HP: Professor From Azkaban

"Yes, because I am the professor. The reason is quite simple. Because I am the professor, I can find an excuse to deduct points. But for those who don't care about house points, this might not seem like a big deal. That's why the school has an additional measure—detention."

"Similarly, as I mentioned at the beginning of this class, if you think I've gone too far, you are entirely free to bring it up with Professor McGonagall. Of course, Professor McGonagall wouldn't trouble herself with minor matters. But something as ridiculous as deducting points over a hat? That would definitely make her give me an earful."

"So, Miss Green, you've earned four points for your house. Yes, the hat was just a teaching prop, and my earlier remarks were a joke; though the part about you being adorable wasn't."

One deduction, one addition; Essentially a net gain of zero.

"You see; your new professor isn't one to actually deduct points over hats. But not everyone uses hats as a joke. I hope that when each of you leaves this school, you remember one thing; humans are far more dangerous than dark magic."

"During your internships, not everyone will have the good fortune to encounter a kind supervisor. Some supervisors are strict, others are greedy, and some, well… are lecherous."

The boys and girls alike burst into quiet laughter.

"This isn't a joke. There are plenty of lecherous wizards out there. Otherwise, why do you think love potions were invented? In my opinion, love potions are far more dangerous than the Imperius Curse. Who here knows about the Imperius Curse?"

"Professor, I do! It's one of the three Unforgivable Curses!" An eager student blurted out the answer.

"Excellent answer, just as expected from a seventh-year student. But since you didn't raise your hand, no points will be awarded. By the way, I wasn't planning to give points anyway."

The students, now accustomed to William's interjections and playful sarcasm, didn't even bother arguing. The one who answered simply smiled and listened as William continued.

"Yes, the three Unforgivable Curses; the name alone is enough to instill fear. But love potions? They don't sound dangerous or frightening. They're like harmless little lambs, even alluring because of the association with love. But I must inform you that every year, the Ministry of Magic arrests male wizards attempting to drug witches with love potions."

"Boys, don't think you're immune. Cases of witches drugging wizards are even more common. However, since it isn't illegal for witches to use love potions on wizards unless the victim strongly resists and files charges, they're only prosecuted under poisoning charges."

"Of course, this digression is straying far from the theme of today's class…"

Yet, the students showed no inclination to return to the topic. Stories about love potions clearly held more appeal for these seventeen-year-olds, even on the cusp of entering the wizarding world workforce.

Under their persistent requests, William had no choice but to indulge them further.

***

"Fine, fine, I'll share just a little bit."

Clearing his throat slightly, William began. "Ahem, if we focus solely on wizards, things would get a bit too dark. So, let me tell you a less gloomy story instead. Who here has heard of the Mahoutokoro?"

"Isn't that a magic school in Japan or something?"

A student hesitantly answered in a quiet voice.

Perfect. It seems none of you know about it. That means I can make something up.

William, who had no prepared materials on love potions, began recounting a story he had once heard in prison.

"Well, near the Magical Institute, there is a unique magical creature native to their region. I'm sure you've learned about intelligent beings like centaurs, giants, and merfolk. Of course, this classification isn't entirely precise, but it's close enough. Anyway, over there, they have a magical creature with fox ears and tails called Tamamo no Mae."

"This magical creature possesses an even stronger charm magic than a Veela. Once she sets her sights on a man, whether he's a Muggle or a wizard, he cannot escape her charm. She takes him back to her home, where she provides food, entertainment, shelter; everything a person needs. And then, something terrible happens to the man."

"Does she kill him and dig out his heart? Or drain his soul?" The students began whispering among themselves, debating the answer.

After a few minutes, William finally revealed the truth. "The man is turned into a useless wreck, unable to accomplish anything for the rest of his life."

Disappointment spread across the students' faces, but a few had peculiar, envious expressions.

"Alright, if we continue discussing pointless topics, I might have to assign homework. And I don't want you bringing homework to your internships. Let's get back on track."

"If you're a Muggle, you're unlikely to encounter a magical creature like Tamamo no Mae. A Wizard's fate could be much worse. Since our class is called 'Wizard Self-Defense Magic,' the foundation must always be self-preservation."

"Protecting yourself requires not only magic but also the ability to deal with challenges. Bullying newcomers is a nasty habit in some workplaces. The simpler cases involve running errands, making tea, fetching water, or writing documents. The more complicated cases might involve absurd demands."

"Just like what I did at the beginning of the lesson. But instead of controlling your House points, they control your salary, career prospects, or even more significant things. I believe you've all heard of such things to some extent. However, you've likely never seriously considered how to handle them if they happen to you."

"Unfortunately, the first lesson of the year is about these unpleasant realities. But these are challenges you will face, and they genuinely exist in the magical world."

"This should've been the first lesson after graduating from Hogwarts. But forgive me for bringing it forward; I believe it will better prepare you to face these issues. Alright, class dismissed. I hope you'll seriously reflect on the potential for workplace bullying. It'll be the topic of our discussion next time. No homework for this class. See you next week."

William wrapped up the lesson just before the bell rang and breathed a sigh of relief.

Almost went off-topic there. Good thing I stopped myself in time.

Although the other topic was more significant, it wasn't suitable for the first lesson. Survival came first; pursuing ideals came later.

***

"Goodbye, Professor!"

"…"

"…"

A steady stream of farewells echoed from the doorway before eventually dying down.

"Professor, I still have a question."

The question came from a Gryffindor student.

"Hm? What's your question?"

"Well, Professor, why did you give Susan her points back, but you haven't restored the points deducted from Nymph?"

A few heads peeked out from the doorway; clearly, the Gryffindor wasn't the only one unhappy about it.

"Oh, that?" William responded with a sincere smile. "Because Nymph really did badmouth me."