Harry Potter and the Orb of Power

            Chapter 38: The O.W.L. Examinations

    “I can’t believe the O.W.L.’s are tomorrow!” Hermione exclaimed from behind a towering pile of teetering books. Harry ran a hand through his hair, and frowned. The O.W.L.’s were indeed tomorrow, and he was definitely not prepared. In all of the time surrounding Sirius’ death and learning of his heritage, he had completely forgotten that his Ordinary Wizarding Level exams were coming up. And that was how he found himself, a day before exams, sitting in the Common Room with Ron and Hermione, cramming for their Transfiguration O.W.L.

    “We know, Hermione,” Ron said through gritted teeth. “You’ve only brought it up a million times.”

    “Ok, I think we’re all set on the material from our first two years, that stuff is simple. The third year material and above is the problem area,” Hermione prattled.

    “That’s it? That’s three years worth of Transfiguration,” Harry said weakly.

    “It’ll be fine, as long as we stick to our notes!” Hermione said brightly. Harry saw Ron peek his head around a stack of Transfiguration papers.

    “We’re doomed,” he said. He rubbed his eyes and took a piece of parchment from the top of the pile.

    “No we’re not; as long as we study properly, we’ll be fine,” Hermione said bracingly. “Should we study for the practical or the theoretical parts first? I suppose the theory should be better to study, it’ll segue nicely into doing the practical. Of course, if we see the spells done first hand, we could picture how the spells are working when we study through the theory...” Harry couldn’t suppress the smile as he listened to Hermione rattle through study theories. He looked at Ron, who was giving Hermione an exasperated and desperate look.

    “Let’s do some wand work, I’m getting restless looking at these papers,” Harry said.

    “All right,” Ron said, standing up. “Sounds good.” He took out his wand. “Where do we start?”

    “How about transfiguring animals into water goblets?” Hermione asked with a smirk.

    “Ha,” Ron said sarcastically.

***

    Early the next morning, Harry was sitting at the Gryffindor table studying a sheet of notes that Hermione had copied over and reorganized. He took an idle bite of toast, his eyes glued to the sheet. He felt someone sit next to him.

    “I’m going to throw up!” Ron said, staring at the food on the table. “I’m going to fail miserably! I can’t even remember my name never mind any of the spells McGonagall gave us, I mean, how are we supposed to know everything, it’s rubbish, it’s...”

    “Ron, calm down,” Harry said. “Have some toast.” He pushed a plate in front of Ron, who seemed to be absolutely flabbergasted.

    “How can you be so calm? These exams are going to be torture!”

    “Because I’ve seen worse than an exam,” Harry said simply, taking another bite of toast. “They’re just a bit of paper and then some showmanship in front of the graders. It’ll be fine.” Ron was staring at Harry, probably wondering whether or not Harry had finally gone off his rocker. Hermione sat on the other side of Harry, her nose practically attached to the book she was reading.

    “This Inanimatus Conjurus that Professor McGonagall gave us is extremely difficult, but she hinted that they might be on the exams, so I should probably memorize it, right?”

    “Right,” Ron said, rolling his eyes.

    “Guys, just relax. We’ll do fine,” Harry said bracingly. He knew he was being overly simplistic, and the fact that he too had a knot of tension in his stomach did not comfort him. However, he took solace in knowing that he would do the best he could, and that’s all anyone could ask for. Besides, they were just silly exams, nothing to be worried about. To worry about them would risk messing them up, and Harry did not want to be the one who looked like a great dirty prat in front of the panel of graders. Harry looked down the table and saw Fred and George peering closely at a long piece of parchment.

    “Studying for your N.E.W.T.s?” Harry asked brightly. Fred laughed, and George explained.

    “Of course not. We’re preparing our ordering lists for Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes.”

    “We don’t need N.E.W.T.’s to help us with our business,” Fred said dismissively.

    “I suppose not. So how are you operating this business anyhow?” Harry asked.

    “Well, right now we’re just trying to make some stock to sell. We’ll obviously have to find premises,” George said.

    “Of course, that’ll be no problem,” Fred added.

    “And why not?” Hermione asked, suddenly tuning into their conversation.    

