It's been a couple weeks since my first Occlumency lesson, which hadn't really gone to plan. But since then, I've been getting better at blocking a Legilimens from entering my mind. Though at this time, Occlumency is the least of my worries. I have my N.E.W.T's coming up, which are extremely important to me. I've been studying for most of my free time in order for me to be prepared. And even though they are still 3 months away, I need to be ready.

The day has finally arrived. The day I take my N.E.W.T's. I'm a bit nervous, but I should do well because of all the studying I have done in the previous 3 months.

After Flying class, Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms, DADA, and many other classes, there was only one class left.

Potions.

I was especially excited for potions because I really liked the subject. As soon as everyone was seated, Severus began explaining what we would be doing for our exam.

"Your N.E.W.T's are of great importance. They will determine which occupation you will be able to pursue in the near future. I expect everyone to take this exam seriously. Your exam will cover the entirety of what you have learned throughout your time here at Hogwarts. You may pick up your Quill and fill in your first and last name." Severus waited for everyone to do as he said before continuing,

"Now. You will have 2 hours to complete your exam and 2 hours only. You may begin."

With 10 minutes to spare, I had finished double checking my exam. I then turned it in to Severus, who at the moment was busy reading a book with one leg crossed over the other. He was leaned back in his chair, resting his chin on his hand. I returned to my seat and rested my eyes, thinking about what life would be like after I left Hogwarts.

I snapped out of my thoughts from the sound of a voice,

"Time's up. For those who have not turned in their exam, do so now. You may leave once you have done just that." Severus explained to the class.

I sighed and got up. Lucas was on the other end of the room, so I went over to him.

"Happy that it's all over now?" I asked him.

"Very." He chuckled as we left the room to go to the Common Room.

Today is the day that I return home and the day that I receive my N.E.W.T's scores! I am both excited and nervous to see how I did.

Just after breakfast, we were given a piece of parchment that had our scores listed for each class.

Flying - Outstanding

Transfiguration - Outstanding

- Exceeds Expectations

Charms - Outstanding

Defence Against the Dark Arts -

Outstanding

Astronomy - Exceeds Expectations

Care of Magical Creatures - Exceeds Expectations

Outstanding

"Whoa! I didn't know I did that well!" I exclaimed in a whisper with pure happiness.

"How did you do, (Y/N)?" Lucas asked me with a smile on his face.

"Very well!" I said, handing Lucas the parchment.

His eyes went wide.

"How did you get all O's and E's!? I barely got 2 O's and 3 E's!" He asked, his tone letting me know how surprised he was.

"That's what studying for months gets you!" I chuckled.

As we were about to reach the train, I felt someone tap my shoulder. Turning around, I was met with Severus standing there. We stepped to the side of the crowd and waited for the rest of the people to pass.

"Hey Severus. Here to say goodbye?" I smiled at him.

"Partially, yes. The reason I pulled you aside is because I want to make sure that if anything out of the ordinary happens, you will seek me out for assistance by any means possible." Severus told me.

"Of course, Severus. You're the first person I'd go to if something bad happened." I reassured him.

The train's whistle sounded loudly, causing Severus to speak again,

"Good. Now, I believe you must enter your compartment. I have a compartment of my own to get to as well."

"Right. Well, hopefully I'll see you at King's Cross once more before going home. Goodbye, Severus." I smiled at him before leaving in the direction of my compartment.

Severus gave me a quick smile before walking towards the front of the train. I stepped into the train car and found the compartment Lucas and Alex were sitting in. Upon sitting down with them, we immediately began talking about Quidditch.

°••°°••°°••°°••°°••°

After a couple hours, we arrived at King's Cross. I bid Lucas and Alex farewell and immediately went to look for Severus or either of my parents. Unfortunately, I saw my father wave me over. And being that I couldn't see Severus anywhere, I sighed and ended up walking over to him.

"Hello (Y/N). How does it feel to have graduated from Hogwarts?" My father asked me, mustering a smile that I knew was fake.

"Great. Although, it would be better if I could actually pursue a career in Quidditch rather than be a damned Deat-" "You best hold your tongue. Wouldn't want anyone to overhear you." He told me after clasping a hand over my mouth.

I pushed his hand away and began walking out of the station. He caught up next to me and matched my walking speed. We had made our way outside of the station and to the parking lot and then got in the car.

The drive home couldn't have gone by slower than it already had. But once we got home, I hopped out of the car and grabbed my things from the backseat, as well as Benny, who was currently fussing up in his cage. I made my way inside the house and was met with a semi high-pitched squeal.

"Sissy!"

I looked up as I was setting down my things and saw (B/N) come bounding down the stairs. I knelt down before he got to me and held my arms open for a hug. He crashed into me, almost knocking me over, and then giggled uncontrollably.

"Oh (Y/N), your home! How was the train ride?" I hear my mother ask as she too comes down the stairs.

(B/N) eventually got off of me and ran over to one of his toys that had been left on the floor.

"It was pretty good! I talked with Lucas and Alex for the majority of the trip." I replied as I opened Benny's cage so that he could fly outside a bit.

"That's great! And how is Severus doing?" She asked me.

"He's doing well. He's been a pretty good teacher at Hogwarts." I explained to her.

My father walked in fairly quickly and made a bee-lined for his office.

"I have an urgent last minute meeting to get to. So I'll be off now." He blurted out before coming back out of his office with his briefcase.

Not a second later, 3 people walked out of the living room fireplace.

"Where is (F/N) (L/N)?" One of them says.

They look like Auror's if I'm not mistaken.

"What is going on!?" My mother exclaims as they walk past us and bound towards the first door they see, which is his office.

(B/N) hid behind my mother. He was probably startled by their sudden entry. I heard things get smashed in the room and my mother gasped. We watched as they pulled my father out of the room and immediately pulled up his sleeve.

"What is the meaning of your intrusion!?" My father yelled as he struggled.

"That is our reason!" One man said as he pointed at my father's dark mark with his wand.

I slowly hid my arm behind my back and pretended to be a bit shocked.

"(F/N)!? You're a Death Eater!? But how..." My mother began to break down with tears as they took him back over to the fireplace.

"(F/N) (L/N). I hope you'll find Azkaban welcoming." I hear one of the Auror's say before they disappeared in the flames.

"M-mom.. I need to tell you something.." I say shakily.