Chapter Forty-Two - Exams
The year was passing quickly and soon it was June, and it was exam time. Teachers had become stricter and pupils more frantic. Often at lunch time, someone would dive into their bag and pull out a book to check a fact or figure. The fifth and seventh years all resembled ghosts; their faces were pale and almost translucent as they drifted from exam to exam.
As the morning of the Defence Against the Dark Arts exam rose, Izabella hurried to the Great Hall where the students were waiting outside, checking their notes and conferring with each other. Draco Malfoy stood casually by the staircase, away from the others and leaning against the wall in a confident manner.
“You had better do well today Draco. Your father is expected good grades from you. And I'll be the one in trouble if you don't pass.” she said, quietly as she passed him. He smiled slightly and nodded in response. She approached the rest of her class and beamed at them all.
“Good morning everybody.” she said cheerfully. They all mumbled a reply and she chuckled.
“I don't want any of you to worry about this exam. You'll be fine.” Izabella said encouragingly. The students looked up at her and smiled weakly. “Just answer every question and keep your eye on the time.” she said suggested. The examiners appeared and started to arrange the students in alphabetical order.
Izabella placed a hand on Harry's arm and smiled.
“Good luck.” she said quietly. He nodded and smiled then went to join the queue as his name was called. They were all led into the Hall and Izabella took a deep breath, watching her students take their seats before the doors were closed and the exam began.
Izabella rushed back to her classroom where a bunch of disgruntled second years were waiting for her. She ushered them into the room and quickly started her lesson.
After lunch time, she assisted in moving the House tables for the practical exam.
The students waited to be called and Izabella stood by the door, nervously watching their progress during their exams. Harry was called into the Hall and Izabella turned her attention to him, watching him intently. Everything was perfect. Then Professor Tofty leant forward and whispered something to him. Harry grinned then suddenly a silver stag erupted from his wand and sped around the Great Hall. Izabella beamed and turned to watch the other's progress.
As Harry passed her in the doorway, she patted his back and grinned at him.
“Impressive.” she said, as he smiled irresistibly. He beamed appreciatively then hurried off to catch up with Hermione and discuss how their practical exam had gone.
The day was drawing to a close and the examiners soon left. Izabella was joined by Snape to restore the Great Hall back to normal before the evening meal.
“Harry was just fantastic. Every incantation was spot on.” Izabella informed her brother as they waved their wands at the long tables. “Draco didn't do too badly either.”
“You'll have to mention it to Lucius.” Snape said in a bored voice. “Do you know what Potter did the other day?”
Izabella rolled her eyes and turned to her brother with her hands on her hips.
“What now?” she sighed exasperatedly.
“Used Umbridge's fire to speak to Sirius.” he reported, lowering his voice. Izabella gasped and looked around before moving closer to Snape and lowering her voice.
“What?” she demanded furiously.
“Lupin told me. Needed reassurance about his father apparently.” he replied, his lips pursed. Izabella groaned.
“Does anyone know? Is Sirius going to be okay?”
“Yes, no one caught him. This time.”
Izabella sighed and returned back her work of shifting tables, chewing her lip worriedly. The Great Hall was returned to normal and Izabella and Snape made their way through the corridors. They reached Izabella's room and Snape checked the corridors were empty before speaking.
“Have a word with Potter. He could have ruined everything.”
Izabella nodded understandingly and sighed.
“I knew something was wrong. It must have been-”
“Most probably yes.” Snape snapped, clenching his jaw. Izabella nodded slightly then retreated into her bedroom.
“I'll see you later Sev.” she said. He nodded curtly then made his way down the corridor towards the dungeons.
Izabella sat on her bed and gazed out of the window. A smile crept across her face as she thought about Sirius and when she would next see him. It wouldn't be long now.
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