During Thursday's Defense Against Dark Magic OWLs exam, Douglas made time to visit the examination room to see how his students were doing.
Since the practical magic portion depended entirely on the students themselves, with no possibility of cheating, the Wizarding Examinations Authority staff readily let Douglas sit beside the examiners.
The next student to enter happened to be Shirley from Ravenclaw. When she came in and saw Douglas there, she froze for a moment, then quickly composed herself.
She then deftly performed various counter-curses and defensive spells. Professor Tofty smiled and said to Douglas:
"I've noticed that this year's students are all quite capable, especially when it comes to counter-curses. Almost as soon as we ask, they can cast the appropriate counter-jinx.
I hear from the students that you've set up a classroom for practicing counter-curses, and even provided a corresponding Practical Lesson Classroom for every year?"
The Practical Lesson Classrooms set up for Defense Against Dark Magic were different from the Magic Study Room. They were Douglas's private project, so neither he nor the school had specifically opened them to these wizards from the Ministry of Magic.
Douglas replied with a smile:
"Practice is the only test of magic. Magical theory without practice is empty, while magic without magical theory is blind. I want them to use theory to drive their practice, then use practice to gain insights into new magic."
As an elderly wizard, Professor Tofty heartily agreed with Douglas. The first thing any outstanding wizard had to learn was how to think.
While Douglas and Professor Tofty were talking, another examiner nearby exclaimed:
"Wonderful! A perfect Patronus Charm!"
Everyone looked over and saw a silver hummingbird flitting about in the air.
Professor Tofty seemed to think of something and said to Douglas with a smile:
"Ha