Ch. 24 History of Magic

After a short climb to the third floor, the Golden Trio made their way into Classroom 72 for their next class.

Seeing half the chairs already filled with Ravenclaws, Hermione took a seat closest to the front of the classroom. Ron and Harry took the seats directly behind her.

Once Harry was situated, he resumed his conversation with Hermione. "So, Lockhart isn't the only new professor this year. And Professor Dovahkiin won last year's dueling championship, and now he's teaching History of Magic?"

Turning in her seat to look at the messy-haired wizard, "If you two were at the Sorting Ceremony last night, you would know all about this."

"Does this mean we won't be able to sleep in class anymore," Ron asked in a miserable voice?

"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione looked aghast at the implication that she would ever sleep during class!

Ron quickly defended himself, "What?! You never know."

"I would know," Came a smooth baritone answer from the back of the room.

The entire class of Gryffindors and Ravenclaws quickly turned to face the abrupt speaker.

While most of the class caught a glimpse of Professor Dovahkiin the other night at the Sorting Ceremony, none had seen him up close.

Slowly walking through the center of the room was a very tall and imposing figure. Wearing a grey belted robe that wouldn't hinder the movement of the wearer if a battle were to suddenly break out. The shaved sides of his head only drew more attention to his beard and blonde hair. Power and danger seemed to radiate off his body.

The figure began to speak in a soft tone as he moved in absolute silence. "I am, Professor Xavier Dovahkiin, your History of Magic professor. You may address me as Professor Dovahkiin or simply Professor."

As the tall man reached the front of the classroom, the name 'Professor Dovahkiin' burst into existence above his head. The flaming letters persisted for a moment before fading from view.

Hermione's eyes grew so large they threatened to pop out of her head. In a fierce whisper, "What?! He didn't even use a wand! But how?!"

With a casual smirk, Professor Dovahkiin answered, "Magic."

P.O.V. Change

After my bit of fun, I carefully scan the face of each student. "I have several rules I expect to be followed at all times."

Hearing this, the majority of the Ravenclaws and Hermione took out quill and parchment.

Waiting for the class to look back to me, "You are not permitted to take notes during my class."

Smirking at the scandalized looks of the Ravenclaws, I give a curt wave of my left hand. Elegant quills flew out from behind the podium and landed in front of each student. "I will supply Dictato-quills for each student. They will accurately record every word spoken in class. If you choose to make use of my quills, you will be required to supply the parchment and ink. My quills are not to leave this room."

Hermione stared at the magical quill as if it was the best present in the world. For her, it probably is.

After a moment to allow the students to activate the quills, I resumed my introduction. "Now that I have removed all possible distractions, I require participation from every student. If the class does not participate to a satisfactory level, additional homework will be assigned."

The looks of growing horror from the less courageous students brought great joy to my heart!

"I will not accept attempts to loudly blurt out answers. You will raise your hand and wait to be called upon. Once called upon, you will state your name before you give your answer or question.

"Also, know I am not a fan of the school point system, but we must play the hand we are dealt."

Seeing the looks of confusion, "I will not be awarding individual points in this class. At the end of each lesson, I will assess the overall level of participation and discussions. I shall then award each house the appropriate number of points. Do not put all your hopes on the back of a single individual." I may have stared at the Gryffindor side during that last part.

"Finally, I do not allow segregation in my classroom. Everyone stand. Quickly move so that each seat is alternating with a Ravenclaw and Gryffindor." It took several minutes before the two houses were intermingled to my liking.

"That's better. Now, History of Magic is the most valuable class taught here at Hogwarts." The signs of disbelief started showing on many faces.

"I'll explain. In every other class at Hogwarts, you will learn specific spells or set routines. I agree, these things are very important to any witch or wizard, but they are set spells. Generally used for a select few situations.

"But what I will teach you is not only important, it is invaluable. Capable of being used in nearly every aspect of your life." With the attention of nearly every student, I push on. "I will not be teaching rote memorization of past events. I will be teaching you how to use your minds. To view the events of the past so that we can advance the future."

