CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

DISCLAIMER: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter.

Thanks to everyone who wrote their reviews on the story! It's really motivating for me. If you have any ideas or questions about the story they're welcome.

Thursday, 20th March 1991

Reyna's feeling of frustration increased daily. She wasn't doing anything yet to make the Slytherins feel swayed from Voldemort, and she'd never felt so useless. The first years weren't paid any attention to by the older ones and apart from Flint, they didn't bat an eyelash at them. A few did give Reyna strange looks once in a while but the young girl figured it was because of the time she'd spent in the Gryffindor common room.

As she entered the common room with Delilah and Zach, her eyes caught sight of Elissa Langston, one of the fifth year girls. The blonde haired witch gave the younger girl an appraising glance before returning to her friend. Reyna's mind flashed back to the time the older girl had pulled her aside once.

"Look, Cade, as a fellow Slytherin I feel to warn you that getting too close to Gryffindors isn't something we approve of. You're engaging with the enemy and that's exactly how you'll end up in trouble if you're not careful," said Elissa coolly with an expressionless face.

That's what Reyna noticed about Slytherins, they either showed no expression or negative expression as she replied," Thanks-er-Langston, but did Flint put you up to this?"

Langston sniffed," As though I'd take orders from him. Consider it a favour to you, one you'd do well to listen," she answered before turning on her heel and leaving Reyna to stare at her in bemusement.

"I vote we go down to the lake for a bit before dinner," said Zach with a yawn.

Delilah eyed him," And what about the assignment that's due in tomorrow, Royston?"

Zach smirked," We all know our ice queen will help me with that," he said before turning to Reyna," isn't that right, Reyna?"

Reyna snorted," Your ice queen will fulfill her name and let you do your own work for once."

Delilah grinned as Zach rolled his eyes, looking affronted.

"C'mon then, the Lake it is. It is a bit hot," said Reyna.

They met no one on their way as the three walked in comfortable silence. Reyna admitted that she liked these moments, spending it with her two friends. The three were closer to each other than the other Slytherins and their personalities complemented each other, though she knew that Zach was probably the most light hearted of all of them, Delilah the quickest to anger, and Reyna the calm-headed, sharp tongued one-or as her reputation said anyway.

As she and Delilah leaned on the tree once they'd reached the Lake, Zach started tossing pebbles into the water, his face scrunched up.

"You know, I've realized we barely know each other," the boy started casually, eyes fixed on the water as he threw another pebble.

"What's there to know apart from you being a lazy Slytherin who lost ten house points from Slytherin for not doing his homework?" called Delilah lazily.

Zach groaned," It was only ten points, Rosier, and Reyna earned them back in Transfiguration."

Reyna shook her head," Snape had your head for that one," she remembered with amusement.

Zach huffed," And they say he's easy on the Slytherins, practically told me if I repeated that mistake he'd have me helping him with his cauldrons for a week. And he's a Potions teacher, of course he'd have three cupboards of cauldrons!"

The two girls laughed at his sour face before he sat across them and Reyna said," You're right though, we don't know each other much."

She felt Delilah tense and caught Zach's eye. He inclined his head slightly as he said cautiously," Anyone made friends with the older Slytherins?"

Delilah relaxed as Reyna said," Well, apart from a couple of talking to from Flint and one from Langston, I'd say I have natural talent at making friends in our house."

Zach raised his eyebrows," Langston?"

Delilah nodded," She told Reyna stop talking with the Gryffindors to avoid making enemies," she gave a snort," Pity I wasn't there to tell her she was wasting her breath."

"Ah, and where is your brother, Reyna?" said Zach, looking around him with feigned concentration.

Reyna gave him a small kick," Despite the belief that we are attached to the hip, Rylan does have his own life," she said defensively.

Delilah chuckled," Not with the way the two of you are always together. It's rare to see a snake and a lion in each other's company, but you've certainly raised some eyebrows, regardless of being twins."

Reyna sighed and slumped," Perhaps I've raised some eyebrows, but that's not enough," she said quietly.

"Your effort of changing Slytherin were never going to be easy, Reyna," said Zach, his voice slightly sharp," and I'll admit I think it's going to be unsuccessful, not with you getting warned several times by the older Slytherins."