    “No reason in particular, Hermione,” George said evasively. Harry shot Fred and George a warning look. He hadn’t told anyone about the Triwizard Gold, and he wanted to keep it that way. Mrs. Weasley may have accepted the fact that George and Fred were starting a joke shop, but he could only imagine the scowl on her face when she realized that half of twins’ work was done for them. Harry looked back at his Transfiguration notes.

    “They should be studying for their N.E.W.T.s, no matter if they’re going to use them or not,” Hermione said, bristling. “They are very important exams.”

    “Well, they’re not in their plans,” Harry said. “Come on, let’s just focus on the Inanimatus Conjurus. We’re going to need some practice.”

***

    The clock seemed to move at an incredibly slow pace. Harry wanted the time to move fast, so that he could get through his exams as quickly as possible. He was getting tired of looking at his notes, and he was pretty sure he had learned as much as he could in the last twenty-four hours. He yawned and looked at his watch, which indicated that he had only a few more minutes until the first exam. The fifth and seventh year Gryffindors were sitting in an anteroom to the Great Hall, waiting to be seated for their exams. Professor McGonagall was standing at the front of the class, looking slightly grim.

    “I have a few words to say to you all before you go and sit your exams. For the fifth years, pay close attention. You will first be taking your Theory of Transfiguration exam, followed by a two hour lunch break. After the break you’ll be taking your practical examination. I have complete faith in all of you that you will do well. The material on the test has been covered completely and adequately, and you have had ample time to prepare.” A bell rang somewhere in the Great Hall. “That’s the bell. Fifth years proceed into the Great Hall. Seventh years remain here until your bell is rung.” McGonagall nodded, and all of the fifth years got up. Harry looked at Ron, who looked as ill as he had when he was throwing up slugs, and then at Hermione, who was nervously repeating words under her breath. He walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead.    

    “You’ll be great,” he said. Hermione smiled and headed off to her seat. Harry noticed that the Great Hall had been turned into a large classroom, with desks filling the area where the tables once stood. He saw the Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, and Ravenclaws coming into the hall at the same time. Harry found his desk, and sat down. A parchment lay on his desk, an ominous looking document. He felt a strange buzzing in the air, and saw that most of the students were shifting nervously in their seats. Harry picked up the No-Cheating Quill that was resting near the exam, and looked up at the O.W.L. grader. The wizard was rather young, but was large and very muscular. Harry amused himself in imagining the wizard dragging cheating students out of the Hall, until he spoke up in a deep voice.

    “Welcome to the Theory of Transfiguration O.W.L. The test will be one hour long. You may begin.” The wizard waved his wand, and a giant hourglass appeared out of nowhere. The sand was running from the top bulb to the bottom. Harry opened up his exam, and began.

***

    “That wasn’t so bad,” Hermione said shakily, as she, Ron, and Harry were sitting outside, waiting for the break to be over.

    “True, it wasn’t a complete nightmare,” Ron said, his face pale. “Although I don’t think I did too well.”

    “It’ll be fine,” Harry said bracingly. “We always manage to get through our exams.”

    “Although question twenty-three seemed like a trick question,” Hermione was continuing.

    “Hermione, please,” Ron pleaded. “Let’s just enjoy the weather before we go in again.”    Hermione opened her mouth, but then decided better, and kept quiet.

    “We should go see Hagrid. We haven’t seen him in ages,” Harry said.

    “Sounds like a good idea. We still have an hour until the next exam,” Hermione said. The three wandered over to Hagrid’s hut, and found that he was outside, scribbling enthusiastically on a piece of parchment.

    “Hey Hagrid,” Hermione said cheerfully.

    “I was wonderin’ when you lot would come ter see me,” Hagrid said with a smile. “Yer haven’ been down ter see me in ages.”

    “I know, we’ve been really busy,” Harry began apologetically, but Hagrid waved his hand.

    “I don’ blame yeh. Yeh’ve had a lot on yer plate. We all have, I ‘spect.” Hagrid said kindly. “How are yer O.W.L.’s comin’?”

    “We’ve just had Transfiguration, and I think I did all right. There was a bit of a problem with question twenty-three...” Hermione began, but Ron stepped on her foot.