Picking up the volume of my voice, "We will be looking below the surface of events! Not just rebellions and wars, but what caused the conflict in the first place. We will discuss how situations were handled and why certain actions were taken."

Using a heavy tone to emphasize the importance, "Critical thinking. Research and assessment. Behavioral studies. Logic and reasoning. These are skills that can be used in every aspect of your life. From creating your own spell to succeeding in politics."

Walking around the room, "Now. Can anyone tell me why history is so important?"

Living up to my expectations, Hermione's hand shot up like a rocket!

She stands up once I nod to her. In a clear voice, "Hermione Granger, Griffindor. 'Those who do not remember their past are condemned to repeat their mistakes.'"

"Ah! The wise words of the muggle, George Santayana! Here is another great muggle saying, 'The past is the foundation on which the present and the future are built.'"

A heavyset Ravenclaw raised his hand. "Terry Boot, Ravenclaw. Professor, will we be expected to learn about muggles?"

Smiling at the question, I move back to the front of the class. I thought I would need to mention more about muggles before someone would ask that question.

"Excellent question, Mr. Boot! Now, I want everyone to take a moment to think of a possible reason why historical muggle events should be taught alongside our magical history."

Some of the reactions caused by my task were hilarious. Some students were putting real effort into the question, while others looked merely confused.

After a moment past, "Did anyone think of Hogwarts?" The blank stares caused my smile to grow a bit more. "We are sitting in a physical reaction to the acts of medieval muggles."

As I watched the blank stares turn to doubt, my smile turned predatory. Raising my hand up, "Let us begin."

With a snap of my fingers, the room was bathed in darkness.

A huge image of the British Isles suddenly appears in the darkness.

"Centuries before the founding of Hogwarts, Britain was plagued with conflict." As I was speaking, illusions of medieval battles began taking shape. Heavy cavalry charged through the students and arrows filled the illusioned sky before dropping harmlessly upon them.

"There were raids, invasions, and constant battles between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms." Images of ships landing on the shores of Britain took form, spilling raiders into the oceanside villages. With loud warcries, bloody visages of Vikings ran through the aisles of the classroom, causing many to jump in fright.

"Both muggles and magicals suffered during this time. Men and older boys were conscripted into the armies to fight and die for lords they never saw." Faceless soldiers marched through peaceful villages, grabbing men to join their ranks. "The lack of men left to work the fields and defend the villages, caused a rise in famine and banditry."

As I continued to speak, visual representations of my words would fill the darkness of the room.

"In those days, witches and wizards lived in covens or hid in small muggle villages. There was no central place for them to gather or seek aid. Most children were taught directly by their parents. Except the ones born from muggle parents. Those poor souls had it far worse."

"Many muggle-borns suffered at the hands of villagers for what they were. Some were cast out of their families when bouts of accidental magic began to occur. They had no one to teach and guide them." Images of young teenagers being chased from villages to shape over the class.

Hushed murmurs could be heard around the room.

"The lack of freely shared knowledge left some with few options in which they could defend themselves."

Small gasps could be heard about the room as they witnessed witches and wizards placed in chains or laying hungry beside barren fields.

"Then, four of the greatest witches and wizards of their time came together." Images of Hogwarts' founders emerged from the map of Britain. "Godric Gryffindor. Helga Hufflepuff. Rowena Ravenclaw. And Salazar Slytherin. These four were able to analyze the situation and come to the best possible scenario. Hogwarts."

The sight of a shining Hogwarts slowly rising up from a battle-field, chasing away the medieval battles, caused several Gryffindor boys to shout out in celebration!

Who's the best damn Professor at Hogwarts? I do believe that would be me, sir!

Finished fluffing my own ego, I allow the illusions to fade and restore the light to the classroom.

Looking over the students, I'm met with bright shining eyes.

