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“So, why do we have to be wrapped up like this?”
William, bundled up tightly in a gray hooded cloak, asked Adams with a hint of resignation. As for the Alchemy Professor who had come along, he gave up on asking him entirely—the man’s face was wrapped in bandages, and he was clearly enjoying the getup.
“You don’t get it, William. These are the rules. The Hog's Head Inn is all about hiding your identity with bandages and cloaks.”
Aren't you wizards?
Couldn’t you use a more magical method of concealment?
Though the thought immediately surfaced in his mind, William instantly understood why—compared to magic, Muggle methods of disguise had a lower barrier to entry and were less likely to be detected.
If you casually used advanced Transfiguration to hide yourself and then ordered a familiar beverage, it would be all too obvious. Well now, Professor Dumbledore, what brings you here for a bit of fun?
“Wait a minute, William, hide your wand better. Don’t keep it in such an aggressive position. It might be convenient, but the people in the pub won’t appreciate it.”
After confirming his own disguise was in order, Adams began to offer pointers on William's.
William dutifully moved his wand to a more concealed yet equally accessible spot, which left Adams looking utterly speechless.
“Are you, um, Defense Against the Dark Arts professors always this on edge?”
“It's a habit. It’s better to keep my wand somewhere handy. It’s convenient.”
“Alright then. And the bandages, wrap them well.”
Adams handed over a fresh roll of bandages. “Try not to use magical ones. Someone once got drunk and nearly strangled himself with one.”
“The bandages are a bit much, aren’t they?”
William eyed the roll with distaste. A cloak for concealment was one thing, but what was the difference between being wrapped in this and being a mummy?
“A bit much?” The bandages on the Alchemy Professor’s face twitched, creating an indescribably comical effect. “Professor William, have you perhaps forgotten what you’ve done? Why do you think I’ve covered my face?”
Professor Singeade, you know, the wittier the remark, the thinner the hair. All that hair was lost to a curse!
William retorted internally but responded only with a smile, showing no intention of taking the bait.
During yesterday afternoon’s exam, he had failed the students from Slytherin and Gryffindor again, successfully unlocking the “Total Wipeout” achievement.
Although the barely-there system didn't give him any notifications, it still felt like he had just completed the first clear of a dungeon.
Just as he had predicted, without physical exam papers, it was impossible for the tongue-twisting questions to be leaked. Judging by the exam results, the students from those two Houses hadn't even heard from the other two Houses that there was an exam in the first class at all!
Unfortunately, the students he failed had Transfiguration that same afternoon—to make lesson preparation easier for the professors, classes for the same year were generally scheduled on the same day.
This time, it truly got Professor McGonagall worked up. During dinner, Professor McGonagall deliberately sat next to William, and the two of them discussed the exam for a good quarter of an hour.
And that was just from the professors' side. The students had started a full-blown argument.
William had heard from people in prison that there was a strange pecking order at Hogwarts—Ravenclaw, priding themselves on their intellect, looked down on Slytherin for relying on bloodline and Gryffindor for their rashness. They only got along well with Hufflepuff.
As for Slytherin, they didn't get along with anyone and looked down on everybody.
The Gryffindors were mortal enemies with Slytherin. They didn't particularly look down on anyone, but they followed the general trend of looking down on Hufflepuff. When it came to Slytherin, though, they’d fight them to the death.
Hufflepuff was at the bottom of the pecking order, but everyone was willing to befriend a Hufflepuff—just like in a game, many people don’t like playing support, but if a support comes over to buff and protect them, they have a grand time.
William had initially thought this view from prison was a bit biased, but last night he truly realized that while the words might be harsh, they captured the characteristics perfectly.
It was a good thing Professor McGonagall came to the Great Hall for dinner last night; otherwise, a brawl would have broken out.
Slytherin started throwing insults indiscriminately, first at Gryffindor, then at Ravenclaw. Even with the professors sitting right there, the argument escalated into them throwing black bread. If Professor McGonagall hadn't stood up and shouted, they might have drawn their wands.
As Professor McGonagall announced the punishment for the few who had started it, Adams, who was beside him, explained to William why it had happened.
“A lot of Slytherin students don’t really care about their grades. As long as they aren’t expelled from Hogwarts and can graduate smoothly, they can go home and take over the family property. Ravenclaw usually has higher grades, but yesterday, their entire House failed. It would be strange if the Slytherin students didn't mock them.”
