O.W.L. Exams

On the day of the O.W.L. exams, the Great Hall was shrouded in a tense atmosphere. Most fifth year and seventh year students about to enter the examination rooms remained silent, and the pre-exam tension had even affected students from other years.

Across from Albert, Shanna was actually eating while flipping through Spell Achievements, terrified she might forget the important points in the book. To his right, Lee Jordan yawned distractedly and accidentally added salt instead of sugar to his pumpkin porridge. Even Fred and George, who were usually carefree, had been affected by the exams. They had grown unusually quiet, and even their appetites had worsened.

Albert alone was as calm as ever, eating at an unhurried pace without being affected in the slightest by the oppressive mood before the exams.

After breakfast, students from the other years went to their classes, while only the fifth year and seventh year students remained in the Entrance Hall, waiting aimlessly for the exams to begin.

Yes, that was right. The O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. Charm Theory exams were being held together in the Great Hall, though their seats would be separated.

Waiting was the hardest part. Everyone looked nervous. Quite a few people tried to calm themselves by reading, but more often than not, they kept sneaking glances toward the Great Hall, as though hoping to see something.

Albert had plenty of experience with this. He gave George the half packet of mints left over from last time and had him hand them out to everyone to ease their nervousness and anxiety before the exam.

Naturally, students from the other Houses got none.

"You really did think of everything."

With a sweet in her mouth, Shanna found Albert lazily flipping through Spell Achievements on a stone bench in the courtyard. Smiling, she