The castle buzzed with a mix of anxiety and excitement. Final exams had arrived, and for the 5th- and 7th-year students, the stakes were high. This year, the HOWLs (Hogwarts Ordinary Wizarding Levels) and NEWTs (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests) were designed to challenge both knowledge and practical skill, incorporating the changes Roy had implemented in the Hogwarts curriculum: divided teaching, increased practical exercises, and advanced spellwork.
In the entrance hall, Roy, Hermione, Cassandra, and Daphne gathered, reviewing notes and spells quietly before their exams. Despite being Headmaster, Roy had decided to sit the HOWLs himself this year, determined to understand firsthand the challenges his students faced and to show solidarity.
"Ready?" Hermione whispered, adjusting her robes.
Roy smirked confidently. "As ready as anyone can be. Remember, knowledge is power—but preparation is the key." Cassandra nodded, clutching her wand, while Daphne gave a small, determined smile.
They were greeted by Griselda Marchbanks, the renowned witch examiner, who had previously met Roy during his 3rd year when he was awarded the Order of Merlin, First Class, impressing her with his magical knowledge. Griselda's eyes lit up upon seeing him.
"Roy Valvas!" she exclaimed. "I've been following your progress in Hogwarts. I must say, the improvements in the education system here have reached even the Ministry's examination offices. I'm eager to see how the students—and you—perform today."
Roy bowed slightly, grinning. "I hope to meet your expectations, Professor Marchbanks."
Griselda nodded approvingly. "I have no doubt. Your contributions have already changed Hogwarts for the better, but today, let's see the results of your system in action."
Examination Hall
The students were led to the Great Hall, transformed into a testing arena. Desks were arranged with magical wards preventing cheating, and multiple examiners—including Griselda—hovered to supervise.
The HOWLs for the 5th-year students included:
Transfiguration: Advanced shape-shifting exercises
Charms: Complex enchantments requiring precision
Potions: New combination potions designed by Slughorn and Roy's oversight
Defense Against the Dark Arts: Practical duel simulations
The NEWTs for 7th-year students tested:
Ancient Runes and Magical Theory
Potions Mastery
High-level Duel Spells
Strategic Magical Planning
Roy, Hermione, Cassandra, and Daphne moved to their desks, their wands at the ready. When the first question arrived, Roy smiled knowingly, recognizing some of the patterns he had implemented in the curriculum—designed to challenge critical thinking rather than rote memorization.
Hermione whispered, impressed: "He really thought of everything… even the tricky spell combinations we practiced in the DA."
Cassandra added, "It's like he predicted exactly what would be on the exam."
Daphne, more nervous than the others, took a deep breath. "Well, at least we have Roy sitting next to us—he always seems calm."
Griselda Marchbanks walked between the rows, observing with keen interest. "Remarkable," she muttered under her breath. "These students—and Roy—are exceptionally prepared. The Hogwarts reforms are paying off."
The Beginning of the Exams
As the students began, magical quills scribbled, cauldrons bubbled, and wands glowed. Roy, despite being Headmaster, dove into the exams with the focus of a seasoned wizard. His sharpened skills from years of studying, combined with his enhanced magical power from the system, allowed him to finish tasks efficiently while still helping others through subtle guidance using non-invasive magic.
By the end of the day, it was clear to everyone in the hall: the students were performing better than ever, the curriculum improvements were a success, and Roy's dual role as Headmaster and examinee inspired confidence and awe among both students and examiners.
Griselda Marchbanks approached Roy as the first day ended. "I must say, Headmaster Valvas, your educational reforms have produced results beyond expectations. The students are performing at levels I haven't seen in decades."
Roy nodded, a modest smile on his face. "Thank you, Professor. It's their hard work—my job was only to guide them."
Griselda laughed softly. "Guidance or not, you have a remarkable touch with magic and people alike. I look forward to seeing the rest of the exams unfold."
As the students left the hall, their confidence boosted, whispers spread among them: "With Roy as Headmaster, we can achieve anything."