War in the Muggle World!
After all, they had only finished their History of Magic exam last Friday. Michael and the others quickly realized that the scene Griselda Marchbanks had conjured was likely a recreation of a Muggle war.
Before this, they had only gained a rather vague understanding of the so-called Muggle wars mentioned in the textbook through the text and pictures in History of Magic.
Only now, experiencing it firsthand, did they truly realize that wars between Muggles could be so immense in scale.
At the same time, they immediately understood something else: casting Transfiguration well enough to pass the exam in such an environment would be an extremely demanding test of their abilities.
Just then, the piercing whistle sounded again.
Another black shadow fell. This time, the shell struck less than a meter to Ernie McMillan's right.
Though the illusory shockwave did not send him flying, the thunderous blast right beside him still froze him in his seat. His Vanishing Charm caught halfway through in his throat.
Fortunately, he had not forgotten that he was in the examination room, taking the practical exam for Transfiguration.
Seizing the gap between shells, he drew in a sharp breath and swung his wand. At last, he cast a fairly crisp Vanishing Charm, successfully making half the clutter before him disappear.
Megan Jones was having an even worse time. Every booming impact made her instinctively hunch her shoulders. Her spell was interrupted again and again, leaving her no choice but to start over each time.
After several attempts, she gradually began to adapt.
Taking a deep breath, she followed Ernie McMillan's approach. During the few seconds when the explosions briefly receded, she waved her wand rapidly and finally completed the Vanishing Charm exam question.
Chris Moen's forehead was covered in fine