Exams Are Always Rough

He did return the next day. The following morning he had another 6 exams. OWLs in Potions, Divination, and Muggle Studies and NEWTs in Charms, Transfigurations, and DADA.

By lunchtime he was finished with the theory parts so he had a break and went for lunch. As soon as he sat down he recognized someone else who just came in to eat. He'd recognize that head of colourful hair anywhere. Quinn was about to call out to her until he realized that she didn't know him as Quinn. So he remained quiet but to his surprise she came to sit with him. "Wotcher? School kids like you aren't usually seen at the ministry."

She really didn't have much in the way of subtlety, but he didn't mind and gave her a sweet smile. "I'm taking my exams today so I don't have to redo classes at Hogwarts" He showed her his hand "I'm Quirrell, Quinn Quirrell." Her eyes widened.

"I thought I recognized you! You look just like my old teacher Quirinus Quirrell!" He nodded "My brother." Then she gave him a cheeky grin. "The brother of a former teacher has to retake his OWLs?" Quinn blinked at her in confusion until he understood her misunderstanding and laughed.

"No no no. I'm transferring from a private tutor to the fifth year at Hogwarts. But I'm going to take my OWLs and NEWTs in some subjects before I go." That stumped her and shut her up so he could finish his meal. He stood up and broke her out of her stupor. "Well this has been nice but I must get back to my exams. Nice meeting you..I'm guessing Miss Tonks right?" She raised an eyebrow but nodded. He waved her suspicions off "My brother mentioned you a few times. Let's say you stand out from a crowd for several reasons." He gave her a smile and then left to finish his exams.

Once again he was just asked to perform whatever feat he thought they should judge him based on. For Transfigurations he performed human Transfigurations and transformed his features into a copy of the main examiner's, much to the joy of the others in the room. Especially since he slowly but noticeably made his nose a bit bigger each second. He wasn't as amused but at least a bit impressed. Next he picked up a rag from the counter, conjured some thread and needle, charmed them into sewing it into a small pouch, and finally placed a nearly undetectable extension charm on it.

For his defence against the dark Arts he used a spell he learnt from Voldemort to counter werewolves and make them harmless. He transformed a table into a human sized doll and animated it. Then he used the spell "Carcero Argentum." Quickly, spikes of silver impaled the arms and chest but making sure not to actually break bones or snap muscles. The spikes then nailed the doll to the ground and six loops of silver were formed and dug into the ground. They were around the doll's neck, wrists, ankles, and just above the waist. The silver loops were thick and stuck in place.

The examiners started mumbling about the spell. It wasn't a known one after all. Then he went on to create a suitable potion and performed ceromancy, the art of telling the future through stale candle wax.

Once again he was told to wait outside for his results but they were even quicker this time to give him his slip. 5 Os and an EE again. Apparently you can't get an O in divination without the 'inner eye' activated. Wish they had told people that when they choose their electives. Very few can activate an inner eye, and it's in their blood not their effort.

He would come back tomorrow again to finish the last of his exams so the morning after he reached the ministry tired as all hell. The last few days had taken a lot out of him. Sure, he knew the material, but the exhaustion of exams really got to him last night.

He showed up clearly weakened and was glad that he had already performed the wand based practical exams.

Six hours later, a ruined man showed up at the cafeteria and sat down to eat his meal. Suddenly someone exclaimed next to him. "Hi again! Didn't think you'd be back."

He looked up and noticed it was Tonks. He let her sit down next to him and said with a dull and cold voice "I have spent over 18 hours the last three days just writing the theory parts of my exams. Do you think I wish I was here?"

She shuddered for effect "Wow that's rough! The worst I've been through is at Hogwarts for my NEWTs, and yet for me that was just a bit less than nine hours spread over three weeks' time." Quinn nodded without much emotion as he shoved his food in his face. Then he glanced at the girl who clearly tried to find a topic of conversation and he felt bad for snubbing her. Maybe a little joke would get her talking again. Quinn much preferred it when she talked.

He wiped his mouth and formed a small grin. "At Least after I pass my Potions Newt today I won't have to put up with little mister batman in his cave." He didn't have to wait long for a response as she spat her milk back into her glass out of laughter. Not the most appetizing thing to see but hey, a smile on a pretty girl is worth a lot. Her hair turned an even brighter pink.

"I can definitely see the benefit of getting judged here then yeah. Wish I had thought of that." He put his utensils away and leaned back on his chair, putting his arms behind his head. "Well not everyone can be this good you know?" She chuckled a little. "Yeah yeah. I hope you enjoy your time at Hogwarts. Since you won't have many classes, you should have time for all sorts of..extra curricular activities." She gave him an obvious wink.

He shrugged with a grin. "I'm going to be a prefect. I've heard that there are some rather fun things going on in that group and I intend to make the most of it!" She laughed "I was made prefect one year as well, lost it in my sixth year of course, but I'm still-" she put her hand on her mouth so as not to let out a secret. "Ahh, almost got me there. I'm not saying any more."

The rest of her meal they spent talking about what she recommended at Hogwarts, the best places to be alone, the best places to be alone with company etc. Etc. Soon it was time for him to go and complete his final exams.

A/N: If you wonder why I updated. Then it was just just slightly change the practical exams.