After spending so much time together, Wayne liked to think he'd influenced Hermione quite a bit.
At the very least, he could hug, kiss, and lift her up without protest—when they were alone, she was as docile as an obedient kitten.
But the moment academics came into play, she became a completely different person.
Not even Wayne or the Grangers could sway their daughter.
What kind of young witch studied Muggle school subjects during holidays and aimed for Oxford University?
Aside from Hermione, Wayne had never heard of anyone else.
"Fine. Professor McGonagall will talk to you about it eventually," Wayne said, giving up and ruffling her hair.
Hermione only grew more confused.
What was the big deal about taking a few extra classes? Why would Professor McGonagall need to speak to her?
...
A few days later...
The elective course selections from all students had been submitted, and Professor McGonagall was organising them in her office.
Originally, this should have been the responsibility of Headmaster Dumbledore, but after decades of this arrangement, McGonagall had grown accustomed to it.
Dumbledore served more as a mascot and a stabilising presence to maintain staff and student morale.
This had become particularly evident when he'd been ousted recently – without him, the school had lost its backbone.
Professor McGonagall rubbed her tired eyes.
She'd finally finished compiling all the information into tables.
After a brief rest, she looked down at the two names she'd set aside, her eyes flashing with resignation.
The school's top two students – one had signed up for every elective course, while the other had chosen only one.
Nothing but problem students.
...
The next day, Wayne and Hermione were summoned to the office.
"Miss Granger, you've selected five elective courses?" Professor McGonagall came straight to the point.
"Yes, Professor. Is there a problem?" Hermione asked nervously, suddenly remembering Wayne's words from days earlier. Her eyes involuntarily turned towards the boy.
"In principle... we don't permit students to take all elective courses," Professor McGonagall shook her head. "This would create timetable conflicts, and you'd be stretched too thin."
"Then how did Percy get twelve certificates?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
After a moment's hesitation, McGonagall answered truthfully: "Have you heard of Time-Turners?"
Hermione blinked blankly.
"A pocket watch that manipulates time. Each turn makes time rewind by one hour."
"Allowing you to go back and attend conflicting classes when schedules overlap," Wayne explained for Professor McGonagall.
"That's possible?" Hermione exclaimed delightedly. "Professor, could you lend me one? I promise to return it in perfect condition."
"In the past, I might have considered it," Professor McGonagall said. "There were precedents where the school could apply to the Ministry of Magic to loan Time-Turners to exemplary students, with guarantees they wouldn't be used for anything beyond studies."
"I can give that guarantee," Hermione said quickly.
"Miss Granger, as I said – that was in the past," McGonagall sighed. "Recent events have made the Department of Mysteries significantly stricter about Time-Turner approvals."
"It's essentially impossible to authorise your use of one now."
Seeing Hermione's confusion, Professor McGonagall hesitated before revealing the truth:
"It's Lockhart. He possessed a smuggled Time-Turner and used it to fabricate multiple alibis."
"This caused considerable trouble for the Ministry, so please keep this confidential."
Hermione's disappointment was palpable, but she nodded understandingly.
"I see, Professor."
"Then..." Professor McGonagall produced the third-year timetable for next term and asked:
"Muggle Studies and Arithmancy have scheduling conflicts. Which would you like to drop?"
The young witch thought carefully before answering: "Arithmancy, I suppose."
"Very well, though Muggle Studies wouldn't be particularly useful for you either. You could reasonably drop that too."
Hermione insisted, "Thank you, but I'd still like to try."
Professor McGonagall voiced no further objections and crossed Hermione's name off the Arithmancy class list.
Then she turned to Wayne.
Wayne froze. He'd assumed Professor McGonagall had called him over to accompany Hermione – to help persuade the young witch.
He hadn't expected to be involved himself.
"Mr Lawrence."
Professor McGonagall's demeanour shifted noticeably, becoming far sterner than before.
Her tone carried unmistakable disappointment as she asked, "Why have you only chosen one Divination class?"
"You only picked one subject?" Hermione also stared at the boy in surprise.
"Didn't I say so the other day?" Wayne shrugged.
"I thought you'd only decided on that one," Hermione pouted. "How can you take just one class? Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures are both important."
"But I don't need to study them. Unless you want me to become a professor?"
McGonagall closed her mouth.
Oh dear, Miss Granger had become a mouthpiece, voicing all the questions she wanted to ask.
