What are your thoughts on the Ashwinder?

Meanwhile, the Muggle firearms that Ross mentioned in his class also sparked a great deal of discussion at Hogwarts.

The most vehement reaction came from Muggle Studies professor Charity Burbage.

In class, Burbage solemnly corrected the entire class. "Don't be misled by Professor Wilkinson's alarmist remarks!"

"His description of Muggle firearms is completely inaccurate; real Muggle firearms require reloading the matchlock every time they are fired."

"The principle is so crude that it's comparable to the explosion of a low-quality Potions, making it extremely impractical."

She paused, then forcefully steered the class in a different direction. "When you're studying Muggle civilization, just focus on interesting and convenient inventions, like flashlights and other practical items..."

Burbage's remarks quickly reached Ross' ears.

Ross didn't argue on the spot, but just smiled contemptuously and quietly left the castle that night, seemingly to prepare something.

The following day, for the fourth-year Defense Against the Dark Magic class, Ross moved the classroom directly to the outdoor grass field.

Amid the curious gazes of all the students, he pulled out a brand-new AKM and, in front of everyone, emptied the magazine of a black scarecrow that had been set up beforehand!

In just three seconds, after a barrage of gunfire, the scarecrow was riddled with holes.

Covered in charred bullet holes, with wisps of smoke rising into the air, the visual impact is immense.

Ross gripped his gun, his tone calm yet highly persuasive. "Ask yourselves honestly, who among you could react to this speed and power?"

"It could even be said that no one can evade it with their bare hands unless they cast a high-level specialized Iron Armor Charm on themselves beforehand."

"I didn't have much interaction with Professor Burbage, but I admit she's a very good person."

Ross chuckled, then changed the subject, "But good character doesn't equate to professional competence."

"Are Muggle Studies still talking about flashlights these days?" He deliberately raised his voice, full of helplessness.

"That's an old relic from my great-grandfather's generation; every wizarding family had one decades ago."

"Teaching with outdated knowledge will only lead you to a huge misjudgment of the true capabilities of Muggle."

After saying that, he waved his hand, no longer dwelling on the public opinion. "Forget it, I'm not Muggle professor, there's no point in saying more."

We decided to turn it into an outdoor practical course, taking a group of students into the Forbidden Forest to collect materials.

"When we encounter any Fantastic Beasts, we explain the relevant knowledge points on the spot, maximizing hands-on teaching."

After hearing about this, Tom's opinion of Ross completely changed.

Although this person admired Gellert Grindelwald's ideals and recognized the wizards' pursuit of higher positions, he did not hate Muggle.

On the contrary, he greatly admires the technological development of Muggle and has a keen interest in various new devices.

This is also the mainstream mentality in the North American wizarding community. Muggle technology has developed rapidly and has already penetrated the wizarding world in every way. The old-fashioned, xenophobic mentality is outdated.

Tom secretly considered that there was no need to forcibly break the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy for the time being.

However, if one day the two worlds could communicate and magic and technology could be combined, that would be the most perfect way for them to coexist. Unfortunately, this path is fraught with difficulties.

On the other hand, after learning that she had been publicly humiliated by Ross Burbage, no one knew her true feelings.

All I know is that she took a long leave of absence the very next day and checked into St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.

The professors all had mixed feelings.

Defense Against the Dark Arts is truly a cursed position; not a single professor in the past has had an easy time.

They are either malicious and harbor evil intentions, or they are energetic and prone to causing trouble.

Bringing a gun into a school and slapping a colleague in the face—only someone Ross would do something like that.

Albus Dumbledore, however, didn't seem to care at all and was always smiling.

In his view, Hogwarts is finally stable now, with no outrageous professors causing trouble and reliable teachers in charge.

He even invited Ross to his office for afternoon tea, where the two chatted happily about Muggle civilization and technological development.

Before leaving, Albus Dumbledore joked that even if Ross didn't become the Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, he would still be an excellent enough lecturer for Muggle Studies.

Time flies, and it's already the end of September.

At breakfast time in the Great Hall, Tom was quietly drinking his soup when Professor Silvanus Kettleburn, who Care of Magical Creatures, limped through the crowd.

He walked straight to the Slytherin table, waving a niche academic magazine in his hand.

"Riddle! I saw the paper you co-authored with Newt Scamander!"

Tom put down his spoon, looked at the publication titled "The Niffler's Treasures," and asked, "Professor, are you referring to that paper on the evolutionary theory of Fantastic Beasts?"

This magazine has a cute and endearing name, but it is actually a top-tier professional journal in the wizarding world specializing in the study of Fantastic Beasts.

Newt Scamander informed him a few days ago that his manuscript had been accepted, and he received a system notification this morning.

Earning 500 credits and 50 achievement points is truly a paltry Fawley, better than nothing.

"That's right! It's this one!"

Silvanus Kettleburn was visibly excited, and sat down on his own, completely oblivious to the stares of the students around him.

"I had the exact same evolutionary hypothesis in my early years, and I even conducted experiments myself. Unfortunately, the experiments failed in the end, and I even lost a leg in the process."

He looked at Tom with eager eyes. "Your paper mentioned the evolutionary patterns of unicorns, Thunderbird, and Nundu."

"What unique insights do you have regarding the evolutionary optimization of the Ashwinder?"

Silvanus Kettleburn's numerous injuries are largely due to his research on Fantastic Beasts.

The leg he was missing was from the experiment that resulted in an explosion when he tried to amplify the flames of the Ashwinder using Engorgement Charm.

To put it simply, the Ashwinder failed to evolve; its legs "evolved" away first.

Tom thought for a moment, then slowly said, "Professor, your previous research has always focused on adult individuals."

"Actually, we can try a different approach and start with the Ashwinder's egg stage."

"By emulating the methods used to raise fire dragons, optimizing the incubation environment, and increasing the purity and temperature of the flames, the hatchlings will naturally be stronger and more stable."

"That's right! How come I never thought of that!"

Silvanus Kettleburn suddenly realized what was happening, his face filled with regret, and then he looked at Tom with pity in his eyes.

"It's a pity I'm retiring next year, otherwise I really want to mentor you for another year. Following you, you can come up with countless new ideas."

Tom smiled politely and said, "Professor, you've worked hard for many years; it's time for you to retire and enjoy your golden years."

"If you have any new ideas in the future, we can communicate and discuss them by letter at any time."

"You rascal, no wonder Newt Scamander thinks so highly of you." Silvanus Kettleburn patted him on the shoulder with satisfaction.

He was Newt Scamander's junior, two years his senior, and they were old friends from the same generation, with a very good personal relationship.

Before leaving, he invited Tom to sit in his office that afternoon, put down the magazine, and then limped away from the Great Hall.

As soon as the professor left, the Slytherin table erupted in chaos.

The group took turns reading the academic journal. Although most of them couldn't understand the technical content, it didn't diminish their overwhelming sense of pride.