Whose Fault Is It?

The Potions written exam on Monday was even easier than Albert had expected. Most of the questions asked candidates to describe certain potion ingredients or brews.

For example: describe the properties of moonstone and its uses in potion-making.

The Potions practical exam that afternoon was even more relaxed. Their dear Professor Snape was not prowling around the examination room, so no one was watching them brew potions like a ghost at their backs. No one was deliberately putting them under pressure, either.

Most students were far more relaxed while brewing than usual. Even Fred and George no longer looked as though they were facing a mortal enemy.

Albert would wager that, after this Potions exam, plenty of students would conclude that Snape had been responsible for more than half of their previously poor Potions grades.

When Professor Marchbanks announced, "Step away from your cauldrons. The examination is over," Albert quickly checked the label on the narrow-necked bottle containing his Vitality Potion, then left the examination room with the other students.

"There shouldn't be any problem getting a pass this time," Fred announced excitedly to his three roommates.

He and George had specifically practiced brewing Vitality Potion, so the afternoon practical had caused them little trouble. If their written scores that morning were good enough, they might even scrape an "Exceeds Expectations."

"Thanks to Albert."

George suspected that Albert had been quietly helping them pass their O.W.L. Potions exam. Otherwise, given his and Fred's Potions ability, passing the exam would still have been rather difficult.

At least he had enough self-awareness to know that.

"Finally free!" Lee Jordan stretched lazily and suggested with a grin, "Let's go back and have a drink. We can celebrate early."

"There are still four exams left!" Angelina raised an eyebrow.

"Divination class, History of Magic,