On August 11th, the user Moonflower995 posted a suggestion in the reviews about replacing Professor Binns after the Battle of Hogwarts. This chapter covers that. I have also rearranged the chapter order so that all related chapters are back to back (to back)

On the afternoon Monday, July 6th, 1998, at 1 P.M. Headmistress McGonagall was calmly sitting in a black chair in her office not thinking about much when she heard a knock on her door.

"Who is it?" asked McGonagall calmly.

"Temporary Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt," replied a soothing voice on the other of the door, "May I please come in?"

"I'll let you in," replied McGonagall, getting from her chair, and walking over to the door. McGonagall opened the door and let Shacklebolt in.

Shacklebolt said clearly, "That is a matter I wish to discuss with you about a teacher."

"Let's sit down opposite each other," offered McGonagall, pointing to another black chair on the other side of her black desk while sitting back down in her own chair.

Shacklebolt took his seat and said, "I have a concern about Professor Binns."

"What might that concern be?" asked McGonagall calmly.

"That students aren't learning a damn thing from him," replied Shacklebolt.

"Binns is very knowledgeable about History of Magic," declared McGonagall confidently, "As such, it is the students own fault if they do not perform well in his classes."

This was bullshit, and Shacklebolt let McGonagall know it.

"The idea that if all students from a class fail their O.W.L.s that it is their own fault because the teacher is very knowledgably about the subject is hot garbage," snarled Shacklebolt, his usual smoothness vanishing, "The reality is that Professor Binns has failed to transfer his knowledge to his students. He just drones on and on in the most boring way possible. His droning style could make the most bloody and intense war of all time sound boring. Of course, he's a ghost and that's part of the problem."

"Dumbledore always kept him on because he was willing to do the job for free," replied McGonagall, "And Binns himself has in fact proven how knowledgeable he is about his subject. The students need to take it upon themselves to do a better job in History of Magic."

"Part of a teacher's job," piped up Shacklebolt in a crystal clear voice, "Is to engage his or her students. Professor Binns has utterly failed in that regard. Binn's inability to engage his students is one of the biggest reasons why students always fail their History of Magic O.W.L.s and why none of them ever even consider taking History of Magic at N.E.W.T. level. Most students are relived not to have to sit through his classes anymore after fifth year because he makes everything so boring."

"I don't think he can change his methods," said McGonagall honestly, "You are asking for a near miracle there."

"He's a ghost," said Shacklebolt calmly, "Of course he has his limitations. I suggest that Professor Binns be removed from the position of History of Magic teacher before the start of the fall 1998 semester and replaced with a living person. Ideally this living person would be young and energetic to bring a fresh approach to teaching History of Magic and be able to fully engage his or her students in the subject."

"That person would insist on being paid, adding cost to the school," replied McGonagall.

"I will place an executive order that increases Hogwarts budget for teacher salaries," said Shacklebolt firmly, "You get what you pay for, and it is time for more resources to be invested into the education of young witches and wizards."

"Thank you, Kingsley," said McGonagall, "Do you have a person already lined up for this job?"

"I do," smiled Shacklebolt, "I went through the process of finding a person for the job before coming to see you today. This week I've been interviewing prospective job candidates for the History of Magic teacher position in the Interview Room at the Ministry of Magic and given them comprehensive and extensive History of Magic tests. One candidate emerged as the clear winner based on the combination of her passion for the subject, her clear expertise in the subject, and her engaging approach to teaching. She is an average sized averaged woman with medium brown hair and brown eyes named Betsy Before. She is 27 and looking to enter the teaching profession. Right now, she makes her living off of being a public speaker."

"I will accept this change," said McGonagall simply, "But when will I first be able to meet Professor Before?"

"On Monday at this same time I will bring her here and you can meet her and talk to her.:

"That works out well," smiled McGonagall, "I look forward to meeting Professor Before and I hope you are right that she can help our students improve in History of Magic."

"I know she will," said Shacklebolt confidently.

A shout out to the following members who have added Things That Should Have in Canon to their favorites and/or follows lists since the last update:

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Much love from Arizona for all the support. Love you all-Michael. :) ❤️