Hogwarts, 7th Year V
December 14th, 1975
Back at Hogwarts, Agnes had been welcomed a hero. Everyone had recevied the news of her victory at the European Duelling Championship, and she was now the most famous student at school. She had had very little time to take a rest, having to catch up with the classes she had missed for the few days she was away, and attending the various parties in her honor organized by her friends and house mates.
The atmosphere before the beginning of the christmas holidays was strangely very nice. Usually, students were bored and impatient to go back home for the break, to enjoy some time with their family and get some rest outside of school. But this year, it seemed like everyone valued their moments at Hogwarts, trying to cherish each conversation, each interaction before they'd say goodbye for a few weeks.
Agnes was going home to the Dunbars. She couldn't wait to get some proper sleep, eat the delicious homemade food prepared by Cosmey, and take some time to read in teh calm library of the house. She hoped it would snow in London. They had not had any snow at Hogwarts yet, maybe there wouldn't be any this winter. In a few days, she would finally take a break from this hectic term, and forget a little bit about how mental the last few days had been for her.
Joshua and Jimmy had dining at the Ravenclaw's table for once, and had asked all kinds of questions to their sister about Belgium and the future championship she would attend. They would show off to anyone who would listen about how Agnes was now a worldwide superstar. She was thanful for their enthusiasm but it was a bit annoying, as they embarassed her in front of her classmates. She assuemd that was what little brothers were supposed to do.
She had been allowed to take a break from duelling pratices, and had only showed up a few times to check on the younger recruits. Snape was now busier than ever, but the young Gilderoy Lockhart had apparently been behaving after their altercation a few weeks prior.
Lying down in her bed, Agnes was looking at the ceiling. She was listening to her dorm mate tell all about her date with Hassan Shafiq (they had drunk a butterbeer at the three broomsticks with a bunch of other kids) and how he had apprently looked at her amorously. Agnes had to admit she'd doubt that her prefect friend had done such thing, given how he did not seem that interested in the female species, quite the opposite. But she kept that thought to herself, not wanting to crush her friend's dreams.
They had dicussed more about their classes before Agnes had decided to go on a walk before curfew. She was not sleepy yet, and needed to wander around and clear her thoughts. She felt so weird, knowing that only a few days ago she was duelling in front of hundreds if not thousands of people, against the best duellist in Europe. And now, here she was, back at school, listening to her friend's one-sided love adventures.
She didn't mind both to be honest. But it was strange, experimenting both in such a short time.
Walking through the corridors, some students were finally done with dinenr and were heading towards their dorm room or trying to wander around lastly before going to sleep. Agnes waved to some younger Ravenclaws she knew and kept walking, not really following any direction in particular. She liked that Hogwarts was always hiding new passages and wonders that she had yet to discover. She was already in her 7th year. In a few months, she would graduate from school at last. How odd, time flew by so fast.
As she walked passed a set of stairs, familiar faces caught her eye.
- Hey Lenoir, still not in bed? Up to something, are you? Smirked James Potter, hurrying down the steps.
- Since everyone's eyes on me, can't really go anywhere to be honest! She admitted.
- We watched your duel from here, you know! And you were all over the Daily Prophet the next morning!
- Love how you slayed that Russian guy, it was spectacular, added Sirius, who was collecting his black curly hair into a ponytail.
- Remus was the most enthusiatic, if I dare say! He couldn't stay in place! James laughed, looking back at his friend who was walking behind them.
- Oh, shut up! said Remus, bumping purposely into the Gryffindor, his cheeks slightly reddened.
- Thanks for the support, boys. It means a lot. Hope you spend good holidays ! Oh, and James, say hi to your mum! Agnes finally answered, before they separated in the crossroad of two corridors.
She had caught the eye of Lupin, and they had shared an understanding look. She wanted him to feel reassured he had nothing to fear, she would not reveal their 'animalistic' secret to anyone. She had been carefully thinking about it often though.
***
December 25th, 1976
It felt good being back. The Dunbar's house had not changed one bit, and the atmosphere was the same. Mr and Mrs Dunbars seemed to have aged a little since the summer, but only an addition of a few white hair could be noted. Joshua and Jimmy were growing up each day, and they were both slightly taller than Agnes now.
Christmas was very nice this year. Everyone had prepared a special gift for one another, and they had even received a few parcels from the Potters, the Crouchs, and even from the Blacks, who had sent an owl to wish proceperous end of year festivities. Agnes thought of Sirius. She knew he had some trouble with his family, and did not get along very well. She did not know the detail, but it seemed he spent most of his time far from them.
She had never really talked to him,and they weren't that close. She had only heard from Remus about his personality and problems at home, but he hadn't elaborated much about it.
Everyone had their issues, huh. Agnes thought of her mum. And then her dad. She knew her and Mr Dunbar still had a lot to talk about, and probably a lot to fight about. But she was away for the most part of the year, and she was about to become an adult, which meant most certainly get her own place move out from the Dunbars. They hadn't discussed the matter yet, but it was only a matter of time now.
