I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

A Taste of Magic

101st Course – Under Examination

"This is different," Daphne remarked.

The Uncommon Room had lived up to its name relatively early on, being the place where the friends liked to meet and relax outside of their House common rooms. As the O.W.L.s got closer, they used it as a place for studying as well. Quieting and deafening charms allowed those that wanted utter quiet to study close-by while others who did better with group study took full advantage of the space and proximity.

Even Hermione had to admit that the Uncommon Room had advantages that the library lacked. First, snacking was not only permissible in the Uncommon Room, but encouraged if not nearly mandatory. Second, the clothing requirements were more relaxed as well. Some, like Pansy and Daphne and Sue, were a little slow to embrace the casual/pajama attire the others embraced easily, but they eventually did to some degree. Third, and not least of all, it was nice to be able to take a short break and indulge in some conversation or something else before getting back into studying.

Not to mention, there were always moments of delightful absurdity to enjoy.

"What makes you say that?" Harry asked, looking up from the pot on the stove.

"Normally, your head is the one she is sitting on," Daphne said. She looked over at Hedwig plumped up on Parvati's head. "Is Parvati's brain boiling, thus making her head more comfortable for Hedwig to sit on?"

"My head is as hot as your arse is cold, princess," Parvati said loudly, making the others snort and snicker and Daphne growl. "Ow! Hey!" Parvati yelped, looking up at Hedwig who pecked her and was shaking her head slowly. "Come on, that was funny."

Harry grinned. "No, so apparently, I was doing really well on practice tests and after some deliberation, people thought that the reason why was Hedwig sitting on my head and blessing me. Owls are symbols of wisdom after all."

"Of course, that is the only reason you could be performing well," Daphne said with an arched look. "Not the fact that you study and work hard and are intelligent."

"Every little helps, I'm not discounting the fact that Hedwig's presence helps," Harry smiled. "So now, every so often, Hedwig will look at people's work and then sit on someone's head. She's sat on Parvati's head every other time now and I honestly don't know if it's because she actually needs the help or if Hedwig is messing with her a little. She's been doing fine on practice tests. Parvati, not Hedwig. Hedwig doesn't believe in tests."

Padma giggled. "Parvati is a hot head though, always has been."

"Hedwig does hate having a cold arse," Harry said with sincere seriousness. "So that could be the reason too."

"I highly approve that your owl is waging psychological warfare on her," Daphne sniffed. "That is a very strange sentence to say and to mean."

"She does have a healthy sense of humor," Harry chuckled.

"What are you making? It smells lovely," Daphne asked, looking into the pot.

"Goan fish curry, it's an Indian dish," Harry said. He stirred the deep red curry in the pot and the air smelled of all kinds of spices. "Fish is brain food so this should help. It's spicy and savory and just a hint of sourness from something called tamarind. It's a fruit from Asia."

"Sounds delightful," Daphne smiled. "And these look incredibly soft."

"Naan," Padma said eagerly. "The roti we've made is unleavened while these have yeast in them and sat for a bit. So they're going to be a lot softer than roti. We have rice on the go too but a nice bit of soft naan to dip in your curry is very nice." She flipped the naan in the cast iron skillet, watching it puff up. "A bit of butter and they're amazing as is."

The curry was spicy and tangy, delicious with the fragrant basmati rice and the soft and buttery naan. Everyone ate hungrily, enjoying the new dish as well as a reprieve from the studying. After eating, they went back to studying with renewed energy if not vigor.

"Wait, what?" Daphne looked shocked when Hedwig settled on her head. "What did I get wrong on the practice test?!"

"Oh don't worry, she's doing comparisons for her nest," Harry said, seeing Hedwig's calculating expression. "She sometimes likes to change the look of her nest so she's seeing how she looks in different color hair." He clucked at her. "Don't mess with people like that, Hedwig."

"Oh if that is her goal then I need not worry and she can take her time," Daphne said, feeling better. She turned thoughtful. "There was a time that I would find the idea of an owl sitting on my head to be very distasteful. But Hedwig feels very comfortable. Like a warm hat."

"Until she rearranges your hair to suit her," Harry smiled. He snorted when she fluttered over to demonstrate, plumping down and wiggling comfortably while yanking his hair about with her beak. "Like so."

