"What do you mean by Hogwarts standing up?" Professor McGonagall asked excitedly.

"Exactly what it sounds like. If you all live another thirty-eight thousand years, you'll understand…" Kasenhis explained.

"So… will there be a specific spell for it?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Most likely not, but there should be a specific activation method. Professor McGonagall, do you have… any ideas?" Kasenhis asked.

"If there's any issue at all with your magical modifications, you must let me know," Professor McGonagall said sternly.

"Uh… I will… yep, I will." Kasenhis had no idea why Professor McGonagall was reacting so strangely, but in the end, he still nodded and agreed.

After all, since she said to come to her with any problems, that basically meant he could go to her with any challenges or trouble and let her solve it.

Heh~ How could he possibly refuse such a sweet deal?

Before long, the other professors had all returned to their offices or dormitories. For some reason, the professors of the core subjects all seemed so relaxed, while he, the professor of an elective, always felt way busier than them.

But the most shameless slacker in all of Hogwarts had, unsurprisingly, stayed behind.

"So, have you decided on your adventure plans yet?" Dumbledore asked cheerfully, smiling.

"Actually, there might not even be such an outing this year… I just told them that if I do go out, I'll bring them along," Kasenhis said, lowering the mechanical arm and fiddling with a massive wrench as he adjusted it nonstop.

"So you're saying you're free this holiday with nothing to do?" Dumbledore asked.

"...Do I look like the kind of guy who's that cheap? It's the holidays—why wouldn't I just relax at home instead of running errands for you?"

"Relax, this assignment is definitely no worse than any adventure you lot could go on. Full expenses covered—food, drinks, fun, and you even get to see dragons. This time, the Ministry of Magic is funding a survey of dragon breeding farms across all of Europe to select a suitable dragon for the first task of the Triwizard Tournament," Dumbledore said with a cheerful smile.

"...All expenses covered?" Kasenhis glanced at him.

"That's right."

"We're going on a tour to strut around like big shots?"

"Exactly."

"What's the budget?"

"Three hundred Galleons per day."

"What the hell? Is the Ministry that corrupt?" Kasenhis was stunned. "There are barely six thousand wizards in all of magical England, and they've still managed to squeeze out that much money from the people?"

He was genuinely shocked by the number. Judging by this budget, it was like the Ministry didn't even see Galleons as real currency.

"Galleons are used all across Europe and the Americas. They're a lot more stable than you think—and they're made of solid gold," Dumbledore explained.

"…So, have you figured out which dragon breeding farm we'll be visiting?" Kasenhis asked, following up.

"The one in Romania will do. Ron's brother Charlie works there. Since we know someone on the inside, he can make things a lot easier for us."

"No problem then. You can leave now." Kasenhis smiled, not even pretending to be polite.

"Oh… alright." Dumbledore shrugged and walked out of the office.

...

After final exams were over...

"Ahem, those of you planning to apply for jobs at the Ministry of Magic or who are of completely Muggle blood—stay behind," Kasenhis said after collecting the papers, keeping nearly half the class.

"Ok.. Honestly, this is a bit awkward to bring up," he began, "but due to the Dementor incident at the start of the term, I ended up chopping off one of Fudge's arms. You've all probably heard. I don't like gossiping behind people's backs, but for your sake, I'll say a few words."

"Fudge is petty and vindictive. He's probably still holding a grudge about me lopping off his arm. And since you've been my students for so long, there's a good chance he'll make things difficult for you too. So I'm giving you a heads-up and a few solid career paths."

As he spoke, Kasenhis pulled a piece of chalk from his pocket and began writing names on the blackboard.

"Nymphadora Tonks—she's your Hufflepuff senior and has a good relationship with Professor Lupin. Anyone planning to apply for the Auror Office should group up under her. That way, you won't be easily pushed around. People tend to bully the weak and fear the strong, after all. Having more friends doesn't hurt. Oh, and she doesn't like being called Nymphadora—no matter the situation, call her Tonks."

"Then there's Cassley—not sure if you still remember her, kind of a crybaby type. If you're applying to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, she can help look after you. I hear she's already in a managerial position. Truly a fine little witch…"

"And for the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes, if you run into problems, go to Bradburn. He'll help you get up to speed quickly. It's a hectic department, and if anyone gives you trouble, you can turn to him. For the Department of Magical Games and Sports, find Kaedriel. And here's a little spoiler—next semester, you'll all have political performance evaluations."

After saying that, Kasenhis pulled a flask from his pocket and took a sip to wet his throat.

"Next up are the Muggle-borns. Since we're graduating, I'm not going to give you the usual fluffy nonsense—I'll be blunt: the magical community in England discriminates against Muggle-borns. That's just the reality. If you don't see yourself as especially resilient, and you can't stand up against the pressure from the whole wizarding world, but you still want a decent job, I'll point you to a better path."

He turned and wrote another name on the blackboard.

"Lime Hardy—also your senior, full Muggle-born, currently a secretary in the Prime Minister's office. You can reach out to him and form a small wizard group in the Muggle world with him as the center, operating under the Prime Minister's jurisdiction. But if you take this route, you'll need to keep studying Muggle knowledge. I mean, come on—do you really want to be the Prime Minister's aide or secretary on TV in a few years and only have an elementary school diploma?"

"If you can stand that embarrassment, I can't!" Kasenhis shouted, standing at the lectern without even lifting a foot. He just waved his hand to shoo the students away. "Now scram. Stop hovering in front of me."

"Thank you, Professor." Penelope stepped onto the platform and gave Kasenhis a hug.

He could only shrug helplessly—this wasn't the first time, and he was already quite adept at handling these situations.

"Let go of me first."

Penelope obediently let go.

"Remember the slideshow I showed you guys? The one with the Divine Deer Head? Do that."

Penelope nodded and made the pose of the Divine Deer Head.

Kasenhis took a deep breath—and then suddenly kicked her right in the butt, sending her flying out of the classroom.

As she stumbled out, he shouted after her, "Once you leave this classroom, toss out all that sadness and reluctance. Look forward to the future—just like me! You're reluctant to part with me? Well, I sure didn't hesitate to kick you out!"

"Who's next?" Kasenhis opened his arms in a Y-shape, grinning as he called out.

Before long, after he'd kicked the last little witch or wizard out of the room, he finally returned to his office and began the miserable task of grading exams.

The tests had been completed in the morning, and the grading was done by evening. Just as he lifted his head, intending to grab a drink to wet his throat, he noticed a somewhat familiar figure standing in front of him.

"Oh, Percy. What's up?" Kasenhis asked, looking at Percy, who had appeared at some point—and who knew how long he'd been standing there.

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