Douglas waited until their applause stopped before saying flatly:
"I hope you understand that your fifth-year time is extremely precious. Next time, please don't waste it on meaningless applause.
"Your OWLs exams have also reached their most difficult and crucial stage.
"As the saying goes, a hundred-mile journey is only halfway done at ninety miles. The final stretch is often the hardest.
"But I hope that no matter how rough the road ahead becomes, you won't give up. Only by persevering to the end can you achieve victory...
"You're young, with courage, confidence, drive, and wisdom of your own. All the more reason to understand that today's gap doesn't determine tomorrow's results, and today's sweat will surely bring tomorrow's flowers into bloom.
"You must face the OWLs exams head-on and swim against the current.
"Hard work will make your youth shine, and striving will make your lives glorious..."
When Douglas finished, a few students instinctively clapped a couple of times, then awkwardly lowered their hands under his piercing gaze.
This was the Ravenclaw students' first time hearing Douglas dish out motivational platitudes, and their heads were left spinning.
Some of the quicker students thought these words would have been better suited to Hufflepuff or Gryffindor.
They wanted to scoff, but fortunately caught themselves in time.
Douglas was very pleased with their response, then asked:
"Who can recite the Defense Against Dark Magic Class Representative's code?"
Only last year's class representative, Eddie Camille, excitedly raised his hand high.
Douglas nodded and said:
"Very good, Mr. Camille. You'll remain our Defense Against Dark Magic Class Representative this year. I hope you'll carry on in last year's spirit and continue leading everyone forward together."
Eddie Camille nodded excitedly.
The other students looked utterly shocked. So class representatives could be chosen like that?
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