astronomy • marlene mckinnon

twelve

Defense against the Dark Arts was not a difficult subject for Astraea Black, in fact, almost all the subjects were easy for her. After all, she and Sirius had been taught the basic theory for every subject ever since the two were seven.

Most of the time, either she or Sirius would make a stupid joke about what was going on, and then the two would start laughing and wouldn't quiet down for at least five minutes. Once, they had laughed about their tutor's clothes for the entire lesson.

The punishment after it was cruel, and it was today as well, but in those days, it still didn't stop the two kids from enjoying their lives and laughing over something as stupid as the color of someone's dress.

And even though Astraea had resented these lessons a lot and would use to make the most senseless excuses to avoid them, she couldn't deny that these lessons had helped in Hogwarts a lot, especially during the preparation for her O.W.L.'s.

In the great hall, in the middle of many students giving their Defense Against the Dark Arts examination, Astraea reread her answers, making sure that everything was neatly done and correctly answered, and then sighed in relief and gave a small smile, satisfied with her answers.

The raven-haired girl's eyes scanned the great hall and as her eyes locked with a familiar pair of blue.

Marlene McKinnon gave the Slytherin a small smile, having no idea if Astraea was mad at her or not, she could never be sure.

Astraea hesitated but she returned a smile as she looked at other students who were still doing their examinations.

Isabella Fawley was completely absorbed in the paper as she scratched out something and started writing furiously with a frown, occasionally glancing at the clock.

"Quills down, please!" squeaked Professor Flitwick after ages. "That means you too, Stebbins! Please remain seated while I collect your parchment! Accio!"

Over a hundred rolls of parchment zoomed into the air and into Professor Flitwick's outstretched arms, knocking him backward off his feet.

Astraea bit her lips to bite back a laugh as a couple of students got up and ran towards the short professor and helped him back to his feet.

"Thank you... thank you," panted Professor Flitwick. "Very well, everybody, you're free to go!"

Astraea packed her stuff and stood up and walked over towards Isabella who smiled at her.

"How'd it go?"

"We've gone over this Izzy," Astraea gave the brunette a mock stern look. "Once the O.W.L. is done, it's done."

Isabella laughed as the two entered the entrance hall and were immediately met by Evan Rosier and Tiberius Nott looking at the two girls.

"How'd it go?" Tiberius asked and Astraea groaned.

"It went great." Isabella laughed.

"Did you know you have ink on your face?" Evan looked at Astraea.

"Where?" Astraea gasped and wipe her face with her sleeve. "Is it gone?"

"No." Evan laughed and wiped Astraea's cheek with his fingers as the four Slytherins walked outside and towards the lake.

"Merlin Astraea, how the hell did you get ink on your face?" Tiberius laughed.

"When I get to know, I'll remember to tell you." Astraea gave him a sarcastic smile and Tiberius saluted.

"Thank you so much. I'm honored-"

"How'd the exam go Snivelly?" A familiar voice laughed aloud as they approached the lake and Astraea turned around and noticed James and Sirius looking at Snape, who was on the ground, clearly struggling to get up.