The next couple weeks were busy for the Potters between their regular studies and also researching a solution to the horcrux problem. The only thing unusual was when, a week after the Wizengamot meeting, Harry was summoned to the Ministry to submit his memories for a pensieve review at the DMLE as part of their ongoing investigation into Sirius' alleged crimes. Harry hadn't talked to Sirius directly since the meeting at the Burrow, but his godfather had sent a letter thanking him after the Prophet prominently featured Harry's petition and veritaserum review on the front page the following day. Other than being called back to the DMLE, so far the only result of Harry's testimony had been increased surliness among several of the Slytherins, led by Malfoy. While Draco spouted off small insults, he was actually more reserved than in the past, so it was easy to ignore him. Harry thought that may be an additional benefit to his successful duel and banishment of Umbitch.
A week after his Wizengamot testimony, the three new professors started their positions. Professor Lupin returned to teach DADA, to the delight of most of the students. Meanwhile in the dungeons, Professor Tonks started her position teaching 1st through 5th year Potions and everyone found the subject infinitely easier and less stressful. She was strict and firm, but she actually explained the reasoning behind many of the seemingly obscure rules in potion making and she was not shy to acknowledge good work. Finally, a couple days after the other professors, the new History of Magic teacher began. Professor O'Brien was in her mid-twenties and absolutely gorgeous, with a pale complexion and raven hair. She was also stunningly brilliant and seemed to have a wealth of small bits of trivia that she included in her lessons. For the first time in his over four years at Hogwarts, Harry found himself able to stay awake in class. Looking around, he noticed that all of the class was actually awake. Of course, a couple of his classmates didn't seem to be listening at all as they drooled and watched the new professor. As for Professor Binns, Dumbledore told them that he had talked with the old History professor, but Binns was not yet ready to move on. Until Binns decided to go, the old History classroom was closed off and an unused classroom was remodeled into the History classroom. Binns seemed to not care, still showing up at the same times and lecturing to his now empty room.
Besides classes and research, Harry and Hermione still kept up with their meditation and occlumency exercises. Combined with their bond, it made their other studies quite a bit easier. Harry wished he had learned the advantages of a well-ordered and calmed mind years before. He also decided that the exercises would be good for his allies, who were often found studying in the Potter apartment anyway. Included with the group was Luna, who while not an ally, was a true and loyal friend. She and Ron also happened to be near inseparable and the changes she was slowly making in the youngest of the Weasley boys were most welcome.
Along with mind training, Harry and Hermione wanted to continue the training they had started at Grimmauld over the summer. Again, their allies were eager to join them and the group found an empty classroom a couple nights a week to practice physical training with dodging and maneuvers, as well as a variety of shield and other defensive spells. Training offensively was a bit more difficult, since their only targets were each other, which limited the severity of the spells they could use. Harry wished they had some practice dummies like Grimmauld had, but had yet to see any at the school. He also thought that it would be good to have some gym equipment to continue his strength and endurance training. One morning after several rounds of loving, he had called on Dobby to bring them breakfast in bed and then started to discuss the issue with Hermione.
"Hermione love, I've been thinking about our training with the allies. We keep hitting a bit of a dead end. We really need some of the equipment like Sirius has at Grimmauld. The school has some unused classrooms. Maybe we can convert one to a training room. We'd need to decide exactly how much equipment we need."
Before Hermione could respond, the elf that was pouring tea suddenly set the kettle down and started to bounce on his toes.
"Mister Lord Harry Potter sir! Dobby knows wheres you can go! You needs the come and go room. It will give you all you needs."
"What? The Come and Go Room? Why is it called that? Where is it?"
"It is a most specials room on the 7th floor. Sometimes it is there, sometimes not. It comes and goes. It is called also the Room of Requirement."
"Hmm, interesting. So, I can ask it for whatever we need?"
Dobby nodded his head furiously, bouncing his whole body.
"Comes sir, Dobby will show you!"
"Alright Dobby thanks, but how about you show me in an hour or so? I'd like to eat breakfast and shower first."
The excited elf managed to control himself enough to finish serving breakfast and then popped out, leaving Harry and Hermione to spend time lazily eating. The room was quiet as they were both lost in thought, until their thoughts converged.
This seems positively indulgent, laying around on a Saturday morning. I know I have a world of problems and more homework than I could imagine, but right now I just don't care.
I agree my love, but I think this time is important. We will run ourselves down if we don't take some time to relax.
