Chapter 186: Final Exam
As first-year students, the most nerve-wracking part was that their practical exams—and some written ones—were postponed to the second week of June.
Currently at Hogwarts, only the first years were still required to take exams. Among all subjects, the Astronomy and History of Magic exams were undoubtedly the most boring. In this already muggy summer weather, everyone had to sit still in a classroom, answering questions, with no hands-on activities.
Luckily, aside from History of Magic, the written exams had already been completed.
In contrast, the Herbology exam was the most enjoyable. Almost entirely practical, it was conducted in the half-open greenhouses, where a cool breeze blew in and kept things comfortable. The only downside was how time-consuming it was—students had to complete their work one by one in front of the teacher.
Thankfully, Defense Against the Dark Arts this year only required a verbal Q&A.
In previous years, the exam usually involved a practical duel or demonstration, but no one complained about the change. After all, who would want to be stuck alone in a small exam room with Professor Quirrell? Especially with the rumors going around...
Most students believed Quirrell was afraid of being knocked down by Harry Potter again and ending up in the hospital wing.
Everyone knew the Defense Against the Dark Arts position was supposedly cursed by Voldemort, and with the end of the year approaching, it wasn't surprising that Professor Quirrell had become extra cautious.
In Charms, the practical exam required students to use a spell to make a pineapple tap dance across a desk.
Ryan was waiting outside the classroom as Seamus Finnigan—his classmate from Gryffindor—entered for his turn. Moments later, the lively music abruptly stopped, followed by a loud bang. Sticky pineapple juice sprayed through the doorway, splashing over Ryan's head and landing squarely in Ron's open mouth as he yawned.
"Cough! Tastes pretty good," Ron said, surprised.
A minute later, Seamus stumbled out—his face completely blackened, hair frizzed into a massive afro. He held the remains of a charred pineapple awkwardly in his hands.
After passing the Charms exam without incident, the next day brought the Transfiguration exam.
Unlike Charms, this one was conducted in a single session, grouped by House. The task was to turn a mouse into a snuff box. The more detailed and elegant the box, the higher the score. However, if any part of the mouse remained—such as whiskers—points were deducted.
Most Ravenclaws performed well, but Ron's result was... complicated. His box was beautifully crafted and free of whiskers—except for two blinking black "stones" embedded on the lid.
He insisted they were decorations, but Professor McGonagall pointed out that stone shouldn't blink.
That afternoon was the Potions practical exam, conducted in the same group format as Transfiguration. The task: brew a Forgetfulness Potion.
While you'd expect Ravenclaws to breeze through this, Potions was less about knowledge and more about composure.
As students worked feverishly to recall steps, Professor Snape silently prowled the aisles, his cold gaze drilling into their backs. Occasionally, he'd pause directly behind someone, exhaling sharply through his nose—just enough to tickle the back of their necks.
Surprisingly, Neville Longbottom didn't mess up. Unlike the original timeline, he was far more confident now.
The one who made a major error? Ron Weasley.
While Ron often aced potions during class (thanks to Harry's help), the exams required solo work. Ron had never practiced brewing on his own. Most students didn't—outside of class, brewing potions privately was rare, even for Ravenclaws.
Neville, by contrast, had grown used to taking the lead during class.
As for Ron, he was usually Harry's assistant—handling ingredients and prep, not actual brewing.
So, his mistake during the exam was unexpected, yet understandable.
The third day brought the Flying exam.
As expected, Harry was exempt and received full marks due to his Quidditch accomplishments.
Dudley, meanwhile, was also exempt—mostly because the school had replaced all the broken school brooms thanks to him. He barely passed, but a pass was a pass.
The final exam was History of Magic, held that afternoon.
As dull as Professor Binns' lectures, the test focused on obscure trivia like the invention of the automatic stirring cauldron by eccentric wizards. The most absurd part? The ghost of Professor Binns actually proctored the exam—but didn't seem to care whether anyone cheated!
Fortunately, the test papers had anti-cheating charms. Without them, everyone probably would've scored 'O' (Outstanding).
But once that final test ended, freedom began.
For the first-years, it was finally time to relax and enjoy the same carefree days as the upper years who'd already finished their exams.
The best part? Exam results weren't sent home immediately. They were brought back during the third week of June.
Even if some nervous parents sent owls asking about scores, they still had to wait. By the time the letters arrived, their tempers might've cooled down.
So when Professor Binns announced, "Quills down—roll up your parchments," a cheer erupted through the classroom. Even Ron, despite his earlier mishaps, shouted joyfully with the others.
"That was way easier than I thought," Ron said as they strolled into the sunny field outside. "I didn't even need to memorize that 'Werewolf Code of Conduct of 1637' or the details of the Elf Rebellion."
Ron wasn't one to dwell on exams once they were over. Usually, he said it made him feel sick.
But the contrast between his potions mishap and the relatively easy History of Magic test made him contemplative.
"Thanks to Hermione," Neville said with a sigh, "She marked all the important stuff when she was reviewing, and I studied from her notes."
He retrieved his Remembrall from a nearby bench, checking whether he'd forgotten anything on the test. Luckily, it stayed dull gray.
Afterward, nearly every student poured out of the castle—even the studious Ravenclaws.
Harry and his friends made their way down to the lake and collapsed under a shady tree, enjoying a view they'd missed while cooped up in the common room.
"There's a giant squid in the lake!" Michael Corner shouted, pointing to the shallows.
There, a massive squid basked in the warm water while the Weasley twins and Lee Jordan gently tugged at its tentacles in play.
"They're really brave," Hermione muttered, watching them.
"Yeah… but I've done something bolder," Ryan murmured beside her.
"What?" Hermione tilted her head curiously.
"Nothing," Ryan smiled softly. "Just… I've been holding off studying alchemy for too long."
He didn't say more.
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