After yesterday's O.W.L. Transfiguration practical exam, the students' previously relaxed mood had tightened up once more.
The fifth-years seemed to have returned to last Monday, anxiously awaiting the official start of the O.W.L. exams.
Michael Corner held a cup of Pumpkin Juice in his hands, staring blankly at his reflection in the drink.
Anthony Goldstein had The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5 spread open before him, his lips trembling continuously as though he were reciting something.
Terry Brown used one hand to jab at a piece of sausage with his knife and fork, while the other drew lines across the table as if reviewing the casting patterns of various spells.
Chris Moen was eating normally enough, but his gaze was as vacant as Michael's, and he chewed his bread with extreme slowness.
"Hiss!"
Chris suddenly cried out in pain, immediately drawing Michael and the others' attention. "What happened?"
"It's nothing... I just bit my tongue..." Chris wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and explained indistinctly.
Hearing that, the atmosphere at the table eased somewhat, no longer as tense as before.
Wizet and Luna returned to their seats as well. Looking at Chris's unusual expression, Wizet asked, "What happened?"
Terry's tone carried a hint of teasing. "He thought the bread was too bland, so he used his tongue as a side dish."
"I'd better go find Madam Pomfrey!" Chris stood up, looking worried. "After all, I'll probably need to say quite a few spells during the practical exam later."
"Episkey!" Wizet raised his wand and cast a healing spell on Chris. "How does it feel now?"
Chris picked up his cup, took a mouthful of Pumpkin Juice, and swished it around to test his tongue.
He swallowed the Pumpkin Juice and shook his head at Wizet, a