Chapter 15: Exam Experience
Friday, Third Floor of the Castle.
Melvin had two classes that day.
In the morning, he taught the Advanced Muggle Studies Class for Seventh Years, an upper-level course exclusive to senior students.
Hogwarts education is divided into three main stages.
First, for the lower years (up to third year), the core subjects are Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Additionally, there are smaller subjects such as History of Magic, Astronomy, and Flying. The content is foundational, and the difficulty relatively low.
Next, from third to fifth year, students begin taking elective courses such as Ancient Runes, Divination, Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, and Muggle Studies. During this period, they start broadening their horizons and learning the principles behind magic itself.
At the end of fifth year, they must take the Ordinary Wizarding Level Examination, commonly known as the O.W.L.s.
The results are not published numerically but graded into six levels, from best to worst:
"O" (Outstanding)"E" (Exceeds Expectations)"A" (Acceptable)"P" (Poor)"D" (Dreadful)"T" (Troll)
Students who pass and achieve satisfactory results receive a certificate of magical competence from the Wizarding Examination Authority, allowing them to seek mid- to lower-level jobs for instance, working at a shop in Diagon Alley or applying for entry-level positions in the Ministry of Magic.
After beginning sixth year, students choose new subjects. Instead of separating between required and elective courses, they select classes based on interest, ability, and exam results deepening their knowledge in specialized fields. These are commonly known as Advanced Classes.
Advanced courses continue through seventh year, culminating in the N.E.W.T. examinations the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests, the second and far more valuable round of assessments.
A N.E.W.T. certificate opens doors to high-level professions such as Gringotts Curse-Breaker, Ministry Reserve Officer, or Auror Trainee.
The Seventh-Year Advanced Muggle Studies Class had gone through two rounds of selection, leaving only about a dozen students. Most had Muggle backgrounds, excellent grades, and a genuine interest in the subject. They also found Professor Lewynter approachable Melvin always answered questions with patience, making his lessons smooth and relaxed.
Unfortunately, this group was close to graduation. With exams approaching, their focus was necessarily narrow, leaving little room for creativity or experimentation.
Melvin felt a twinge of disappointment.
That afternoon was his Fifth-Year Class.
There were just over thirty students slightly fewer than in the third-year course, likely due to class withdrawals. Hogwarts' course system is flexible: students have two months after the start of third year to adjust. If they find a subject unsuitable or conflicting with another class, they can apply to the Headmaster for a change or withdrawal.
Even after two months, exceptions can be granted with valid reasons.
Melvin entered the classroom carrying a stack of materials.
He wore a cotton-and-linen printed shirt, a short-sleeved white shirt underneath, and straight trousers sleeves rolled casually to the elbow. His movements carried an easy, unrestrained air.
Most Hogwarts professors favored a stately image, but Professor Lewynter always wore Muggle clothing fashionable in both color and design breaking away from the stiff traditions of the school.
He looked out of place in the ancient castle, yet that very contrast seemed to refresh the atmosphere.
Professors were expected to maintain dignity and authority so that students would respect them, but not to the extent of being distant or unapproachable. Melvin struck the perfect balance dignified, yet personable.
Before him, Hogwarts' faculty had always followed the same pattern. Whether it was McGonagall, Flitwick, or the younger Snape and Viktor, all favored dark, muted robes black, grey, perhaps navy or slate. The traditional house colors scarlet and gold, blue and bronze, yellow and black, green and silver were seldom seen among staff. Even during feasts, they toned down brighter hues to maintain decorum.
Only Dumbledore had occasionally dared to wear vivid colors.
Now, the arrival of the young Professor Lewynter always in lively, Muggle-inspired fashion had become a frequent topic of gossip at dinner.
Melvin placed the materials neatly on the desk, standing tall and composed, his handsome face youthful yet professional.
His voice, though light, carried warmth.
"Good afternoon, students."
"Good afternoon, Professor Lewynter."
"Before we begin class," Melvin said, scanning the room, "there are a few things I'd like to clarify. As you may know, the Wizarding Examination Authority has appointed me as a special consultant to review and revise the Muggle Studies curriculum. However, until the new syllabus is implemented, this year's two official exams will remain unchanged. Your most important task this year… is preparation."
A sigh of regret rippled through the classroom.
Over the past week, they had heard countless tales about the novel experiences in Professor Lewynter's other classes creative presentations, unexpected quizzes, lively group activities. They had even made sure to learn everyone's names before the lesson began.
And now, they realized all those exciting methods were for other years.
Their job was just to study for exams.
Percy Weasley listened quietly disappointed, but not surprised.
O.W.L.s came first.
Melvin continued, "Originally, I intended to consult Professor Quirrell about your prior progress, but since he's now teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, he's been too busy to meet. I then asked Professor McGonagall, but didn't find much useful information. Finally, I contacted Madam Marchbanks and acquired several sets of old exam materials. After reviewing them, I found that you've already mastered most of the key points over the past two years. Only a small portion of new content remains this term."
"Based on that," he said, tapping the chalk against the board, "I've designed a comprehensive review plan. We'll complete the new material within one week, then conduct three full review rounds over the coming months, interspersed with practice exams. If we stay on schedule, and still have time left… we can explore more interesting topics."
"Interesting topics…" murmured several students, curiosity sparking in their voices.
"Let's begin."
Melvin picked up the chalk, his speech flowing easily as diagrams began to appear on the board.
"I've reviewed your textbooks from last year they focus on everyday Muggle customs and common electrical appliances. Much of that content is now outdated, so we'll revisit it later. This year, we'll go into detail about modern household devices their functions, basic structures, and internal components."
The advanced students were top of their houses most had already gone through the material.
Yet as Professor Lewynter broke down each concept, drawing precise illustrations and simplifying key points, they felt as though the information from their books was being distilled and refined before their eyes.
Penelope Clearwater from Ravenclaw was the first to react quickly opening her notebook and jotting notes.
This wasn't just ordinary knowledge.
This was exam gold.
(End of Chapter)