Mysterious Journey
Chapter 962 The Incantation in Progress
After Ketelburn exhausted his brain to deal with Hermione's questions, he found an opportunity to hand these children over to Hagrid, letting the "temporary teaching assistant" lead everyone to feed the porlocks up close. He then returned to Umbridge's side, somewhat embarrassed.
"Every few years, there are always some curious and enthusiastic students. As a professor of Magical Creature Protection—you see, we spend most of our time in Hogwarts Castle—it’s actually not conducive to our research on magical creatures, right? The Forbidden Forest is too vast and difficult for me to navigate, so I plan to retire next year and find a comfortable place to spend time with those interesting animals."
"Oh yes, but you are still the most outstanding magical creature education expert at Hogwarts."
Umbridge said with a smile, making several notes in her clipboard. "I’d like to ask, do you personally think Ms. Caslana’s questions have value, or that if someone can answer these odd questions, would it prove their excellence?"
"Ms. Caslana’s, those… questions?"
The old professor’s expression turned strange, blinking with awkward politeness.
"Uh—of course, those obscure and eccentric questions, although they sound tricky at first, if you think about them carefully, you'll find that most of them belong to a deeper level of magical creature studies—well, not purely Magical Creature Protection, but rather ‘Magizoology’ as Newt Scamander recently proposed. As an official of the Ministry of Magic, you certainly know more about these new teaching reforms than I do."
In fact, if it weren't for the fact that he was still in class, Kettleburn would have wanted to immediately study some of the questions raised by Hermione.
He had to admit that Hermione's questions were fundamentally different from most students' random questions and interruptions.
Her logic was very clear, as if she were stating some kind of refined experimental expectation.
Whether it was the study of the habits, psychology, and social structure of magical creatures, or the discussion of the physiological properties, derivatives, and interactions with the surrounding environment of magical creatures, almost all of these were blank areas waiting to be explored, with corresponding research methods and channels visible at a glance.
"Magizoology? Oh, yes, that's right."
Umbridge raised her eyebrows and nodded thoughtfully.
You should know that in recent years, it’s not just Dumbledore who has become active in the magical world, but Newt Scamander’s return is also big news in the magical world. From the perspective of the Ministry of Magic, Newt's impact is even more subtle.
The Magical Creature Association, the Magical Creature Protection Association, the Magical Creature Council, and the Magical Creature Product Safety Regulatory Association.
These four "non-profit organizations" that suddenly emerged last year have gradually begun to formulate and improve industry standards in the field of magical creatures.
Before the British Ministry of Magic could find a balance point, Newt Scamander proposed "Magizoology," a huge educational reform project—from the original "Magical Creature Protection" to "Magizoology," this is not just a change in the subject name, nor is it just an upgrade from an elective course to a required course; it may become a complex social structure no less complicated than Charms or Potions.
Before this, the Ministry of Magic had not been clear about where to intervene.
However, after today’s Magizoology class, Umbridge finally got the answer she wanted:
Hermione Caslana’s questions!
If she remembered correctly, last summer, this little witch and her two classmates stayed at Newt Scamander's house for a long time. Although Dumbledore's side gave the reason of "Quidditch tryouts," the Ministry of Magic officials were not fools.
Perhaps Hermione and the others did fly well, but there were so many outstanding new stars in the past, and none of them had ever stayed at the Scamander’s house.
Obviously, the reason why Dumbledore sent three little witches to Newt during the summer vacation was only one!
To carry out a pilot teaching program for the "new courses" before school started.
In other words, the questions Hermione Caslana asked were likely the content that Newt was researching and preparing.
If Rubeus Hagrid had prepared these contents in advance, then when Kettleburn formally resigned and a "Magizoology" position became vacant at Hogwarts, he could logically pass the examination—this should also be Albus Dumbledore's reliance.
After all, since these questions can stump Kettleburn, they can naturally be turned into high walls to block external competition.
"It seems that the Ministry of Magic should change some ideas and learn more about new knowledge in the field of magical creatures."
Professor Umbridge said, glancing meaningfully at Hagrid not far away.
Newt Scamander obviously desperately wanted to obtain some data, but it was inconvenient for him to do it himself.
This was very common. Umbridge had been in politics for so many years and had seen too many such examples—if the Ministry of Magic could prepare a gift in advance, it might be able to directly obtain Newt Scamander’s full support, thereby expanding its control in all aspects.
