Erwin's eyes widened.
What?
Was there really a way to game the system like this?
"System, what does this mean? Does this rule apply to everyone, or just to Malfoy?"
[This applies to everyone. As long as young witches and wizards earn House Cup points under the host's guidance, the host will receive achievement points as a reward! It's not limited to individuals, houses, or even schools!]
Erwin's eyes lit up.
Brilliant. He hadn't realized there was such an angle.
If that was the case...
He chuckled to himself.
Erwin felt he'd uncovered the perfect path to rack up points. As for any extra pressure on the students? He brushed the thought aside. This was for their own good—sharpening their skills while fueling his own growth. A win-win, really. He even fancied himself a bit of a hero for it.
Still, he needed to plan carefully to maximize the gains. The key was tying it all back to himself; otherwise, all that effort for nothing would be a waste.
The class wrapped up quickly.
As Professor McGonagall gathered her notes to leave, Erwin hurried to the front of the room.
"Professor McGonagall! Hold on a second!"
She paused, setting down her textbook. "Oh, Erwin. What's the matter? You seemed a bit off during the lesson. Trouble with the materials I asked you to sort?"
Erwin shook his head. "Not at all! I've nearly finished organizing them. If things go smoothly, I can hand over the report by the weekend."
She nodded approvingly. "Good to hear. Then what's on your mind?"
"Professor, I've noticed something since arriving at Hogwarts a few days ago. We have far too much free time. It's not helping our performance at all!"
Professor McGonagall blinked, taken aback. A first-year worrying about grades? She eyed him like a rare gem.
"And your thoughts on fixing it?"
"It's simple," Erwin continued. "These days, young witches and wizards waste evenings chatting or playing pranks. Some even sneak out at night if they can't sleep—hardly conducive to Hogwarts' order. I doubt you'd approve of that. So, what if we introduced mandatory morning and evening study sessions?"
Her eyes sparkled with interest. "Morning and evening self-study? Now that's intriguing. Do go on."
"We could start mornings at six, focusing on rote memorization—like History of Magic. Studies show memory peaks early in the day."
"Is that right?" She tilted her head. "I did feel sharper this morning myself."
"Exactly! Mornings are prime time—no sense wasting them. Follow with breakfast, then classes. Rising two hours earlier means no rushing or skipping meals. I've seen food go to waste at breakfast; it's a shame."
McGonagall nodded thoughtfully. She'd long fretted over such issues but lacked a solid fix. Erwin's pitch offered a fresh approach.
"Excellent thinking, Erwin. But six o'clock might be too early. Students could struggle with sleep, harming their focus."
"I've considered that, Professor. Muggle research suggests eight hours of sleep suffices to recharge. Oversleeping often leaves you groggy."
"Eight hours would mean lights out by nine or ten. Tricky for energetic first-years—they're not known for winding down easily."
"Precisely why I have a plan. Add evening study sessions to fill the gap after dinner. Right now, that's prime time for mischief or rule-breaking outings. Structured study would curb that—and let them collaborate, boosting grades overall. From dinner until nine, then straight to bed. Exhaustion would ensure quick sleep."
McGonagall's face lit up. "Erwin, these ideas are inspired! You've clearly poured real effort into this. It must be tough, devising ways to help your peers."
She was warming to him by the minute.
"You're too kind, Professor. It's nothing—I've just been reflecting since starting here. I care about the school, even if some might call it meddling. My heart's in the right place."
Her eyes misted slightly. "Nonsense, child. No one's calling it meddling. This is valuable insight. Every student at Hogwarts owes you thanks for streamlining their studies."
Erwin dipped his head, hiding a sly grin. Tricky? Hardly. It was just adapting the rigorous discipline from Muggle boarding schools—intense focus and healthy competition.
He'd shoulder the load for the first-years, no question. But with this new points system in play, why hold back? Time to ramp things up for everyone.
As for gratitude from the others? Erwin figured dodging their endless drama would be reward enough. Thanks? Unlikely.
...
Another 5 chapters down! We are moving at lightning speed, but we aren't at the top yet.
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—MrGrim