118 Final Exam and Notice
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Penelope hurriedly greeted Ethan and ran away. She is in fifth grade this year and needs to take the OWL exam.
The fifth-grade OWL test and the seventh-grade NEWT test are almost the two most important exams in the life of little wizards.
Ethan taught the wizards' close combat class, mainly to exercise the young wizards' physiques, which seemed not to be very important.
So when Ethan announced at the dinner that the final exams for the fifth—and seventh-grade wizards' close combat class were canceled, the students cheered and applauded.
Ethan smiled, waited for the applause to subside, and announced, "I believe everyone has read the Daily Prophet. I have joined the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Law Enforcement."
"First of all, I would like to declare that I will not leave Hogwarts because of my work at the Ministry of Magic," Ethan told everyone about this first.
Many students were relieved and did not want Professor Eason to leave Hogwarts.
Professor Flitwick, Professor Sprout, and Professor McGonagall looked happy; only Snape pouted.
"I'm trying to say that the Ministry of Magic will have a Magical Crisis Response Team that I will manage, and I'll be able to recruit members myself."
Standing on the podium, Ethan looked at the students below and said.
The eyes of many senior students lit up, and they realized what Ethan would say next.
"I plan to select a few students from Hogwarts who graduated this year to join my group. The entry qualification is that the Newts test score must be all O's. Those who achieve this score can ask me for further testing. Then can join my group."
A hush fell over the Great Hall as Ethan's announcement echoed. The Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Law Enforcement is a prestigious division tackling the most critical magical threats. Ethan, their new leader, was offering a chance for Hogwarts graduates to join his elite Magical Crisis Response Team. A collective gasp rippled through the senior students. This was an opportunity unlike any other—a chance to be at the forefront of the wizarding world's defense, fresh out of Hogwarts.
Excitement crackled in the air. Students with aspirations of becoming Aurors saw this as a golden ticket, a chance to bypass the rigorous Auror training program. But a flicker of concern crossed Professor McGonagall's brow. Wouldn't recruiting inexperienced students be a gamble?
"Ethan," she murmured, "While this is an incredible opportunity for the students, wouldn't it be best to discuss it with Dumbledore first? Fresh graduates might not be fully prepared for the dangers they might face."
Ethan offered a reassuring smile. "Professor, I understand your concern. Rest assured, the selection process will be rigorous. While perfect scores are a starting point, I'll seek more than academic excellence. These students will need quick thinking, courage, and the ability to work effectively under pressure."
A subtle tension hung in the air. Professor McGonagall wasn't entirely convinced. Her intuition whispered there was more to Ethan's initiative than met the eye. The lack of prior discussion with Dumbledore and the focus on recent graduates felt slightly off-kilter. She made a mental note to speak with Dumbledore at her earliest convenience.
Meanwhile, Professor Flitwick, ever the champion of his students, could have done more to compile a list of talented seventh-year candidates. The prospect of his brightest witches and wizards joining such a prestigious team filled him with pride.
As other exams drew close, anticipation for the unique close combat exam with Ethan grew. His innovative approach—graded challenges tailored to each year group—was a refreshing change from the usual spell-casting drills. Even Luna, known for her unconventional methods, was impressed with her enthusiastic throw, securing a perfect score.
The air crackled with excitement and a touch of uncertainty. Ethan's initiative offered a thrilling prospect, but whispers of potential risks and the underlying tension with Dumbledore added a layer of complexity to the situation. The future held both promise and peril.
Luna, ever the enigma, basked in the unexpected praise of her classmates. Her eccentric ways, once viewed with suspicion, now seemed endearing. Perhaps her unconventional approach to situations, like her enthusiastic throw, held a hidden logic others missed.
Madam Pomfrey, a picture of worry clutching a mountain of medical supplies, watched the second-year exams unfold with bated breath. She braced for a battlefield, only to be met with a spectacle that surprised and amused her. The "boxing" became a mess, with more hair-pulling than actual punches. Hermione, however, stood out. Having diligently trained with Ron (who, much to his amusement, found himself teaching the usually bookish Hermione how to fight), she emerged victorious from her duel with Millicent. A triumphant grin split her face, starkly contrasting her previous frustration. This win was a turning point, a testament to her dedication and newfound confidence.
Across the room, Harry's match with Goyle was a brutal display of brawling. After years of enduring Dudley's bullying, he instilled in him a reliance on brute force rather than technique. Goyle's superior size and strength ultimately proved too much, leaving Harry unconscious on the floor. A wave of frustration washed over him. He knew he needed more than just raw power to excel in close combat. A word with Ethan or even Ron could point him in the right direction.
The exams, though chaotic, vividly illustrated the students' strengths and weaknesses. While some relied on brute force, others, like Hermione, surprised everyone with their adaptability. Ever the keen observer, Ethan noted their skills and shortcomings, laying the groundwork for future training. The road ahead held challenges, but with the proper guidance, these young wizards had the potential to become formidable defenders.
The air crackled with anticipation as Ron and Malfoy squared off. Their rivalry, simmering for years, finally reached its boiling point.
They have repeatedly scored high marks in the wizard's close combat class.
"Weasley, I'm going to break your wand and your bones this time!" Malfoy threatened viciously.
"You can try!" Ron responded through gritted teeth.
Both skilled duelists matched each other blow for blow, a flurry of punches and dodges leaving them battered and bruised. Madam Pomfrey, ever vigilant, watched with growing concern. This wasn't just sparring but a ferocious brawl teetering on the edge of serious injury.
As Ethan decided to intervene, Ron, in a desperate lunge, head-butted Malfoy. The impact was sickening. Malfoy crumpled to the ground, unconscious. A stunned silence descended upon the room. Ron, chest heaving, stared at his fallen opponent, a wave of conflicting emotions washing over him. Relief at winning, mingled with a flicker of fear and a pang of something… regret?
The Gryffindors cheered, hoisting Ron onto their shoulders and chanting his name. But Ron's victory tasted hollow. He hadn't won through skill but through a desperate act that could have had grave consequences. Ethan, ever the composed leader, strode onto the pitch. Silence fell once more.
"Excellent display of raw power, Mr. Weasley," Ethan said, calm yet firm. "However, a true close-quarters combatant relies more than just brute force. Let this be a lesson, not just in winning, but in fighting responsibly. Mr. Malfoy will receive medical attention, and we will discuss the appropriate consequences for such a reckless duel."
A hush fell over the room. Ron's moment of triumph was over, replaced by a sobering realization. Becoming a skilled defender was long and arduous, filled with more than blind aggression. His victory over Malfoy might have earned him cheers, but it also served as a stark reminder of the importance of discipline and control. Ethan's words hung heavy; a lesson learned the hard way.
