The Hogwarts grounds were quiet as usual on a chilly morning, save for Dudley's morning workout group. Dudley led the way as everyone else followed, their bodies now accustomed to his intense training after nearly a year. After their run, everyone but Dudley sat on the ground, massaging their legs.
"Exams are in a week," Dudley said casually. "I don't think any of you will have a problem, right?"
"No problem at all," Neville said firmly. Thanks to their private tutoring sessions with the professors, the group felt ready for anything.
"I know you'll be fine, D-Man," Ron said, "but do you really think we can pass Dumbledore's test? It's a test from the greatest white wizard in history!"
Dudley had only told them they were forming a club, to keep the pressure off. He patted Ron on the shoulder. "You have to believe in yourself, Ron," Dudley said. "You're the best wizard in your year at Gryffindor."
Ron's face flushed. "Me? No way. I'm the least important one in my family."
Dudley knew both Ron and Neville struggled with a lack of confidence, though for different reasons. Neville's was from his childhood, but his training with Dudley had already started to build his self-esteem. Ron's, however, came from his family's poverty. Dudley didn't say anything more, just a reassuring pat on the back.
Meanwhile, Harry and Malfoy were betting on their exam scores, with the loser not being allowed to call Dudley "D-Man" for a month.
Hermione, however, was as calm and collected as ever. "Don't worry," she said. "I've memorized every textbook from first and second year, including all of the professors' notes from our weekend lessons."
Dudley couldn't help but be impressed.
Just then, an owl landed on the table with a letter for Dudley. It was an invitation to an awards ceremony for his novel, Dragonlance Chronicles. The book had been a massive hit in the wizarding world, even possibly earning him a Third Class Order of Merlin for his contribution to entertainment. Since he was too busy, he had Carrow, the seventh-year Slytherin he had named as a potential member of his committee, accept the award on his behalf.
Then, another owl arrived with an unmarked letter. The test from Dumbledore had arrived.
A week later, Dudley breezed through his exams, finishing his written tests first. The other students groaned about how difficult the exams were, but Ron and Neville looked at each other, confused. The test had seemed quite easy to them, much simpler than their usual training.
During the practical exams, Dudley made a perfect Potion of Oblivion. For Charms, he was tasked with making a pear dance. With his hands together and his transmutation circle-covered gloves on, the pear didn't just dance, it split in half and performed a duet. For Transfiguration, he was asked to turn a mouse into a snuffbox. Once again, with a clap of his hands, he produced an exquisite, ornate snuffbox.
Dudley had mastered using his alchemy to achieve magical effects. By understanding the core essence of a substance, he could perform these feats without needing to cast a single spell. Alchemy was simply too useful..
The final exams were a grueling, multi-subject marathon that lasted a full day, and when it was finally over, the young wizards of Hogwarts burst from their classrooms in a joyous rush. They ran shouting through the halls, collapsed on the lawns, and even dared to fly their broomsticks over the castle—only to be caught by a professor and lose a healthy chunk of house points.
But no matter, the exams were over and they were free!