    “Are you going to stick around for our Care of Magical Creatures O.W.L. later this week?” Harry asked, covering up the bristling silence between Ron and Hermione.

    “Ah, I can’. I’m goin’ on an importan’ mission fer the Order. I ‘spect ol’ Olympe ter go with me.”

    “Seeing the giants again?” Ron asked shrewdly.

    “I’m sayin’ nothin’,” Hagrid said, his beetle black eyes sparkling. “Of course, yeh’ll have figured it out in no time anyhow.” Hagrid smiled, and then picked up a suitcase.

    “You’re leaving now?” Harry asked.

    “I’m leavin’ as soon as possible. Dumbledore said tha’ You-Know-Who’ll be goin’ after the giants now tha’ he’s been uncovered. Me and Olympe have ter move real fas’.” Harry felt a pang of dread strike his heart. He didn’t want Hagrid to leave; he didn’t want Hagrid to end up like Sirius.

    “Don’t go, Hagrid,” Harry said quietly. Hagrid gave Harry a kind look.

    “Don’ worry ‘bout me, Harry. I’ll be fine, jus’ as long as I got Olympe. I’ll be back at the start o’ nex’ term.” He gave Harry a gentle pat on the shoulder, which knocked Harry back a little bit, and then he swept past the three of them and left the hut.

    “Good luck Hagrid,” Hermione said. Hagrid turned, gave a wave, and then turned away.

    “We’d better get back to the exams,” Hermione sniffed, looking at her watch.

    “I hope Hagrid watches out for himself,” Ron said.

    “He better come back. That’s all I’m saying,” Harry said.

***

    The Practical Exam for Transfiguration went pretty well for Harry. He managed to complete his work within the hour time limit, and by the looks the graders gave him, he was sure he passed. There was no time to enjoy his success though, the Potions exams were the next day.

    “This is worse than Transfiguration,” Ron said, looking at the ingredients for the Nightshade Potion while eating some steak.

    “Every time I try to remember a potion ingredient I see Snape scowling at me and Vanishing my potion,” Harry muttered. “‘This is rubbish, Potter’. I can’t focus on doing the exam if I’m daydreaming of bashing him over the head with a cauldron.”

    “Come on, let’s just focus,” Hermione said. “We can’t lose our heads; this is only the second exam.”

    “I’m taking a breather and enjoying my meal,” Harry said, setting his Potions notes down. Harry stretched his arms over his head, and saw that Ginny and Luna were approaching the table.

    “Hey guys!” Ginny said cheerfully. “How’re the exams coming?”

    “Badly,” Ron said, sparing a large chunk of steak with his fork and taking a bite.

    “Well, the O.W.L.’s shouldn’t be too bad, they’re only exams,” Luna said mildly, looking a the stack of Potions notes with vague interest.

    “Only exams? These may be the most important tests we’ll ever take!” Hermione exclaimed, splashing pumpkin juice all over the table. Luna’s pale eyes ranged over to Hermione.

    “They’re just tests. You can live in the real world without taking the exams,” Luna replied.

    “You’re one to talk about the real world,” a cold voice said from behind Harry. “You’re about as far out of this one as possible.” Harry turned and saw the unpleasant face of Draco Malfoy, with Crabbe and Goyle in tow. Malfoy had been in a terrible temper ever since his father was arrested. Luna hardly reacted to his insult, but Hermione turned and scowled.

    “At least she gets to be part of this world, unlike your father,” Ron snapped.

    “Funny, Weasley,” Malfoy snarled. “Although, at least my father can still afford to live in this one.”

    “Eat dung, Malfoy,” Harry muttered. After all that had happened, Malfoy was the least of his worries.

    “Good one, Potter,” Malfoy drawled. “Of course, every time you kiss that mudblood, I’m sure it tastes as if you were eating dung.” Hermione wheeled around, and stood up.

    “You know, you’re acting awfully big for someone so small. You are nothing, Malfoy, absolutely nothing. You walk around as if you own the place, bullying those that can’t fight back.”

    “Big words, Granger,” Malfoy yawned.

    “I’d be petty and insult your family, but since they have to look in the mirror every day, they probably already know how much of scumbags they are.”

    “Don’t insult my family,” Malfoy said quietly. Harry stood up.

