For most main subjects, O.W.L. exam scores must reach at least an "O" to be considered truly competitive. Furthermore, the exam is managed by the Wizarding Examinations Authority, which maintains standardized and quite strict criteria. Consequently, once they reach their fifth year, most wizards begin to re-select their courses, focusing on subjects they excel in or require for their future careers.
Previously, among Slytherin students above the sixth year, the number of subjects passed in the O.W.L. exams typically ranged from two to six. Only William had achieved six certificates, while other wizards averaged only two to four. However, the current state of Slytherin is different; this year's fifth-year students all have at least five subjects where they have a strong chance at a certificate. Their confidence has surged, and they hope to break the House record.
In the magical world, credentials carry significant weight. Whether at the Ministry of Magic, Gringotts, the Daily Prophet, or major broom manufacturing companies, priority is given to wizards with excellent grades and demonstrated ability. In the current climate of the British magical world, Hogwarts graduates—aside from those in Ravenclaw—generally only achieve a few certificates. As a result, Slytherin students graduating with five or more will possess a distinct competitive edge, enabling them to outshine their peers from other Houses.
Alan passed through the stone door and returned to the Slytherin common room. Although it was only a little past 6 PM and not yet official study time, the hall was already packed. Motivational banners covered the walls, and the students each wore a dark green headband with the word "WIN" embroidered in silver thread. Every one of them was engrossed in revision. Some held bread in one hand while turning pages with the other, skipping formal meals to save every possible minute for study.
When a few students noticed their Chief returning, they prepared to rise and greet him, but Alan immediately waved them down, signaling for them to continue their work. Wendy and Louis, whom Alan had tasked with overseeing exam preparations, met him and followed him into the Prefect's office.
"Chief, all the predicted exam questions for every subject have been compiled. We have bound them into sets as you instructed and distributed them to each year," Louis reported, closing the door and handing a document to Alan.
"Hmm. Has the fifth-year analysis been completed?" Alan flipped through the document before looking up.
"It has," Wendy said, pulling several parchment sheets from her materials. "Transfiguration O.W.L.s for several consecutive years have focused on Switching and Vanishing Spells. Everyone has memorized the theory, and every fifth-year in the House can complete the practical assessment. This is the subject the group feels most confident about."
"As for Defense Against the Dark Arts, last year's written exam covered Vampires, and the year before was Grindylows. We predict this year's topic will be Werewolves. For the practical exam, jinx-breaking and defensive spells are mandatory every year. We speculate that the Boggart-Banishing Spell will also be included," Wendy reported efficiently.
"Excellent," Louis interjected. "With the extra practice, everyone can skillfully master these areas. However, the Patronus Charm remains a struggle; over eighty percent of the group still cannot cast a corporeal one."
"That's expected. The Patronus Charm is inherently difficult. Tell them not to force it; they should focus their time on projects that are easier to master," Alan advised. He looked at Louis. "Continue."
"For the Potions written exam, we predict it will cover Polyjuice Potion or Wiggenweld Potion. These haven't appeared on the exam in several years. Regarding the practical, past records show they won't test potions that take too long to brew, nor those learned late in the fifth year. Based on this, we predict a choice of three: Antidote, Swelling Solution, and Strengthening Solution. I spoke with Professor Snape this morning, and he agreed to let the fifth-years practice these three potions once."
"It's certainly convenient that our Head of House is the Potions Professor," Louis joked.
"Even with the opportunity to practice, we must ensure everyone can execute them perfectly. Otherwise, it's a wasted chance. Louis, you and Wendy should personally supervise the sessions and make sure everyone succeeds at least once," Alan added.
"Yes, Chief. These three subjects, along with Charms, are our best chances for a universal pass. We know what to do," Wendy said with a confident nod.
The two continued reporting their preparations category by category. They had put in a massive amount of effort over the last month. The Study Committee had compiled exam questions from the past five years for every subject, identified patterns, and provided key points for the students to focus on.
While the Slytherins likely could have passed with normal revision, the goal was to maximize the number of certificates earned. Predicting questions was about efficiency—saving time for more practical exercises and allowing students to prepare for a wider range of subjects.
"Very good," Alan said. "You've done well. Now it's up to the students. There is less than a week until the final exams. Don't let your own grades slip in the process."
"Yes, Chief!" they replied in unison.
Alan then returned to the stone hall with them to check on the group, specifically the fifth-years. He went to each person individually to understand their progress, offering guidance on pacing and time management.