Chapter 42 The Spirited NEWTS

[rewop777]

AN...So ladies and gents, you thought I had abandoned you. You thought you were rid of me....NEVER!!!!! Heres a good one for you I think ill wrap this up in one or two more chapters and then we will move on to part 2 which will probably be part 2 and 3. Maybe, maaaaaaaaaaaybe ill make part 4, but thats in the air, but i probably will...anyways enough about this lets get to what you really care about-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Harry had begun to calm down as he walked briskly through the halls of Hogwarts. The gem in his hand soon was taken to his mouth as he swallowed it down and felt a rush of power. He was tired and beaten, he simply wanted to get back to his room, shower, and sleep. But something didn’t sit right with him, he wanted to do something else but he couldn’t put his finger on it. That was until a blonde ran to him and crushed him in her arms as she kissed him passionately. Harry was put back for a second till he realized that it was Rose kissing him. He responded as he crushed her in his arms. “I take it you missed me?” he chuckled.

Rose let go of him and hit him softly. “You big headed git, you think your all that. I didn’t miss you at all” she said in a fake huff as she turned around and gave him her back.

Harry chuckled louder and hugged her from behind as he bit into her neck as his hands rubbed her stomach and stroked her face. “Sure you didn’t miss me even a bit” he growled lowly in her ear.

Rose melted, her insides felt like water and her knees were giving out. “Ma…maybe I miss you a little bit” she purred back trying to contain herself.

“Hum must have done a piss poor job last time, guess I will have to correct that” he said before pulling her backwards into a classroom and shutting the door with magic. He turned her around as her heart began to race.

She saw the desire in his eyes and it reflected that in hers. Her hands tore at his clothes as his did the same. There were no words, none were needed. No thoughts of right or wrong, good or evil. Soon they stood bare as he entered her and she moaned loudly. He slammed her body against the door as began to move faster and faster.

“Merlin I missed you” she moaned as her nails dug into his neck and back.

“So did I love, I missed you terribly” he said as he thrust into her with total disregard letting all his weight and passion reflect in his movements. He moved faster as her screams grew louder, her insides watering to him. She wanted everything from this man, she wanted every inch of him. She bit into him hard, his skin tasted unusually salty. She didn’t care, she didn’t think. His skin salted by the time under the water. His muscles incredibly hard.

Two hours later, they were both on the ground exhausted locked in each others arms and staring deeply into each others eyes. Untold questions and unsaid answers in their minds. Their bodies drenched in sweat, their minds racing. Harry stared her in the eyes and said “I love you” meaning every word.

She stared back at him and replied with honesty that was beyond her and truth that overcame all that she was and was forced to become. “I love you too”

Later in the common room he was met with the sight of his friends.

“Good to see you guys, I haven’t seen you in a month” Harry said carelessly.

They all looked at him as if he were crazy. They were also taken aback by his tattered clothes and ragged look.

“Harry mate its been a week, what are you talking about?” Ron said oddly.

“Oh yea sorry, it just felt like longer” Harry played off.

“Well where have you been? I mean NEWTS are just around the corner and your most definitely must be falling behind with all the weeks you have disappeared. This better be something important. And why do you look like you’ve been through hell” Hermione said sternly. Rose looked expectantly at Harry wanting the answer as well.

“Mione, is school all you think about? What’s important here is what Harry has been doing, not if he bloody did his homework” Ron replied.

“Ugh Ron you are so immature, studying is everything” she huffed.

“But I did do my homework, I have always done it Mione” Harry replied as he swung a bag and dumped a mountain of parchments out of it. As always Axel had given him a week in a training ground to catch up on his work. In reality it was like a day or two in the real world.

“Bloody hell” Ginny said out loud. “Is that how much you guys do in a month?” Ginny said frightened.

“Month? No Gin that is what we get in a week” Ron replied bitterly.

“Well in any case I want to hit the showers” Harry said as the scrolls magically entered the bag again as he was already walking briskly to his room. Rose tried to say something but failed as Harry was gone. He had managed to avoid answering their questions yet again, and she seemed to be the only one that really minded, everyone else was used to Harry not telling them what was going on. They really only cared if he was going to get in trouble, and they considered that he couldn’t get into much trouble if Professor Alexander said he was ok.

Harry showered in hot water for the first time in a month and it felt great. He washed as much of the ocean out of his body with soap as he could. He came back out and was now wearing decent clothes and looked refreshed. Harry came down and sat in his chair and opened a book and started to pretend to read. He had already finished reading all his books but he thought a small review wouldn’t hurt.

“So Harry are you going to tell us what happened?” Rose said expectantly.

Harry lowered his book with a wicked grin, “Sorry love, I can’t say much other than I was at my home doing some training that Dumbledore’s portrait suggested as it would better my skills with charms and hexes. It is very hush hush, besides I need to study, NEWTS are around the corner after all” he replied and then continued to read. Hermione beamed at him and elbowed Ron.

“Ouch” Ron said.

“Learn from Harry and study” she replied.

Rose was not at all satisfied with his answer, it smelled like bullocks, it sounded like bullocks, and she was sure it was. Charms and hexes don’t cause that much damage and scarring to the body let alone the exceptional improvement in his physique that she had seen the day before. For a moment she was caught in the memory and smiled thinking of the amazing night she had had with that body. She quickly shook it off though and focused at the task at hand.

“Harry, really that sounds…” Rose started but never finished.

“Rose, now be quiet, let Harry do his studying. Be bloody responsible, we have to get ready for out bleeding NEWTS so shush and get on with it” Hermione said in an authoritative tone taking on the Head Girl duties with full force.

Rose was so taken aback with Hermione’s answer as was everyone else that she quickly grabbed a book and started to pretend to read. She definitely didn’t want detention or worse, Hermione on her arse.

And so it was that the days past, Rose had made no progress with Harry. He kept staying close to Hermione and looking like he was studying. In reality though Harry had been reading her mind and intentions and had avoided the questions she had at all costs. When they were alone Harry did a VERY good job at keeping her mind on his kisses and ….other things. As a result she hadn’t had any chance to spy on him at all. NEWTS started tomorrow and she was deathly afraid to speak in the Common Room. Every 7th and 5th year was on edge because of last minute cramming for the NEWTS and OWLS.

