slytherin princess [2]

goodbye umbridge, hello ministry

The first day of OWLs arrived quicker than Catherine cared to admit. She and her fifth year classmates waited in anticipation over their first exam, which was Theory of Charms. Catherine tapped her foot nervously as she sat next to Millicent Bulstrode and Michael Corner, since it's in alphabetical order.

Michael had already offered her two massages within the span of two minutes. She made a mental note to tell Ginny that later. The two had been apparently going out for quite some time.

"Now, students, the exam should take you at most three hours. You will have exactly that amount of time to complete it. Please begin," the moderator who Catherine had forgotten the name of announced.

She threw back a piece of blonde hair and opened up the packet. It appeared to be relatively easy things that they had learned in their first through third years. She was able to complete it well under time, and the professor let her leave early.

Next, Catherine had her Charms practical, which she finished with ease. Professor Marchbanks went on and on about how she was so like her mother with a talent in Charms. Catherine wasn't exactly keen on hearing that, but she graciously accepted the compliment and went on her way.

For Herbology, Catherine wasn't too pleased. Firstly, she hated the subject. Sure, she loved what plants could do, but Herbology itself made Catherine feel very annoyed. However, Professor Terbound seemed to think she had a green thumb or something like that.

When Catherine reached Professor Trofty for Defense Against the Dark Arts, she was exhausted. She quickly took a swig of her clarity potion that was mixed with a Pepper Up potion. It was the only combination that kept her awake and curbed her appetite. It's not that Catherine didn't want to eat, she just didn't have the time. That's at least what she had been telling herself.

"Hello, Ms. Collins, welcome to your Defense Against the Dark Arts practical exam. You will be doing the following spells: a stunning spell of your choice, a shielding charm of sorts, a signal for help, a jinx of choice and a hex of choice. We are also allowing any students that can produce a Patronus Charm to do so for extra credit. However, I only know of one student that can," Professor Trofty droned with a small smile.

She nearly rolled her eyes. The dummy was brought forward, and she extracted her wand. Nonverbally she did a stunning spell, Stupefy, and the dummy rolled backwards with force.

"I didn't think I would have to say this today, but Ms. Collins, can you please do a verbal spell? However, I will give you bonus points for her capabilities at nonverbal!"

He finally looked interested in the girl.

"Of course, sir, I apologize."

"Oh, my dear, please do not! Go on."

"Stupefy!"

The dummy readjusted, and she readied herself for the counterattack. It shot a quick hex which took a second to block because she had to use a verbal spell.

"Protego!"

The dummy then rested.

"Vermillious!"

Red sparks flew out of her wand, and they shimmered around her. She felt a shiver go up her spine upon seeing them, and she didn't notice the gaunt but sad expression now etched on her face. Professor Trofty looked at her with concern because of her obvious discomfort with the spell. It then dawned on him who she was. It was the girl that he had seen in the Prophet.

"You're Cedric Diggory's girlfriend, aren't you?"

"Yes, sir, I was."

He nodded solemnly, "I'm very sorry for your loss."