    “Come on, Hermione, just ignore him,” Harry muttered. He sat down, guiding Hermione into her seat.

    “Wow, Potter has you whipped,” Malfoy exclaimed. Crabbe and Goyle laughed appreciatively.

    “I’d say that about your mother, Malfoy, but since your father is lying in his own filth in Azkaban, I can’t really say much,” Hermione spat, standing up again.

    Draco stood motionless and silent, as if Hermione had said nothing at all. His eyes met hers; Harry could feel a tension in the air, crackling with the intensity of a lightning bolt.

    “There’s only one thing left to say then, you pathetic little mudblood,” Draco whispered. Then, as fast as lightning, he reached his hand back and slapped Hermione across the face. Harry was up in an instant; he too reached back and punched Malfoy in the face. Acting quickly, he swept his leg behind Malfoy’s knee, tripping him. Just as Malfoy started to fall, Harry grabbed the front of his robes and slammed him to the ground, putting his wand to Malfoy’s throat. He was about to utter a curse when he felt four arms grab him and hurl him backwards. Harry went crashing over the Gryffindor table and onto the ground. He felt the wind knocked out of him, his glasses went flying across the floor. He heard Ron and Hermione shouting, and he knew that the entire school was looking on at the commotion. As he staggered to his feet, he saw McGonagall and Snape prying Crabbe and Goyle off of Ron, who must have thrown himself at them to retaliate.

    “Absolutely disgusting behavior!” McGonagall shouted, her face pink in anger.

    “Fifty points from Gryffindor for participating in this outrageous brawl,” Snape snapped.

    “And twenty-five points from Slytherin, each, for starting this fight!” McGonagall shouted. “Absolutely appalling display of public behavior.” Crabbe and Goyle were retreating, but Malfoy’s face was colored with anger; a welt was starting to appear on his eye where Harry hit him.

    “You’ll pay for this Potter! I won’t rest until I see your lifeless corpse!” McGonagall looked in horror at Malfoy, who was being swept away by Professor Snape. Hermione’s hand was clapped to her face, still in shock that Malfoy had hit her.

    “I think he’s a bit angry,” Luna said, taking a bite of steak that was on her plate.

    “Ms. Lovegood, back to your table,” McGonagall snapped. Luna looked up with disinterest, shrugged, and then took her plate of food back to the Ravenclaw table. “As for the rest of you. I do not want you communicating with Draco Malfoy again. If such a fight happens once more, I will make sure the punishment is enough so that you never do it again.” McGonagall swept away after this threat. Harry bent over and picked up his glasses. As he put them on, he saw that everyone in the hall was staring over at the Gryffindor Table. He, Ron, and Hermione sat down at the table. Harry looked at Hermione, who looked as if she did not want to talk about it. Her lip was bleeding a little, and yet she did not wipe it away. Harry grabbed a napkin and handed it to her, but she took it and put it on the table. Harry saw in her eyes a proud and violent anger. Hermione would not show any weakness.

    “So about the Nightshade Potion,” she said loudly. Ron cast a nervous glance at Harry, who then obligingly picked up his Potions notes.

***

    Unlike the Transfiguration O.W.L. examinations, Harry felt he wasn’t as sure how well he did. The Theory of Potions examinations was filled with intricate and detailed questions that Harry was not prepared for. He answered as best he could, but somehow he knew that his best in Potions was not good enough. The practical exam was far less disastrous; they were only required to prepare the Ingenium Potion that Snape had pounded into his skull all through the year. His potion came out fairly well, and when he passed in his flask of potion, he was fairly confident that he did well.    

    His Divination O.W.L.’s were nothing short of a complete disaster. While the questions on dreams Harry answered well, (considering he had tons of practice on dreaming through the year) his practical was a nightmare. He was supposed to be interpreting a soggy mess of tea leaves, but all he could manage to say was that he’d be incredibly wet in the near future. The crystal ball was no less disastrous; while holding his hand close to the ball, the ball shattered all over the place, cutting the examiner and ending his examination. Harry had apologized over and over, but it was for nothing; the examiner wanted nothing more to do with Harry.

