Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Harry Potter and the Dark Messanger ❯ The Owls Are Coming ( Chapter 12 )

Chapter 12: The OWLs Are Coming The OWLs Are Coming

 

Harry woke up to an owl sitting on his chest. “Hi Hedwig.” The owl hooted back hopping off his chest and picking up a letter. “Thanks.” Harry opened up the envelope and read the letter.

 

Congratulations Harry! You would have made you father proud. Now all you need to do is get just as good of scores on your OWLs and you will be set to be the next Quidditch Player for any team you want! Anyways, sources tell me you and Hermione are talking to each other again so I should apologize for what I said about her. Her parents moved in last week and have been quite a handful, Muggles, so interesting to show them the simplest of tricks and watch them gape in amazement.

 

News came in through the Order that a certain Malfoy family is broke after having to pay all the fines for their Dark Arts material and banned items, not to mention two of them being in jail. I know you and the Malfoy boy don't get along so thought I would inform you of this. Not that you need good news, you won the game and the Cup! Now just keep this up and the House Cup will belong to Gryffindor for another year. Although there is some bad news…

 

Remus got news that the werewolves of England were being contacted by the Death Eaters. The next full moon is for another two weeks but be on edge anyways, werewolves are stronger and faster even when not in wolf form. Don't worry about this Harry since Dumbledore is at Hogwarts meaning it will never be attacked. Study hard for your OWLs and write me if you want to Harry.

 

 

Your Godfather;

Sirius Black

 

Well Sirius almost apologized for what he said, and was his Godfather; Harry got some paper and pen and wrote back quickly giving the letter to Hedwig. “Sorry for making you fly back so soon.” Harry got a nip on his finger for a response before Hedwig flew off. Harry started to change into his running clothes but decided not to after feeling his muscles strain just from bending down to put his shoes on. Staying up that late celebrating was probably not the best decision Harry had made but it was well worth it at the time. He heard someone else stirring in the room.

 

“Hey Harry, not gonna run?” Devin was rubbing his eyes stretching his neck and back before standing up.

 

“No, sore.” Harry lay back down in his bed closing his eyes.

 

“Alright I guess I could take a break to.” Devin got up and went down to the Common Room.

 

A couple hours later Harry got back up when Ron made him get up. “Hey Ron I have Prefect Bathroom privileges again, want to go there with me? They are a lot bigger and better then the regular ones.”

 

“Sure, why not?” Ron and Harry grabbed clean clothes then went out to get to the Prefect Bathroom. Ron took the first tub and soaked while Harry showered. “You're so lucky Harry, Prefect Bathroom, power to take points off of people, great friends, Quidditch Hero, a vault full of gold, is there anything you don't have?” Harry frowned at Ron not wanting to think of all the things he didn't have. “Oh yeah, well, you have Sirius, and my parents consider you a Weasly, so you do have family.” Ron tried to make up for what he just said realizing what he said before wasn't exactly nice.

 

“I guess, but no blood relatives, not anymore.” Harry finished and changed into his clean clothes. “Uh I guess I can wait, not suppose to leave you here, I think. I didn't think to ask Hermione about leaving while a non-Prefect stays.” Ron quickly finished and changed into his clean clothes following Harry down to the Great Hall for lunch having slept through breakfast.

 

After lunch Hermione made the two follow her to the library so they could study for OWLs. Harry didn't mind that much, he got some new books and read them having already read his school books plus others. “Hermione, I finished the Necronomicon, if you want to read it you can borrow it.” Harry got it out of his pack and handed it to her. Ron looked strangely first at Harry, then at Hermione, then at the book. “It's an old book, real depressing, has a lot of strange spells in it. It was a good read though when I was bored and was trying to avoid History of Magic work.”

 

“Knowing your history is very important Harry. How do you plan to get an Outstanding in History of Magic if you don't study for it? I'm not going to let you copy my notes, either one of you.”

 

“Who says I want an Outstanding in History of Magic?” Both Ron and Harry say this laughing afterwards.

 

“You should, even if you aren't going to take it next year you should do well so you can add it to your resume for when you get a job.

 

“I'm sure the Quidditch teams will really care if I get an Outstanding in History of Magic.” Again both Ron and Harry speak at the same time.

 

“You don't know that you will make the teams. Especially you Ron, when was the last time you played for Gryffindor? That's right never, so I wouldn't be so sure of making a professional team.” Hermione handed Ron a Potion book. “Your worse subject is this, study until your eyes bleed or I'll make them bleed, trust me, I know several spells that would do that.” Hermione got a History book out and handed it to Harry. “You already know your DADA, you need to study your History, and again study till your eyes bleed or I will make them bleed for you Harry.”

 

“And what will you be studying?” Harry looked over at her pile of books.

 

“Ancient Runes, I keep mistaking several of them so I need to study just as hard as you two need to study. Quiet for twenty minutes and then I might let you talk.” Hermione put her nose to the grind stone opening two books and taking notes before Harry or Ron could respond. Waiting exactly twenty minutes both of them yelled…

 

“Who do you think you are, Professor McGonagall?” They laughed slapping each others hand.

 

“No, I think I am the smartest witch in our grade if not the whole school for a reason.” She crossed her arms staring at the two.