Harry on the other hand was completely relaxed, though something in his gut told him that he should be on edge. He was absentmindedly staring at Rose as he pretended to study. It was then that his anxiety was confirmed in part. Axel spoke into his mind.

“Hey there Harry, your mind seems troubled” Axel said.

“It is, I don’t know why but I have a bad feeling, I feel very anxious” Harry thought back.

“Sure it isn’t NEWTS?” Axel replied though he knew what it was.

“Yea I am sure” Harry thought back exasperatedly.

“Well then I believe you are developing you inner eye then. It happens when your magic grows stronger that all areas start to gain even if you’re not training them. Divination is a form of inner magic that apparently is now strengthening as a result of your training” Axel replied.

“What do you mean? Is something going to happen?” Harry asked anxiously.

“Harry, as soon as NEWTS are done I expect that things will move very quickly. Voldemort wants to get to you before he loses any chance of knowing where you are. He will attack before you leave Hogwarts. Also before that battle you have to take out at least one more Horcrux and the final Stone. After that you must find Nagini, once the snake is dead then it is you and Riddle to the death” Axel explained.

“So in other words the shit is about to hit the fan?” Harry summarized feeling very tired.

“Pretty much” Axel replied and broke the connection.

The next morning many people walked like zombies towards the Great Hall. They had all either stayed up studying or were so nervous they couldn’t sleep. Madame Pomfrey had suffered from a severe shortage of Dreamless Sleep potion as she always did at this time of the year. Only two people were fresh and ready, one because she had adequately prepared and slept peacefully, and another because he had super powered training in meditation that caused him to rest his mind perfectly. Harry and Hermione had looks of steely determination in their eyes.

“Hermione, Harry wait the bloody hell up” Ron said grumpily as he chased them down the hall, he had been awoken roughly from where he fell asleep studying.

“Now now Ron, no need to be cold towards us” Harry mused and chuckled.

Ron shot him an angry glance.

“That was not funny Harry” Ron nearly screamed.

“It was a little funny Ron” Hermione said smirking as he kissed his cheek. “Don’t be a wet blanket love” she added now laughing loudly. Harry joined her. Harry and Hermione had dumped a bucket of cold water on Ron to awaken him.

Ron narrowed his eyes at them, huffed, and then stomped forward.

Rose was just as put off, sleep had not come for her. Too many things had invaded her mind including why Harry was shutting her out from the answers she wanted, what her feelings were for him and the NEWTS.

“Love are you ok?” Harry asked in a concerned tone.

Rose kissed Harry and immediately her day brightened up. “I am now love” she replied with a smile as she hugged him and he wrapped his arm around her.

They finished their breakfast in silence. Ron had calmed down once food started to enter his system. The other years sat in silence respecting those with NEWTS and OWLS. Even the Slytherins were behaving. Draco’s face showing the extent of his stress.

And so Harry entered the first day of testing. He had Care of Magical Creatures in the morning, Charms after lunch, and finally Astronomy at night time. At breakfast, McGonagall had introduces the Ministry examiners, and by the looks on their faces they were not a cheery lot.

Those with Care of Magical Creatures exited towards the Forbidden Forest were long rows of desks were lined up. They took their seats and the written test was passed out. Harry quickly read through it, it was a cakewalk as it dealt mostly with basic facts of common and intermediately rare creatures such as hippogriffs, unicorns, and owls. Harry easily filled those out from what he had studied in books. Then there were a few straight answer questions dealing specific facts about select creatures among them dragons, gryphons, and threstals. Finally there were a couple of bonus questions that dealt with extremely rare creatures, Harry laughed as those were the ones Hagrid loved the most. Blast ended Skrewts, Hungarian Horn Tails, Centaurs, Acromantulas, among many others. Harry grimaced as he realized that he had dealt with most of these directly, way too directly. He finished early and handed his test in to the examiner after only a half hour.

“What’s this, giving up early?” the man said and then looked up and his eyes went wide when he realized who he was speaking to.

“Nope, I just managed to finish quickly” Harry replied honestly.

The man didn’t even look down at the test, “That is alright, Mr. Potter. Please go over to Mr. Forner, he will be your examiner” he said a bit nervously still a bit in awe at seeing the boy who lived. The examiner quickly scanned the test and was surprised that not only did he answer all the questions, but he did so correctly and very thoroughly.

Harry read his mind and just rolled his eyes as he headed towards the old, angry looking man that he knew to be Mr. Forner.

The old man squinted when he approached. “Name?” he asked as he looked down at his clipboard.

“Harry Potter” Harry replied.

The old man did a double take and dropped his board as he opened his eyes as wide as he could to see Harry.

Harry bent down and picked up the clipboard, “Here you go sir” he said with a smile.

The old man cleared his throat and took on an official looking face. “Yes, well then, this way” he said as he lead him into the forest towards the clearing where they had first practiced with hippogriffs. The examiner then stopped and turned. “Would you please produce your pet” the examiner ordered.

“Which one?” Harry replied.

The old man grumbled, “Your magical one of course” he replied.

“Sir I have three magical pets” Harry replied.

The old man grumbled, “Well I guess there is little to do then. Please call them one at a time” he explained.

Harry lifted his arm and whistled, within a few seconds Hedwig was standing on his arm. Harry had ordered that she stay nearby for the test since he had been advised to do so.

The old man looked closely at the owl as it affectionately pecked at Harry’s ear. “Hum, looks quite well” he started as he started to scan it with a very critical eye. “Doesn’t look to be hungry or ill at all, good good” he continued. He tried to lift her wings up but the owl snapped at him. The man retracted his hand expertly, “Snappish but you can’t really blame her for that. Would you order her to extend her wings for me?” the man asked.

Harry did so and Hedwig extended her wings as the old man examined them. “Yes yes, quite good. Do you take care of her personally?” the man asked. The owl nodded as did Harry.

“She is very low maintenance, but I do take very good care of her and make sure she keeps to a good diet. Additionally I feed her so special grain to help keep her mind keen” Harry said expertly as Hermione had long since instructed him in his first year how to take care of his owl.

“Very good indeed, then let’s see the next one” the old man said as he wrote something down in his clipboard.

Harry pondered if this would work, he hadn’t seen Fawkes in a long while. Dumbledore had left him the phoenix but Harry knew that he liked to perch on the old wizards grave most of the time or the headmasters office on a rare occasion. The rest of the time he had no idea where he went. “Fawkes” he called. The phoenix flashed above him in a flash of fire and then perched on his head. Harry just smirked, the bird had definitely inherited Dumbledore’s sense of humor. “Now I think I know why Dumbledore insisted on wearing a pointy had all the time” Harry whispered to himself.

