Hogwarts: I'm Harry's older cousin

Chapter 193, 191. For small things you don't understand, ask Hermione; for big problems, ask Dudley.

Starting from the third year, students at Hogwarts are required to study a few subjects in addition to the seven subjects they are originally required to learn (Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy, and Herbalism). They also need to choose a few other subjects to study (at least two).

Arithmetic divination, protection of magical creatures, divination, Muggle studies, ancient runes.

It is said that in addition to the courses mentioned above, there is a very special subject that can only be taken by sixth and seventh grade students who meet certain conditions.

This course is called Alchemy.

The famous alchemist Nicolas Flamel, who crafted the Philosopher's Stone, was a master in this field.

Hermione wanted to select all the elective courses.

However, there are conflicts between the courses.

However, after Hermione asked Professor McGonagall, she was told that she could choose any subject.

This is what's troubling her.

So she decided to ask Dudley.

"Ask Hermione if you don't understand something, ask Dudley if you're in trouble"—this is almost a consensus among the entire Discipline Group.

"Hermione, being studious is definitely a good thing."

Dudley first fully affirmed Hermione's choice and also supported it.

Dursley's Little Lesson: Don't immediately dismiss your female friend. Otherwise, even if you're right, the best you'll get is a response like, "Is this how you talk to me?" or "You're being mean to me."

"But you have to know that a person's energy is limited. These subjects will take up a lot of your time. As the great sage Xun once said, 'Don't bite off more than you can chew.' Cough cough, it's more like 'Being a jack of all trades is not as good as mastering one skill.'"

"He studied everything, but was mediocre in every subject. I think we can give up some unnecessary subjects."

Dudley's fingertips traced across the schedules for Arithmetic Divination, Divination, and Muggle Studies.

"Can you tell me why you chose these three subjects? Especially Muggle Studies, do you think you need to study this?"

Hermione replied, "Don't you find it interesting to look at Muggles from another perspective?"

"If it's just because it's interesting, then there's no need to take this course; your time is very valuable."

In fact, the establishment of the discipline of "Muggle Studies" was very meaningful. It was for the benefit of all wizards, mainly to study Muggle technology and analyze the threat that Muggles pose to wizards. However, as time went by, arrogant wizards gradually forgot the significance of this discipline and developed subjective prejudices against Muggles.

In this situation, what can Muggle research possibly yield?

Just like Hermione said—it's funny.

"Then arithmetic divination, not that I'm prejudiced against it, is less practical than divination itself."

Using extremely complex arithmetic formulas for divination often results in a low accuracy rate for the information obtained.

Using this thing is not as good as using tarot cards, at least they involve some psychology.

As for the final branch of divination...

"To be honest, I don't really believe in prophecies or divination. Those things are very mysterious. My view is 'If you believe, it will work; if you don't believe, it won't.'"

Dali then provided commentary on each of the three subjects in turn.

Then I also looked into the subjects of Ancient Runes and Protecting Magical Creatures.

"This is truly practical content."

"If you're willing to listen to me, then just sign up for these two courses."

Dudley only chose these two courses; the other courses were meaningless to him except for earning credits, as he didn't need that many credits.

Time converters sound impressive, but they actually have many drawbacks.

Hermione fell into deep thought after hearing Dudley's words.

Dudley has a point, but...

"If you still can't make up your mind, you can apply to try a few lessons first before making a decision."

"But there's one thing I need to make clear beforehand: you can't let taking more of these subjects interfere with your progress in Charms, Transfiguration Charms, and Potions."

Hermione's greatest talents lie first in spells, and secondly in Transfiguration and potions.

Dudley's suggestion was excellent, and Hermione readily accepted it.

Since you can't decide right away, you might as well try a few classes first. If it's really not suitable, then you might as well not study it at all, since you only need to choose two elective courses anyway.

By then, Harry and his friends had finished buying their things and found the place.

The group discussed Hermione's chosen subject and also reported their own chosen subjects.

Neville, Harry, and Malfoy all chose to study protecting magical creatures.

However, they disagreed on another subject. Harry and Malfoy both chose divination, while Neville chose the same ancient runes as Dudley.

Using the Floo Network, the group successfully returned to the castle.

Then they took the purchased items out of their backpacks one by one. The Seamless Stretch Spell is truly a wonderful and beneficial skill; without this spell, they would probably have had to carry large bags and small packages home.

That night, Dudley summoned the two old wizards to his study after he had tamed the Cornish elves.

"Pipilu, Luxixi"

Dudley looked at the two old wizards and asked softly, "Do you know the Patronus Charm?"

The Guardian Charm is the most famous defensive spell, and also one of the most powerful and oldest.

It can resist many black magic attacks and is an important spell in the Defense Against the Dark Arts course.

The two exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Yes."

This spell is quite difficult; even Aurors generally don't know it.

Hmm. Aurors don't work normally.

However, for wizards like the two old wizards who travel far and wide, this magic is a required course, as they encounter far more situations than you might imagine.

"Very good." Dudley nodded in satisfaction: "Then teach us this spell in these few days before school starts."

"As you wish."

Over the next few days, Dali and his friends focused on learning the spell.

It's not difficult, but it's not easy either.

You only need to do two things: focus your energy and think about what makes you happiest.

Time passed quickly, and finally it was time for Hogwarts to start school again.

Kingdom Cross Station – Platform 9 1/4.

The young wizards gathered here and boarded the express train to Hogwarts.

Inside the train carriage, they met Ron, who had disappeared for a vacation.

Ron's attire at this moment was exotic, hmm, Egyptian in style.

It's not just strange, it's extremely strange.

Ron recounted his experiences in Egypt with great enthusiasm, clearly enjoying his vacation.

Hopefully he didn't waste his holiday, otherwise catching up on lessons would be very painful.

Malfoy did not stay with Dudley and the others at this time, but went to the other side of the carriage to meet with Goyle, Crabbe and others to build rapport.

So, Dudley, Hermione, Neville, Harry, and Ron were sitting in the box at that moment.

Happy times are always fleeting. Before Ron could finish his story, he saw a large, round, orange cat jump onto the table, its vertical pupils fixed intently on Ron.

The mouse on my hand—Banban.

(End of this chapter)