 

“Alright Hermione sorry we don't have brown bushy hair.” Harry went back to his book reading on about a Goblin Revolt in 1762.

 

“Well Ron you having something smart to say to?” Ron stared at his book not letting Hermione see his eyes. “I guess you can't say anything smart since you haven't been studying! How do you expect to pass anything and make it into our sixth year if you don't study? You'll be kicked out of Hogwarts not able to get a job anywhere, unless your brothers decide to let you work for them.”

 

Ron just stared at his book not even reading it. “Alright Hermione sorry I said that, you are trying to help me and Ron. Look I already finished the first three chapters alright? You don't want to burn out and crash do you? Studying to much is just as bad as being Ron.” Ron elbowed Harry in response to Harry's joke.

 

“You shouldn't worry about your OWLs that much. No one should, if you just relax and do your best you can do what you need to do without burning your brain out. I'm not worried about my OWLs, I know no matter what happens I will be fine.” Hermione started to glare at Ron until Harry waved a hand in front of her face.

 

“We will study Hermione don't worry. I need an Outstanding to stay in Potions. Why I want to stay I'm not exactly sure but it is something useful to know when you need to. If you hadn't known about the Polyjuice potion we wouldn't have been able to get into the Slytherin Common Room our second year. Of course you didn't since you decided to see what you would look like as a cat.” Harry and Ron laughed as Hermione stuck her tongue out at Harry.

 

“Although she did make a pretty pu-“

 

“Don't you dare say that!” Harry nearly smacked Ron in the mouth to shut him up before he could say the next word.

 

“Alright sorry I swear it was just a joke.” Ron went back to his book skimming over it trying to look like he was studying hard. The Trio studied, or pretended to study, for another three hours until Ron finally had enough and just stood up telling the other two he was done for the day. “Have to start practicing for Beater next year if I want to make the team.” Ron walked away leaving Hermione and Harry alone.

 

“Well, I could put some more time in Hermione, only a few chapters left in this book.” Harry went back to his book letting Hermione read more in her book. Forty minutes later Harry finished his book and closed it. “Hermione I'm done for the day. Thanks for helping me with this, although my eyes aren't bleeding, yet.” Hermione closed her book suddenly. “Ok Harry, don't worry about your eyes, wouldn't want them to bleed anyways.” Harry smiled and patted her on the head. “Thanks for not casting whatever spell you know to do that on me and Ron even if he probably deserves it. He won't be playing on the team next year if he doesn't pass his OWLs and make it to his sixth year.”

 

“Thanks Harry for defending my honor.” She smiled back and hugged Harry before letting him leave the library. Harry put the book back in the shelf and left going to the Common Room to relax in front of the fire before going back to Hermione to study some more. She was right, he needed Outstanding in everything just in case his career in Quidditch didn't take off as he planned it would. He did want to play Quidditch but didn't want to be someone who got on the team because of his fame but because he was smart and talented. Of course if he didn't make any teams he could always be an Auror, hunting down Death Eaters, going after Voldemort instead of hiding behind Hogwarts walls scared about what might happen to his friends if Voldemort went after them.

 

A few days later and many hours of studying with Hermione and sometimes Ron when he wasn't dodging the library Harry was again burying his nose into a History book. The OWLS were less than two months away and everyone was starting to feel the pressure. Dean Thomas had snapped earlier and had a panic attack when he couldn't remember which Goblins lead the Goblin Revolution in 1488. Without Quidditch Harry was able to get the studying in and the next class of his and Hermione's DADA class ready. “Hermione?” She looked up from her book motioning to Harry to sit in the chair next to her. “At our next DADA could you not humiliate me completely? I know I deserved it last time but maybe this time we could not use me as the target dummy for the different spells?” Hermione laughed as she closed her book. “It wasn't that funny you took me down in front of the whole class.”

 

“Yes it was Harry. You beat Voldemort when you were a baby yet a little Muggle born witch had you down on the ground disarmed laughing so hard you could barely breath. That is what I consider funny.” She laughed some more getting up from her seat. “But if you like we could do something different. How about we teach them the defense wall we learned earlier in DADA? You could make yours and then wait for everyone else to make their own. We partner them up with someone and see whose wall last the longest. That way I don't get to cast any spells on you or humiliate you.” Hermione stuck her tongue out at Harry. “You deserved it though.”

 

Two days later the Harry and Hermione DADA class was in the Great Hall with permission from Dumbledore. “Now this spell we have in mind some of you may have already learned, but the rest it will be new to you. Before we use it though we want you all to cast a simple Shield Charm.” Hermione waved her want casting the Shield Charm. “Your turn everyone.” The rest of the people, including Harry, cast the same spell. “Very good. Now while that will stop a spell, a weak one at that, this spell is more difficult but far more powerful.” Hermione waved her wand again showing the proper wand movements. “Sholo Willo.” The wall like spell came up. “This spell is far stronger and can become stronger with the more power you put into it. Someone like Dumbledore could cast this spell and never have to worry about what you cast, unless you were to cast and Unforgivable Curse, but that is illegal so don't cast any of them.” Hermione went on more about the spell reusing some of the lines Professor Krats used in class and then added some things she had learned from other book. “Now I want you all to partner up and cast your own spells, then when the spell is up have your partner try to destroy it as quickly as possible. Last one standing will be the last one standing.” Everyone said the spell, but not everyone created one. “Alright for those who didn't make it try again, and if it still doesn't come up keep trying, remember, the wand movement goes like this.” She waved the wand correctly. Several people tried again and most completed except a few second years. “Well try again and if you still can't do it go over to the side and practice the Shield Charm.” After this only three of the second years had to go over and practice on their own Shield Charms.

