https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-365-Give-Us-a-Reason-Not-to-Kill-You/13008011/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-367-The-Evil-Harpy-and-the-Illusion/13008013/
Chapter 366: Gertrude Machaband
Chapter 366: Gertrude Machaband
The next day, Thursday, Kyle and Conna finished their breakfast and headed towards their upcoming Transfiguration class.
When they arrived at the classroom, Professor McGonagall was already waiting by the door, stopping the two who were about to enter.
"Miss Prince, may I ask you to go in first?" She addressed Conna.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall," Conna replied without further inquiry and entered the classroom.
Professor McGonagall then led Kyle to the adjacent corridor, smiling as she asked, "Do you remember the essay you sent me a month ago?"
"The one for the Emerging Talent Award in Today's Transfiguration?" Kyle asked, "The results are out so soon?"
"Not yet, but I've received some inside information... good news," Professor McGonagall replied.
Her mood seemed cheerful as she continued, "Hulse, the editor-in-chief of Today's Transfiguration, is a friend of mine. A few days ago, during our correspondence, I inquired about the situation.
Although she didn't explicitly state it, she hinted at a message... Gertrude Machaband highly appreciates your essay."
"Machaband..." Kyle pondered for a moment, then asked, "Is it the same Machaband from the Wizard Examinations Authority?"
"I didn't expect you to know her."
Professor McGonagall was a bit surprised, as Machaband was over 120 years old, a person from the last century who rarely made public appearances.
She only visited Hogwarts once a year, at the end of the term, to administer the O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T. exams for fifth and seventh-year students.
So, typically, younger wizards below the fifth year wouldn't know her.
"Charlie mentioned her before," Kyle explained. "He said that after the O.W.L.s exam, he saw Professor Dumbledore personally escort an elderly lady out of the school."
"Later, Mr. Weasley told us that it was Machaband, who had worked in the Ministry of Magic for a century and was Professor Dumbledore's examiner when he graduated."
"That's correct. Machaband has indeed been an examiner for many, including Professor Dumbledore."
Professor McGonagall continued, "But that's not her only identity."
"Machaband's most renowned reputation is in the academic world. Whether it's in Today's Transfiguration magazine or within the Exceptional Potioneers Association, she holds a significant position."
Kyle nodded in understanding.
It wasn't hard to comprehend. If even Professor Dumbledore respected her, it couldn't be solely because of her role as an examiner.
Moreover, the Wizard Examinations Authority could be considered one of the most tedious and monotonous jobs in the Ministry of Magic, with the lowest pay, only about half of what other departments offered.
For a normal person, staying in this position for three to five years would be considered a long time. But Machaband had been in this role for a century.
"So, you understand now," Professor McGonagall continued. "Her recognition means your essay is likely to be accepted.
I estimate that after Christmas, the people from Today's Transfiguration will come to the school. At that time, they will ask you some questions, which will be the final test.
If you pass, your essay will appear in the next issue of the magazine... and it will be on the front page, the most prominent position."
Just then, it was time for class to start.
Professor McGonagall quickened her pace as she walked towards the classroom, saying to Kyle in a hurry, "Prepare well. Their questions won't be easy to answer.
"As the bell rang for class, the two of them entered the classroom together.
Conna saved a seat for him, and Kyle walked over to sit beside her.
'What's up?' Conna whispered, 'Did they find out about your high-priced accessory sale?'
'It's not related to that.'
Kyle was about to tell her about his paper, but Professor McGonagall started speaking, so he could only shake his head and say, 'I'll tell you after class...'
When they entered the classroom, Professor McGonagall's smile almost instantly vanished, and she resumed her usual stern demeanor.
'Year Four is crucial. Next year is the O.W.L.s exam, and I hope you all can focus a bit more and not be as lax as you were in the past two years.'
'Today, we're learning about cross-species transformation, which is a question that will definitely appear in the O.W.L.s exam. Remember, it's not just a possibility, it's a certainty.
Since what we've learned so far is the most basic content, only by mastering cross-species transformation can you truly grasp Transfiguration.'
Professor McGonagall's sharp gaze swept across the classroom.
Everyone straightened up immediately, not daring to breathe.
'Very well, open your books. We'll start with something simple... Unlike static objects, when performing cross-species transformation, the Transfiguration Spell must be adjusted accordingly...'
(End of Chapter)
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