✧OWLS PT.2✧

❦❦❦|♕♕♕

◊━━━━━✥━━━━━◊

***

"I can't leave her that fired up."
"And you're gonna get the same reaction Snape got the way you're headed mate, let her check on her friend. Calm down, and she'll talk to you later." Rabastan groaned at his mate's attempt in bringing him to stop running after him, not that he cared what it looked like...

***

What he was more concerned about was Aria.

"She makes it sound like we were awful." Avery joked, but McNair saw how Rabastan hadn't even given him the obvious glare. Instead he was now curling his fist in an attempt to stop.

"Awful?...Awful?! God sakes mate, the shit she's told me that we did makes me bloody sick. Because that's what I've done to her." Avery rolled his eyes, the bird had probably overexaggerated, and when he was about to suggest that Rabastan beat him to it.

"Don't. Because you haven't a clue as to what—"
"Mate, Merlin I've been telling you both that your chits have been making you soft, Roswell could certainly hold her own again Snape. And we were not much different than that." Rabastan couldn't hold his tounge, he simply couldn't do it, not when. It was so prudent for Avery to understand.

"Soft? And her suicide attempt? What was that meant to be taken as?"
"S-suicide? She's never—"
"I saw the cuts on her wrist Avery, that shite doesn't just appear! All because I've called her a freak, a mudblood and whole long list of other names right alongside worthless." Rabastan decided he too needed a break from the crowds, after spending so much time with Aria he was starting to get the sense that seclusion and aloneness were easier to deal with than the constant need to be perfect and attentive to everyone.

And thus he walked out, but not before his mates saw how teary-eyed he'd turn over it.

Aria had indeed gone and seen Lily, but the girl didn't want any sort of company. And it was clear that the affiliation she has with, it didn't bode well in terms of being all that comforting. Leaving Aria to find another place to settle her mind at, and thus she returned to her tiny little storage room to brew.

And brew.

And brew, until it was Onyx's reminder that she had promised a treat at dinner time. Meaning that was indeed dinnertime and she desperately needed to eat something, especially if she going to manage to study later that night.

The potion's OWLS were tomorrow morning, and goddess rest her soul if her bruised—and now burned hands were going to stop her from getting a solid score from tomorrow's examination and practical.

Rabastan was surprised in seeing her at dinner, and even more surprised to see that she had wrapped her hands in bandages. Which could only mean that she had been brewing.

But a small smile graced her expression, all in record of being an attempted sorry to him. As it was wrong to continuously bring it up over and over again.

Rabastan nor his mates hadn't said a word since they sat at dinner, it was such a heavy douse of reality on Avery's behalf. It wasn't unheard of in his mind of course, but he couldn't really see anyone in the student body who would go to such levels to commit to self-harm.

Which checked another box Aria was trying to get Rabastan to understand, none of them had a care in the world about anyone but themselves. They didn't think of the consequences of their actions or what it might entail for the victim.

It struck a nerve in Avery, and guilt wasn't something he was used to feeling. And so when Regulus joined them, slightly late as he had been chatting with his crush—He realized that the air was monumentally thick.

"Have only a few more to go...Nothing to get yourselves worried about, worst is over." At first none of them understood what Black had been talking about, but McNair had only offered a small nod before taking another sip out of his glass.

Nobody showing signs of having an appetite.

"Which one you got tomorrow then?" He offered, more so in hopes that they'd start up a conversation. As the quietness was starting to dwell rather thick.

"Potions." McNair offered the little Black heir an answer before itching the cuff of his uniform.

"Ah...Well Ari's always told me that if it feels right you should go with your first instinct. It's better to that you didn't change it than going with the wrong answer when you had it correct before—Or something like that, she says it much better." Regulus said, a small smile on his face as he thought to how hopeless he felt in potions until Aria turned it around.

But that just made Avery even guiltier than before, because it was clear Regulus hadn't a clue. That half the bloody population hadn't a clue about it, and why would they? People usually didn't know each and everything about a person's life besides their life at Hogwarts.

When dinner was finished, Rabastan had stood up close to instantly and hurried to catch up with Aria before she found herself protected by the Ravenclaw common room.

"Aria."