“You haven’t been here long, William. The internal strife among Slytherin students is worse than in any other House. For the past few years, thanks to Professor Snape's favoritism, their House Points have been high, winning them first place for several consecutive years. They accidentally lost it last year, so they’re full of pent-up anger. It’s no wonder they started a fight.”
…
Although Professor McGonagall had suppressed yesterday’s incident with a firm hand, the students clearly weren't going to let it rest.
Private discussions, arguments, and taunts were inevitable; at most, they just wouldn't come to blows.
As the one who lit the fuse, William had conducted a normal exam with normal grading, but it would be unacceptable for him to be seen out drinking.
Because you failed all the students, they got into a fight, and now you’re out drinking to celebrate?
That sort of thing just wouldn't fly—especially since the seventh-year students at Hogwarts had lighter coursework and often went out for internships. If one of them saw him, came back, and spread the word, the students would start fighting again.
Although it had nothing to do with him, and no one would come looking to cause him trouble, such conflicts were best avoided.
“I saw the professor drinking his sorrows away. Look at your performance, see how upset you've made him?”
If an excuse like that was used by students as a provocation for another fight, William felt he’d be depressed for days.
Thinking of this, William reluctantly began to wrap the bandages around his head—he might as well treat it like a costume ball. It was better than being seen by a student and causing another brawl.
“Haha—pfft, haha.”
“What is it?”
“Hahahaha, William, look in the mirror!”
Adams produced a mirror and held it in front of William. Within the mirror, a mummy wrapped in a gray cloak swayed in a ridiculously comical fashion.
This prompted William to pull up his hood. There, with his head covered, he looked considerably more normal.
If the product is no good, put it in a fancy box; if your makeup is a mess, just wear a cloak—it’s the same principle.
“Let’s go, or who knows when we’ll be back.”
Acting on the principle that if he wasn't embarrassed, then the other person should be, William took the lead and left.
“Wait, wait, don’t go that way! Hogwarts has a few secret passages that the students don’t know about. A lot of professors use them to get out. I’ll lead the way!”
(end of chapter)
William, bundled up tightly in a gray hooded cloak, asked Adams with a hint of resignation. As for the Alchemy Professor who had come along, he gave up on asking him entirely—the man’s face was wrapped in bandages, and he was clearly enjoying the getup.
“You don’t get it, William. These are the rules. The Hog's Head Inn is all about hiding your identity with bandages and cloaks.”
Aren't you wizards?
Couldn’t you use a more magical method of concealment?
Though the thought immediately surfaced in his mind, William instantly understood why—compared to magic, Muggle methods of disguise had a lower barrier to entry and were less likely to be detected.
If you casually used advanced Transfiguration to hide yourself and then ordered a familiar beverage, it would be all too obvious. Well now, Professor Dumbledore, what brings you here for a bit of fun?
“Wait a minute, William, hide your wand better. Don’t keep it in such an aggressive position. It might be convenient, but the people in the pub won’t appreciate it.”
After confirming his own disguise was in order, Adams began to offer pointers on William's.
William dutifully moved his wand to a more concealed yet equally accessible spot, which left Adams looking utterly speechless.
“Are you, um, Defense Against the Dark Arts professors always this on edge?”
“It's a habit. It’s better to keep my wand somewhere handy. It’s convenient.”
“Alright then. And the bandages, wrap them well.”
Adams handed over a fresh roll of bandages. “Try not to use magical ones. Someone once got drunk and nearly strangled himself with one.”
“The bandages are a bit much, aren’t they?”
William eyed the roll with distaste. A cloak for concealment was one thing, but what was the difference between being wrapped in this and being a mummy?
“A bit much?” The bandages on the Alchemy Professor’s face twitched, creating an indescribably comical effect. “Professor William, have you perhaps forgotten what you’ve done? Why do you think I’ve covered my face?”
Professor Singeade, you know, the wittier the remark, the thinner the hair. All that hair was lost to a curse!
William retorted internally but responded only with a smile, showing no intention of taking the bait.
During yesterday afternoon’s exam, he had failed the students from Slytherin and Gryffindor again, successfully unlocking the “Total Wipeout” achievement.
