Lesson 15: Quiz

Each flap of Rasim’s strong, brown-and-white striped wings brought the owl closer and closer to his destination. He was an owl on a mission – a professional. The Northern Hawk Owl blinked his golden eyes and pulled his feet up against his torso with his sharp talons curled inward. The sleek line of his brown and white horizontally striped body was broken slightly by the scroll tied to his left leg. Rasim could feel the tug of the wind against the scroll, but experience, strength and determination made his flight look effortless nonetheless. It was a long way from central Siberia to Scotland. He had a lot of flying left to do. Hopefully Hogwarts would have snacks when he got there.

. . .

Professor Montgomery “Gummy” Vance was seated on the edge of his desk with a large bag of crocodile jerky. He pulled a long, thin piece of the golden brown dried meat from the bag and chewed happily. It was the special seasonings the Egyptian jerky vendors used that made it so good. The black pepper or teriyaki crocodile jerky they sold in Australia was good, but after living for so many years in the Cairo area, the Egyptian spiced treat tasted like home.

The students filed in and took their seats, eyeing the contents of the Professor’s jerky bag with interest and curiosity -- and a few with suspicion. “Does anyone know what is significant about today?” Gummy asked the class. A few hands raised and he nodded in the direction of one of the students.

”It’s Easter.”

“Well, yes,” Gummy responded. “Some people do celebrate Easter today, but that’s not what I was referring to. Anyone else care to try?” Fewer hands rose up this time. The Professor nodded at another student, granting permission for him to give an answer.

“We have a quiz today.”

“Also true, but not what I was referring to. Sorry, my question was a bit vague, so I’ll answer it for you. As of today – or technically when you each complete your homework – we will be three-quarters of the way through the year. A bit hard to believe, isn’t it? But after this, it’s just four more lessons and a final exam, then the school year is over.” Gummy held up the large bag of long, thin strips of golden dried meat. “Some of my friends from Cairo sent me this delicious crocodile jerky." The tall, broad-shouldered man smiled brightly. Because they lost the bet, he thought. I’m still here teaching and doing a damn fine job, too.

Gummy twirled his wand. Quiz papers fluttered to the desk tops in front of each student. “You’re all welcome to take some jerky. It’ll give you something to chew on while to take the quiz. Come on. Give it a try. It’s darn good, if you ask me.” A couple of the students jumped up and took a few pieces, eager to try something new and different. Others were much more wary about this unusual snack. They took small pieces and sniffed them cautiously. A few stayed in their seats mumbling things about having just brushed their teeth or being allergic to crocodile.

Once everyone who wanted any was munching on crocodile jerky, Gummy set the bag aside. “Take your time and read the questions carefully. The quiz is pretty easy, actually. Use your text books, of course.” Professor Vance picked up the bag of jerky, selected a piece that looked particularly good, and began to chew. Tastiest bet I ever won.