https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1768-A-War-Without-Winners-Part-218-/12953331/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1770-A-War-Without-Winners-Part-220-/12956291/
Chapter 1769: A War With No Winners (Part 219)
Chapter 1769: A War With No Winners (Part 219)
The Advanced Wizarding Level Exams for seventh-year students started earlier than the Ordinary Wizarding Level Exams for fifth-year students. However, due to the small number of students in advanced classes for most subjects, the school's Great Hall wasn't used for the Advanced Exams. Instead, a spacious classroom was utilized as the examination hall.
The written exam for Defense Against the Dark Arts was an exception, forcing the use of two separate classrooms as exam halls, which even surprised Professor Marchbanks, who was overseeing the proctoring.
Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and the practical exam wasn't overly challenging either.
The only unexpected change was the new Minister's requirement for an additional task in the practical Defense Against the Dark Arts exam. The task wasn't particularly difficult; it involved casting spells at dummies to ensure students had the ability to fight against enemies.
In the past, practical combat had indeed been a weak point for most students. But during Albert's tenure as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, the occurrence of spells missing their targets had become almost non-existent.
Even the proctors were astonished by this, as they were more aware than anyone of the standard of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts over the past fifty years, and they gained a new appreciation for Albert's teaching abilities.
At the very least, in their eyes, this year's graduates had a decent grasp of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
While Albert's presence had significantly contributed to the improvement in Hogwarts students' Defense Against the Dark Arts skills, it wasn't solely due to his weekly classes. It was also because of the 'Guide to Self-Defense' that Albert had distributed during the Second Wizarding War. Many students had diligently studied the methods of self-defense.
Admittedly, this was Albert's first time proctoring an exam, and the initial novelty of the experience quickly wore off as he sat through the long hours of invigilation.
If it weren't for Cedric keeping a close eye on him and not giving him any chance to slip away, Albert would have left on the first day, never enduring the wait until the seventh-year exams concluded.
To that end, Cedric agreed to help Albert with the fifth-year exams, also serving as an early introduction to his future responsibilities.
As for Albert, he had his own matters to attend to.
Whether it was the Ministry of Magic, his family, Avalon, or even accompanying Professor McGonagall to visit renowned wizards, he was busy.
Unfortunately, neither a suitable Potions teacher nor a Transfiguration teacher could be found.
"Professor, did you call for me?"
Hermione entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts office, locking the door behind her as she caught sight of the familiar figure busy at the desk.
"It seems you did well on the exam!" Albert greeted Hermione with a smile, handing her a hardcover copy of the 'Defense Against the Dark Arts Guide,' of which he had already given away numerous signed copies.
"I heard Cedric complaining that you used this book to put him off," Hermione said, leaning forward to peer at Albert.
"Did something make you happy?" Albert awkwardly changed the subject.
"I just talked to Dobby, and he's agreed to help out in Avalon!" Hermione shared the good news.
"That's great. Dobby will be less busy with a helper, and he'll have some company, too," Albert said, waving his wand at the wooden door and casting a spell before patting his knee, inviting Hermione to sit.
"Do you plan to pay Dobby a salary?" Hermione asked suddenly. "I mean, if more house-elves join Avalon, will you pay them wages?"
"I will, but not all house-elves want a salary," Albert said, observing Hermione's expression. "Are you considering applying for a job at the Ministry of Magic right after graduation?"
"I've thought about it, and I've even written my application letter. But I plan to take a break after graduation. Avalon needs help, and..." Hermione turned to look into Albert's eyes and spoke softly, "I also want to spend some time with you."
"That's good; I was worried you'd become a workaholic like Percy," Albert said, picking up a file from the desk and handing it to Hermione.
"Why are you giving this to me?" Hermione took the file, puzzled.
"I've already looked into the House-Elf Reintegration Office for you." Albert gestured for Hermione to open the file. "Kingsley had Percy do a thorough investigation, and this is the report he gave me."
Hermione fell silent, unsure if it was Albert's revelation or the report's content that stunned her.
"It's hard to believe that this department still exists," Hermione said, her face paling slightly. "Why?"
"It's a mere formality, like the Centaur Liaison Office," Albert said, noticing Hermione's pale complexion. "The Ministry of Magic just wants it to exist, nothing more."
"Do you think I could get the job if I applied?" Hermione asked, feeling a bit lost. She needed this man's advice.
"I think they're unlikely to actively seek someone, and even if you succeed, they'll probably just set up a desk for you in a corner."
Albert watched as Hermione attentively read the report, offering a soft suggestion, "If you want to help house-elves, you don't necessarily need to apply for this position."
"My suggestion is that you should become Kingsley's assistant, taking over Percy's role."
Hermione remained silent, clearly dissatisfied with the proposal.
"If you're unwilling, then find a job in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and take on the responsibilities of the House-Elf Reintegration Office."
"I'll give it careful thought," Hermione said, truly conflicted. The gap between her ideals and reality was vast, and she hadn't expected the House-Elf Reintegration Office to be in such a dire state.
"There's a saying that good without power is considered hypocrisy," Albert whispered. "Remember what I told you? If you were the head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures or even the Minister of Magic, changing the dire situation of house-elves would be much easier than your current dilemma."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
