In William's view, the current state of teaching at Hogwarts was, in many ways, a reflection of the wizarding world as a whole.
Wizards possessed magical conveniences far beyond anything Muggles could imagine—but those same conveniences had dulled their drive to push forward.
Unlike the Muggle world, where wars and competition for resources constantly fueled technological leaps, the magical world, in times of peace, had drifted into a comfortable stagnation.
Unless a Dark Lord like Grindelwald or Voldemort arose... or unless the Statute of Secrecy collapsed and triggered a full-scale war with the Muggle world, most witches and wizards preferred to remain in their magical comfort zone.
Why struggle with dangerous ancient magic or painstaking spell innovation when one could simply Summon a beer, clean the house with Scourgify, and Apparate wherever one wished?
Without pressure, there was no motivation.
The contrast between the Muggle and wizarding worlds made this painfully clear.
Muggles advanced rapidly under the pressure of war and survival, while the wizarding world, once the clouds of conflict passed—quickly returned to its centuries-old leisurely pace.
During William's school years, Voldemort's power had been rising. As the First Wizarding War began, the atmosphere of constant danger forced students to push themselves to their limits. It was cruel—but it drew out immense potential.
And now?
Peace had worn too many edges smooth.
More importantly, the structure of wizarding society itself lacked strong competition.
After graduation, unless a young wizard aimed for elite careers such as Auror or healer at St Mungo's, or had a family business to inherit—the options were plentiful.
Open a shop in Diagon Alley?
Run a pub in Hogsmeade?
Work freelance and pick up odd magical jobs?
Magic made basic survival remarkably easy. As a result, many students adopted a "good enough" attitude toward their studies. Deep down, they knew they would never starve after graduation.
To William, this innate sense of security was one of the greatest obstacles to the magical world's progress.
Students' weak personal motivation was not enough. The stagnant waters needed an external force to stir them.
Perhaps in a few years, when Voldemort returned and war once again loomed over Britain, urgency would return—just as it had during William's youth.
And after the Dark Lord fell again and peace returned?
Would the wizarding world slip back into comfort and stagnation once more?
He didn't know.
...
Soon, a bold notice appeared overnight on the central boards of every House common room.
Unlike the previous rule changes, which most students had ignored—this announcement struck like a stone dropped into a lake, sending shockwaves through the entire school.
In bold letters, it read:
[Notice Regarding the Implementation of Hogwarts Monthly Academic Assessments]
[Time: End of next month]
[Participants: All students in Years One to Four]
[Format: Written + Practical]
[Subjects: Transfiguration, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Potions, Astronomy, History of Magic, Herbology (Seven compulsory subjects)]
[Note: Consolidated mock exams for Years Five to Seven will be held after the Halloween holidays. Details to follow.]
—
The reaction was immediate and dramatic.
"Merlin's beard! They're sending the results home?!"
"It's only October! Exams next month?! Are they trying to kill us?!"
"We could've coasted until May without this!"
"This is oppression! This is cruelty!"
Though the exams were nearly two months away, many students felt as if the sky had fallen. Some even threatened to march to their Heads of House or the Headmaster—to protest.
The rebellion died quickly.
The very next day, during Transfiguration, Charms, and other lessons, the Heads of House confirmed the news with unprecedented seriousness.
"This is an extremely formal examination," McGonagall declared, scanning the room sternly.
"And the results will be sent directly to your guardians by owl."
"I strongly suggest you devote some of your leisure time to preparing."
Flitwick's tone was gentler but equally firm.
"Children, I know this is sudden, but it is for your benefit. Magic is like architecture—without a solid foundation, everything collapses. This test will measure that foundation."
"If Slytherin ranks last," Snape said quietly, "I will be very displeased."
The dungeon classroom seemed to grow colder at once.
Professor Sprout also emphasised the exam's importance in the greenhouses, gently urging students to begin preparing early.
With all four Heads united, resistance vanished.
Students imagined receiving report cards filled with D and T grades—followed by exploding Howlers at breakfast.
A poor final exam result meant a scolding at home.
A Howler in the Great Hall was far worse.
Rumours soon spread that the decision stemmed from terrible O.W.L. pass rates and years of disappointing exam results. The Board of Governors had reportedly approved the plan unanimously.
The verdict was final.
And whispers spread that the exams would be monthly.
Though unconfirmed, the Heads' stern attitudes made the rumour believable.
...
Amid the gloom, William offered what might be the only good news.
When he entered his Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and saw the students' miserable faces, he smiled.
"In light of the upcoming school-wide monthly assessments, I've decided to cancel the five-minute questioning session at the start of each lesson."
Students brightened instantly.
"However," he added calmly, "that's because all of the material I would have questioned you on will now appear in the monthly exam paper."
"At that point, it won't just be two house points. I hope you prepare accordingly."
===================
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