Hmm yes, well how about we relax together under some warm water?
Harry swallowed the last of his tea and turned to leer at his wife. Hopping out of bed, he ran around to her side and scooped her up as she laughed at him. Carrying her to the bathroom, he set her down as he turned on the water and pulled her into the shower. They initially made some pretense of starting to wash each other, but then gave that up as soap was discarded and they began exploring each other. They snogged for many long minutes, as Harry fingered his wife until she was trembling and no longer able to keep up her rhythm on the hand job she was delivering. Then, before he would let her peak, he pulled his fingers out of her as he pushed her against a wall and thrust himself completely into her as she jumped and wrapped her legs around his waist, driving him in deeper as she came with howl that echoed off the tiles. Harry held her delightful bum as he adjusted his stance and began a steady and insistent rhythm that brought his own climax within just minutes, as she continued to whimper and moan in continued ecstasy. When she finally didn't think she could take anymore, he left her and lowered her to the floor, supporting her from behind while her legs regained feeling. Finally sated, they managed to resume their washing and finish showering.
Once they were dressed, Harry called for Dobby and asked the elf to show them to the Room of Requirement. Harry thought that name offered a better explanation than the Come and Go room. When they reached the seventh floor, Hermione followed the elf's instructions, thinking carefully about what they needed as she paced back and forth three times. As she finished her third pass, an elaborate door appeared in the wall. When they stepped through it, Harry gave a small shout of triumph. The room looked exactly like the gym and training areas in the basement of Grimmauld. As he was looking around, he got a weird sensation as the room seemed to expand a bit and several more dummies appeared. Hermione answered his surprise.
Sorry love, I hadn't realized how responsive the room would be. I was just thinking that we would need a bit more space with the number of people we want to bring here. This room is amazing. The amount of combined magics, transfiguration and charms this must take. I would love to study it someday.
I agree it's amazing dear, but right now I've got enough to study. Looks like we have our practice space.
They tried changing a couple more things in the room, and it reacted the same way each time. Harry lavished praise on Dobby before they left the room to revert back. Harry then went on to Quidditch practice, while Hermione headed for the library.
The next day all of the allies as well as Luna met in their usual empty classroom for their special defense training. In attendance for the first time was Professor Lupin, who had heard about the extra study group and came to observe. As soon as everyone was gathered, Harry explained the predicament he had been worrying about and the amazing room that Dobby had introduced him to. The entire group excitedly followed Harry up to the seventh floor. Hermione went ahead and paced with the specifics of what they needed in mind and then the group entered. Everyone was amazed when they entered, but none more so that Professor Lupin, who looked around after the door closed.
"Incredible. I thought the Marauders knew just about everything having to do with the castle. How in the hell did we miss this?"
"Did you ever try chatting up the house elves?"
The professor just shook his head and Harry chuckled. With the room in place, he then lined everyone up and they started with their physical warm up exercises before dividing up into pairs and working on some offensive spells now that they had dummies. Harry would start the group with a basic spell and then tried to explain how to use the mind exercises to channel the focus of the spell. When he went to demonstrate and launched a powerful cutting curse at a dummy, it nearly vaporized. Ten seconds later, the room replaced the dummy and everyone else tried to duplicate Harry's effort. In most cases they were trying to force the spell to make it stronger, rather than focusing, which was making most of them unsuccessful. All except Luna, who kept her usual dreamy half gone stare and then blasted a dummy halfway across the room with little apparent effort. Harry gave everyone a couple minutes and then called a halt.
"Alright everyone, you've all had a chance to try it a couple times, but success has been sporadic. From what I've seen, you are trying to force the spell and magic doesn't work that way. This is not like being constipated and trying to force a turd out. You need to breathe and focus. Find your inner core and let the magic flow. When you try to force it, you only put a dam on your magic. Like turning a river into a creek. We've all been practicing with the mind exercises, let's do a bit of that and then try again."
The entire room quieted as everyone worked on their mind exercises. Once Harry thought they were focused, he had everyone line up and try again. This time the results were much better, as dummies started to be thrown and sliced apart all around the room. After twenty more minutes with offensive practice, Harry called the group back to the middle of the room and then divided up new pairs and set everyone to practice shielding against stunners. As he watched, Professor Lupin came to his side. He had been quiet since entering the room, but now leaned over to whisper to Harry.
"Well Harry, I have to say that this is impressive. If you hadn't specifically asked for me to be hired, I'd be scared for my job."
Harry turned and looked at the smirking professor.