Compared to the closed and conservative Hogwarts, the power of the Ministry of Magic could do and come into contact with many more "accidents."
"Okay, thank you very much for your explanation, Professor Kettleburn," Umbridge said contentedly.
"I don't think I have any other questions. You will receive your investigation results within ten days. I don't think there is any need to continue investigating Magizoology. As the most senior professor at Hogwarts, your teaching attitude and methods are impeccable."
"Great," said Professor Kettleburn.
Umbridge strode across the grass towards the castle, her pace lighter than when she came.
She thought about what kind of gift she should prepare for Professor Scamander so that he could be inclined to the Ministry of Magic’s camp at a critical moment.
…………
Meanwhile, on the other side.
"Hagrid, have you heard? Professor Kettleburn might retire next semester…"
Taking advantage of Hagrid bending down to pick up grass, Hermione patted his waist and whispered.
"Professor Dumbledore and Professor Scamander seem to be considering replacements. Anyway, Professor Apocalis told me that the two seem to want you to take over? But it hasn't been completely confirmed yet, because your current situation is a bit special, and your foundation is also a bit weak."
"T-take over? The Professor of Magical Creature Protection?"
Hagrid suddenly froze, his eyes like black beetles staring at Hermione, stammering.
"Of course," Hermione smiled slightly, "but to be precise, it should be the professor of Magizoology—the course has been renamed."
"Uh—I'm not doubting your news."
Hagrid swallowed with difficulty, his expression a little nervous, and he subconsciously looked around.
"But compared to me, there should be more excellent and suitable magical creature experts, right? Besides, Professor Dumbledore hasn't told me about this in advance. You can't joke about this. I'm going to sign up for o.w.Ls retakes next year—"
"Ninety-nine percent certainty, unless Professor Dumbledore is hospitalized next year, otherwise this position will most likely be yours."
Hermione glanced at the porlocks not far away, her eyes lingering on Professor Kettleburn's magical prosthetic limb for a moment.
It has to be admitted that magical creature experts are also a high-risk profession, only slightly safer than the Hogwarts Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.
The fact that Newt Scamander can return to campus with all his limbs intact after so many years is enough for him to be recognized as the world's number one magical creature expert, after all, Newt is the only magical creature master who can safely live to this age.
However, there is still one person in Hogwarts who hopes to break his record.
"Most likely to be mine? How is that possible."
Hagrid glanced at Hermione with suspicion. Was this girl making fun of him?
The half-giant waved his hand, his expression looking a little helpless, and lowered his voice to mutter.
"I don't know where you heard about Professor Kettleburn's news, but I don't think I'm qualified to be a professor—oh, the Hogwarts Board of Governors and the Ministry of Magic won't allow it. I've always been bad at theoretical exams, let alone being a teacher."
"Yes, your current mastery of theoretical knowledge is indeed a weak point."
Hermione said happily. She began to open her collar and rummage in the inflatable dimensional pocket on her chest, and soon took out a stack of parchment, which looked like a stack of scribbled test papers. Judging from the paper, most of them were quite new. "This is your grading exam paper from a while ago—"
"Practice exam paper?!" Hagrid's eyes widened, "How did these things get to you—"
"—From the test results, there is still room for improvement in your written test scores in Magical Creature Protection."
Hermione didn't seem to hear Hagrid's words, and continued to say to herself, "Then, I also learned about your class schedule. From the current situation, if the Ministry of Magic really wants to raise questions, you have a 20% chance of being eliminated."
"What do you want to say? Just now you said it was most likely to be mine, and then you said my written test scores were insufficient…" Hagrid frowned and asked.
For some reason, a bad premonition suddenly rose in his heart.
"This is exactly what I want to say. Logically speaking, Magical Creature Protection was originally a more practical subject. However, since it has evolved into 'Magizoology', the factors to be considered in the written content have suddenly increased, but you don't have to worry—"
Hermione pointed to the stack of test papers in her hand, and then pointed to Professor Kettleburn not far away, and the little wizards who were observing and feeding the porlocks, a bright smile appeared on her angelic face, and she whispered.
"Hermione, me, and even the professors at the school, should be able to help you quickly make up for these shortcomings."
