Wednesday, Hermione and Remus left to London after having breakfast in the Great Hall. They met with their real estate agent, Mr. Miller, who led them to the first apartment, in Richmond, near the Richmond Park. When Hermione had made the appointment with him, she had explained that they both were students, but had part-time jobs, and also received financial support from their parents. Which was the truth, actually. Remus's parents had told their son that they would help him financially – although not covering his whole living, so he still had to find a job. And Ab had insisted that he would pay Hermione's share of the rent, so she needn't stress whether her apprenticeship and the occasional shifts at Hog's Head would make enough money to cover the expenses.
Mr. Miller showed them a two-bedroom flat in the top floor of a small building. The place had a spacious lounge, and recently renovated kitchen and bathroom. The two bedrooms were quite small but that wasn't a problem for them. The floor was laminated wood, and the décor altogether was neutral. All in all, it was a small flat, but seemed nice enough. They still wanted to see the other two their agent had suggested for them to see.
The real-estate agent took them to the next location, to Wandsworth, only a short trip from Richmond. The place was a purpose-built, Victorian style ground floor flat that had been completely refurbished. The two bedrooms were larger than in the first apartment, and the place had a small paved private garden attached. The rent was a bit more than in the first flat, but in their range still. As they walked on the wooden floors, Mr. Miller explained that the flat was located close to the tube, a shopping centre and a couple of restaurants.
The last place was situated in Dulwich Village, a small, two-storey Edwardian house, near the Dulwich Park. The bedrooms and a bathroom suite were situated on the second floor, while the lounge, kitchen and a small bathroom were situated on the first floor.
"What do you think?" Hermione asked as they walked down the stairs to the ground floor.
Remus smiled at her. "I think this one's the best of them."
Hermione chuckled. "You said that about the second one, too," she said pointedly.
Remus smirked. "Yeah, but I can actually see us living in here, you know. And, well, we'd have a house instead of a flat." He said, grinning at her enthusiastically.
It was the most expensive of the three, but they could still afford it, since it was in average condition, and a bit further from the centre than the other two.
She sighed. "Me too. Can picture us living here, I mean…" Hermione said as she eyed the place. They could easily use some magic around the place, to improve the state.
"So, will we continue searching?" Mr. Miller asked as they walked to the lounge, where he was waiting.
"No. We'll take it." Remus said and shared a grin with Hermione.
June 5th 1978 (Monday)
The rest of the week had gone while reading and practicing, and the seventh years only had breaks when they'd attended meals in the Great Hall. Everyone was focused, aiming to succeed in their NEWTs. Even the Marauders had stopped with the joking and pranking, and were all focused in revision.
On Monday, the first NEWT exam was upon them – Charms theory in the morning, followed by Charms practical exam after lunch. Hermione and her friends were sitting anxiously around the breakfast table, no one really eating or talking with each other. Alice and Lily were browsing through their Charms textbooks, while Mary quizzed Hermione about the main points of their course material. The boys were going through the material as well.
When the breakfast ended, and the rest of the students left for their classes, all the fifth- and seventh-year students stayed behind in the Entrance Hall, waiting to be called back into the Great Hall, where their tests would take place. Then, half past nine, they re-entered the Great Hall, class by class. The space had been rearranged; the four house tables were now gone, and were replaced with several tables for one, all facing the staff-table, where Professor Slughorn stood facing them. Everyone took their seats and Slughorn gave them permission to start, by turning over an enormous hour-glass on the desk beside him, on which there were also spare quills, ink bottles and rolls of parchment.
After the test, which Hermione reckoned went quite well, the fifth and seventh years ate lunch with the rest of the school in the Great Hall, where the four house tables had reappeared again. After lunch, it was time for the practical exam.
"I'm so nervous right now…" Lily said anxiously as they waited for the practical exam to start. The fifth and seventh years were waiting in a chamber next to the Great Hall. All the fifth years were to take their practical exams first, followed by the seventh years.
"You're going to be fine, Evans." Sirius said with a smirk. "I mean, you're the best in Charms in our year."
Lily arched a brow at him. "Oh, finally recognising that I'm better than you, Black?" She asked teasingly.
Sirius chuckled. "Well, there's a first for everything…" he said, his mouth curving a bit.
Lily narrowed her eyes.
"Ignore him. You're brilliant, Lils," Hermione said with a reassuring smile.
Lily smiled back. "So are you."
