"What are N.E.W.T.s?"
Harry's confusion was obvious. Despite nearly three years at Hogwarts, there were still gaps in his understanding. He hadn't grown up in the wizarding world like Ron, nor did he bury himself in books the way Hermione did.
"They're the final exams seventh-years take before graduating," Hermione explained quickly. "Percy's been obsessed with them. He says they decide everything. Whether you get into the Ministry depends on how well you do."
Harry frowned. "But Rowan's only in second year. Why would he take a seventh-year exam?"
All three of them turned to Rowan at once. Hermione leaned so close she was practically hovering.
Rowan closed his book. "Because I've applied for early graduation. Dumbledore approved it."
The reaction was immediate.
"Early graduation?!"
Their voices echoed through the library, earning several sharp looks. Rowan nodded calmly.
"I've learned everything Hogwarts can offer me. Staying longer wouldn't help. I want real experience. The Ministry is the next step."
The three of them went quiet.
If anyone else had said that, it would have sounded arrogant. Coming from Rowan, it felt inevitable.
"So… we won't see you anymore?" Hermione asked softly. There was something fragile in her expression, as if a small, newly lit flame were already flickering.
"I'm graduating, not disappearing," Rowan said lightly. "We'll still see each other during holidays."
He paused, then added, "Have there been any signs of Sirius Black lately?"
Harry's jaw tightened instantly. "Nothing. That bastard's vanished."
"I've been working on a new tracking spell," Rowan said, as if mentioning homework. "It might work. After the exams, we can test it."
Harry's eyes lit up. "You mean we could actually find him?"
"Possibly," Rowan said. "It's not finished yet."
The next morning, the Great Hall buzzed as usual.
"Rowan, aren't you late?" a second-year Slytherin asked as they stood to leave for class. "Lessons are starting."
"You go ahead," Rowan replied, finishing his pumpkin porridge. "I've got an exam."
"An exam?" another student asked. "Finals aren't for another week."
"Close enough," Rowan said, standing and walking toward the seventh-year tables.
The N.E.W.T.s were scheduled earlier than standard exams. Ministry officials were present alongside Hogwarts staff.
A seventh-year Slytherin prefect stared at him in disbelief. "If Professor Snape hadn't told us this morning, I wouldn't have believed it. You're really sitting the N.E.W.T.s with us?"
"Yes."
As Rowan left with the seventh-years, the Great Hall erupted.
He was taking the N.E.W.T.s. To graduate early.
The news spread through the castle within hours. Bets were placed. Arguments flared. Some said he'd pass everything. Others insisted at least one subject would break him.
Rowan didn't care. The larger the spectacle, the better the result would land.
Three days later, when Rowan stepped out of the final examination room, students were already waiting. Hermione, Harry, Ginny, Slytherins from his year, and more than a few curious onlookers.
If he succeeded, Rowan Mercer would become the youngest graduate in Hogwarts history.
"Looks fine," Rowan said, flashing an easy gesture of reassurance.
Smiles broke out immediately.
Once the crowd thinned, Harry pulled him aside. "Is the tracking spell ready?"
Rowan nodded. "Good enough to try."
Four rune-inscribed cards rose into the air, settling into a precise formation. A circular array formed beneath them, humming softly.
This wasn't wizarding magic.
Moments later, Rowan's gaze sharpened. "Got him. Near the Whomping Willow."
Harry's breath caught.
"He's trying to leave the grounds," Rowan continued. "Go get a professor. I'll slow him down."
Before they could respond, Rowan unfurled his wings and vanished toward the trees.