HP: Professor From Azkaban

While the students were still stunned by his almost shameless remarks, William calmly adjusted his robe, which had become slightly disheveled due to the use of a Disillusionment Charm.

"Still haven't figured it out yet, kids? I've reviewed all your grades for this class and found that you have an impressive foundation in Wizard Self-Defense Magic. But that's not enough." William wagged his index finger at the students, his expression firm.

"You've spent six whole years at Hogwarts, relying on your professors and self-study—hmm, I'd wager the latter more often than not—"

Someone in the audience snickered quietly.

"Don't laugh, don't laugh, kids. That's just how this class is. You've been at Hogwarts longer than I have, so you know exactly what I mean."

But William couldn't help laughing along with the students, before dramatically pressing his hands downward as if to quiet them.

"Alright, regardless, you are exceptional students. You've managed to complete the vast majority of this class's material largely on your own, achieving impressive results in the process."

He swept his gaze over the students, his expression one of recognition and approval for each and every one of them. "I dare say some of you have already self-studied the entire seventh-year textbook. Even if you were to sit the N.E.W.T.s now, you'd easily score an E, or even the highest grade, an O."

"I'm equally confident that at least half of you have read the textbook cover to cover and have self-taught yourselves more than just one chapter. This is behavior well worth acknowledging. And no, I'm not saying this because it makes my job easier or helps me collect my paycheck from the Headmaster."

"Don't laugh. Tricking the number one white wizard into paying you isn't exactly an easy task. But considering I've only just arrived at the school, we'll table that discussion for now."

Amid the students' chuckles, William placed the textbook in his hand down on the podium. "It seems no one objects to my belief that you've done some self-studying."

"Very well, then. It looks like we can use this lesson to cover something unrelated to the textbook but still relevant to the course."

"From the time you left your homes at age eleven to come to Hogwarts, to now, at seventeen, when you've reached adulthood, you've spent six full years studying within these castle walls. Over the next year, you'll make your final push toward the career paths you chose back in your fifth year—leaving school, finding positions, applying for internships, balancing your studies and work, and ultimately passing the N.E.W.T.s to secure a job."

"This is the process that most Hogwarts graduates go through. Of course, there are exceptions. We can't rule out those who find different paths during their sixth or seventh years."

William couldn't help but think of the inmates in Azkaban, many of whom had left Hogwarts during their sixth or seventh years for various reasons. Many of them had ended up as criminals due to failed pursuits of dreams or financial hardships.

Although these topics weren't directly related to what William planned to discuss, he carried on with his lesson.

"Some of you may have experienced bullying in this castle. Well, I'm not entirely certain about that, since students who excel in this class tend to be tough enough to avoid such troubles… Still, let's acknowledge the fact; bullying does exist in this castle, and I can say with certainty that it still happens today."

"However, I believe the prefects and professors have done their utmost to mitigate this injustice. I'm not here to belittle their efforts or speak from a position of comfort, disregarding the challenges they face. Honestly, this castle is enormous, and there are far too few professors. The fact that things are as manageable as they are now is already quite impressive."

"But here's the thing—those instances of school bullying can often be avoided with the help of prefects and professors. Once you leave Hogwarts, however, finding someone to fulfill that role becomes much more difficult. While all of you are eagerly envisioning your internships and future jobs, I must, unfortunately, throw a bit of cold water on your excitement."

"Let me give you a simple example; like what happened at the beginning of today's class."

"I arrived first, deliberately delayed my appearance, prompted complaints among the students, and then deducted five points from Gryffindor." William smiled as his gaze swept over the students, eventually resting on Nymph, the girl who had spoken up earlier.

"So, was that reasonable?"

Encouraged by his expression, the students quickly responded in unison. "It was unreasonable!"

"Of course, it wasn't reasonable; but at least I provided an explanation. As I mentioned, things could have been far worse." Crossing his arms over his chest, William began scanning the room, searching for his next target.

Soon, his eyes landed on a younger student wearing a wizard's hat, someone who appeared to be about a fourth-year in height.

"That adorable young lady over there, could you tell me your name? Yes, you! The especially cute one. Don't be shy, just say your name."

The students erupted into cheers and teasing laughter, and the girl, blushing furiously, stammered out her reply.

"Susan. Susan Green, Professor."

"Wonderful! Such a lovely name for such a lovely person," William said, entirely unfazed by the boisterous reaction from the class.

"But, my dear, why are you wearing a hat in my classroom? Initially, I was going to deduct ten points, but since you're exceptionally adorable, I'll only deduct two."

The previously lively atmosphere in the classroom instantly froze. Susan stood there, utterly stunned.

It took a while before anyone could react.

"Professor! You said at the start that you'd deduct points for not wearing a hat!"

Clap, clap, clap.

William began applauding, nodding in approval.

"Absolutely correct! It seems this student was paying attention. Yes, that's exactly what I said at the start. Points are deducted for not wearing a hat; it's an undeniable fact."

Just as most of the students believed they had successfully refuted him, William spread his hands, feigning helplessness.

"But you see, at the moment I wanted to deduct points, she was wearing a hat."

The shamelessness of this statement left everyone in the room speechless. As for Susan, her wide-eyed expression resembled spirals of confusion.

"Look, there are plenty of excuses like this, but fundamentally, nothing changes. Hats, round hats, straw hats, sun hats; any kind of hat could serve as a pretext for point deductions. It's quite simple, isn't it? And it doesn't stop at hats; shoes, gloves, books. Even if you manage to do everything perfectly, if I wish, I can still find something to criticize and deduct points for."

"The most important question is this… You're all caught up on the issue of hats now, but why is it that I'm able to deduct points based on hats in the first place?"