The final exams

                                    

                                          
The days of the N.E.W.T.s stretched on, filled with the tension of exams that would determine the future for Lexi and her classmates. Each day brought a new subject, and Lexi found herself oscillating between determination and anxiety. The atmosphere in Hogwarts was thick with anticipation, but she did her best to focus on each exam as it came.
After the Potions exam, Lexi and Enzo had a brief respite before heading into their next subject: Defense Against the Dark Arts. As they entered the classroom, Lexi noticed Mattheo sitting at the back, his expression serious as he flipped through his notes.
"Are you ready for this one?" Enzo asked, pulling her attention back.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Lexi replied, taking a deep breath. "It's just... a lot to process."
They settled into their seats as Professor Lupin began the lesson, outlining the practical portion of the exam. The students would face various challenges, testing their knowledge and skills against dark creatures and spells. Lexi felt a knot of anxiety form in her stomach at the thought.
As the exam commenced, Lexi tried to keep her focus sharp. She navigated through the various challenges, her heart racing with each encounter. The room was filled with the sounds of spells being cast and the occasional yelp from a student startled by a boggart or a rogue creature.
When it was finally over, Lexi stumbled out into the corridor, her limbs shaking from the adrenaline. Enzo was waiting for her, a wide grin on his face.
"We did it! How was it?" he exclaimed, clearly thrilled.
"I think I passed," Lexi replied, trying to catch her breath. "But it was intense. I'm not sure I'll ever get over that boggart."
Enzo chuckled. "Yeah, those things are no joke. But hey, we're almost through! Just one more day left."
As they walked back to the common room, Lexi felt a sense of relief wash over her. They were nearing the end of the exams, and with each passing day, she felt a little more optimistic about her chances.
The following day brought the final exam: Charms. Lexi entered the classroom with a sense of determination, ready to give it her all. Professor Flitwick's voice was reassuring as he explained the tasks ahead, but Lexi felt her nerves creeping back in.
As she sat at her desk, she caught a glimpse of Mattheo across the room. He was surrounded by his usual entourage, but he seemed more focused than ever, his brow furrowed in concentration. Lexi couldn't help but wonder how he was feeling about the exams and if the pressure was weighing on him as it was on her.
When the exam began, Lexi dove into the practical tasks with gusto, her wand moving with precision as she performed the necessary spells. She felt a surge of confidence as she completed each challenge, her earlier anxieties fading into the background.
Once the exam was over, Lexi and Enzo stepped out into the courtyard, the sun shining brightly overhead. A wave of relief washed over her; they had made it through the N.E.W.T.s.
"Let's celebrate!" Enzo suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "How about a trip to Hogsmeade?"
Lexi grinned, her spirits lifting. "That sounds perfect! We deserve it after all that stress."
As they made their way to Hogsmeade, Lexi couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation. She glanced back at the castle, wondering about Mattheo and how he was dealing with everything. Despite their rocky relationship, she felt a lingering concern for him, a hint of connection that she couldn't quite dismiss.
Once in Hogsmeade, Lexi and Enzo stopped at the Three Broomsticks, where the familiar hustle and bustle of patrons created a warm atmosphere. They ordered Butterbeers and found a cozy table by the window, letting the reality of their accomplishment sink in.
As they chatted and laughed, Lexi felt a sense of normalcy returning, the weight of the exams slowly lifting. But in the back of her mind, thoughts of Mattheo lingered, intertwining with her newfound sense of freedom.
After a while, Enzo leaned in, lowering his voice. "So, what's going on with you and Mattheo? I can't help but notice the tension."
Lexi hesitated, taking a sip of her Butterbeer. "It's complicated. We kissed, and then everything just... spiraled. I don't even know where we stand right now."
Enzo raised an eyebrow. "And you're okay with that? I mean, it sounds like there's still something there."
"I don't know," Lexi admitted, feeling a twinge of frustration. "It's hard to ignore the chemistry, but he's also a total jerk most of the time. I don't want to get hurt."
"Just be careful, Lexi. Emotions are running high, especially after everything," Enzo warned gently. "But if you feel something, it's worth exploring. Just don't forget about your own feelings too."
Lexi nodded, grateful for Enzo's support. As they finished their drinks, a sense of determination filled her. She wanted to figure out what was going on with Mattheo, but she also needed to prioritize her own well-being.
After a few more hours of enjoying Hogsmeade, Lexi and Enzo made their way back to Hogwarts, the sun beginning to set on the horizon. The castle loomed in the distance, a reminder that while their exams were over, there were still challenges ahead.
That night, as Lexi lay in bed, she thought about everything that had transpired during the past few weeks. The exams, her evolving feelings for Mattheo, and the bond she was rebuilding with Enzo—it was all a whirlwind. But amidst the chaos, she felt a glimmer of hope that she could navigate this new chapter of her life.
With determination in her heart, Lexi drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever awaited her in the days to come.