Chapter 34: The Scholarly George Appears
Support me and be 20 chapters ahead of webnovel:
patreon.com/Draco_
*****
History of Magic was a class shared by Slytherin and Ravenclaw, so it wasn't long after George entered the classroom that he saw Luna wearing her homemade radish-shaped earrings.
However, due to Luna's eccentric behavior and way of speaking, none of her Ravenclaw classmates, not even her roommates, wanted to sit next to her.
Similarly, because of his speech that morning, George was also sitting alone.
No one was willing to sit with him until they were sure of his abilities, afraid they might end up being a laughingstock by association.
As for his three roommates, their faces were still swollen from earlier, so sitting next to him was out of the question.
"Don't worry about what others think. Just be yourself," Luna said calmly as she saw George sitting alone. She got up, sat next to him, and tucked her wand behind her ear, speaking in a steady voice.
George smiled and nodded, "Thank you."
Though he didn't need comforting, Luna's gesture still deserved his gratitude.
To be honest, even though Luna was a year younger than Harry and the others, in terms of emotional maturity, she was sometimes more advanced than many adults.
She had her own ideas and beliefs, and even if others thought she was crazy, she didn't mind.
When faced with classmates who often teased her, she never got angry, always maintaining a calm and peaceful demeanor.
To be fair, George thought that at Luna's age, he definitely wouldn't have been able to handle things as well as she did.
The class bell rang, and Professor Binns, the ghost, floated through the blackboard wall and appeared at the lectern.
He was the only ghost teacher at Hogwarts and had been the History of Magic professor even when he was alive.
One day, he had gotten up to go to class but accidentally left his body behind in an armchair by the staff room fireplace, and ever since, he had continued teaching as a ghost.
"In the Middle Ages, those without magic were particularly afraid of it, yet they had little understanding of it.
Occasionally, they caught a real witch or wizard, but burning them was useless.
All the wizard had to do was cast a simple Flame-Freezing Charm, and while they pretended to scream in agony, they were actually enjoying a pleasant tickling sensation.
The eccentric Wendelin was so fond of being burned that she disguised herself in various ways and allowed herself to be caught no fewer than forty-seven times."
Without any introductions or preambles, Professor Binns, with his usual wheezy, drawling tone, began his lecture on the history of magic.
It was almost as if he were casting a hypnotic spell, and soon, some of the young wizards began to doze off.
After half an hour of continuous talking, Professor Binns finally paused briefly and, following his rigid teaching routine, started asking questions:
"Can anyone tell me how many times the eccentric Wendelin was caught by Muggles?"
Though he asked, he didn't expect anyone to actually answer. He knew his classes all too well.
So, this was merely a required part of the lesson. If no one answered, he would simply continue lecturing until the end of class.
"Forty-seven times, Professor."
Just as he was about to skip the question and move on, a young wizard raised his hand and stood to give the correct answer.
"Very good, correct answer."
Professor Binns seemed slightly surprised but didn't dwell on it, preparing to continue his lecture.
It was rare for a student to answer one of his questions. The last time, it had been that Gryffindor student—Grant or maybe Granger, he couldn't quite recall.
But in his millennium of teaching, it wasn't anything particularly noteworthy.
"No points for that? Seems just answering questions isn't enough," George thought, raising his eyebrow slightly when he noticed that Professor Binns hadn't awarded any points for his correct response.
According to George's understanding, Professor Binns was the only professor at Hogwarts who never awarded points. This wasn't because he was stingy, but simply because he had a poor memory and often forgot to do so.
After becoming a ghost, his memory deteriorated in all areas except for his vast knowledge of history.
Thus, to earn points from him, merely answering questions correctly wasn't enough.
"Professor, I have a question. If wizards could use various spells to defend themselves against Muggle attacks, why were so many wizards still persecuted by Muggles in the past?"
"It was because, back then, wizards learned magic through family traditions, and many wizards hadn't actually mastered many spells."
"So, when the four founders established Hogwarts, was it to help more wizards learn the magic needed to protect themselves?"
"Yes, that's one of the reasons. It seems you have some understanding of the history of magic."
"I've just memorized over forty books, including A History of Magic, Hogwarts: A History, Important Magical Events of the 20th Century, Modern Magical History, and Interpretation of Medieval Events during this period."
"You've memorized that many history books?"
Professor Binns, for once, showed a rare expression of surprise at George's statement.
The other young wizards, who had been dozing off, now awoke and looked on with curiosity.
"Well then, let me test you."
Professor Binns proceeded to quiz George on various dates, locations, and major events from the books George had mentioned.
George answered every single question without error.
"Your name is George, isn't it? Very impressive. It's been a long time since I've seen a student so interested in the history of magic.
Your understanding of magical history already surpasses that of many fifth- and sixth-year students."
A rare smile of satisfaction appeared on Professor Binns' otherwise rigid face.
While other ghosts lingered out of fear of death, Binns had stayed behind due to his obsessive dedication to teaching the history of magic.
Nothing pleased him more than seeing a student so gifted and passionate about his subject.
"I've always believed that the history of magic is a crucial and worthy discipline," George began, his voice resonant as he shared his views on history.
"Studying the history of magic allows us to transform the experiences of our wizarding ancestors into wisdom, enlightening us.
Not only does it help us improve our magic and refine our spells, but it also teaches us how to coexist with one another, as well as with Muggles.
Even more, history allows us to glimpse the future, providing the insight to guide us forward!"
As George spoke, the young wizards from both Slytherin and Ravenclaw were dumbfounded.
Although they didn't fully understand George's words, they could tell that whatever he was saying was impressive.
Professor Binns' ghostly form trembled with excitement.
"Well said, very well said! I must reward you, reward you indeed.
Oh, that's right, I can award points—I had forgotten! George, you've done wonderfully. I'm giving Slytherin fifty points!"
"Oh, Merlin's beard! Professor Binns actually gave points! Didn't people say he never gives points?"
"Oh, Merlin's underpants! George just earned fifty points for Slytherin in one go. I guess what he said this morning wasn't an exaggeration after all."
The young wizards erupted in chatter upon hearing Professor Binns award the points.
(End of Chapter)