Assistant

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The progress of Ethan and Flitwick's research on the signs advanced rapidly, with Flitwick quickly mastering the casting methods of several other seals. This development signaled the imminent transition to the next stage of their research: converting the magic of this world into a spell model. The process involved analyzing the spell model, transforming it into the required format for the sign, and applying it to the actual casting.

Initially collaborating on the research, Professor Flitwick and Ethan soon realized the work was not particularly challenging but rather unusually burdensome and tedious. Recognizing that such labor was beneath someone of Flitwick's stature, they grasped the potential significance of completing this series of research—it could open a new frontier, akin to transfiguration, magic spells, and potions.

Ethan and Professor Flitwick devised a plan. Ethan intended to hire a senior student at the school as his assistant for converting spell models. While the work might seem tedious, it held immense value as a learning experience for young wizards at the school. Flitwick praised Ethan's proposal and provided a list of potential candidates. Ethan accepted the list but expressed the desire to openly recruit for the position, offering all qualified young wizards a fair chance to compete.

That night, as the young wizards gathered in the auditorium for dinner, a fresh notice on the bulletin board caught their attention. To their surprise, it was issued by Professor Ethan, their Close combat class professor, advertising a job opportunity.

The notice outlined the study of signs and the responsibilities of assistants. What truly captured their interest, however, was the generous compensation offered. Professor Ethan pledged a monthly salary of fifty gold Galleons, thirty bonus points at the term's end, valuable knowledge about signs and magic models, and acknowledgment in the professional book upon completion of the research.

The eyes of the young wizards sparkled, and the prospect of fifty gold Galleons seemed a fortune to Hogwarts students. Many were ready to rush to Professor Ethan's office to apply for the job. Yet, as they continued reading, disappointment set in for some.

Ethan specified that applicants must be at least fifth graders, with an O grade in both magic spells and ancient magic literature. Interested students had to submit essays on ancient magic and magic spells along with their application. The stringent requirements dampened the enthusiasm of many, while a few eligible students seized their dinner and prepared to eat while conquering the application process.

Hogwarts buzzed with discussions about Professor Ethan once again, but this time, it centered on speculation about the unfamiliar subject. Wild rumors circulated, including one suggesting that Professor Ethan became a Witcher through the study of signs.

The buzz intensified when Professor Flitwick stood up to provide a detailed introduction to the joint study of Signs by him and Professor Ethan. He emphasized the importance of the study, hinting that it might become a primary discipline at Hogwarts in the next school year.

The news sparked varied reactions. Younger students were fixated on the enticing monthly salary, while some from pure-blood families and senior students took a more serious approach, recognizing the potential value behind the renowned book that would result from the research.

As students left the auditorium, many hurried to the library, realizing the significance of the opportunity. Even Hermione, who rarely skipped meals, quickly finished her dinner and headed to the library. Ron, noticing her haste, hastily grabbed her arm in surprise, while Harry and Ron exchanged puzzled glances.

"Oh my God, what's the plan? Professor Ethan mentioned that only fifth-grade students and above will be recruited!" Ron exclaimed in surprise.

"The last two requirements in the recruitment notice are the crucial ones. If the papers are well-written, regardless of the grade, they'll surely catch Professor Ethan's attention" Hermione replied, breaking free from Ron's grasp, waving her hand, and diving into the crowd. The clever Hermione recognized the immense value of being acknowledged in the book.

"Merlin, Hermione is obsessed with money" Ron sighed to Harry as they watched Hermione disappear into the crowd. Harry scratched his head, sensing that Hermione's motivation might not be solely about the fifty Galleons.

Madam Pince, the strict Hogwarts librarian, was usually vigilant in the library, ensuring students followed the rules and treating her books with utmost care. However, today she seemed helpless as the library door slammed open. Ready to reprimand the reckless wizard responsible, Madam Pince instead found a massive crowd flooding into the library. They quickly zeroed in on a specific section, swiftly occupying the bookshelves housing magic spells and Ancient magic. In an instant, shelves that were once brimming with books were emptied.

A few young wizards even engaged in disputes over a particular book. After multiple scuffles, Madam Pince couldn't tolerate it any longer. Utilizing a spell, she shrilly ordered the young wizards to choose their books and leave the library.

The tactic proved effective. The young wizards, scolded back to reality, restored order. After queuing up to complete the book-borrowing procedures, they exited the library.

In the Gryffindor common room, Harry and Ron were taken aback as Hermione, with slightly disheveled hair from the book frenzy, rushed in, waved a quick goodnight to them, and hurried back to her room. In the chaos, Hermione, relying on her small stature, managed to secure several books.

Before Harry and Ron could process the scene, a large group of senior Gryffindors flooded into the common room. Some rushed to their rooms, while others sat on the sofas, engrossed in studying the books in their hands. Interestingly, a similar scene unfolded in the common rooms of the other three houses.