Ravens and Asphodels | Harry Potter Marauders Era (Regulus Black x OFC)

OWLs

17 April  – 29 May  1977

When everyone got back from the Easter holidays, finals, OWLs, and NEWTs were on the horizon, and the entire school descended into a panic. Even Quidditch wasn't as exciting as it usually was. However, games were still played, and the Gryffindor verse Hufflepuff game on April 30th resulted in a win for Gryffindor. The Quidditch Cup final game was under-attended and ignored, especially after Slytherin won, much to Corbin and Evan's joy. Regulus was declared the team's next captain, and Augustus and Nymera were moved to the starting lineup. That meant less work for Regulus because next year as he would only have to replace a reserve beater and chaser and none of his starters.

Unlike at Ilvermorny, where students would take only one set of tests to determine their future, known as the Juxtaposed Assessments for Reviewing Versatile Experienced Youth or 'JARVEY' tests during their sixth year, Diana now had to prepare for two sets of exams which were a bit excessive. Diana assumed that the wizarding worlds of the world were imitating their Muggle counterparts. The JARVEY test in the States is reminiscent of the No-Maj ACT/SAT standardized tests, while the OWL and NEWT exams of the British wizarding world were similar to Muggles GCSE and A-Level exams.

May was spent in the library almost exclusively. James went into full mother hen mode, making sure he dragged Remus, Lily, Diana, and Regulus from the library for them to eat meals. James kept snacks on hand, hiding them from Madam Pince and passing them to anyone who hadn't eaten in a while. Sirius joined the library group every once and a bit, even studying from time to time as his boyfriend refused to be distracted so close to finals.

The problem with Sirius joining them was that he always needed to be moving, and Regulus needed complete silence when studying, which led to Regulus snapping at Sirius on more than one occasion.

About two weeks from the start of finals, Sirius decided to chew gum in the library and twirl his wand in his hand while reading Remus's Charms notes.

At one point, Sirius popped his gum. Diana wasn't sure if it was an accident or on purpose, but

then Regulus slowly lifted his head and just stared at his older brother. Regulus's typically perfectly done hair was sticking up on its edges from him stressfully running his hands through it.

"It's disgusting being related to you."

Diana just placed her hand next to Regulus's on the table, intertwining their pinkies and giving him a look that told him not to say anything more, so Regulus just rolled his eyes and slowly lowered his head back to his notes.

Sirius just sat there looking at his brother with a slight smirk on his mouth, happy to have gotten a reaction out of Regulus.

Lily barked a laugh that was bordering on hysterical, which caused James to decide she needed a break, and he promptly dragged her from the room, reassuring her that "Yes Lily, we will be coming back. I think you need some fresh air right now. You know I heard fresh air is good for the brain."

Meanwhile, Remus managed to get his boyfriend to behave for the rest of the study session. Well, as behaved as Sirius could be.

No one had seen or heard from Marley, Dorcas, Frank, or Barbra, and they wouldn't until the four completed their NEWT Exams.