Chapter 39.6- Doom Days

“Good morning, My name is Topsy Turvy. You might address me as Madam Turvy for the duration of these exams, even as I struggle to see any reason why you would want to address me during this process” The woman appeared at the desk in front of the room in a puff of smoke the moment the clock struck to make it 8 o’clock.

“As you must both be aware, the ICW does not tolerate cheating or malpractice of any forms in any of their examinations but this one most especially. Any attempt is punishable with six months in prison or a fine not less than five thousand galleons. Needless to say, neither of you should even consider it. This exam will last seven hours, with three breaks. The first break is a bathroom break, and trust me when I say you should abstain from temptation during that break as you will be closely monitored all the way. The second break will be a lunch break. The Department has prepared a generous spread to help you replenish your energy, and the third will be the final bathroom break. There will be no unsanctioned stops once the exam begins so if you have an urgent need to use the facilities then do so now” She offered, and the woman ti my side was practically hurling herself out of her chair to get out of the room.

“The bathroom is the first door to the left” Turvy called after her.

“No need to visit the bathroom, Mr Potter?” The proctor turned to me afterwards.

“None” I said.

“People have tried what you are trying before, you know? You’re not the first to be confident” She said with a smile that must have come across as calming to some. I just found it patronizing.

“I’m the first to be me” I said, and I knew that was just the kind of arrogant reply she was expecting as she smiled from ear to ear at my words.

“Of course you are. All those before you either failed when the results were released or broke down midway. My superiors have asked me to inform you that they have an offer you would much appreciate if you somehow manage not to fall victim to either fate” She said, I gave her a nod to show I understood even as I wondered what she meant as superiors. Superiors within the Department of Education, or superiors within the wider ICW itself? Why did something tell me that she had kept that vague on purpose.

The woman returned a few minutes later and Turvy continued speaking like she had never stopped.

“There are seventy questions in each booklet. Each question must be answered to secure a passing grade, however do be warned that wrong answers lead to point deductions. A passing grade in this exam requires seventy-seven points, so good luck” She said, and with a flick of her wand, the booklets soared over to us with pens attached.

I knew the pens were enchanted to the nines with every sort of anti-cheating enchantment they could find. Some articles even said the pen could detect potion-use.

“Now begin” Turvy said, and I flipped open the page.

The first question read, ’The cheering charm and the counter charm for hiccoughs share a unique connection. Expand on this connection with an explanation not longer than five lines, list three other sets of charms with similar connections, and suggest a suitable counter charm for the cheering charm from the within the list below’

Well, this was going to be fun.