They watched as Sirius and Alice were called with the second group of the seventh years. Hermione and Lily would be in the next one. Twenty minutes later, Professor Flitwick called, "Dumbledore, Hermione – Elliott, Mathilda – Ellis, Aaron – Evans, Lily."
James gave Lily a quick kiss for luck, while Mary squeezed Hermione's hand and gave her a reassuring smile.
It turned out to be much like the practical exam in their fifth year – the students were each issued to an examiner, for whom they would perform the necessary charms.
Hermione was pleased with her work a half an hour or so later. The seventh years were expected to cast an Extension charm to a luggage and then an Anti-Unlocking charm to it, making the lock in the luggage resistant to opening spells, and opening only by using a keyword. They were to use Disillusionment charm on themselves, and then reverse it. They duplicated a book with a Geminio charm after casting a Protean charm to it, and then changed the colour of the original book, making the linked copy change colour as well. And finally, they were expected to cast a sticking charm on both books, securing them to a table.
"How did you do?" Alice asked anxiously. She and Sirius had been waiting for them in the Entrance Hall.
Lily smiled brightly. "Okay, I think."
"Same." Hermione nodded.
Sirius smirked. "Same," He and Alice said in unison.
They decided to head to their common room, as it would take a while before the rest of their group would be free from their exams.
There was no time to relax, since they had Herbology exams the next day. Or everyone else except Sirius and James. They studied until dinner, and after a quick meal, the seventh year Gryffindors were immersed in revision again.
On Wednesday evening, most of the seventh year Gryffindors were studying in the library. They'd taken over a large seating area next to the Charms section. Hermione, Lily, Remus and Peter were all revising for their next morning's Ancient Runes exam, while Mary helped Alice to study for her Arithmancy exam, which was scheduled to Thursday evening. James had offered to help Lily, but was soon waved off as Lily insisted that he only managed to annoy her. Hermione and Remus quizzed each other, while Peter was sitting in a corner, his nose buried in the textbook. Sirius had been banned from their company from the start, after insisting to Peter that the correct answer to one rune combination was 'eating out'.
The boys and Mary had taken their Care of Magical Creatures theory and practical exams earlier that day, and as Sirius and James were having a day off the next day, they decided to have a one-on-one Quidditch match on the pitch while the others were immersed in their books.
On Friday morning, Hermione, Lily, James and Sirius had taken the Astronomy theory exam. The practical exam was scheduled on Friday night, and they had therefore decided to rest in their dorms after the theory exam, in order to be sharp and awake in the evening.
"How did you do?" Lily asked as they walked towards the common room that night, on their way back from their Astronomy practical exam, where they had been charting the Andromeda Galaxy.
Hermione shrugged and stifled a yawn. "Okay, I guess. Pretty sure I messed up the Wolf–Harrington Comet's discovery date in the theory exam though…" She replied thoughtfully.
James snorted. "Hermione…That wasn't even on the test…I mean, it was only required to name three periodic comets…" he said, staring at her in disbelief.
Lily shared a knowing smile with Hermione. Hermione was glad that she finally had someone who really did get her, as she reckoned Lily had done extra in her exams as well.
"How did you do?" Hermione asked Sirius as they neared the Gryffindor Tower.
Sirius yawned and shrugged. "Fuck if I know…don't really care about Astronomy…" He said with a smirk.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "I know you were in the class only to make jokes about your name, but that doesn't mean you can't show effort in your exams…" She said, pursing her lips, eyeing him sternly.
Sirius barked a laugh. "How I love the way you express your concern for me, kitten…" He said and winked at her.
James sniggered at the pair as Hermione slapped Sirius on the arm.
June 15th 1978 (Thursday)
The second week of the NEWTs was almost over. Hermione tried to comprehend that school too was almost over. She would be graduating in two days, and going to move into her new home in three days. She hadn't even had the time to think about anything else than the exams. All her time had gone with revising and practicing spells.
On Monday that week they'd taken their DADA theory and practical exams. The practical one had been a duel, and she'd partnered with Lily. They'd both done well, and their duel had gone quite smoothly, as their skills were rather compatible. Of course, there had been some hesitation on both sides, and she didn't think that they would receive an Outstanding from the practical exam. Even though she excelled in other subjects, DADA had always been a bit difficult for her, since she relied on reason and DADA required more intuition. That thought had briefly reminded her of Harry, and how he always acted based on his instincts.
