Chapter 7 - Wheat Triticum aestivum

Author's Note: Hello, friends! Phew, this chapter took longer to write than I'd thought it would. There is so much to be done here on my uni holidays doing absolutely nothing, I don't think I'll ever get caught up. But now I'm finally getting around to putting the finishing touches on this little chapter. I apologize for the delay!

Now, there have been quite a few questions and comments coming in; and I thought I should take time to address a few; since I don't have time to reply individually. First of all, to all the people who have expressed their appreciation of this little story of mine: thank you! (no seriously I mean it, thanks) Your support keeps me writing and I definitely appreciate the feedback. Remember, though-the glory is not mine; it is the work of a greater cause. And the people who call me names: a fornucating drug-addicted evolutionist is like a big, ugly monster who lives under a bridge; and wanting everyone to make their own choices about their lives and being tolerant and interested in all different worldviews makes one a so-called "bigot", hmmm? Well, that's this modern world for you! So many people now days are intolerant and ignorant so I hope that all the mommies out there can teach their children some good morals from this story, or not if you don't want to. I hope I am empowering people to make their own choices about life and who they want to be!

Harry, Hermione and Ron headed off to their first class of the day, along with Luna and Malfoy. According to their timetables, the first class was Classical History, which would be taught by Associate Lecturer Trelawney.

They arrived in the classroom and sat down at their wooden desks, eager for the lecture to start. Associate Lecturer Trelawney stood at the front of the classroom and was ready to begin.

"Since this is your first lesson of classical history, I would like to begin with an examination of history and it's study with the use of an example. The example I am going to give for you to think about today is the historical personality Alexander the Great."

Associate Lecturer Trelawney then proceeded to explain the complex life of Alexander the Great, adding in important details such as the historical context in which the events took place. Harry and his friends took notes diligently and were quite interested to discover how Lecturer Trelawney was going to use this as an example of how history is interpreted.

Then, Trelawney began to explain the modern historian's attitudes towards Alexander. She explained how in the time before WWII, Alexander was viewed as a groundbreaking leader and almost idolized as though he could do nothing wrong. However, after WWII, attitudes began to change. Many historians likened Alexander the Great to Hitler and there was a rise in negative rhetoric with many historians retracting their previous admiration and labeling Alexander a megalomaniac.

"Don't you think it is interesting, students, that a modern event so far removed from the life of Alexander The Great can so drastically affect how he is portrayed? And the lesson I would like you to learn from this and to think about, is that most often it is folly to label a person either 'good' or 'bad'. The world is not black and white, divided up into these two different categories and neither is history. It is important to remember that every human is multifaceted and all of us have 'good' and 'bad' elements. One cannot choose evidence that supports their claim whilst ignoring evidence that contradicts it. This is not good historical practice, and alas it seems to be becoming more prevalent. Nobody is perfect but everyone has choices in life and it is the choices that we make by which we should be judged."

The lesson finished and the students filed out of the classroom, discussing what they had learnt and sharing perspectives. They had a free period before the next class so Harry and Hermione spent the hour swimming in the Hogwarts swimming pool, whilst Ron spent the time with his family.

Next up on their timetable was physics class with Dr Snape.

"Physics should be interesting," said Harry conversationally to Hermione.

"Oh yes I agree," she replied. "It sounds really fascinating and I would really like to know how to apply mathematics to the study of the universe." Harry nodded in agreement.

"Although," began Hermione tentatively, "it is supposed to be Draco Malfoy's favorite subject and I do hope he doesn't make any remarks about it being a 'male' subject and therefore not suitable for girls."

"Don't worry about Malfoy," said Harry. "You know perfectly well that girls can do physics just as well as boys and there's no need to be intimidated by him. You can decide whether you like it or not, regardless of Malfoy's attitude or any other societal pressure."

Hermione brightened up and smiled. "Thanks Harry," she said. "I really appreciate that."

"You're welcome Hermione," he said. "I would encourage you to do physics if you like it so that you can be a role model for other women and prove that the sexist attitudes are unfounded."

And with that they walked into Dr Snape's laboratory.

Author's note - Live long and prosper!

Young girls are told to be the delicate princess, Hermione taught them that you can be the warrior - Emma Watson.