    Harry didn’t have to stew in his examination woes alone; Ron too was struggling through them. While the fail in Divination was all but expected, his Ingenium Potion was far too thick to be especially potent. Ron came out of the Divination O.W.L. looking completely and thoroughly ill.

    “This is awful. We’re not even half done. This is awful.”

    “Don’t worry, the worst is over,” Harry said bracingly. “We’ve only got Astronomy, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Oh and History of Magic as well.” Harry’s face contorted into a grimace.

    “Right. Only those,” Ron said, throwing up his hands in exasperation.

    “We’ve got History of Magic tomorrow and then Astronomy at midnight,” Hermione said, emerging from her Arithmancy O.W.L. with a satisfied grin. “We might as well start studying for that.”

    “Great,” Harry mumbled.

    “At least those two have only one exam, and not two parts, like the others.”    

    “Yes, fantastic,” Ron moaned.

    “Cheer up Ron, it’ll be over soon. We get the next two days off before the weekend, so we’ll be fine,” Hermione said, patting his arm. Ron gave her a dubious look, but sighed.

    “You’re probably right. You always are.” Ron gave Hermione a lingering look, and then turned away and looked at his notes.

***

    History of Magic was another unmitigated disaster for Harry. The test asked for so many extensive details, so many naunced facets of magical history, that Harry could not answer all the questions directly. He managed a few vague answers and broad, sweeping statements, but by and large, when he passed in his exam, he knew it would be branded with a failing grade.

    Astronomy wasn’t nearly as bad as History of Magic; it was actually a success. Harry managed to complete his star chart with time to spare, which was particularly a relief since he had incorrectly drawn the four terrestrial planets. Ron and Hermione too managed to pass through Astronomy fairly confident, and they all had broad grins on their faces. They were facing four days of rest before the next week of examinations.

    Harry, Hermione, and Ron spent their time off poring over notes on the many different magical creatures Hagrid had brought to class. Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, and Defense Against the Dark Arts didn’t seem nearly as daunting as their other exams, and Harry found himself even more relaxed than usual. Ron too had calmed down, now that they were halfway done. On Saturday morning, the three decided to take a break from working and having a nice, leisurely breakfast.

    “This is the life,” Ron said, happily munching on some crispy bacon. “No studying, just relaxing.”    

    “Don’t get too comfortable, we still have a long way to go,” Hermione warned, although she too was lounging, drinking idly from her goblet of orange juice.

    “Glad to have a bit of optimism to brighten up the place,” Harry said jokingly. Ron and Hermione laughed, feeling in good spirits. With a familiar whoosh of wings, Harry knew that the mail had arrived. Harry looked up and saw Hedwig landing softly in front of him, looking in perfect health.

    “Nice to see you, Hedwig,” Harry said. Hedwig hooted, and nipped Harry’s ear in an affectionate way, and then took a liberal swig from his goblet. Harry idly took the letter and opened it, noticing that Hermione too got mail before he delved into his letter.

    Harry,

        How are you? Fine I hope. Things have been boring around here, what with Vernon and Dudley being muggles; I do hope your school year was far more exciting than mine here! I’ve learned a lot more magic since you’ve left, and I’m expecting to be able to show of when you return. I have a wand, so now I’m a proper witch. I’m writing because I’ve heard from a good friend that your examinations are taking place. I have absolute confidence that you’ll succeed, but just in case, I’ve decided to give you some extra motivation. If you don’t do well on these exams, you’ll be stuck in this house forever, and I’m sure neither you, Vernon, nor Dudley will want that! Give my regards to your friend Ron, and your special friend Hermione! (I do have my sources, you know.) When you get back from the school year, I have a great surprise for you! I won’t say anymore until you get back. Good luck!

     -Aunt Petunia

    “Well that was kind,” Harry said, finishing up the letter. Ron, who was reading over his shoulder, looked shocked.

    “How did she know about you two?”

    “She has her sources. Despite discovering magic, she still is the nosiest person I’ve ever met,” Harry said, chuckling. He looked at Hermione, who was rapt in the Daily Prophet.

    “Anything interesting in there?” Ron asked curiously, watching Hermione’s eyes buzz over the page.

    “Well, the Wizengamot is having trouble choosing a new Minister. They’ve chosen a few, and none of them will accept the nomination.”