"Yeah but your hair is already like a nest," Millicent teased. "She doesn't have to work hard to get it how she likes it. Or maybe harder. I can't tell."

"What do you do when you finish showering and when you get out of bed?" Pansy asked.

"I towel it dry and comb it. Just comb it when I get up." He looked around as the others groaned and rolled their eyes. "What, is that bad?"

"No, it's just unfair that boys have to do so little," Sue sighed.

"Excuse me, I spend plenty of time on my hair," Blaise sniffed. He conjured a mirror and looked into it with foppish care. "Clothes maketh man and personal appearance counts as much as gold."

"Wow, conjuring like that is really hard," Susan said.

"First spell I learned," Blaise said with regal dignity. "I am very good at it."

"It's also the only thing he can conjure that fast and easily," Tracey smirked.

"You say that like it is a bad thing," Blaise said, straightening his collar.

"Your mirror in your room must either hate you or love you," Parvati said.

"Oh we can choose ones with the charm and ones without," Millicent said. "I think most of Slytherin typically goes for the one without. We get enough comments about our appearances at home growing up."

"And I don't need the help," Blaise said with utter confidence.

"You need it on so many things though," Pansy snarked.

"I actually like the mirror in our dorm room," Harry said. "It's very nice."

"It's the nicest to you," Neville laughed. "I mean, which is fair. It gave up on Seamus and Dean argues with it a lot about Muggle fashion."

"It's better than the one at our home," Ron said. "That one is mean. Yells at you it does when you walk past. Ginny tried to throw it out the window once because it called her something hilariously rude."

"I hate that mirror," Ginny grumbled. "Mum only keeps it around because it's nice to her."

"I like our mirror," Lavender said. She and Parvati shared a look and started giggling. "Hermione doesn't though."

"Our mirror is very snippy," Hermione sniffed.

"Hey, I have a question," Astoria said. "What happens if you fail your O.W.L.s? Ow!" She rubbed her head and glared at her older sister. "What?!"

"Do not 'what' me," Daphne said back with a very severe expression. "We have enough to worry about without you putting that thought into our heads!"

"I asked Professor McGonagall. She said that you can try to take a remedial test and pass it over the summer. If you fail that, you retake the class your sixth year and take the O.W.L. again. If you still do not pass, then you take it your seventh. Obviously you cannot take N.E.W.T. level classes and that can impact your career choices and future," Hermione said. "If you pass O.W.L.s in some courses and not others and were not planning on taking those N.E.W.T.s, then you can proceed as normal."

"I'm surprised you asked her that," Tracey said. "I didn't think you thought you could possibly fail any class."

"Because she hides her crazy from you," Parvati whispered very loudly.

Hermione flicked her wand and sent Parvati's notebook to the other side of the room, making the girl scowl as she summoned it back. "Well, I asked back in first year," she admitted, blushing. "At first she wouldn't answer me because I had many years to ensure I wouldn't fail but I kept asking and she finally answered."

"Okay that makes sense then," Tracey said in a matter-of-fact way, making them laugh and Hermione flush even more.

Pansy snorted. "Mother once said that many Pureblooded girls were told they had to pass O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s for appearances' sake as opposed to legitimate effort but she insisted that I applied myself and I for one am glad for it."

"Oh, the whole marrying into a family and not having to worry about it thing?" Lavender asked. She blanched when the Society girls nodded. "I guess you all have trophy wife/spouse things too."

"Muggles make their spouses into trophies?" Daphne asked, eyebrow raised.

"Not literally," Padma said. "At least I hope not. But there are plenty of men and women who marry someone for their looks and don't expect them to do anything meaningful."

"Oh then yes, that is a shared trait," Daphne said. "Though I have heard of it being somewhat literal in our society here and there."

"I don't think I want to know," Lavender said, making a face.

"I always thought that Auntie Tina was preparing you for that," Tracey giggled, looking at Blaise. "Since you're so obsessed with how you look."

"No, I'm fairly capable at many things," Blaise said airily. "I just also happen to like to look very good. I am very secure in many ways."

"His wardrobe and his closet are bigger than mine," Millicent said to the amusement of others. "A lot bigger."

"Mother says if I manage to cast a Patronus, then it will most likely be a peacock," Blaise said. "Which I would find elegant and fitting."

