Chapter 25: The plan? Time for exams
During the next couple of weeks, the fifth and seventh-year students were hard at work revising for their upcoming exams and practicing spells, with many of them doing them silently, which greatly impressed the professors. Now that it was mid-May, they had been more hard-pressed and determined to do their best in their O.W.L and N.E.W.T exams. Since the end of the year was approaching, the students in the third year and up decided to go out and enjoy their last trip to Hogsmeade. Even though he had a light amount of work to do, Daphne and Emily managed to get him out of the castle so he could join them in the village.
". . . Soon we will be able to return home and relax," Neville stretched his arms before taking Luna's hand and leading her to the village alongside their friends.
"Yeah, but don't forget that you have your remaining O.W.L.s coming up," Aaron reminded with his arm around Katie, who gave their friends a sympathetic smile as she knew they were tired from all the studying and practicing.
Tracey then said, "enough about exams," a little agitation was embedded in her voice. "We are here to enjoy our last visit to Hogsmeade. Let's make the most of it."
"She's a little crabby from all of the revising and practicing, and we're out of sweets," Blaise commented, then kissed her on the forehead. "Come on, Trace. Let's head over to Honeydukes and restock. I can use some more Shockers and Mini SweeTARTS."
"By the way," he looked at Harry, who was walking with Daphne. "Since we already decided to have the celebration on a beach. Any idea when it will be or what we're having?"
"Let's say July 23," he answered. "I'm thinking grilled chicken, some brisket. Either have it sliced or chopped to make chopped beef sandwiches. We can also add a salad, mac & cheese, and a couple more things. Anyone got any special requests to what you might want?"
Susan was the first to speak, "I have a question and two, maybe three requests," she said. "Just to be sure, we're barbecuing?"
"Yes," the boys said in unison. Adrian quickly added, "the best time to barbecue food is always during the summer, preferably on a beach."
"Mmhm," all of the boys nodded in agreement. Blaise then added, "Harry and I are the ones doing the barbecuing. Because no one does it better than us!"
"Amen to that brother.
Lilith looked at Cedric, "these two know how to cook. Especially when it comes to barbecuing good food."
"I can taste it already," commented Cedric, feeling hungry as he imagined how good the food would be. He listened as Susan named her requests before asking. "Would it be all right if I invite Viktor and Fleur to join us?"
"I have no objections," Harry casually said. "Besides, Nicole was already coming, and she'd undoubtedly want her boyfriend to be there." His eyes momentarily widened, "that reminds me, I better send an invite to Miwa. Knowing her, she would definitely want to join. You remember the last time when someone tried to keep her away from meat, right?"
Blaise shuddered at the memory. When they were younger, he accidentally forgot to invite her, and she nearly carved him like a turkey. After that, she refused to speak with him for two weeks. "You better contact her when we return to the castle."
"I got it covered," said a grinning Harry. "So what's first?"
Emily immediately perked up. "I want to go get my nails done. Ladies, shall we?"
"I'm in," the girls said in unison. Hannah then said, "we can even go check out the summer clothes at Twilfitt and Tattings. There are some new outfits I've been wanting to try out."
Astoria then said. "Do you guys—" the boys immediately took off. "Want to join us? Cowards!" She called out to them.
"This was expected," Lilith shrugged her shoulders. "We'll see them later. For now, I say we have a little girl time."
The boys ran as fast as they could to the closest shop to avoid being dragged into being forced into trying on different clothes. "Glad we got away from that for a while," Neville said as they walked into the Shampoo shop. "The absolute last thing I want to do is try on clothes for the next few hours. I already have more than enough clothes."
Aaron nods in agreement, "might as well enjoy the time we have. I estimate we have two hours—three if we're lucky." A big smile appeared on his face. "Let's make most of the time we have left, as this is the last Hogsmeade visit of the year."
"Aaron does have a point," Adrian chimed in. "We have been up to our necks in essays, revising, and practicing spells. Not to mention, our exams are coming up in a few weeks. Let's have some guy time before meeting up with the girls."
"Also, this summer, we're going to live it up," Harry looked at Cedric. "Last summer, we decided to have a guys' night out." The older boy stared at them with surprise as they explained what they did the night when they decided to have a night out on the town.
Cedric looked a little envious when they finally got up to the register. "Damn, you lot are lucky. Sounds like a wild night. Mind if I tag along next time?"
"Sure," Blaise paid for his items. "However, quick question: How good are you on an enchanted motorcycle?"
The seventh-year Hufflepuff smirked at the dark-skinned boy. "My first check from the Puddlemere United and my savings got me a Yamaha V-Max for Christmas. Had it modified and everything"
Aaron gave a low, impressive whistle. "Not bad. Looks like your rolling with us from now on. You, my friend, are going to have the ride of your life." He and Cedric laughed.