The old man was taken aback again and dropped his clipboard. Fawkes instantly grabbed it and hovered in the air flapping as he handed it back to the man. Who took it astounded. He cleared his throat again and looked over the phoenix quickly. Harry thanked his stars it wasn’t a burning day since Fawkes looked quite well. “Hum well, it definitely looks healthy. Of course phoenixes require no supervision other than on burning days and that is only if the bird chooses to let its master see it. Otherwise it would find a comfortable spot and stays there till it can come out again. Still it is a magnificent specimen. May I ask how long you have had it and how you came about it?” the old man asked.

“I inherited it nearly a year ago from Headmaster Dumbledore” Harry replied.

The man just said “Ah” with a knowing yet sad look and watched as the bird perched itself on Harry’s head again. “Well it likes you that is for sure, a phoenix never perches on a person, even its master unless it likes them” he old man said as he once again scribbled something on his clipboard. “Well then call the last one” the old man said sighing in a tired tone.

Harry smirked as he pulled Shadow from his pocket, it was in the form of a small lizard.

The old man looked at it and then looked up at Harry. “Mr. Potter, I do hope your taking this seriously. A newt is not a magical creature, even if the NEWTS happen to be named after them” he said grimly.

Harry looked down at Shadow and petted his head as he hear him growl menacingly. “Now Shadow relax, remember your in disguise so he doesn’t know any better. Why don’t you show him your real form” he commanded.

Shadow leapt from his hand and then grew to his real form standing to the right of them.

The old man let out a scream of terror as he looked up at the form. “Da…da…dragon!” he whispered horrified.

Shadow roared furiously at him and then shot a column of black flame into the air. He then stared the man down as his head approached the man on the ground.

“Shadow, you will behave yourself!” Harry commanded. “Sir are you ok?” he asked the man as he got down to help him up.

Shadow looked affronted but backed up a bit. The poor examiner was frozen solid and couldn’t speak. He just looked wide eyed at the giant before him.

“Mr. Forner? Mr. Forneeeeer?” Harry said as he waved his hand in front of the man. Harry decided the man was in shock and lead him toward where the other examiners were. “Excuse me” Harry said as he stood in front of them with the man in one hand and his clipboard in the other.

“Yes Mr. Potter, done already?” asked a tall man with scars.

“I don’t think so, I think Mr. Forner had a bit of a shock when he met one of my pets and I am afraid it might take him a while to recover” he explained calmly as he handed the man the clipboard.

The examiners looked stunned as they looked at the old man who was ghost white, “Mr. Potter, I can assure you that there are few creatures that could possible shock Mr. Forner, he is one of our oldest examiners and an expert in almost every type of magical creature there is. What creature could possibly cause him to end up looking like he met a Dementor?” said the tall man.

Harry shrugged, “Would a dragon qualify?” he replied.

Now every single one of the with the exception of one took a step back. “Mr. Potter, please tell me you are joking. A dragon would be…” started the tall man.

“Would this be the one that served as a mascot for the World Cup?” asked the only one that hadn’t been shocked. A young woman that was smiling quite excitedly. All the other examiners now looked horrified as realization set in.

“Yep that would be the one” Harry said with a smirk.

“Mr. Potter, it is illegal to own such a dangerous pet. I am appalled that you would have it on school grounds…” started to rant the tall man.

Harry pulled out a roll of parchment and handed it to the lady.

She looked at him quizzically as she unrolled it, when she finished reading she put a hand on the man’s shoulder and handed the parchment to him.

“It wouldn’t be when he has the Supreme Wizzemgot Exemption for Animals Training” she replied.

“They gave him a SWEAT?” asked a stunned short man. That document basically gave Harry the right to take the dragon wherever he pleased as long as the animal didn’t cause property damage or harm to a living creature, in which case Harry would be financially and/or legally liable.

The woman nodded, “Based on the beyond extreme rarity of the animal, the fact that it can change its form to something small and harmless, that it is an exemplary sentient being, and most probably because it would level a country for trying to separate it from Mr. Potter, the Wizzemgot seems to have given one out” she chuckled.

Harry chuckled, “That helped greatly, but mostly it was because since I own a nearby Dragon Preserve and as such can do what I want with any of the Dragons to insure their safety and that of the people they encounter” explained.

“You mean the Potter Protective Preserve?” asked the woman blushing a bit.

“Yea that would be the one” he replied looking at the woman quizzically.

The tall man rolled up the scroll with his mouth agape. “Anyone willing to finish testing Mr. Potter?” he whispered in shock.

The lady raised her hand excitedly, “Oh I will, I will” she said almost jumping up and down like a school girl. The rest of the examiners exhaled the breath they were holding for a second at the prospect of having to deal with a dragon, especially a very large dragon.

The tall man composed himself and handed her the clipboard. “Thank you Ms. Wilford” he said relieved.

The lady took the clipboard. “Please lead the way Mr. Potter” she said cheerfully.

“Please call me Harry, Ms. Jerez. This way please” Harry replied.

“Then I insist you call me Sandra” she replied as she followed him.

They arrived where Shadow stood now wagging his tail as he waited for Harry.

“Well Sandra this is Shadow. Shadow say hello to Sandra” Harry said with a smile.

Shadow lowered his head and smelled Sandra. Sandra in turn smiled widely as she petted his snout. The dragon stuck out its huge tongue and licked her affectionately.

“Aww, his such a good dragon. You are such a beautiful one aren’t you?” she chuckled.

Shadow nodded his head.

She was taken aback “Oh and smart too, so you can understand what I am saying” she said surprised.

Again the dragon nodded.

“Hum, this makes this much easier. So does Harry ever treat you badly, forget to feed you, or act in a way you don’t like?” she asked.

The dragon moved his head from side to side.

“So you are happy to be with Harry. Would you say he is a good master?” she asked.

Shadow didn’t move his head, instead he huffed at her.

“I wonder why he didn’t reply” she said to herself.

“Sandra, that is because you asked the wrong question. Shadow isn’t my slave or my pet, he is my partner, we are a part of each other” Harry clarified. “Shadow, do you think I am a good partner? Are you happy that we are together?” asked Harry.

