A new week began at Hogwarts.
For the students, it was a week of utter despair. Every single substitute Professor at Hogwarts made the same announcement: The November monthly exams were canceled. Instead, there would be a final exam before the Christmas holidays.
But this time, the stakes were higher than ever. The top four students in each subject, for every year, would qualify for the Hogwarts Ultimate Challenge Training.
What does Hogwarts mean to you?
Transfiguration: Complex and perilous, yet elegant and exceptional. Charms: Honoring tradition, forging the future. Potions: Rigorous craft, meticulous preparation. Herbology: Nature's treasures, the foundation of magic. History of Magic: Learning from the past, enriching the future. Defence Against the Dark Arts: Protect yourself, uphold the peace. ...
Crafted by eleven dedicated Professors—Hogwarts' legacy lives on...
The slogan was so rousing that it set the whole castle abuzz. Students everywhere were fired up, speculating and whispering about the coming challenge.
At the same time, each of the four Heads of House privately instructed their students: Of the four coveted spots per year, per subject, at least one must go to someone from their own House. As for what would happen if they failed... best not to ask.
The academic pressure at Hogwarts ratcheted up another notch.
Outside the classroom, the detention rooms and magical practice halls once again became student hotspots.
Meanwhile, Lupin's popularity was driving Professor Snape to the edge of his patience.
Finally, during a lesson for third-years and up, Professor Snape introduced a potion not found in any textbook: the Werewolf Revelation Draught—a potion that could force a werewolf to transform, even when the moon was dark.
When Lupin heard about it, he could only give a wry, helpless smile. He said nothing.
Sirius, on the other hand, nearly stormed out to duel Snape on the spot. It took all of Douglas's persuasion—and a promise to brew a special counter-potion for Lupin—before Sirius grudgingly stood down.
Later, in the fifth-year Gryffindor Defence Against the Dark Arts class, Douglas was ready to go over the latest test papers.
But George and Fred had each eaten a Hiccup Sweet from Zonko's Joke Shop, and started hiccupping the moment class began.
At first, Douglas looked genuinely concerned, asking if they needed water.
But when Lee Jordan burst out laughing, the truth came out—the twins had dosed themselves with joke sweets before class.
Douglas's expression turned icy. He picked up George and Fred's test papers.
"This question—honestly, isn't the answer obvious? How did you both get it wrong? Copy this question out twenty times, including all related textbook content."
"And this one—I've explained it how many times now? Still wrong? It's come up repeatedly in Seven Years... t... Five o... l..."
"And these were the giveaway questions! Both of you got them wrong. Clearly, you haven't copied the Patronus Charm theory enough times."
With every scolding, the twins hiccupped in perfect harmony, their timing so impeccable that the whole class was struggling to keep a straight face. When one student finally broke, the room exploded with laughter.
Douglas returned to the podium, swept his gaze across the class with a faint smile, then snapped his fingers. A Silencing Charm swept the room. Instantly, all laughter died. No matter how hard the students tried, not a sound could escape their lips. Soon, faces were turning bright red from the effort of holding in their giggles.
"The O.W.L.s are right around the corner, and you lot seem to have plenty of time for laughter. I'll take that as a sign you're all well prepared.
So, starting next lesson, every fifth-year Defence Against the Dark Arts student will follow your shining example: ten extra practice papers every week. Remember, this is on top of your usual homework.
In class, I'll give you an hour—each of you will come up and explain a problem to the rest.
I'll ask the two Mr. Weasleys to personally inform the class reps from the other Houses, and be sure to explain exactly why…"
As soon as Douglas finished, the rest of the class shot the twins looks that could kill.
Fifth-year homework was already a nightmare—now, with ten more papers a week, it felt like the end of the world.
George and Fred just shrugged. When you're already up to your neck in trouble, what's a little more? Detentions, endless laps, copying magazines since the start of term—what were ten more practice papers?
After class, Hermione—who usually left on her own—suddenly appeared ahead of them on the stairs.
Ron and Harry barely batted an eye, but Hermione approached, grumbling, "So you never use that map?"
Harry had long since forgotten her instructions, so her question left him baffled.
"My cousin already knows I've got it. If I just whip it out whenever, I'll get caught for sure."
Hermione thrust a copy of Advanced Transfiguration Guide into Harry's hands.
Ron asked, puzzled, "Next class is Herbology. Why're you carrying a Transfiguration book—an advanced one, no less?"
Harry looked just as surprised. "Hermione, are you studying upper-year stuff on your own now?"
Hermione shook her head. "No, I just needed to look something up. I skimmed through earlier."
Ron gaped. "So you were reading Transfiguration during History of Magic? How'd I not notice?"
His outburst drew a few curious glances. Hermione shot him a glare. "You two should make time to read this as well. It'll be useful… Oh, thank you, Hannah!"
As she spoke, Hannah Abbott from Hufflepuff passed over a small piece of cake.
The two girls fell in step, heading toward the greenhouses.
Harry flipped through the book, still puzzled.
Then he noticed a folded page, carefully marked.
Ron leaned in and read aloud, "Identifying and Breaking Animagus Transformations… Why are we looking at this? Isn't this the advanced Animagus stuff from upper-level Transfiguration? Is Professor McGonagall going to test us on it?"
Harry found it odd too. The image of Scabbers flashed through his mind.
Hermione had once mentioned her suspicion that Scabbers was an Animagus, but Harry hadn't paid much attention at the time.
Now she'd brought it up again—did she have a new lead?
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