Reyna bristled but Delilah cut in," I'd like to see what they'll be able to do against her. It's not like Reyna's family are in the Dark Arts and she's just a first year, it'll look foolish paying too much attention to an eleven-year-old."

"How do you know her family's not in the Dark Arts?" said Zach bluntly, stunning the two girls into silence, before adding quietly," how do you know any of our families aren't into the Dark Arts?"

Delilah's face hardened," That's what you wanted to talk about, isn't it?"

Reyna inhaled sharply before saying," There's no way to prove that my family doesn't believe in following Voldemort but my word and my actions."

Zach's eyes were narrowed as he hissed," Don't eer say that name in the common room if you value your life."

Reyna frowned," What's wrong with you, Zach?"

"Yes, it seems you're a bit…wound up," said Delilah, studying him.

Zach let out a breath," It's not something I like but Langston's my cousin, and she's already told me before coming to Hogwarts what to expect if I were in Slytherin."

Delilah said nothing as Reyna's frown deepened," What did she tell you to expect?"

Zach looked at them, his eyes lingering on Delilah before the witch let out a faint smile and said," I promise I'm not about to run to my family about your secrets, Royston."

Zach didn't return the smile but he said in a low voice," Slytherin's not an easy house to be in. if you've not got connections you'll have enough of a hard time as it is, trying to show that you're not into the Dark Arts is even worse. What Reyna said, that first day in breakfast, she told me the Slytherins aren't too concerned about her, but they'll be keeping an eye on you nonetheless, and they don't take kindly to resistance."

There was a small silence before Reyna said lightly," Well, nothing I wasn't expecting."

Zach's shoulders slumped in frustration as Delilah slapped a hand to her forehead.

"And I suppose that means keeping an eye on us as well for being with this lion lover," she said with a roll of her eyes.

Reyna looked at her friends before saying frankly," There won't be a reason to endanger your lives, I never planned on involving the two of you in my troubles."

Zach shook his head," We're not asking to be with you," he hesitated slightly before saying," my grandmother died thanks to the death eaters, and we were close. If there's any way of changing that, I'm not out."

Delilah gave a small smile," And you'll never do without someone with relations to the darkest families."

Reyna and Zach stared at her.

"But your family- "started Reyna.

"-is my business and my concern. My friends are of no use to them and nor am I, apart from my title," interrupted Delilah firmly.

Reyna was silent as she stared at her friends before she grinned," They'll never expect us."

Saturday, 22nd March 1991

It was Rylan who made the Slytherins start taking notice of the Cade twins.

"Oi, what're you doing outside our common room? Don't you know mudbloods aren't allowed in here?" a voice called out rudely as a two fourth year Slytherins appeared, both big and bulky and bearing mean expressions.

Rylan held his ground though his heart rate quickened slightly as he said calmly," I'll be gone in a bit. I've come for my sister."

"Oooh, it's the Cade brother, innit? Well, I'll teach you a lesson for being in our territory, mudblood," the one on the left said nastily, taking out his wand and hissing," Vulnero!"

Rylan was quick as he ducked, summoning his wand wandlessly and muttering," Lapsus!"

He'd used a simple spell and it hit its mark, making the Slytherin trip while the other snarled. Quickly and before he could draw his wand, Rylan cried," Ignari!"

The Slytherin fell unconscious but when Rylan wasn't looking the first one had sent a spell that caused the young boy to slam into the wall with a cry- right when Reyna exited the common room with a couple of Slytherins who'd heard the commotion.

The young girl took once glance at her brother before whirling on the still standing Slytherin with a furious look," Flipendo!"

A hand grabbed her roughly as the Slytherin slammed into the wall in much the same way as Rylan as Langston said harshly," That will be enough! A Slytherin with a Slytherin, you'll have a lot to explain to Snape, Cade."

Reyna yanked her arm from her furiously before rushing to her brother," Rylan!"

Another hand knelt down next to her and Zach said calmly," He's unconscious. Come on, we'll help take him to the Hospital Wing."

The two of them helped Rylan up as Delilah grabbed his wand and they pushed past the other Slytherins, who were now levitating the two unconscious fourth years as well.

"Now we'll have it," muttered Delilah.

"As if I care. Hurting Rylan because he was outside the common room," said Reyna angrily.

