Chapter 34: O.W.L.s

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*CW: Violence & Sexual Harassment*

June 17th, 1996

"Ms. Malfoy," Professor Flitwick began, "I would like you to summon all of those items from the other side of this room, and then pack them up into this trunk."

I took out my wand, focusing on the pile of random clothes located on the other side of the room. I took a deep breath before stating the incantation.

"Accio clothes." I stated, calling the entire pile over to where I was. 

A slight smile appeared on my face as the clothes levitated above me. I focused once more to pack the clothing nicely into the trunk.

"Pack." I stated clearly. 

The clothes began to fold themselves and were placed nicely inside of the trunk. The lid of the trunk shut itself after the spell had finished.

"Very nice, Ms. Malfoy," Professor Flitwick exclaimed, "That was done perfectly. You should be very proud of yourself."

"Thank you, Professor!" I beamed, showing myself out of the exam room. 

Flitwick bowed at me slightly as I left. I left the exam room and walked over to the line of students to show the next one inside. Because the exams were being done in alphabetical order, Draco was next.

"Good luck..." I whispered, passing him. 

Draco scoffed as he shoved past me and into the exam room. I rolled my eyes, huffing loudly, as I continued down the hallway. Neville had his exam before me, and Hermione was one of the first people to go; Harry and Ron were still waiting in line though. Neville was waiting for me at the end of the hallway. I ran to meet him, greeting him with a hug.

"So how did it go?" Neville asked, grabbing my hand and walking back to Gryffindor Tower.

"Flitwick said that I did the spells perfectly," I beamed, "So I'm guessing that I did good! How about you?"

"He just said that I did nicely," Neville sighed, "I mean, I've been using my dad's wand for all these years. I'm doing the best that I can!"

"Well, you're still a good wizard even if the wand's not exactly yours," I assured, "Just imagine when you finally get your own wand, you're going to be amazing!"

"Thanks, Dawn," Neville sighed, "But I doubt gran would ever do such a thing, besides I just need to pass the O.W.L.s with an Acceptable, so my dad's wand will do the trick."

"I'm sure you'll get more than an Acceptable in Defense Against the Dark Arts," I chuckled, "Harry said you did quite well during his lessons."

"Besides Herbology, that's one of the exams I'm feeling pretty confident about," Neville pondered, "What about you?"

"I don't know..." I sighed, "I'm not super eager about that one."

"Why?" Neville asked, "You're really good at spells? You have nothing to worry about!"

"That one D.A. meeting was the only time all year that I've practiced any of the spells we've learned about in Defense Against the Dark Arts," I sighed, "And compared to everyone else, it took me significantly longer to cast my patronus."

"Patronuses have nothing to do with your ability to cast spells," Neville assured, "If that were the case, I would have never casted mine. You just needed a powerful happy memory."

"I mean that is true," I stammered, "But it doesn't excuse the fact that Umbridge is going to do everything in her power to fail me later on today."

The two of us had reached the entrance to the Gryffindor Tower. Neville stopped in front of the door, placing his hands on my arms. 

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