"Rabastan, I love you...But I'm already having a hard enough time thinking about tomorrow." He hadn't rightly planned in what he was going to say, he hoped she would have calmed down by now but it was clear he hadn't.

It was clear that Aria was just as much of a stressful mess as she was before, and so he nodded before reaching out to hold up her hands.

"What happened here then?"
"I burned myself...I haven't burned myself since Salem. I already had to ask Professor McGoangall if I could wear gloves for the practical." He sighed, realizing that her having burns looked unprofessional and nodded once again in defeat that he wouldn't get more than that for tonight.

So he leaned forward and placed a kiss to her temple. "If I don't see you before the exam tomorrow love, this is a reminder that you're going to be fine." Offering a smile she rose up to her tippy toes and offered a quick kiss in a sense of thank you, before heading off to bed.

The entire fifth-year class was dreading the count down to eight, especially when Dumbledore dismissed the rest of the student body from the room and summoned the individual desks that they had been in for the last few examinations.

Aria had to work diligently, one of her worst habits was adding unnecessary information and that ran the clock for her to rush in later. But she was fluent in timing out after looking at the questions and coming back to the shorter ones later, almost plotting out what she was going to write while tackling another.

This method worked wonders as she finished, and the multiple-choice section had been nothing a Salem graduate couldn't accomplish. Aria almost felt bad for those around her, but she's worked too hard and spent many sleepless nights for this specific exam that the rest of her nausea was now focused on the practical.

After the first half, the students were directed to wait about ten minutes for returning. Seeing as the proctors had given each student their own station to brew, and Aria smiled down to her station and familiarized herself with the tools provided before hearing what needed to be said.

Aria had suddenly felt herself dive into autopilot, a smile graced her face a few times here and there, especially when she was managing eight things at once.

"Why did you cut it like that?" The proctor asked, and Aria turned over her shoulder for a moment and nodded. Explaining to the elder that the tinnier the slice, the quicker it would soak. Sure he was impressed by the witch's explanation, but it was the belt attached to her hip that caught his attention.

So much so that he returned to the front of the room and spoke with a colleague before going to McGonagall herself.

For one reason or another, Aria felt heavily disappointed in herself. A proctor had asked her a question and she did nothing more to elaborate it, surely he could understand that the testing environment was stressful?

Or was he getting a better look at her hands? The gloves made it partially difficult to move about in the beginning but by the end it was fine.

Did he think her work was sloppy?

That is what she thought of as she continued on her way towards Ghost, the fellow was sure to give her some sort of smile. But of course Rabastan had beat her there first, no he hadn't been there in person. But he had a bow wrapped around Ghost's neck with what she could only assume to be a small note.

"Are you dolled up just for me boy?" She teased, but the Hippogriff looked fairly unnerved with something around his neck, even though she could see that Rabastan had tied it very loosely.

"Are you sure you want it off? I think it's a rather charming look on you." She smiled, and whether or not the fellow understood her or not. There was the slight moment that Aria always thought an animal could indeed make out what a person was saying, and that hesitation was found now as Ghost looked as though he was thinking over his decision.

Before ultimately Aria pulled the silk bow away, causing a playful caw to escape Ghost, as he ultimately wanted to chasing the said ribbon.

Not finding any fault in it, she plucked the note from Rabastan away and charmed the ribbon to fly about the pen. Which was a massive hit on Ghosts behalf until he finally caught it in his beak and returned it to Aria for another round.

____________

I hope you're not sulking about not giving it your all, if anyone in the class is destined to get an O it's you love...I tried to place a gift on the bow but Ghost wasn't too fond of the idea.

You'll find it on the fence.

Join me for dinner?

-Raba

______________

Aria hadn't a clue how Rabastan managed to do this when she came here straight away. However he had done it, she had missed the small gift bag by the shed and she smiled, why was it that he continued to give gifts when she explicitly said no gifts.

Having given in for a final birthday gift was a mistake, and so she moved aside the tissue paper and smiled in seeing a delicate-looking keepsake box.

The fine metal was creating vines, almost in exact replica to the one on her tattoos. But the sheer pearl-like glass panels made her feel tremendously guilty, how much could this have costed him?!

Popping open the box, there rested a pair of beautiful earrings. Ones that hang similar to the ones Regulus had gifted her last year, so perhaps it was just as popular in the wizarding world here than in America.

