N.E.W.T Exams

NEWTs Begin
Author: Belladonna
Date: 09-29-02 12:41

"Shit!" Bella pulled up a corner of her skirt and starting running out of the library after checking her diamond and platinum watch. She was going to be late for NEWT proctoring if she didn't hurry and McGonagall would have her head or job if she was late. Not that she'd be late if she hurried, which was exactly what she had in mind as she ran across Hogsmeade at top speed. It was crazy, but she'd have time to fix her hair and makeup while proctoring.

With fifteen minutes to spare, Bella arrived at the castle, slightly out of breath and feeling like one of the heroines in one of those Muggle romance novel---hair all mussed and bosom throbbing. She sooo needed to stop reading those, but they were quite fun.

She did her usual walk to the dungeons, all gliding and swanlike, just like she'd been carefully taught years ago. Arriving with ten minutes to spare, she opened the classroom door after wrinkling her nose at the moldy, damp smell. Ewww, she'd be here for three hours ? Someone owed her big time, that was for sure. This was so unfair, almost enough to make her give up teaching.

Worse still, Professor Snape was glaring at her. What an evil man. Such a typical Slytherin, like the lot she was having to proctor with him. Yeah, today sucked for sure. Well, dinner with John afterwards and the promise to herself of a new pair of earrings to make up for the three hours here.

"Okay, ladies and gentlemen, you will have three hours from the time I say to begin. Good luck on the test and remember that cheaters will have their papers taken away and will just have to take the test next year in addition to having a black mark on your record. The quills have been charmed with a anti-cheating device and anyone needing a new quill will have to see myself or Professor Snape. Ready? Begin!"

She took a seat and began to repair her makeup, glancing up frequently to check for cheating. The students should be prepared, so there was no worry. Three hours to go...

NEWTs and Dear Friends
Author: Fred Weasley
Date: 09-29-02 12:46

The great doors to the Transfiguration classroom swung open and hit the castle walls with a mighty thud, sending pulsing vibrations across the room. Each nervous head in the room swiveled around to see Hagrid come stomping in, a small smile hiding behind his bushy, black beard.

"Beggin' yer pardon, Professer. I meant ta be on time." He quietly shut the doors behind him and marched down the center aisle to meet the deputy headmistress, who stood in front of her desk with a stack of parchments in her arms.

McGonagall divided the stack in half and handed him one. "You're not tardy, Hagrid. The examination is scheduled to begin in a few minutes."

As Hagrid and Professor McGonagall passed out the exams, Fred nervously twiddled his thumbs. It wasn't that he was a bad test taker, but the NEWTs were a big deal. Passing this exam was his ticket out of Hogwarts and into the real world. George, who was sitting in the next seat, seemed a little more relaxed, but Fred knew that his twin was also quite nervous about the exam.

Both of the redheads and practically missed out on one month's worth of assignments when they got Cho to do their work for them after Ravenclaw's loss to Gryffindor in the Quidditch match. As much as they didn't want to admit it, having someone else do their work for them was slightly problematic because they only had vague knowledge about that material. Therefore, they spent a good portion of last night and this morning going over the assignments from that month of laziness.

After the examination booklets were passed out, Professor McGonagall gave some preliminary instructions. While this was going on, Fred looked around the room at all of the students he had seen every school day since his first year at Hogwarts. Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell were sitting together as usual. Better chasers Fred had never seen. He would truly miss playing Quidditch with those three. Lee Jordan, the most entertaining Quidditch commentator as far as Fred was concerned, was sitting on his other side. He'd miss having Lee for a roommate, that was for sure. Then, there was Samantha Thatcher. She was sitting a few seats away and was staring at Professor McGonagall as she spoke. Granted, Fred hadn't known Sammi as long as everyone else, but he felt like he knew her really well. After all, they had been together for four and a half months. He'd miss her after graduation.

"You may begin."

McGonagall's voice cut through Fred's thoughts and alerted him that it was time to get down to business. Fred picked up his quill and scribbled his name on the top of his paper.

Moving On with Life
Author: Helena Tufton
Date: 09-29-02 13:31

Last night had felt so right, but at the same time it had truly frightened Helena. For some unexplainable reason, she felt very comfortable with Charlie and she even found him attractive, oh so attractive. It was clear that he enjoyed her company, and as his expert hands had roamed her back and his fingers had entangled themselves in her hair, she had totally forgotten that both of them had gotten off to a rough start. It's strange how things change...how people change...

