Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 146 - Trials of the N.E.W.T.s

Between each session, the hallways echoed with the buzz of discussion, as students dissected their responses and speculated about their performance. James, ever the optimist, clapped Sirius on the back, his voice carrying over the crowd. "I think we nailed the Transfiguration practical, don't you think, Padfoot?"

Sirius, rubbing the back of his neck, grinned in agreement. "Absolutely, Prongs. That conjured Pegasus was spot-on, even if it did almost kick over the cauldron." His laughter mingled with the nervous tension dissipating from the surrounding students.

Peter, who often doubted his abilities, looked relieved as he joined the group. "That section on antidotes was tough, though," he admitted, adjusting his glasses. "But I remembered the antidote we brewed last month, thanks to Remus."

Remus, who had spent countless evenings leading group study sessions, nodded modestly. "You did great, Wormtail. We all did. Just a few more to go."

Eliza, sitting slightly apart with a scroll of notes still unrolled in her hands, caught Remus's eye and offered a weary but genuine smile. "Thanks for helping me with that tricky charm yesterday, Remus. I think it made all the difference in today's practical."

As they gathered around Eliza, Sirius leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper, "So, Eliza, how did you manage that flawless execution of the Patronus charm? It was brilliant!"

Eliza blushed slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Lots of practice, and maybe a bit of luck," she replied, her eyes sparkling with a mix of fatigue and exhilaration.

The group's camaraderie and shared experiences over the years had not only prepared them academically but had also woven a tight-knit bond of support and friendship. Each exam session ended with them pooling their collective knowledge, offering each other tips for the upcoming tests, and sharing light-hearted banter to ease the stress.

James, always looking to lift the spirits, proposed, "Once we're done with these exams, I say we plan a proper celebration. Quidditch match in the morning, feast in the evening?"

Sirius was quick to respond, his enthusiasm undimmed by the exhaustion. "And maybe sneak in one final prank, for old times' sake?" His suggestion earned chuckles and eager nods from the group.

Remus, always the voice of reason, added with a smile, "Let's make sure it's something that won't get us detention on the last day, though. McGonagall might not let us off so easily this time."

The week of exams slowly drew to a close, and as each Marauder completed their final test, a sense of relief and accomplishment settled over them. They had faced one of their greatest academic challenges together, and now, the prospect of summer-and the adventures it promised-lay just on the horizon.

Their last night at Hogwarts for the term was spent in the common room, reminiscing about the year's escapades, their future plans, and the unbreakable bonds they had forged. Laughter and soft music filled the air, weaving a tapestry of memories that would carry them through whatever the future held.