Scars That Heal (Dramione Fanfiction) [COMPLETE]

47 - Clover Patches

The final weeks of exams were very tough on Hermione. She was still so drained that she was struggling to be anything more than a revision machine, and it was making her irritable and snappy with everyone. A few times she fell out with Ginny for her constant positive outlook in contrast to Hermione's outright panic, but there was always a begrudging apology and a promise to be more reasonable from both.

That being said, tempers were frayed no matter how confident people were. All of her year group were feeling the pressure, and Madam Pomfrey had to start distributing Calming Draughts to all those too caught up in their fear of failure to focus. Hermione was affronted when Draco suggested she picked some up, but then relented when Draco sheepishly pointed out that that was exactly the kind of behavior that showed she needed it. It did help, significantly, and it was precisely what Hermione needed to stay relaxed enough to be efficient in her work.

On the day of the final exam, there was a very different feeling in the air to that of previous examinations. There was more chatter as they waited to be called to their desks, and more cheery 'Good lucks!' whispered to random people. It was realised that they would never have to endure another day like this - this was the end of the line. They had done all they could, and soon they would be released from the weight of their studies. It was nearly over.

Hermione wasn't panicking before exams at this point.; her mind and body were used to the routine, and she could make it to the beginning relatively calmly. Of course there were still some nerves, but most people experience that before exams. It was the almost-panic attacks that were uncommon. As the silence fell and she opened her paper, Hermione felt a certainty she hadn't had in a long time. She could do this. It was nearly over.

It wasn't a particularly hard paper in Hermione's opinion, but it still took her nearly the hour to finish with just enough time at the end to proof-read her answers. As she looked around at her fellow students finishing, there was a restless eagerness to get up and leave. When Professor Clark dismissed them from the Great Hall for the final time, there was immediate conversation.

"You are meant to stay silent until you have left the exam hall!" the Headmistress protested uselessly, but in the end she shook her head and grinned as the happy chatter rose in the air.

As Hermione walked out of the door, she could hear Ginny, Dean and Seamus whooping at the top of their lungs as they walked to their usual spot by the Lake. She grinned at their antics, and when they arrived they all flopped onto the grass and lay down beside the water. Nobody wanted to do anything more than relax.

"They think it's all over... It is now!" Dean crowed, punching the air and nearly hitting Draco. "No more exams - ever!"

"No more revision ever, as well," Luna added.

"We will never be more educated or qualified that this!" Seamus laughed. "This is the least stupid we will ever be."

"Well, I'm going to apply for Ilvermorny to major in Magizoology as a final degree," Luna mumbled, "But for the rest of you, yes."

"Are you really going to go to America?" Ginny asked in wonderment.

"I hope so. I want to spend some more time studying magical plants and creatures before I go out into the field. There isn't a wizarding school in Europe that offers a higher level of qualification than NEWTs or an apprenticeship, which isn't what I want to do, so I have to look over the pond for that." Luna smiled. "And I've always wanted to travel."

"I prefer home comforts," Draco said, "But seeing other parts of the world would be lovely. Just without all the travel and staying in hotel rooms. I'd sort of like to try traveling by commercial airplane instead of Floo or Apparation, as well. I would love to see how the Muggles do it."