While they were kissing and holding each other, Helena had been free from any coherent thoughts until something familiar jolted her to reality, suddenly very reminiscent of her former relationship with Julian. How perfect it had been at first, but things had gone terribly, terribly wrong. Helena's greatest fear was making the same mistake twice.

Briefly, she tore her lips from Charlie's and stared at him with the proverbial deer in the headlights look. Her arms were still wrapped around his neck, and she was still nestled in his embrace.

"Helena?" Charlie furrowed his brow in concern. "Are you all right?"

"Charlie, I need to go." She sensed his disappointment. OK, Helena. Get a grip. This is Charlie, not Julian. They're two very different men with two very different motives. Actually, Charlie probably doesn't have a motive for wanting to be with me. Give him the benefit of the doubt. Not all men are evil. Helena banished the voice from her head and smiled at Charlie. "I'll see you tomorrow." She kissed him softly.

"I can't wait that long," Charlie said, laughing. The look of concern his face had worn only moments earlier had disappeared.

Helena laughed, too, and kissed him again. "Tomorrow."

After a few more kisses, Helena had finally made it out of Charlie's room and into her own.

Now, it was not yet twenty-four hours later and Helena was still feeling the aftershocks of last night's revelations. She was quite fond of Charlie, and even though she had severe reservations about getting into a serious relationship, she couldn't help but feel that it was the right way to go. No doubt Charlie was feeling the same thing. He had just gotten out of a major relationship, himself, and surely didn't want to get hurt again. They'd take care of each other, Helena decided. It was time to move on and live.

Mission...Very Difficult but Not Impossible
Author: Remus Lupin
Date: 09-29-02 20:39

The search for Dierna continues. And so far there has been no useful information. The worst part is not knowing where she is. I now can guess by her disappearance she has been captured, but I don't know where to find her. However, I am not giving up. My thoughts are broken when an owl flies in and drops an owl on my head.

Harry Potter went missing nearly a month ago. Please also look for him.

Be careful. Michael Turin

PS - the man you brought in here, who is he? He knows something, but not much. Unfortunately, his answers are too incomprehensible to be of use.

Harry is missing? This is the last thing we need. Naturally, I will look for him too, it is my duty as a temporary auror and more importantly, a duty to Dierna, and to the James Potter, also a close friend of mind. I take a quill and right. Then the other part about Michael asking who the man I brought in was comes to mind. Will he believe me? Everyone save for Dierna, Sirius and I and of course Harry's friends and Dumbledore think he's dead.

Dear Michael
I hadn't heard about Harry. Of course I will look for him too. The man I brought in here knows a great deal. you won't believe me, but he is Peter Pettigrew. Pettigrew framed Sirius by faking his own death. Dierna might have told you this. He knows a great deal. Don't be too hopeful about him being helpful, he only stammers

Remus Lupin

Location Unknown: Aran na Fian
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 09-29-02 20:53

Sometime that night, when the defiling presence of Dementors deprived me of sleep, I found myself singing my country's national anthem.

Sinne fiana fail* - perhaps it is the militant, uncomprimising quality that makes me sing it. The certainty that one will fight on, not surrender, die before doing so. Sometimes that is all a person - or a people - had left. Pride, loyalty, and a desperate will to survive and fight even in the face of nearly certain death.

The Irish were proud, didn't take abuse. Fought it when they saw it. And I am Irish, and an auror. And I saw abuse and wrong. I'd fight. I'd have made a great Fenian. There were female ones, back in medieval Ireland. I could pass THAT test . . . now to survive this one.

I hadn't stopped demanding to see Harry. Voldemort and his goons hadn't stopped refusing. This time I tried another tactic.

"Just some proof that he's alive." I said. "So I know to behave, to keep him safe." I paraphrased Voldemort's "Motivational speech." The death eater looked skeptical, but nodded and left.

I waited for him to come back, with proof of Harry's life. Irrefutable proof.

-------

Title = "Soldier's Song", The Irish national Anthem * = Soldiers are we (First line of the national anthem)

NEWTS and Professor Binns
Author: Angelina
Date: 09-30-02 01:18

I had taken my seat near the Professors desk and the room became cold as Professor Binns floated in and just hung there next to me.