"Uh-oh. Don't look now, but the drama queen just walked in," Neville indicated to the entrance where Cho and a few of her friends just entered.
The others turned around to see a glaring Cho Chang. However, her stare was more directed at Harry and at Cedric. The former was likely because her friend Marietta was sentenced to seventeen years in prison, had taken away their home, all their money, and got her mum fired. Cedric because he publicly dumped her when it was found she was one of the few students who had been bullying Luna.
". . . push her out of your mind," Harry directed his friend out of the shop, away from Cho and her gang. "What's next?"
"Honeydukes then Spintwitches Sporting Needs," Cedric replied. "I need to get a new kit for my Firebolt."
And so they went to the shops to restock on their sweets and help find Cedric a kit for his Firebolt. According to the Quidditch rumors revolving around the brooms used, a new one was scheduled to come out sometime in early November. Being the owner of the companies that make the brooms, Harry could validate that it was indeed true that a new broom was being developed. As soon as they got their stuff, they went to the Three Broomsticks to meet up with the girls.
"Well, look who decided to join us," Daphne quipped after taking a sip of her butterbeer. Harry kissed her on the forehead before taking a seat beside her. "You boys had fun, I take it."
"See, I'm not the only one," glancing at the shopping bag next to her. "The last trip before school ends. Gotta make most of the time we have," taking her hand in his as Madam Rosmerta came over.
"Glad to see my favorite investor had decided to come on his last day," she smiled at Harry. "Thanks to you, young man. I have been getting more customers and even branched out into other areas like Diagon Alley."
Her pub had indeed been received several more customers since she got an investment from and did some renovations. "What can I get you all?"
They all told her what they wanted to have for lunch, and just when she was about to turn away, her investor stopped her. "Have you ever considered catering to International Quidditch matches or their after-parties?"
Seline's eyes twinkled. "I have a strong feeling that our next meeting will be very beneficial," she left to head toward the kitchen.
Stretching in her seat, Emily allowed a tiny smile to appear on her face. "How was your meeting with Sakura's manager yesterday?"
"It went pretty well, actually," Harry answered. "I'll spare you the boring details and keep it brief. After investing 9.37 million galleons, I can now get VIP backstage passes and tickets to the Five Dragons concerts whenever I want." His deal with Sakura's team went extremely well, and Sakura was extremely grateful that he agreed to her request. "Their manager said they would do private parties and holiday specials. But more than that, they're going to start selling merchandise."
"Like what?" Astoria leaned in with interest.
"Cups, shirts, hats, posters, etc." Casually shrugging his shoulders. "Now, I did hear that they would be having a contest of sorts to get a pair of tickets for their upcoming concert in Wales. So keep an eye on the Daily Prophet and listen to the WWN." A few of their eyes twinkled.
"Oh, and Luna. Thank you for your help."
"For what, Harry?" Asked Luna, who looked a little confused.
"The Dementors," Harry answered. "You mentioned how they couldn't be normal magical creatures, so I did some digging, and it turns out you were right."
"Their dimensional creatures," Luna gasped. "It was only a theory, but their magic signatures and messages, the wrackspurts, said it all. You are sure they're really from another dimension?"
"Undoubtedly," he nodded his head. "They are only affected by the patronus charm and a fire-making spell. But not anymore," turning his head when Seline brought over their meals. "I made some adjustments to the palladium boxes and had to use a couple of aspects from those magical orbs. Even as we speak, the Dementors are being rounded up and scheduled to be returned to their own dimension."
"In other words, we will no longer have to deal with them," Blaise ate some of his chips. "This will also lessen Voldemort's forces. A win-win situation."
"Exactly," Harry continued by saying that since this was Luna's theory, she deserved part of his earnings for indirectly helping him get rid of the Dementors. "Your father has already consented to you leaving the school and will meet us at the Ministry tomorrow at 11 a.m."
"Thank you, Harry," Luna smiled.
The rest of the day passed without any issues, with the students enjoying their last Hogsmeade visit for the school year. Eventually, everyone had to return to the castle.
(0^0)
On June 1, Harry used the Floo network in his office to travel to Black Castle, where Sirius, Remus, and Amelia were sitting on the couch with the twins.
Sirius smiled as he held up Regulus's hand, "look who decided to drop by. It's your godfather, Reggie."
"'ello family. How's my godson and nephew doing?" Harry picked Regulus up first and kissed his head before repeating the same action with Brian. "Are you and your brother keeping your parents up at night?"
Brian cooed and made to grab Harry's nose in his chubby hands. "I missed you too, little one," holding out his index finger so the baby would grab onto that instead of his nose. "Well, looks like someone has a strong grip."