"Thanks sir, but this group includes the most talented in the school and they're all aware of why we need to train so hard. Any other group of students wouldn't do this well."
"No Harry. Don't sell yourself short. I think you have definitely found your area of expertise. For your mother it was Charms, but Defense is definitely yours."
"What about my dad? What was his specialty?"
Professor Lupin let out a short, barking laugh.
"James' specialty was doing as little as possible for the greatest gain. Oh, he was extraordinarily talented, as was Sirius, but they were fonder of extracurricular pursuits. Although, once he started dating Lily, she pushed him to achieve more. The last half of his sixth year and then his seventh year I would have to say that he did quite well in both Defense and Charms. The latter was definitely due to Lily's influence."
Harry looked at the professor and contemplated the insight into his father. His emotions wavered enough that Hermione came to his side.
Love? Oh, I see. Discussing your parents. Remember, they were not always your parents. They were children and then teenagers once themselves.
I suppose you're right. I guess I never thought of my father as being a lazy prankster. Although I should have figured it with what I know of the Marauders.
Professor Lupin looked at the young couple and guessed by the silence that there was some mental dialogue happening.
"Am I correct to guess Harry that your brilliant wife was just comforting you with some mental advice?"
"Yes sir. Sorry about that, we try not to do it around others too much, but when I get emotional it just happens naturally."
"No worries. It's quite fascinating. I wonder, since your minds can link for speech, can you link your magics? If you could channel them together that would be quite interesting."
"Yes, we can and we have on a couple occasions. Usually I take the focus. I don't think we've tried with Hermione as the focus. It takes a good bit of control to not accidentally drain one or the both of us."
"Really? I would love to see that sometime."
What do you think dear? We haven't done it much. This is about as controlled of an environment as we can get.
We can try. Everyone here is allies. Well except Luna, but I trust her. Which is maybe something else we need to discuss later.
Harry gave a brief nod and called everyone's practicing to a halt.
"Alright everyone, you're looking good. The focus was much better for the second half of the exercises. We're almost out of time, but before we go, Hermione and I thought we would share something with you. We were just talking to Professor Lupin about the unique aspects of our bond. One of those is something we have only explored on a limited basis, but we thought we would show you a bit. We have the ability to channel our magic together to increase our power. Usually I'm the focus and I think we'll start with me, but I'd like to then try letting Hermione be the focus. What do you say my love?"
"Sure Harry. How do we want to do this, cutting curse or something else?"
"Maybe something a bit more. How about a reducto? With the increased power, we will need to hit something hard."
As Harry spoke, a six foot high stone wall appeared at one end of the room.
"Well, I guess that will do. Ready Mione my love?"
Hermione nodded and she and Harry stepped forward so that they were about ten meters from the wall and an arm length's apart from each other. Harry began by drawing up his focus and then feeling Hermione's touch after she had done the same. Taking hold of her mental touch, he felt her magic as it sought out his and wove into him. Once their magics were at a peak, Harry cast a full power reducto at the wall. The result was beyond stunning. The wall erupted with a deafening roar, launching pebbles in every direction. Hermione took a bit of the focus and quickly erected a shield, dividing the room in half. Even with the power Harry had used, the power she poured into the shield was awesome as a visible golden wall was suddenly in place as it was bombarded by thousands of rocky missiles. The entire exercise had only taken about twenty seconds. The disintegration of the stone wall had caused a large cloud of dust that took another minute to dissipate. Once it had, Hermione dropped the shield. She was feeling the strain, and could feel it in Harry as well, but they were nowhere close to exhausted. Smiling, she took his hand and turned back to the group.
"Well, it looks like we just did something new and each managed to take a piece of the focus, with one of us on offense and the other on defense. We're continually learning how our bond works, but you can see how the bonding of our cores increases the power."
All of their friends just stood, shaking their heads. They were looking too awe-struck for Harry's liking and he immediately tried to diffuse the situation.
"Alright, well this show is over. I know it looked impressive, but it isn't easy to hold and has the potential to drain both of us quickly. Which means in a fast paced battle it won't be the most helpful. That's where our continued practices come in. We just thought you'd be interested to see. Now, we have a quarter until curfew, so we should probably head out."
Everyone said goodbye and left the room. When Hermione and Harry reached their apartment, they studied for a while but then fell into bed, more tired than they had realized.