"Didn't you warn him not to come near the dungeons?" asked Zach reasonably," It's a rather foolish move on his part."

Reyna glared at him before saying," I'd told him to stay in one of the classrooms but I suppose he couldn't wait. Regardless of it, it wasn't his fault."

Her two friends stayed wisely silent, likely knowing Reyna wouldn't hear a word against her brother.

"What is it?" Madam Pomfrey was bustling in the infirmary, attending to two third years as she saw them enter, the other ones not too far behind.

"He's been hexed, Madam Pomfrey," said Delilah as Zach and Reyna hurried to the nearest bed.

"Is he going to be alright?" asked Reyna anxiously.

Madam Pomfrey ushered the other two Slytherins with a click of her tongue before coming over to Rylan and waving her wand," Small hex to the chest. Simple fix. Nothing to worry about."

She muttered a few spells and Rylan's eyes fluttered before he groaned.

"Mr Cade, your back will hurt for a few minutes or so before going back to normal. No damage done," said Poppy briskly before glancing at the other Slytherins and narrowing her eyes, having already assessed the situation," Duel happened, didn't it?"

She glared at one of the Slytherin prefects and snapped," I would have thought you wouldn't let two fourth years fight with a third year, Gibson."

The prefect Gibson sneered," Cade shouldn't have been outside the common room in the first place, professor."

Madam Pomfrey bristled," Professor Snape will hear about this and it will be 10 points from Slytherin. All of you," she said, turning to the first years and barking," free to leave."

Reyna helped her brother up, ignoring the Slytherins hostile glares as the four of them left the Hospital Wing.

"Are you still hurt?" asked Reyna worriedly once they'd closed the door.

Rylan shook his head ruefully," Slow reflexes, but I'm alright."

Reyna's eyes flashed," I told you to wait in the classroom Rye, not wait outside the common room. You could have been hurt!" she snapped.

Rylan stood straighter," I'm alright now, Reyn. Stop fussing."

Reyna opened her mouth but a voice said coldly," Miss Cade, my office."

The four of them froze as they stared at Snape before Reyna gave a small nod, and, with a last glare at her brother who was looking sulky, followed her Head of House.

"And I suppose hexing your fellow housemates seemed like a reasonable solution, Miss Cade? Might I remind you of my words the first night you were given the honour of entering the Slytherin Common Room," ranted Snape.

"I wouldn't call it an honour," muttered Reyna, staring at the ground sullenly.

"What was that, Miss Cade?" Snape's glare was threatening and Reyna didn't quite dare meet them for fear of replying back. When she said nothing Snape continued," Mr Gibson tells me you used the flipping jinx on Osbourne, suffice it to say no first year should have been able to use that spell as accurately as you did."

Reyna's face looked momentarily proud before Snape snapped," It was not a compliment. You will serve two detentions with me tonight and tomorrow after dinner instead of spending it with your beloved brother," his lip curled," helping me write out defensive spells since you are so eager to learn them."

Reyna peeked up before saying innocently," No house points deducted, sir?"

Snape's glare was enough to send her out of his office without another word.

The Potions Master gave a sigh as the door closed and Salazar Slytherin's voice called out dryly," Quite cheek she's got there, Severus. And nerve too, to hit out at a Slytherin."

Wearily, Snape sat down on his armchair," Unfortunately, I do not blame her for what she did, atleast we know the girl is no coward, and nor, apparently, is her idiotic brother."

Salazar raised an eyebrow," Are you telling me hexing a fellow Slytherin is termed as normal, Severus?"

Snape glanced at the portrait across him before saying in a bored voice," I'm saying proving that you are capable of defending yourself is a key factor in surviving Slytherin. Perhaps the girl might bring a few changes to Slytherin after all."

Salazar Slytherin was silent before saying," I'll keep an eye on her. There's something about her which is different."

Snape snorted," You're telling me," he muttered.

When Reyna entered the common room it was to hostile glares from all the fourth years. She met no one's eye, still seething as someone called out mockingly," There our lion lover. Your brother alright, Cade?"

Reyna said nothing and was about to head towards her dormitory before she felt a spell come at her and she turned sharply to the right-just in time to see the jet of red light head towards the blank wall. She turned behind, face to face with Osbourne, the wizard she'd hexed earlier and said mockingly," Not brave enough to hurt me while looking at me in the eye?"