 

“You're good at this Hermione, planning on being a teacher when you leave Hogwarts?” Harry cast his own wall so Hermione could try to take it down.

 

“Well the DADA spot will be open again so I might take that although I would want to teach for more then a year.” She recast her own wall making this one stronger then the first one since it wasn't a demonstration.

 

“How do you know that? Professor Krats is the first female DADA teacher we've had maybe she will break the curse. If she didn't would hate to see Monica and Devin leave because of that.” Harry cast a blasting spell on Hermione's wall to little effect. Casting a few more he saw that the wall was weaker around the edges and started to go after them.

 

“I know but still, no one has held that spot for more then a year for almost 20 years.” Hermione cast a stronger spell then what Harry had been casting creating a loud bang when it hit making the other students in the Great Hall jump. “I thought for sure that would do it, Merlin used it in his battle against the Dark Lord Vegaro.” Hermione cast it three more times causing everyone to jump every time it hit before deciding to use a different spell.

 

Harry was still having troubles with Hermione's wall. He tried to think of a spell he read in the Necronomicon or another book that might do the trick. There was that tomb break spell used to break defensive spells on tombs to keep thieves out. “Eto babi” The wall shattered and fell before disappearing. “I win Hermione!” Harry smiled back at her as she kept casting different spells at Harry's wall. An hour later there was only one wall up, Harry's.

 

“Well it looks like Harry wins. Good class everyone, if you want you can stay and practice the spell but me and Harry need to go study for OWLs. This will probably be the last class of the year, don't worry, we will do this next year, right Harry?” Harry nodded. “So good luck to any other 5th years that have to take OWLs.” Hermione walked out of the Great Hall with Harry following.

 

“So Hermione do we really need to study? The spell I used took a lot of energy to cast.” Hermione turned around stopping Harry.

 

“What spell was it? I didn't recognize it and it sure isn't something we learned in class.” She crossed her arms trying to act tough.

 

“Read the Necronomicon and you will find out to. I didn't know it would work like that, should really stop using spells until I know what they do.”

 

“You've used other spells from it before? When?” Harry was stuck in a bad situation, he couldn't tell Hermione the truth.

 

“I tried to use a drying spell when it was raining before the Quidditch game against Hufflepuff and it didn't work how I thought it would.” Hermione accepted this story and went on her way to the library letting Harry go to the Common Room.

 

A week before the OWLs and NEWTs many more breakdowns and freak outs were starting to take a toll on the 5th and 7th year students. Madam Pomfrey was over worked trying to take care of all the students who came down with rashes from nervousness and stress. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were doing well. Hermione was studying hard but knew not to over do it, Harry was studying also just not as hard, and Ron was `studying' with Cho a lot. Ron claimed they did actually study, sometimes, but Hermione did not want to hear it. The closest Hermione came to having a nervous breakdown was when she started yelling at Ron when she caught him sneaking his broom out to go practice for Quidditch instead of studying. The rant was already a legend among the other students who were afraid of a `Hermione Gone Wild' if they weren't studying. The testing day came closer and closer like, as Devin put it, “Climax of a bad movie you can see coming a week before you see it.” Harry was worried about his tests and decided to send a letter to someone who had already taken his OWLs. He doubted the OWLs Sirius took would be the same as Harry's but he had taken them before and might know what to expect. Sending Hedwig out Harry went back down to the Common Room to find a Hermione sleeping using a book as a pillow.

 

“Get up Hermione you'll hurt your neck sleeping like that; trust me, learned that enough times in History of Magic.” A tired Hermione mumbled out something Harry couldn't understand so he shook her shoulder.

 

“I don't want to, let me sleep, you are so warm.” This time Harry could understand what Hermione mumbled.

 

“Get up Hermione.” Harry shook her a little harder which finally woke Hermione up enough to know what was going on.

 

“What happened? It's daylight! Oh no I slept all night I need…” Harry put his hand on her shoulder to calm her down.

 

“It's dinner time, you need to eat. You know what will happen if you study too much after what happened to what's her name in Hufflepuff.” Hermione stretched and yawned before getting up straightening her shirt out.

 

“Alright, thanks Harry.” She shook her head to get the cobwebs out before leaving the Common Room.

 

 

 

The OWLs were just one day away. Harry had finally received Sirius's response.

 

Dear Harry;

 

Don't worry Harry you are plenty smart enough just keep studying. I admit I didn't do very well on my OWLs but I was more concerned with a certain female student at the time and didn't really care. You on the other hand can make your parents proud and me proud. Just do your best and don't worry! If you get stressed out about your OWLs you will do worse then if you just relax. Thanks for writing me Harry and know you can always write me since I am a free man so what ever the problem is or if you just want to talk write me.