She was the one who'd called Wayne over, yet now she'd somehow become an outsider.
"Ahem!" Professor McGonagall coughed heavily twice, and only then did Hermione snap out of it, promptly falling silent.
"Mr Lawrence, I understand that with your talent and knowledge, those courses may not offer you much assistance, but certificates are useful."
Professor McGonagall pleaded earnestly, "These certificates can play a significant role in your future job applications."
"My suggestion is that you take Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. In recent years, the Ministry of Magic has placed increasing importance on results in these two subjects."
Wayne listened attentively on the surface, but his mind was elsewhere.
The Ministry of Magic...
Could such a small temple accommodate a deity of his stature?
A graduation certificate truly held no value for him.
If the school refused to issue one, or if he got expelled midway...
Well, no need to dwell on it.
Third Wizarding War—commence!
But Professor McGonagall was unaware of this. She was genuinely considering her student's future, which was why she spoke at such length.
Wayne might not accept her advice, but he would never openly contradict her.
After Professor McGonagall finished speaking, the boy feigned contemplation for a moment before saying:
"Professor, I have an idea. Would you consider this?"
"I won't attend these classes, but I can sit the OWLs—even the NEWTs later on."
"As long as I achieve Os in all the exams, wouldn't that suffice?"
McGonagall was taken aback, not expecting Wayne to propose this.
But after some thought, she shook her head. "This isn't something I can decide alone. I must consult Dumbledore."
"Very well, I'll await your reply. If it's not possible... I'll just add Ancient Runes as an extra subject." Wayne conceded.
"Agreed." Professor McGonagall accepted the compromise.
Truthfully, she still wanted Wayne to take Care of Magical Creatures as well.
Next term, Kettleburn would finally retire, and she already knew Dumbledore intended to appoint Hagrid as the new professor for the subject.
Her reason for pushing Wayne to take it was actually out of concern that Hagrid might cause some mishap—she wanted Wayne there as a safeguard.
But since Wayne showed no interest, she couldn't force the matter.
After the two young wizards left the office, McGonagall sought out Dumbledore a short while later and relayed Wayne's terms.
Upon hearing this, Dumbledore chuckled.
"That's quite an interesting proposal. It seems Mr Lawrence is exceedingly confident."
"I believe he has the capability," McGonagall said seriously. "He possesses extraordinary talent across all subjects."
"Of course, Minerva, I'm even more certain of that than you are." Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
"Since we're in accord, let us settle on this delightful arrangement."
"Hogwarts has never had a student achieve straight Os in all NEWT subjects before. It seems we're about to witness history."
Even Tom, once the most outstanding student, had never taken subjects like History of Magic or Care of Magical Creatures—courses he deemed utterly useless.
The old headmaster sincerely hoped that the record for most outstanding student wouldn't remain held by a Dark Lord, but by an ordinary wizard.
Well... Mr Lawrence should count as ordinary...
...
May arrived, and time seemed to accelerate all at once.
With final exams approaching, the professors began intensifying their teaching as usual.
The only good news was that the Defence Against the Dark Arts exam had been cancelled, sparing everyone considerable trouble. Not only were there no exams, but homework assignments ceased too, allowing students to use class time for revision.
However, the professors soon descended like sharks scenting blood.
One moment, Professor McGonagall would commandeer a lesson, the next Snape would drag them to the Potions classroom to brew concoctions. Even Professor Sprout occasionally summoned small groups of young wizards during study periods to help her clean the greenhouses.
Wayne's sales of Flying Potion plummeted abruptly during this period.
The most popular activity after classes became taking short flights around the school. The Quidditch Pitch, Black Lake, and even the skies above the Forbidden Forest frequently hosted young wizards, with some engaging in aerial duels. Though their spells flew wildly without hitting targets, the spectacle looked thoroughly intimidating.
Concerned about students neglecting their studies, Professor McGonagall temporarily banned the Flying Potion until exams concluded.
Wayne wasn't particularly bothered - his Celia Store didn't just sell toys. With exams looming, why not stock up on Wit-Sharpening Potions, Mental Clarity Solution or Baruffio's Brain Elixir?
The considerable Gardevoir had prepared ample stock in advance. Daily potion earnings nearly matched those from Flying Potion sales, especially among the exam-crazed fifth and seventh years.
...
Evening in the Hufflepuff common room.