The other Slytherins were silent, looking either bored, amused or, in the case of her friends, worried. Osbourne snarled," You'll regret ever being in this house, Cade. I'll make you run to Dumbledore for a little reunion with your mudblood brother."

Reyna's temper rose and she raised her wand," Perhaps you'd better think twice of your words before you end up into a wall, Osbourne. Though I doubt a good smash to the face will make a difference," she said coolly.

There were a few gasps and chuckles before Osbourne's face turned purple and he said harshly," Vulnero!"

Reyna batted aside the spell easily as she side stepped it before one of the seventh years stepped up," That will be enough. Cade, you'll learn to discipline that tongue of yours while you're here, talented or not. Osbourne, do not further embarrass yourself with petty duels with a first year," he said evenly.

Lorene-one of the prefects inclined her head," Seconded. Everyone, back to whatever it was that you were doing."

Reyna hated to admit that she was glad they had taken over as her heart thudded and she headed to her room, her footsteps echoing behind her as she closed the door. She had barely sat before Delilah slipped in, letting out a whistle.

"Ah, probably the first Slytherin to ever have been in such a spotlight," her friend said cheerfully.

Reyna let out a breath," I've no idea how it's going to be after this."

"I have," said Delilah promptly.

Reyna looked at her expectatly.

Delilah raised an eyebrow," A first year with dueling skills? Knowledge of second year spells? If they check in through the classes, one who gets a perfect try whenever she tries a spell? They'll be looking in at your family now, Reyna, and they'll pay attention to you. You've finally made them sit up and take notice."

Reyna sighed," At the cost of my brother."

"Cheer up, it's not as though he's dead, and he's probably as good as you since he took out two Slytherins," said Delilah with a nudge of her foot.

Reyna smiled," Quite brilliant of him."

Delilah laughed before she asked curiously," Where'd you learn to fight like that?"

Reyna shrugged," My mum's an Auror. Pretty brilliant."

Delilah gave a small nod before she said suddenly," Reyna, is your mum by any chance Felicity Cade?"

Reyna looked at her curiously," Yes, why?" she said cautiously.

Delilah forced a smile," She was mentioned once, in the Daily Prophet."

Reyna looked at her suspiciously but said nothing.

When Rylan entered the common room it was to a completely different greeting from his sister's. the Weasley Twins and Lee Jordan leading the cheer, he was enveloped before Fred boomed," Dueled two slimy snakes and won, Cade! Never been proud."

George nodded, proceeding to shake his hand before saying cheerfully," We've made ourselves your temporary guardians, Rylan, to ensure your absolute safety of course."

Percy bustled over, looking concerned and annoyed," Are you quite alright, Rylan?"

Rylan shook his head in amusement as he said," All good Percy. Fred, George, I only took out one, Reyna helped with the other."

"Yes but you still managed to come out alright, Rylan," said Angelina Johnson with a wink.

"If it was any other you'd have seen us spending the nigt with Pomfrey," agreed Oliver Wood.

"That's only because his sister's a snake," said a voice arrogantly, looking annoyed at the attention Rylan was getting.

Rylan's eyes narrowed and he stepped forward," I'll remind you that that snake was the one whoe hexed her own housemate for injuring me, a feat I doubt you'd ever accomplish, McLaggen," he said coolly.

McLaggen flushed but said nothing more, watching in resentment as Rylan headed towards his dormitory for a bit of rest.

When Reyna arrived for her detention with Snape she did so with a small smile, ignoring her professor's stony glare as he instructed," You will copy out these spells on the parchment, along with their functions before checking the assignments to see if the students have gotten them correct. If so, mark it against the answer and leave them if they are incorrect."

Reyna nodded, though she felt slightly confused before sitting and taking up a quill. She was about to start before she said abruptly," I'm sorry, sir, but this is DADA coursework."

"I'm glad to see your brain is capable of figuring out obvious things, Miss Cade," said Snape without looking up from his work.

Reyna bit her lip to stop from smiling as she continued," This is supposed to be Professor Langley's work. Not to be rude, sir, but I'm surprised why you're doing it."

"Langley has been taken ill and asked if I would be capable of helping him," answered Snape.

"And you agreed?" blurted out Reyna before her eyes widened.