Taking them out of the box she smiled, letting the diamonds in them sparkle in the sunlight as she couldn't believe that they could be real.

Ghost had grown in interest, or because he had caught the ribbon once again for Aria to re-enchant. But instead she leaned her head into his side and just stared to the gift, it was one thing to shower a friend or loved one with gifts...So why couldn't it just be normalize in Aria's mind now.

Surely she had received gifts as a child prior to the Fountain of Angels, or had she?

With the potion exam out of the way it left one remaining, then it was the seventh years who would still need a few more classes to get out of the way because the week would end.

It was hard to believe that come Friday, she'd be on the train off towards Clem's manor for a small bit. Perhaps she could make plans with Rabastan if it wasn't damning to his image or her fear in protecting herself from his society.

However her thoughts were soon stilled as a familiar owl had started to desend from the sky and perch itself before her with a parcel in it's beak.

What did Professor McGongal possibly want?

Not that she had much of a choice in the matter did she take the parchment and see the demand that she head to the deputy mistress' office.

Her head hung down, tears threatening to come down. "I botched it Ghost, didn't I?" Perhaps she could simply take the OWLS off in America and forget about Hogwarts in it's entirety.

Taking hold of the gift bag did she turn to give Ghost one last rub before enchanting the bow once again, before turning off back to the castle.

Luckily the Transfiguration room wasn't too far from where she is now, it was simply the treck up the hill that proved to be difficult. "Ah Ari, I just missed you didn't I?" Rabastan called out, and although she offered a small smile—His triumphed as he greeted her with an exciting kiss.

"Did you like them? Mum thought you'd like the er box it comes in. I'm not really sure what they're called."
"It's gorgeous, thank you...And tell your mum I said thank you for the keepsake's box." Her voice was dripping with nerves, causing him to frown. Surely she should feel some relief that the hardest is over, no?

But then again, potions weren't that big of an issue for his future career.

While it was Aria's entire livelihood.

"Where are you headed? I thought we could spend the day with Ghost up until dinner...I-if you're up for it?" Seeing him in fear of refusal away shook Aria to her core, and although it did sound tempting. The parcel sounded urgent.

"Professor McGonagall just sent an owl, I need to go to her office."
"Ah, we'll then I'll walk you there and wait with Ghost for you to return." It sounded like a plan, a brilliant plan. But Aria couldn't stomach anything other than what possible reason as to why her professor was calling her.

She wasn't her head of house, and if it was something that involved the Crawfords then surely Dumbledore would be the one to call on her.

"Everything will be just fine kitten, you worry too much." He said, giving an encouraging kiss on her cheek before nudging her to move forward. But she was stuck in place, horrified of what could possibly be waiting behind that door.

So Rabastan had done the unthinkable, he knocked for her. Leaving her with no time to prepare.

It surely earned him a swat, but she found herself composed while Rabastan hurried out of the classroom as it sounded as this was something that needed privacy.

Minerva McGonagall was known by most students as fun but firm, but right now she couldn't believe the happy smile that graced her face as she pulled Aria into the room.

And at first a surge of happiness came upon her, was it Eli? Was he here to finally tell her that she's been adopted?

No. Unfortunately not.

Instead the proctor who had questioned her during her examination stood by the fireplace with a permanent smile etched on his face.

She hadn't really identified him or what his name was, but she offered an unsure smile to the elder fellow before turning to her professor.

"Ms.Roswell, this is Mr.Otto Hanson. He is on the council for Darthmont Academy." Aria blinked, sort of taken back by someone so important in the potion world to have taken the time to proctor for a Hogwarts exam...But now he was standing in McGonagall's study, for what?

"Hello sir, it's nice to be properly introduced."
"Merlin, my colleagues think me mad. But after seeing how you cut the Beatle, and to top it all off your protection to your burns. Well done." That hadn't aided Aria all that much to know what she was doing here, or not until her professor wrapper an arm around her student's shoulder to let her sit down with a cup of tea.

"Mr.Hanson is offering an opportunity for you to have an apprenticeship."
"Yes I most certainly am, an apprenticeship, perhaps you can sit in on a few classes now that you have OWLS behind you. I haven't seen anyone with your capabilities for decades, and to hear that you've been brewing here for the school?" Aria's mouth ran dry, was he offering an apprenticeship?

