Defend

Chapter Thirty-Six I'm Just Trying To Get An O

 "Today is the charms exam," I sigh and lean into Draco. Pansy sneers at us and I flip her off behind Draco's back.

"Have you considered what you want to be? You know that you eventually have to leave Hogwarts and start a career," Draco says.

"I know, but I have no idea, and honestly I don't care. How much longer am I really going to survive with Voldemort back?"

He looks eminently uncomfortable and pulls me into his chest so I can't see his face. "Don't say that."

I pull away and rest against the back of the couch. "I know, but I can't deal with McGonagall asking me every class what I want to be. Like, woman, I don't know, okay? I'll just try my best on my O.W.L's and see what I can do based on what I get. Honestly, I'd probably be happiest with a job working at Weasley Wizard Wheezes until I can continue to study. I think I might want to be an auror though." I turn towards him resting my cheek on the back of the couch. "Besides, what are you going to be?"

"I don't know. My parents have plenty of money so..."

I get the hint. He doesn't need to work if he doesn't want to. He tells me if I want to be an auror, I should just work hard at it.

~~~~

"Young lady, you have the option of an extra credit question if you'd like."

I look up optimistically at the man testing my Defence Against the Dark Arts O.W.L. I'm so glad it's some bloke from the Ministry and not Snape. I would have a panic attack every question if he was testing me.

"Yes please."

"It's likely you probably won't get this, but that's perfectly alright, as it won't count against you if you get it wrong. Can you produce a patronus?"

I cough to cover up a laugh. Since I was fourteen.

I attempt the innocent face again and nod. "I can try."

He nods. "Let's see it."

I snap myself into the stance like an old reflex. "Expecto Patronum!"

The Slytherin-filled Great Hall goes quiet as a wispy tiger leaps under the enchanted ceiling. Pansy passes by the Great Hall and sticks her head in just to shoot me a look combined of jealousy and annoyance. I stick my tongue out at her, which breaks my concentration, causing the patronus to disappear. Pansy skips away quickly, leaving the man testing me to wonder what happened.

~~~~

By the end of the week I'm about to pass out from stress. "Ginny, I'm going to die of stress. And then I have to wait even longer to get my results!"

She squeezes me into a hug. "Just give it a rest."

"I wish quidditch wasn't over. It's such a good stress reliever"

"We already won the cup, get over it."

I playfully slap her. "No," I laugh.

"Too bad there's not a flying OWL, you'd probably be the only girl in Slytherin to pass. Actually, you'd probably be the only one to get an O."

"An O'd be nice."

"Do you think you got an O in anything?"

"Possibly Transfiguration or Defence Against the Dark Arts. Maybe potions but probably not."

"It was so funny, all those kids conjuring Patronus' when they know they didn't teach any of them that."

"It really was," I laugh. "And hopefully if I get high enough marks, I can take my N.E.W.T.S to be an auror."