Ministry Mandated Courses
Chapter 16
The day started like any other. Hermione woke up, got ready for the day, then made her way to breakfast with Harry, Ginny, and Ron. There was a buzz among the seventh years, who had the Ministry's new required courses for the first time.
9:30 History of Magic & Culture
10:45 Study of the Non-Magical World
No one knew what to expect. They had two new professors, and Ministry requirements.
9:30 - Magical History and Culture
At 9:30 all of the 7th years congregated in one of the ground floor classrooms that was previously unused. The room was quiet as the students waited for their professor.
"Good morning 7th year. Before we get started, I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Andromeda Tonks, nee Black. I have a Mastery in Magical History and Culture. I was contacted by the Headmistress, and the W.E.A. to teach History of Magic & Culture." The professor introduced herself.
"The goal of this course is to create a safe space for discussions about the magical world. You will only have one year of this course, so my intention is to give you all an overview of magical history. Excluding the Goblin Wars. I'm sure you've heard enough about that."
The professor's joke earned the laughter of the whole class. Which made her smile.
"Now, on the syllabus in front of you I have outlined the course objectives for the year. We will cover magical religions, governments around the world, sports (other than quidditch), Grindelwalds War, and the history of prejudice within the magical community. We may even have the opportunity to take field trips to magical sites. Do you have any questions?"
Milicent Bullstrode raised her hand, and was called on by the Professor.
"Why do we have to sit through a class on this when many of us have been learning some of these topics at home for years?"
"That is a great question Ms. Bulstrode. You are correct, many of you have been learning this stuff for years. This course will be fully discussion, and participation based. In this room we have 35 people, each of you was raised differently, each of you have independent thoughts, values, and opinions.
"In order for the magical world to thrive, we need to make sure our culture, and history are appreciated. If we can start these discussions in 1st year, we can build a world that's far less divided where blood status is concerned."
That statement caused a grumble throughout the classroom, but Professor Tonks didn't let it slow her down.
"How many of you are aware that Magical Britain has been in a birth rate crisis since the 1930's?" She asked the class.
No one raised their hands.
"Interesting." She wrote something down on a piece of parchment.
"How many of you know that Squibs are only born into pureblood families?"
"Again, no one? Interesting." Looking around the room, Professor Tonks again made a note on her parchment.
She had everyone's attention, and even though their syllabus period was about to end, she had the students exactly where she wanted them.
"We will talk about the history of Squibs and Magical Birth Rates in our next class. I would like all of you to be prepared to contribute to the discussion next week. Thank you for a great first class. See you next week." Professor Tonks said, dismissing her class.
Draco Malfoy was still thinking about what their new professor had said. Looking among his group of friends, he realized how most of them didn't have siblings. in fact, there were very few slytherins who had siblings.
The group of slytherins made their way into the Great Hall where they would wait before their next class.
"Anyone else still thinking about what the professor said?" Pansy asked.
Theo, Blaise, Daphnee and Draco all nodded their heads.
"I am. I mean look at us. Daphnee is the only one of the five of us that has a sibling."
"Right." Pansy said. "Look at our house as a whole, 85% of our housemates don't have siblings."
"Did your parents want more kids but had trouble?" Draco asked the group.
"I think I was a fluke." Blaise said. "My mom used to tell me she didn't want kids, and can hardly keep a husband. So I wouldn't count my family."
There was a laugh from the group.
"My mum died when I was only five, but I remember her telling me I would make a good big brother one day." Theo said.
"My parents wanted a son. To this day they tell me how disappointed they were that I was a girl." Pansy added.
"Even though I have Astoria, I remember my mum wanting to have another but never being able to get pregnant."
The group of friends were silent, thinking about the implications of a birth rate issue in the magical world. That's how they stayed until they made their way to their next class.
10:45 Non-Magical Studies
The 7th years had settled into another new ground floor classroom where they were greeted by another new professor.
"Good Morning. My name is Professor Campbell. I will be your Non-magical studies professor this year. How many of you have spent any time in the non-magical world before?"
All of the students including the purebloods raised their hands. It was quite common for most wizards to interact with muggles regularly in some capacity.
"How many of you are muggle born?"
The 5 muggle born students raised their hands.
"Like a few of you, I am of non-magical heritage." The professor said, to the many of the students' surprise.
"When I graduated from Hogwarts in 1978, there were only 4 other muggle borns. Three of the four of us went back to living in the muggle world upon graduation. How many of you are aware that 75% of muggle born students return to the muggle world following graduation?"
A few of the muggle born students, including Hermione raised their hands. While the rest of the classes jaws dropped as they learned the news.
"Of those of you that are muggle born, now many of you have kept up with your non-magical education in your free time?"
All 5 of the muggle born 7th year students raised their hands, to their classmates' surprise.
Harry, and Ron looked at Hermione with surprise when she raised her hand. They had been unaware she kept up with her muggle education.
"Now, I've worked with the Ministry to come up with a curriculum that will not only teach you about the muggle world, it will ensure you don't stick out when you venture into the muggle world.
