My Love For You

Chapter 12: O.W.L.s

The four of us flipped through our textbooks and notes one spring morning to last-minute study for the exams. I had finished quickly, but, in a panic, I restarted and flipped through my notes just in case of the possibility that I missed a footnote in the corner that was useful.

Ron was more worried for himself and Harry, saying to us girls, "You two have absolutely nothing to worry about! You always get straight A's, and your homework is perfectly in order. Help us, at least!"

Hermione shot a fearsome look at Ron. "Just because we get good grades doesn't mean we can't fail!"

Ron scoffed and trudged his way down into the Great Hall.

Hermione grabbed her books, yelling after him. "You come back here, Ron! Just because I said that it also doesn't mean we can't give you a little help!"

I carefully slid my books in my bookbag and sighed. Harry and I crawled out of the portrait hole and followed our friends to the Great Hall hand in hand.

"I feel alright; it's just History of Magic and Potions I'm worried for. How about you, Kiara?"

I shrugged and replied, "I feel quite alright; I'm just nervous about it."

Harry nodded, and we walked in through the large doors of the hall to find Hermione and Ron eating breakfast with the occasional quibble.

~~~

Draco strode over to the Gryffindors. "How are your nerves, guys?"

We all shrugged. "Fine, I guess. Just nervous." I replied. Draco ruffled my hair, and I playfully whacked his arm away.

"Well, I'm sure you'll do great."

"Thank you! And good luck to you as well."

Draco's smile widened. "I always feel lucky around you."

I laughed. "What am I? Felix Felicis?" The whole group laughed.

Soon enough, the bell rang, and we all headed straight for the first exam: Defense Against The Dark Arts.

~~~

When we arrived in the classroom, Umbridge instructed us to sit in sit seats. Then, when the bell rang, she spoke. "Ordinary Wizard Levels! O.W.L.S.! Before we begin, I'd like to say a few words. If you don't pass this specific exam, the consequences might be," she shrugged and smiled sweetly, "severe. With that out of the way, let's begin!"

She waved her wand, and the papers for the written test flew at us. I caught mine and began to write. I scribbled down a couple of easy answers before moving on.

~~~

When lunchtime started, Professor McGonagall instructed the 5th years to go to their Head of House's classroom. The Gryffindors headed to hers. She told us to eat what was on the table in the middle of the room.

There was roast beef, breaded meat, bread rolls, salad, broccoli, and water.

Ron grabbed large portions of everything and ate his food, savoring every bite. Hermione grabbed a little salad and some beef. Harry and I got about the same amount of everything and slowly ate together in a classroom corner.

Harry gave me a little kiss on the cheek and said, "I know you'll get fantastic results. Trust me."

I snuggled my head on his shoulder. "You're the best; you know that, Harry?" Harry blushed, and I giggled. We completed half of OWL day.

~~~

I stretched after my History of Magic exam.

When the bell rang, I walked out of Professor Binn's class and met up with the others while walking to the Great Hall for dinner. It was already extremely late, but Dumbledore said, "You can't go to bed on an empty stomach."

All the younger and older students were in bed, so it was just the 5th-years. Dumbledore stood up on his platform. "I'm sure all of you are hungry, so I'll keep it short. Good job on your exams, and you'll get your results in time. For now, dig in."

The food appeared, and Ron was the first to fill his plate and dig in. I couldn't help but laugh at him. I piled some mashed potatoes and beef on my plate and began to eat as well.

Under the table, Harry grasped my hand, smoothing his thumb over my knuckles. He leaned in to whisper in my ear. "I think your lucky charm worked." I giggled and rested my head on his shoulder—what a long day.

~~~