 

Sincerely;

Sirius Black

 

Devin had been working so hard and worrying so much he started to affect everyone around him so he went up to the dorms to study. Harry and Hermione were in the Library studying, Hermione on Runes, Harry on History. He was going to work on his Divination but surprisingly Hermione told him not to waste his time with such `rubbish'. The Library was starting to get crowded as more and more students came to get away from the noisy Common Rooms. “Let's go to your Dorm room, Devin is in mine so don't want to disturb him.”

 

“Uh I don't know Harry that would look kind of bad wouldn't it? Why not a Prefect Bathroom? I heard Cho used it to study last year.”

 

“Oh yes so much better the two of us go to a Prefect Bathroom together then your dorm room.” Harry smiled at Hermione to show he was joking.

 

“Well maybe if we go to Hagrid's cabin he will let us study there. We don't see him as much as we use to, except for class.” Harry figured that was a good idea and would be nice to see Hagrid.

 

Hagrid let them in happy to have some company. “Haven't seen much of you, where's Ron?” The two shrugged their shoulders. “Well have some tea won't you?” Hagrid got out two cups and filled them up with tea. “So what do I owe the honor of having my two best students visit? Not worried about the OWLs are ye? I never took mine as you know I wasn't here long enough to take em.”

 

“Well we were studying in the library but then more people showed up and we needed someplace quiet to study.” Hermione got a book out and showed Hagrid what she was studying.

 

“Well my hut is your hut until ten, and then you need to go back to the castle.” Harry and Hermione talked with Hagrid a few minutes longer before getting back to studying. Five minutes before ten o'clock Hagrid got their attention. “You need to get heading back to the castle now. I can walk you up if it isn't to embarrassing to be seen with a teacher.” Hagrid laughed deeply patting his stomach.

 

“Why would it be embarrassing to be seen with you Hagrid, you are the coolest teacher at Hogwarts.” Maybe not the best Harry thought, but with teachers like McGonagall, Krats, and even Snape it was hard for someone else to be the best teacher. Hagrid walked them up to the castle entrance saying good bye before going back to his hut.

 

“Harry if you want we could study some more or just go to bed. A good night of sleep should help more then reading though, need to rest your brain before taking a big test.” Hermione kept talking about the pros and cons of studying to sleeping only stopping to give the password to the Fat Lady. Inside they saw the Common Room was littered with passed out students drooling on books and notes. “See? They need sleep but now they won't get the best rest that they need, help me Harry wake them up so they can go to sleep.” Harry laughed at what Hermione said making her think of what she said. “You know what I mean Harry.” They went around shaking student after student getting them up so they could go to bed in a real bed instead of using a book as a pillow.

 

“Good night Hermione.” Harry waved as he started going up the stairs following Seamus who was the last person Harry woke up.

 

“Good night Harry, good luck tomorrow.” Hermione waved back following Monica who was the last person she woke up.

 

Harry tried going to bed but kept waking up. First time due to the girl in his dreams coming back again, she was no longer wearing a cloak with the Dark Mark but she was covering her neck for some reason. The second time he woke up after a dream about another girl much closer to him. He tried to get the dream out of his head by going over the different Goblin Revolutions in order by year then by name. This took another hour before he fell back asleep waking up only a few minutes later after the girl in his dreams started screaming and grabbed her neck causing him to wake up to real screaming.

 

“Ron!” Harry got up to shake Ron hard but when he touched Ron he felt his scar explode in pain dropping Harry onto the ground. After a few seconds his scar stopped hurting and Harry stood up to see Ron sitting up in his bed sweating. “Are you alright Ron?” Ron nodded. “What was that all about?”

 

“I was having a horrible dream. I couldn't wake up the feeling was horrible like when you use a portkey but worse.” Ron shook his head rubbing his right arm on his forehead. “Well there's one use for the bandages, make it easy to scratch your head.” Ron tried to laugh to show Harry he was ok.

 

“Hey shit heads we have OWLs in like two hours so could you two go to sleep or at least shut up? Damn it I don't like waking up this damn early!” Devin was clenching his fists grinding his jaw trying to keep his emotions under control.

 

“Yeah would you two go back to bed or something? I need to get as much sleep as possible. I have to do well in Transfiguration and Potions if I want to get the job I want.” This time it was Neville yelling at the two. It was late and Harry figured it was stress making everyone worse then normal if even Neville was yelling at them.

 

“Alright sorry.” Harry raised his hands in surrender going back to his bed. “Just two more hours until I have to get up and eat, then take my OWLs, and then hope I pass.” Harry put the pillow around his head to cover his ears from the noise of the others tossing and turning trying to go back to sleep.

 

Morning came too early for Harry who still couldn't go back to sleep after being woken up again by another dream. This one seemed different from the others as it took place in Hogwarts. He couldn't see the person clearly but could hear a whisper about “plans come together” or something like that, Harry was trying to forget it. Harry got up and went to the Prefect Bathroom to soak and go over the Goblin Revolutions again in his head. Finishing the list Harry got out and changed into clean clothes heading towards the Great hall when he was interrupted in mid-step.