"So, children, as a result of magicals being pulled into muggle conflict, Hogwarts was established. A place welcome to all. A safe place to share knowledge, build connections, and to act as a home for the unfortunate orphan."

A disgruntled Griffindor raised his hand. With my nod, he says, "Seamus Finnigan, Gryffindor. Professor, how can you say all were welcome in Hogwarts when everyone knows Slytherin only wanted to teach pure-bloods?"

With a return of my predatory smile, "This, dear class, brings us to our lesson for the day."

Slowly walking around the perimeter of the room, "First, I will address Mr. Finnigan's statement. The phrase 'everyone knows' can be divided into three categories.

"First, it is used in reference to a small group, typically only those that are present. Second, it is an error in the speaker's understanding or logic. And third, it is used when one wishes to lie.

"It is a strategy that aims to end a discussion or an objection, to justify fraud and deception, and to establish truth without evidence."

Mr. Finnigan took on a frightful appearance as most of the students turned to face him. Several students were casting him judgmental looks.

Coming to the aid of the Irish boy, "I do not believe that Mr. Finnigan is attempting to lie. No, I believe Mr. Finnigan fits nicely in the second category. Most likely, Mr. Finnigan is simply repeating statements from those he deemed trustworthy. Perhaps an older student, or maybe even an adult?"

Seamus quickly nodded his head in agreement.

I continue, "Words have meaning, and I'm not just talking about their definition. Carefully examine the source and intent before making any drastic decisions, and do not be afraid to stand by your convictions.

"Now that we've checked the source and cleared Mr. Finnigan of intentionally trying to deceive us, let's look at his earlier statement. Slytherin only wanted to teach pure-bloods. Let's start with what we know to be facts. Only facts. Raise your hand when you have one."

"...Slytherin was a great wizard..."

"...he was a founder..."

"...he was a parselmouth..."

"...he was friends with the other founders..."

"...he taught at Hogwarts for years..."

"...he personally selected the members of his house..."

"Very good! But no one mentioned Pure-Blood." Looking at the confused students, I can't help but shake my head. "You all have heard the term, but you lack the knowledge of its true meaning. Let's correct that!"

Walking to the front of the class, "By definition, a pure-blood is an individual that was born from three generations of Magicals.

"So, let's say, 200 muggle-borns were to isolate themselves in their own community, free of any outside influence. Those 200 muggle-borns are the first-generation of Magicals. Their children would be the second-generation, and their grandchildren would be the third-generation of Magcials. That means the great-grandchildren of the original 200 muggle-borns would be Pure-bloods."

Looking at the students as I walk around the room, "I see that some of you are confused. Maybe a real-life example will help?

"Mr. Potter is considered a half-blood. His father was a pure-blood, and his mother was a muggle-born. This would make his mother a first-generation magical and Mr. Potter, a second-generation magical. If Mr. Potter marries a pure-blood, his children would be the third-generation, but still considered half-bloods. However, if Mr. Potter's children were to also marry pure-bloods, than Mr. Potter's grandchildren would legally be classified as pure-bloods."

I intentionally picked Harry for an example. I hoped mentioning his family would cause him to look into the magical world a bit more.

"Now that we have an understanding of the facts, lets summaries a bit with what we know. All four founders came together to create a place of protection and learning. They knew each other for several years before this. Even with the aid of magic, Hogwarts would have taken at least a full year to construct.

"Hogwarts was finished in 993 A.D. The founders had to sit down and interview each student to determine what house they would fall in. All four founders taught different classes, so every student was able to learn from each founder. And lastly, we know that years after Hogwarts was finished, Salazar Slytherin attempted to persuade the other three founders to only accept pure-bloods."

I slowly walked around the room, surveying each student. "My question to you is why. Why, after years of teaching, did Salazar Slytherin suddenly wish to exclude all but pure-bloods from Hogwarts?"

