Hogwarts: This professor is too Muggle.

Chapter 330 Percy's Troubles as a Graduate
Friday.

The morning was a two-period Muggle studies class for fourth graders, mainly covering the history of Muggle technology. The students were all thinking about the upcoming Valentine's Day, so I had to occasionally break into small talk to bring their attention back to the lesson.

In contrast, the afternoon classes for graduating seventh graders were much easier.

Melvin walked into the classroom as the bell rang, carrying a stack of parchment scrolls, but no other teaching materials.

Last week's class quiz papers and weekend assignments were graded at the same time. The class quiz mainly consisted of objective questions to test students' basic knowledge, while the weekend paper assignment was a subjective question to assess students' understanding of Muggle concepts.

This group of seventh-year students arrived at Hogwarts four years earlier than Melvin. By the time Melvin was invited to teach, they had already passed the ordinary wizarding level exams, exceeding the standard for Muggle Studies, and still maintained a long-term interest in Muggle Studies even after understanding how tedious it was.

As the test scores show, their basic knowledge is solid. Their previous ideas may have been wrong, but after two and a half years of getting along, under Melvin's influence, they have basically lost their narrow-minded and stubborn prejudices.

The students also gave positive feedback, saying that the class was more popular than other electives, and that students were willing to crowd into the front row of the classroom.

Melvin saw Percy and his girlfriend, Penelope, a prefect in Ravenclaw.

Did this young couple get married later? I think they broke up after graduation.

Melvin nodded to the two of them and casually took Percy's test paper: "I forgot my test paper in the office. I'll explain the questions to you, and you two can share one."

Percy's eyes were complicated, and his smile was particularly forced; he didn't know whether he should be happy or not.

Percy felt terrible during this time because his progress with the Patronus Charm had stalled. Every time he practiced, he felt he was just a little short, but he just couldn't break through the final barrier, which made him extremely anxious.

He consulted Professor Flitwick, who told him to be patient. He asked Cedric, and they had a pleasant conversation, but he didn't gain anything substantial. He secretly borrowed Hermione's notebook, which contained knowledge that he already knew by heart.

Yesterday, I finally made up my mind to ask Harry and Neville, who were in the lower grades, for help. Not only did I fail to summon a physical Patronus, but I also learned some terrible news.

Scabbers was actually Peter Pettigrew in disguise!
Percy was stunned, as if struck by lightning. He couldn't remember how he got back to his dorm from the lounge. His mind was filled with the wonderful times he had spent with Banban. He felt defiled.

In his roommate's eyes, this heir of a fallen pure-blooded family, an outstanding student representative, a male class leader, and the student council president returned to the dormitory in a daze, went to bed before 8 p.m., and was still not asleep at 3 a.m.

He wouldn't say what was wrong when asked, and he seemed heartbroken.

So during class today, my roommate asked Penelope a question, which made the situation even more confusing.

Penelope was naturally concerned about her boyfriend and asked Percy what was wrong. Percy looked dejected and refused to say anything, as if he had really broken up with someone.

The young couple is still having a disagreement.

The Muggle Research Classroom is not a counseling center, and Melvin does not double as a counselor or relationship advisor. He shook the exam paper:

"You all did well on last week's quiz, but there are a few questions you need to pay attention to. Many Muggle-born people got them wrong. Let's look at the fourth multiple choice question. This question involves electrical appliances. You need to pay attention to direct current and alternating current and not confuse them... Never mind, let's find someone to explain."

Percy's mind was filled with freckles, and when he came to his senses, he only heard the last sentence, and his heart immediately pounded with fear.

"Percy, you got this question wrong too. You explain it." What you fear most is what happens.

"..."

Percy suddenly regretted sitting in the front row.

At that moment, Penelope tugged at his sleeve and pointed to the second page of the exam paper.

Percy glanced down at the question, a wave of emotion washing over him, as if his wounded heart had been soothed: "This fill-in-the-blank question..."

Before he could finish speaking, the folded test paper was slammed onto his head. Melvin scolded him irritably, "What fill-in-the-blank question? I meant the fourth multiple-choice question! You clearly weren't paying attention in class. You're the one who will explain the rest of the multiple-choice questions!"

Laughter immediately erupted from below, and some students began to clap.

The review of the test papers didn't take too long. Most of the time, students were called upon to explain, and Melvin would check for any gaps in their knowledge and review previous concepts. The students in the advanced class had a solid foundation, so the explanation was finished in less than half an hour, followed by self-study time.

