NOVEL WEB Chapter 102: The Purpose of the Course
As expected, the sixth-year students spread the word about the class content during lunch. The students gathered in the auditorium, laughing and discussing the roles they would be taking on. Even the professors were contemplating the division of these three roles.
"What if they encounter an enemy alone? Could the disparity in their strengths lead to their defeat, like a disruptor lacking in offense?" Professor Flitwick was the first to question Tver, but other professors at the staff table were also quietly paying attention.
"The division into three roles is actually just a tendency; once they are proficient, they can also learn different abilities from their teammates, achieving versatility while specializing in one area," Tver responded, deliberately raising his voice so not only the professors but also the students in the front row could hear. After all, in the magical world, being weak in one area during combat is a vulnerability that opponents can exploit. He would not make such a basic mistake.
"The children won't be able to gather like this after graduation. Does this team format still hold meaning for them?" Inspired by Flitwick, Professor McGonagall raised her own concern.
"The main purpose is to get students accustomed to working in teams. As you know, the disparity in combat ability among wizards in the magical world is quite significant," Tver explained.
"For powerful wizards like Aurors, they can easily defeat many times their number of ordinary wizards. But as for Headmaster Dumbledore, he could defeat as many Aurors as he wishes, depending on his mood."
"Please, don't say that; I'm just an old man," Dumbledore said modestly, waving his hand shyly.
But clearly, none of the professors present took his humble words seriously, as Tver continued loudly. "Thus, enhancing the students' teamwork skills enables them to pair up with anyone, not necessarily just their own team members. This is mainly to ensure that when they face stronger enemies, they won't simply be defeated without a fight."
The professors nodded in understanding. Strength is always relative, never absolute. As long as there are powerful adversaries to face, whether wizards or magical creatures, they will need to join forces.
If all students learn to cooperate, their bonds will be tighter when they enter society, and their ability to resist danger will be stronger.
"I think you are just being alarmist," Professor Burbage, who taught Muggle Studies, suddenly said. "The magical world has been peaceful for so long; where is all this danger you claim the students need to face?"
"And you keep emphasizing enemies, but the only enemies these kids are likely to face are the goblins in their gardens!"
Professor Burbage had always been at odds with Tver, believing him to be biased against Muggles. However, she held one view that Tver greatly admired—she believed there was no difference between wizards and Muggles.
This notion of equality often subjected her to criticism within the wizarding world, where many wizards might not strictly adhere to pureblood ideologies but still consider themselves somewhat superior. Thus, she was a frequent contributor to debates in The Daily Prophet.
But this admiration didn't mean Tver was willing to tolerate biased accusations.
"Being perennially in school, you indeed only face dangers like goblins, but that doesn't mean students graduating and heading into various professions won't face greater, even life-threatening, dangers," Tver argued.
"Why not ask Professor Fawley to show us what constitutes a life-threatening danger?" she retorted.
"I happen to have—"
"Alright, both of you," Dumbledore interrupted before the argument could escalate further, "Anything that is useful for the students can become part of the curriculum. Tver is well-intentioned in his actions."
"And Tver, Burbage is also correct, do not neglect the regular curriculum."
With the headmaster having mediated, they stopped arguing. However, the students were not nearly as ready to stop.
"Fred, remember to be respectful, or I'll lead you into a trap!" George, acting like a leader, patted Fred on the shoulder dramatically.
"As you wish!" Fred bowed like a servant. "How about I help you eat, then?"
He snatched the chicken leg right from George's hand, not minding the bite marks, and took a huge bite.
George stared at his empty hand for a moment, stunned.
"You scoundrel! Let this great support teach you a lesson!"
Hermione, disgusted, moved the book she was reading further away to avoid flying crumbs.
"You all haven't even had the class, how do you know what role you're suited for?"
"Whatever the role, I can't take it on anymore," Ron interjected, pulling out his wand, which now sported a sorrowful look.
His already shabby wand was now broken in the middle. Even if he held it together with tape, it just wouldn't cast properly. He had discovered this during that morning's Transfiguration class.
Having recently caused trouble at home, he now didn't even have the courage to write home asking for money to buy a new wand.
Hermione suggested, "Professor Fawley seems to know a lot about wands, why don't you ask him?"
"Never mind, for a professor, it's just a small expense in Galleons, not worth his bother," Ron replied, still a bit intimidated by the professors despite having grown closer last term.
"Phew," Harry joined them, looking exhausted. "Heard anything interesting?"
"There's new content in the Defense Against the Dark Arts," Hermione said as she placed a sandwich in front of Harry. "What about you, why are you so late?"
They had been delayed at the entrance of the hall by a first-year named Colin Creevey, who had particularly latched onto Harry. So, acting on a 'better you than me' principle, they had left Harry behind and came in first to catch up on the gossip.
"Don't even start. Colin wanted my autograph, and then Malfoy saw us. That was bad enough, but then Lockhart appeared out of nowhere, like the autograph was some kind of summoning spell for him, and dragged me into taking a photo with him," Harry complained.
"Did you give him—one to Colin, I mean?" Ron teased.
Hermione closed her book, amused, and watched Harry.
"...I did not!" Harry cried out in a mix of frustration and embarrassment.
"Alright," Hermione glanced at the clock, "autographed or not, we need to get to class!"
She excitedly packed her textbooks into her bag, taking care to pat it down neatly. The trio then headed toward their classroom.
Ron observed Hermione's bouncy excitement. "Are you really looking forward to Lockhart's class that much? I was hoping Professor Fawley would be teaching us!"
"It's Professor Lockhart!" Hermione puffed her cheeks, "Though I like Professor Fawley's classes, Professor Lockhart's are worth looking forward to as well!"
"It doesn't matter much," Harry pointed towards the back of the classroom, "as long as both Professors Lockhart and Fawley are there."
Tver greeted them with a smile as they entered.