Shadow nodded emphatically now.

Sandra smiled, “Well that is excellent. I see clearly now what you meant. I am sorry I said the wrong thing Shadow. Do you forgive me?” she replied.

The dragon just licked her again.

She laughed, “I will take that as a yes” she said as she marked off something on her clipboard.

“Thanks Shadow” Harry said sensing they were done. The dragon turned itself into a lizard and then ran into Harry’s pocket. Sandra looked at it in awe.

“Simply amazing” she whispered.

Then she read through it a bit more. “Ok Harry, now according to this your have had classes were you dealt with… ok, this is definitely an interesting selection” she said scanning the list of creatures that Hagrid had provided the examiners. “Hum, well I need to test how you handle magical creatures. Why don’t we go looking for some then” she suggested.

“Well that all depends what you want to see Sandra. We really shouldn’t head too far in because that is Centaur lands, last time I had a run in with them it wasn’t very pleasant.” Harry replied.

Sandra was stunned, “You have dealt with Centaurs? What other creatures other than those on the list have you seen?” she asked.

“Well I don’t know what is on the list, but personally I have seen off the top of my head Unicorns, Threstals, Hippogriffs, Centaurs, Blast Ended Skrewts, and Acromantulas” Harry counted off.

“Acromantulas? There are bloody Acromantulas around here?” she said frightened.

“Yea but they tend to keep to their cave, in any case we could try Hippogriffs, they are the easiest and most interesting of the bunch” Harry suggested.

Sandra nodded, “Do you know where we can find one?” she asked.

Harry whistled, birds lifted up in the distance as a Hippogriff lifted off and then landed in front of them.

Sandra was impressed, “How did you do that?” she asked.

“Well this particular hippogriff and I are friends. His name is Buck…Bucky” Harry said after thinking it over.

The hippogriff looked at him oddly but then realized that it was for his own good and played along.

“I see, well then shall we begin the test?” she said.

“Give me a second” Harry asked, “Bucky could you call another hippogriff here, one that doesn’t know me please” he asked.

Buckbeak squawked hard, another rustle happened and then they saw another hippogriff land in front of them.

“Why did you do that?” Sandra asked.

“Well it wouldn’t be fair if a friend helped me score well on a test” Harry replied simply.

Sandra smiled, “Indeed, it is good to see some people live by high ethics” she said smiling.

Harry in the meantime bowed low as he was taught. He waited, the hippogriff looked at him and then bowed ever so slightly. Harry approached it and petted its head.

“Good show Harry” she said as she wrote down something on the clipboard, she then looked at her watch. “This has to be a record, the fastest Care of Magical Creatures test I have ever seen. The others are still answering the written test I believe. If you want we can chat for a while.” she said smiling.

Harry blushed, he had written extremely fast using his new skills, it wasn’t any wonder he finished much faster than most.

“So how come you didn’t scare when you saw Shadow?” he asked curious as to why she had volunteered to test him.

“Well I love dragons, I wanted to work with them, but my parents insisted I work for the Ministry and so I choose the job that could get me the closest to them. I work in the Department of Magical Creatures, and there I specialize in dragon incidents” she explained. “Still, Shadow is pretty impressive, but he was so gentle when we arrived that I just relaxed” she finished.

“Well he likes you” Harry said as the black lizard had come out of his pocket and stood on his shoulder interested in the conversation. “So is that how you heard of my preserve?” he asked.

She blushed a bit, “Yea, and well, there is this guy there that I sort of…well….he….I just think the guy is brilliant. He is only a year older than me. He went to work with dragons in Romania. I worked with him for the Tri Wizard Tournament. So when I heard he was coming back to England I looked into it and found out about your preserve” she explained as she progressively got redder.

Harry smirked, “I see. So Sandra, am I done with the test?” Harry asked.

Sandra looked at him puzzled, “Of course Harry, I think I just mentioned you probably set a record” she replied confused.

“Are you sure? I mean I wonder if you don’t need me to demonstrate how I fly with Shadow and how he interacts with others of his kind. I mean since you are in the Department of Magical Creatures, maybe it would be prudent of you to test on that to give some follow up to my SWEAT. I could do it as extra credit” he said with a large grin.

Sandra caught on very quickly, “You are completely right Harry, I should definitely test you for purposes of your NEWT and Ministry interests. And most definitely we will count it as extra credit”

Harry looked to his shoulder. “Shadow, we are going for a ride” he said.

The lizard jumped excitedly and then turned into his full form. His tail wagging wildly in excitement. He lowered his head as Harry and Sandra got on.

“Hold tight” he ordered as they lifted off incredibly fast.

“Wow” she screamed as they lifted up. Shadow flew very fast and they got there in a matter of moments.

They passed through the magical barrier that kept the dragons inside and hidden while keeping the Muggles out.

“We are here” Harry screamed back.

Sandra looked around and realized just how grand the place really was. Hundreds of dragons flew freely in the air, some fighting with others briefly before continuing their flight or landing. The reserve was immense and all of it was controlled by Charlie Weasley. Her awe at the man only grew.

Harry landed in front of the castle. Shadow shrunk and moved into his pocket. He waved his wand and the door opened. A chime sounded inside, a recent addition apparently, Harry figured. “Hey Charlie you around?” he called out.

“Boss, yea, I’m back here be out in a sec” Charlie replied from another room. “Just getting changed…” he said as he walked into the room shirtless with a clean, but wrinkled, shirt in his hand. He just stood there transfixed on Sandra, likewise she was stunned and frozen in place admiring the dragon trainers chiseled physique and the numerous scars and cuts on his chest from the rough business he was in.

Harry looked back and forth as he noticed the silence between the two. He cleared his throat loudly and that snapped the two out of their trance. Sandra quickly turned around as both turned scarlet red.

Harry chuckled, “Charlie, maybe I should have announced we have company. This is Sandra…” Harry started

“Jerez” Charlie supplied as he put on his shirt quickly trying to reduce the heat in his face as well as unwrinkled his shirt with his hands.

“Right, I take it you two have met then” Harry replied.

“Yea I remember working with her for the Tri Wizard Tournament. You work for the Department of Magical Creatures right?” Charlie replied.

Sandra now turned back, still red faced, “Yea, still working with dragons. I mean I am, well so are you, but….” She stammered

“Yea, well yea…I mean yea I still work with dragons” he stammered back transfixed with the girl in front of him.

