The classroom for Magical Defense had been transformed into a quiet battleground. The floor was polished black stone, and faint protective runes glowed from the edges of the walls. Professor Gabriel Vaillant, tall, broad-shouldered, and known for his near-glacial demeanor, stood with arms crossed at the front. His long cloak barely stirred when he walked, and his dark eyes swept over the students with assessing coldness.
"Today's exam," he announced, "will test your understanding of both magical theory and practical self-defense. You will begin with the written portion."
Sheets of parchment fluttered onto desks with a flick of his wand.
⸻
Written Section – Defense Theory
Instructions: Write a short but complete paragraph on each of the following spells:
1. Protego – its magical properties, origins, and tactical use.
2. Expelliarmus – its history, creation, and strategic relevance in magical duels.
⸻
Eira dipped her quill and began writing swiftly:
Protego: The Shield Charm, or Protego, was developed during the 12th century by a Spanish battle-wizard named Iago de la Torre. It is a defensive charm that repels minor hexes, jinxes, and certain curses. Advanced forms can even deflect physical objects. It requires sharp focus and a solid magical core to sustain. In dueling and combat, Protego provides immediate cover while allowing space for a counterattack. It is favored for its versatility and minimal wand movement.
Expelliarmus: Known as the Disarming Charm, Expelliarmus was refined by wizarding duelist Merlin himself, though earlier versions existed in ancient Egyptian duel schools. The charm targets a wand or weapon and forcibly ejects it from the user's grip. It is widely taught due to its effectiveness in disabling an opponent without causing harm, making it a signature spell for defensive and moral dueling.
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Professor Vaillant reviewed her scroll when she handed it in, his brow lifting just slightly in acknowledgment. Without a word, he waved his wand—and suddenly, the room shifted.
Dozens of alchemical statues emerged from the stone floor: enchanted human-like figures of silver and clay, each holding small but dangerous-looking magical weapons—swords, spears, or wands that glowed red with aggressive spells. They stood still, but their eyes flickered with enchantment.
"Now," Vaillant intoned, "you will each step forward. Cast Protego to defend yourself against their attack. Then follow with Expelliarmus to disarm them. Timing and precision will determine your grade. Fail, and you will be struck."
There was an audible gulp from the students.
When Eira's name was called, she stepped into the dueling ring.
A statue whirred to life—its arm raised, preparing to strike with a glowing weapon.
Eira didn't flinch.
"Protego."
A perfect, shimmering shield sprang from her wand just as the statue's spell burst forth. The charm absorbed it effortlessly, leaving a faint ripple in the air.
"Expelliarmus!"
With a flash of red, the statue's wand flew out of its hand, clattering harmlessly against the wall. The construct froze—its task neutralized.
Professor Vaillant gave a single, slow nod.
"You did not hesitate. Well done."
Eira bowed slightly, stepping back as the next student approached.
⸻
Transfiguration Examination – Professor Lysandra Corvielle
The last exam of the week took place in the sunlit Conservatory of Transfiguration, where the warm summer light streamed in through arched windows. Professor Lysandra Corvielle stood tall among her students, a woman known for her strictness—but not without warmth. Her high-collared violet robes shimmered faintly with runic embroidery, and her sleek, dark hair was pinned precisely into a coiled braid.
"Today," she said, her voice calm but commanding, "you will demonstrate the full range of your metamorphic precision. First, recite the Laws of Gamp that apply to Transfiguration."
One by one, the students began.
Eira's turn came quickly.
"The Five Principal Exceptions to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration," she recited smoothly, "are: food cannot be conjured from nothing; love cannot be created through magic; life cannot be artificially made; knowledge cannot be summoned directly; and gold cannot be conjured or multiplied."
Professor Corvielle gave her a brief nod. "Correct."
She raised her wand—and with a small spell, summoned a dozen beautiful white flowers, floating gently above each student's desk.
"You are to transfigure these flowers," she instructed, "first into different colors. Then, you will transform each flower into an entirely different object of your choosing. I expect precision, creativity, and consistency. Begin."
Eira took a breath, steadying her wand.
With subtle swishes and careful pronunciation, she transformed the flowers one by one.
—The first turned soft pink.
—The second, midnight black.
—The third shimmered silver.
—The fourth, lavender purple.
—The fifth to pure white again, but now glowing faintly.
—The sixth, crimson red.
—The seventh, a warm golden yellow.
—The eighth, icy blue.
—The ninth, dark forest green.
—And the tenth, a soft rose gold.
Professor Corvielle drifted past, watching intently. "Very good. Proceed with the next task."
With focused intent, Eira raised her wand again.
—The first flower transformed into a neat leather-bound book.
—The second into a crystal inkpot.
—The third became a silver lamp.
—The fourth a pair of polished shoes.
—The fifth a small wand case.
—The sixth a roll of enchanted parchment.
—The seventh a quill set.
—The eighth a clock.
—The ninth a box of markers.
—And the tenth into a delicate picture frame with her initials engraved.
Every transformation was smooth. Flawless. Seamless.
Professor Corvielle walked over, inspected the final items with her wand scanning for magical stability.
"You've done excellently, Miss White," she said. "Not only in precision, but in elegance. This concludes your final examination."
Eira exhaled quietly, relief washing over her like sunlight after rain.
⸻
As she walked out of the Transfiguration Conservatory, the summer wind rustled the trees and warm golden light touched the ancient stones of Beauxbâtons. The exams were finished.
For the Herbology exam, students were tasked with submitting the flower Professor Lioré had given them to nurture throughout the year, with grades based on the flower's condition. Eira had diligently cared for hers, investing in magical products to enhance its vibrancy and vitality, resulting in a flawless bloom—rivaled only by Marin's, who was renowned for his expertise in floriculture. With confidence, Eira presented her perfect flower to Professor Lioré, marking the successful completion of her school year exam.