"The best way to do this is actually to spend some time in the muggle world. We will go on field trips to notable places in the non-magical world."
This caused a buzz among the students, as any excuse to get out of Hogwarts for a while was welcome.
"Outside of field trips, we will cover the basics of assimilating into the muggle world from money management, transportation, technology, sporting, even some muggle history, and its correlation to magical history. Does anyone have questions?"
Everyone stayed silent, many unsure about everything they were hearing.
"Now, I believe it's only fair that you all learn why the Ministry has chosen to make this a required course."
This statement perked up the class, their curiosity getting the best of them.
"While the ministry was interviewing the families of those who sympathized with Voldemort, they found a consistent pattern of manipulation, and imperious curses. This course is an attempt at allowing all students to form their own opinions of the muggle world."
Most of the students looked impressed with the professor's honesty.
"Now one of the last pieces I want to share with you, is that our field trips will also include visits to the homes of your muggle born classmates."
Harry, Ron,and the rest of the Gryffindors looked at Hermione when this was said, as they knew next to nothing about Hermione's home life.
"The visits to their homes were arranged by the Ministry, and their families before the start of this school year. Now do any of you have any questions?"
"Where will we be going for the field trips?" Blaise Zabini asked.
"We will cover the destinations as they relate to what we are covering in class. Many are locations that many muggles regularly go to on school trips."
Blaise looked like he wanted to ask more questions but bit his tongue.
"Now the bell is about to ring. So if there are no questions, feel free to leave early." Professor Campbell said dismissing the class.
The 7th years were finished with classes for the day. Most of them made their way to the Great Hall for lunch.
During the Lunchtime mail delivery, Hermione received a letter from Kingsley, and a letter from the Headmistress.
Hermione,
What in the world? When I agreed to help you, with no questions asked, I didn't expect you to need to travel more than I do as minister. I did have to make Minerva aware as a safety consideration. So please don't be surprised if she reaches out to you.
I have enclosed your first portkey with this letter. It's set for the vocation and time you asked for. As you just vaguely said London, I set it for you to arrive in my office.
The rest will be delivered prior to the date needed.
Kingsley
In the envelope there was also a plastic hair comb with a post it, that read portkey. She left the comb in the envelope, then put the letter, and envelope into her bag. She moved on to the letter from the Headmistress.
Hermione,
I just received an interesting litter from Kingsley. Obviously, I'll support whatever is needed.
I am curious what you have going on. Let's touch base Friday before supper in my office, does 5pm work for you? The password is Tabby Cat.
See you soon,
Minerva
Well this would be interesting. Professor McGonagall was her Head of House for six years, and Hermione still got intimidated by the woman.
"What've you got there?" Ginny asked.
"Hi Ginny, I didn't see you come in."
"You wouldn't have, not with your head buried in that letter."
"Yes, well it was a very interesting letter." Hermione rolled her eyes, and Ginny started laughing.
"Apparently I've got a meeting with the Headmistress before dinner."
"Ooooh. What did you do?"
"Nothing to my knowledge. I guess we will see though." Hermione trailed off.
"How was your first day of the new ministry classes?" Ginny asked Hermione, Harry, and Ron.
"I don't know how I feel about it." Harry said "I think the field trips could be fun though."
"It seems like it could be interesting. At least we no longer have to deal with Binns. I wonder how they got rid of him?" Ron added.
"I'm just impressed that the Non- Magical Studies Professor actually has significant experience in the muggle world. Also her talking points seemed interesting. Especially as a muggle born."
Ginny, Ron, and Harry laughed at Hermione's statement.
5pm - Headmistresses Office
Hermione arrived outside Professor McGonnagals office. She said the password "Tabby Cat" and gained access to the stairway. She knocked on the door at the top of the stairs before entering
"Good evening Ms Granger."
"Good evening Headmistress."
"I hope you're settled in well."
"Well enough, considering how late we received notification about coming back this year."
"Yes, I wish we could've gotten notifications out to everyone sooner. I thought you were planning on coming back this year before the Ministry mandated it."
"No ma'am. I had no intention of coming back."
Minerva looked back at Hermione in shock. "Excuse me?"
"I had no intention of coming back before the ministry mandated it. I was going to take my N.E.W.T. exams at the Ministry, then move forward with my life."
Minerva was surprised by Hermione's admission. She was her brightest student, and the last one she expected to not return.
"Oh wow."
"Yes, I had plans in place for myself this year. Then all of a sudden on August 1st I learned my year wouldn't be young as planned…" Hermione trailed off.
"Is that What Kingsley is helping you with?"
"Yes. I kind of went off on him after the Prophet Article came out. He told me he would help me attend the events I had already committed to."
"Ah, I see then. Any interest in sharing where you will be off to?"
"Not really, no. I'm assuming Kingsley shared locations already?"
The Headmistress shook her head yes.
"Then that should be sufficient for now Headmistress." Hermione said curtly.
"Hermione. Please call me Minerva in private."
"If you wish, Minerva."
"Also. Hermione. If you ever need to talk about everything you've been through this past year, my door is always open." She trailed off.
Hermione thanked Minerva than led herself out of the office.