He then returned the boy to Amelia and sat next to Sirius. "Aren't you supposed to be at Hogwarts right now?" Amelia asked.
"Technically, yes. However, everything that I needed to do has already been completed. Susan wanted to come but couldn't as she had to revise and practice her spells for her upcoming Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts O.W.L.s," Harry commented, then added. "Seeing as I have a couple of hours to kill, I figured I would drop by and see how everyone is doing. Plus, I got something for Brian and Regulus. This is something that will be of great help to you and Sirius." Amelia smiled as she rolled her eyes. Susan was scheduled to take twelve O.W.L exams at the Ministry on June 10. She was really proud of her niece as she had become a strong and confident young witch. If Amelia could have one wish: it would be for Susan's parents to be here to see just how much their daughter has grown up.
"What do you have, Harry?"
Ginning at his godfather, Harry pulled out two metal portable on-the-go baby domes from his watch and put them on the coffee table. One blue-green, the other grey. They each had two small pillows, a blanket, and a soft, comfy pad with cushioning charms. "Before any of you say anything. I know you two already have a stroller, but I created these on my free time." He took Regulus from his father, placed him inside the grey one, and pulled out a muggle telly controller, though this one had a small grey magical orb in it. Pointing the controller at the dome, he pressed the orb, and instantly, the thing levitated into the air. "Haha. This baby dome can levitate and hover in the air, much like a Quidditch broom or enchanted motorcycle. By using these, you will be able to take the kids out for afternoon or evening strolls or put them in their cribs for bed. They can even nap in this thing if you guys are too tired to take them upstairs to their nursery."
"It's nice work, Harry," commented Amelia, who seemed a little unsure. "But what if they try to get out while this thing is hovering in the air? And what if it rains?"
"I am so glad you asked," using the remoted, Harry maneuvered the dome back onto the table, pressed a button below the orb, and the dome closed. With a cheeky smile, he pressed the button beside it, and the thing reopened. "Does that answer your questions?"
"Show me that again," Amelia requested. So Harry, did he explain the essential functions of the baby dome in great detail and how they could be used. "This thing also has built-in lullaby music," she smiled after pressing a button, and some soft, melodic, sleepy music began playing.
"Impressive, Harry," said Remus. "Do you have another remote for the other one?" To his question, Harry pulled out another remote and handed it to him.
"I'm going to make a fortune with these," Harry smiled gleefully.
"Well, you will get no complaints from me," a delighted Amelia put on some lullaby for Regulus, and Remus did the same for Brian. "This certainly makes changing and putting them down for naps much easier."
"Have these been patented?"
"Last week," he confirmed. "These will hit the market in about 3 or 4 weeks."
"Brilliant," praised Remus. He then checked his watch to see how much time he still had left for lunch. "I have to go, everyone. My lunch period is almost up."
"Later, Moony," said Sirius.
"Take care of yourself," came Harry.
Remus said his goodbyes to them, exited the house, and apparated to work.
Later at night, Sirius, Arcturus, and Amelia went to the Ministry's interrogation room, where they met Kingsley Shacklebolt, Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Rufus Scrimgeour, Saul Croaker, Alexander Taymore, and Jack Stevenson. This was highly unusual. They received a letter from the Magus Hakugarai, who requested a meeting with them in the Ministry, saying there was something important they needed to discuss. Everyone in the room could tell this would be an important meeting since this was requested by the members of the Magus Order.
Kingsley looked at his watch to see it was one minute to eleven. A slightly annoyed Rufus groaned as he wondered when the meeting would begin. "Where are they? They should have been here by now?"
"Have patience, Rufus," Amelia chided her colleague. "They will be here. . ."
"Pardon our tardiness," Shadow and Hakugarai appeared in the room with a few people in magical suppression cuffs and burlap sacks over their heads. Rufus, Saul, and Alastor immediately had their wands out and were seconds away from cursing the two.
"Can the two of you please find a way to do that without raising my blood pressure," Rufus placed a hand on his chest, trying to calm down his racing heart.
"For real here. I'm an old man, for crying out loud," Saul fixed a glare on them.
"Then please accept this as our apology," Shadow removed a burlap sack from one of the prisoners. Much to everyone's shock—mainly Saul's the person was revealed to be Augustus Rookwood. The man looked like he'd seen better days, given how pale he was and the scars on his face. With a wave of his hand, the man groaned and blinked his eyes as he sat up to take in his surroundings. "You have been most difficult to find Rookwood."
"Damn you! The Dark Lord will—"
Algernon cut him off with a swift kick to the face, breaking his nose and some teeth. "Traitor!" The man angrily roared. "You were one of the best Unspeakable's to join the DoM, yet you threw it away to serve that murdering psychopath! I should finish you," training his wand on the man's bloodied face.
