After yesterday's O.W.L. Transfiguration practical exam, the students' previously relaxed moods had tightened up again.
The fifth-years seemed to have returned to last Monday, anxiously awaiting the official start of the O.W.L. Exams.
Michael Corner held a cup of Pumpkin Juice in his hands, staring blankly at his reflection in the drink.
Anthony Goldstein had The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5 spread open before him, his lips trembling continuously as though he were reciting something.
Terry Brown stabbed at a piece of grilled sausage with a knife and fork in one hand while drawing lines across the tabletop with the other, as if reviewing the casting patterns of various spells.
Chris Moen was eating normally enough, but his gaze was as vacant as Michael's, and he chewed his bread with extreme slowness.
"Hiss!"
Chris suddenly cried out in pain, immediately drawing Michael and the others' attention. "What happened to you?"
"Nothing... I just bit my tongue..." Chris wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and explained somewhat indistinctly.
Once they heard Chris say that, the atmosphere at the table eased somewhat, no longer as tense as before.
Vizet and Luna returned to their seats as well. Looking at Chris's unusual expression, he asked, "What happened?"
Terry's tone carried a hint of teasing. "He thought the bread was too bland, so he used his tongue as a side dish."
"I'd better go find Madam Pomfrey!" Chris stood up, looking somewhat worried. "After all, there'll probably be plenty of spells to recite in the practical exam later."
"Episkey!" Vizet raised his wand and cast a Healing spell on Chris. "How does it feel now?"
Chris picked up his cup, took a mouthful of Pumpkin Juice, then rinsed his mouth and tested it out.
He swallowed the Pumpkin Juice and