Harry just rocked back and forth on his heels. He gave them a few seconds to try and compose coherent thoughts but as he read their minds he realized neither would be able to. There he found that old feelings and attractions that had laid somewhat dormant, now were back and were fiercer than ever before. It was amazing what a few years could do to a person, or at least that is what both of them thought about the other.

“Charlie, I think we need to go into your room to look over those reports you mentions. You will excuse us for a minute Sandra, business to talk about and all that” Harry said as he pulled the still stunned Charlie back into another room. As he closed the door behind them he turned to the still stunned Charlie looking blankly at a wall.

Harry stepped up to him and smacked him hard across the face.

“Oww” Charlie shouted as he snapped out of it.

“Damn, that actually does work. I always wanted to try that, works in Muggle movies after all” Harry said smiling.

“What did ya do tha fo?” asked Charlie as he rubbed his cheek.

“Well you were drooling over Sandra and frankly I thought you would prefer to be a little hurt but coherent rather than drooling like an idiot in front of the girl” Harry replied.

Charlie immediately started to drool a little imagining the girl in the other room, “Why is she here?” he asked as he tried to shake it off as he saw Harry getting ready to hit him again.

“She was my examiner for my Care of Magical Creatures NEWT and she mentions you, so I decided to bring her over to see you” Harry said simply.

“She remembers me?” Charlie asked with a grin.

“Yes, and I must say Charlie, I get the impression that you like the girl…a lot” Harry replied.

“Bullocks, not at all” Charlie said turning red and turning around trying to hide the truth.

“Oh come off it Charlie, your tongue nearly rolled onto the carpet back there. What’s the deal? Did you two ever go out?” Harry asked knowing the answer already.

Charlie sighed, “No, but I do like the girl a lot. It is just that I was going back to Romania and I didn’t want to start anything I couldn’t pursue” he said.

“Well now you can pursue plenty” Harry chuckled.

“Oh come on, Sandra probably has a hundred wizards after her. I wouldn’t stand a chance against the successful guys she probably sees. I mean all I am is a simple dragon keeper” Charlie said downtrodden.

Harry walked up next to Charlie and put his arm around him in a show of solidarity. Then smacked him upside the head.

“Oww, stop hitting me Potter” Charlie supplied.

“Charlie stop being a thick prat and ill stop hitting you. You are a great guy, you’re the bloody head of a large dragon reserve, my bloody dragon reserve, so don’t sell yourself short. Plus I will have you know the girl is quite smitten with you as well. I could tell from talking to her five minutes. Now get your bloody head together and go out there and talk to the girl” Harry commanded as he opened the door.

“But…” Charlie started.

“Weasley, don’t make me tell the twins about this. They will torture you mercilessly” Harry replied.

Charlie looked serious, “I can take it, I’ll just sick a dragon on them” he said defiantly.

“Fine, I didn’t want to go there but I will tell your mother and sister if I have to” Harry said with a sigh.

Now Charlie looked petrified, “For the love of all that is magic, no, please Harry no. Not them. Oh Merlin not them” he said quickly.

Harry knew what would happened, those two would move heaven and earth to get that girl to spend as much possible time with the one Weasley that had shown no progress in the love department since Hogwarts. That would be after giving him a stern, annoying, and very very long talking too about him not getting any younger and Molly wanting more grandkids.

“Well then, go ask that witch out or else” Harry ordered.

Charlie ran out and stopped a foot away from her face. As red as a tomato he stared in her eyes and said, “Sandrawillyougooutwithme” really fast as if trying not to realize what he was doing.

Sandra was taken aback and confused. Charlie had stunned her acting extremely weird and saying something incoherent. “Huh?” she replied.

Charlie breathed in and tried again, “Will you go out with me?” he said again this time slower as if talking to a slow person.

Harry chuckled, “Ah the charm and wit of the Weasley men, it’s a wonder they can get a date” he said thinking back at how Ron behaved and realizing it was genetic.

Sandra now turned red again and smiled widely, “Yes, I would love to Charlie” she said as she nodded enthusiastically.

Charlie breathed again, “Well I understand if you can’t I mean I…wait did you just say yes?” he said as he did a double take

Sandra nodded again while giggling a little.

Charlie but on the biggest smile Harry had ever seen on him, even bigger than when he gave him the job. “Yes, she said yes” he said jumping up and down causing her to giggle more and Harry to run up to stop him.

“Yea Charlie, I know, why don’t we go show her the dragons now” Harry said changing the topic quickly.

Charlie calmed himself quickly, blushed even redder, and then opened the door. “Of course, let’s go and…” he started but then closed the door and bolted it quickly before he pushed his back into the door as to hold whatever was on the other side outside.

“What happened?” Sandra asked concerned.

Charlie just looked at Harry, “Harry, your little friend is back” he said bitterly.

“What little friend?” Harry asked perplexed.

“Remember that time you decided it would be fun to see if the school motto had some truth to it” Charlie said angrily as the door turn bright red and smoke came in from the sides of it. Thankfully the spells had been reinforced.

“Oh yea” Harry said chuckling. “You want me to take care of that again?” he asked as he left them alone and walked out.

The large Hungarian Horntail was outside and was steaming in anger, it had smelled Harry in the air and had returned in full fury. Harry had exited during a respite in the blaze and now stood grinning in front of the angered creature.

“Hey there, how it going? Hope you haven’t had anyone else tickle you. Hardly know why you’re so miffed about it mate?” Harry mused.

The dragon reared its head and prepared to strike.

Harry chuckled, “I really wouldn’t do that if I were you” he said in a sing song voice

The dragon growled and lunged for Harry. In that one moment Shadow escaped Harry’s pocket and grew to his normal size. The Horntail crashed into him, but he hardly moved an inch.

The Horntail looked up and his eyes met the angered ones of a much much larger and far more powerful foe. For a second he hesitated as if wondering if it was an illusion. It was then Shadow roared furiously so hard that the ground shook beneath the Horntail and he lowered his head and huddled in fear. The heat of the flame that Shadow was holding back wafted out and finished convincing the Horntail of the danger it faced. Shadow lowered his head to were the other was whimpering in fear. He grunted as if to tell him that he shouldn’t mess with Harry and that he should go away now and not return to the fort anymore. The Horntail turned around and fled quickly not even looking back.

