PTNS-OWL Lessons

Still dazed and confused from the extensive theoretical examination, you shake your head as you stand from the courtyard bench. One hour of break between both parts of the O.W.L. was definitely not enough to renew your energies, and it seems like most people around you feel the exact same way. You begin to walk towards the Potions dungeon, following the mass of people that seem less than excited for the second part of the test.

As soon as you get to the doors of the classroom, you see that there are significant changes this time around. The door to the classroom is locked, and a small desk is placed outside the room, topped by a long list of names and a golden quill that is currently resting in a vial of pitch-black ink. A bubbly clerk - probably a worker for the Ministry of Magic - sits at the desk, taking notes and talking with each test candidate, who have begun to order themselves in a single line.

You wait in line with all of the other students, feeling the anxiety brew inside you as you wait for the beginning of the test. After ten minutes or so, you make your way to the front and are greeted by the clerk’s bright smile.

“Hello, hello! Oh, dear, there’s no need to be afraid! Can I have your name, please?”, she asks while frantically rifling through her parchment rolls. After confirming your identity, she strikes your name from the list she has and casts a brief spell directed at the Potions dungeon’s doors.

“Looks like you’re going to be under the care of Professor Bjørn today. Enjoy the ride!”, the Ministry worker states before indicating the way with a flourish of the hand. You cross the door frame and notice that the laboratory has been enchanted for the purposes of the test - rather than the school setting you are used to, you end up in a room that was carefully designed by a person with close attention to detail. In fact, the room seems oddly familiar…

…and then you realize that your test place has been enchanted based on your preferences, exactly like the dream laboratory you described in one of the first assignments you completed for Potions class. Both Professor Draekon and a lithe blonde woman occupy the center of the room, ready to greet you.

“Your test will begin shortly. You will have three hours to complete all tasks and write a detailed report on your solutions”, claims the woman in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, caring little about introductions or anything else that could be construed as a waste of time - the stark contrast between her and the first clerk is evident, as night and day are.

“You will have access to as much parchment as you require, so make sure to write to your heart’s content. Provide detailed answers when required, and make sure to tackle all elements of each prompt. Vaylen, do you have anything to add?”, inquires Professor Bjørn as she directs her attention to the Potions Master.

“Just one final observation. Do your best, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. I will not be here to inspect your work during your exam, but I hope that my imparted lessons will follow you through this test”, he responds before giving you a brief nod and Apparating out of the room.

You are now on your own. “Begin!”, comes the assertive voice of the exam proctor.

Lesson and assignment written by Professor Vaylen Draekon
Image credits here, here, here and here