The Evil Thoughts of Hogwarts and the Genie

Chapter 86 Don't you have any other friends?

Edmund chuckled at this. Unsurprisingly, Lily Evans and Mary McDonald both frowned. These Muggle children might find it hard to imagine, but wizarding society—alas, it really is barbaric.

They are even quite bloodthirsty.

Whether it's the fact that Dementors were officially conscripted years ago to execute guilty wizards, or the school dungeons and punishment rooms that were only officially banned a few years ago, or even the chaotic political system, all of these demonstrate the simplest truth: wizarding society is a huge makeshift operation.

Okay, I'm not saying that Muggle society isn't a makeshift operation.

However, Muggles, who do not directly possess so many violent means, are generally more "civilized" than wizards; even the kindest wizards, who believe in equality for all, may abuse their own house-elves—after all, they are not human!

Magic is magic, of course, but magic is also an inherent form of violence! For these wizards, from childhood to adulthood, they have only been exposed to "violence" that can kill simply through talent. Even Quidditch, the wizarding world's national sport...

It can also be described as a body-crushing machine.

Therefore, the young wizards who had grown up in the wizarding world from a young age, upon hearing James's words, only felt that he was trying to get the professor's attention and show off again. They would find him annoying, but they wouldn't think there was anything wrong with his question.

"To be precise, it's about learning how to render a troll incapable of attacking under non-lethal conditions, Mr. Potter."

'

Professor Hecate frowned, not pursuing the question of why he wanted to learn a spell that could harm people—please, Potter is a Gryffindor.

"However, yes, that upperclassman wasn't lying to you. We will officially introduce practical content next school year."

Even the young wizards who had initially looked disgusted now looked up in surprise. The whispers were so loud that Professor Hecate had to press his hand down and smiled helplessly.

"Stop, stop, children." She shook her head. "I'm not going to just grab a giant and experiment spells on you." A chorus of boos followed. "That would be too cruel. I don't think you could really accept a wailing, screaming creature being ganged up on and killed by you, and I don't want to suffer the Headmaster's wrath for it—though, I've never seen Albus lose his temper with anyone before."

It was a joke, but no one laughed. The young wizards fell silent, some approving, others dismissing it.

James Porter almost stood up, as if he wanted to argue his case regarding the "murder of the troll," but Lily, who happened to be sitting next to him, tugged at him with a look of disgust, causing him to sit back down indignantly.

This was within Professor Hecate's expectations. She continued speaking calmly.

"Therefore, the time has come to test my Transfiguration skills." The old lady shrugged, and Edmund smiled obligingly. "Just trust me—I've always been good at surprising my students."

"But that's for next school year," Professor Hecate clapped his hands. "Come on, children, if there are no more questions, I'm about to dismiss get out of class early."

Pollyanna raised her hand to ask what grade they needed to be in to learn "Expelliarmus." She was told, "Second year is fine, Miss Cobblepot," and sat back down. Alice from Gryffindor also asked a question related to spells, which Professor Hecate patiently answered.

"Very good, it seems you have no other questions!" Professor Hecate clapped his hands and smiled gently.

Merry Christmas in advance! See you next school year!

The afternoon Potions class was similar. However, Professor Slughorn seemed as absent-minded as the young wizards. For some reason, the Potions classroom was filled with the smell of cinnamon and mint, making one wonder if what was simmering in the bubbling cauldron was something else entirely, not potions.

"The holiday is almost here—it's pointless to say anything now. In this lesson, all you need to do is make one successful potion."

Oh, by the way, take the finished products home; consider them my Christmas presents to you.

The old professor waved his hand and slipped back to his potion-making station. Edmund was curious about his nonchalant attitude, but didn't want to delve into it.

On the other side, upon hearing Professor Slughorn's words, James immediately wanted to clap and congratulate Sirius. However, his usually tacit friend stood aside with a furrowed brow, leaving him standing there.

Seeing this, Snape chuckled, earning a glare from James. The former, however, wasn't afraid of him; Snape shook his head dismissively.

"Young Master Black is worried about being punished when he gets home, Potter. You'd better leave him alone."

Aha. Edmund stopped in his tracks, and the other young wizards who hadn't yet reached the potion-making station all looked in this direction.

Therefore, naturally no one missed Sirius Black's pair of gray, heron-like eyes.

""....ah."

Black of Gryffindor gave a cold laugh, his face looking as if he would slice Snape in half and throw him into a cauldron to simmer over a low flame at any moment.

"You don't need to pay so much attention to me, Snape. I understand you're eager to get back to your stinky little house and find your mother."

Sirius spoke in a strange, unpleasant tone.

"But I'm different from you. I need more freedom because I have an independent personality. And you can't understand that, which I don't regret for you."

Edmund almost burst out laughing.

Previously, the Gryffindor duo had often argued with Snape, but those were at most minor squabbles.

But it is precisely these minor frictions that make them more aware of each other's weaknesses and vulnerabilities than ordinary classmates. Once an argument breaks out, they are more likely to get really angry.

This is hilarious. Because at the end of the day, they're just a group of 11-year-old teenagers.

Judging from their expressions, they practically wanted to kill each other.

"You idiot"

Lily immediately grabbed Snape's arm, stopping him from uttering the rest of his profanity. The little witch glared angrily at Sirius, shielding Snape with her body.

If it weren't for her, they might have already started fighting. However, while Snape's friend Lily was trying to break up the fight, Sirius's friend James was adding fuel to the fire:

"It's none of your business to judge me and Sirius, you snotty-nosed brat!" The kid made a gesture to shake off the stench, looking utterly disgusted.

"Nobody cares about your opinion—oh, maybe only kind-hearted Evans would disagree with that, which is really pathetic."

A school year has passed, and you haven't made any other friends?

Edmund was telling the truth; he knew he shouldn't be laughing. But it was just too funny, and he laughed out loud. Had Avery not jumped in, he might have been dragged into it too.

Avery glared at James, clearly still holding a grudge. His voice was louder than anyone else's:

"Don't be so arrogant, Potter!"

Professor Slughorn glanced in their direction and seemed to sigh.

"I'm Severus's friend! You're the real jerk!"

Aside from Lily, who was caught in a dilemma, it was a two-on-two match.

Sirius Black was the first to draw his wand, but before he could cast the spell—or rather, something prevented him from casting it—Professor Slughorn’s voice rang out louder than ever before.

"Lily, Miss Lily Evans, will you be home for the holidays too?"

The old professor gave a tired smile and said "curiously":

"How do Muggles celebrate Christmas? Do they decorate Christmas trees and exchange Christmas presents?"