"There were several other questions relating to past events that really should be learned in Care of Magical Creatures," said Madam Marchbanks "along with several that ought to be taught in Defence Against the Dark Arts. We chose to weave in questions from those two subjects as they are our biggest problem areas. The results do not look promising."
"So what does all this suggest?" asked Leopold Jones, one of Governors.
"It suggests that too much stock is put into the practical part of the assessment at exam time," replied Madam Marchbanks "Students to not have a solid grasp of the how and why of things, and yet a decent performance during the practical part can cover this up when the overall score is tallied."
"What do you propose our next step to be?" asked Augusta.
"For now we do nothing," said Madam Marchbanks "We are currently putting together another test for Madam Umbridge to administer towards the end of October. This one will be like the last in that it delves slightly into other fields, but this time we will aim to incorporate Charms, Transfiguration and Potions into the mix instead of Defence Against the Dark Arts and Care of Magical Creatures. Once we have the results of that test, we will be able to accurately decide upon our next course of action."
Everyone agreed.
Harry walked back along the corridor towards his quarters. Through the windows on his left, the last rays of the sun could be seen as it vanished behind the mountaintops.
He had been bad.
It had been his full intention to go down to the Great Hall, grab a sandwich and a goblet of pumpkin juice and head straight back to his quarters to carry on with his work.
Things had not worked out that way…
Flashback.
"There you are," said Hannah loudly, upon spotting him.
"He I am," replied Harry as he approached the Hufflepuff table.
"Where have you been all morning?" asked Susan.
"I've been working," replied Harry as he began assembling a corned beef sandwich "I've got all your complaints in little boxes and now I have to spend my Saturday sorting through it all."
"You should take a break Harry," said Ernie.
"Yeah," agreed Justin "you've been running about all week. Take an afternoon off."
"Sorry, can't," replied Harry before taking a bite out of his sandwich. He swallowed it, downed half a goblet of pumpkin juice and then said "Well, gotta go!"
"Wait!" exclaimed Hannah as she stood up and grabbed him by the arm.
"What?" asked Harry in mock exasperation.
"Come outside with us." said Hannah.
Harry shook his head "No can do, I'm afraid. I've got lots to be getting on with."
"Oh, come on Harry," said Megan "Join us outside."
"Yeah, come on," said Susan as she stood up and picked up her plate which contained a tuna salad sandwich "we'll take our food outside and eat it down by the lake."
"Sounds wonderful, but I really can't," replied Harry.
"You know, Harry," said Ernie "this could be one of the last sunny Saturdays of the year, especially as we are up in Scotland, and you're going to waste it sitting inside?"
"I'm wasting anything," said Harry "I'm trying to help make the Hogwarts experience better for everyone."
"You could make it better for us by joining us for the afternoon," said Lilith.
Harry opened his mouth to argue, but words wouldn't come out. He had eight Hufflepuffs all looking at him, their faces begging him to join them.
In the end he relented, saying "Fine, but only for an hour. I really do need to get my work done."
The group of Hufflepuffs cheered and Susan and Hannah dragged him out into the sunlight.
End Flashback.
Harry had truthfully only meant to stay for the hour. However, sitting there in the sun, watching the water on the surface of the lake ripping in the cool-yet-pleasant breeze and just hanging out with Susan, Hannah, Ernie, Justin, Megan, Lilith, Sally-Anne and Wayne had caused one hour to turn into two.
Then they had been joined by a couple of older Hufflepuffs, the Sixth Year Prefects Eric Summerby and Heidi Macavoy and their friends Leanne Simmons, Eloise Midgen, Timothy Stebbins and Herbert Fleet. Shortly after that they had been joined by a few sixth year Gryffindors, including Katie Bell, Kiera Wood (Oliver's younger cousin), Jack Sloper, Andrew Kirke and the two prefects Bianca Dunstan and Geoffrey Hooper.
Four hours had now gone.
.....
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