Chapter 276: O.W.Ls Exams

The incident involving Crouch had put all of Hogwarts on edge for a while.

But despite efforts from both the Ministry of Magic and Dumbledore, Mr. Crouch's whereabouts remained elusive, as if he had vanished into thin air.

In the end, the matter was left unresolved.

The timing of the Third Triwizard Tournament coincided with the end of the exams for young wizards, so during this period, both champions and ordinary students were kept quite busy.

Even Alaric, who cared little for exams, had to interrupt his new research on Felix Felicis because Cho Chang, Hermione, and Fleur occupied all his time.

To prepare for the Third Task, Hermione and Fleur needed Alaric to teach them various spells to handle challenges they might encounter in the maze.

The Reductor Curse to blast through solid obstacles, the Reviving Spell to alleviate negative effects, and the Point-Me Spell to guide their wands northward, ensuring they stayed on the right path in the maze...

Compared to Hermione, who was already considered a skilled duelist, Fleur undoubtedly required more of Alaric's attention.

Alaric couldn't help but think that all of this girl's talents were concentrated in charm and mental magic; while she was a genius in other areas of magic like Hermione, she seemed rather average in comparison.

In this situation, Hermione seemed to take every opportunity to mock Fleur, as if seeking revenge.

"I learned that spell ages ago."

"Why do you need so much practice?"

"You don't even understand this? It's basic knowledge."

And so on.

The resentment that Fleur had endured in the past was finally released.

While champions prepared for the tournament, Cho Chang also had to focus on her studies.

Unlike before, Cho Chang, now a fifth-year student, faced the O.W.Ls at the end of this semester.

For young wizards, the Ordinary Wizarding Levels exams were as important as a secondary school or university entrance exam.

These exam results would influence their future employment prospects and determine which subjects they could continue studying in the coming year.

Of course, the O.W.Ls brought considerable stress to many fifth and seventh-year students (who would take N.E.W.Ts).

It was said that Madam Pomfrey had brewed a large quantity of calming draughts to help students cope.

Furthermore, to concentrate better, improve mental faculties, and treat insomnia, there was a flourishing black market among these students.

Graham Montague, a sixth-year Slytherin student, was selling Baruffio's Brain Elixir, swearing that it helped him achieve seven "Outstandings" in his O.W.Ls last summer, all for the price of twelve Galleons per pint.

Even Cho Chang was not exempt from this. During this time, she busily reviewed everything she had learned, occasionally erupting in frustration when she couldn't remember something.

Alaric thought that without the Dragon Factor, this exam might have driven her to despair.

In such circumstances, Alaric had to step in and personally help her with her studies.

The castle grounds gleamed in the sunlight as if freshly painted; the clear sky reflected on the shimmering, calm lake; the satin-smooth green lawns occasionally rippled in the gentle breeze.

June had arrived, and for fifth-year students, it meant one thing: their O.W.Ls exams were finally here.

The exams would last two weeks, with students taking written exams in the morning and practical exams in the afternoon.

Astronomy practical exams were scheduled for the evenings.

Professor Flitwick warned the students that their papers were enchanted with the strictest anti-cheating spells, though every year at least one student thought they could outwit the Wizarding Examinations Authority.

Bringing self-correcting quills, Sneakoscopes, dismantling sleeve cuffs, and auto-answering quills into the exam hall was strictly prohibited, with severe penalties for cheating.

"I envy you, Granger," Cho Chang said to Hermione on their way to the exam hall.

"As a Triwizard champion, you don't have to take exams.

What a wonderful rule! I wish I could swap with you so I wouldn't have to take the O.W.Ls and still get Outstandings in every subject."

The first exam was scheduled for half past nine in the morning in the Great Hall, which had been rearranged: four house tables were removed and replaced with many individual desks, all facing the staff table at the end.

Under the watchful eyes of Alaric and Hermione, Cho Chang walked solemnly into the exam hall, looking as if she were headed to the gallows.

However, when she emerged from the classroom, her mood was evidently good.

The exam had been much easier than she had anticipated, and she was confident she would achieve an Outstanding.

"It's incredible!"

Cho Chang rushed over to Alaric, whispering excitedly.

"I've seen every type of question on the exam, and every topic was within your study plan.

There was nothing beyond it. How did you manage that?"

Cho Chang had followed Alaric's study plan meticulously, and she had never encountered such an accurate study guide before.

If it weren't for her trust in Alaric, she would almost suspect him of having seen the exam paper in advance—given Alaric's influence in the Ministry of Magic, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility.

Hermione also looked at Alaric in astonishment.

While she always knew Alaric was a very intelligent student, she had never heard of his prowess in exam preparation.

With his abilities, he didn't need such fanciful methods for any wizarding exam.

Hermione was also curious about this, especially since next year she would be facing her own O.W.Ls.

"In fact, achieving this sounds difficult, but it's actually quite simple," Alaric explained.

"I obtained the past twenty years' worth of O.W.Ls exam papers from the Wizarding Examinations Authority.

The examiners responsible for setting the questions haven't changed during this time.

By analyzing these papers, I compiled and analyzed the types of questions and topics covered, which formed the basis of this study plan."

"That's it?"

Both girls found it hard to believe.

"That's it," Alaric said simply.

—Would you believe me if I told you that in my past life, I faced exams with topics several times more extensive than these?

Analyzing recurring question types and topics like this to formulate a study plan shouldn't be surprising at all.

In terms of exams, wizarding world still has a long way to go!

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