The day after their first exercises in the Room of Requirement, the Potters finally got a chance to pursue another area of study that they had been too busy to consider for a couple weeks. They had been meaning to talk to Professor Tonks about apparition training, but always had to hurry off to Charms after her class and then found themselves tied down elsewhere after. Finally, on a Friday afternoon, they took some free time and made their way to her office during her open office hours. She was alone, grading some papers when they arrived and she welcomed them in warmly.
"Good afternoon Lord and Lady Potter. Can I help you with something?"
"Hello professor. How are your classes going? Our fifth year group seems to be doing well."
"Oh yes, as are the others. I must thank you both for this opportunity. Is there an issue that you need to speak to me about as Founders?"
"Oh no, we are leaving the general administration to the headmaster. We really have enough to do with our studies without worrying about school governance unless we feel something is terribly out of balance. Actually, we are here about something entirely different. I realized a few weeks ago that since Harry and I are now emancipated, we should be able to start apparition training. We questioned the headmaster and he advised that you used to teach the subject for the Ministry. We were wondering if you would consider training us in apparition? We would pay the usual fees that the Ministry would charge."
"Apparition training, hmmm. Well, it's been a few years but it's not something one really forgets. From what I've seen and heard, I suspect it won't take the two of you long to learn it. Let's see, I have a free period at three on Tuesdays and then the one I have now on Fridays. I think I can work it into my schedule. I will need to talk to Albus about removing the anti-apparition wards on my classroom for that time. Usually when the Ministry instruction is done, it takes place in the Great Hall and the wards are taken down locally for a brief time. If that can be arranged, then I'd be happy to start training you next Tuesday. And don't worry about fees. This is the least I can do. Especially since you have done so much to help my cousin. Now, I've almost finished these papers. Once I do, why don't we see if Albus is available?"
They both thanked her and then sat down to wait a few minutes while she finished her grading. Once she was done, the three of them made their way quickly to the gargoyle guarding the headmaster's office. Upon seeing the Potters, the gargoyle tilted his head and allowed them to pass. The professor turned and quirked and eyebrow at Harry, but he just nodded and gestured for her to go first. As they reached the door to Dumbledore's office, he called for them to come in.
"Ah, good afternoon Professor Tonks, Lord and Lady Potter. Do we have an issue with Potions?"
Harry stepped forward before the professor could speak.
"Not at all sir. Potions class has been going well. Infinitely better than my first four years. Professor Tonks has also agreed to train us on apparition."
Harry stepped back and let the professor talk.
"Yes Albus, we would like to do two training sessions a week during my Tuesday and Friday free periods, starting next week. We will need the anti-apparition wards lifted on my classroom for those times."
"Of course. Simple enough. Same as we do when the Ministry instructors give their course. Actually, Lord and Lady Potter, you can do this yourself once you know how. The Founders' rights give you control over the school's magic and wards. It just takes a bit of practice. I have a ward stone here in my desk that allows me to tap into the magic, but your rings should do the same. If you will call forth the power within the Founders' signets first, then I will guide you."
Harry and Hermione did as instructed, calming themselves and then using the signets to ignite the magic of the school. As an awareness of the castle enveloped them, Dumbledore continued with his instructions.
"Alright, now gradually extend your awareness. Start from where we are in this tower and then go down from there. Search for the Potions classroom."
Harry and Hermione did as instructed. The magic was so ancient it felt a bit foreign and caused a moment of confusion in their focus. Gradually, they each understood what they were seeing and located the dungeon Potions classroom. They each nodded to Dumbledore to let him know they were there.
"Very good. Now you just need to recognize the magic that is the anti-apparition ward. I am going to use the stone here in my desk now and take the ward down for a minute. You should notice the change. I will then bring it back up. Once you feel the changes, you should be able to recognize which ward you are looking for."
Harry and Hermione waited a moment and then they both sensed a piece of the magic in the room leaving. It was interesting to still feel most of the magic in place, but without that one piece. It was like removing an ingredient from a recipe and noticing how the flavor of a dish changed. After a minute, the piece returned and the room felt the same as it had previously.
"Alright, now that you know what to look for, go ahead and try it yourselves. One at a time so that you don't cancel out each other's efforts."
Go ahead my love, I'll watch you.
Hermione gave a brief mental nod and then reached to find the same piece of magic that she had felt leave before. Once found, she turned it and the magic left, leaving the room feeling like it had when the headmaster had done the same a minute before. Then Hermione turned it again and the magic in the room was once again whole. Harry then went next and did the same, marveling at how he could feel the different layers of magic around him. Once they both had turned the ward off and back on, they each pulled their focus back and disconnected themselves from the castle's awareness as they looked back to the headmaster.