 

“So Harry you ready for your OWLs?” Cho Chang seemed to be waiting for Harry as there was no real reason for her to be there.

 

“I guess how hard can they be?”

 

“Not too hard if you studied hard enough. I wanted to ask you something about Ron, you don't have to answer, but I want to know, is Hermione interested in Ron? She keeps bugging him about going to the library or going out to Hagrid's cabin. I trust Ron but I don't know Hermione that well so don't know if she is just being herself or if she is trying to get Ron alone, away from me.”

 

“No she was just trying to get him to study. She's been going after everyone to study, why she had me in the library everyday for hours.” Cho seemed to smile with her eyes then chuckled.

 

“So the rumors you two got back together are true?”

 

“What? No, she just doesn't want me dead anymore. Who thought we had gotten back together? Why did they think we got back together?” Harry was confused, yes Hermione wasn't acting like he was scum anymore but how did they jump to them being back together?

 

“Oh, sorry. You two were cute together.” Cho smiled and waved before leaving Harry alone still wondering who was saying that Hermione and him had gotten back together. Getting into the Great Hall he saw many nervous students eating very little trying to cram as much information into their head as they could. Harry ate a normal breakfast not wanting to eat too much or to little, he wanted nothing to ruin today, but now he had the thought of Hermione in his head and wouldn't go away.

 

“Hi Harry, ready for the OWLs?” Hermione sat next to him grabbing a muffin. Harry simply nodded after his head went blank when he tried to talk. “Don't drink to many liquids or eat too much meat, also avoid cheeses, they say it slows the thinking process, how they didn't say just said they did.” Hermione continued on about what to eat, how much, how little, and kept continuing sometimes with food in her mouth.

 

“Calm down Hermione and chew the food, I don't need you to choke and go to Madam Pomfrey missing your OWLs do you?” Hermione stopped talking long enough to chew her food before responding.

 

“But if I get it done quickly I can get an extra half hour of studying in before I have to go to the Potions Room for my first OWL.” She started to eat again but slowed down enough to chew her food.

 

“What do you need to study for Hermione? If you get less OWLs then Ron and me put together I'll give you a hundred galleons.” Harry was serious he wouldn't be surprised if Hermione got an OWL record at Hogwarts let alone beat Ron and him together. “Besides take the time to relax, get any tension out of you, or other thoughts…” Harry knew what thoughts he would have to get rid of in the next half hour. He had to admit he had dreams on it, but never thought about it during the day.

 

“Alright but only if you come with me to the Common Room, I'll be too tempted to get a book open and study by myself.” Hermione drank the last of her juice and got up waiting for Harry to finish his juice.

 

Sitting in the Common Room the noise was starting to get annoying. Hermione was trying to relax but her thoughts kept clouding her mind. “Just relax Hermione, think of one thing and focus on that then get that out of your head.” Harry was saying what he had read in one of his books on how to meditate. “Don't worry, let the tension go.” Harry was having a hard time following his own advice as his thoughts were focused on one thing but then he couldn't get it out of his head. Nearly twenty minutes of trying to relax left Harry more frustrated then before but did seem to help Hermione.

 

“Thanks for the idea Harry I feel better then before.” Hermione shook Harry's hand in appreciation then left for her first OWL a few minutes before she needed to. A red Harry wiped the hand that touched Hermione's on his shirt still trying to get the image out of his head. He had a few minutes before his History of Magic class and tried to remember the Goblin Revolutions in order.

 

“I knew this why the hell I can't remember it!” Harry hit his head with his palm trying to knock the information loose. Harry grabbed his pouch and went over his notes as he got up to leave for History of Magic. Walking slowly he went over his notes twice trying to remember it again as quickly as possible. Getting in to the class he took a seat and kept going over his notes until the OWL Official came in.

 

“Now you students will have one hour to write down your essay about the 1788 Goblin Revolution, how it started, why it started, who lead it, how it ended, and who ended it. At least three pages in length, with a topic introduction and at least one reference to well, you'll know when you get to it.” The man clapped his hands together and all that was left were the students, parchment, writing utensil, and an hour to get the essay done.

 

Harry did his best although not remembering who stopped it, but realized that the rest should work, especially since he remembered that the Goblin who lead that revolution was the son on another Goblin leader who lead a revolution in 1759. Harry turned in his paper ready to get out of the room and head for his next OWL, Potions.

 

Harry got to Potions a little nervous; this part would require a test on paper and a practical test. He had all the formulas they went over during the school year in his head only interrupted by a mousy little brunette when he went over the Dream Suppressor. Harry waited until the door opened and was allowed in.

 

“You want to take the test first or the practical part first?” A large man who reminded Harry of a large toad with hair broke his chain of thought.

 

“I guess practical.” Harry figured this would give him more time to go over the ingredients in the other potions that might come up on the test.

 

“Alright then come with me Harry Potter, if you need anything just call for me, the name's Examiner Slughorn.”

 

“How did you know my name?”

