Whose Fault

Monday's Potions written exam was even easier than Albert had expected. Most of the questions asked candidates to describe certain potion ingredients or potions.

For example: describe the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion-making.

The Potions practical exam that afternoon was even more relaxing, because their dear Professor Snape was not prowling around the examination room. No one was watching them brew potions like a ghost hovering at their backs, and no one was deliberately putting them under psychological pressure.

Most students brewed their potions more calmly than usual. Even Fred and George no longer looked as though they were facing a mortal enemy.

Albert dared to say that after this Potions exam, plenty of students would conclude that Snape had been responsible for more than half of their previously poor Potions grades.

When Professor Marchbanks announced, "Step away from your cauldrons. The examination is over," Albert quickly glanced at the label on the narrow-necked bottle of Vitality Tonic, then left the examination room with the other students.

"I shouldn't have any trouble getting a pass this time." Fred excitedly announced the good news to his three dormmates. He and George had specifically practiced brewing Vitality Tonic, so the afternoon practical had caused them little trouble. If their written scores from the morning were good enough, they might even scrape an "Exceeds Expectations."

"Thanks to Albert."

George suspected that Albert had secretly helped them pass the O.W.L. Potions exam. Otherwise, given his and Fred's Potions skills, passing the exam would still have been rather difficult.

He had that much self-awareness.

"Finally free!" Lee Jordan stretched lazily and suggested with a smile, "Let's go back and have a drink to celebrate early."

"There are still four exams left!" Angelina raised an eyebrow.

"Divination, History of Magic, Astronomy, and Care