Harry laughed loudly now, “Great job Shadow, it’s good that that runt learned who the boss is” he said.

Shadow looked back at him and grunted at Harry trying to take the credit.

“I meant you, you giant lug head” Harry said laughing harder.

Shadow huffed but then bent down and licked Harry.

“Ugh, I love you too partner” he said wiping the dragon drool off himself.

Shadow returned to Harry’s pocket as Harry entered the fort.

“Well I am done, that dragon won’t bother you anymore, I…” Harry started but then stopped as he saw that Charlie and Sandra were snogging. “Right” he chuckled and then exited and flew back to Hogwarts. Charlie had brooms so he could take her back.

Harry went to have lunch so that he could get ready for his Charms test. There he found that he was the first to arrive. He sat down and a plate appeared before him. Soon though the hall was filled with all the other years, yet not a single fifth or seventh year was anywhere to be seen. Harry looked towards the teachers table and found that all of the professors were looking at him in shock. McGonagall rose up and walked towards Harry, Hagrid not far behind.

“Mr. Potter, why is it that you are here eating?” she asked profoundly concerned.

“Because I was hungry Headmistress?” Harry replied in a way that almost sounded like a question, he was concerned as to what was going on.

McGonagall took a step back and tried to compose herself. “What I meant is why is it that you aren’t in your NEWT?” she clarified with infinite patience.

“I finished it Professor” Harry replied now calming down.

“Your done?” Hagrid said thoroughly shocked.

“Yea I know it took me longer than I expected. The written test was a breeze and I finished in half an hour. But the practical took way longer because there were…complications” Harry finished innocently.

“That’s my Harry, half an hour? That there test supposed to last around three” Hagrid gruffed and patted Harry in the back.

McGonagall raised an eyebrow, “Define complications if you will Harry” she said in a somewhat worried but still controlled tone.

“Well at first the examiner was a bit shocked to be testing me but he got over it quick. He then asked me to show him my magical pets but as you know I have several. So first I showed him Hedwig, answered a few easy questions and he then asked me to call my next pet” Harry began his tale.

McGonagall nodded, so far her concerns had been allayed.

“Then I called Fawkes. Hadn’t seen him in a while so I was nervous, but then I remembered that phoenixes are very independent so I calmed down. The examiner asked me where I got him and I told him it used to be Professor Dumbledore. Oh by the way, the examiner also was shocked I had a phoenix but he got over it quickly” Harry continued.

“I see, quite understandable, few wizards have the privilege of owning one” McGonagall said as she softened her tone a bit thinking of Dumbledore and how he would have chuckled at that story.

Hagrid sniffed and shed a big fat tear. He blew his nose with a hanky.

Harry was hesitant but deciding he did no wrong he continued. “The…complication happened when I called out Shadow” he said as he pulled the black lizard out of his pocket and showed it to McGonagall.

Hagrid paled instantly. “You called Shadow?!??!?! Good Merlin Harry please tell me ya warned the bloke…I mean examiner first” he said trying to hold back a laugh.

“Shadow? “ she said looking down at the lizard in Harry’s hand. “Why would you do something like pulling a non magical creature out in a NEWT level examination Harry. These tests are not a joke they will determine your future…” McGonagall began but then stopped, something didn’t add up in her head.

“That is how he reacted till Shadow took on his true form” Harry continued.

Now Hagrid had a fist in his mouth trying to hold back the laughter.

McGonagall began to understand. “Harry what sort of creature is Shadow? I mean he only looks like a normal black lizard” she commented.

Shadow heard the comparison and pounced. Thankfully Harry’s Quidditch reflexes made him catch the dragon in the air and hold him tight.

“Professor, I recommend that you never compare Shadow to a lizard again. He is very sensitive” Harry started but was interrupted by an ear shattering roar that made everyone duck and cover their ears.

McGonagall quickly got up and dusted her robes. Then it hit her, the Quidditch World Cup and…the dragon. “Good Merlin Mr. Potter are you telling me that you have had a giant and extremely deadly dragon just sleeping in your pocket all year long?” she said rightfully outraged.

“Well not the whole year, only about half of it or so” Harry replied casually.

“Half of it? Mr. Potter someone could have gotten hurt…I mean of all the irresponsible things that you could possibly” McGonagall began but then Axel appeared behind her and stopped her.

“Minerva, trust me it is alright. Shadow is a much higher class of dragon. While somewhat immature at times since he is a relatively young dragon, he is very very very intelligent. He understands human speech, emotions, and behavior quite extensively. He is also very docile unless attacked or if Harry were attacked. As for his reaction now, that is part of his immaturity, but trust me that will take a long while before it is corrected…if ever. They are very prideful creatures and don’t take to insults lightly. Though they are mostly naughty not dangerous in those instances” Axel explained.

McGonagall calmed down, “I see, well in that case please continue your story, and Shadow I apologize for hurting your feelings but you must learn to behave and not take things so badly” she said down to the lizard.

Shadow turned his head sideways quizzically but then nodded and bowed his head a bit and whimpered.

“That is better” McGonagall said satisfied with the dragons obvious understanding.

“Well the examiner didn’t take meeting Shadow so well and well…he entered shock. After that I took him back to the other examiners and…well then there was an argument as to the legality of me having Shadow…” Harry continued but McGonagall looked to interject.

“I have a SWEAT, Professor Canem took me as soon as I got him to get one at the Ministry” Harry said preemptively.

“You have a SWEAT, I am so jealous” Hagrid said amazed.

McGonagall looked to Axel who nodded, she sighed and shook her head. “Please continue Harry, though at this moment I begin to realize just how heave a task I inherited from Dumbledore” she said with a tired tone.

“Well then they fought over who should test me, luckily one of them had a liking of dragons and she volunteered. She took meeting Shadow much better and we continued the test. After that she tested me with Hippogriffs which I did quite well I might add. Though I made sure not to get tested with Buckb… I mean Bucky” he said winking at Hagrid, who just smiled and winked back pleased that Harry took no shortcuts.

“Well given your experience with Hippogriffs one would expect you would pick something else” McGonagall replied.

“Well Centaurs, Acromantulas, and Giants would have been a tad bit more dangerous than I care to risk on a test” Harry said referring to the other inhabitants of the forest.

“Quite” McGonagall said with a grin realizing that he at least had done one thing responsibly.