"Oh yeah, that's definitely your spirit animal," Parvati said.

"What's a spirit animal?" Astoria asked. "Is that like a Patronus?"

"Depends on the culture, but it's basically an animal that inspires you or you identify with," Parvati said. "Or one that you share a lot of characteristics with."

"Vain, gaudy, belligerent…" Daphne counted the qualities off on her fingers.

"Blaise isn't belligerent," Harry protested. "And I'm pretty sure he isn't gaudy."

"Thank you, Harry," Blaise said with sincere appreciation. "I knew I needed good friends." He smiled at Daphne. "Yours would be a shark. Cold-blooded, sharp teeth, rough skin."

"Hey!" Daphne shouted, wounded. "My skin is not rough!"

"I always thought I was like a wild horse," Parvati said. "Graceful, hair looks great in the wind, toned without being overly muscular."

"And has a mean kick," Padma added. "And snorts and whinnies."

"Padma's a fox. They're clever and look cute and sound awful when they scream," Parvati said, sticking her tongue out.

"You're a kneazle," Millicent said, poking Pansy. "Heightened sense of propriety, can be standoffish, likes to claw people."

"You're a bitch," Pansy said, pushing her friend.

"What, like a female dog?"

"No, just a bitch," Pansy said. She yelped when Millicent pushed her off her stool.

"Maybe we should've called the room a menagerie," Harry smiled.

"Or a zoo," Lavender giggled.

-0-

"How are you feeling my boy?" Nicolas asked.

"Feeling pretty good," Harry said. "Thank you again for all the tutoring sessions you and Grandmother have done for us."

"Think nothing of it," Nicolas said warmly. "It has been fun teaching again. It is different from the more involved master and apprentice work. I like knowing that I have helped, especially when all of you pass your tests and can attribute it to my assistance."

"Yes, because inflating your ego was the important part," McGonagall said dryly.

"Second most important part," Nicolas sniffed. "Harry passing is first, then my ego inflating is a very close second."

Perenelle snorted deeply. "Remember cheri, do your best and the rest will follow. We have faith in you. You are a good student and your hard work will prove that." She hugged Harry warmly.

"And if, by some extremely unlikely chance that you do fail your tests, you do not need them," Nicolas said. "You will not lack for employment opportunities ever. I guarantee it."

"You cannot expect Harry to rely on nepotism, do you? I assume you know what the word means?" McGonagall asked severely.

"I believe I embody the word," Nicolas sniffed.

"Nepotism, not narcissism," Perenelle smiled. "Nepotism is benefiting from relations or who you know."

"Oh well why not?" Nicolas looked at McGonagall blankly. "Why would you not use anything and everything to your advantage? Why limit yourself? Your enemies certainly will not and they would not hesitate to do the same. Life is inherently unfair. Make the most of what you got and do whatever you must for yourself and those you call friend and family."

"I suppose there is truth to that," McGonagall conceded.

"And if you can ruin your enemies at the same time and revel in their misfortune, then do that with applicable grace and satisfaction," Nicolas added.

"Yes Grandfather," Harry smiled.

"No, do not listen to that," McGonagall sighed. "What are you teaching him?"

"Many things, we are tutors after all," Nicolas said. "Have you forgotten already? My word, I worry about your memory my friend. Do you remember who I am?"

"Let us go, this fight will be a loud one," Perenelle said while McGonagall swelled angrily. "I hunger. Come, feed your poor grandmother."

"Yes Grandmother," Harry smiled brightly.

-0-

Remus ducked under the string of Stunning Jinxes and silently cast a Shield Charm, nodding in satisfaction when it shuddered from a Bludgeoning Hex. "Well done, Harry!" He cast his own stunner and then shot a web of ropes out right after.

Harry blocked the stunner with his own shield before flicking his wand in a circle. "Ventus!" The Wind Blast Charm sent the web of ropes flying every which way. He stumbled when he was clipped by the follow-up Impediment Jinx but regained balance and aimed at the stones below Remus' feet.

Remus whooped when the stones went slick with thick suds, slipping and sliding. He barely avoided falling and managed to slide through the Scouring Charm, grinning. He conjured several stone disks and launched them at Harry in rapid succession, spinning them and sending them on different arcs.

