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Chapter 303: Choosing New Courses
Chapter 303: Choosing New Courses
As the Easter holidays approached, the students of Hogwarts became restless, eagerly anticipating a break from their studies to indulge in some much-needed fun.
However, the professors at Hogwarts seemed intent on keeping the students busy, piling on assignments that formed towering stacks on their desks.
If they left all their work until the holidays, they might as well bid farewell to any hopes of a relaxing break.
Fred and George's tempers flared amidst the workload, not just from the onslaught of homework but also their daily magical duels with Albert, coupled with Quidditch practice three times a week.
Speaking of Quidditch, the thought of it only added to the twins' gloom as the next match for the Gryffindor team was against Hufflepuff.
Despite having lost two matches already, Charlie insisted on rigorous training to ensure better results next term. So, on top of Quidditch practice, magical duels, and homework, Fred and George barely had time for anything else.
"I feel like I'm wasting away here!"
In their Transfiguration class, Fred was attempting to transfigure a small white rabbit into a slipper, poking the hapless creature with his wand as he complained to Albert about their overwhelming schedule.
Failing to transfigure the rabbit meant more practice during the Easter break, which was certainly not welcome news with their already packed schedule.
What frustrated Fred the most was that Albert had successfully transformed the rabbit on his first try, and with each subsequent attempt, his slippers became more and more refined.
Albert was far ahead of them in Transfiguration, even leaving Katrina from Ravenclaw in the dust.
While everyone else struggled to balance their magical studies and mountains of homework, Albert always seemed to find time for other endeavors, leading the trio to wonder if he truly had the same number of hours in a day as they did. Comparisons like this only served to highlight the vast gap between them, leaving them feeling rather glum.
"That's enough, Weasley. Stop tormenting that poor rabbit, or you'll find yourself in detention." Professor McGonagall's stern voice cut through Fred's complaints, causing several heads to turn their way.
"Sorry," Fred mumbled, retrieving the rabbit that was trying to make a break for it. He mimicked Albert, giving the rabbit's head a little pat to calm it down.
"This is way harder than transfiguring beetles into buttons," George grumbled, his face etched with worry as his rabbit remained stubbornly unchanged. In contrast, Sandra's rabbit had undergone some transformation, but the slippers still had noticeable rabbit ears that twitched, indicating an incomplete transfiguration.
"Any tips for success?" Fred asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
"There are no shortcuts in Transfiguration, Weasley. It is a delicate art that requires diligent practice, and you still have a long way to go in that regard." Professor McGonagall replied calmly; this wasn't the first time she'd heard such a question.
"I barely see Albert spending much time on this subject!" Fred grumbled under his breath, feeling that Albert had been devoting far less time to Transfiguration than their magical duels lately.
However, he quickly shut up when he noticed Professor McGonagall's gaze shift in their direction.
"With Easter approaching, I expect you all to manage your time wisely. Don't neglect your assignments in favor of play, as we don't want a repeat of the last Christmas holidays. I suggest you complete your homework first before indulging in any holiday fun." Professor McGonagall walked back to the lectern and retrieved a stack of papers from the roll book, distributing them to the class.
The students received the lists and quietly murmured to each other as they perused the contents.
"This is a list of new courses you'll be choosing for your third year. You'll have ample time during the Easter break to consider your options." Professor McGonagall's expression was serious. "You'll need to select at least two courses. Feel free to ask me or consult your elders if you have any questions. This is an important decision that will impact your future, so consider your choices carefully."
"Professor, could you tell us more about these five new courses?" someone asked.
"Divination relies more on innate talent. True seers who can predict the future are rare in the wizarding world, and most so-called diviners are frauds." Professor McGonagall explained.
Many students couldn't help but smile, recalling the tales of Professor Sybill Trelawney, whom many considered a charlatan incapable of true divination.
"If you plan to pursue a career that involves close interaction with Muggles, then Muggle Studies would be a wise choice. Of course, I'm aware that some witches and wizards grow up in the Muggle world and would naturally have an advantage in this subject." Professor McGonagall continued, "Many of our kind struggle to understand the Muggle way of life."
"Unless Professor Quirinus Quirrell, who grew up among Muggles, is an exception, I doubt he knows much more than the rest of us," Albert whispered. The incident with Arthur Weasley and the rubber duck had made it clear that wizards had a rather superficial understanding of the Muggle world.
"If you enjoy outdoor activities and interacting with magical creatures, you may consider Care of Magical Creatures."
"Charlie chose Care of Magical Creatures, and he mentioned that not many students opt for the advanced class," George whispered.
"Arithmancy and Ancient Runes are ideal for witches and wizards who wish to delve deeper into the magical arts, especially if you aspire to become an Auror. Both subjects require a great deal of dedication."
"Arithmancy demands a knack for numbers, employing numerology and grammar to predict the future. Practitioners who study and apply arithmancy are known as arithmancers."
"Ancient Runes, on the other hand, has ties to archaeology and alchemy, requiring a gift for languages. True masters of ancient runes are rare among witches and wizards." Professor McGonagall's gaze lingered on Albert for a moment before she continued, "Of course, if any of you wish to select all the subjects, you may speak to me privately. However, I generally advise against taking on such a heavy course load unless you are an exceptional student, as the academic pressure can become overwhelming."
"Isabella has taken on all five," Katrina muttered, considering whether she should follow suit.
"It all depends on your future aspirations," Professor McGonagall reminded them. "Take time to think it over during the break and make an informed decision."
Fred, George, and Lee Jordan, however, were unfazed by the prospect of challenging courses. Even if the subjects proved difficult, they knew they could rely on Albert's help, and besides, they intended to opt for the relatively easier subjects of Divination and Care of Magical Creatures, with no plans to pursue those areas further.
(End of Chapter)
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