History of Magic
From UnknowableWiki
History of Magic is a subject taught by Professor Binns at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As the name suggests, it deals with events in wizarding history, such as the goblin rebellions. Due to Binns' teaching style, it is considered the most boring class at school (PS8).
The class is obligatory for all students from first to fifth year. Students who passed their OWLs with a satisfactory grade can continue the subject at NEWT level in sixth and seventh year. A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot serves as the textbook (PS5, PA1). The classroom is located on the first floor of Hogwarts castle; presumably on the east side (CS9, OP17).
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Class topics
Arguably the most important topic in History of Magic are the goblin rebellions of the 17th and 18th century, which are studied in first and fourth year and also appear on the fifth-years' OWLs (PS15, GF15, GF22, GF31, OP31).
In the first weeks of Harry Potter's first year, Binns lectures about Uric the Oddball and Emeric the Evil; students often confuse the two (PS8). Other topics that the Trio studies for the exam at the end of first year include the dates of magical discoveries and goblin rebellions (PS15). The exam contains questions about the invention of self-stirring cauldrons. Afterwards, Hermione Granger comments that she found it easier than expected because neither the 1637 Werewolf Code of Conduct nor the uprising of Elfric the Eager were featured (PS16).
In second year, students have to write a threefoot-long essay on "The Medieval Assembly of European Wizards" in November. Binns also talks about the International Warlock Convention of 1289 in at least one lesson that month. It is in this lesson that Hermione interrupts him and makes him tell the class about the Chamber of Secrets (CS9).
In the summer before third year, Harry and his classmates have to write an essay about witch-burning in the 14th century (PA1). Medieval witch-hunts are also part of that years' final exam (PA16).
At the beginning of Harry's fourth year, students have to write weekly essays on the 18th century goblin rebellions (GF15). Binns is still lecturing about the rebellions around Christmas (GF22), and the final exam asks about the names of goblin rebels (GF31).
Giant wars are the topic in September and October of fifth year (OP12, OP17). The OWL at the end of fifth year contains a question about the effect of wand legislation on 18th century goblin riots, a breach of the Statute of Secrecy in 1749, and the foundation of the International Confederation of Wizards (OP31).
We know nothing about topics in sixth and seventh year.
Binns' teaching style
History of Magic is unanimously considered the dullest subject at Hogwarts. Professor Binns, the only Hogwarts professor who is a ghost, has been teaching the class for a long time; he already had the post when he was still alive. One day, he fell asleep in front of the staff room fire and died there during the night only to go on teaching as a ghost the next morning. Rumour has it that he never really noticed his death and did not change his habits in the slightest (PS8, CS9, GF22). Consequently, his method of teaching is very old-fashioned. History of Magic lessons consist of an incessant and monotonous monologue of dates and names, delivered in a dry, reedy and wheezy drone that resembles the sound of an old vacuum cleaner (PS8, CS9, OP12). Even the most interesting topics become mind-numbingly boring; the most exciting thing that ever happens in his classes is his entering the room through the blackboard (CS9, GF22). Most of the students cannot concentrate for more than ten minutes, half that time in warm weather. Instead, they fall into a dreamlike stupor or pass the time doodling, playing hangman or talking (CS9, OP12, OP17, OP29). Only the most studious, such as Hermione Granger, are able to concentrate and take notes (CS9, GF29, OP12). Binns hardly seems to notice his audience (OP17); in fact, the only time that he commands the interest of an entire classroom by telling them about the Chamber of Secrets, he seems unsettled by the unusual attention (CS9). Whenever he does address a student directly, which only happens under extraordinary circumstances, he is sure to confuse the name (CS9, OP17). During lessons, he usually floats about an inch above his chair (OP17).
Memorable events in History of Magic lessons and exams
The Chamber of Secrets
After Mrs. Norris is Petrified on Hallowe'en 1992, the whole student body is curious about the legend of the Chamber of Secrets. All copies of Hogwarts, A History have been checked out of the library, so Hermione decides to ask Professor Binns about the Chamber during History of Magic on November 4.
After Binns has been lecturing about the International Warlock Convention of 1289 for half an hour, Hermione raises her hand, something none of the second-years has ever done before. Binns looks astonished and addresses her, but cannot remember her name. After giving it to him, Hermione asks him to tell the class about the Chamber. The rest of the class (who has so far been in a deep stupor) suddenly wakes up. At first, Binns rejects her request, saying that his subject is about facts, not myths, and continues with his lecture. Hermione, however, lifts her hand again. Binns stutters, and calls on her as "Miss Grant". Hermione argues that all legends have their basis in facts. Binns seems utterly amazed at being interrupted and having the complete attention of a whole class. He grudgingly starts telling the students about the foundation of Hogwarts and the disagreement between Salazar Slytherin and the other Founders, which led to Slytherin's departure. Binns then comes to the legend that Slytherin built a hidden Chamber that contained a monster and could be opened only by his heir. Once again he expresses his dislike of what he considers a fairy-tale without any truth.
Several students now raise heir hands to ask questions about the Chamber and the monster. Binns dismisses their concerns in an aggravated tone, claiming that even the most talented wizards have failed to find such a room. During the discussion, he calls Parvati Patil "Miss Pennyfeather" and Seamus Finnigan "O'Flaherty". Finally, he sharply stops the discussion and continues with his original lecture. Five minutes later, the class has slipped back into its usual state of inattention (CS9).
Hedwig's injury
Another disruption of Binns' lessons happens on October 7, 1995, when Harry Potter's owl Hedwig is attacked by Dolores Umbridge, who tries to intercept Harry's letters.
While Binns starts a monologue on giant wars, Harry is doodling on his parchment, disturbed only by Hermione, who tries to make him pay attention by giving him glares and nudges. At some point, Hedwig lands on the window ledge outside the classroom. Hermione sees her and pokes Harry sharply in the rips to alert him. By then, several students have notice the owl and started whispering. Harry quickly dashes to the window and lets Hedwig in. When he notices that her wing is injured, he loudly tells Professor Binns that he feels sick and has to go to the hospital wing. Binns, who has so far remained utterly oblivious of the events in his classroom, looks up from his notes, but apparently does not notice Harry's owl. He seems confused by the interruption, stutters, and gives "Perkins" permission to go. Harry leaves with Hedwig (OP17).
Harry's OWL
During the History of Magic OWL atthe end of fifth year, Lord Voldemort uses the mental connection between him and Harry to send Harry a vision of Sirius Black being tortured inside the Department of Mysteries.
The exam takes place in the Great Hall on a Thursday at two o'clock in the afternoon. Harry is trying hard to think of the answer to question ten ("Describe the circumstances that led to the formation of the International Confederation of Wizards and explain why the warlocks of Liechtenstein refused to join."), when the vision hits him and he falls into trance. After witnessing Voldemort using the Cruciatus Curse on his godfather, Harry collapses onto the stone floor of the Great Hall. His scar is on fire and he is screaming (OP31). Under the stares of all the students, Harry is led into the Entrance Hall by Professor Tofty, one of the examiners. Harry rejects Tofty's advice to go to the hospital wing, claiming that he simply fell asleep and had a nightmare. Tofty is sympathetic and asks Harry if he wants to finish his exam, but Harry declines and the examiner returns to the Great Hall alone (OP32).
Harry's vision and breakdown during the History of Magic OWL ultimately lead to the Battle of the Department of Mysteries (OP35, OP36).