"Very good you two! Handled quite deftly. You will now be able to practice as needed. Also, once you're certified, you will be able to apparate not just locally, but out of the castle if you need to. I would like to ask though that you not advertise that skill when you reach that point."
"Understood headmaster. Thank you. That was a most interesting lesson. So, Professor Tonks, Tuesday at three then?"
"Yes Lady Potter. I look forward to it."
The Potters followed Professor Tonks out of the tower, hands linked as they silently considered this latest lesson and their Founders' abilities. When they exited the tower, they bid farewell to the professor and then continued on back to the library for yet more studying.
The next day was a Saturday and was also the first Quidditch match of the new school year. The match paired Ravenclaw and Slytherin and promised to be a quite heated contest, as all matches against Slytherin were. Hermione and Harry joined the rest of the Gryffindors in cheering loudly for Ravenclaw. The match went close to two hours and featured a near record number of fouls as the Slytherins played exceptionally dirty, even for themselves. The Ravenclaws though were well disciplined and worked as a cohesive unit much better than their rivals, eventually taking the snitch and winning by 140 points. Harry quite enjoyed the game and paid especial attention to the Ravenclaws. They were in peak form and would definitely challenge Gryffindor when they played them in the spring.
The rest of the weekend passed all too quickly as October seemed to be sliding by them. Soon a new week dawned, the last of the month. On Tuesday they met with Professor Tonks for their first apparition lesson. As they had practiced before, they linked into the school's magic and took down the wards for the room they were in. Either one of them could have done it singly, but they opted to do it together for the practice. They then spent the next hour learning about destination, determination and deliberation as they each tried to move themselves from the back of the classroom to the front. The task was more difficult than it seemed and Harry was getting frustrated when he mentally reached out to Hermione. She linked with him and together they pushed their magics as they tried the exercise again. Harry felt a strange tingle, followed by a sinking feeling and suddenly he found his view had changed as he started to fall with Hermione on top of him. They lay sprawled on the floor together, taking a minute before they realized they had managed the feat. Professor Tonks remained stunned for a minute before she crossed the room to them.
"Alright, that was interesting. Only one other time have I seen a successful apparition during the first lesson. And you both did it simultaneously. Also, you seem to have changed positions. You should have reappeared three meters apart, the same as you were in your original position."
"Actually professor, I think I can explain. Both of us weren't getting anywhere and we were both frustrated so we agreed to link our magics. It something we've only done a couple times. Once we gathered our power and focus together, we then determined to move ourselves together. Obviously though we should have thought about positioning."
"Hmm, well that is definitely interesting. Another unique aspect to your soul bond. I would prefer though that you each learn the skill individually. We're out of time today, but this was excellent progress. I'll see you on Friday."
Hermione and Harry both thanked the professor and then left to go to their last class for the day. The following Friday neither of them made much progress, but on their second Tuesday Hermione managed to successfully apparate individually. The following Friday, Harry finally matched her. They spent two more weeks practicing, increasing the distances of their apparition. In late November, Professor Tonks pronounced their training complete and wrote them certificates to present to the Ministry when they were ready to test. After a bit of discussion, Harry and Hermione decided to wait until the Christmas holiday to submit themselves for testing. Hermione send Hedwig off with the request and she returned from the Ministry with an appointment confirmation for the afternoon of December 27th.
As December began, the Potters remained busy with an excess amount of schoolwork leading up to end of session exams. On the second Saturday of the month, Harry, Hermione and their friends were in their apartment studying when Dobby popped in unexpectedly to deliver a message from the headmaster, requesting they come to Dumbledore's office. Most of their homework was done, so everyone scattered while the Potters made their way to the office. When they entered, they were surprised to find Amelia waiting for them as well. She smiled and greeted them as they stepped into the office.
"Hello Lord and Lady Potter. How is school going?"
"Busy, but going well. And Amelia, please, Harry and Hermione. How are you doing?"
"I am also well. I come to deliver important news. Kingsley decided I should have the honor of informing you. The investigation into Sirius' alleged crimes is complete and he has been cleared of charges. A warrant has also been issued for the arrest of Peter Pettigrew."
Harry let out a large whoop as he and Hermione both went to hug Amelia.
"Also, Kingsley asked that I request that you inform Sirius since he's in hiding. I have the papers here for you to give him."