"Ah you must be Miss Logan our substitute Herbology Teacher." He said in his usual gravely and boring voice. I gave a nod and just looked at him, "Surely you must recognize me Professor?" I asked and tilted my head to the side. Professor Binns just looked at me for a moment and something that would probably be classified as a smile spread across his face. "Oh my you're the granddaughter of Richard Gry..." I held up a hand as the students watched him come in. "Please I don't want them to know yet." I whispered and looked at the class.

"Now you will begin your NEWTS exams. These also will take three hours you have been given your anti-cheating quills and test scrolls. Anyone caught talking out loud or in a whisper after you are done and the others are still taking the test will have points taken from the house. You have been warned."

Professor Binns floated near me. "You may begin." He said.

Nervous? Who's Nervous?
Author: Samantha Thatcher
Date: 09-30-02 11:33

NEWTS...The exam of your life! Every year the unlucky 7th years would 'get' to take it. You fail this exam...it'll haunt you.

So that dreadful day has come and it was Sami's turn, along with her fellow classmates. She had studied long and hard for this test. She was pretty confidant that she would have no problem with passing, but still...she was nervous.

So nervous in fact that she was chewing on her fingernails. A bad habit of hers when she's scared or nervous. Sami scanned the room for Fred and George. When she had finally found them some of her nerves melted away. But for the most part...she was still biting her nails.

Then exams were given out and everyone was ordered to begin. Sami picked up the quill pen and so began the testing of spells, potions and other fun stuff...

NEWTs Summit I Never Got Ter Take
Author: Rubeus Hagrid
Date: 09-30-02 13:41

I finished handing out the NEWTs and thought to myself. Summit I never got ter take. All cuzza Tom Riddle.

I shook my head and turned to look at Professor McGonagall as she told everyone they could begin. As I wandered the up and down the aisles, I wondered what it would be like to have actually graduated Hogwarts, instead of getting my wand broken in two.

My eyes flickered over Fred and George Weasley and I thought of my three little mischief makers. I missed Harry just as much as everyone else did. He was a great kid, and I knew as well as Dumbledore and everyone else who knows of Harry Potter and the ways he's come close to defeating Voldermort, that he will do great things.

Back to the Library and Waiting...
Author: John 1st Duke of Marlborough
Date: 09-30-02 16:06

John's stay in Hogsmeade had been rather more complicated than first anticipated. As an Undersecretary at The MoM (Ministry of Magic), he had experienced some trouble in remaining in touch with the Muggle-world (which he needed access to). But how wonderful it was, he realised to have perfect excuses for not being approachable! The mischievous, gentryside of him popped up again. Independent of moneytrouble, oblivious of any need to make his own earnest earning, he could now rather frolic around Hogsmeade and just - relax! And in the company of this eighth wonder of the world (well you know who he was keeping constantly in his mind, right *smile*

Now it was NEWT-time, or as he used to call it when he passed it; NUKE-time! How wonderful it was that he did not need to do them over again! And he knew Bella was going to proctor the Slytherins. Poor fellows, he thought to himself as he headed down the street to the library, hoping to meet Bella before she was off.

But, alas, as he arrived at the Hogsmeade's PL, no Bella was seen anylonger. The young librarian, looking quite forlorn in the huge edifice with all those books around her told him Bella had had to run quickly off to the castle.

"Well, it cannot be helped, Miss Sanjarya. Now, if I may take up your valuable time a little further, I would like you to direct me to the section and shelf where I might find a certain title, namely: A Wizard's Guide To True Apperation by the renowned sorcerer Galen of Gainsbury. Do you have it, by any chance?" he instead requested from the fair librarian behind the counter, while tapping his fingers on the desktop, obviously at unease with something. Oh, yes, it was these bloodied examination-weeks! He still remembered them, and he was never the brightest in class when it applied to those matters. John was more the outgoing, uncaring type when young, with a rich dad, possessing a very decent old title, John spent his schooldays more as a relaxing otium rather than being earnest about his studies.

But at Dartmouth, he had learned the tough way to study and it finally brought him up as a level-headed, fine gentleman.

So, he ended up at the counter, chatting lightly with that delightful young librarian. John's undeniable harm did not fail him. And, after all, it was a comfortable means to wait for Bella, the woman he constantly was preoccupied with nowadays...hmmm, what if there might be a book or two on Bohemia or Moravia. Also Lake Constanz would be interesting...