"Stand down! We need him," Hakugarai interceded when the tip of Saul's wand lit up. Grudgingly, the man lowered his wand. "Thank you. For all intents and purposes, he does deserve whatever you want to do to him. But he's key to our plan."
"What plan?" Kingsley enquired. "And who are the others?" His eyes widened when she removed the three remaining burlap sacks. "Mundungus Fletcher, Thorfinn Rowle, and Parker Gibbon. Damn, you two have been busy."
"Aye, though, knowing Albus, he will try to get Mundungus off," Alastor glared at the short man. "Aside from being a petty thief who couldn't curse his way out of a paper bag, the only use Dung has is knowing the underworld and how to get some information."
"Which will be very beneficial," Shadow smiled behind his mask. "Anyway, excuse us for a minute. Come on, you swine's," grabbing both Dung and Rookwood by their robes and dragging them to the open holding cells, with Hakugarai doing the same with Rowle and Gibbon.
Kingsley looked at the duo with an expression crossed between impressed and curious. "How is it that the two of you were able to capture the four of them? Fletcher is a petty thief who is relatively easy to find, but the others are not. Especially Rookwood, whom we and the I.C.W have spent nearly three months searching for."
"Dung was in a pub in Knockturn Alley. All we had to do was make sure he was drunk enough and lure him to a dark back alley," Hakugarai replied. "The others were in Romania. We'll spare you the details as we all need to discuss something of greater importance."
Rufus narrowed his eyes as her partner spoke. "Listen up. These last several months, we've reduced the number of Death Eaters Voldemort has to work with. A good number of people from his inner circle have been removed from the picture entirely. As big of an as this might seem, it won't stop him until he gets what he wants. We need to deal a bigger blow to him."
"Before we get into that," Rufus interjected. "I want to know why he seems so hellbent on getting into the Ministry. What could he get here that he cannot get anywhere else?"
"A prophecy," Shadow answered. "Have you ever wondered why Dumbledore's vigilante group has been in the Ministry after hours? Why three Death Eaters were found dead in the Hall of Prophecy? Or how Unspeakable Broderick Bode ended up in St. Mungo after activating the security measures around the shelf surrounding the prophecies?"
"The reason why he's been trying to enter the Ministry of Magic these past months is because he wants to hear a prophecy made sixteen years ago by Sybill Trelawney. Despite being considered a fraud by most, she is the great-great-granddaughter of a famous and celebrated Seer and, therefore, has the blood of a seer running through her veins. Though it is rare, she will every once in a while create a real prophecy. Already, she's created two. The first one was made sixteen years ago at the Hog's Head Inn to Albus Dumbledore when he went to interview her for the post of Divination professor. The second was made two years ago."
Alastor Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt looked seconds away from marching into Dumbledore's office at Hogwarts and demanding answers. Rufus looked like he wanted to do the same but get answers from another source. "Then let's bring Trelawney in and question her."
Jack then said, "theoretically, that would be a good idea, except for one problem—she can't recall ever creating the Prophecy. Seers are unable to remember the prophecies they make."
"Shite and Dumbledore would soon die before revealing the contents of the Prophecy. So unless we find who the Prophecy is made to, we're screwed," Saul mentally cursed Dumbledore for putting them in this predicament.
"Not necessarily," all the attention in the room went to Arcturus. "The record was destroyed nearly three years ago. What sits on the shelf now is a fake."
"What?!" Saul exclaimed. "You know what the damn thing says?"
"The damn thing is about me," Shadow removed his mask, much to the collective shock of a few who didn't know his true identity.
"No fuckin' way!" Alastor cried. "Potter your Shadow! Then that means your. . ." pointing a finger at Hakugarai, who removed her mask. "Kawada!" The two then brought up their badges. "I'm going to need a glass of Firewhiskey tonight. Likely the entire bottle."
"Well, this certainly explains why a lot of Death Eaters have been found dead, along with why several criminal organizations have been exposed and brought down. Not to mention all that personal information about the Death Eaters and their activities. Either way, it has made our jobs a lot easier," Kingsley could hardly conceal the smile growing on his lips.
Alastor's lips curled into a smile. "Aye, it has! If what I assume is correct, then I say that the snake-faced bastard has limited resources and manpower at his disposal."
"We are not entirely certain how many people he has. But know that it is somewhere in the hundreds," Harry said. "However, we can confirm a couple of things: He is once again mortal, though as far as we know, he is unaware of it. He and a few members of his inner circle magic powers have increased. Do you remember that attack on Hogsmeade? The surge of power in Bellatrix's magic?"