The students have become accustomed to Melvin's unique teaching style, sitting in their seats to review on their own, and occasional discussions do not disturb others.

Melvin sat at the podium, busy with his own work, answering students' questions whenever they had them, and even bringing up common problems to explain to the whole class.

After the little incident, Penelope seemed to feel she had gotten her revenge. She joked and laughed with Percy for a while, and the young couple made up. The matter that was inconvenient to mention was temporarily put aside.

The students in the back row poked Percy in the back while muttering that they were lucky to have caught up with the times. There were changes in the Ministry of Magic officials. Not only were Fudge and Umbridge dismissed, but many people in their faction also had their positions adjusted, and more positions became vacant.

Ms. Burns, Crouch, and Scrimgeour are all action-oriented people who don't prioritize pure-blood relationships, giving recent graduates more opportunities to choose the Ministry of Magic.

Hearing these words, Percy shook his head. He sometimes fantasized about his future and longed for life working at the Ministry of Magic, but he knew very well that the most important thing now was to prepare for the ultimate wizarding exam.

After finishing his chat with the students around him, Percy flipped through his notes from the Muggle Studies class, but felt a bit out of sorts and couldn't concentrate. He looked up, took a deep breath, and saw Professor Levent in front of him, and his eyes suddenly lit up.

He walked over with his notebook in hand.
"Professor Lewinter."

"You zone out during class, but then you become focused again when the class is over. Are you doing this on purpose?" Melvin, who was also flipping through a notebook, looked up and smiled, saying, "Are you deliberately trying to go against me?"

"I have my reasons, but the situation is rather complicated and I can't say for the time being."

"After seeing the news about Peter's escape, you were reminded of your pet, Scabbers, so you were daydreaming in class, right?"

"..." Percy remembered that this professor was the main force that captured Peter.

"Go ahead and ask whatever questions you have. It's best to ask about academic matters, not unrelated things."

"I promise it's academic content."

Percy nodded, casually placing his Muggle research notes aside, and asked earnestly, "Professor Levent, you are a master of the Patronus Charm. I would like to ask you about the techniques for summoning a physical Patronus."

Melvin glanced at him, wanting to assign him a few more papers, but considering that exams were approaching and the workload in other subjects was also heavy, he gave up the cruel idea.

"Tell me about how you felt when you cast the spell."

“I followed Professor Flitwick’s advice, reliving fond memories in my heart, feeling happy and positive emotions, having meals with my family, playing with friends, and taking walks with…” Percy said the last half of his sentence with a hint of shyness.

"What about the belief in protection?"

"I did it according to Professor Flitwick's and your explanation. I thought about protecting Hogwarts, protecting my family and friends, and even protecting the peace of the wizarding world after graduation."

"That's it..."

Melvin nodded, drawing out the last syllable slightly to indicate that he understood. All the seventh-grade students had undergone career counseling, and Percy had never hidden his desire to obtain all his academic certificates and pass the screening to enter the Ministry of Magic.

And it's not like Arthur, who found a stable job and lived there for decades. Instead, he wanted to climb the ladder, get promoted and receive a raise, and become a director or even a minister.

"Your belief in safeguarding this is too hollow, like a castle in the air, or duckweed in a black lake—not solid enough. In truth, you yourself don't even have unwavering faith." "Of course I have unwavering faith!"

Percy was getting anxious. Wasn't this implying that his beliefs were false, just like those Slytherin guys?

"Don't rush to deny it, study hard, and tell me what you most want to protect?"

"Family, friends, the girl I like, this school, the entire magical world, all the beautiful things in my memories... aren't these enough?"

“Of course, you must protect them all. Besides that, I can offer many other options.” Melvin pointed to the alchemy content in the notebook. “The Egyptian Alchemy Research Center is responsible for excavating the alchemy of ancient wizards. If you work for the Ministry of Magic in the future, do you want to protect that knowledge?”

"Should we...?"

"I've spent time and effort creating the Magic Mirror Club, reforming Muggle studies courses, and changing the wizarding world's perception of Muggle matters. Can you protect this cause?"

"sure."

Percy's tone was now hesitant; he vaguely sensed something was wrong, but couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

"Look, there are so many things in the world that need to be protected. Is this also your belief?"

"This is different. I'm talking about things that concern me personally: family, friendship, and love..."

"It's all the same."

Melvin spoke casually yet firmly, saying earnestly, "These are the beliefs you set for yourself, the reasons you used to convince yourself to summon a physical guardian. But you haven't figured out what you truly want to protect, what you're willing to protect at all costs."

