Chapter 156: The Examination

Chapter 156: The Examination

Early June

Felix Harp was awakened by the sound of raindrops tapping against the window. Outside, a grey mist lingered, and a brilliant flash of lightning streaked across the sky followed by the rumbling of distant thunder.

The final exams had been ongoing for three days, but the Ancient Runes exam was scheduled towards the middle and end of all subjects. For Felix, today marked the first day of the final exams.

Fortunately, the Ancient Runes class he taught was an elective, and aside from overseeing the fifth and seventh years preparing for their wizarding level exams, he only had to invigilate the remaining three years.

All the professors of mandatory courses had to invest more effort and engage in intellectual battles with young wizards. Bellby, who was in charge of Dark Arts Defense, had complained to him more than once—

"Imagine this, students harboring thoughts of luck. Can you believe it? During the pre-exam check, I discovered a dozen cheating quills!"

Felix had consulted Professor Flitwick specifically about this issue, and Flitwick advised him, "You can prepare anti-cheating quills for the students in advance; it will save you a lot of trouble."

He had gladly taken this advice.

In the Ancient Runes classroom, the long rows of seats had been replaced with individual desks and chairs. Felix waved his wand, causing a multitude of papers and quills to accurately land on the small tables in front of the fourth-year students.

"I must remind you that both the exam papers and quills have been enchanted against cheating, and the consequences of cheating are severe."

The exam began, and Felix walked up and down the aisles between the seats, announcing the time every half an hour.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.

By the time he made his second announcement, some students had already completed their papers.

"Very well, Mr. Andrews, you may choose to continue reviewing or step outside for some fresh air."

...

After invigilating the fourth years, Felix managed to grade all the papers on the same day. "A total of 7 Outstanding and 22 Exceeds Expectations. Compared to previous years, this is very impressive."

The former represented excellence, while the latter indicated satisfactory performance—there were many who passed.

"Not that long, time flies, doesn't it? My overseeing Dumbledore's exams feels like just yesterday. It was an honor to examine him." The somewhat hard-of-hearing Marchbanks spoke loudly. "I can't forget that scene for my whole life! To invigilate him was my privilege."

Marchbanks was in good spirits, looking at Felix. "You as well, but you left me in awe in Charms. Heard you're a Muggle Studies expert now? Teaching Muggle Studies?"

"It's Ancient Runes, Professor Marchbanks. That's my field of study."

Marchbanks leaned in, then spoke loudly again. "I hope you don't neglect your magical research, especially in Charms— the incredible power of it!"

Felix smiled and nodded. While her attention shifted, he turned to the man with thinning hair. "Long time no see, Tofty. I've just met Ogden recently..."

"He mentioned it to me, was it at the Ministry's award ceremony?" Tofty replied.

Tofty had been one of Felix's examiners as well, though they hadn't stayed in touch during their school years. After graduating, Felix had paid him a visit—Tofty was also an Ancient Runes expert, more inclined towards theory, but he had provided Felix with considerable assistance.

"Indeed, he seemed to be in good health."

"Yeah, that old fellow! When he told me, I couldn't believe it at first. Never thought you'd really return to Hogwarts."

"I enjoy the atmosphere of the school." Felix casually remarked.

"That's one of the reasons I stay at the Examinations Authority. They are the hope of the British magical world—though most of the time these young folks are quite a headache." The old man rambled on for a while. "And old Viridian, as soon as I mentioned you, he got all worked up, yet I distinctly saw your books on his desk..."

Suppressing his laughter, Felix remained silent. Viridian was one of Felix's students, Clemence Viridian's grandfather, a rather stubborn old man.

He was also the Deputy Head of the Ancient Runes Association and often had strong opinions about Felix's "Practical Ancient Runes" approach.

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