Aurora and the Boy Who Lived

Chapter 17 N.E.W.T. results

Minutes of Sunday May 17, 1998 meeting, called to order at 6:00 p.m.

Written by Marauder Mouse

Red reported the Houses have been engaged in talk. Hufflepuff and Gryffindor both agreed to take part in the fight, Ravenclaw is undecided, and Slytherin is hesitant to enter into battle against the Dark Lord and possibly their parents. Freckles will begin setting up booby traps Thursday, as she will require supplies first. Moony has agreed to perform a portkey charm on the necklaces and will do so Friday evening at the meeting. Fly Boy spoke with Professor Dumbledore regarding Operation Take Out the Trash and he declared his support and praised our efforts to date. Dancer received correspondence from Padfoot and the others pledging their skills in the upcoming encounter. All stated they would await further instructions. Red handed out assignments for the next 5 days.

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

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11 days to go and Counting

The Great Hall was buzzing with excitement Tuesday evening. N.E.W.T. results would be handed out after dinner. The 7^th years hurriedly ate and we waited impatiently for the others to finish. Finally they were.

A hush shrouded the room as the Headmaster stood. "At this time we would ask that each 7^th year stand when your name is called. You will receive your N.E.W.T. test results and an information packet on the Job Faire. There are application forms in each along with interview appointment times. If you wish to schedule an interview with a particular employer simply circle the day and time you wish to make it. If it is open your name will appear next to it. If not, try another day or time. We would also like to remind our graduating class that the Job Faire opens tomorrow morning. It will be open until Friday from 10:15 - 5:00 with the usual break for lunch each day. All employers will be here in the Great Hall. I encourage every 7^th year student to participate in this unique experience. Apply for several positions and have fun! I would also suggest you each wear clothing appropriate for the job you are applying for. Now, we would like to remind you all to please remain quiet until all the results are given out."

I stood solemnly when my name was called, scared to death. I pried the seal loose and unfolded the butter yellow parchment. A squeak of excitement slipped out.

N.E.W.T. results for Miss Aurora Dawn Weasley

Theory Practice Overall

Care of Magical Creatures E E E

Charms O O O

Defense Against the Dark Arts O O O

Herbology A E E

History of Magic O - O

Muggle Studies O - O Potions O O O

Transfiguration O E E

I'd gotten 8 N.E.W.T.s!! The group gathered elatedly after everyone's grades had been handed out.

"Who got what?" Ron asked. "I managed to pull off 6. Mum'll be happy."

"7," said Draco.

"Me too," Harry answered.

"6," replied Neville.

"I got 8."

Hermione was still looking down at her paper, apparently stunned. She glanced at us and said with no small amount of wonder, "I received 11!"

"Mouse, that's unbelievable!" I exclaimed, hugging her.

"That's every class you took. Wow." Ginny appeared impressed.

"This calls for a celebration! Common or Marauder Room?" Harry asked us.

"Fly Boy, Dragon might be a little uncomfortable in the common room," Ginny pointed out.

"Nonsense, I'll be fine. Besides, it's not just the seven of us who'll want to celebrate our results. I don't mind partying with Gryffindors."

"Good. The common room it is. We'll meet you there girls," Harry decided.

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Wednesday, 4 down, 10 to go

After much debating Tuesday before going to bed I had decided to apply for two Ministry positions, both in Muggle Relations, and Auror training. My interview for the Auror program was at 11:15 Wednesday, which would give me a little over an hour to check out the other employers to see if I was interested in anything else. I would meet with the Ministry of Magic representative Friday at 2:00 p.m.

I woke at 8 sharp and dressed carefully for the Auror interview. I pulled my hair back into a loose bun, slipped on a plain black dress robe and went down to breakfast where the Marauders were waiting.

"You're looking very professional and prim, Dancer," Ginny commented.

"Does it look okay? I'm so nervous."

"It's perfect," Harry encouraged, giving me a kiss.

I glanced at my friends pointedly. None were dressed for interviews. "Am I the only one applying for a job today?"

"Ours are after the lunch break," Hermione explained. "I have six scheduled so far."

Breakfast over we milled around the Marauder Room until the Faire opened. Employers from all over the world were participating. There were Wizards from the American Health Corps, Witches with various newspaper and magazines, a Vampire who when asked by Draco stated he was from the Transylvanian Historic Society, and many, many others.

We strolled inconspicuously until a man with a booming voice said, "Mr. Potter, how nice to see you again."

Harry introduced us to Mr. Edias, Luna Lovegood's father. He was editor of The Quibbler. We chatted for a few minutes and then Mr. Lovegood ushered us away for his interview with Parvati Patil.

We moved on and I noticed everyone staring at Harry vying for his attention. He ignored them, used to the unwanted gawking I suppose. A wizard in bright orange robes ran over.