"Yes, I remember," Kingsley replied while Arcturus and Moody scowled. She absorbed the magical cores of a handful of others. You're telling us he and a few others did the same?"
"Yes," Miwa nodded her head. "And their powers—namely his have increased substantially."
"Hold on a minute," Saul interjected before Kingsley could speak again. "Before that, Potter said he was mortal again. What did you mean by that?" He asked with a notable audible sense of caution in his voice. "Because I seriously hope he did not do what I think he did."
Amelia was the one to respond. "I am afraid so. Voldemort created Horcruxes."
"Motherfucker!" Alastor roared as Saul became pale as a ghost while Rufus and Kingsley looked confused. "That crazy son of a bitch! He actually succeeded in creating one."
"More than one, actually," Arcturus corrected. "To our knowledge, he created seven of them, and they've all been destroyed. Dumbledore knows he created more than one, though he has kept quiet about it and is unaware of how many he actually made. This will be explained at a later date, but other things need to be discussed first," he said with a hint of finality to the current conversation.
Kingsley nodded in agreement. "I assume the two of you have a plan?" He looked intently at Harry and Miwa, yet he was still trying to wrap his head around things.
"We do," they said together.
"But we're not going to like it, are we?"
"No!"
"Then I'm going to need a cup of coffee and likely a calming draught."
"Make that two," said Alastor.
"Three," Rufus came in. "I'm gonna need a big cup of coffee tonight."
Once everyone had a cup of coffee, Harry and Miwa began explaining their plan. "Both Dumbledore and Voldemort are problems that need to be dealt with. They are constantly locked in a never-ending battle in which hundreds, if not thousands, of wizards, witches, and muggles have paid the price. Countless numbers of magical and muggle people are getting caught in the crossfire."
Miwa then added, "to add insult to injury, it is becoming more difficult for us to maintain the Statue of Secrecy. We need to take out one or both to avoid losing everything. The old goat is a manipulative and murdering asshole waiting for things to go to hell, and Snake-face wants to spread chaos and destruction while killing those who stand up to him. No matter how you look at it, they are both after one thing: total control. And are willing to go to great lengths to obtain it, even if that means killing their own or other innocents. Either directly or indirectly."
"For that reason, we have to draw them out and remove one or both of them," she concluded.
"How do you propose we do that?" Questioned Alastor.
Taking a deep breath, Harry responded, "give them the one thing they can't pass up. Me in the Ministry. . ."
Oh, this was going to be a long night. None of them was going to be sleeping well for the next couple of nights. The only thing was that everyone agreed to give a magical vow that they would not breathe a word or reveal anything discussed in any form or way.
(0^0)
At long last, the day was here. The fifth and seventh-year students would finally be taking their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. Once breakfast was over, the proctors told everyone who was scheduled to take them to leave while they divided the students into groups based on where they would be taking their exams: the castle—at the Ministry of Magic—or the I.C.W.
"Here goes everything," Lilith said from her spot beside Susan and Hannah. Along with them, a couple more people in their year, like the Patil twins, Anthony Goldenstein and Terry Boot, were also heading to the Ministry today. Looking at the seventh-year group, she spotted Cedric talking to some of his friends, and when he turned his head to meet her eyes, he mouthed good luck. She did the same. "This is going to be a long process. I can already tell.
Hannah took a deep breath. "I will be doing my Charms and Arithmancy exams today. What about you guys?"
"Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"Government and Alchemy."
"Business and Ancient Runes."
The people scheduled to leave the castle were taken out of the Hall and headed to the main gate, where they were each given a portkey to where they would be taking their exams. Then, at the lotted time, the teens and adults were whisked away to their separate destinations.
Arriving at the entrance of the Ministry, the proctors from the W.E.A. led them through the atrium and to the Examination Department. "All fifth-year students, please follow me," the man led the fifth-year students to a separate area away from the seventh-years. "You lot will be separated into the three testing rooms we have prepared for you. First, we will begin with the Theory portion of your chosen exams, and later, if there is a practical examination, you will do it after lunch."
The proctor reviewed the rules and had the students checked for anything deemed inappropriate while taking their O.W.L.s before sending them into their different testing rooms, where they were told to sit in a specific seat. Susan sat at her desk in the far back on the right side as one of the proctors handed her first exam and a quill and bottle of ink. Hannah and Parvati were in the same room with her, though they were spread out with their own exams and writing materials. "You may begin," the girls began working as the proctor turned the hourglass upside down.
Susan found that she could easily answer most of the questions thanks to the long hours of studying and practicing with her friends, alone, and the advice she got from Harry. Instead of trying to memorize every word, he told her to review the important things and that people use different methods to retain information. For her? There were three ways: Occlumency (creating a temple within her mind to store information), Practical (by doing it over and over until it became natural), and Reciting and making your own analysis (reading her notes out loud and later conducting your own experiments to draw up a conclusion.) There were other strategies she used to supplement, but these three were primary study methods.