Harry managed to deflect the first two, ducking the third, and grunting when the fourth struck him in the shoulder. He spun a little and aimed with his wand at the disks and threw them back at Remus. The professor deflected them easily but was surprised to see Harry very close to him. Harry had run after the disks and closed the gap between them. A hastily aimed stunner and stinger combo just barely missed Harry. The young man leaned in and slammed into Remus bodily.

Surprised, Remus flailed a bit before digging his heels in, preventing him from sliding further back. He leaned down to grab Harry but whooped once more when Harry, already lower, managed to wrap his arms around Remus' midsection and throw him with a twist of his body.

"That's my boy!" Sirius, Dora, and Ariana shouted while the other watchers laughed and applauded and cheered.

Remus hit the ground and rolled. He climbed to his knees in a smooth motion and hit Harry with a Flipping Jinx, sending Harry flying who also whooped in surprise. Remus then managed to entangle him in the ropes when Harry fell and he climbed to his feet with a broad smile on his lips. "That was well done, Harry. I'm surprised you could throw me like that."

Harry grinned up at Remus, not even struggling against the ropes. "Thanks!" He climbed to his feet after Remus dispelled the ropes and offered a hand. "I have a little upper body strength. Lots of heavy things in the kitchen, you know."

"I thought you said you would not be teaching Harry alternative dueling," Dumbledore groaned.

"No, I said I would not tell you if I was teaching Harry alternative dueling," Flitwick corrected, "allegedly."

"I taught him that," Dora said proudly. "I also taught him how to punch and kick and that was the perfect time for it too."

"Probably has some reservations about punching Remus. I never had that problem," Sirius smiled.

"There are those that would look down on fisticuffs in a magical duel," Dumbledore said, shaking his head.

"And you would be the one looking down on them for being punched in the face," Ariana said smugly. "And I have looked down at my opponents that I have punched in the face and physically struck them in other parts of their body with extreme satisfaction."

"I suppose I should commend him on his restraint," Dumbledore sighed.

-0-

The end of the year arrived and with it came the tests. Normally there were a few end of term tests that either tested on information over the entire term or the end of the term. For the fifth year and seventh year students however, the O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s would be testing them on a much larger pool of information, essentially the last five years for the fifth years and more or less two years of knowledge built on a foundation of the five years prior for the seventh years.

Over the course of a few weeks, the students would take the written test in the morning and then do the practical test in the afternoon. For most, they usually averaged a test every other day with some having to take more in succession based on the elective classes they took. The professors had spent the last few weeks of their classes reviewing what they thought would be tested the most. The fifth years and even the seventh years found themselves somewhat more prepared for the practical portions due to the aid of the outside individuals that came to help tutor them.

It was a grueling pace and schedule but they did their best.

-0-

"I am so glad I did Household Charms," Padma sighed with immense relief when they reconvened for lunch. "I legit thought it wouldn't be as useful but boy, I'm happy to be wrong."

"Seriously," Sue said. "I almost cried from relief when asked to talk about those Charms on the test."

"It really pays to be well rounded in many things, doesn't it?" Hermione mused.

"How'd you think you did?" Harry asked.

Lavender smiled and returned his hug. "I think I did good! I'm pretty confident for the practical portion, I'm a bit better with that. How about you?"

"I think I did pretty good too," Harry said. "Definitely agree on the practical part though."

"I wish I had joined back then," Daphne said with a moue of disgust. "I had thought it ridiculous, why would I ever need to know any cleaning and household spells like that?"

"I don't even know if Mother knows any of those," Astoria said. "Well, she did threaten to clean Father's mouth with the Scouring Charm that one time."

"Ugh, I bet that tastes awful," Parvati said.

"Oh did your parents threaten to wash your mouth with soap when you were little if you said bad words too?" Lavender asked.

"Threaten? No, Grandmum just did it," Parvati said and Padma nodded in agreement. "We learned real fast not to give her any excuse."

"Mmm, soap curry," Harry smiled.

"You joke, but I'm pretty sure she has a recipe for that," Padma laughed.

-0-

Professor Griselda Marchbanks looked at the plate with keen interest. She and a selection of wizened witches and wizards had arrived to be proctors for the practical portion of the exams. They would work with a student one-on-one and give them instructions and watch how they cast the spells. They also asked a few questions about spellcasting, like ones on the written portion, to test the students. She had asked Harry to clean the plate and had blinked when he did so easily and readily.

