Harry Potter and the Secret Treasures-Chapter 1163: Practical Examination

After lunch, the candidates trooped into the small chamber beside the Great Hall, where they were to wait until called for their practical examination.

As small groups of students were called forward in alphabetical order, those left behind muttered incantations and practiced wand movements, occasionally poking one another in the back or eye by mistake. Students who had already been tested did not return afterward, so no one knew the content of the exam and how the people who were called out had done.

“Not easy!” said a chubby seventh-year girl, shaking her head. “It’s really hard to get high marks. They look at the students’ overall ability to use spells, techniques, and casting speed, usually requiring the use of two or three spells at the same time…”

Many fifth-year students gathered around her, trying to learn as much as possible about the content of the practical examination.

Professor Flitwick came in to call students one by one, and it was soon Evan’s turn, ahead of Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

“Good luck!” said Hermione nervously, gripping his right hand tightly. “Come on, Evan!”

“Good luck,” Harry and Ron also said softly.

Evan walked into the Great Hall. Next to him was a seventh-year Hufflepuff boy, who was holding his wand tightly, his body trembling slightly.

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This guy was too nervous. He had already been through the O.W.L.s once, so he should have had some experience.

“Sorry!” He wiped the sweat from his forehead. “I want to work in the Ministry of Magic. They only take the best. They ask for a minimum of six N.E.W.T.s, and nothing under ‘Exceeds Expectations’ grade. I have never been good at Charms…” (T.N: in the original, only five N.E.W.T.s were needed.)

Only by getting enough N.E.W.T.s could one enter the Ministry of Magic; and they had very high requirements for students’ grades.

Depending on the department to join, there would be additional tests.

For example, to become an Auror, the Auror Office would test the applicant’s personality and intelligence, their ability to react well under pressure, etc. It also required unyielding perseverance and dedication.

A qualified Auror must undergo three years of training, master the methods of dealing with Dark wizards and all dangerous situations, and actually use the techniques of defense.

During these three years, they would also participate in joint operations of the Ministries of Magic of European countries. The common feature of these operations was that they were very dangerous.

Although there were many students who aspired to become Aurors every year, considering the high elimination rate and mortality rate of this job, the actual number of elite Aurors in the British Ministry of Magic remained at around eighty all year round, which was already a very powerful force!

Many smaller countries’ Ministries of Magic only had two or three Aurors.

It was not just the Aurors and the Ministry of Magic; other places also had requirements for students’ N.E.W.T.s.

For example, Healers at St Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries required students to have four N.E.W.T.s, with a high mark of ‘Outstanding’ at Potions or Herbology. (T.N: It’s five N.E.W.T.s in the original, with a high mark of either ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Exceeds Expectations’ at: Potions, Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms, and Defence Against the Dark Arts.)

After entering St Mungo’s, they also needed to receive long-term training to become qualified Healers.

Like Aurors, Healers had to learn a lot of things after leaving school, otherwise they would quickly be eliminated.

Other small shops and institutions did not have such high requirements as the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts, and St Mungo’s, but they still considered students’ O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s results as important reference criteria. Unless one planned to start their own business like Fred and George, obtaining enough certificates and good marks was very necessary.

Dumbledore had asked Evan that if he wanted to get the exchange qualification to study at another Wizarding school, he must have excellent results in this O.W.L.s.

Only in this way could he convince the Ministry of Magic and the other school to accept Evan.

“Mason, go to Professor Marchbanks!” said Professor Flitwick standing at the door, pointing to the far corner.

Professor Marchbanks was sitting behind a small table in the corner, a short distance from what looked like the very oldest and baldest examiner. He was Professor Tofty, who was testing Anthony Goldstein from Ravenclaw. ŗÄΝŐ𝖇Ё§

There was a glass on the table, which was trembling and floating under Goldstein’s control.

“Evan Mason,” said Professor Marchbanks. She checked her records, then looked up at Evan, “You applied for this exam specially. Professor Dumbledore introduced you to me. He thinks you are very good. We…”

Crash! The glass Goldstein had been levitating fell to the floor and smashed, interrupting her.

Evan turned his head and saw Goldstein waving his wand in a panic to restore the glass.

“Alright, don’t worry about the glass, let’s begin, I’m looking forward to what magic you will show,” said Professor Marchbanks in her quavery old voice. “No need to be nervous, Evan… Now, if I could ask you to take this eggcup and make it do some cartwheels for me…”

This was a very simple Levitation Charm and Hover Charm. Evan controlled the cup according to Professor Marchbanks’s request.

“You did very well, quite an impressive non-verbal spell. I haven’t seen one in many years,” said Professor Marchbanks with satisfaction, wrote a few words on the record, then looked up at Evan expectantly. “In fact, I noticed your test paper this morning. I must say, it was probably a test paper I have never seen before… Your answers were beyond imagination… We are applying to the Ministry of Magic for experts in related fields to judge whether the answers are correct, but anyway, it is quite remarkable that you could write them. I noticed your answer to the question about the Levitation Charm; you can use ancient magic runes to cast spells?”

“Yes!” Evan nodded. “I started learning this spellcasting technique last year.”

After obtaining the necessary help from the relics of ancient sorcerers and Nicolas Flamel, Evan had begun experimenting with this way of using magic.

Ancient spellcasters all did this, instead of the simplified spells and quick casting of today.

“Remarkable. This ancient technique is rarely mastered. Over a century ago, when I was a student, Hogwarts used to teach these techniques in the N.E.W.T. classes. I remember the professor back then was…” said Professor Marchbanks slowly. “Of course, very few students could learn it. Directly using ancient runes requires a wizard to have a high level of magic power and mental strength, as well as a considerable understanding of ancient runes… I apologize, Evan, to make you listen to me for so long … What I mean is … could you demonstrate casting a spell using ancient runes to levitate this wine glass if you want to earn some extra points.”

“No problem,” said Evan. “Professor, which ancient magic rune do you want me to use?”

“All of them,” said Professor Marchbanks with interest. “Let me see what you really can do, Evan!”

Considering that the results of this exam would affect whether he could exchange to other Wizarding schools, Evan felt it necessary to show his skills.

However, showing his true ability with the Philosopher’s Stone might be too ostentatious…

Also, like the answer he had written on the first question on the test paper this morning, Evan currently knew thirty-six methods of casting the Levitation Charm using ancient runes. Demonstrating all of them one by one would be a waste of time. He hesitated for a moment, seeing Professor Marchbanks looking at him expectantly…

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