Whether he liked it or not, exam week finally arrived. Throughout it, Zhang Xiao kept watching Quirrell for any sign of movement.
But although Quirrell looked on the verge of breaking down, he still made no move.
The June weather was stifling, and the large classroom where they sat their written exams was unbearably hot.
Zhang Xiao had upgraded his equipment again, wearing an ice silkworm silk vest beneath his school robes. It kept him cool all over. There was something to be said for a vast land rich in resources-you could always find something wonderfully peculiar.
The exam quills had been enchanted with anti-cheating spells. The teachers handed them out specifically for the exams and collected them afterward.
For him, this sort of theoretical material barely required any thought. He treated it as a chance to rest.
The practical exams were more interesting. For their Charms exam, for instance, Professor Flitwick called them into the classroom one at a time.
When Zhang Xiao's turn came, Professor Flitwick, seated on his Auspicious Cloud (children's edition), said with a beaming smile:
"Ah, Zhang, although I have no doubt you'll earn high marks, how about we try something a little more challenging?"
He waved his wand, and the pineapple on the desk became two. One wore a little white ballet skirt, while the other sported a bow tie.
"Ballet and tap dancing. I imagine that won't trouble you either, will it?"
You're the professor. Whatever you say!
He looked at Zhang Xiao and said gently but earnestly:
"Remember the principles of spellcasting: destination, determination, deliberation!"
Zhang Xiao nodded, silently reciting, Let the heart guide, and the wand follow.
These were the principles of spellcasting he had worked out himself. They were actually much the same as Professor Flitwick's.
He drew his wand