Demented
Author: H Potter
Date: 09-30-02 19:12

Harry had sat in darkness until one of Voldemort's lackeys brought him a meal and saw that the candle had burned out. The Deatheater brought him another lit candle and as the door shut once again, an icy coldness washed over Harry. This was accompanied by the sensation that his very breath was being sucked out of him and the sinking feeling Harry always got a couple of years ago whenever a Dementor was around.

Sure enough he began to hear the sound of his mother screaming and everything caught in the circle of light of the small candle began to fade from Harry's eyesight. Harry's hand reflexively and frantically reached into his robe pocket for his wand to cast his Patronus then in a growing panic remembered Voldemort must have it.

Harry did the only thing he could think to do under the circumstances. He backed up as far into the furthest corner he could and tried to clear his mind of all but the happiest of thoughts while saying the Patronus spell over and over.

Masking her Feelings
Author: Marina Sanjarya
Date: 10-01-02 10:49

Marina saw John entering the library, and her heart almost popped up her throat. Could be a future friend, a person she could talk to, express her feelings. He asked for Bella, and all Marina could say is that Bella wasn't there anymore.

"But I think I can help you with your book. How did you say? "Wizard's Guide To True Apperation by Galen of Gainsbury"? Hm...let's see."

She searched in an old shelf, and John waited patiently. That made Marina anxious, thinking he could talk to her anytime, and then she was going to tell him the sad phase she was in. But that didn't happen. Then she came back, without any books in her hands.

"Sorry, sir, but I don't have your book."

Damn. An error. She failed in the way of making a perfect library. Damn, damn, damn.

"Maybe if you could come back in some days, you will have the book. Could you?"

She was feeling the same sensation as always: her chest burning in sadness, to fail in her perfectionism, and her loneliness. She felt she was going to cry anytime, but she maintained her feelings masked.

And that was hurting Marina a lot.

Location a Secret: Information
Author: Lucius Malfoy
Date: 10-01-02 16:21

Lucius is comfortably ensconced in a plush chair, staving off the warmth of the late spring day by drinking a refreshingly chilled butterbeer. In the chair across from him sits his good friend Crabbe and the two men are discussing how well they think their sons, Draco and Vincent, did on their O.W.L.s earlier today. Lucius is fairly certain that Draco did quite well but neither he nor Crabbe believe Vincent will score well at all. Vincent is known more for his brawn than his brain. As Lucius drains the last of his drink, one of their associates hastily approaches.

"Lucius, that woman is being a pain again. She says she needs proof the brat's alive so that she knows how to behave to keep him safe."

"That should not be a problem to obtain. I will take care of it this instant. Shan't be long so have another cold one waiting."

Lucius pulls a hood out of one of his robe's many pockets, walks the short distance to the makeshift cell where Potter is being held, and just before entering dons the hood to hide his features. Inside, he finds Harry crouching in the corner farthest from the door and repeatedly mumbling something. He gives a quick kick to the hunched over figure.

"Stand up, boy."

Harry scowls at the person standing before him but remains crouching. Lucius grabs Potter by the shoulder and roughly jerks the boy to his feet.

"I am going to ask you a question, brat, and if you value your godmother's life, you will give me a straight answer. What is something you could tell me that would be proof to her that you are still among the living?"

Potter shuffles his feet for a moment then jerks out of Lucius's grasp. A pained expression mars the boy's face but his tone is surly.

"Why should I cooperate?"

"If you do not give me an answer within the next minute one of my associates is going to cut off one of Dierna n’ C’aran's fingers, grill it, and serve it to you for your next meal."

Potter glares for several seconds then sullenly answers.

"Dierna gave me some things that belonged to my mother. A pine jewelry box. A diary. A locket."

Harry pauses, the pained look still evident on his face. Nodding his hooded head, Lucius exits without another word to Potter. A moment later he's sitting again, drinking more butterbeer with Crabbe while their associate takes the information to N’ C’aran.

Divided Loyalties?
Author: Briar Rose
Date: 10-01-02 19:43

Briar could see in Bill's face that there was something he was holding back. Briar can't tell if the look means he's realized he has just been caught in a lie or if it means Bill's telling the truth but knows more about Adriana having the information than he's can or will admit. Either way, Briar is still angry. If Bill is innocent that's all well and good and Briar will apologize for thinking badly about him but right at this moment, she's too upset to figure out if he's lying and covering his rear or if he's torn between two loyalties and can't or won't say what the other is.

