Chapter 0008 - Boring

"Now, onto the boring bits, and the bits you may hate the professor and me. As I said, we have introduced three initiatives to help and guide you. Two of them apply to you now, and the last one you'll find out in your third year.

The first initiative is for you to join at least two extra circulars. The first two you pick must be from different categories. Thanks to the influx of new professors, we have some new extra circulars you can participate in. There will be a list on our notice board that you can check later. We split them into categories so they were neater and easier to find.

In the Language category, hosted by Madam Pince and Mrs. Norris, you can choose from Latin, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Urdu, Swahili, Hebrew, Greek, Tamil, and Sanskrit. The Handiwork category, with classes held throughout the castle, includes options such as woodwork, metalwork, leatherwork, jewellery making, tailoring, masonry, blacksmithing, enchanting and engraving, and puppeteering. Finally, the Continuation of Muggle Education category allows you to pursue subjects like mathematics, further mathematics, physics, biology, sociology, home economics, economics, business studies, English language, English literature, and classical studies. If you have another subject you want to study and we don't offer it, I'm sure the professor will help accommodate those suggestions. After all, 'Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.' The second initiative is the required exercise. Has anyone heard of Ludwig's Trinity? Yes, Miss Kelly."

"Ludwig's Trinity states that the mind, body, and soul all have to be in perfect unity for someone to use magic the most effectively."

"Correct. Does anyone know what happens when they are not perfectly balanced?"

The muggle born raises her hand, eager to answer the question. I nod at her, and she stands up to answer the question. "Your magic slowly starts to become unstable. It is not noticeable when there is a slight disharmony, but when the difference is too large, your magic may stop working."

"Well done. You can sit down now. Can anyone tell me how the Trinity becomes unstable?" I said as I nodded to Professor Flitwick as he walked down the stairs.

"The mind grows as we learn new things, and the soul grows strong as we age," a young boy shouted out.

"Good, but you should wait to be called on before answering. How does the body get stronger?"

"Through exercise, I'm guessing. That is why you are talking about exercise?" the same boy replied.

"Mr. Dijkstra, please raise your hand next time. I will not ask again," Professor Flitwick says as he walks around to the back of the seats.

"Thank you, professor, and you would be correct. During your time at Hogwarts, the mind and soul get stronger, while most neglect their bodies. So through the required exercise, you help you develop your body at a similar pace to your mind and soul, so that your Trinity will stay in harmony. Does anybody have any questions? Could you raise your hand, and I'll answer about ten questions? I'll start with Miss Kelly."

"What if I'm not interested in any of the extracurricular activities listed? Can I still choose something else?"

"Professor Flitwick, could you answer this question?"

"Of course, Mr. Ebonwood," said Professor Flitwick as he made his way to the front. "I don't see why not. As long as it is safe and doesn't require too many intensive resources, we could definitely make it happen. The only thing that could stop that is if it does not have enough people attending. Mr. Ebonwood back to you."

"Are these extracurricular activities going to take up a lot of my free time? I still want to have time to explore the castle and hang out with friends."

"The school day usually ends at 16:00. The activities happen two or three times a week. They are usually held during your free periods, after teaching hours, or at the weekend. Don't worry, you will have plenty of time to do whatever you want."

"For the required exercise, do we get to choose what kind of exercise we do? I'm not really into sports, but I like hiking and exploring."

"Unfortunately not. You would have to follow a schedule created with joint effort from Saint Mungo's and the Nuffield Trust. I have looked over the schedule, and it does include activities like hiking and going through mountain trails. There are activities for everyone. Does that answer your question? Yes, you next."

"I have two questions. What happens if I'm not very good at magic? Will the exercise help me improve, or is it more for maintaining balance? And can I switch extracurricular activities if I don't like the ones I initially chose?"

"Everybody is good at a specific magical discipline, so don't worry about being bad at magic. You just haven't found your calling card yet. The exercise is just to help you keep Ludwig's Trinity stable. In theory, it should help you improve your overall magic ability. As for your third question, we have a two week grace period where you can change your mind and pick a different one."

"Are there any consequences if I don't participate in the required extracurriculars or exercise?"

"Hogwarts does not enforce this, but we do," Professor Flitwick said as he cut me off. "I would strongly recommend you participate in the bare minimum and succeed while doing it; otherwise, we will have some strong words in private. Next question."

"Will there be any assessments or tests related to the extracurricular activities, or are they just for fun?"

"It depends on who runs them. Some like assessments, while others don't. They are mostly for you and your enjoyment. Pick ones that you would enjoy, not what your best friends pick."

"Are there any clubs or groups I can join outside of the extracurriculars mentioned? Like a chess club or a book club?"

"Yes, you can. We have clubs that you can join. Professor Flitwick runs the Hogwarts orchestra, while Professor McGonagall runs the chess club alongside a few students. Madam Pince does often hold a book club, but you should ask each member of staff what clubs they run."

"What if I have a conflict between extracurricular activities and class time? How do I prioritise?"

"As I said earlier, these are held outside of lesson time, so you don't need to prioritise anything. That was ten questions. I'll now hand it over to Professor Flitwick."

"Thank you, Mr. Ebonwood," Professor Flitwick said as he took my place on the stage. "Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! It is with great pleasure and excitement that I stand before you, just as you are beginning your magical journey.

First and foremost, allow me to introduce myself. I am Professor Flitwick, your Charms professor and Head of Ravenclaw. I am here to guide and support each and every one of you throughout your time at Hogwarts. A wise old man once said: 'It is our choices that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities.'

As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, I want you to remember one thing above all else: Hogwarts is not just a school; it is a home. A home where you will learn, grow, and forge friendships that will last a lifetime. Here, you will discover the true extent of your magical abilities, uncover hidden talents, and face challenges that will test your courage, resilience, and, not to forget, your wit.

But fear not, for you are not alone on this journey. You have your fellow students, your professors, and the entire Hogwarts community standing beside you every step of the way. Together, we will celebrate your successes, overcome your obstacles, and ensure that you reach your full potential.

Now, as you settle into your new surroundings, I urge you to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Attend your classes with enthusiasm, immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of Hogwarts, and never shy away from asking questions or seeking help when needed. Remember, there is no such thing as a foolish question in the pursuit of knowledge. 

Welcome to your new home, my dear first years. Welcome to Ravenclaw!"

The first year students gave him a short round of applause.

"Thank you. Could I ask you to remain in your seat for five minutes before the prefects come here and deliver the next part? Mr. Ebonwood, my office, please."

I nodded at his words and made my way upstairs while waiting for him. He entered a few moments later and sat down at his desk.

"Would you like a drink? We'll be here for quite a while," Professor Flitwick said as he conjured two glasses.

"My usual. Three measures of Gordon's gin, one part of vodka, and half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shaken very well until it's ice-cold," I said as I levitated a chess board over to the table.

"Good choice," the professor said. "It will take the house-elves a few minutes for them to make it. Let's get down to business."

"Fancy a game while you do it?"

"I don't see why not. After all, it'll take a while."