On Tuesday everyone had had a day off, since no one took Divination, and on Wednesday, they had attended Transfiguration theory and practical exams. Hermione was pleased with her input on the written exam, and reckoned she had answered to all questions correctly. The practical exam had taken place after lunch, and it had been divided to four branches – Transformation, Vanishment, Conjuration and Untransfiguration.
The seventh years had been asked to conjure a litter of puppies and a bouquet of flowers and then vanish them after the examiner was satisfied with their work.
The transformation part of the exam had consisted general transfiguration – transforming an object into another, an object into an animal, as well as Human transfiguration, Switching and Trans-species transformations. The examiner had asked Hermione to transfigure the small table next to him into a chair, and then the chair into a dog. She then had been expected to perform a trans-species transformation on the dog, transfiguring it into a cat. Then the examiner had asked her to untransfigure the cat back into the original table. Hermione had succeeded without errors.
She had made a small mistake when she had been expected to change the wooden table legs into metal – she had changed them into concrete – but had then quickly fixed it and changed them into a set of metal legs. The examiner had seemed satisfied, but Hermione had felt a pang of frustration. Luckily her Human transfiguration – which had been changing her own height and facial features, and then untransfiguring them back into original – had gone perfectly. She had been exhausted when she had stumbled to their common room and straight to bed after dinner that night.
On Thursday was their last day of NEWTs, as no one had taken NEWT History of Magic course, for which the exam was scheduled on Friday. They had taken their Potions theory exam during the morning, and their group was now sitting in the Great Hall having lunch.
"I can't believe our last exam is starting in an hour!" Mary exclaimed quietly, shaking her head in disbelief.
Lily sighed. "I know…I hope I did okay in the Potions theory …I don't want to disappoint Professor Slughorn." She said with a frown.
Hermione chuckled. "I really hope you're aiming to achieve high scores for you," She said with a smirk. Lily stuck out her tongue at Hermione.
"I messed up the use of Baneberry in the theory," Peter groaned. "What was it?" He asked, eyeing Remus with a worried look.
Remus frowned. "Well, there's Baneberry potion, which is a highly toxic poison, and it can be used to ward to repel certain beings, beasts or any animate objects." He said, cringing a bit.
Peter heaved a sigh.
"Don't worry Pete, and it's not like you'll be apprenticing as a potioneer, eh?" Sirius said, giving his friend a nudge.
"Yeah…" Peter said, not really convinced.
The Potions practical, where they were expected to brew an Elixir to Induce Euphoria, as well as the Draught of Living Death, was scheduled for the afternoon. Hermione tried to follow her instincts during her potion making, but it was hard for her to let go the instructions, like she knew Snape did. Perhaps she would learn to do just that during her apprenticeship.
All in all, Hermione thought her NEWTs went quite well. Of course, they were difficult, but she had studied a lot for them, like her friends had. She briefly wondered how different it was in this era, when all the girls and boys in her year were much more studious – she didn't even feel like a swot in midst of them.
June 16th 1978 (Friday)
Now that her NEWTs were over, Hermione had time to think other things as well. She hadn't met with Dumbledore, McGonagall and the Prewetts in a long time, and didn't really know the details about the mission to acquire the diadem, as the others had been planning it during the last month. They had agreed to hold a quick meeting on Sunday morning before the train would leave Hogwarts, in order to talk about obtaining the diary.
That was another thing she hadn't really had the time or the energy to think through, even though she knew she should've. Would Regulus still take her with him to the wedding? It was their one shot, and she had to be there. She hadn't really seen him during the past month, as she'd been that devoted to her final exams.
Hermione sighed as she glanced over to the Slytherin table during breakfast. Regulus was there, alone, surrounded by people but still alone. As if he'd felt her gaze on him, he turned to look at her with an unreadable expression. Hermione jerked her head towards the Entrance Hall, and he gave her a subtle nod. They'd meet in the Room of Requirement after breakfast. Hermione moved her eyes back to her own table, to her friends, who all seemed to be somewhere between exhaustion and bliss. Perhaps none of them seemed to yet fathom the idea of them graduating the next day. Her musings were cut by the Marauders arguing about something.
"Pads…You tell anyone and I'm gonna shove my wand so far up your arse you're really gonna have something to choke on," James growled warningly, drawing many eyes to their conversation.
Sirius barked a laugh. "Oh reeeeally?" He said and lifted his brows a bit. "I mean, is Lily okay with it? Your wand having its way?" He asked in amusement, grinning mischievously at James and Lily. Remus and Peter sniggered next to them.
James reached over the table and shoved Sirius, causing him to fall from the bench and land on his behind on the floor.