"Harry Potter, as I live and breathe!"

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Harry asked the man vigorously shaking his arm up and down.

"Oh, how rude of me. I'm Lance Prude from the..."

"Chudley Cannons! You're my favorite player, sir!" Ron stated rather loudly.

"Thank you, Mr.?"

"Ron Weasley, sir."

"And who are your friends, Mr. Weasley?"

"This is my cousin, Aurora Weasley; my girlfriend, Hermione Granger; and my friends Neville Longbottom, and Draco Malfoy."

"Very nice to meet you. Saves me a trip."

"Excuse me?" I asked confused.

"I was looking for you, and Misters Potter, Weasley, and Malfoy to offer you each a chance to tryout for our team. We usually send letters out but decided not to this season."

"Are you serious?" Ron asked.

"I never joke about Quidditch, dear boy." He gave us invitations to the tryouts on July 31st. "I hope to see you there."

"I can't believe it. I cannot believe it."

"Ron, you've been saying that for the past ten minutes. Give it a rest will you? Honestly, it's only a tryout."

"Just a...just a tryout?" he strangled. Hermione giggled and he realized she was teasing.

At 10:55 I separated from the group and walked to the Auror table. I gave a small sigh of relief upon seeing Tonks and Mr. Shacklebolt sitting behind it. I waited patiently to be acknowledged, hands behind me, back arrow straight. (Dad had given me a few pointers on how to conduct myself during the interview.)

"Miss Weasley, nice to see you here today." Kingsley offered his hand.

I shook it firmly and said, "Thank you, sir. It's a pleasure to be here."

"Wotcher, Aurora."

"Auror Tonks," I nodded, barely repressing a smile.

"Let us get to the reason we are here," the dark skinned wizard stated. "Professor Dumbledore has given us your transcript. It's very impressive. 9 O.W.L.s and 8 N.E.W.T.s."

"Thank you, sir. I worked hard for them."

"I'm sure you did."

"Aurora, do you think you have the skills and mentality necessary to become an Auror?" Tonks queried.

"I'm not certain. I have never been in a situation as serious as those you would encounter but I like to think I would rise to the challenge."

"Are you wanting to join the program because it's what you desire or because you feel it is what is expected of you?"

"May I speak freely, ma'am?"

"Of course."

I thought for a moment before answering. "I love my father very much and I know he'd be proud of me no matter what career I ended up in. But he's my hero, as corny as that sounds. He and those like him fight against the evils of the world so that others don't have to. So yes, I do want to follow in his footsteps. Not because he wishes me to, he'd probably rather I not, but simply because I want to. I understand it isn't glamorous, that at times it's dirty and gritty. I want to be one of the elite so that I can help make the world a safe place again."

Tonks and Shacklebolt both gave a small grin at the impassioned speech. They asked several more questions and then Shacklebolt said, "Our decision will be made next Thursday. You will receive our reply no later than that Saturday afternoon. This concludes our interview."

I thanked them for their time and walked away confident I'd at least made a good impression.

Thursday Harry received six owls begging him to tryout for various Quidditch teams worldwide. Ron and Draco also obtained invitations from the Appleby Arrows. I also got one from the Holyhead Harpies. It was a true honor as they only recruited the best Witches to play for them. I seriously considered the offer.

Friday I dressed in a crisp light grey business pantsuit. I left my hair down but clipped back with a barrette. I arrived at the Ministry Muggle Relations booth precisely at 1:57 p.m. and was asked my name by a witch with frizzy salt and pepper hair.

"I am Mrs. Amanda Tomal. Are you by any chance related to Auror Weasley or our Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department head Arthur Weasley?"

"Yes, ma'am. Arthur is my uncle and Riddick Weasley is my father," I said sitting in the chair she indicated.

"I hope you don't think I'll show you preferential treatment because you have family members working for the Ministry."

Holding my temper I replied evenly with a slight trace of smile, "I would prefer to get the position based on my own merits, Mrs. Tomal."

"Which opening were you interested in? We have several available in Muggle Relations at the moment."

"Actually there are two; the liaison to the American Ministry of Magic and the one in the Department of International Magical Cooperation."

"I see here you received N.E.W.T.s in History of Magic and Muggle Studies. History is very important to the older members of our society, a definite plus. Can you explain why you think you are qualified for these occupations?"

"I lived from birth until last year in a small community near New Orleans, LA in the U.S. A large percentage of the Muggle locals continue to practice Voodoo and other Muggle types of 'magic'. Because of this, people there tend to be less wary of true Witches and Wizards. I often hung around them, observing their customs, culture, and beliefs. I often bought potion ingredients from one of the local priestesses. She and I talked frequently. She used to tell me she could see the magic dripping off me. I inherited Uncle Arthur's fascination with Muggles. I'm enamored with their technology and way of life."