Snape's hand hovered over his parchment before he said softly," What is that question implying, Miss Cade? Are you assuming I am incapable of helping out another wizard?"

There was a small chuckle from behind Reyna and she whirled around to see a dark haired wizard with brilliant green eyes and a small goatee winking at her before disappearing. Surprised, she turned back to Snape before saying cautiously," I was just surprised, sir. Forgive me for my impudence."

Snape gave her an appraising glance, his lips twitching slightly-or was that Reyna's imagination? - before inclining his head. Letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding, Reyna began her work.

Tuesday, 1st April 1991

Reyna had kept her head low and tried not to attract attention the days after Rylan's incident outside the Slytherin common room. The twins had agreed to not tell their mother of what had happened and Rylan was steering clear of being alone with the Slytherins after Reyna's pleading. The young girl was always anxious, worried that her brother would be hexed unknowingly despite her brother's reflexes. She was internally glad Fred and George were acting as guards, though she had a strong suspicion they were looking for an excuse to hex the Slytherins-not that they hadn't done so.

Her detentions with Snape had gone quite well and she'd left with strong knowledge of defensive spells that she had immediately shared with Rylan in the Room of Requirement. They were now dueling fiercely, eager to expand their knowledge and sharpen their reflexes in case of any attacks.

"Rylan? Reyna?" a voice called out as the twins finished dueling for the morning.

"Accio Mirror," said Rylan swiftly as Reyna hurried to her brother's side.

Felicity's face was peeking at them from the mirror as she flashed them a smile," How're you, twins?"

The twins grinned and replied in unison," Alright mum. How's training?"

Felicity made a face," Tiresome. I haven't spoken to you in ages. How's school? Gotten any detentions lately?" she asked easily.

Not batting an eyelash, Reyna said," Hogwarts is at it always was. School work, pranks and friends."

Felicity smiled sweetly," Not to mention spending two detentions with Snape, eh, Queen?"

Reyna gaped at her mother as Rylan snorted," Should've known you'd find out," he muttered.

"How did you know, mum?" demanded Reyna, looking confused.

Felicity chuckled," Regulus, Severus told him and he told me. I must say, if you're looking to make some enemies in the House Queen you've got an excellent chance."

"They were attacking Rylan!" said Reyna defensively, her cheeks burning.

Felicity's face softened," I know, sweetheart, I know, which is why I don't blame you for defending your brother. That's exactly what your father would have done, Reyna. And Rylan? Do try not to blow up your sister's temper on anyone. We wouldn't want her cheeking Severus any more than she already has."

Reyna blushed as Felicity burst out laughing," I can't believe you actually told him that, Queen!"

Rylan chuckled at his sister's embarrassment as she said anxiously," Are you done with the exams, mum?"

Felicity turned serious, though her eyes were still sparkling as she shook her head," I begin today until next Monday."

"Good luck, mum, make sure you hex Padfoot and Moony in the arena," chirped Rylan mischievously.

"And don't forget about Prongs," added Reyna.

Felicity tried to look stern but failed, her grin widening as she gave a small wink before disappearing.

"Drink this," instructed Frank, handing Felicity a glass of what looked suspiciously like a potion.

Felicity took it warily, wondering if this was an examination as well. She sniffed at the glass before saying at once," This is a draining potion."

Frank nodded," Correct."

Felicity waited before saying," It's to test my resilience, isn't it?"

Frank said nothing, though his eyes revealed that she was right. Quirking an eyebrow, Felicity drained the glass, not feeling any taste or pain but she knew the minute she cast a spell she'd find her energy fading.

"As soon as you enter this door your training begins. There are opponents, obstacles and various other things that will test your capability and magical strength, not to mention dueling skills. We've mixed not only Resilience training but other methods as well. This is Phase 1. If you manage to get past atleast six Aurors without passing out from your energy you will have completed this Phase and it will be a pass. Failure to get past atleast four Aurors will mean you have to repeat the exam. Deliberate harm to anyone will mean disqualification and a penalty. You are allowed to use any means but the disillusionment charm to fulfill the requirements. Questions?" said Frank briskly.

Felicity shook her head, feeling nervous before the senior Auror said with a grim smile," Good luck."

With a deep breath, Felicity opened the door and entered.