Sighing deeply, Briar backs away from Bill. "I'm not in the right frame of mind to talk about this at the moment. Besides, the middle of the bakery really isn't the place. You should go. Maybe we'll talk in a few days."

Bill opens his mouth to argue but seeing the resolute look on Briar's face he quickly shuts it and gives her a deep frown. Bill's eyes narrow as he curtly nods and turns to walk brusquely and briskly out the door.

Briar feels tears welling up as she watches through the shop window as Bill continues down the street. She is extremely glad when several people enter the bakery just then giving her a reason to concentrate on work.

Location Unknown: Who? Pain? Me?
Author: Dierna ní Cíaran
Date: 10-01-02 20:47

"That's not good enough." I say, stubbornly, when the goons return with the "proof of life. Peter Pettigrew knew about those things. He could have told you. Furthermore, Sorcha would have seen them when she broke into my home." The two men look like they want to hit me and I grin at them. I had also told Tennille that I was going to give them to Harry. She, too, could have informed you about them." I cross my arm and meet their gaze.

"I want IRREFUTABLE proof. Something that can't be at all gleaned another way or through someone else. For example, let me SEE Harry. Personally. Now."

"You're not in a position to make demands, Ní Cíaran."

"I make them anyway, Goyle. You had best cooperate if you want me to say anything helpful to you." I just love turning tables.

Keeping up the indomitable appearance has become more difficult since the dementors have become guards. The time I spent fighting in Azkaban gave me some extra resistance to their effect. As much resistance as possible, anyway. I keep that reserve strength for when the Formorii (as I call my captors) come. To continue being "a typically stubborn Irish lass", as Padgraid and Seamus would say.

NEWTs End
Author: Belladonna
Date: 10-01-02 22:42

Bella exhaled as she checked her watch. 5 PM finally? The NEWTs were over for another year, thank Merlin! She gave Professor Snape a look and smiled.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, the tests are over. Put down your quills and hand in your tests. The results will be delivered to you. I hope you all had good luck. I suggest you now go to your room and indulge in studying for your final exams and may you have good luck with those."

She sighed as the last paper was collected. Slytherins or not, she really hoped they had done well and would achieve marks they could be proud of. It was always sad to see students leave Hogswarts. One grew so attached to one's students, especially the older girls who were always popping into her room to borrow hairpins, confide secrets, and ask advice.

She grabbed her purse and left the room carrying the tests to be dropped off at the headmaster's office. After that, June or no, she was building a fire in her room to warm her after three hours spent in a dungeon and taking a hot bath to wash the musty smell out of her hair.

Within an hour or so, she stepped out of the rose scented bath and sniffed herself. Nope, tuberose, gardenia, jasmine and white iris. Quite her normal smell, thank goodness. She opened her closet containing her spring and summer wardrobe and jerked out a soft white dress with satin evening shoes. She completed the look with tiny diamond earrings and the matching necklace. Romantic, yet elegant and sophisiticated for a dinner date. John would be quite pleased. Now where would he be taking her?

She walked to Hogsmeade, not for the first time wishing one could appearate from the castle and save wear and tear on evening slippers. C'est la vie, n'est ce pas? She locked onto her target in the library and smiled.

"Miss Sanjarya? I'm afraid I have to steal away your gentleman caller to take me to dinner. I am so sorry about that and I promise we'll pop in hopefully before the end of the year. There are so many lovely books here that wild unicorns couldn't keep me away. Okay, John, where are we going?"

Re: NEWTs End
Author: Angelina
Date: 10-02-02 03:47

"Time." I said and the whole class seemed to exhale as one, "I know it seemed like an eternity." I said and looked at Professor Binns who scowled, "I hope you all did your best. The results will be given in a short time. Professor Binns will escort you to your Common Room to let you rest before dinner. I will see you later."

The students handed in their papers and quills and Professor Binns had them form a line as he took them to their common room. Letting out a sigh I gathered the papers and left the classroom my mind wandered to Hermione and Ron. I wondered if my help in Herbology paid off then I thought of Harry. Remembering there was no update on the boy I decided after I took care of the NEWTS and sent an owl to my grandfather to visit Dumbledore and talk to him about something that could help in finding his granddaughter and Harry.