After all, the O.W.L. examinations would affect every fifth-year student. As soon as Dumbledore finished speaking, the Great Hall's previous silence was broken by a murmur of surprise and concern.
Fred and George exchanged a glance, then sighed in perfect unison. "Oh! If only we were taking the O.W.L.s this year!"
"Just think about it!" Fred said, beating his chest in exaggerated anguish. "A perfect advertising opportunity!"
"M.S.C.'s Magic Fireworks are so powerful that even the Ministry of Magic's toilets can't withstand them!" George immediately added, his eyes shining with anticipation. "What a sensational promotion that would be!"
Unlike Fred's exaggeratedly mournful tone, Hermione was genuinely worried about the O.W.L. examinations at the end of the school year. "Shouldn't we get used to it in advance? The Ministry is underground... can they arrange suitable examination rooms?"
"I wonder whether the exact examination schedule will change... It'll take time to get there too... I hope they provide breakfast."
Justin Finch-Fletchley rubbed his brow. "Taking exams at the Ministry is stressful enough. We can't go on an empty stomach."
Ernie Macmillan nodded in agreement. "Exactly! Taking exams at the Ministry is stressful enough. If we're hungry too, we'll do even worse!"
Dumbledore seemed to have anticipated that the news would cause quite a stir.
He looked warmly at the students, waiting until the noise subsided somewhat before continuing, his clear voice carrying over the chatter.
"Please rest assured that the comfort of the examination venues will be our highest priority. Not only breakfast, but lunch and dinner as well—you need not worry about any of them."
"The only thing we cannot guarantee, perhaps, is the Ministry of Magic's toilets. Therefore, I strongly recommend that you direct all your energy... toward your examination papers."
The students in the Great Hall burst into laughter.