Ron was puzzled.
"Then why do Muggles still need accountants? Why not just let computers do the calculations?"
"Because you have to know how to tell the computer what to calculate first."
Hermione spoke quickly.
"Just as you have to understand the principles behind a spell before you can cast it correctly. Computers can't think for themselves-at least, not yet."
"Not yet?"
Ron frowned, not understanding what that meant.
Hermione did not know how to explain it to him either. After all, much of what she knew came from films.
"Eligibility."
"One: legally registered wizards or witches in the United Kingdom aged seventeen or above."
"Two: no academic qualifications required. Those who have not completed their O.W.L.s or N.E.W.T.s may apply."
"Three: no blood-status restrictions. Pure-bloods, half-bloods, and Muggle-borns are all welcome."
"Four: simply bring valid wizarding identification to the center's registration office to register."
"Five: all courses are completely free."
Hermione's voice rose half a pitch when she read "completely free."
"Free?"
Ron finally swallowed his bread.
"Who's paying?"
Hermione turned to the third section.
"Funding sources."
"Initial startup funding will be advanced in full by the Marauders Power Company. Operating expenses will be included in the Ministry of Magic's dedicated social welfare budget."
"The Marauders Power Company."
Ron looked at Harry.
Harry said nothing.
He was reading the fourth section of the prospectus.
"Center administration."
"Headmaster: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."
A line of small print followed.
"Professor Dumbledore completed a basic computing course at a community university for seniors in London this summer, earning a Distinction."
Harry stared at that line.
"Dumbledore took a Muggle computing class."
His head was full of question marks.
So he had not been the only one studying and taking exams that summer. Dumbledore had been doing the same.
For some reason,