Before the O.W.L. Exams

With the arrival of June, the weather around Hogwarts had become unbearably muggy, and the castle was even hotter. Yet the students had no choice but to remain inside, forcing their brains to work hard as they prepared for the coming Final Exams.

For fifth year students, the only consolation was that the professors had stopped assigning homework. All remaining class time was devoted to reviewing the topics the teachers considered likely to appear on the exams, so they could better face the approaching O.W.L. exams.

While everyone was working hard to prepare for the Final Exams, however, a few discordant voices emerged.

For those who had prepared well in advance, the O.W.L. exams were nothing much. There was no need to cram at the last minute like the other students, which made Albert stand out conspicuously among the busy crowd.

But geniuses were always a little different. Apart from envying him or occasionally complaining and cursing him to fail his exams, no one had the spare time or inclination to waste on him.

The sky was clear and cloudless, making it a perfect day for an outdoor walk. A summer breeze blew across the lake, sending ripples spreading over its surface.

The students gazed out the windows at the grounds beyond the castle, all wishing they could lie beneath the shade of the trees and lazily while away the time. But the approaching exams kept them firmly confined inside the castle.

Still, there were always exceptions.

Albert held Isobel's hand as they walked outside the castle, whispering quietly to each other as they enjoyed a world that belonged to them alone.

A breeze swept over the glittering lake. The green grass along the shore rippled like satin. Isobel gently brushed back the hair the wind had tousled, looked at