Soft murmurs were scattered about the room. A blonde-haired Ravenclaw raised his hand. "Anthony Goldstein, Ravenclaw. Maybe Slytherin always felt that way, and just couldn't stay silent any longer."

Giving the boy a nod of my head, I addressed the class, "That is one possibility. Can anyone think of another?"

The class was silent for a bit before a brave Gryffindor raised his hand, "Neville Longbottom, Gryffindor. Maybe something happened. Something tragic." The moment he was done speaking, Neville looked down, refusing to look around the room.

Recalling the boy's own tragic past, I had to commend him for speaking up. He is a true Gryffindor, indeed.

Resuming my lesson, "That, Mr. Longbottom, is a very likely possibility." I could see the Ravenclaws mentally going through every historical event during that time.

Seeing that no one came up with anything, "If I recall correctly, there isn't any significant magical events during that time... But, there is one muggle event."

Both Ravenclaws and Gryffindors were on the edge of their seats, waiting for my next words.

"On November 13, 1003, the King of the English, King Æthelred the Unready, issued a royal decree. The decree was in retaliation to the continued raids by the Danes. On this day, King Æthelred ordered the execution of every Dane living in England."

My reveal was met with several gasps.

"No one knows how many lost their lives on this St. Brice's Day massacre, but we know entire villages were put to the sword. The Danes lived mostly on the Eastern coasts of Britain. This is also the area where most believe Salazar Slytherin came from."

Looks of realization and horror fell over many students as they made assumptions about one of Hogwarts' founders.

"Was Salazar Slytherin simply a racist, or was he merely trying to cut off all ties to the muggle world? We will probably never know the truth." With a loud and clear voice, I stated. "Regardless of the reasoning or logic, I do not condone his belief in the slightest. There is no place in the wizarding world for bigotry or racism."

"Of equally important note, I also do not fault the muggles of today for the actions of their ancestors! There is no rational basis for carrying such animosity!"

A vibrating bell chime signaled the end of class.

"Homework! I want half a parchment worth on a self-introduction and how you believe the study of history can benefit you! Oh, and I award Gryffindor and Ravenclaw five points each."

I stood firmly at the head of the class as the students made their way out of the classroom.

Once the last student walked out, I waved my hand towards the door, sealing it shut.

With my right hand by my side, I moved my left hand to the small of my back. I patiently stare into the far corner of the room. "What did you think of the class, Headmaster?"

Stepping into existence, Dumbledore seemed weary. "I see you have studied at Kamar-Taj."

I was not expecting that! Regaining control over my surprise. "I have. Mixing the two types of magic has filled the gaps in my defense."

"I could not agree with their ideology. A place without forbidden knowledge... It is a dangerous concept."

"No more dangerous than an ignorant society, or a society ruled by one that hordes all the knowledge to themself."

Dumbledore nods his head in agreement. "True, but with proper guidance and leadership, it can be a safe society."

"Revolutions have started in safe societies." I counter.

"The people just need to be taught the benefits of such a situation." This does not look like the first time Dumbledore has had this conversation.

"A teacher that does not teach their students to think for themselves has failed as a teacher. The British Ministry is filled with corrupt and incompetent leaders. Are you really going to send these children into the maw of the beast, without properly arming them?"

Releasing a long sigh, Dumbledore says, "The Wizengamot is balanced on a knife-edge. A single vote is all that stands between our way of life and the dark houses passing laws and regulations that support their supremacist ideals. A great deal of my time is spent politicking just to maintain our current illusion of peace. Tell me, Professor Dovahkiin, where do you see yourself in this struggle?"

That is a loaded question! Giving the elderly wizard a sad smile, "I am not the light wizard you are hoping for. I do not support dark family agendas or even the neutrality of grey families. But when faced with a deadly opponent, I do not cast Stunners."

Dumbledore gracefully made his way to the exit. With a wave of his hand, he unsealed the door. Stopping in the doorway, he looks back at me. Returning my sad smile with one of his own, "Sometimes, you must lose the battle to win the war."