"She's nervous," noted Kingsley as he sat with Moody, Dimitri and James on one of the transfigured stands to watch Felicity Cade.

"I'd be surprised if she wasn't," chuckled Dimitri.

"Seconded, keeping Sirius, Hestia, Marlene, Ian, Dawlish and Remus and expecting her to defeat atleast four is enough to keep you on your toes," said James.

"She's lucky we didn't put McKinnon in there," grunted Moody, watching as Felicity took out her wand, moving a few steps forward in the maze-if it could be called a maze.

It had been the Marauders' idea to transfigure the training room into a part of a maze with hidden obstacles to see whether Felicity could handle it. The part maze, part forest was exceptionally convincing-and it wasn't long before they saw Felicity make her first move.

As they watched, Frank joined them, saying quietly," How is she doing?"

"As far as we know she hasn't used a spell yet, likely saving her energy," answered Dimitri.

Frank chuckled," She knew it was a draining potion."

"Atleast we know how she'll perform on antidotes and poison, then," said James, lips twitching with humour.

They turned their attention back to the training as they saw a jet of light from infront. Ian Addams was crouched beneath an innocent looking plant, which covered him quite well. The jet of light had come from Sirius though, who was standing behind a tree quietly. They watched as Felicity paused, glancing to her left before gripping her wand and pointing it at the bush.

"It's always surprising how she seems to know where someone is," wondered James.

Dimitri nodded," Almost as though she can sense them," he said thoughtfully.

Moody said nothing, eyes looking keenly at his student. It wasn't a mere second before the bush that was surrounding ian was thrown aside and they saw him fall unconscious quite easily. The Aurors who were watching gaped at the scene.

Moody smirked," I'll be having words with Addams after this."

"I don't know why we bothred with exams, Mad Eye, she's brilliant," said James with a shake of his head.

Frank chuckled," I'll bet Ian won't be too pleased after this."

"Perhaps, but Felicity's test is just beginning," said Dimitri, nodding at the maze.

Felicity couldn't help giving a small snort at Ian as she stepped around him soundlessly, having taken it upon herself to silence her movements so as not to alert anything. She had barely taken a step forward when she heard claws and steps coming from her left. Her heart quickening, she forced herself to take small breaths to preserve her energy as she faced the creature.

A Fire Crab. It was part tortoise, part crab, with the upper part rather large and ugly. The small legs were eight, lower crab and a rather dark red. Its black eyes were glaring at her as she stared at it.

Felicity paused. She knew fire crabs were only a danger if they felt threatened but she hadn't harmed the creature so perhaps she could simply walk past it. Carefully, she advanced, knowing that going right, behind or infront wasn't an option since it would follow her anyway. She thought she was successful when she managed to move past three inches behind it before she heard a hiss.

Felicity had barely time to dive behind a small pathway to her right as the fire crab breathed hot flame spots from where she'd been standing. Heart thudding, Felicity yelped," Aguamenti!" knowing that the only way would be to use fire against the creature.

She had no time to think why it was shooting flames when she hadn't done anything before it appeared, growing larger as it opened its mouth and Felicity ducked to her right before transfiguring a barrier between them, allowing her room to breathe. She had barely done so before she felt weaker, slightly more drained and she cursed. The potion was taking effect.

She turned around before freezing, trying to control her annoyance at seeing another Fire Crab infront of her. Quickly, she ran though her mind the list of defensive spells to use against a fire crab. Water would only work if they shot fire but she'd have to shoot a powerful stunner in its middle in order to move past it. The only way to do so would be to threaten the creature.

Taking a deep breath and wondering where on earth in duels with death eaters would she ever face a fire crab she raised her wand above the creature and shot loud sparks. She barely had time to conjure a shield before flames surrounding her area and her bubble barely made her able to stand it. As soon as the flames died Felicity didn't hesitate as she pointed her wand right before it closed its wand and cried," Stupefy!"

The creature's eyes turned upside down and Felicity didn't waste a minute there. She heard more hissings to her right and opted for center, hoping this was where she'd meet another Auror. She tried to go slow for her energy as she felt her left arm feel slightly heavy. She sharpened her senses and tried to feel if there were any more living creatures or humans infront of her.

"Atleast four Aurors to be considered a pass."

Felicity could already feel her energy waning and she had no plans of repeating this exam so she quickened her pace.