 

“Oh come off it boy everyone knows who you are just by seeing that scar on your head. You know I taught your mother and father back in the day before I retired from Hogwarts, all you students did a number on me heart.” The large man lead Harry over to a cauldron next to a table with different ingredients. “All you have to do is make a Volo Jinor Potion and give it to me to test. You have forty five minutes to complete this then half an hour for your Potions.” The large man walked away leaving Harry to himself. Harry went to work finishing the potion and handing it to Examiner Slughorn. Examiner Slughorn shook the beaker and then put some on his hand.

 

“Well?” Harry was curious to know if it had worked, if it did the Examiner should have a clean spot where the potion touched.

 

“You'll find out when you get your results, here is the test, go over there and complete it.” Harry went over where he was told avoiding the other students who had gotten there later then him or who had been taking a longer time with the potion. Harry went over the test and quickly finished it. Harry was sure that an Examiner and not Snape had made the test for it seemed so easy to him. Standing up he turned it in ten minutes before he needed too getting a smile from Examiner Slughorn. “Good job boy, you must have some of your mother's talent in you.” Harry left the room and went outside for his Care of Magical Creatures OWL. He had to wait a few minutes as he had completed his Potions OWL early and other were taking their OWLs for Hagrid's class.

 

“So `Arry think you will do well?” Hagrid waved towards Harry to get his attention.

 

“I think so Hagrid, it is just a written test right?”

 

“Sure is, those folks from the Ministry wouldn't take my suggestion at all. The boring old paper test when you could deal with the real things if it were up to me.” He laughed and patted Harry on the back hard. “Don't worry though `Arry I'm sure you will do just fine, you paid attention to my classes.” Harry picked himself off the ground brushing his pants off.

 

“I'm sure I will Hagrid you are a good teacher.” Maybe not great, Harry thought, but Hagrid was better then others that's for sure. Harry waited a few more minutes before a spot opened for him. Getting his test he was relieved to find it was a simple match the description test. Some were easy as nothing else out there was like a Boogle or a Hippogriff; others though had mostly the same characteristics, like a Mogg and a Goblin. Harry took almost all ninety minutes to complete the test. Turning it in Harry was relieved to know he had lunch before his next few OWLs.

 

Harry got to lunch eating quickly. He was going to stay longer but Hermione hadn't showed up and Ron seemed to busy looking up notes for Transfiguration to talk. Harry looked through his schedule of OWLs and found he to had Transfiguration next followed up by Divination and then DADA being rounded off by Charms. He had two classes after dinner, Herbology and Astronomy. Harry started to think about just skipping the Divination OWL, he didn't care what he got, he wasn't planning on taking it next year, but Hermione would be mad at him if he got a T in anything. He started to walk towards the Transfiguration classroom so he could wait until it was time.

 

About ten minutes later the door opened and released students so new ones could come in. Harry was joined by several other students, one being Ron, and were sat down in assigned seats until the rest of the students who had their Transfiguration OWL at that time got there. Harry looked at the three sticks in front of him wondering what they would have to do.

 

“Alright people listen up!” The voice made Harry jump a little since he was looking at the sticks and hadn't noticed the Examiner. “You need to turn one stick into a log, one stick into a mouse, and make the third one grow hair. After you have completed this task you will be given a written test and if you have anything special you want to show us you may at the time you turn your test in. You have ninety minutes, use that time wisely!” When he stopped talking Harry saw and heard many wands come out and start to swish around. Harry was confused though, he could see mouths moving but no voices. “It's a special spell boy, you think they would make it that easy? If you could hear the spell a successful person uses then you could use it and pass.” The voice came to him again, it was probably right. Harry waved his wand causing the first stick to enlarge and become big enough to Harry to be considered a log. The next one was a little trickier but he completed it on his second attempt. The third one seemed easy compared to the second one as Harry finished the practical by growing long blonde hair from the stick. Harry went to raise his hand but before he could do it the log, the mouse, and the hairy stick disappeared and turned into a test. Harry went over it getting through the pages easily. Harry may have complained about being bored early that summer but reading his books was helping him pass the OWL quickly. Getting it done he went up to the Examiner who was sitting behind Professor McGonagall's desk.

 

“You need help?”

 

“No, I finished it.”

 

“Really? You still have twenty minutes left.” Harry shrugged his shoulders and handed in his test. “Well, you have anything you want to show me?” Harry was about to say no when he remembered his hair tricks.

 

“Well I can do this.” Harry scrunched his eyes together making his hair grow, shorten, part on different sides, and then made a beard grow from his face and disappear.

 

“What kind of special training have you been doing?” The Examiner was impressed with the hair tricks.

 

“None, I could just do this really. When I was younger my Aunt would cut it short and I didn't like it so I put it back how I had it.” The Examiner wasn't truly buying Harry's story but this was class not a trial so he let Harry leave the class.

 

Harry quickly went towards the Divination tower wanting to get that OWL over as quickly as possible. He was going to try, somewhat, but if it took him more then twenty minutes Harry was just going to write death omens on everything. Harry was surprised when he go to the entrance and found several students waiting. “What's going on?”

 

“Some idiot is taking forever to finish his OWL. They won't let us in until he finishes so we have to wait. Better not make me late for my Herbology.” Seamus sat down on the floor tapping his foot on the ground. About ten minutes later the door opened and Neville came out getting a sigh of aggravation from most of the students waiting. “About time Neville.” Seamus stood up and with the rest of the class went into the tower. Harry felt sorry for Neville but figured it couldn't have been that bad. Inside the tower there was an Examiner ready with cups of tea, a star chart, and tests.

