Harry Potter : This Progress Too Much

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Early Morning Routine

The next morning, just after seven o'clock, David woke up early from his sleep. This had become a habit for him over the years.

Taking out the schedule that had been delivered along with his school supplies yesterday, David examined his classes. The Hogwarts curriculum was surprisingly manageable.

There were eight courses in total: Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Flying, History of Magic, and Astronomy. Flying, History of Magic, and Astronomy were only held once per week, while the other five subjects had two lessons each week.

Each class lasted an hour, with a 30-minute break between lessons. The only exception was Potions, which had double periods.

Classes ran from 9:00 to 11:30 AM in the morning and 1:30 to 4:00 PM in the afternoon. Astronomy was an outlier, taking place on Wednesday nights.

The four houses attended classes together. With only about seventy first-year students, a single classroom could comfortably accommodate everyone.

Besides, separating students by house would make teaching impractical—there was only one professor per subject, and each had to teach all seven years. If each professor had to teach fourteen separate lessons per week, they'd never survive. Many of them also held other responsibilities, such as being Heads of Houses or engaging in research.

It was still early, with only one Transfiguration class scheduled that morning at 9:00 AM.

David glanced around and saw that his three dormmates were still fast asleep. Not wanting to wake them, he got ready quietly and left the dormitory.

Meeting the Prefect

"Good morning, senior!"

As David entered the Ravenclaw common room, he immediately spotted Penelope Clearwater, the house prefect.

She was sitting on a couch, deeply immersed in a book. Several other upper-year students were also present, each absorbed in their studies.

David couldn't help but admire their dedication—Hogwarts students really did take their academics seriously.

"Morning, David," Penelope greeted him with a warm smile. "Are you getting used to the dormitory?"

"It's fine, though I'm not used to the beds yet," David admitted as he sat beside her, noticing the "Standard Book of Spells, Grade 5" in her hands.

Penelope glanced at the clock and stretched, revealing her perfectly toned figure. "It's almost 7:30. Let's go have breakfast."

A Study-Oriented Senior

"Senior, you were up early reading?" David asked curiously as they made their way to the Great Hall.

"Getting up at 6 AM to study isn't that early," Penelope replied nonchalantly. "I have my O.W.L.s this year, and I want to get Outstanding (O) in all my subjects. That won't happen if I slack off."

"Senior, I'm sure you'll do great!" David said sincerely.

Being a Ravenclaw prefect already proved her intelligence. A few exams should be no problem for someone like her.

The Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.) exams were taken in fifth year and determined which subjects a student could continue studying at N.E.W.T. level. Those who performed poorly might not qualify for advanced studies.

Similarly, the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests (N.E.W.T.s) in seventh year were even more crucial, as they directly impacted future career opportunities. High scores were mandatory for prestigious jobs, especially at the Ministry of Magic.

Penelope, however, merely sighed. "Exams aren't the hard part—it's what happens after graduation."

David remained silent. He knew exactly what she meant.

The wizarding world was highly classist. Opportunities for Muggle-born witches and wizards were significantly limited. Even the brightest students often struggled to find jobs in the magical community.

Penelope was well aware of this reality. That was why she was working so hard—to secure a place for herself in this world.

Breakfast & Hogwarts Staircases

The Great Hall was already bustling when they arrived. Breakfast wasn't as lavish as last night's feast, but there was still plenty to eat—milk, porridge, boiled potatoes, bread, ham, eggs, and bacon.

"There are 142 staircases in Hogwarts," Penelope said between bites. "Some of them move. For example, you might be heading to the third floor, but end up on the fifth. It's common for first-years to get lost and be late for class."

David listened attentively as she continued explaining.

"If you want, I can give you a quick tour before class?" she offered.

David's face lit up. "Really? Thanks, senior!"

It was extremely helpful to have an upper-year student show him around. Wandering Hogwarts blindly could be a nightmare.

As they finished breakfast, David couldn't help but reflect—why was Penelope being so nice to him?

The Reason for Her Kindness

David was aware that nothing came for free.

Penelope's enthusiasm was likely because she saw potential in him.

She wanted to build connections with promising students, and David had already drawn attention due to his long Sorting Hat deliberation.

However, as their conversation progressed, Penelope found that David was not only talented but also easy to talk to.

He was younger, but that didn't matter—friendship and alliances were useful regardless of age.

Penelope had learned from past experiences.

A few years ago, an older Muggle-born student had been exceptionally kind to her when she first arrived at Hogwarts.

That student had graduated two years ago and struggled to find a job.

Rejected multiple times by the Ministry of Magic and large magical businesses, she was eventually forced to return to the Muggle world.

Now, at almost 20 years old, that senior had no qualifications, no magical career, and no future in the wizarding world. She had become a cashier at a bakery.

Penelope had visited her during the summer holidays and saw firsthand how difficult life could be.

She didn't want that fate.

That's why she was investing in her future early—by forming connections with promising young wizards like David.

Hogwarts' Moving Stairs

"The moving staircases follow specific patterns," Penelope explained as they walked.

"Don't walk too close to the wall, or you might end up on a random floor."

"Never run on the stairs. If you do, they can shift unexpectedly, creating gaps big enough to fall through."

David nodded. With his enhanced memory, he easily memorized the staircases' quirks.

"Do you remember everything?" Penelope asked.

David grinned. "Of course, senior. Thanks for the help."

Penelope laughed. "You're a quick learner. Well, it's almost time for class. I have to rush to Charms now."

She waved goodbye and hurried away, leaving David to find his way to Transfiguration.

Final Thoughts

As he walked to class, David couldn't help but feel grateful.

Penelope's guidance had made navigating Hogwarts much easier.

He also understood why she had taken the initiative to help him.

While she was clearly trying to secure her future, David didn't mind. After all, who could refuse the kindness of a beautiful and intelligent senior?

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