I really like your version of Harry's OWL exams. His self-satisfaction seems justified because he feels he completed the questions knowledgeably. I particularly liked the practical potions exam wherein he was asked to reason out how to finish the potion and discern its use. That shows a competent knowledge of ingredients and their uses in various potions. I also had to smile when his Astronomy and History of Magic exams followed canon; thank goodness Professor McGonagall wasn't involved with the sacking of Hagrid and that the latter is still securely in his job. I could have done without Harry's dream in the middle of the History of Magic exam, however. I'm not looking forward to the next chapter and sincerely hope that Harry is able to communicate with Sirius in order to foil Voldemort in his quest of the prophecy.

All in all, a good chapter indeed.

P.S. Just to be a bit of a quibbler, Professor Tofty is a wizard and Professor Marchbanks is old enough to have given Dumbledore his exams!

Author's Response: I don’t know why I always imagined Professor Tofty as a witch, but it’s so stuck in my head that it spilled onto the page! Griselda being old enough to have proctored Dumbledore’s exams is absolutely correct in canon, but my brain refuses to abide the thought. Well done noticing those unaccounted for variations! The potions practical might be one of the sections of which I’m most proud. What a delight to see that you noticed and appreciated it! The next chapter may be challenging for Harry and for readers, but I guess we’ll have to wait and see… Thanks so much for the encouragement!