Whether the students could meet those sky-high standards remained to be seen. But Erwin had warned that if anyone's grades dipped below his targets, he'd show them what real rigor meant next year. A stone golem backrub, perhaps?
Other years faced their finals too, but those were straightforward. Two days in, every subject except Defense Against the Dark Arts wrapped up. DADA, however, merited its own day—a decision Erwin and the professors had hashed out together.
At eight sharp, the Hogwarts students assembled on the outer lawn, faces etched with bewilderment. Swirls of Apparition marked the arrival of Erwin and the four Heads of House.
The young witches and wizards eyed them curiously as Erwin stepped forward. "I know you're all wondering how we'll handle today's Defense Against the Dark Arts exam."
They waited in hushed anticipation. It wasn't their first test, but this setup felt utterly foreign.
"Like I said before," Erwin continued, "DADA isn't about dusty theory—it's practical magic in action. So, I've whipped up a fresh venue and format for you all."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"First, meet your examiners," he said. "Along with me and the Heads of House, we've got our gamekeeper, Hagrid."
Hagrid lumbered over from the sidelines, flashing a good-natured grin at the students.
"And today's arena?" Erwin added. "The Forbidden Forest."
Eyes bulged across the lawn.
"The Forbidden Forest?"
"It's crawling with dangers!"
"We figured it'd be unconventional, but this? Blimey!"
Erwin pressed on. "Here's the drill: I've planted point flags throughout the forest. Each year gets its own zone—no wandering outside it. Grab a flag for fifty points. Your total determines the grade, but watch out—they can be nicked by classmates.
"Each one's guarded by magical creatures, so you'll fight them off to claim it. And stay sharp against your peers. Simple rules, right? Except the golden one: there are no other rules. Ready? To the forest!"
A nervous buzz hung in the air as the students trailed Erwin and the Heads toward the treeline.
At the entrance, seven numbered flags marked the zones.
"Find your number and head in!" Erwin called.
With a blend of nerves and thrill, they scattered into the shadows.
Once the last student vanished, Professor McGonagall turned to Erwin. "Right, time we got moving. Are you certain everything's in place?"
"Absolutely, Professor," he assured her. "I cleared the nastier creatures deeper last night. I'll patrol the heavy hitters myself—no mishaps."
She nodded. "Good. Though with all this racket, I'm surprised the centaurs haven't poked their heads out."
Erwin's face tightened briefly as he rubbed his nose. "Neighbors, aren't they? They'll play nice with Hogwarts."
"Probably." McGonagall eyed him. "Those foes you've lined up for the kids aren't pushovers. Without supervision, injuries could mount fast." She marched in without another word.
The other Heads followed suit, vanishing into the underbrush.
Hagrid gave Erwin a nod—his job was keeping the kids from folly and safeguarding the creatures—before lumbering after them.
That left Erwin and Snape.
"You visited the centaurs?" Snape asked, arching a brow.
Erwin nodded. "They were dead set against it at first."
Snape's tone sharpened. "You didn't overdo it, I hope? That could've backfired."
Erwin paused, mind flashing to yesterday's chaos at the herd. "Nah, Godfather. I kept it civil. They were downright hospitable by the time I left."
A flicker of doubt crossed his face. Those agonized howls as he departed... surely that wasn't crossing a line? The centaurs had lunged first, aggressive as trolls, demanding he scram. Self-defense, plain and simple. By the end, they were sprawled out, lesson learned. Not his fault at all.
Snape broke his reverie. "Those spiders you roped in—will they behave? Obey orders?"
"Should be fine," Erwin said. "The regular Acromantulas are dim as rocks, so I chatted with their boss yesterday. Borrowed venom in exchange—dozens of barrels. He shorted me, so he tossed in ten spiders per barrel shortfall. They'll follow without a fuss, and if a few get zapped, no sweat. They breed like mad."
Even Snape, no stranger to ruthlessness, winced. "Fine, you've sorted it. I'm heading in."
"One more thing," Erwin called. "Watch the unicorns. These are juveniles—still clumsy with their magic. Don't want them singeing any kids by accident."
"I know my job," Snape snapped. "Get in there yourself. Those deep-forest beasts don't bow to just anyone. How you charm them so easily... baffling."
Erwin grinned as Snape swept into the trees. With a snap of his fingers, he Apparated after him, leaving the entrance silent.
...
WANT 25 BONUS CHAPTERS?
Enjoy the read, and let's get started on the next goal immediately!
Power Stones: [175]/200
5 Star Reviews: [13]/20
— MrGrim