The rest of the holidays, Agnes spent her time reading and sleeping, and she wrote to Jeanne too. Apparently, Jean Delacour and his wife were doing great. How brilliant!
Ah, love...
Suddenly, Alexei's face from the championship apperead in Agnes' thought, and she giggled, her face hidden by the book she was reading. How stupid, she thought. But it was exciting, she had to admit.
***
January 7th, 1977
- Happy New Year, Agnes! had said Hassan, while helping a first year with her homework in the common room.
- Happy new year, Hassan! You too, Emily. The young witch answered, smiling to the younger Ravenclaw girl.
The holidays had passed by really fast and it was already time to focus on school again. Mr Dunbar had insisted Agnes passed her N.E.W.Ts and get good results if she wanted to pursue her career in duelling. The World Championship would be in September that year, after her graduation. So she did have plenty of tiem to pass her exams AND prepare for the tournament. But the thrilling feeling of practicing for such a big competition was like an obsession, adn Agnes could not wait to start her training.
Every 7th year were starting to get nervous about the most important tests of their academic life, and some were already spending all their free time in the library, studying.
"My dear Jeanne,
Here, all is well. It feels strange, coming back to Hogwarts for the last time. It is only my second year here, but I feel at home. How is it going at Beauxbatons? I hope you are not feeling too stressed about your exams. I bet the boys aren't. Are Antoine and Pierre still training for the Quidditch Cup this year? Might be a lot for them to handle.
I miss you dearly, and I wish you the best for this term.
Ps: Dumbledore has been busy and we haven't discussed further about my "magic".
I'll keep you updated.
A.L"
Agnes attached the letter to the owl's legs and petted it before the bird departed at once. She had wondered whether to move back to France after her graduation. It had been very nice living in Britain, and although she had promised herself and her friends she'd come back as soon as possible, she had become hesitant about it.
Agnes was growing up. She woul turn 18 in just a few months, and had already so many things to deal with, as a young adult. Plus, the times were not the brightest, with the rise of the leader of the pure-blood fanatics. Throughout his crimes and attacks, he claimed wanting to overthrone the ministry and punish those who were against his beliefs. It sounded really scary. Especially when so many around Agnes were either muggle-born or half-blood.
She had heard Mr Dunbar talk with a man from the ministry during their christmas break. A wizard had visited them late at night, asking something to her father. But they had sort of had a fight, waking up Joshua and Jimmy, which had made the man leave at once. Agnes knew that her father had all sorts of friends and frequented people from diverse backgrounds. Could it be that Mr Dunbar knew one of those death eaters?
Impossible... Not him. Not that she knew him that well yet, but she had heard him talk about muggles in a polite and respectful manner, never looking down on them.
***
June 2nd, 1976
- FINALLY ! I FEEL LIKE I CAN BREATHE AGAIN ! Shouted a Hufflepuff when she left the exam room.
Agnes laughed and nodded, agreeing with her statement. They had just finished their last exam for the N.E.W.Ts. It had been a long a tiring term for them 7th years. Everyone was exhausted and terrified at the idea of failing their last ever test at Hogwarts. Some were confident and had already prepared a celebration party, inviting everyone in their year to gather and enjoy their last few days at school.
She felt confident. Although she might not have the best grades in Potions, she still knew she had passed. Hassan and her had studied together all term, sometimes asking for some help form other students. The ravenclaw were not the only ones studying hard core for once. Indeed, the library had been filled with people from all houses, all 7th years and some 5th years who were working on their O.W.Ls.
It was a rough last few months, but they had finally finished. Agnes would finally focus on her preparation for the world duelling championship, and enjoy her summer with her friends. She had planned to visit the Delacour to meet Jeanne and her family, along with Jean and his wife Apolline.
It was already hot outside, and the month of june was the warmest it had bene in a long time. Students were trying to get some tan on their skin, and everyone dreamt of wandering in the gardens outside, instead of attending classes.
Agnes wanted to check on her 5th year friends. They had also endured the terrible O.W.Ls preparations, and she knew how competitive James and Sirius could be.
When she arrived in the Great Hall for lunch, the marauders were already sitting at the Gryffindor table. They seem to discuss some important matter and Agnes decided to slow her step, in order to see if she should interrupt or not.
- I am telling you, I am not going back there. I'm done. Declared Sirius, his fist firmly resting on the wooden table.
- I don't know what to say, mate. But you must at least try and endure the first weeks. Maybe they'll let you go by themselves? Added James.
- You're still underage. If you go against their will now, it will be your downfall. Remus said, a worried look on his face.
Agnes was so curious to know what they were talking about, but she judged it was not the best time for that, and kept walking until she'd reached Joshua, who was sitting a few meters away with his friends.
- Hey you, how did it go? She asked, putting a hand on her little brother's shoulder
- Brilliant! I hope... That last exam got me really tensed, I hate divination...
- You'll be fine. You just need to pass this one!
Joshua smiled to her and offered some chicken he was eating not so gracefully. She refused politely and waved at him before joining the Ravenclaw table. There, everyone had found their good spirit again, having finally finished to study non-stop, even during meal hours.
They were free, at last!