HP: Professor From Azkaban

"A new Professor is coming!"

"How do you know?"

"The painting at the door said so. It also said the Professor was carrying a thick paper bag. Looks like we're in for some new tricks in class!"

"That's amazing!"

"I wonder what kind of game we'll start with this time. Stealing our wands like nothing happened was just too cool!"

The fifth-year students were chattering excitedly about what kind of lesson they'd have, their words brimming with anticipation.

News-savvy students had already pried details from the sixth-years about what had happened during the Defense Against the Dark Arts class yesterday. This made them so eager that they arrived at the classroom early.

***

In the corridor, William earnestly thanked the knight from the oil painting, who had been guiding him all the way from downstairs. The enthusiastic knight had crossed over thirty paintings to show the way and was now panting heavily.

"No need to thank me, Professor William. Helping those in need is a knight's duty," the knight replied solemnly before spurring his horse back the way he came.

After waving goodbye once more, William glanced at his watch and realized he was right on time.

When he pushed open the classroom door, all the students were already present.

"It looks like everyone's here. Once again, I'm the last to arrive. I must say, the staircases at Hogwarts do seem to enjoy playing hide and seek," William said with a smile as he quickly walked to the podium.

"Good morning, everyone. Hmm," William scanned the students' desks as he spoke, "it looks like everyone has brought their textbooks. However, we won't be needing them for now."

Cheers erupted instantly.

"Uh, there seems to be a bit of a misunderstanding. Please tone down the enthusiasm. Hmm, the next part might not be as popular," William said, pulling open the paper bag and taking out a thick stack of papers.

"Apologies, but it's time for a quiz."

The atmosphere cooled almost immediately. The expressions of the students sitting in the front row seemed to freeze.

A small stack of test papers was handed to the first-row students and then passed down the rows. William could clearly see the students whispering to one another as they passed the papers.

When all the test papers had been distributed, William returned to the podium and smiled at the students.

"Hmm, I know it's a bit unusual to give a test on the very first day of class, but this one isn't for nothing—there are rewards."

"Professor, what kind of rewards?"

"Not candy, is it?"

"House points?"

"..."

"Shh..." William raised a finger to his lips, signaling for quiet.

"If I were you, I'd take this test very seriously. In fact, I'd pay more attention to it than I would to the end-of-term exams."

He held up one of the remaining test papers and gestured to the students.

"I believe quite a few professors reminded you of something yesterday; fifth year is OWLs year for Hogwarts students. The test in front of you is made up of original questions taken directly from past exams."

"Of course, the actual OWLs exam tests spellcasting. For this, I've replaced it with theory since one class period isn't enough time for practicals. However, I don't see much of a difference. If anyone thinks they're better at practicals than theory, you're welcome to apply for a practical test instead—"

William noticed several students' eyes light up at this, clearly finding the idea of a practical test far more interesting. But William had anticipated this.

"However, I must warn you, this is not encouraged. If anyone fails to achieve a passing score, they will be responsible for cleaning the classroom for the rest of the term."

The students' enthusiasm instantly died down.

"The test duration is one hour, and grades will be determined based on the OWLs grading system. Anyone achieving the highest grade, 'O,' will earn fifty points for their house. I'll admit that's quite generous, but I'll submit a special request to the Headmaster for approval."

"Students who score 'E' or above will receive a one-term exemption from attending my classes. Yes, you heard that correctly. For the entire first semester, you may choose whether or not to attend my lessons. Additionally, during this time, you'll be allowed to audit sixth-year classes."

The classroom buzzed with excitement. That was permission to skip class legitimately!

Auditing sixth-year classes was equally enticing. The experience would make for at least half a month's worth of bragging rights.

"Oh, and one more thing," William added, "there's also a monetary reward. I'm personally funding this; seven Galleons per student. Seven being a magically significant number, of course."

Another wave of cheers erupted. Shiny gold Galleons, legally and reasonably handed out by a professor!

Writing home to report this wouldn't be over-the-top at all.

"Students who achieve an 'A' or above will get the chance to engage in practical training while others continue with theory lessons. However, since the curriculum must accommodate those needing theoretical education, much of this practical work will involve self-study."

"All the questions are taken directly from past OWLs exams. During the review session, I'll point out their exact sources." William clapped his hands as he spoke. "So, what are you waiting for? The timer starts now!"

Everyone immediately dove into answering the test with intense focus.

Even the reward for scoring an 'A' or above was enough to avoid the dull, tedious theoretical lessons ahead. Being treated differently from their peers drove the fifteen-year-olds into a frenzy of determination.

As for William, he used the quiet time to sit at his desk and meticulously prepare for the upcoming lessons.

The questions were handpicked by him, and the rewards were crafted by him.

Judging from how only a few sixth-year students had passed with ease, he already understood just how poor the Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum at Hogwarts had been over the years.

After reviewing the attendance records of seventh-year students, he discovered that, in the past six years, only one year had a professor who completed two full terms. In all other years, professors left for various reasons, forcing students to rely on self-study for the latter parts of their textbooks.

Moreover, the constant changes in professors and teaching materials caused a significant gap between what the students had learned and what the syllabus required them to master.

The exam questions this time specifically targeted the knowledge gaps accumulated over the years. Unless someone had managed to collect all the teaching materials from a single professor and studied independently for five years, there was no way anyone could answer every question correctly.

This was precisely why William chose to use official exam questions.

By using past exam papers, no one could complain that the test was too difficult or obscure. Because these were real OWLs questions, nearly all the students would have to accept their results and feel compelled to take their studies seriously in the future.

Although William fully intended to honor the promised rewards for any student who met the targets, he already knew the outcome of this test even without grading the papers; a total wipeout.

"Using clever tricks to improve students' performance," William mused to himself, "is the highest virtue for a professor!"

...

Bonus Chapter incoming! 

Please vote! 

Weekly Bonus Chapters for every 250 Power Stones!