“In any case after that the examiner insisted on seeing how Shadow acted under my orders so we went to my dragon preserve. She said it would count as extra credit. But when we go there she got into a very…animated conversation with Charlie Weasley. So I decided to come back and have some food before my next test” Harry finished.

“Well, most people don’t have much time when they finish a NEWT, in fact those that do, choose to study in that time, maybe you should do the same” McGonagall suggested.

“Thanks for your concern Headmistress but I am ready for all my NEWTs” Harry replied simply and drank some pumpkin juice.

McGonagall looked hesitant but left them be, Axel just winked at him and followed. Hagrid looked down at Harry with pride as he followed as well.

Harry finished his meal and eventually he saw that indeed the people that were taking NEWTS barely had time to come back to the Common Room, take a breather, study a bit, and then head off to the next NEWT.

Charms was a bit harder for Harry. It wasn’t as interesting as other classes he took, but it still held his attention somewhat, after all Dumbledore fought well with them. Harry finished the written part including the bonus questions in an hour and checked all his answers before handing in his test. Hermione was next about 15 minutes after Harry. The Marauders looked at them with a mixture of jealousy, anger, and frustration. Their glares attempted to drill holes in them. She joined him for the practical part where both preformed all the Charms with flying colors and both insisted on doing the extra credit that involved doing 5 extremely advanced charms, they both performed them perfectly. Professor Flitwick, as in every year, had asked to watch the test, was most pleased with their practical performance and even gave them a big smile and a very silent clap as they left. What they didn’t see was him walking over to the desk and reviewing their written test. He was a bit nervous since they finished so quickly but once he read through them both he and the examiner gave each other warm and wide grins. The examiner gave Flitwick a good pat in the back as if to say good job. Flitwick happily walked back to his spot to await the next one to finish.

“Wow Harry, you finished that faster than I did” Hermione said with a hint of jealousy in her voice.

“Yea, well I studied very hard in all that time I was with Professor Canem. He is a total brain on every subject, I even learned spells that are Auror level” Harry replied trying to make her attitude change.

“Really?!??! Maybe I should go ask him to help me with some stuff that I don’t understand” she said almost to herself.

“Hermione, somehow I doubt that you have stuff you don’t understand” Harry replied.

“Well…yea…its more like they aren’t perfectly clear to me” she corrected before losing herself in her thoughts.

Astronomy was a lot faster as all of it was written. He finished the star chart quickly and then moved on to the direct questions. Finally he filled in the bonus questions and calculated the star chart of a thousand years in the past for the practical bonus question. He then spent a while just staring at Rose who was immersed in her work. He really did love her, despite everything, despite being a murderers daughter, despite all the darkness that wasn’t her fault, despite the fact that to an extent she was betraying him, he was making her betray him. These bitter sweet thoughts were interrupted when Hermione handed in her test and Harry got up and did the same. They walked together back to the Common Room before she went by herself to see Professor Canem with some questions she had.

Harry waited in the Common Room as he lazily flipped through a Defense book. Finally people started to come in through all of them headed straight for their bedrooms. Rose dragged herself over to him and fell into his arms.

“How did you do today?” he asked.

“I hate tests, I wish the NEWTs would die” she replied.

“Ok I will take that as you did good” he chuckled.

Rose didn’t even bother, she just fell asleep in his arms feeling warmth, love and comfort.

Hermione came a bit later with a smile on her face. She quietly moved over to Harry as she saw Rose unconscious on top of him.

“So how did it go with the Professor?” Harry asked.

“Brilliantly, he is a genius. Not only did he have all the answers but he explained it all so simply, even when the questions were on other subjects. Some of his theories are mind-blowing. He is by far the best professor we have had, well Professor McGonagall is pretty good, Professor Canem needs to have more discipline in his classes” Hermione summarized.

Harry chuckled, “Hey have you seen Ron?” he asked wondering where his best mate was.

Hermione giggled, “Yea, Ron went looking for me and when he got to Professor Canem’s he saw a Wizards’ Chess board and they ended up playing while the Professor explained things to me. So I got all my answers while Ron kept himself very entertained” she explained then went up to go to bed.

An hour or so later Ron came in, his head in the clouds, it was obvious he had lost since he was pondering moves in his head and talking out loud.

Harry stayed with Rose till midnight and then kissed her gently rousing her.

“Love it’s time to go to bed” he said.

“Harry please just let me rest. How bout I sleep in your bed?” she said with a slight grin and without opening her eyes.

“You sure about that, then neither of us or the entire boys wing will sleep tonight” he said with a naughty tone.

“Harry James Potter” she said then smacked his arm.

Harry caught her lips in a kiss, this one was deep and didn’t break. She wrapped her arms around him and got hoisted in his arms as he carried her to bed. There he placed her down gently and continued to kiss her until they both fell asleep in each other’s arms.

The next day didn’t promise to be any simpler. They had Herbology in the morning, Potions in the afternoon, then DADA in the early evening. Potions was divided in two parts as they would need to finish their test potions the next morning.

Herbology was uneventful, after the written test they had to replant some Mandragoras, then identify various plants including Devils Snare, Martian Ferret traps, Zombie Vine, and Blood thorn roses. This time around though Neville finished at the same time as Harry shocking everyone there, but at the same time it was to be expected since he was disproportionately better at Herbology compared to other subjects. Hermione finished right after. All three opted to take the bonus practical which involved safely tending to and replanting three dangerous plants saplings, Devils Snare, Whomping Willow, and Blood Thorn Roses, all of which were potentially fatal in the worst of cases but they did so expertly and without consulting each other. Harry, Neville, and Hermione while talking intensely about the test and realizing they all did pretty much equally well with Neville being a bit better in his answers, and all three had answered the bonus questions correctly. They lugged themselves to the castle and took the extra time they had to go take a shower and change.

They entered potions clean and refreshed something that the rest that took Herbology could not boast, and there were a lot of them. The smell of sweat, dirt, and manure was so strong that windows had to be opened. Once again Harry breezed through the written part, his mind bitterly thinking of the arse that was formally known as Snape. He had always made Harry’s learning potions impossible, if he could see him now though… he would have to eat his words…every single one of them. Harry had even completed the bonus questions that were impossibly hard and very lengthy. He reveled in the fact that Snape’s fate was grim enough, trapped in a nightmare forever.