Although the barely-there system didn't give him any notifications, it still felt like he had just completed the first clear of a dungeon.
Just as he had predicted, without physical exam papers, it was impossible for the tongue-twisting questions to be leaked. Judging by the exam results, the students from those two Houses hadn't even heard from the other two Houses that there was an exam in the first class at all!
Unfortunately, the students he failed had Transfiguration that same afternoon—to make lesson preparation easier for the professors, classes for the same year were generally scheduled on the same day.
This time, it truly got Professor McGonagall worked up. During dinner, Professor McGonagall deliberately sat next to William, and the two of them discussed the exam for a good quarter of an hour.
And that was just from the professors' side. The students had started a full-blown argument.
William had heard from people in prison that there was a strange pecking order at Hogwarts—Ravenclaw, priding themselves on their intellect, looked down on Slytherin for relying on bloodline and Gryffindor for their rashness. They only got along well with Hufflepuff.
As for Slytherin, they didn't get along with anyone and looked down on everybody.
The Gryffindors were mortal enemies with Slytherin. They didn't particularly look down on anyone, but they followed the general trend of looking down on Hufflepuff. When it came to Slytherin, though, they’d fight them to the death.
Hufflepuff was at the bottom of the pecking order, but everyone was willing to befriend a Hufflepuff—just like in a game, many people don’t like playing support, but if a support comes over to buff and protect them, they have a grand time.
William had initially thought this view from prison was a bit biased, but last night he truly realized that while the words might be harsh, they captured the characteristics perfectly.
It was a good thing Professor McGonagall came to the Great Hall for dinner last night; otherwise, a brawl would have broken out.
Slytherin started throwing insults indiscriminately, first at Gryffindor, then at Ravenclaw. Even with the professors sitting right there, the argument escalated into them throwing black bread. If Professor McGonagall hadn't stood up and shouted, they might have drawn their wands.
As Professor McGonagall announced the punishment for the few who had started it, Adams, who was beside him, explained to William why it had happened.
“A lot of Slytherin students don’t really care about their grades. As long as they aren’t expelled from Hogwarts and can graduate smoothly, they can go home and take over the family property. Ravenclaw usually has higher grades, but yesterday, their entire House failed. It would be strange if the Slytherin students didn't mock them.”
“You haven’t been here long, William. The internal strife among Slytherin students is worse than in any other House. For the past few years, thanks to Professor Snape's favoritism, their House Points have been high, winning them first place for several consecutive years. They accidentally lost it last year, so they’re full of pent-up anger. It’s no wonder they started a fight.”
…
Although Professor McGonagall had suppressed yesterday’s incident with a firm hand, the students clearly weren't going to let it rest.
Private discussions, arguments, and taunts were inevitable; at most, they just wouldn't come to blows.
As the one who lit the fuse, William had conducted a normal exam with normal grading, but it would be unacceptable for him to be seen out drinking.
Because you failed all the students, they got into a fight, and now you’re out drinking to celebrate?
That sort of thing just wouldn't fly—especially since the seventh-year students at Hogwarts had lighter coursework and often went out for internships. If one of them saw him, came back, and spread the word, the students would start fighting again.
Although it had nothing to do with him, and no one would come looking to cause him trouble, such conflicts were best avoided.
“I saw the professor drinking his sorrows away. Look at your performance, see how upset you've made him?”
If an excuse like that was used by students as a provocation for another fight, William felt he’d be depressed for days.
Thinking of this, William reluctantly began to wrap the bandages around his head—he might as well treat it like a costume ball. It was better than being seen by a student and causing another brawl.
“Haha—pfft, haha.”
“What is it?”
“Hahahaha, William, look in the mirror!”
Adams produced a mirror and held it in front of William. Within the mirror, a mummy wrapped in a gray cloak swayed in a ridiculously comical fashion.
This prompted William to pull up his hood. There, with his head covered, he looked considerably more normal.
If the product is no good, put it in a fancy box; if your makeup is a mess, just wear a cloak—it’s the same principle.
“Let’s go, or who knows when we’ll be back.”
Acting on the principle that if he wasn't embarrassed, then the other person should be, William took the lead and left.
“Wait, wait, don’t go that way! Hogwarts has a few secret passages that the students don’t know about. A lot of professors use them to get out. I’ll lead the way!”
(end of chapter)