Usually laid-back badgers now wallowed in homework... or rather, an ocean of knowledge, wearing pained expressions.
Cedric nudged Wayne, who was reading The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
"Speak," Wayne said without looking up.
"What about this year's reward?" Cedric put down his quill, hinting vigorously.
"What reward?" Wayne regarded him quizzically.
"Last year, you offered signed books by Mr Scamander as prizes. Surely you're not skipping this year?"
Several badgers looked over expectantly.
"I don't think it's necessary," Wayne mused. "Most who wanted them already have copies. For many, cracking the top ten is genuinely difficult."
"But the reward remains for first-years," he added.
New students cheered while others' eyes dimmed. Wayne spoke the truth - any new prizes would likely go to the same high achievers. Those who'd already won felt satisfied.
Yet Cedric had an ulterior motive.
"You could change the prize," the model student coaxed. "Instead of signed books, offer something different."
"Trying to exploit me?" Wayne side-eyed him.
"Of course not!" Cedric declared righteously. "I merely want to motivate our housemates. Isn't that right, everyone?"
Eager nods confirmed overwhelming agreement.
"Fine then," Wayne conceded after hesitation.
"Here's the deal: anyone making the top ten gets lessons in the Levitation Spell from me."
"That spell you used to hang Flint?" Wotley asked excitedly.
Wayne nodded. "You could say that."
Hanging Flint upside down was achieved through his improved Levitation Spell, which could practically be considered a different spell altogether—though he couldn't be bothered to explain.
The original version was already sufficient for everyone else.
Top students from every year cheered excitedly—now they had proper motivation too.
Not only that, Wayne added a new rule.
Even students who didn't make the top ten could receive a signed book from Newt if they showed improvement in two subjects.
This sent the entire crowd into a frenzy. Compared to the elusive top ten, this condition was far more achievable for most.
Especially for the academically average students, who immediately pulled out their weakest subjects to revise.
The professor hadn't lied—there really was massive room for improvement!
"Listen up, folks! Another round of benefits!" Wayne stood up and shouted:
"All potions from Celia's Shop are now 20% off, and this offer lasts until the end of the exams!"
"Opportunity knocks but once!"
"One bottle of Baruffio's Brain Elixir for me!"
"I'll take Wit-Sharpening Potion and Mental Clarity Solution!"
"Adults choose—kids take everything!"
The potions Wayne had laid out visibly dwindled at an alarming rate, with Cedric busy tallying payments beside him.
After a good while of bustling activity, the two finally packed up.
Once they reached a secluded corner, Cedric's grin was harder to suppress than an AK-47. "We made a solid 150 Galleons in just this short time! Not bad acting, eh, Wayne?"
"Passable. Just don't transition so abruptly next time." Wayne handed him five Galleons, making Cedric beam so wide his gums showed.
Turns out, their earlier exchange had been a carefully rehearsed script.
This year, Wayne had refined his strategy—forging a new path to balance the playing field, avoiding zero-sum competition while expanding the pool of participants.
If he'd stuck to last year's method of only rewarding top students, slackers like Norman and Toby would've lost all motivation.
And if too many lost motivation, who'd buy his potions?
So this time, he set his sights on every tier.
Not competing against others, but against themselves.
The result? Wayne earned Galleons and points, students improved their grades, and with better grades came increased allowances next term—meaning even more points for him next year. A perfect closed loop.
A triple win, leaving everyone satisfied.
This year, it was the Levitation Spell. Next year, he could roll out the Hardening Charm, and the year after that, the Laceration Curse.
This routine wouldn't grow stale even by graduation.
Watching the hardworking badgers toil away, Wayne smiled fondly.
Such diligent, promising kids...
...
Word of tonight's events soon spread to the other three houses, leaving young wizards everywhere groaning in despair.
Why did all the good things happen to Hufflepuff? They wanted Newt's signed books and new spells, too!
When Harry heard, he couldn't help feeling a pang of regret.
If he'd just gone to Hufflepuff and stuck with Wayne, he wouldn't have had to spend a thousand Galleons learning spells now.
What a rip-off!
Even the professors couldn't sit still after catching wind of this.
By the law of relative grading, if you didn't improve while others did, you were effectively falling behind.
No one could accept a scenario where Hufflepuff dominated the top ranks after finals. Action had to be taken.
They also took a page from Wayne's book, each pulling out their own trump cards.