Hogwarts sprang back to life after the New Year, as students returned from their holiday break. Peeves gleefully chased after them, while Filch chased Peeves up and down the stairs.
Perhaps due to the extended time spent relaxing at home, the students seemed sluggish and unfocused. Professors lamented their lack of interest in returning to their studies.
Professor Sprout, concerned about potential mishaps in her Herbology class, had scheduled four consecutive theory lessons on the analysis of Mandrakes, Devil's Snare, and Venomous Tentacula.
"I must say, I'm slightly regretting it," she confessed in the staff room, a towering stack of papers beside her teacup. "Marking theory essays takes much longer than practical assessments." She sighed, scribbling an 'A' on a parchment with barely legible handwriting, then picked up another essay.
Professor Flitwick chimed in, "Three students told me their papers burned up today. They claimed their previous assignments spontaneously combusted while they were reviewing them." He levitated the teapot, pouring tea for Professor Sprout and Anthony. "Not having essays certainly makes teaching easier, Professor Anthony. A wise decision on your part."
Anthony thanked him, taking a sip of his tea. "I must thank the Examination Authority. After reviewing past papers, I still can't fathom why they would require essays in my subject."
"Essays are crucial for Charms," Professor Flitwick asserted. "And should be for Defense Against the Dark Arts as well... I hope the students realize this."
Professor Sprout sighed. "Oh, Quirinus."
Professor Quirrell's classes had become a running joke, his reputation rivaling that of Professor Trelawney. Some students even-handed in their Divination essays to him for amusement.
As the new term began, the professors found themselves with students still in a post-holiday haze. They were tasked with writing an essay on identifying and combating vampires, but Professor Quirrell received several divination-themed papers instead. One particularly vivid precognitive dream described him being boiled in a cauldron by Snape to create concentrated blood, which Snape then used in beef stew, providing him with sustenance for at least three days.
...
Anthony entered the classroom to find several students still yawning.
"Wake up, class is in session," he announced, closing the door and returning their pre-holiday exams. "First things first—Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I'm pleased to announce that the overall pass rate for the midterm exam was ninety-one percent. I knew you could do it."
The two students who failed stared glumly at their papers.
"What I didn't anticipate was a fifty-five percent excellence rate. Thank you for the Christmas present," Anthony smiled. "To those who didn't pass, don't be discouraged. As I mentioned before, this exam won't count towards your final grade."
"But what about rewards for those who did well?" piped up Roger Davis, the Ravenclaw Quidditch reserve Chaser.
Anthony nodded. "Yes, there is a reward. The school approved my request for additional funding, so if all goes well, we'll have a large-scale practical activity at the end of the year—"
The students perked up, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"—We're going on a field trip to the Muggle world," Anthony revealed, enjoying their reactions. "Of course, when you tell others, remember to mention that it's for firsthand experience of Muggle life and to apply what you've learned in class to real-world situations."
"Similar to the fourth-year practical activity, you'll have several options to choose from," Anthony continued. "Since all classes are participating, we won't be dividing by year or house. We'll group by destination instead. However, some activities have limited spaces, so I can't guarantee everyone will get their first choice."
The students listened intently. Davis's face flushed with excitement as he whispered to his deskmate.
Anthony recalled Davis mentioning that he chose Muggle Studies so he could one day walk confidently on Muggle streets. As a child, Davis had accidentally wandered into traffic, not understanding the difference between sidewalks and roads, and was yelled at by an irate driver. He wanted to understand why he had been the target of such anger.
Anthony smiled and pulled out the pre-holiday exam. "Now, let's go over the questions. Focus, everyone. The sooner we finish, the sooner you'll find out your destination options."
....
The students shifted in their seats with anticipation, but overall, they were surprisingly cooperative during the review session. Anthony was pleased to note that no one seemed distracted by the students taking flying lessons outside.
After addressing the last question, he carefully set aside the answer sheets and, under the students' expectant gaze, smiled. "Alright, let's talk about the field trip."
"The first group will depart from Hogwarts and take a train to a nearby Muggle town. Our final destination is the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It's a place where Muggles cleverly simulate different environments without using magic to cultivate plants from all over the world in a relatively small area."
This suggestion had come from Professor Sprout, and Anthony trusted her expertise.
"The second group will travel from Hogsmeade to Diagon Alley via the freight line, then walk through Muggle neighborhoods in London to reach an animal rescue center. I've noticed many of you don't have pets yet, and Muggles have a well-established pet adoption process. If you're interested in adopting, sign up with me after the trip, and we'll figure out how to address any eligibility issues."
He appreciated Hogwarts' lenient policy on pets and, from personal experience, strongly supported students having animal companions. He sometimes even mused that if Slytherin and Gryffindor students were forced to share a feather duster, inter-house relations might improve significantly.
"The third group will travel the furthest and is limited to seven students. We'll use a Portkey to directly reach Wiltshire, where I've hired a car. We'll be visiting a zoo, and the limit is due to the vehicle's capacity. A zoo is... well, Muggles keep many animals together, including some dangerous ones, and enjoy observing them in their habitats."
The students were clearly aware that this group's limited capacity would make it highly competitive. Some began glancing around the classroom, gauging their potential rivals.
"The fourth group will first go to London, then take a train to Birmingham to visit a chocolate factory. Understanding industrialization is crucial for understanding Muggle production and life."
And understanding chocolate is crucial for a happy student life, Anthony thought to himself.
"The exact dates haven't been set yet. Once the groups are finalized, we'll arrange it around everyone's schedules. If it doesn't work out, we might have to use a weekend. That's the gist of it. Any questions?"
Cedric immediately raised his hand. "Professor, if more people apply than there are spaces, how will you decide who goes?"
"Excellent question, Cedric," Anthony replied. "After discussions with the school, we've decided to use a fair method commonly used by Muggles... a lottery."