HP: The Duelist of Hogwarts - 473

Chapter 473: Exam Month Begins

June arrived, and the whole of Hogwarts seemed to come alive with activity. Everyone moved with a sense of urgency, and the castle wore the unmistakable air of exam season. For fifth and seventh years, this was the time that would decide their futures—the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams loomed large.

For Sean, it meant facing both at once.

“Sean, you’ve sent off your paper?” Snape asked.

Sean nodded. “Yes, Professor.”

“Took you over two months to finish a paper with completed experiments and full data. The length of your essay could probably fill more than half of The Golden Cauldron.”

“A paper that takes up most of a journal?” Sean asked. “The last time I remember that happening was with Professor Dumbledore’s paper on the twelve uses of dragon’s blood.”

Snape nodded as he put the experimental equipment back in its place. “That’s right. Dumbledore’s paper took up half the journal. That was his greatest academic achievement.”

Dumbledore could have achieved far more in academia.

But both Sean and Snape knew Dumbledore had dedicated the rest of his life to fighting and defeating Dark Lords—first Grindelwald, and later Voldemort. As long as Dark Lords existed, Dumbledore would not return to academic pursuits.

“How are your exam preparations going?” Snape asked.

“Potions, Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts—those five subjects are no problem. The electives might be a little tricky, but I’ll still get the highest O grade. You can trust me on that, Professor.”

Snape nodded. “A full-O score is rare even in Hogwarts history. That kind of achievement will reduce the criticism you’ll face as Minister for Magic. So be careful during your exams. Don’t be careless.”

Sean paused for a moment, then grinned. “Professor, that’s not like you. Are you worried about me, your best student ever?”

At those words, Snape’s face twisted into a familiar sneer, ready to unleash a fresh wave of sarcasm.

Sean took the hint. “Goodbye, Professor!” he said, quickly slipping out of the office.

“I’ll bring back full O’s, Professor!”

Snape listened to the words echoing down the corridor. His eyelids dropped, and for the first time, a look of genuine pride and satisfaction crossed his face.

But as time passed, that smile faded. Snape looked at his right arm, the Dark Mark searing with a pain that had become almost unbearable. He knew Voldemort was urging him to act, and Voldemort was growing impatient.

June 10th

Exam day began.

Because the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams overlapped, Sean once again used his Time-Turner to attend both sets of exams at once.

It had to be said—the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams were truly rigorous. Even Sean felt a little pressure, let alone the others.

Sean felt pressure because he had spent most of the year locked in a battle of wits with Voldemort and his followers, plus his own research in Potions and alchemy. He had not had much time for revision, which was why he felt that pressure.

But only a little.

After the written exams came the practicals.

For Sean, the only real challenge was the written part. Practical exams were never a worry.

“Could you please tell me what these three cards are?” asked the Ministry official seated at the table.

Sean nodded, but instead of reaching for the divination tools on the table, he passed his hand over each card. White mist swirled in his eyes.

“From left to right—Eight of Spades, Five of Hearts, and the Joker!”

The Ministry official looked at Sean and slowly nodded. “I had heard you had an exceptional gift for Divination, but until now I always had my doubts.”

“This is only the most basic form of Divination. If you can predict something more specific, perhaps I could give you…”

He did not finish, but Sean understood.

If Sean could demonstrate a higher level of Divination, then regardless of his written exam, he would receive the highest O grade. Magic was a practical subject; practical ability outweighed written results, especially when your practical skill far exceeded the norm.

Though Sean was confident in his written exam, he nodded.

“In that case, thank you, Professor, for this opportunity.”

He placed his hand over the examiner’s. Mist filled his eyes, and after a few breaths, it cleared.

“Professor, your favourite pendant was hidden behind the kitchen cabinet by your Kneazle. You can ask your house-elf, Rolf, to retrieve it.”

The examiner’s face lit up with excitement.

He would need to verify it, but he was already almost certain Sean was right. Only he, his wife, and his children knew about the missing pendant, and the fact that Sean had correctly named his house-elf, Rolf, convinced him of Sean’s Divination ability.

“Thank you for your prediction. Once I return home and confirm the pendant is there, I will award you full marks in Divination.”

“Thank you, Professor.”

“No, thank you. Now hurry on to your next exam.”

Sean nodded and moved on to the Defence Against the Dark Arts practical exam. After a series of practical tests, he was asked to cast a Patronus.

Sean easily summoned his corporeal Patronus—a white snake. The examiners were very satisfied. If his written exam was up to standard, there was no doubt he would receive full marks in Defence Against the Dark Arts.

After finishing the Defence exam, Sean went to the boys’ bathroom, took out his Time-Turner, and began the exams he had not had time for that day.