Chapter 30: “After School Practice”


    The dinner turned out much better than Matthew anticipated.


    One of the involved parties, Theodore Knott, had returned from the school hospital, taking the spotlight away from Matthew.


    His injuries were less severe than the others, so he only spent a night in the hospital before gradually recovering. Although he had no recollection of what happened during the attack, Madam Pomfrey deemed his condition stable enough to be discharged.


    Simr to Matthews previous experience, other students approached Knott to inquire about the incident. Knott seemed to revel in the attention and enthusiastically shared his vague ount of the events.


    Unfortunately, the situation for the other three was not as promising. Crabbe and Goyle would remain in the school hospital for two weeks, and Draco Malfoy was expected to spend Halloween there.


    Professor Rozier had sought the assistance of a skilled magician in Dark Arts to expedite Malfoys recovery.


    Despite this, Matthew was satisfied with the oue since he no longer had to be bombarded with questions during and after meal times.


    The Hogwarts dinner consisted of a rtively simple fareWelshmb, baked potatoes, and boiled carrots.


    This ssicbination has remained popr for centuries. Matthew had a spoonful of the creamy mushroom soup but found it peculiar he decided to skip dinner.


    Returning to the Slytherinmon room, Matthew gently touched the giant snakes head on the door and murmured, Pure Blood is thicker than Muggles blood.


    The room was filled with students sitting on plush armchairs. Just as Matthew was about to head back to the boys dorm, someone called his name.


    Wickfield! it was Pansy Parkinson, a fellow student in the same year. She hurriedly approached Matthew and handed him a piece of parchment, Ive been looking for you since noon. This is your after-school practice schedule. She said.


    Confused, Matthew epted the parchment and asked for an exnation, After school practice? Can you please exin?


    This is a new course starting from the second week. It will be conducted every Saturday, once every two weeks. Parkinson impatiently rified.


    Is it a flying lesson? Perhaps Quidditch? When Matthew suggested it might be flying lessons, Parkinson seemed bewildered by the idea.


    Quidditch as a formal lesson? Are you out of your mind, Wickfield? She replied with a puzzled expression.


    So, what does this after-school practice mean then? Matthew smiled awkwardly.


    I have already said its a new ss! Its held once every two weeks on Saturday! She exasperatedly replied, We will be grouped with the other students from the other houses as well, thats it. Stop asking; I still need to get my dinner. Parkinson replied with an annoyed expression.


    Please pass this to the others in your room as well; I can only tell you because they are still in the hospital. She said before taking her leave.


    Matthew stood there, bewildered, with the nk parchment in his hand. He scrutinized it but found no clues. Realizing he needed more information, he sought the perfect Gemma Farley, which had been helpful ever sinceing to Hogwarts.


    However, Agnes Lestrange entered themon room before he could act on his n. After a moment of hesitation, Matthew approached her. Miss Lestrange? he called out.


    Agnes paused and looked at Matthew suspiciously before responding, What do you want?


    Im sorry for bothering you, Matthew said, I wanted to inquire about the after-school practice


    So, Agnes speech gradually slowed down, After school practice is a new ss at Hogwarts for the first-year students that started fifty years ago, recing the Broom Flight ss.


    Matthew realized there was a reason for Parkinsons exasperation; it was because shecked knowledge about this ss.


    Grouped with the different houses, the students are divided into two groups. The male and the female students, then they will follow different Professors with their lessons ordingly on Saturday. Depending on the Professor, it might take a day, half a day, an hour, or even half an hour. She exined calmly.


    Matthew further inquire her, To be specific, what are we doing in this ss?


    It wont be particrly difficult, Agnes replied. For example, if youre assigned to Professor Sprouts group, she might have you pick some mushrooms. If its Professor Slughorns group, youll likely be working with medicinal materials. And, of course, if you end up in Mr. Pringles group, theres a high probability youll spend the day cleaning the castle.


    Matthew couldnt resist making a jest. Is there a chance well help him look after Mr. Donald or clean his lice?


    Agnes replied quickly without even cracking a smile, Perhaps!


    Curiosity piqued, Matthew continued his questioning. How do we find out which group were assigned to?


    Agnes pointed to the parchment in his hand. Every Friday, it will be updated with the Professors name, location, and the main activities. Each practice session will have a different professor and content.


    Thank you, Miss Lestrange. Matthew expressed his gratitude sincerely.


    Youre wee. Agnes replied, turning to leave.