Chapter 429: Course Selection

The sky had brightened.

The infirmary remained very quiet.

Wizard Sean’s bed was encircled entirely by candies.

No one knew when it had become common knowledge throughout Hogwarts that he favored sweets.

Thus, the Chocolate Frog boxes and drinks could no longer fit on the desk and had to be placed on the floor.

Wizard Sean had neatly organized them, leaving the aisle clear, so Madam Pomfrey allowed them to stay.

Now, through the cardboard of the Chocolate Frogs, a peculiar photograph stirred awake with Wizard Sean in the faint morning mist.

It was a photo Wizard Sean carried with him, originally taken by Jia Jia Siting of the Christmas hall gathering, now seemingly infused with some magical enchantment.

When other wizards looked at it, the photo showed nothing unusual—but when Wizard Sean gazed at it, some of the once-vivid figures lost their color.

Headmaster Dumbledore’s gray eyes remained kind, Professor Snape’s gray robes still loomed oppressively.

Every few figures, a gray-white figure appeared. No one knew what it meant, or why this magic had been cast.

On this bright morning, a squirrel darted out from Professor Quirrell’s colorful body; Wizard Sean watched it sniff around before finally running back into the photo.

Studying the Patronus Charm had given him insight—when the sunlight climbed the infirmary’s stone walls and lit his photograph.

He observed closely the extra figures in the photo.

Handsome, weathered Sirius was drinking red wine; Lupin, in new clothes, held a wine glass, the red liquid swaying…

The only oddity was that, compared to Wizard Sean’s image in the photo, their figures appeared faded, gray-white, and worn.

The Hogwarts bell rang; Wizard Sean put away the photo.

The Patronus Charm had revealed some of his thoughts—thoughts once hidden, now showing a corner.

This was precisely what he worried about…

Did these wizards’ fates deserve the suffering they had once endured?

As for him, he had already received too much from Hogwarts.

The day was fully bright; Wizard Sean left the infirmary.

Madam Pomfrey informed him he was discharged.

…

In the corridor, Wizard Sean continued practicing wandless magic, commanding books to float as he sensed the magical techniques within them.

After all, magic without a wand was “wild.”

That word was Wizard Sean’s own summary; after rigorous comparative experiments, he found wandless magic was more destructive but far more prone to losing control.

Like the uncontrolled magic displayed by young wizards during magical outbursts—fierce and untamable.

And when magic went out of control, it no longer obeyed the wizard’s will.

Thus, it demanded greater mental strength and more mature technique.

Through Wizard Sean’s practice—or rather, under Ravenclaw’s guidance—he had only roughly mastered two spells.

One was the Levitation Charm; the other, the Cleaning Charm.

Among the spells he knew best.

In the morning, the corridor was silent due to the early hour; Wizard Sean’s notebook floated out, its top page now bearing new writing.

【Increase proficiency of four spells to Master level】、【Verify if Legilimency can be stacked】.

These were Wizard Sean’s recent plans—and necessary ones.

After all, in the magical world, a wizard’s most important task was to continually strengthen his magical ability.

He glanced approvingly as the Levitation Charm’s proficiency rose by three hundred points, then unconsciously looked up—and collided with two familiar wizards at the Transfiguration office door.

“Professor McGonagall, is this true? Can I choose all the courses?”

Hermione’s lips held an uncontainable smile.

“Miss Granger, you are Hogwarts’ model student. This is what you deserve.”

Professor McGonagall’s lips formed a straight line; her expression was stern yet softened.

“Oh, model student, Professor, I—”

Hermione seemed about to say a name, but suddenly fell silent.

What was she thinking? The magical items she could apply for—he might already have obtained them…

“What?”

Professor McGonagall asked.

“Nothing, Professor. I just meant this is absolutely wonderful!”

Hermione exclaimed in excitement.

“I agree, Miss Granger. I hope you make good use of it.”

Professor McGonagall turned and left.

Hermione watched the professor’s back, then glanced out the window at the snow-melting grass, blew warm air onto her hands, and departed with cheeks still red from the last snowstorm.

Wizard Sean gave her a thoughtful look, then left the corridor.

When he reached the Great Hall, it was already in an uproar.

Wizard Sean looked at the notice board: Hogsmeade weekend was approaching.

No wonder the wizards had grown increasingly lively…

He thought, then noticed additional new content—course selection was imminent.

Wizard Sean froze.

It was well known that Hogwarts courses were divided into required and elective subjects. Wizard Sean had studied the required courses for nearly two years, but electives were only officially opened to third-years.

This was partly because young wizards had limited energy, and partly because Hogwarts waited for their magical abilities to mature.

“Alright, everyone. Listen up.

Third-year students at Hogwarts can choose five electives: Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies, Arithmancy, and Divination.

I asked a Hufflepuff senior about these electives and compiled notes.”

As soon as Wizard Sean sat down, Jia Jia Siting pulled out several notebooks as if by magic.

“Brilliant, Jia Jia Siting! I must say, we must be careful—this will affect our entire future.”

She praised him with slight excitement, then turned to Harry and Ron.

They were all studying the new course list, making marks on it.

“Thank you, Jia Jia Siting. You’re always thoughtful. But I just want to drop Potions.”

Harry said.

“Impossible,”

Ron said gloomily,

“We have to take all the original subjects—or I’d have dropped Defense Against the Dark Arts long ago.”

“But that class is important!”

Hermione exclaimed.

“With Lockhart’s teaching? I doubt it.”

Ron said,

“Besides not letting out the house-elves, I’ve learned nothing from him.

Remember: what indispensable role did Mr. Green play in Lockhart’s development?”

As he finished, everyone struggled to hold back laughter.

Jia Jia Siting and Hermione exchanged a quick glance with Wizard Sean.

Hermione’s eyes gleamed with triumph—they had exposed Lockhart’s crimes.

Jia Jia Siting’s gaze was calm—he had done the right thing.