During Transfiguration on Monday, the students received their exam timetables.
"Your O.W.L.s begin next week and will run for two weeks. Theory exams will be held in the mornings, practical exams in the afternoons. The Astronomy practical, of course, will take place at night."
Professor McGonagall's tone grew stern. "I must also remind you that every exam paper carries a particularly strict Anti-Cheating Charm. Auto-Answer Quills are not permitted in the exam room, nor are Remembralls, cheat-sheet Loose-Leaf Sleeves, or Self-Correcting Ink.
Believe me, the invigilators know more about cheating than you do. You may encounter these tricks once in five years, but the examiners deal with them every year."
Despite Professor McGonagall's warning, every year there seemed to be at least one young wizard who thought they could get around the Wizarding Examinations Authority's rules and did something stupid.
The first exam was Charms theory, scheduled for Monday morning.
After class, at the High Tower, Sylvia pushed Achievements in Charms into Will's hands. "Quiz me. I need to see how much I know."
Will opened the book with a helpless sigh and began questioning her.
"When was the Vinegar-to-Wine Charm invented, and when is it used?"
"The Vinegar-to-Wine Charm was invented in 1421 by..."
"What does the Softening Charm do?"
"The Softening Charm makes objects soft and springy like sponges. It's often used to cushion impacts or alter..."
Ginny sat with Hermione, who was writing out Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5 from memory. After every passage, Hermione anxiously grabbed the book to check whether she had written it word for word.
Harry huddled with Ron, Neville, Seamus, and Justin, reciting their Charms textbook over and over.
Terry Brown and Michael did some last-minute revision together.
By the window, Astoria tested Draco's recitation. Draco had wanted to mention