"That is sparkling clean," she praised. She ran her finger on it. "Literally squeaky clean! Well done!"

"I use the Scouring Charm a lot," Harry said with a proud smile.

"It shows. Well then, let's see what else you can do." She looked on with undisguised approval as he levitated said plate perfectly after shrinking it and growing it. Then she watched as he banished the plate and summoned it back without it hitting anything and nodded when he changed the color of the plate several times. "Excellent display of control and fine movements and incantations."

"I love Charms," Harry said.

"Now, for an extra point, impress me."

Harry looked at the table and after seeing the pineapple sitting on it, he grinned. He stuck a handkerchief to it and the handkerchief billowed about, like a cloak caught in a dramatic wind. With a muttered incantation and some wand movements, the pineapple then took the plate and the two objects began to dance together.

"Is that…is that a salsa?" Marchbanks asked, deeply amused. "Very well done and-" She blinked and looked at him. "You wouldn't happen to be acquaintances with Eld Tepes?"

"Mr. Drake? Yes Ma'am, I'm lucky to call him a friend. He taught us the Cloak Movement Charm."

Marchbanks threw her head back and laughed loudly and uproariously, a surprisingly deep and hearty sound from such a slight and petite frame. Others looked on in astonishment. Normally laughter during O.W.L.s were either nervous or maniacal or hysterical. She wiped tears of merriment from her eyes and smiled at him. "I thought so. Such style in those spells. Well! Consider me impressed, Mister Potter. I will be looking forward to the rest of your practicals with great interest!"

-0-

"Harry, did you really cook during your Care practical?" Susan asked, looking amused.

"I mean, not technically," Harry said with pink cheeks. "I got a little carried away when I was asked to show how to react around a crake and answered questions about it."

"He started butchering it without stopping for a beat," Pansy giggled. "Pulled his knife out and everything!" The others started laughing, and Harry's sheepish expression made it that much funnier. "The proctor just stared and didn't say anything!"

"Amazing," Blaise laughed. "I hope you got extra points for being knowledgeable about the anatomy."

"I think he did earn extra points at the end when the proctor praised his cooking," Pansy said fondly. "Good thing he wasn't allergic to it."

"Really Harry?" Tracey smiled.

"I didn't want to waste it!" Harry said, shaking his head. "He was pretty impressed when I said how the crake toxin worked and what plants neutralized the toxin though."

"Was he mad you uh…used the crake that others were supposed to test with too?" Daphne asked, eyes bright and merry.

"No, thankfully there were extras," Harry sighed. "That really was kinda embarrassing."

"Bloody hilarious you mean," Ron said. "And something you'd do."

-0-

"Thanks Luna," Lavender said, taking the cup from her.

"It's very kind of you to make all these smoothies and milkshakes for us," Pansy said, taking her own cup.

"I like making them," Luna said brightly. "And thank you for the notes. I will be well prepared for next year."

They had reached that halfway point and Harry had them take at least a small break from studying for the remaining tests. They sat together in the Uncommon Room and relaxed together, finding a small reprieve from the scholastic marathon. Luna and Ginny and even Astoria had helped when they could and the others had made notes on what they were tested on to help give Luna and Ginny a bit of an advantage for the next year when they would take their O.W.L.s.

"I do feel a little bad though," Luna admitted. "It is a very large advantage."

"No more than what got from being tutored by the others this year," Harry said. "Besides, you guys helped us, it's only right we help you."

"How are you all feeling?" Ginny asked.

"Tired, but good I think, overall," Parvati said. "It's been hard but not as insanely terrible as I was afraid it would be. Good thing we did the scholastic thing last year and spent the whole year slowly and steadily reviewing things. Good thing Harry suggested it."

"I'd hate you if I had the energy," Padma sighed lethargically.

"You admitted I was right for my Christmas present," Hermione frowned.

"That was a one-time thing," Parvati said.

Harry chuckled and began to pull pizzas from the oven, setting them on the table. "Let's eat some pizza and then rally to the end. We can do this."

"Aye aye Captain," Parvati saluted.

"Not this again," Harry groaned. "I'm not in charge of anything!"

