On the Hogwarts Astronomy Tower, the cool night air blowing at Ethan's cheeks. Despite the late hour, the tower was bustling with murmurs and the faint rustle of parchment. The Astronomy exam was underway, and students huddled over their telescopes, hurriedly sketching the night sky and identifying the constellations that dotted it.
Professor Sinistra floated gracefully between the rows of students, her robes trailing like the night itself. Her voice was soft but clear as she gave quiet instructions, reminding students to label their star charts correctly.
Ethan adjusted his telescope, his gaze steady as he focused on the constellation of Orion. He sketched the distinct formation with precise lines, labeling the bright star Betelgeuse and the three stars of Orion'sBelt. Astronomy had always been a subject of quiet fascination and confusion for him, a study of the vast and timeless cosmos, an ever-present reminder of how small the wizarding world truly was.
Moving his telescope slightly, he traced the lines of Ursa Major, then identified the faint, twinkling lights of the Pleiades cluster. His hand moved smoothly, sketching and labeling each star with practiced ease. Hours spent studying star maps and their shifting positions paid off now as his quill danced across the parchment.
But the test was more than just drawing constellations. Professor Sinistra's voice rang out, signaling the second portion of the exam. "Please write a brief essay on the influence of the lunar cycle on magical creatures and potions. Be clear and concise."
Ethan's quill didn't hesitate.
"The lunar cycle has a profound impact on magical creatures, particularly werewolves, whose transformations are directly tied to the full moon. Beyond werewolves, certain magical plants, such as the Wolfsbane, are best harvested under specific moon phases, which enhance their magical properties. In potion-making, lunar phases can alter ingredient potency, as seen in the use of moonstone in the Draught of Peace, where a full moon infusion produces the most potent effects."
Ethan continued, detailing examples and providing a brief explanation of the moon's influence on water-based potions, where the gravitational pull subtly affected magical reactions.
Satisfied with his essay, he read it over once, ensuring it was clear and accurate. Around him, some students were nervously tapping their quills or glancing up at the sky as if hoping for inspiration. Ethan, however, felt a quiet confidence. He had prepared meticulously, and it showed in his calm, methodical answers.
"Five minutes remaining," Professor Sinistra called out, her voice gentle but firm.
Ethan quickly checked his star chart, correcting a minor label, and then put down his quill. As the time ended, Professor Sinistra waved her wand, and the completed star charts and essays floated neatly from the desks, stacking themselves on her desk.
"Thank you, everyone. Please return quietly to your dormitories. After some time, your result will be handed back to you." she instructed, her kind smile offering some relief to the more nervous students.
Ethan descended the spiraling stairs of the Astronomy Tower, the cool breeze following him until he was back in the warmer, torch-lit corridors of the castle. His next and final exam was Herbology, a subject he found both practical and surprisingly complex. The study of magical plants held far more depth than simply recognizing leaves and roots. The properties, uses, and dangers of each plant were as varied as any spell. The connection to potions were easily noticable as well.
The next day arrived swiftly, and Ethan found himself in the greenhouses, the scent of damp earth and fresh greenery filling the air. Professor Sprout, with her earthy robes and cheerful demeanor, stood at the front, a row of strange plants laid out before her.
"Today, you'll be identifying and describing the properties of each of these magical plants," Professor Sprout announced. "Take care, some of them are quite dangerous if mishandled."
Ethan moved to his assigned station, where a variety of potted plants awaited him. The first was an innocuous-looking, vine-like plant with soft, silvery leaves. He recognized it immediately, Mimbulus mimbletonia. Its main feature was its ability to secrete Stinksap, a foul-smelling liquid, when disturbed.
He wrote quickly, describing the plant's origin and its defensive mechanism. Moving to the next, he saw a squat, bulbous plant with a faint glow, a Lumos Vine. A magical plant that absorbed sunlight during the day and glowed faintly at night, often used in light-producing potions.
His quill scratched across the parchment as he detailed the plant's uses and its sensitivity to excessive darkness, which could cause it to wither. He continued down the line, identifying Gillyweed, a rubbery, gray plant with a faint fishy smell, used to grant the eater the ability to breathe underwater. Ethan noted the importance of its dosage and the risks of overuse, which could cause gills to persist longer than intended.
As he worked, Professor Sprout moved between the students, offering gentle corrections and occasionally warning those who mishandled the more dangerous plants. A loud yelp drew Ethan's attention, and he saw a Hufflepuff student quickly withdrawing their hand from a Venomous Tentacula, which had lashed out with one of its spiked tendrils.
"Careful, Mr. Abbott," Professor Sprout chided gently, moving to assist. "Remember, the Tentacula responds to rapid movements. Slow and steady."
Ethan turned back to his own work, now faced with a final challenge, a small, withered-looking plant with silvery veins running along its leaves. He leaned closer, recognizing it as Dittany, a powerful healing herb whose essence could rapidly close wounds when used in potion-making. He carefully detailed its uses, its required conditions for growth, and its significance in magical medicine.
After completing his written descriptions, Ethan moved to the practical portion. Professor Sprout instructed the students to properly repot a young Mandrake, a task requiring both care and preparation. Each student was provided with a pair of earmuffs, a precaution against the plant's potentially fatal scream.
Ethan slipped on his earmuffs, ensuring they were secure before reaching for the small Mandrake plant. Its wriggling form was slightly unnerving, but he maintained a steady grip, gently pulling it free from its pot. The muffled, faint screech barely reached his ears. He carefully placed the Mandrake into a larger pot filled with fresh, enriched soil, patting it down and making sure the roots were properly covered.
Satisfied, he glanced at Professor Sprout, who gave him an approving nod. Around him, some students struggled with the squirming Mandrakes, one even dropping theirs, causing a brief panic. But Professor Sprout quickly stepped in, her calm instructions bringing order back.
Once all the Mandrakes were securely potted, Professor Sprout clapped her hands. "Well done, everyone! Your written answers will be reviewed, and your practical skills will be graded accordingly. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your day and lunch."
Ethan removed his earmuffs, letting the earthy scent of the greenhouse fill his senses again. He took one last glance at his potted Mandrake, feeling a quiet sense of satisfaction. Herbology might not be his favorite subject, but there was a certain peace in working with magical plants.
He walked back toward the castle, the warm sunlight filtering through the castle windows, casting golden beams along the stone corridors. The tension of exams was slowly beginning to fade, replaced by a growing sense of relief. With Astronomy and Herbology completed, his only test left was History of Magic after he had his fill at the great hall.
As he walked, a few of his housemates waved at him, and some asked how the exams went. Ethan offered polite but brief responses, making his way along with the rest of his housemates.
One more exam left and his first year at Hogwarts would be complete.