Chapter 27: New Milestones
Not bothering with the students who had started to seriously read their books (or pretend to), Ezio pushed open the door and left. But as he stepped out, he saw Professor McGonagall standing there, arms crossed, looking at him with a stern expression.
"You owe me a proper explanation for this," Professor McGonagall said seriously. "Leading Slytherin and a portion of the Ravenclaw students out of the classroom, and disrespecting Professor Quirrell during class—this is not permitted at Hogwarts, Mr. Firenze."
"But as you can see, I did not lead them away to abandon their studies. On the contrary, self-studying here will allow them to learn the material better and faster. I have assigned them homework, and Professor Quirrell will receive their submitted assignments every week to confirm that they are indeed studying this course and not neglecting their education."
"That is the only reason I am giving you an opportunity to explain," Professor McGonagall said, rubbing her temples. If she hadn't just been listening outside the door to Ezio's arrangements, her attitude would certainly not be this calm. Although his actions were extremely out of line, the outcome didn't seem to be a bad one. As Ezio had said, self-studying here might actually be more effective.
"Then I must first ask you to clear up a doubt of my own, Professor McGonagall," Ezio said, making an inviting gesture. The corridor was not a good place for a conversation.
"Go on," Professor McGonagall said, starting to walk with Ezio towards a nearby courtyard.
"If the purpose of Hogwarts is to cultivate young wizards into talented individuals, then why allow a 'salary thief' like Quirrell to join the teaching staff and lead students astray?"
"We could just cancel the Defence Against the Dark Arts class. The excuse that the course is cursed and a suitable, long-term professor cannot be found is not a valid one."
"Hogwarts could easily create a new course, such as a 'Defense Arts' class, or anything else for that matter. Why insist on sticking with Defence Against the Dark Arts, a course that has now completely lost its meaning?"
"I gave Quirrell a chance, but he could only stammer and couldn't form a complete sentence. If it's just a matter of reading the textbook verbatim, I would rather have Miss Granger on stage. At least she could recite the entire book from memory."
"The time we have to study at Hogwarts is only seven years. Every year is precious learning time. To waste our valuable time in the classroom of a useless professor like him, I believe Hogwarts owes me an explanation."
Ezio's sharp-tongued argument made it difficult for Professor McGonagall to give an answer that would satisfy both parties. But she couldn't get angry, because Ezio was merely stating the facts. She couldn't accuse him of smearing Hogwarts's name just for pointing out what the school was doing; that would be a ridiculous accusation, and Professor McGonagall was not one to make it.
"When it comes to selecting professors, Hogwarts doesn't have many options," Professor McGonagall sighed. "Quirrell was an excellent student during his time here. We originally thought he could handle the teaching of this course, but an accident occurred."
"Yes, accidents are always a part of our lives. If that's the case, I can understand. But since this unfortunate situation has arisen, shouldn't we be working to solve the problem now?" Ezio softened his attitude, no longer as aggressive as before.
"I admit that I did some inappropriate things out of anger, but my original intention was good. I also hope that my classmates and I can have a fulfilling academic career at Hogwarts. If my actions will inevitably offend someone, then I would rather bite the bullet and continue, because I know that what I am doing is the right thing. One cannot refrain from doing what is good for the majority just because it is not good for one person."
"I apologize, Professor McGonagall. I've caused you trouble."
"You certainly have," Professor McGonagall said, glaring at Ezio. Even the troublemakers in Gryffindor weren't as capable of stirring things up as him. "But in the history of Hogwarts, there has never been a situation where students self-studied while a professor was teaching."
"History is always made by people. What's more, I haven't stolen all of Professor Quirrell's students. He can still go and plague the students of other years, waste their time, and squander their youth. After all, I am just a student. The help I can offer is actually quite limited. Of those who followed me out just now, I will be returning a large portion of them to Professor Quirrell."
"Only a small number of students choosing to self-study, while a large number return to the classroom. I don't think such an outcome would be a problem, would it?"
This troublesome student was giving Professor McGonagall a huge headache. But she herself believed that although such a thing shouldn't have happened, it was also the correct choice. As a Gryffindor, Professor McGonagall actually possessed an adventurous spirit that wanted to break old rules and conventions. Otherwise, she would have gone to Ravenclaw to study. She was not an inflexible old fossil.
"What do you intend to do?" Professor McGonagall relented.
"Those who can keep up with the learning tasks I arrange will stay. Those who can't will be eliminated. After all, I am not the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. All I can do is share the knowledge I have, not teach them the knowledge. This all requires their own effort. That is all I can do."
Ezio's words were conservative, and he had also made his requirements clear: idiots and fools were not welcome. He didn't have time to teach people. The only ones who could join him were those who were talented and willing to work hard. And such students really shouldn't be wasting their time in Quirrell's classroom, breathing in the foul air.
"I will have a talk with Professor Quirrell later," Professor McGonagall said with a slight nod. "But I must still remind you that at Hogwarts, students are required to show respect to their professors. Five points from Slytherin. I hope you will remember this in the future."
It was a light punishment for a serious offense. The symbolic deduction of five points was harmless, and the matter was thus closed.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall. You are a kind, understanding, and fair teacher. It is my honor to be taught by you."
"Silver-tongued," Professor McGonagall shook her head slightly, hiding a faint smile at the corner of her lips. "Don't forget the club meeting on Saturday. You can meet some very talented classmates there."
"I will set an alarm. I also look forward to the knowledge you will share."
Ezio gave a slight bow and then took his leave.
Taking advantage of his current free time, he decided to have a good look around Hogwarts—namely, to light up the map.
Leaping from the outer wall of the castle, he caught hold of cracks to maneuver and climb. The towering Hogwarts Castle was slowly brought beneath his feet. Ezio spent a little time climbing to the highest point of Hogwarts Castle: the top of the Astronomy Tower. The view from the pointed spire was excellent, overlooking the entirety of Hogwarts. In the distance was a flat lawn, the venue for flying lessons. Further on was the huge Quidditch pitch, and not far beyond the pitch was the Forbidden Forest, its dark green treetops stretching to the horizon.
A clear eagle cry echoed through the skies above Hogwarts. Neil soared high, taking everything into his sight.
[New Map – Hogwarts (Unlocked)]
[Map Exploration: 0.35%]
[New Milestones Unlocked (Region-Locked)]
Conqueror of the Skies (Complete a precise aerial assassination from a height of 10,000 meters. Target is limited to humanoid or near-humanoid creatures.)
Phantom Assassin (Complete a frontal assassination while being looked at but not perceived. Target is limited to humanoid or near-humanoid creatures.)
Hidden Milestone (You need to uncover this timed hidden milestone through exploration. Countdown: 302 days, 8 hours. Perhaps you need to break down a door.)
*****
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