To the Little Wizards' great reluctance, the final exams still proceeded as scheduled.
For most subjects, exams were divided into two parts: theoretical and practical.
In this year's exams, many Professors set the compulsory questions as practical exam content.
As a result, as the exams progressed, the students gradually discovered that this year's final exams were much easier than in previous years.
On the afternoon after the exams, the Hogwarts sky was a clear blue.
A gentle breeze swept across the Black Lake, its surface shimmering, reflecting the majestic outline of the Castle and the surrounding mountains.
Except for the fifth and seventh-year students, the school was filled with smiling students.
"This year's exams were so simple! I didn't expect that with compulsory questions, the difficulty of the exams would be greatly reduced."
"It's all thanks to the Professors' thoughtfulness in setting the compulsory questions as practical exam content. We already mastered them in class, so we only needed to review the textbook knowledge before the exam."
"Also, the improvement in homework for each subject. Before, it was all essays, but this year there were quite a few worksheets, all focusing on key knowledge from the textbook. It saved a lot of effort when reviewing by following the worksheets."
"Yes, I think all exams except History of Magic will at least be an E (Acceptable), and getting an O (Outstanding) in these practical exam courses shouldn't be a problem."
"It seems this summer holiday will be more relaxed."
"Don't talk about that so far away. We can relax now! Let's go play Quidditch, anyone want to join?"
"Don't get too carried away. The fifth and seventh-year students still have two weeks of exams. If you disturb them, be careful, the Professor will scold you."
Like most students, Harry and his two friends were also relaxing in their own unique way.
They had changed out of their usual school robes and into casual clothes, chatting leisurely by the Black Lake.
Harry lay on his back on the grass, arms behind his head, his gaze fixed on the clear sky. He took a deep breath, feeling the fresh air wash over him.
From a distance, he heard a few birds chirping, and occasionally, the gentle lapping of the lake water against the shore.
At this moment, he seemed to have completely shed the heavy pressure of the exams, leaving only relaxation and contentment.
"Ah, it's finally over..." Ron stretched his body, hands propped behind him, his face full of relief.
He stretched out his legs, his gaze idly sweeping across the lake, a smile of relief on his face: "So comfortable!"
Hermione sat beside them, a small smile on her lips, holding a book borrowed from the library.
However, this time, she wasn't in a hurry to open it; she simply quietly enjoyed the peaceful afternoon.
"Actually, exams aren't that scary, are they?" She teased Ron, "It's just that you always put off studying until the last minute."
"Hey, I tried my best!" Ron rolled his eyes, but then laughed.
"Honestly, when Professor Snape checked the Potion I brewed, I was so nervous."
"I wasn't very good at controlling the heat, and the Swelling Solution I brewed was much worse than what you two usually brew."
"I was really worried Professor Snape would give me a P (Poor), but I didn't expect the Professor to still give me an A (Acceptable). Thank you, Professor Snape!"
Ron stood up, picked up a small pebble from the ground, and tossed it gently. The pebble skipped a few times on the lake's surface, creating a few small ripples.
"I can pass the exam like this. I really want to see if anyone will have to retake it. If they do, I'll definitely laugh them to death."
Hearing this, Hermione rolled her eyes speechlessly.
This Ron, he so quickly forgot how he was crying before the exam, and now he's getting carried away again.
"Ron, next year you have to study with me. You absolutely cannot put it off until the last minute again."
"Got it, got it. Why talk about things so far away? I'll work hard next year."
Harry turned his head slightly, watching Ron and Hermione's interaction, a smile on his lips. "After school starts, we'll have to choose some electives. Which classes are you planning to take?"
"If possible, I'd like to take all the classes," Hermione said, looking at the lake with anticipation in her eyes. "I think all the electives are very interesting, and I don't want to miss a single one."
"Merlin!" Ron exclaimed, "Take them all? Do you know how many classes that is?"
"Twelve classes, a full twelve classes! How could you be so reckless?"
Harry added, "If you include Auror Training Class and St. Mungo's Training Class, that's fourteen classes."
"Moreover, a new elective will be added next school year—Alchemy. It's simply unrealistic to try and take them all."
Hermione didn't say much in response to their words, but instead turned and asked, "Which classes are you planning to take?"
"That goes without saying," Ron loudly declared, "The first one I'm choosing is Muggle Studies Class. This class is both interesting and the exam is easy."
"Fred and George highly recommend it, and even Percy praises it incessantly."
"For the second class, I might choose Divination Class. As for the reason, well, those who know, know."
"The other electives are a bit difficult. Whether or not to choose them, I need to consider further."
"Harry, what do you think?"
"Me...?" Harry sat up, looking at the shimmering lake, his expression conflicted. "To be honest, I'm a bit lost and not sure which classes to choose."
"Harry," Hermione said with concern, "Why don't you ask Professor Swan? He can definitely give you very sound advice."
"I've already asked," Harry smiled. "I'll relay what the Professor said, and it can be a reference for you two as well."
"Professor Swan said that Divination Class is a class that heavily tests magic talent. If you don't have'sight,' you won't learn anything in this class."
"However, the exam for this class is relatively simple. As long as you make up that everything you see is misfortune, you can get a high score."
"If you absolutely want to learn knowledge related to divination, Arithmancy would be a very interesting class."
So that's how it is.
Hermione nodded, lost in thought.
If Professor Swan said she wouldn't learn anything in Divination Class, then she could just take Arithmancy.
"As for Alchemy," Harry paused, "Professor Swan said that the prerequisite for choosing this class is to also choose Ancient Runes."
"If you have the energy, it's best to also take Care of Magical Creatures."
"That way it's three electives, and there won't be any energy left to choose other classes."
Harry spoke eloquently, sharing without reservation the advice he had received from Sebastian.
After listening to Harry, Hermione's resolve solidified. She would forgo Divination Class and take all the other electives.
Ron's heart remained unaffected. He would still choose Muggle Studies Class and Divination Class. These easy electives were simply perfect for him.
The three of them thought about different things, and for a moment, it was very quiet.
Harry took a deep breath and lay back down on the grass.
Forget it, no more thinking. Let's just enjoy this wonderful time.
As for the elective courses, he would discuss them properly with Aunt Mia and the others during the holiday.
...