"Fucker," James muttered, resuming his breakfast. Lily shook her head incredulously but said nothing.
Sirius laughed as he stood up and sat down next to Hermione, who eyed him with an arched brow.
"What was that about?" Hermione asked, and Sirius merely waved her off.
"You'll see," he muttered, while James sent him a glare.
Hermione turned to eye the girls and they traded dubious looks. As this wasn't exactly abnormal behaviour from the boys, the girls quickly started to talk about other topics. Which were mostly how everyone had done with their NEWTs and about the graduation ceremony that would take place the next day.
Hermione waited in the Gryffindor common room replica, sitting on the couch next to the fire and chewed anxiously the sides of her fingernails. She hadn't talked with Regulus in a month. She hadn't looked at him in a month…It was too distressing. What was she going to say to him?
After a moment, Hermione stood up and was just about to leave when Regulus entered the room.
She stood stiffly in place, next to the couch, watching him closely as he approached her.
"Hey," he said simply, and her breath caught in her throat.
She swallowed hard. "Hey," Hermione managed to reply and sat back down on the couch.
Regulus sat down next to her, watching her expectantly.
She could feel the heat of his body, but not his touch. What she would give to feel his touch again… Hermione cleared her throat and looked him into the eye. "I, um…I know we haven't really spoken about next week, since…um…but…"
"You're making sure I'll take you to the wedding?" He asked blankly.
Hermione sighed. "Yes."
He nodded slowly. "If that's what you want, then I'll take you." He said softly, standing up.
Why did he have to be so distant, so indifferent? Hermione thought bitterly.
"Oh. Wait!" She said, realising they'd have to meet somewhere beforehand.
He turned back to her, and she could see pain cross his eyes. She knew he was keeping his feelings from her, trying to appear disinterested. But who was he protecting? Himself? Or her?
"I should give you my address," She said, searching a piece of parchment and a quill from her bag.
"You're not living in the village?" He asked, frowning a bit.
Hermione blinked. "Oh, no. At least not in Hogsmeade. I'm moving in with Remus and we have a place in London. In Dulwich village." She explained. His brow twitched a bit but he didn't say anything.
When she found what she was looking for from her bag, he spoke. "You can send the address to the galleon. The wedding starts at five in the afternoon. We should meet an hour or so before." He said aloofly.
"Oh. Okay…"
"I should go." He said quietly, his eyes slowly moving up and down her body, as if he was trying to memorise her.
Perhaps he was. Then he turned and left. Hermione let out a breath she was holding in and she too left the room and went to her friends, towards the real Gryffindor Tower.
As Hermione reached the common room, it was empty of other students except the seventh year Gryffindors. Everyone was in their classes and the fifth years were probably taking their OWLs, or somewhere else in the castle.
She saw Remus coming down from the boys' dormitory, his eyes widened in shock, and a letter in his hand. She was distracted from her sullen mood as she took in his expression.
"Remus?" Hermione asked, approaching him. Sirius and Peter were in the middle of a wizards' chess game near the fire, while Lily and James were cuddling in an enlarged armchair, talking quietly to each other. Mary and Alice were browsing through wedding magazines on the couch, Alice's seating chart in front of them on the table.
"I…um…" Remus stammered, his eyes moving to look into Hermione's.
Hermione lifted her brows, eyeing him carefully.
"I got in," He said quietly, staring at her in disbelief.
Hermione's face brightened and her mouth turned to a huge grin. "Really?" She exclaimed enthusiastically, gathering everyone's attention.
He nodded, waving the letter in his hand.
Hermione shrieked and lunged at him, enveloping him to a bone-crushing hug. "Congratulations, Remus!" She said to his neck with a muffled voice. "Even though I knew you'd get in," She said and gave him a knowing look as she broke their embrace. Remus rolled his eyes at her.
"Oookay, kitten, I'm beginning to doubt your relationship as mere roommates. You sure you have your own bedroom?" Sirius asked with a teasing voice as he came to see what the fuss was all about.
Hermione gave him a withering look.
Remus let out a deep breath. "I got into Durham University, to study English," he said to Sirius, giving him a helpless shrug.
"Moony, that's great! I knew you'd get in," Sirius exclaimed enthusiastically, enveloping his friend into a bear hug. Soon everyone else followed, congratulating Remus. His friends knew how big of a deal it was for him.
Hermione couldn't help but feel delighted by the news. It now seemed that everyone in their group had their future all figured out.