 

“All you need to do is tell me my future one by one first by tea then by star charts. While you are waiting to do the tea with me you can work on your written test.” The Examiner pulled out a list and called out the first student, going by alphabetical order. Harry sat down and just wrote what he thought would bring Professor Trelawney the most pleasure of reading even if she wasn't the one going over the OWLs. Finishing quickly waited for his name to be called. About twenty minutes later Harry's name was called and he went over to the booth that had been set up using several spells to make sure no one cheated.

 

“Alright Mr. Potter all you have to do is predict my future, there is really now way to get this wrong but as the Examiner you can at least humor me.” The Examiner confused Harry, what did he mean?

 

“You don't believe in this either?” The man chuckled responding to Harry.

 

“Are you kidding? So far I have been given at least twenty different futures, now how do we tell if they are correct or not? But at least try to go by the books you were using to learn this so I can give you a good grade.” Harry had a good time predicting that the man would go on a trip in the future. Then predicted long hours of sitting down and writing as Harry made things up as he went along. “Yeah back to my office so I can right O's on all these. Actually yours is so far the most accurate Smartass.” The man laughed harder this time giving Harry a piece of paper. “Use that information to predict my future by the star charts, or just write down the same thing you told me, would be strange if you got two different futures for me wouldn't it?” Harry stood up and went to a desk writing down the same thing that he told the Examiner. The longest part of this OWL had been waiting for his name to be called as Harry finished in less than twenty minutes. One problem fell on Harry, he now had half an hour before his next OWL. Harry figured he could go to the Great hall and run a couple laps to get the energy and any non OWL thoughts out of his head, or try to.

 

Completing the laps Harry headed towards the DADA classroom ready to see what they would throw at him. Getting to the classroom he was ushered in. “Uh there is a problem, you were supposed to run into a Boggart on the way here but another student stomped on it to death. You now have two choices, show different defensive and offensive spells or do an extra essay on werewolves and vampires. They will both count towards your practical exam so choose which one you want. Harry figured the spells would be the easiest and went with that. “Alright first show a Shield Spell and then another defensive spell of your choice.” Harry cast the Shield Spell with ease and then cast a Wall Spell. “Very good, Finite Incantatem.” Nothing happened.

 

“Let me take care of it.” Harry cast the tomb breaker spell he used before and broke the wall.

 

“Wow, very impressive. Now you must cast a stunning spell, the disarming spell, and any others of your choice. Try not to be too destructive though, we are down to three dummies after the last one was turned into ash by the kid who killed the Boggart.” Harry cast the first two spells with no problem then thought about what other spells to use.

 

“Expecto Patronum!” The stag came out and walked around the room and then disappeared.

 

“Very good, that is a very advanced spell, how did you learn it?”

 

“In my third year my God Father had escaped from Azkaban and they sent Dementors to Hogwarts to protect me. The problem was the Dementors were more dangerous then Sirius so Professor Lupin taught me that spell to protect myself incase they attacked again.”

 

“Alright very impressive, any other spells you want to cast?” Harry cast a couple more he learned from the Necronomicon. “Very good Mr. Potter! No wonder you were able to duel with You-Know-Who last year! I am not suppose to say anything like this but I admire you Mr. Potter, some people would let fame go to their head but you seem very normal to me and with such wonderful displays of magic I have no doubt you will get an Outstanding! Now you just need to take your written exam and you can go to your next OWL.” Harry took the test and turned it in twenty minutes later. “Very good Mr. Potter you have done very well, good luck on your other OWLs.” The Examiner shook Harry's hand acting as though it was something the Examiner had wanted to do all day. Harry left and walked to the Charms classroom. Getting there he was allowed in when he got there.

 

“Now you aren't suppose to be here for a bit while but as long as you are here might as well take the test. Cast these Charms in order and then take a written test, simple enough and if you need help hope for a miracle for I am not going to help you.” The Examiner sent Harry over to a desk so he could cast the spells and then take the test. Harry did as he was told and turned the test in nearly an hour later. “Ok kid you can go to your next OWL, or dinner, whatever is next on your list.” Harry left quickly and went to the Great Hall. Finishing dinner Harry had another ten minutes before his next OWL. He was exhausted mentally after all the tests he had taken but awake physically. He tapped his fingers on the table nearly screaming when someone sat next to him.

 

“Hi Harry doing well on your OWLs? I am I hope although I think I screwed up on a translation for Ancient Runes and I know I messed up on an equation for Arithmancy but so far so good bye.” Hermione was gone before Harry could even say hello. Harry did some meditation exercises to relax his mind before his Herbology OWL while still in the Great Hall. Five minutes before his Herbology OWL Harry stopped and went to the greenhouses. Getting there Harry was again let in without having to wait and given a written test. Finishing it Harry was then told to identify the plants in front of him. He did this quickly not really caring, he wasn't planning on taking this class next year anyways but did well enough to keep Hermione from yelling at him when the OWL results came. Harry now had an hour until his Astronomy OWL. He went back to the Common Room and relaxed in a big chair again doing his meditation exercises. He was shaken awake by a fourth year after he had become to relaxed.

