Until the exams I started spending more time helping my friends improve in combat. They've reached the point where I need to use more creative defensive spells to fully defend myself now, using transfiguration to create sand and use it to absorb incoming spells is one of the most effective defenses one can come up with but it is incredibly difficult to pull off due to the nature of transfiguration. The reason I do this is for the three of them to become used to dealing with these situations. So that when they meet one of the actually powerful death eaters or even their lord in the future, they will be able to use this experience to fight. They've all made me very proud with the massive progress displayed throughout the year. Even James has started to figure out his own true combat style as he was inspired by my overbearing defensive capabilities. Whilst Christian choses the dynamic approach, utilizing his trained body to minimize on actual defensive spells and focus on attack with clever usage of common or modified charms, jinxes and curses, while throwing some plant magic into the mix. Tory has actually been displaying an excellent bit of magical strength for her age, making me believe she might reach her second magical maturation by 17, as she displays difficult bits of magic to restrict and break down the opponent as she goes for the kill.
Outside of my friends, it seems Harry and Malfoy have seen Quirrellmort feeding on a unicorn and have been quite stricken by the event. I do have an issue with this scenario in general though. So you have Draco Malfoy, heir of his family with most of the board of directors in their hand and the ministers ear, Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lives and rightful heir of house Potter, Neville Longbottom, heir of his family as well and a grandmother on the board of director, and Hermione Granger, most brilliant and dedicated witch of her age, all being sent in the deadliest place at Hogwarts with only one Hagrid and a wimpy dog. My question involving this scenario is, what the hell was Dumbledore thinking allowing this to happen? Hagrid even split them up and let Draco and Harry hunt for something or someone attacking unicorns on their own. How the fuck did he see this one go in his head? I have respect for the man, but this is one of those times where I really doubt the him and question the senility claims.
Can't really do anything. The only way I could have tried to do anything was to stealthily follow them into the Forrest, somehow stay near them without being noticed for extended periods of time while avoiding the creatures living in there, then somehow protect from Voldemort without them seeing me. Much easier to just let shit happen as they should, with the centaurs interfering. I really want to just kill Quirrell, but I'm with Dumbledore on this one, even if his method is mental and way too indirect, because Harry needs help to get over the abuse he's suffered and the confidence will go a long way. He also needs to learn about Voldemort because he will face him and I'm not messing with a confrontation designed by destiny. Nothing has ever ended well when someone tried to mess with true prophecies.
But for now the trio would have no new adventures. Simply because students were feeling the pressure as exams were nearing once again and professors were giving even more homework than before, making many panic at the sudden need to learn everything they were taught during the year in a few weeks.
This was also the busiest time for me at the Exchange. Since I am pretty much the only person that doesn't need to cram like crazy right now, I've been doing my best to help with the limited amount of people who were already confident enough and weren't kicking it into overdrive. But in general, I was focusing on those who came to the Exchange regularly. I wanted to help those who put continuous effort and not just bail out anyone who waited at the last minute whilst goofing off the entire year. I just didn't have the time nor manpower to cram a years worth of knowledge in unwilling brains. The best I could do for them was to give them the study guides I made for people in their situations, so that they can focus on the more important parts of their years curriculum, and at least won't repeat a year.
Now, Hermione during this time is quite a different beast. She insists on trying to learn every detail of what was covered in her classes and in the assigned books like they are holy teachings of the one true god. This coming from someone who probably met the closest things to gods. She's apparently tried to drag her two very unwilling victims here, not that Ronald could get in anymore, but then I simply gave her a copy of the guide so the two can try to pass at least. But I did do what I could to help the girl, focusing on the practical aspect of things since she's done more than enough prepping in the theoretical.
I was also watching the most V-TV i could, since Quirrell would lose his subscription soon and I won't be able to bum off of his account for much longer. I was able to learn way too many Dark Arts from the guy, making me wonder if he even remembered how to preform normal magic. Even his defense for Slytherin's locket was a dark potion, I mean common mate, don't just ditch your foundations. But I did find out that the man didn't find more power from the dark arts, they found an outlet through him. It's a key difference in my opinion. This is why i now believe that although Voldemort is a lot more lethal than Grindelwald, with his philosophy and methods, the latter his more dangerous because he made the dark arts his while retaining his brilliance. The simplest comparison I can think of would be the differences between the Joker and Lex Luthor.
For me, exam season is a breeze, and with Victoria being even better than the top of her game should also have absolutely brilliant results. My two other friends are very specialized thought. They will receive beyond outstanding results in their chosen fields, but can be more average in the other. Thanks to me though, they should be able to get either O or EE in their weaker classes.
What has been interesting during this period is that we've all received notice as a group, not just because of me this time. James, because of his gentle looks, his wavy shoulder length sandy blonde hair, clear blue eyes, calm and peaceful demeanor, coupled with his magnificent displays of spellmenship, future presidency of the Charms club and activities in the Exchange, has been nicknamed the Saint of our group. Christian, because of his always untamed black hair, spirited blue eyes, direct behavior, explosive play style during Quidditch, his extensive knowledge in all things nature and how he handles magical creatures, got to be The Beast. Lastly was Tory, with her striking features, jet-black hair with slight waves hanging around her shoulders, deep green eyes, prideful and noble atmosphere, showing excellence all-around, while also being willing to help others, got to be The Queen. My nickname has been shortened as a result of theirs too, becoming The Raven, after Rowena apparently.
All of my friends have been getting their own group of admirers as they continue to grow in skill and their actions keep speaking for them. Even those who do not like us have had to acknowledge us. In the end, making every house have someone worth admiration in. Hufflepuff has their Saint, Slytherin has their Queen whether they like it or not, Ravenclaw has their Beast, Gryffindor has the-boy-who-lived, and then there is me above them all through sheer skill, intelligence and personal achievements.
The effect of this has been mostly contained to people treating us as a sort of unapproachable group when we are together. It's been funny to watch my friends experience what they've been teasing me about until now. It's been a blast getting some payback. They've complained for some bits, but they also think it's nice that people are recognizing their efforts and results. And by results i mean that each of them have basically been helping students all the way up to sixth year in their favored subjects, whilst I cover everything else.
And know with exams over and done, it was time for the final events of the first year canon to begin. It was time for the trio to challenge the trials. Piss easy for me, but close to deadly for most students somehow.
It was easy to tell when this was happening because I could see all of the actors getting into place on my map. Quirrellmort headed to the room and triggered my notification spell as he began his true attempt of the stone. Some time later I say trio follow along in a hurry. After that, I saw Dumbledore appear in his office and head over as well. As he reached the place Hermione ran out and met him, then he heads in as well. Quirrell's name fades away from the map, indicating that he's died and Voldemort has escaped the man's body, Harry was victorious and the stone remains safe like the story.
As I saw Dumbledore reach the battered boy, I put away my map and leave my dorm, heading to the Infirmary.
'It's time for another chat with Dumbledore.' I thought to myself as I walk.