Chapter 158 - Stress (1/2)
Detention with Professor Adric made time quickly pass by as soon the final quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin occurred. And just as predicted, Gryffindor defeated Slytherin and won the Quidditch cup to the dismay of Slytherin. Rowan didn't really care either way as she wasn't much of a fan of the wizarding sport. But still, she did congratulate James who was unbearable, beaming with pride and joy. Yet that joy and fervor didn't last very long as a vast pile of homework was given out as the final exams were quickly approaching again.
As finals exams drew closer the Slytherin 5th and 7th years went into overdrive again. The rest of the years wisely left them alone as the sixth year's though fatigued wisely congratulated themselves on having survived the year before knowing full well that the same fate awaited them again in the following year. Still, Alchemy's worship was raised to a whole new level as cat beds and cat pillows had sprouted all over the Slytherin common room like mushrooms to keep Alchemy happy.
Snacks were given galore as Alchemy was rubbed and praised nearly to death. At times like these his owner, Terry just gave up and threw his hands in the air. He sadly had to face the fact that Alchemy was the entire Slytherin's pet rather than just his own.
With exams that much closer Rowan didn't have any time to look into the tidbit of information, Hagrid had given her as she was studying quite hard for the gobbledegook exam with Professor Flitwick. Not that the other classes weren't hard, but none of them were given her as much difficulty as gobbledegook. But not one to give up halfway, she stubbornly pressed forward in her study to master or at least become fluent in the language.
Unlike last year the Marauders actually had picked up on how to properly study for the final exams. Surprisingly, they actually came to Rowan for help as she tutored or answered questions in the study hall. Even James had buckled down which came as a surprise to everyone. It wasn't until they remembered that Quidditch team members had to receive passing marks in order to keep playing on the team for the following year.
It was a warm day outside as light streamed inside the windows down the hallways and in the study hall. ”I give up!” Sirius groaned as his head dropped onto the desk.
”Shh!” Pettigrew hissed as he furrowed his brow and tried to find his spot again as James growled, ”Shut up, Siri! We're trying to study!”
”Mm,” was all that Rowan murmured as she reviewed her notes on the International Warlock Convention of 1289 that involved the wizards of Sardinia that would for sure be on the final exam for History of Magic. On the other hand, Lupin bit his lip as he silently mouthed charms and spells under his breath.
”Please! I need a break!” Sirius pleaded as Pettigrew finally grabbed a book and smacked Sirius across the back of the head. Sirius let out a loud yelp and promptly shielded away as Pettigrew had a wild gleam in his eye.
Merely pointing his book at Sirius, Pettigrew quivered with a mix of emotions. ”We already took a break, Sirius! Now be quiet or go!”
Sirius flinched as Pettigrew sternly added, ”I need to do better on this year's exams or I'm going to be grounded this entire summer by my mother! I would very much like to enjoy my summer break!”
Sirius wilts much like a beaten puppy and sadly pokes at his book with his finger. Suddenly, everyone flinches as a loud thud is heard. They glance at the source to see Rowan having slammed her textbook onto the table. ”Spider,' Rowan muttered under her breath as she lifted her book to reveal the crumbled-up form underneath.
”Well that a bit excessive, don't you think?” Lupin idly commented at the brutal force used. Rowan doesn't reply as she merely wipes the desk and her book clean. No one followed up as everyone went straight back to work except for Sirius who continued to mop in silence. For the exams were drawing closer and all too soon they would themselves mere days away.