"Of course. We'll go right away."
"Very good, well I'll be leaving. On a personal note, I'd like to invite you to the Bones family traditional Christmas Eve brunch. I am sure you have plans for the holiday, but it would be great to see you over the break."
"Thank you Amelia. We'd be thrilled to attend."
Amelia nodded and then said her goodbyes as she stepped into the floo and headed back to the Ministry. After she left, Dumbledore looked at the Potters.
"Well, congratulations are in order. I'll let you head on. I expect you'll be gone for a while celebrating."
"Thank you headmaster. I'm sure Sirius will want to escape the house as soon as he hears."
Harry and Hermione then floo'd to Grimmauld Place. When they arrived in the living room, the floo chimes went off to announce their arrival. They only had to wait a minute before Sirius appeared. He was obviously in a morose mood, but brightened when he saw who was visiting.
"Harry! Hermione! It's great to see you. How's school?"
"School is fine. Insanely busy of course, but that's not why we're here. I have an early Christmas gift for you."
Harry handed over the papers from Amelia and gave Sirius a chance to read them. He knew his godfather would be elated, but Sirius' reaction stunned him. Upon reading the papers, he quickly sat on a nearby couch and doubled over, sobbing. Harry was in such shock that at first he didn't move. Then Hermione went and sat on Sirius' right side as she put a hand on his shoulder. Taking her lead, Harry went to his other side and did the same. They sat like that for many minutes before Sirius managed to collect himself.
"Wow. I'm sorry you two. I guess seeing it in writing makes it so much more real. You did it pup. I can't ever repay you. I can't believe it, I'm free."
"There's no need to repay me Sirius. You're my godfather. We're family. And this is just the first step to righting the injustice. We need to find Peter next. First though, how about we go out and celebrate."
"Excellent plan. Let me clean up a bit and I'll meet you out back. How about Francisco's? I could use a giant steak."
"Sounds wonderful."
Harry and Hermione waited a few minutes before Sirius joined them and then he apparated them from the back garden to an apparition point near the restaurant. Francisco's normally required reservations, but Harry took the lead, stepping in confidently as he placed a hand on the maître d's podium. The man looked a bit put out at first until Harry announced who he was. Then the maître d' noticed the ten galleon note in Harry's hand and shook politely before finding them a table. The next three hours was spent eating and talking, enjoying an amazing five course meal and a couple bottles of wine. The sight of Lord and Lady Potter and the infamous Sirius Black drew plenty of stares and whispers, but the trio was too happy to notice. Once they were done eating, Sirius took them back to Grimmauld and the Potters prepared to return to school.
"Thanks for a fantastic dinner Sirius. We'll be seeing you over the holidays. By the way, you won't need to side along with us much longer. We take our apparition tests on the 27th. As for the holiday, we have an invite to the Bones' manor for brunch on the 24th, then we have dinner at the Burrow that night. I'm sure Molly wouldn't mind if you came as well. Then we spend Christmas Day with Neil and Jean. School lets out on the 21st and we don't have to be back until the 3rd, so we'll have plenty of time together."
"That sounds brilliant. And I'm already invited to the Burrow for Christmas Eve. Remus is as well. I'll keep digging through the Black archives. I haven't found anything yet, but now I can visit Gringotts easier and get into the vault to look at the really old books. Hopefully I'll find something in there."
Harry nodded, happy for the help but frustrated to be reminded about his predicament. He gave Sirius one last hug and then he and Hermione floo'd back to school. They arrived in an empty office and called for Dobby to get them back to their apartment directly.
The last couple weeks before the holidays were busy for the Harry, Hermione and their friends. Between schoolwork, extra studies, Quidditch practice and defensive training in the Room of Requirement, they were anything but bored. On the 19th and 20th they were due to take their end of session exams. As they each sat in Charms, scribbling away, they found it was hard to separate their minds and focus on their own individual tests. The same thing happened in Transfiguration the next day. Harry was worried that the connection was going to hurt their exam results, but was calmed by Hermione's reassurance that she thought she had done quite well. Unable to do anything else, Harry fell into bed on the night of the 20th and was almost instantly asleep after the previous few grueling days. He still wasn't sure about the tests, but what was done was done.
When they woke the next morning, the Potters gathered their bags and headed for the Hogwarts Express. They had debated just floo'ing to the Leaky, but opted to take the traditional train ride with their friends. The first months of their OWL year was complete and they both looked forward to a couple weeks of relaxation.