“I don’t understand…” Percy’s eyes were filled with confusion.

“I can put it another way…” Melvin looked at the outstanding student, “You’re going to work for the Ministry of Magic to protect the peace of the wizarding world. If that peace requires sacrificing the interests of Hogwarts, for example, if your superiors ask you to monitor Dumbledore or keep a close eye on Professor McGonagall, would you be willing to do so?”

“This…” Percy was taken aback.

"You want to do more, you need a promotion, but if your boss looks down on the Weasleys and wants to distance you from or even sever your family ties, are you willing to do that?"

"..." Percy's eyes were glazed over.

"See? You don't actually know what you really want to protect, which is why you find it hard to summon your guardian spirit."

It seems I've taken on a part-time role as a psychological counselor again.

Melvin looked at the students who were still standing there, then glanced at the clock on the wall: "There are five minutes left before the bell rings. Let's leave get out of class early. Go downstairs quietly and don't disturb the other classrooms."

After enjoying the cheers of the young wizards, I put away my notes and became the first person to leave the classroom.

“Professor Levent.” A familiar voice suddenly rang out.

Harry stood at the classroom door, back straight, as if he had been waiting there for a long time, and quickly handed him a letter:

"Good afternoon, Professor Levent. This is a letter Sirius Black sent this morning. He asked me to tell you that you mentioned last time that you wanted to adapt his prison escape story into a film. He thought about it carefully and said that he is no longer the kind of young wizard who likes to show off. However, in order to reveal the truth and let more people know Peter's true colors, he is willing to agree."

"Give me a wise and courageous godson."

"My dear Sirius"

Melvin looked at the salutation and signature on the envelope, paused for a moment, and then pushed it back, saying tactfully, "Just relay the contents to me; you don't need to read the letter."

"Oh……"

Harry put the letter away. He knew it was a bit inappropriate, but he just couldn't help it. Ever since Sirius Black was exonerated, he always wanted others to know that he had a loving godfather.

A strange and unusual desire to show off.

How long have you been waiting here?

"Not long after, we had our Magical Creatures class in the afternoon. The grounds were covered in snow and ice, and they were all dirty. Hagrid sent us back to the castle early."

"How's your head-bubbling spell practice going?" Melvin asked casually as the two waited on the platform for the spiral staircase.

Harry paused briefly: "Hermione is doing very well. She can already wrap her whole body in the bubble membrane. Although it can't protect her from attacks yet, it can make her waterproof and wet. Her shoes didn't get muddy at all when she went to class in the woods today!"

His tone seemed very positive, but if you listened carefully, you could hear a hint of unease.

Last time, when they volunteered to learn the Bubble Head Charm, Professor Levent was very responsible and immediately taught them during tutoring time. He also asked them to understand it in conjunction with the Ironclad Charm. If they could combine them, it would be a powerful magic technique that would give them a huge advantage in duels.

Harry studied very hard in his tutoring classes and practiced diligently, but he neglected his studies after class.

This period is the second half of the Quidditch season, Wood's final year at school, and the entire team hopes to help him achieve his wish of keeping the trophy in Gryffindor.

He spends all his free time at the Quidditch pitch and neglects practice, so he has fallen behind Hermione in progress.

Considering that it was he who suggested learning the Bubble Head Charm, he felt guilty and ashamed to face Professor Levent.

"I practiced extra Quidditch on my own after the match."

"There are final exams after the competition..."

"What did you say?"

"I said I understand, and I promise to practice hard and try to learn it before summer vacation."

"Yes, I'll be visiting Black's old house during the summer vacation. You should be there. That's when I'll test your work."

Melvin patted him on the shoulder, ignoring his miserable expression, and offered a few words of encouragement. What seemed like a few minutes to him was probably a long and arduous journey for Harry.

Back in the Muggle Studies office, I pushed open the door and went in.

Yulm sat cross-legged on the desk, tilting his head to look at him, a letter dangling from his mouth: "Coo coo?"

"Learn some normal language."

Melvin sighed and casually took the letter that the water snake had snatched from the owl's beak.

Dear Professor Lewinter:
On behalf of the Minister's Office, I would like to inquire whether it would be convenient for you to visit the Ministry of Magic this weekend.
The Ministry of Magic wishes to seek your expert opinion on the current state of Muggle research and to discuss its potential impact on current and future policy considerations…

(End of this chapter)