Still, Brute Force Is the Answer

Although the fifth-years were all celebrating wildly, news of Andrew moving out of the common room quickly spread among the students.

What reassured many students—especially a very small number of Gryffindors—was that there was still no notice on the bulletin board describing Andrew's duties, nor had they heard of any new tricks being introduced for detentions.

That was enough. As for what would happen next school year, they could wait until next school year to find out. As long as Taylor did not focus on discipline and school rules, it was fine.

The fifth-years kept the music going and kept dancing, while students in the other years began preparing for their own exams. In the meantime, the prefects gradually spread the school's arrangements to every student.

Taylor would not hold any teaching position before graduation. He would occasionally sit in on classes for certain subjects, while spending the rest of his time focused on his research.

The reasoning was more than sufficient. Rumor had it that the Examination Board had made a special exception and released Taylor's results before the holidays—he had received full marks in Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, Charms, Anti-Dark Arts class, and Magical History, while earning O's across the board in Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, and Astronomy.

A perfect score on the OWLs basically meant that the NEWTs certificate was already in the bag.

In other words, the only thing separating Taylor from being an outstanding Hogwarts graduate was graduation itself.

"Full marks in Magical History? Just how much cramming did he do?"

Ron complained. He had been having a great time before this, especially since the fifth-years no longer had exams and could play Quidditch, which had been wonderful for both body and mind. But now, he was starting to worry.

The scariest thing