OWL exams create intense pressure for all fifth years, with James becoming obsessively studious while Sirius remains mysteriously calm. The chapter references the infamous "Snape's Worst Memory" incident from canon, where James and Sirius humiliate Severus after their Defense Against the Dark Arts exam. Remus watches but doesn't intervene, later regretting his inaction. The incident severely damages James's relationship with Lily and escalates the ongoing tensions between Gryffindor and Slytherin students.