"Oh, that's great." Hagrid glanced in the direction where Hermione and Luna were standing, "Oh, but... I may not have that much free time, after all, I still have the groundskeeper, the key administrator, and, oh yes, the Transfiguration those are a headache—"
Hagrid counted with his wooden hands, his voice gradually becoming low, as if his soul was drifting away.
Having the opportunity to take over as the professor of Magizoology at Hogwarts is certainly good news.
On the other hand, having Hermione and Hermione help prepare his homework is certainly a good thing that many people can't ask for.
But, for some reason, when these two things are added together, Hagrid is not happy at all—he finally understood why Hermione insisted on helping him expand his hut and move a few magic lamps from the castle.
"It's only ten months of hard work at most, grit your teeth and you'll get through it." Hermione comforted in a low voice, "You don't want to give up this opportunity, do you?"
"Actually... I can try to study on my own first."
Hagrid said a little uneasily, his burly body looking a little helpless.
"If you add the Transfiguration exam, can you still handle it?"
"Ah... maybe, I'm about to find the trick," Hagrid said, looking not very confident, "After all, I haven't studied for a long time, and there will be a period of adaptation when I return to the classroom. When I find my state of studying at Hogwarts back then, I can—"
"You have never received a grade higher than A in the Hogwarts exams." Hermione ruthlessly exposed the truth.
At this moment, Luna seemed to have noticed something, and whispered something to Hermione, and the two walked over here.
Fortunately, apart from these two little wings, Professor Kettleburn and other students did not notice the conversation that was taking place here.
"Huh, what are you talking about?"
Hermione asked alertly, her suspicious eyes locked on the top of Hermione's head, "I seem to vaguely hear something about tutoring, exams, grades, etc..."
Ever since Hermione took the lead in starting the tutoring mode last semester, the second-year learning competition at Hogwarts has fallen into a strange circle.
Harry has Professor Snape tutoring him extra in potions, Hanna is personally guided by Professor Apocalis, and Hermione doesn't need to say anything. This white-haired ball has stolen too many times, Hermione suspects that almost all the professors have some relationship with her—compared to this, Professor Dumbledore's promised after-school tutoring is too perfunctory, in addition to some basic magic ability improvement, she only has extra access to the headmaster's office to borrow books.
"This... Hermione just said..." Hagrid nervously tugged at his beard, glancing at Luna for help, "Um..."
"I guess it's about helping Mr. Hagrid with tutoring, right?"
Luna blinked her eyes, her tone floating, and turned her head to look at Hermione.
"We had agreed on this a while ago, but after we got busy, it seemed like we haven't been able to help Mr. Hagrid make a plan. However, Hermione seems to be saying something about magical creatures? Could it be the specific methods of distributing and assessing magic pets?"
"Tutoring? Ah, damn, I almost forgot about this!"
Hermione glanced at the slightly nodding Hermione, and then looked at Hagrid with a bitter smile a little embarrassedly.
"Um, um, it's a good thing that Hermione and Hermione reminded me. After this class is over, we'll go to your hut to help you see—"
"Uh, actually it's not—" Hagrid opened his mouth, trying to squeeze out a flattering smile.
"Actually, there's also Magizoology!"
Hermione interrupted Hagrid's last struggle with a smile, and gently added.
"As far as I know, Professor Kettleburn is going to retire next semester, and from the current news, Mr. Hagrid has a good chance of competing for the next professor of Magizoology. The only problem is that we have to help him improve and sort out the knowledge points that may be involved in the exam."
"You said that, right? Mr. Hagrid..."
Hermione raised her eyebrows, and her silver hair bathed in the afternoon sun flickered with tiny lights, meaningfully chanting softly.
"You have always been very obsessed with magical creatures, right? Now that the opportunity to become a professor is right in front of you, you must seriously consider whether this will be your only opportunity in this life. I believe that the current richness of the field of magical creatures is thanks to Mr. Newt Scamander... But, the new era has begun, and Magizoology must have a young, energetic, and passionate successor to continue the glory..."
"Okay, okay—"
Hagrid sighed helplessly with a bitter face. From the bottom of his heart, he really couldn't refuse this temptation.
"Okay, we'll talk about these things after class, anyway, I can't run away."
He straightened up again, patted Hermione on the shoulder lightly, almost knocking Hermione into the soil.
"Oh, sorry—I didn't mean to, you should go listen to what Professor Kettleburn is talking about first? He seems to be assigning homework... As for the learning plan and cramming, we still have time—"
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Hooray!