Lavender hugged him and smiled. "You're a little in charge of some things."

"Okay fine, in that case, no calling me captain," he said.

"Aye aye Captain," the others chorused and they all laughed together, even Harry.

-0-

"Now that is an impressive Shield Charm," Marchbanks said. She cast a few very weak jinxes at it and nodded with approval as they bounced off. "Well done!" She made a few notes on her clipboard. "And tell me, what would you do if you wanted to protect against physical objects?"

"The Shield Charm protects against some, but you would be better suited with a physical shield," Harry said. "Even better to reinforce said physical shield with the charm as a dual layer protection. But if you wanted to make your Shield Charm more resistant to physical things, you would make a large circle while you incant to make it thicker. But then you lose a little flexibility and can really only defend a smaller area."

"Perfectly correct. If someone were to cast both offensive spells and fire spells at you, how would you go about defending yourself?"

"I'd cast the Shield Charm against the spells and either deflect the fire with water spells or even create a firebreak, burning something else to absorb the incoming fire. Or maybe conjure a physical shield spell to block the physical spell."

"Well reasoned." Marchbanks finished her note. "Now then, for extra credit, I read in an article that you can cast a Patronus Spell?"

"Yes Ma'am, I can. Professor Lupin taught it to me my third year."

"Now that's very impressive," Marchbanks said. "I would love to see it."

Harry held his wand up and focused on his happy thoughts and memories, of the family he found and the friends he made. With a light heart and a bright smile, he incanted, "Expecto patronum!" His wand warmed and light grew at the tip of it. It became brilliant and shining, a beacon of silver clarity. A large flash filled the air, enough for everyone in the Great Hall to notice and more than a few cried out and almost everyone had to shield their eyes.

Marchbanks gaped at the gigantic silver snowy owl that sat there impassively. It was very large, as large as one of the carriages at the castle. The head slowly turned almost 360 degrees, looking at everything and everyone with a cool predatory gaze before the Patronus looked down at Marchbanks.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Harry asked, tilting his head.

Marchbanks and a few others gaped at the question, looking even more astonished when the Patronus looked at Harry and tilted her head identically. It made an inquisitive sound and looked at him with overly large eyes filled with insincere innocence.

"Be nice," Harry said and waggled a finger.

The Patronus flapped her wings and everyone made noises of surprise when it split into three regular sized snowy owls. They giggled as they flew about, chasing each other in the air before flying in formation around and around. The finally swooped down and when the first sat on his head, with the other two settling on his shoulders.

"Sorry," Harry said apologetically, "they're cheeky."

"My goodness!" Marchbanks laughed. "Multiple Patroni isn't unheard of but I don't remember seeing any with such distinct personalities! That's incredible and you cast it so easily."

"I practiced a lot with it. The first two times I cast it, it really exhausted me. I fainted both times. I was told to practice with the spell a lot so I could get used to it." He smiled when the three silver snowy owls nuzzled him lovingly. "They're great."

Marchbanks clapped when the three guardians hooted musically together and they faded away slowly with their eyes being the last to do so. "You've certainly earned the extra credit! That was a distinct pleasure to see, thank you Mister Potter."

-0-

"I can't believe you got into an argument with the proctor," Susan said.

"I can," Parvati and Sue said together.

"You argued with the proctor?" Daphne asked, raising an eyebrow.

Padma groaned and buried her face in her hands. "Not my finest moment."

"Whatever did you argue about?" Daphne asked with a smile.

"Apparently he took offense to my use of describing the Swapping Spell as a Switching Spell," Padma grumbled.

"There's a Switching Spell?!" Lavender asked, starting to panic.

"No, I mean, that the swapping spell should be called a switching spell," Padma clarified.

"What's the difference?" Neville asked.

"Swap inherently means a voluntary exchange. Switch is more of an involuntary action, so if you're forcing two objects to change places, you're switching them, not swapping them," Padma said.

"You argued with the proctor over semantics?" Susan asked, looking incredulous.

"I'm using the language as it is written!" Padma said crossly while people started laughing. "I didn't bloody invent it!"

"It was really impressive," Harry smiled. "The proctor got super flustered when Padma was lecturing him. Actually had to have all the proctors intervene and they had to discuss things among themselves for a while."

