The next few weeks seemed to rush by and before Harry knew it, March was turning into April and the older year Ravenclaws seemed to go mental. They wrote out study and exam timetables and Harry was practically hogtied to a chair and forced to sit through Maria's speech on proper preparation for tests.
It had become common knowledge that Harry was gifted and, at first, his fellow Ravenclaws had been hostile about this fact, but they had quickly stopped when they saw he was willing to help them.
The rumours that he was a prodigy had Harry wanting to laugh; he was only considered such as he had already done all of the lessons. In truth, during his last life, Harry thought himself to be an average student.
Yes, his Defence work had been strong but, other than that, he had been level with the rest of this group. Although, when he thought about it, without the blocks Harry did have a large amount of knowledge to draw from, yet that only helped him so much.
He would never be a Potions master; he simply didn't have the intrinsic skill in brewing or the patience for long term brews. Nor would he ever be great at Herbology, he didn't have the touch. The same could be said about Divination, Harry simply lacked the ability. Yes, he could give endless facts and spout obscure knowledge, but he would never master the subjects.
Since his talk with Flitwick, the part goblin had made sure to check in on Harry during his biweekly stops in the common room. Harry had noticed how he seemed to now watch the headmaster more, with looks of consideration on his face. Harry barely stopped himself from cackling the first time he had noticed this during dinner.
Harry had also finally gotten around to having his checkup with Pomfrey and was happy to have his potions reduced to three times a week for his bones and every other day for his weight. His scar ointment was still being used daily, but they had faded considerably and would probably only need to be used for another three months or so; not all of his scars would fade, but Harry was pleased to note that they would be faint.
After being released from the speech about preparations, Harry made his way to lunch.
"Are you prepared for the exams, Harry?" asked Terry. He had taken to hanging around Harry and his friends more.
"What are you asking about exams for? They're ages away!" came Ron's distinctive voice as he appeared. He had been trying to worm his way into their group and had taken to just appearing and inserting himself into conversations.
Terry looked aghast. "They're not! We only have a few more weeks!"
"Whatever. Like Harry needs to worry about stupid exams being who he is," Ron said arrogantly, making Harry wince and the group stare at the redhead.
"What's that supposed to mean?" piped up Hannah, who had joined them along with Susan. Usually the girls would just ignore Ron, especially as he had taken to going on about the faults of the other houses compared to Gryffindor - they really were proud 'Puffs.
"Well, it's obvious: he's the Boy-Who-Lived. Why should he worry about exams? Heroes don't need tests."
Harry rolled his eyes at his friends. "Listen Ronald, I do not care about any silly titles. Exams are important," he said slowly.
Ron huffed, "I don't understand why you're being like this, Harry. Over Christmas I thought I had gotten you to understand."
"Understand what?"
"That you are destined for greater things. You're a hero!" Ron said.
Harry snorted. "I'm no hero," he said decisively.
"But what about the three headed dog? You were so close to uncovering a mystery - to being a hero!" Ron whined.
"What three headed dog, Harry?" Susan asked.
Harry thought for a moment and had a moment of brilliance. "There's a Cerberus on the 3rd floor," he said.
"A-a Cerberus?" she squeaked.
"Really? They're very rare! An XXXX level beast…" Terry, extremely excited by the prospect, began to recite facts about them.
"You saw it?" Susan asked after she had calmed down.
"Yeah. During Christmas I accidently wandered to the third floor when I wasn't paying attention; I just walked right into the room with it," Harry said.
"Wait. There's no protections or wards stopping people from going near it?" Susan asked quickly.
Harry, glad that she had picked some traits from her aunt, replied, "No, nothing. I was shocked. I wonder what Dumbledore's up to - keeping such a dangerous beast in a school with children? With no protections stopping them from stumbling into it? It's all very strange."
Susan's eyes had narrowed. "I agree. I think my aunt would as well," she mumbled.
"What the hell, Harry?! How dare you question Dumbledore?! He's the greatest wizard since Merlin!" Ron shouted.
"I was just wondering what he was thinking not even warding the door against entry," Harry said.
"I can't believe you!" Ron screamed. "You're supposed to be a hero! Not questioning Dumbledore like some dark wizard!"
"How does me thinking the headmaster made a mistake make me a dark wizard?" Harry asked.
"If it does, then I must be a dark witch," Susan said, standing next to Harry and glaring at Ron.
"Me too," said Hannah.
....
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