A small word, barely whispered, came from above her and she cried out slightly. Her left arm was paralyzed and she clenched her teeth before narrowing her eyes. Not wasting a second as a heavy thud came from infront of her and John Dawlish appeared, wand at the ready before firing a spell.

Felicity's reflexes were good as she sidestepped it, already on the defensive but trying to close the distance between her and him. She knew the closer you were to your opponent the better, in the case of if you were good enough to get to him first.

Dawlish took several steps backwards as he threw spell after spell at her but Felicity was quick and relentless, ignoring her left arm with which she could not use wandless magic at all. She fired the imperius curse at him which the Auror ducked before slashing her wand sharply and watching as it finally got through and Dawlish flew backwards, hitting his back on one of the maze walls.

Felicity didn't pause to watch him before turning a sharp right and going straight. Her wand was gripped tightly before she suddenly whirled round and snapped," Expelliarmus!"

Marlene avoided the spell neatly and said coolly," Furnunculus!"

Conjuring a quick shield charm, the two women launched into a duel and Felicity had to admire how good her friend had gotten. Marlene dueled neatly, side stepping her spells and inching backwards slowly as she countered and attacked. In the end though, Felicity knew Marlene had a penchant for ducking spells two times after being on the offensive before she go back to being on the defensive. Using this, Felicity threw two spells to absorb Marlene's attack but instead of throwing a hex like Marlene had thought, she closed the distance rather quickly before pointing her wand at her Marlene's wand arm and saying the paralyzing charm. With a cry, her friend's wand dropped to the ground and Felicity quickly stunned her.

Smiling slightly, Felicity turned to continue the exam, though with considerably less energy. She had healed her left arm which had been paralysed but her movements were now slow. She knew she could only withstand one more duel with an Auror before she collapsed. Her wandless ability would come in useful but otherwise she hoped it was someone who wasn't too good. She'd already faced Marlene and Dawlish, the latter of whom had taken up most of her energy.

Felicity paused before making sure there was no one near her between the two mazes on her sides. Quickly, she gave her face a quick wash, smiling slightly as she felt better and a bit stronger before turning left.

"She's doing quite well," observed Dimitri.

James chuckled," Washing her face in the middle of an exam should certainly earn her some points."

Kingsley gave a small laugh as Frank said," She won't last long once she ensures the runes are in proper position. After that it's either Sirius, Remus or Hestia, and all of them will probably use up her energy."

They watched as Felicity sorted the runes as fast as she could, every now and then pausing to catch a breath or conjuring a swift shield to avoid getting hurt. The main part of this training was to use up as much of her energy in order that she may learn to conserve each breath and spell and the power behind the spells she used. Many Aurors would have collapsed after strong duels or constant shields against flames, and especially runes that used up your magic in order to be in their proper place. Felicity could not leave the runes because her pathway behind was magically closed the minute she'd entered.

Once she was done she walked with a slight wobble, as though unsure before coming face to face with Hestia Jones.

Kingsley winced," Hestia's not going to go easy on her," he muttered.

"I think Remus would've been the better choice, he's the softest," said James.

Needless to say, Felicity wasn't giving up. Hestia got several shots in and Felicity nearly lost before the witch started dueling with both her hands, wand and without wand.

"Brillaint dueler," murmured Dimitri," I've only ever seen two people achieve that feat."

"She's using basic spells with her wandless magic," pointed out Moody.

Frank shrugged," Even with that she's got a talent for it."

Felicity had never been happier to see the transfigured forest vanish and Sirius and Remus walk out from where they had been. If Felicity had gone left it would have been Sirius. If she had gone straight she'd have dueled Remus. Needless to say, the brunette was grateful she hadn't gotten any of the Marauders.

She blinked blearily as James, Moody, Frank, Kinsgley and Dimitri approached her, along with Ian, Dawlish and Marlene. Remus revived the stunned Hestia.

"Very good, Felicity. Truth be told I'm surprised you're still standing," praised Frank with a small smile.

"You're not the only one," answered Felicity, accepting the antidote for the draining potion Dimitri was handing her and drinking it at once. Immediately, her body's energy returned though she still felt exhausted.

"That's enough for today, Cade," said Moody with a nod.

Felicity nodded back, glad that it was simply one exam per day.