A) List how many shielding charms there are. B) Describe their wand movements. C) Describe their effects. She silently read the question and wrote down her answers in great detail. Susan mentally thanked Harry for teaching her the different shielding spells and demonstrating their effects.
In the upper left of the room, Padma was doing her Ancient Runes exam in which she had to list out the different Runes, explain their effects, and when it was necessary to use them. When that was done, she moved on to the next question, which asked her to list a couple of arrays and matrixes and was asked to explain their similarities and differences. Thanks to a lot of time studying in the library and in Harry's after-school sessions, plus her time working for Javier, she became very familiar with different runes, arrays, and matrixes. Fortunately, she wasn't the only person feeling good about her exam, as Hannah was working on her Charms. While she normally averaged out between a mid to high Exceeds Expectations, she felt ready for her exam and practically sailed through the questions.
Parvati, Lilith, and Terry were working on their Transfiguration, Alchemy, and Herbology exams in another room. Parvati knew she was not as academically inclined as her sister, but she was no slouch in her studies. Sure, she had a more outgoing personality and had an interest in fashion; however, when it came time to focus on her studies, she would get to it. These past two years, she has become more mature and responsible. One in which she could prove herself as both a person and a witch and demonstrate her abilities. The others have worked just as hard in preparing for their exams and were determined to do their best.
When it came time for the written exams to be done, the teenagers were allowed to get something to eat for lunch either in the Ministry's cafeteria or elsewhere. They were only given one hour for lunch before needing to return at the assigned time, or they would not be allowed to take the practical portion of their exams. So far, only two people left while the others went to have lunch in the cafeteria. After grabbing their food, they found an open table and began discussing their exams. Yet not a minute later, Lilith had spotted Ulrich coming in with his own bag of lunch and beckoned for him to come over.
"Good to see you, little sister," kissing the top of her head, he took a seat next to her. Out of the corner of his left eye, Ulrich saw Cedric sitting at her left. The seventh-year Hufflepuff momentarily paled when he caught Ulrich's eye. "Relax Diggory. I won't give you the big brother talk since you're doing your N.E.W.T.s, so your spared for the time. But I will say this: Be good to my sister, or there will be hell to pay."
"I understand, Lord Moon," Cedric breathed a sigh of relief.
"How many exams are you taking? Ulrich asked Lilith.
"Thirteen," she replied. "Ancient Runes, Charms, Transfiguration, DADA, Herbology, Government, Business, Astronomy, History of Magic, Arithmancy, Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, and Alchemy." His eyes widened considerably as he had no idea she would be taking that many O.W.L.s. In truth, he did twelve and scored high in each one. He even earned ten N.E.W.T.s. "I've already done the written portions for Alchemy and Government. The former, I have to do the practical exam later today."
She handed him the schedule she got explaining what days she would be taking her exams. Ulrich gave a low whistle as he read over her schedule. "You're going to be busy," handing the schedule back to her.
Over at the I.C.W.'s Examination Department, after lunch was over, Blaise was called in to do the practical portion of his Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration exams. Taking a deep breath, he walked in with his wand in his hand. What surprised him was that Madam Quinn herself would be the one evaluating his practical for the day. "All right, Mr. Zabini. We will begin with your DADA exam. Are you ready?"
"I am," he said in an even voice.
"Very well. I would first like you to conjure a standard shielding charm." Blaise did as she asked and silently cast the blue shield. "Nonverbally," she said with a slightly impressed voice. She then asked him to perform a few defensive spells and remove the hexes and curses on the vase while avoiding damaging it. She carefully watched him as he did what she asked and had to admit she was impressed with his spellwork. "Now, finally, I would like you to perform the Patronus charm."
Madam Quinn had to blink her eyes when he conjured a solid patronus. "Nicely done, Mr. Zabini. All your spells were executed nonverbally! It's good to see some students are actually taking their educations seriously," she wrote down some notes on her clipboard. "Would you like to take a five-minute break before we move on to your practical for Transfigurations?"
"Yes, please. Would it be all right if I drink some water? I brought my own bottle?"
"Bring me the bottle," with a wave of his wand, he summoned his water bottle from his bag and levitated it to her. She cast a few diagnostic spells on it to see if any foreign substances were in the water or on the bottle. Finding nothing, she handed it back to him. Blaise took a quick swig before putting the bottle down on the desk.
They then moved on to Transfiguration. Blaise was very proficient in the subject and did his level best when asked to perform different spells. With any luck, he would hopefully earn a low or mid Outstanding. After vanishing the conjured wolf, she put her quill down. "That will be enough for the day. Please report back here tomorrow at the same time."
