Midterms

*Narrator pov*

The celebratory ambiance of the castle was now replaced by an air of seriousness and determination. The students began their midterms before winter break, whispers could be heard around the walls of students asking their friends if the tests were hard and such.

Most students who completed Morpheus's midterm by now were reassuring their friends that it wasn't so hard.

Morpheus set his midterm up to achieve maximum efficiency as it wasn't your typical exam. On the last day of full elective classes, he had the students take the herb name portion and the constellation meaning portion.

So now it was just the practical exam, Remus Lupin was already heading toward the divination classroom to finish his practical. He was excited yet nervous he knew he could pass but hoped his nerves didn't hinder him.

*Morpheus pov*

I watched as Remus entered my room nervously, I could visibly see him trying to take deep breaths to calm down. Chuckling I pointed at the board, "Your question is 'What is the exact process of harvesting Sylphidra scales,' you may ask me to repeat it after I take it off of the board. You may take your time do not worry you will do fine Remus," I encouraged

He nodded closing his eyes, "Okay, I got it," he said with a determined nod

Snapping my fingers the question disappeared from the board and Remus walked toward the bookshelf. He picked up a book titled, 'Exotic beasts and how to hunt them' and closed his eyes once more. I watched as the young student flipped open the book opened his eyes and began to read, "Sylphidra scales are harvested in one of two ways, the first method is to create a dark atmosphere stopping the shimmering defense mechanism and then using a strong acid to corrode the spaces between the scales. The second method is much like the first but instead of acid, you carve them out with a blade. The reason you can't pluck them out easily is because the scales are very moldable meaning you cannot put a lot of force on the scales,"

"Good job Remus!" I exclaimed, "I knew you had talent in this type of divination, cultivate it well and I guarantee it will bring much fortune to your life," I told him with a large smile spread across my face

He looked embarrassed at my praise, "Thank you, sir," he replied before setting the book down

I laughed, "Think nothing of it if you need help in the future come to my office, I look forward to seeing if you have improved after winter break. Now, best get going I have another student arriving soon," I explained

He nodded before expressing his thanks and leaving the classroom. As he left I stacked the book back on the shelf randomly and waited for my next student.

Narcissa should be arriving at any moment now, seeing as this time around I have two different midterms instead of every grade taking the same one I orientated the exams to shift between the two.

The door creaked open and Narcissa entered, "Good afternoon professor," she said with a small smile

"Good afternoon Narcissa," I replied before taking out some herbs, "You did excellent on your written portion by the way,"

A smile blossomed on her face at my words, "Thank you," she said happily

I chuckled, "It was your own efforts no need to thank me. Now, will you be making a paste or burning?" I asked

I decided that each student would be allowed a choice, they could even choose both if they wanted to of course.

"Burning," she replied quickly

I'm beginning to realize that most students are not fond of making paste.

"Choose a herb," I instructed

She picked up, "Lavandula angustifolia good choice for the occasion," I remarked as the herb entered her palm

She breathed deeply focusing on the task at hand, with a gentle grace she put some of the Lavandula angustifolia into the flame I had set up. A soft smoke began to waft through the air as she began to mutter soft incantations, I soon began to feel a soothing calming effect take place in the classroom. Closing my eyes I focused on the effects the smoke was producing on my body.

After a short minute, I had her extinguish the flame and waved my hand dissipating the smoke.

"You did good but, your technique still needs work. Make your incantations softer and more melodic as if you are humming the words it will increase the effect greatly. Also, when burning an herb especially one like Lavandula angustifolia that produces a calming effect you just want enough to produce smoke but not have any flames on the herb. You had some small flames licking the edges which burned the herb faster but, overall you did well you passed good job," I remarked positively

I could tell she was both happy she passed but sad she didn't do better, "I'll do better next time," she said to me

"Good, that's what the midterms are about recognizing where you can improve," I replied

"Now, I won't ask you to demonstrate your resonated technique because I've seen you use it throughout the year and time is running short but be prepared to show it off during the final," I added while checking the time

"Of course and thank you for the pointers," she replied respectfully

I nodded as she left, "Remember you can always approach me for tutoring if you wish to learn more,"

***

After a long day of exams, I managed to finish them at a reasonable time. All of my students passed which wasn't a shocker to me it would be very difficult to pass an exam where you just needed to show genuine effort. Although some third-year students were struggling with their resonated art it wasn't really their fault in the matter. Sometimes effort just isn't enough but, I saw they wanted to progress in divination and that's all that counts.

Lily Evans surprised me with her progress in scribe divination, she managed to find the answer to my questions fairly fast and she had a late start with the art. I wouldn't say she was talented in all types of divination but this one seems to fit her like a glove.

Before meeting with Evan Rosier's father I had a quick bite to eat. Now I stood before my floo waiting for the time to reach the appointment.

As the clock struck eleven and the students were safe in bed sleeping soundly eager to wake up and head home for break I threw the floo powder into the fireplace and said the name of my destination before being whisked away.

I appeared in a nice lounge room full of art and bookshelves, "Professor Morpheus I presume?" a deep voice reached my ears

Turning I saw a middle-aged man with light grey hair, "Lucas Rosier I presume? And just call me Morpheus,"

His eyes narrowed, "Well Morpheus just call me Lord Rosier,"

I laughed, "I like you," and stepped forward feeling him ease the wards

"Nice lounge you have here," I remarked

"Yes, please take a seat my son said you wanted to meet with me,"

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