Defence Association

The uproar caused by Sirius Black gradually subsided with the passage of time, and Hogwarts Castle returned to its usual peace.

If not for the goblin guards frequently patrolling the corridors, the students might have long forgotten the panic caused by Black's two break-ins at Hogwarts.

But for most fifth year and seventh year students, the O.W.L.s and Ultimate Wizarding Exams a few months away were what concerned them most.

"Professor Lupin is ill again?"

"Is he really all right?"

"Professor Lupin seems to take a few days off every month. I'm starting to worry about the Defence Against the Dark Arts exam in June."

"We've barely learned anything useful in that class these past few years."

After being told that Professor Lupin was ill and that Defense Against the Dark Arts would be a self-study period, whispers immediately broke out across the classroom. "I think it must be the curse on the Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor position." Shanna poked Albert with a finger. "Do you know what's going on with Professor Lupin?"

"Actually, the Defence Against the Dark Arts exam isn't as difficult as you think." Albert changed the subject and reassured them softly. "As far as I know, we need to complete a written paper and then demonstrate counter-curses and defensive spells in front of the professors. For example, using Riddikulus to drive away a Boggart. Most of the exam content comes from The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection. I imagine the Ministry of Magic also knows perfectly well what Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts classes are like, so the exam can't be too difficult."

"It's easy for you, but that doesn't mean it's easy for us."

"Do you think Professor Lupin keeps getting sick because of the curse on the Defence Against the