    “I reckon they’re all too scared. They’re all afraid of You-Know-Who,” Ron said. “Only a nutter would take that job.”

    “I hope they find someone soon. Without a leader, the Ministry won’t be able to handle Voldemort’s return,” Hermione said. Ron shuddered at the use of Voldemort’s name, but Harry rolled his eyes.

    “It’s not like the last one really handled things well. Whoever is chosen, I hope he or she isn’t a waffler,” Harry said.

****

    The weekend passed all too quickly, and the rest of the exams passed in a blur of spell work and parchment. Harry was fairly confident he passed the rest of his exams, and when the bell finally rang on his final exam, he cheered with the rest of the fifth years. They wouldn’t have to think about the exams until they got their results sometime in the summer. In order to celebrate, Harry, Ron, and Hermione lounged on the beach of the lake, watching the giant squid gliding along the glassy surface.

    “Those weren’t too bad after all,” Ron said, putting his hands behind his head and reclining.

    “Right,” Harry said with a smile. He felt incredibly lazy, and decided to lay down in the grass and look at the sunny sky. The three of them lay in silence; yet Harry felt a sudden creeping feeling begin to grow from inside his chest. He knew what it was; it was the aching feeling of loneliness that Sirius’s death had left. The O.W.L.’s had kept him busy, kept him distracted, but now that they were over, he had nothing to do but mull over Sirius’ death. He fought against the sadness threatening to sweep through him, and he looked at Hermione, who was staring off at a group of passing Slytherins, led by Draco Malfoy. Pansy Parkinson was hanging off of his arms, cackling with glee over something Malfoy had just said. They passed close to Harry, and Draco barely covered up what he was saying.

    “My mother’s getting a pet this summer. I think it’s a consolation that Father was arrested. She thinks it’ll all blow over when the Ministry realizes they have him on trumped up charges. But she said a pet would teach me responsibility, so she’s buying me a dog.” At this, Malfoy cast a nasty glance at Harry. “It’s a shame though. Dirty, rotten animals they are. They die far easily too.” Harry was up in a flash, his wand out.

    “Harry, no!” Hermione said, jumping up. Harry wrenched his arm out of Hermione’s grasp and pointed his wand at Malfoy.

    “You going to do something, Potter?” Malfoy snarled. Harry noticed Malfoy’s welt was still pronounced, and gave a satisfied smile.    

    “Maybe give you a matching welt on your other black eye,” Harry said.

    “I’d like to see you try,” Malfoy sneered. “We’ve never gotten to properly duel.” Harry’s fingers pressed against the wood of his wand; anger pumped through him like poison.

    “Don’t do it Harry,” Hermione whispered. Harry clasped his wand, pointing at Malfoy.

    “Take your best shot,” Malfoy whispered, yet his words screamed in Harry’s head. He was thinking of the perfect spell, the right curse to blast Malfoy’s face to smithereens. Malfoy took out his wand; Harry waved his, ready to strike.

    “Hold it right there!” a voice called from behind them. Harry spun, and saw Professor McGonagall striding forward. Harry quickly put his wand back; Malfoy lowered his grudgingly.

    “Malfoy started this,” Hermione yelled, but Professor McGonagall waved her hand.

    “There are three prefects here, and none of you seem to be able to handle conflict between the two of you in a civilized fashion. You are lucky you did not actually fight, or the both of you would have been suspended. I told you both to keep your distance, and I meant it.” Malfoy looked ready to reply, but McGonagall’s eyes flashed dangerously, and he backed off. When he and his friends backed away, McGonagall looked at Harry.

    “Steer clear of Malfoy. I do not want you descending to his level.” Harry glowered, but didn’t reply.

    “Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, do make sure those two do not fight again.” McGonagall swept off without a further word, leaving the three of them alone again.

    “Good thing the year is almost over,” Ron said with an uncertain smile. “If you guys had any more time you’d be tearing at each other’s throats.”

    “I know,” Harry said, his look lingering on the retreating Malfoy. A cold wind swept across the ground, sending a chill up Harry’s spine.

    “Let’s go inside, shall we?” Harry said, shivering slightly. Ron nodded, and he and Hermione walked with him back into Hogwarts.