"Thank you for that by the way," Pansy said. "I really appreciated the short break to collect myself."

"You're welcome," Padma sighed.

"Has she always been that literal?" Tracey asked.

"Yeah, back when it was adorable," Parvati said. "Then it became just literal and now it's annoyingly literal. In fact, some of our extended family members know who's who by starting an argument and see how we respond."

"Hopefully you won't be failed over it," Daphne said sympathetically.

"Professor Marchbanks said you won't," Harry said soothingly. "She said you raised a fair point and you still cast the spell perfectly. Plus she said it was funny to see the other proctor look like he got something overlarge shoved up his arse."

"Professor Marchbanks said that to you?" Neville asked, looking impressed. "Wow. She's normally not that crass with people she's just met. She must like you."

"Oh?" Millicent looked at him with interest. "Really?"

"Yeah, she's friends with Grandmum. She's usually really strict and proper out in public but once she likes you, she can say some things like that."

"She said she wanted to proctor most of my practicals," Harry said. "She guessed I knew Mr. Drake from what I did during the Charms one."

"Better you than me," Neville smiled. "She's the Head of the Department of Education you know."

"She is?" others asked, horrified.

He nodded. "And she's usually really strict and particular about classwork and spellwork and all that."

"Oh good, glad I know that now, after everything's done so I can't panic anymore," Millicent groaned.

-0-

The Great Hall was filled with noise despite it being barely filled. The last of the tests were done and the fifth and seventh years were enjoying a very loud party. Dumbledore arranged it for them after the last test was completed and they all relaxed together. A very long table was covered in food and treats and a single other long table let the students sit together and commiserate with one another, thankful to be finished.

"Very good pizza," Dumbledore smiled, enjoying a slice of Neapolitan pizza with gusto. "Inspired by the Showcase?"

"Pretty much," Harry smiled. "I'm actually looking forward to it."

"To the Showcase, or eating in Italy?" Dumbledore asked with a broad smile.

"Yes," Harry said with an equally broad smile.

Dumbledore chuckled. "I wanted to tell you this too, Harry. Professor Marchbanks wanted to congratulate me on a fine examination year. She said on the whole, Hogwarts performed very well. Much better in previous years."

"That's great! Must be due to Grandfather and Grandmother, Sirius, Auntie Andi, Uncle Ted, Dora, Mr. Drake, Auntie Ari, and the others that came to help."

"I am sure of it, I will try to make it a regular occurrence in the future," Dumbledore said. "If not them, then others who might be willing to help. Being taught by different specialists adds valuable perspective."

Harry nodded in agreement. "How are the preparations for the Showcase?"

"Just about finished. We have finalized the teams and the living arrangements are all set. Transportation is also arranged and we are going to do the last few things such as school uniforms and the like during the week between the end of school and then us going to the Showcase."

Harry took a deep breath. He also knew what else they would be doing at the Showcase, aside from showing off Hogwarts. He felt better when Dumbledore patted his shoulder.

"Do not worry," Dumbledore said quietly but firmly. "We will protect you and we will finish this once and for all."

"I'm not worried," Harry said truthfully. "I trust you and the others. We can do this. Together."

"Together," Dumbledore said sincerely.

-0-0-0-

Kaya - Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad you found my fics and enjoy them. I do try to write different stories from story to story and try to not make them feel the same, save for some similarities that I adore such as gremlin Hedwig and loving Tonks family. Glad you enjoyed the chapter too.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Aberforth is probably the least nosy but the most grumpy.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - I like to think with all they've gone through, they won't be too clingy with each other, yet anyways. Still delightfully awkward though. Thanks for reading.

odonnellzoo99 - Parvati and Padma have become a lot of fun to write for and I honestly didn't see it coming. I'm glad they've taken their own distinct voice like the Chasers did in Family and this story would be very different without them. Oh yes, I'm sure the eventual reactions will be wonderful.

DarkRavie - Thank you.

poka - Glad for the smiles and that you enjoyed it.

Roxasstorm - I adore slice of life manga a lot so I was hoping for a calm and cozy vibe with this fic, glad you are enjoying it.

alix33 - I'm sure there are plenty of bottles and vials to be used in Hogwarts.

Andrew MacKenzie - Thank you. I think it's easier for me to write too and I like that they feel punchier. Thank you so much.