"I must confess I find your enthusiasm refreshing. I have several other candidates to speak with but I shall let you know of my decision by next Saturday afternoon."

"Thank you, ma'am."

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Minutes of Friday May 22, 1998 meeting, called to order at 6:05 p.m.

Written by Marauder Mouse

The meeting began when Dragon reported 12 Slytherins wanting to join Operation Take Out the Trash. Freckles has started setting the booby traps strategically throughout the castle and grounds. Dancer and I have placed the necessary charms on the group's ID bracelets. Professor Dumbledore has informed the Order of our Operation. We have been admitted into the Order and are official members as of 7:48 p.m. today. Moony has completed the portkeys. The Headmaster liked the idea so much he had similar ones made for each Order member. Red handed out assignments for the next four days.

Meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

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Minutes of Saturday May 23, 1998 meeting, called to order at 6:01 p.m.

Written by Marauder Mouse

Red gathered the old D.A. members together for this meeting. Luna Lovegood of Ravenclaw reported she and Padma Patil had convinced nearly all the House the battle was forthcoming. They were prepared to help defend the castle. Fly Boy was successful in gaining permission from the Headmaster to speak with the House-elves. All pledged to protect the school and the students with their very lives if needed, he reported. Blaise Zabini has recruited 9 more Slytherins to the Cause. Thursday Professor Dumbledore and the other teachers increased security measures around Hogwarts and its grounds. Hagrid informed the centaurs, spiders, and other inhabitants of the Forbidden Forest of the ensuing Final Battle. Grawp remained behind to help get them ready and set traps.

Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

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Minutes of Monday May 25, 1998 meeting, called to order at 6:00 p.m.

Written by Marauder Mouse

The final defense plan completed, Red assigned Hunter, Fly Boy, and Dancer to the last details of offense. Freckles and Dragon are to man the base of operations until Thursday while Red and I put the finishing touches on the upcoming graduation ceremony. Professor Snape intercepted an owl for Millicent Bulstrode. In it her father wrote she would be called to duty soon. A check of her arm revealed her as a Deatheater. She is currently in an anti-magic holding cell hidden in Professor Dumbledore's private chambers.

Meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

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Tuesday evening, about 30 hours till attack

Harry and I dragged ourselves to his private room. We were both dead tired but determined to spend some desperately needed couple time together. I noticed the candles, hot tea, and scones first.

"Oh, Harry. When did you find time to do this?"

"I asked Dobby to set it up earlier."

"You are so sweet." I hugged him and gave him a deep kiss.

"Wow."

"Wow, indeed, Mr. Potter."

He raised an eyebrow and gestured to the sofa nearest the fire. I sat while he made me a cup of raspberry tea, 3 sugars, no milk. Just the way I liked it!

We sat in companionable silence until the light snack was gone. Harry looked at me and pulled me slowly toward him. I was hypnotized by the passion I saw in his beautiful green eyes. The kiss, when it came, shattered me with its perfection and I felt a tear escape.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm scared," I admitted.

"Of what? Friday? You're not the only one, Aurora. We all are."

"I'm more scared about the prophesy than the battle. What if I lose you?"

"Nothing's going to happen to me."

"You don't know that! Harry, I...I love you." 'There, I'd finally said it.'

"I love you too."

"But what if..."

"We'll make it through this, Dancer." He held me tighter and laid down on the couch. "I don't know how but we will."

I almost believed him. A few minutes later I fell asleep, safe in my love's arms.

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Minutes of Wednesday May 27, 1998 meeting, called to order at 6:00 p.m.

Written by Marauder Mouse

All preparations are in place for graduation and Operation Take Out the Trash. Two more students were found to have the Dark Mark, Pansy Parkinson and Theodore Nott. They will be held until released to Azkaban following the Final Battle. They were found to have placed several 1^st years under the Imperius Curse to spy on older Slytherin students they suspected of turning to Dumbledore.

Meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

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I finally made it to bed at around 1 p.m. Thursday. The Marauders had talked for a couple of hours after the meeting and retreated to our private rooms, except for Draco, in couples. Harry and I had spent two blissful hours wrapped up in each other, pushing thoughts of what could happen tomorrow aside. We said not a word only gentle sighs at the pleasure of shared kisses and roving hands.

Harry pulled away first. "Aurora," he breathed heavily, "we need to stop before we can't. I don't want to do something we might regret just because of what may happen tomorrow."

"You're right." I sat up straightening my clothes and trying to catch my breath.

Once we'd regained control of our rampant teenage hormones we looked at each other and grinned.

"So, how many students do you think will make tonight their first time?"

"I do not even want to reflect on that. Eww! I love you, Harry."

"I love you, Aurora Dawn."