He finished the exam in record time and began on the three potions assigned for the test. Felix Falacis, Polyjuice, and Draught of the Living Dead, three of the hardest potions to brew, for some reason though he felt it a good idea to brew extra Felix Falacis. Harry called Slughorn over.

“Yes Harry, I do hope you don’t plan on asking for my help, though as much I would like to I can’t” Slughorn began.

“No sir, far from it, I was just wondering since I am so ahead if you wouldn’t mind if I brewed a bit of extra Felix Falacis…let's just say I have my reasons.” Harry said looking the teacher in the eye and then indicating to his foot where he was not wearing a shoe.

“Hum, well if you brew it on your own and do so correctly then by all means. I am sure that if you believe you need it then you indeed do” he said with a wink. Then whispered, “Go SOCK” with a smile on his face.

Harry got to brewing, and using his eyesight along with some of the Elemental powers he had gained worked very quickly and with impressive accuracy. Alexander had made it a special point to get him up to speed in potions and had taught him not only to make them faster, but also into far more efficient and powerful mixes. So he brewed versions that were far superior to those commonly used. And given he still had some time he asked the examiner for the bonus potion. The examiner looked at him stunned as apparently word was getting around that two students were opting for all the written and practical bonus parts: Hermione and Harry. The examiner smiled and looked for the hardest potion he could find and when he found it his lips curled into an evil smile.

“You will be doing the Wolfsbane potion” he said with a dark smirk.

Harry chuckled and then began to brew. He had helped Slughorn make it a few times for Remus before Harry and Axel cured him.

Hermione got the same assignment and just smiled, she had learned how to make it after the incident where Peter Pettigrew escaped. She was curious how to make it and she researched it and then practiced. She delivered the result to Madame Pomfrey who, after getting over the shock of a Fourth Year brewing one of the hardest potions known to wizards had it checked at St. Mungos and was told it was brewed perfectly. She congratulated Hermione and suggested a career in Healing, which she said she would consider.

After finishing as much as they could that day, they fixed the fire and covered them up so they could simmer. Harry and Hermione went on their way.

Slughorn looked on pleased as the examiners looked on perplexed and how both students finished in record time and with flawless technique. Slughorn had read through their tests as well and found that they did splendidly as expected. Though all of them, including Slughorn, were hesitant about Harry’s, he had finished way too fast and they noted that his procedure and ingredients were very much unconventional and incorrect, at least from their perspective.

The examiners were suspicious but dispelled such thoughts from their mind quickly. The Ministry had stepped up the anti cheating spells and all sorts of potion, magic, and device detection and disruption spells were in effect in the classrooms, so it would have been impossible for anyone to cheat. They had even covered the most unconventional and improbable of possibilities, for some reason the Minister and McGonagall were in complete agreement that all possibilities should be covered…well mostly it was McGonagall, heavily influenced by Weasley and Marauder paranoia.

Hermione spent the time reviewing all the notes she had taken when she went to talk to Professor Canem while Harry took a nap, or so it seemed since he was meditating. Hermione just shook her head and continued to read. “It’s a wonder how he manages, I swear if it wasn’t for the fact that he is completely relaxed and that I have seen how well he has done on the practicals I would swear he is Ron’s twin” she thought to herself. Deep down though she felt a twinge of jealousy, it had to be Professor Canem’s influence, there was no other way Harry would be as prepared or more so than she and she had been using the spell Harry taught him, Rowena’s Rapid Reading Spell, with it she had repeatedly read through all her notes and books. She was the only one that had truly gotten the basics down, she was far from mastering it though. She still had to flip through the pages, what she really wanted was the level where she could just pass her finger over a spine a read the entire book. She sighed and returned to studying.

Hours later the crowd began to appear. Neville and Seamus appeared first, they crashed on a couch and groaned. Then Rose appeared, she looked distraught, she walked up to Harry, saw him asleep and kicked him, he didn’t even budge. Rose just fell on top of him and tried to catch some sleep. Finally Ron came in and looked deathly pale, he sat next to Hermione and grabbed her hand.

“Love if I fail all my NEWTS would you stop loving me?” he asked terrified.

Hermione put her book down, lifted and eyebrow and looked at him. “Ronald Weasley, I am offended that you would think I would ever stop loving you” she said and then kissed him. “No, I would flog you, kill you, put you back together, transfigure you into a toad, poison you, cure you, then torture you, and finally kick your sorry ass to the street till you found a decent job that would take you” she said with a smirk and then continued to read.

Ron became even more pale…if that were possible. He picked up a book and desperately began reading. Hermione smiled evilly behind her book.

Rose couldn’t sleep, instead she felt irritated and mischievous. She wanted to rouse Harry. She poked him, prodded him, and shook him, enjoying the feel of his muscles under his robes. Finally a wicked smile grew her face, she lowered down and whispered into his ear. Harry immediately leapt up knocking her back.

“Let’s go” he said and extended his hand for her to grab.

Rose stayed put shocked that it worked.

“Come on we don’t have much time” Harry insisted.

Rose now composed herself and smiled evilly, “Whatever do you mean Harry? I was sleeping soundly on you and you just threw me off. I am rather cross I must say” she replied.

“Oh come off it love, you whispered in my ear that if I got up you would… you know…my…you know” he whispered while moving his head and signaling erratically.

“Harry what are you talking about?” she replied while trying to contain the laughter and the smile on her face. Men were definitely gullible and predictable.

Harry read her mind and an evil smile came on his face. “Fine, guess I’m the one that will be working” he said before picking her up and taking her up to his bed and locking the door.

“Harry what are you doing?” she asked surprised, excited, and still giggling about the prank he played.

Harry drew the curtains and cast a spell to keep them closed. He proceeded to kiss her passionately. Her surprise was overtaken by her hunger for him. His kisses trailed to her neck as she closed her eyes to relish the feeling of his lips exploring her inch by inch. His hands caressing her body but avoiding all the good parts. Finally, his hands began to work on her blouse. Her breath quickened as her body stiffened, desire overtaking reason. His hands undressed her and finally his mouth trailed south and went to work.

First soft moans, the louder moans, until they reached ear shattering screams of pleasure echoed throughout the Gryphindor Dorm. Harry had purposely left off the charm to keep anyone from hearing them.

At first there was confusion and murmurs in the Common Room.

“What is that?” whispered someone.

“I mean really, we need to study for crying out loud” said another.

“They could keep the bloody noise down” was among the many comments that were thrown around.