 

“Hey you have another OWL right?” It was Ginny.

 

“What? Yeah, what time is it?”

 

“It's time for your Astronomy OWL, Monica left for it about five minutes ago.”

 

“Oh damn it I got to go, thanks Ginny, bye.” Harry got up and ran as fast as he could making it just in time for his last OWL.

 

“Look through the telescopes and find the constellations, map them, and then turn in your work in one hour.” Simple enough Harry thought. He did his best and turned in the work ready for bed even before he got to the Common Room. Eventually finding his bed Harry fell face first glad to have completed his OWLs.

 

Waking up late the next Morning Harry realized what he had just done. He had completed his OWLs, only three more weeks until he goes home to Sirius, to a home where he will be treated like a son, to a real home. He woke Ron up to go and sit in the Common Room and talk about the OWLs. Finding Hermione who had her nose in a book Harry and Ron came up on both sides and closed the book nearly taking Hermione's nose off. “What was that for?” The two boys laughed.

 

“Come on Hermione we just finished our OWLs what could you be studying for?” She crossed her arms in a huff.

 

“I was seeing if I had mistranslated a rune. How did you guys do?” Ron sat down next to Hermione as Harry sat down on the other side.

 

“Well I did well in everything I think but know I am getting an Outstanding in DADA and Divination.” Harry hoped anyways, the Examiners seemed impressed, or didn't care either way, in those classes.

 

“Divination? How did you do that Harry? That class was pure rubbish and you know it.” Hermione still didn't consider Divination a worthwhile class.

 

“The Examiner told me. He didn't believe in that stuff either so I told him what I knew would happen in his future, being stuck in his office writing a lot.”

 

“Hey that's not fair! I actually tried, kind of, a little anyways.” Ron grabbed another book away from Hermione when she tried to get it out. “So how did you do Hermione?” She grabbed the book back from Ron before responding.

 

“I did great I hope. The DADA exam was alright, the Boggart scared me though, never saw it coming.”

 

“Wow I didn't get to fight it. I think, no I know, Devin got to it before I took my test and killed it so they had me do a different practical. Just cast a few spells and the guy nearly gave a me a trophy.”

 

“That's not fair, I could have done that and the Boggart, I hope it won't effect my grade.” Hermione looked worried chewing on a fingernail.

 

“That's not fair Harry I had to deal with that stupid Boggart, turned into a werewolf and nearly bit my head off before I realized what it was. You got the easy test, I want the easy test!” Ron stuck his tongue out at Harry to show he was kidding.

 

“Well now we have two weeks of classes after a one week break, then we go home for the summer! I will get to see my parents again, I really miss them, been almost a year since I got to see them.” Hermione looked like all the happiness had been sucked out of her by a Dementor after saying that.

 

“Well they are at Sirius's house last I heard. We'll be living in the same house again Hermione, that's if you want to stay there.” Hermione had been talking to him again but living in the same house might be to much for her, or him as the thoughts of what happened the last time they lived in the same house filled his head.

 

“Of course I do Harry since my parents can't stay here being Muggles.” Hermione tried to smile but couldn't get the feelings behind it. “I hope it is large enough for all of us, I don't want Sirius to think he has to keep us, and there are probably other places we could stay if there isn't enough room.” Hermione started to chew on another fingernail.

 

“I think there is room or he wouldn't have agreed to it to begin with. Of course I've never been there so I don't know how big or small it is. It is magical so he probably could cast spells to make the rooms bigger or something.” Harry wasn't sure but it sounded good to him and seemed to calm Hermione down. “What will the classes go over now that we did our OWLs?”

 

“It's just review and a meeting with the head of your house to see what kind of career you want. Don't think you can relax Ron just because it is review you may need it.”

 

“Oh come on Hermione I'm not worried and why should I? I don't even really care what I get on my OWLs, no need to worry.”

 

“I am too tired to argue so I will let it go for now Ron.” Hermione opened her book and continued to read.

 

“Well Harry you want to play some chess?” Harry shook his head; he was still tired mentally from all the exams.

 

“How can you have so much energy? My brain still hurts from all that work.”

 

“Well I didn't do as much work since I didn't need to.” Ron leaned back in the chair and put his hands behind his neck to cradle his head. “I am not going to stress out about any OWL or other test like some people.” Harry didn't know if Ron was being serious or not, how could he be so relaxed?

 

“Well I am going to my room and meditate with Devin if he'll let me.” Harry stood up and went to his dorm room trying not to disturb Devin to much. “Is it ok if I meditate with you?” “Watch out boy he isn't right, something upset him, get out of here now!” The voice kept Harry from sitting down which was probably a good thing as he felt Devin hit him with a wave of emotion that nearly knocked Harry down. Harry got out of the room before Devin hit him again and went back to the Common Room.

 

“I thought you were going to meditate with Devin?” Hermione set her book down long enough to see Harry.

 

“I was but he isn't in a good mood.” Or something Harry thought. He relaxed in a chair and took a nap trying to keep his dreams away from any women, the girl near the coast that looked like him, a brunette, or the one he saw the night before making plans of some sorts.