Blaise gave a respectful nod before leaving the room and headed into the waiting area, where he found Tracey raising a magazine.
"Hey, babe. How are you doing?"
Tracey put her magazine down when she spotted him coming toward her. "Better now that your here," he brought her up into a short yet passionate kiss. "I say that's an appropriate reward for doing two O.W.L exams in one day. You ready to get out of here?"
"You just read my mind," he led her to the elevator and through the lobby. Using their portkeys, they appeared in front of the school's gates and walked through the grounds till they reached the entrance. "Tomorrow, I will be taking my Herbology and Transfigurations exams. So there's a good chance I will be able to get an Exceeds in the former, though the latter, I don't know," Tracey commented.
"Want me to help you study tonight?" asked Blaise. She gave him a puppy dog face that told him her answer. He knew she sometimes struggled with Transfigurations and figured she would like to do a review. Then, throwing his arm around her, "but before that, I say we take a break for a while."
"Good idea," a mischievous smile then appeared on her face. "You know I could probably use a massage, and the Room of Requirement can provide a comfortable sofa."
Catching onto what she was thinking, they made their way to the Room of Requirement. Before they entered, Tracey threw her arms around his neck and brought his lips down to meet hers. Blaise kicked the door closed when the two were inside, and true to what she said, a comfortable sofa appeared in front of the roaring fireplace. The two Slytherin lovers spent an hour having a heated makeout session, though they eventually stopped so Blaise could give Tracey a massage.
On Thursday, after her last N.E.W.T exam, Daphne teleported to Italy in front of the gates of a familiar villa. Pulling her key from her pocket, she unlocked the gate and strolled through the well-kept garden. She still could not get over how beautiful the place was, and the weather was perfect. Daphne's senses told her that her boyfriend was in the backyard. Teleporting outside, she found Harry standing beside the veranda overlooking the beautiful lake and grassy mountain as the wind blew across his face.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" He asked when she teleported beside him. Only a few people could get into the villa. The place was unplottable and could only be accessed by a few select people.
"Yes, it is," Daphne rested her head against his chest when he put his arm around her. "I wish it could always be like this. Peaceful."
"As do I," turning his head so green eyes would meet blue eyes. "However, I like this beautiful woman right here a lot more.
"Well, then I guess her strong and handsome boyfriend better take care of her then," Daphne returned with a smile. Her smile grew when he brought his lips to hers, and she happily reciprocated. She gasped a little when his hands reached her arse and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Someone is certainly more bold today."
"What can I say? You have that effect on me," A cheeky smile appeared on his lips.
Daphne laughed. "Good to know." She then got a little more serious, "screw it. I don't have to be at the I.C.W until two o'clock tomorrow." Recapturing his lips with her, she became a little more aggressive, and the two quickly began a heated snogging session. Harry picked her up and carried her inside. The gods were back at Hogwarts with the Founders, and no one else is supposed to come today. So that means it will just be the two of them alone.
(0^0)
Close to noon the next day, Harry and Daphne awoke with their naked bodies still intertwined. The smell of vanilla and mint filled his nostrils as he gently rubbed his fingers through her hair. Yesterday was amazing as they spent hours partaking in one of their favorite physical activities. They finally fell asleep at around three a.m.
Daphne looked up with a smile, and her eyes met his. "Last night was. . ."
"Incredible," he finished, leaning down to kiss her.
"Looks like all that training and those rituals have done more good than what we originally thought. Though you could have been a little more gentle as walking might prove to be a little difficult," she teased, tracing a finger across his well-toned chest.
"That's not what you said last night," he returned with a grin. His eyes lowered to her chest, and he unconsciously moved his hips toward her.
Daphne chuckled as she sat on her elbows, "easy boy. After last night, I think we could use a break," she said when his hand rubbed against her skin, giving her goosebumps. "Besides, as much as I love to stay like this with you for the rest of the day. . .I have to be at the I.C.W."
"True," he had to agree. "But after today, it will be the weekend." An idea then formed in his head. "What would you say to a weekend-long date away from Britain?"
She responded with a mischievous smile. "I feel like I can be persuaded to agree. For the right price, of course."
He captured her lips in a slow yet loving kiss, and she wrapped her hands around his back, meeting his passion with hers. Soon after a nice shower, they sat in the dining room, having a big breakfast and discussing the future. One where both Albus Dumbledore and Voldemort were no longer around or able to meddle in their lives. At about a half hour before she was due to be at the Examination Department, Harry teleported them to the I.C.W building to drop her off.
Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location in the Ukraine, Voldemort sat in the throne room of his new HQ, contemplating the information Rookwood and the others gave him. Apparently, Potter was more furious with Dumbledore than he believed, as he accidentally overheard the meddling old fool muttering about the Prophecy concerning the two of them. Rookwood reported that he managed to find a weakness in the protective enchantments and security around the Ministry that would be able to allow him and his Death Eaters to enter undetected. If the boy was as eager to hear the contents of the Prophecy as he thought he was, then Potter could remove it from the shelf. Thus saving him the trouble. His Death Eaters would then have an easier time in bringing the Prophecy to him. That is, if everything goes as planned.
Augustus explained that prophecies could only be removed by whom they are made to or about without having to suffer any madness. Tom's blood boiled at the memory of what happened in December when his Death Eaters failed to retrieve the object in question and that Nagini had been killed. Avery's failure that day had resulted in a great loss. But now—after months of work—months of preparations, he would finally get his hands on the Prophecy and hear its contents. Potter was scheduled to be at the Ministry on the 24th, and there was the chance that Dumbledore would also be present. This would be the perfect opportunity to finally claim his prize and be rid of both Dumbledore and Potter. He would not let this opportunity slip through his fingers.
(0^0)
Similar to last week, the fifth and seventh-year students were doing their exams. A majority of the students just wished the week would end, though they knew that what they were doing was important. Depending on what they make will decide if they will be able to move forward. Especially the fifth years who wanted to enter the required classes for their sixth year.
In one of the Ministry of Magic's testing rooms, Hermione Granger was in the middle, doing her last O.W.L. exam. Her practical for Potions. Since the beginning of her O.W.L.s, she had been coming to the Ministry to do her exams. Being that this was the last thing she would be tested in, Hermione was determined to get a high grade. The same could be said for her other exams in which she believed she received Outstanding's in all of them. Though her Defense Against the Dark Arts exam would be tricky as she messed up with the Boggart, yet she still felt confident. Counting her current exam, this would be her thirteenth, and it felt like her brain was on fire. She already wanted to return to Hogwarts, crawl into her bed, and sleep for a couple of days.
However, she wasn't in Gryffindor for nothing. Quickly shaking her head, she remembered the vow she made to herself in which she'd prove herself and get an O.W.L in the subjects she was testing in. She quickly looked at the hourglass and saw she had close to ten minutes left until the end. Knowing that time was of the essence, Hermione added the last ingredients to her potion. This would make the third potion she had to do for the practical. Stirring it clockwise until it became the color it was supposed to be, she grabbed her last flask and filled it with the potion she just created.
Among the three potions assigned to her, the first two had been the most difficult as she had to carefully correct the errors in the Wit-Sharpening Potion and create a more powerful variation of the Calming Draught. All the same, she was both exhausted and relieved that she was finally done. Raising her hand to call the proctor over.
Mr. Tofty came over when he saw her hand was raised. "Is there a problem, Ms. Granger?" The old examiner asked with a smile.
"No, sir. I just wanted to let you know I was finished with my final potion," passing him the flasks filled with different potions she had been assigned. All three had labels with her name on them.
"Very well, Ms. Granger. You may leave now," dismissing her while he collected the flasks and brought them over to his desk. Just when she was going to exit, he drew his wand and created a privacy ward around himself. Then, one by one, he carefully examined each potion and wrote comments on his clipboard.
On her way to the Atrium, Hermione momentarily stopped in her tracks and paled slightly when she saw Alastor Moody walking with Arcturus Black to the Minister of Magic's office. The latter still terrified her. She will never forget when he came to her house and threatened her and her family. Doing her level best to stay clear of the man, hoping not to catch his attention, she quickly reached the apparition and portkey point and pulled out the portkey she used to come today from her bag. Then, in a split second, she was whisked away.
A/N: Finally! I was finally able to find the time to complete this chapter. Just in case none of you could tell, I modeled the baby domes after Grogu's hovering pram from the Mandalorian. Shoot the Mandalorian was damn good.
Harry met with a select few people who now know that he is Shadow and that Miwa is Hakugarai. The two believe that they will be able to permanently remove Dumbledore or Voldemort from the picture. What might happen is anyone's guess. In order to draw out an enemy, you need to use the right bait, or in this case: Play on what they wish to possess. Greed and arrogance are great tools to use on your foes.
The students are now taking their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. What their results will be is anyone's guess. But I will say this here. Those people have earned a nice long rest. Major exams can take a lot out of a person, especially ones that have a lot of questions and with a limited amount of time. Also, people use different methods to learn and retain information for long periods. Things like: group study sessions, writing it down multiple times, reciting it, learning by doing it, and by forming your own conclusions, etc. It's all about which method best works for you and the quality in which you use it. Am I wrong?
Next Chapter: Battle within the Ministry