At an accredited academy?

"Sir..."
"As I was getting at Mr.Hanson, Ms.Roswell has a unique living situation." Her professor had taken the opportunity to pour her cup of tea and settle down beside her while Hanson sat across the ways.

"That's putting it kindly professor, but I've already been accepted for an internship in the states for this summer. I'm sorry sir but I've already made a commitment."
"Bloody shame if you ask me, but Minerva had mentioned that you might have something this summer and in the states!" Aria could feel the disappointment, and she felt rather saddened to so quickly dismiss Mr.Hanson's offer.

"But I am staying with a friend in the country for a few weeks, just because I wouldn't be seeing her until the semester starts. When do your apprenticeship usually run for sir?" Otto surely commended her for being committed to one to betray them, however being stationed in two separate countries caused for the chance to work with both without having one being angry.

"We have classes and labs year round, whatever works for you...I can certainly set up a meeting with your parents." Her mouth parted for a moment and she shook her head.
"My guardian in America is still active with his semester at Salem...But I'll owl them, they already know that I'll be over the Bennent's so they aren't expecting me to come home...And I'm sure Clemintine's parents won't mind...?" She phrased the last bit as a question, but surely what were they going to say?

They adored Aria for her academic status and wouldn't be put off in any way, and Clem could surely understand...Wouldn't she? Or would she be offended?

"If that is a problem Ms.Roswell, I am sure another family would be happy to house you for a time being."
"The facility also offers housing if there is an issue, I want you to work with Darth Academy Ms.Roswell, whatever technicalities are met we can surely fix them when the time comes. I'm eager to get started, and don't worry about your OWLS darling. I've heard you racked up quite the amount of O's." Aria had begun to tear up, she hadn't meant to be so emotional but here she was as she nodded and thanked him.

Thanked him for the opportunity and thanked him for understanding, and thus...Mr.Otto Hanson had left the two witches to discuss the details and draft a parcel for both the Crawfords and one that would be sent to the Bennent's. And if not them then the Scamander's would surely take Aria if she needed, they basically said as much in previous holidays.

Aria had stayed with McGonagall for another few moments, trying to sort out her emotions and excitement but it was difficult. She hadn't been at all prepared for such a surprise, and a good one at that.

She no longer felt disappoint in not hearing that it was the ministry was starting to work with Eli's lawyers. But this was just as good!

However what she failed to realize was that perhaps she should've cleared her happy tears before returning to Ghost's pen as it sent Rabastan in a frenzy.

Aria had tried to offer a bright smile but he tackled her with a hug, ending with her being slammed against his chest with his own stress. "Merlin Ari, I was starting to get worried. What is it love? Tell me...Gods tell me." His hand started to run through her hair in an attempt to comfort her, but she pulled away to show off her smile.

"I was offered an apprenticeship by the test proctor that came up to me during the practical. I told him I was staying with a friend and he said I'd be able to do that. Isn't it grand?! I'm so excited!" Rabastan had been taken off guard, he couldn't have predicted this either. Sure he caught that a proctor was walking around but he hadn't known he stopped to talk to her. It was such a different mood and with History of Magic being the last exam—Neither were worried on that end.

The warm weather and delightful company was such a change from these past week and a half that she almost fell asleep resting on Rabastan's chest but he decided that they should head off to the classroom.

"I should tell Clem soon, or maybe after tomorrow? She's probably worried about cramming for the Trolls portion of the exam." Rabastan was slightly selfish to keep her for himself, but a celebratory shag is what left her a state of bliss and almost like a final 'good luck' between the two.

Yet laying in the nude the next morning with two hours remaining for the test was ultimately difficult for Rabastan or Aria to get up from the combined warmth.

Aria had been asleep, it was Rabastan who was soaking up this feeling.

She seemed so happy about the summer that he didn't want to ruin it and leave it at such a low note, so he continued to shower her with kisses and tried to defuse his own selfishness and wrangle up a smile.

It wasn't hard, not when she woke up with a satisfied grin and returned a kiss.

◇──◇────◇────◇──◇

Date Posted: 05-31-2020

Time: 11:02

Words: 3698