"Word is, the toad invites someone for tea every day?"
Shanna copied down the contents of the blackboard, stealing a glance at Albert beside her as she casually brought up recent events.
Ever since the decree stating that "students must submit to questioning regarding suspected illegal activities" had been introduced, Umbridge had become very keen on inviting people to tea in her office, leaving the entire school on edge.
Since the Cedric incident, everyone knew the toad added Veritaserum to her tea. No one wanted to be interrogated with potions.
"Not surprising."
Albert rested his chin on his hand, listening to Professor McGonagall explain Transformation Charms at the front while comparing them to his own understanding of the subject.
Conjuration from nothing, Vanishing Charms, Human Transfiguration, and Revealing Charms were all relatively common N.E.W.T. topics, along with reversing Transfiguration.
There were actually more advanced forms of Transfiguration, such as transforming and controlling water, fire, and other more intangible things. The chains Albert had once formed from mist to trap a dragon fell into that category, but Professor McGonagall apparently had no plans to cover such material in the Advanced Class. Perhaps it was beyond the syllabus.
No, it would be more accurate to say that the N.E.W.T. exam material was already quite difficult for most students, and earning outstanding marks was even harder. Otherwise, Aurors would not merely be required to pass five N.E.W.T. subjects with no grade below E, Exceeds Expectations, rather than O, Outstanding.
When the bell rang, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. After Professor McGonagall assigned homework to practise Transformation Charms, they grabbed their packed bags and left the classroom.
"You look pretty tired," Shanna remarked as she and Albert headed toward the Great Hall, with Fred chatting casually to Angelina nearby.
"I went to bed