ALL NOVEL Chapter 85: Minor Conflict
Half an hour later, all the students were drenched in sweat, their faces flushed from intense activity, gasping for air, and lying on the soft ground like slumped mud.
Their wands lay discarded by their sides, beyond their strength to lift again.
If they could do it over, they would have chosen to lie down from the start instead of actually engaging in combat with the professor.
This time, the professor used curses without restraint—Stunning Spells, Petrification Spells, Dancing Spells, Tickling Charms, and more. These spells, which they had learned over three years, were played by the professor in endlessly inventive ways.
All the positioning, casting techniques, and teamwork they had practiced over the year seemed to have no effect, as they were precisely and consistently hit by the professor's magic.
As a result, each student had danced at least once and laughed hysterically for over five minutes—a result of the Tickling Charm!
The professor claimed he was assessing their ability to counter curses.
They understood why the exam would only end when they could no longer lift their wands—such an exam could literally exhaust someone to death!
Tver, quite satisfied, dispelled the surrounding magic and waved his wand over the limp students—"Levitation Charm"—transporting them back to their seats.
The Slytherins and Ravenclaws, who had been animatedly discussing the exam, were stunned at the scene.
"What just happened to you? How did you get so exhausted?" Cedric hastily asked Davies beside him.
Davies managed a weak but excited smile, "It was thrilling, absolutely wonderful. I think this was the most fun exam I've ever had in my life."
Cedric looked puzzled at the sweat dripping from Davies's forehead and his pale, drained lips.
This hardly seemed like the aftermath of a 'fun' exam!
Inspired by Davies, the students mustered the last bit of their energy to boast to their classmates about how interesting the exam was.
"It's unbelievable, the professor showed off some serious magical skills!"
"Have you ever seen spells that can turn corners? The professor used them!"
"With a single wave of his wand, the professor sent out three beams of light—it was so cool!"
Watching their excited expressions, the remaining students approached the smiling professor with a mix of belief and doubt—ready to receive their own unique exam experience.
This practical exam was only for students in third grade and above, as only they possessed the strength to somewhat stand a chance against the professor. As for the first and second graders, they were better off sticking to playing with light orbs.
Thus, with remarkable efficiency, Tver managed to complete all the exams for the students within two and a half days. This was the quickest completion among all subjects.
He then spent another day and a half marking the test papers and reviewing the practical exams, assigning comprehensive grades to each student. Looking over the grade sheet, more than half of the grades were either Outstanding (O) or Exceeds Expectations (E), with most of the remainder being Acceptable (A), and just a few glaring Fails.
Though past exam results were not always reliable, the progress made by the students compared to a year ago—or six months for the higher grades—was enough to satisfy Tver. He could use these results to negotiate a raise with Headmaster Dumbledore with much more confidence.
He stored the grade sheets safely; it wasn't time to announce them to the students yet. They would have to wait until all subject results were out, to be distributed along with the new year's textbook lists.
With some time on his hands before the holiday began, Tver now had some free time. However, it wasn't enough to delve into research on Horcruxes, so he decided to wander over to the library.
The Restricted Section of the school library held many treasures. While it lacked material on the four elements, it was rich with works on the soul. He found several books capable of actively exploring the mind.
However, this visit brought him upon an unexpected scene—or rather, a small group of people.
"I was just practicing magic, you know, Professor Fawley praised me at the end of the exam, saying my magical skills were excellent," boasted Malfoy, his head held high, flanked by Goyle and Crabbe, his usual cronies.
Opposite them stood Harry's trio and Neville, though Neville seemed to be having trouble standing as if his legs were glued to the floor.
"Give it a rest," Hermione stepped forward bravely, "Harry scored higher than you!"
Malfoy's smile faltered, "He only beat me by two points, maybe my theoretical score was better."
"Your theoretical scores better than Hermione's?" Ron laughed loudly, unconcerned that it wasn't his own score.
Malfoy's pale face darkened a shade, and he glanced uneasily at his two cronies behind him.
Indeed, the combined scores of those two might not even match Hermione's.
But Snape came over, relieving Malfoy of his discomfort.
"What are you doing blocking the library entrance? Don't you need to prepare for your Potions exam?" Snape's gaze swept over Harry and his friends. "Or are you planning to go home with a 'T' (Troll) grade?"
His eyes lingered on Harry's face, a smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Of course, even if someone prepares diligently, his talents can only take him so far."
"Whom are you referring to? Harry?" Tver smiled as he walked up from behind Harry, warmly putting an arm around him. "If my mother remembers correctly, she told me Harry's mother was quite skilled at Potions. With just a bit of his mother's talent, he should easily pass the Potions exam, right, Professor Snape?"
Snape's smile vanished instantly, and he stared darkly into Tver's eyes for a long moment before finally speaking. "I don't know what your mother has told you, but please refrain from spreading unverified statements around the school."
He then stepped closer and whispered in Tver's ear, "Otherwise, not even Dumbledore can protect you."
After delivering his warning, Snape didn't glance at the surprised expressions around him but swept his robe and left the area.
Tver understood the implications of Snape's words—they were a reminder not to expose the complex relationships involving Harry. Dumbledore's influence also meant that Tver wouldn't actually reveal such matters.
It was just a bit of teasing towards Snape, but now it seemed a bit mean-spirited. Perhaps it was best to avoid such jests in the future; otherwise, Snape might actually confront him seriously...