A Whispered Confession Can Change Everything
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Harry Potter › General
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Category:
Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult
Chapters:
38
Views:
5,868
Reviews:
9
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 29
Chapter 29
Draco yawned into his pumpkin juice, pushing his eggs around with his fork and awaiting for his new classes...yay. Amazingly Albus hadn’t caught his friends’ visits although he had caught a knowing gleam in the old man’s eyes. Nothing gets past Albus...got it. He absently rubbed the pocked in his shirt, a simple protection spell around it to insure the tiny egg inside didn’t break or fall out. Cassie was chatting happily, hoping she’d done well with her placements. Alex and Hen were both acting unnecessarily cocky and he rolled his eyes good naturedly at them.
“Pass the porridge, please.”
Draco nodded absently, scooting the bowl over and the pepper, knowing that was going to be the next
request. He wrinkling his nose at the thought but ignored them, focusing on a runes problem he’d found. He’d actually gone through all of the classrooms he could get into, scrounging up old tests and activities, giving him something to do.
Harry tilted his head sideways, trying to figure out what Draco was doing. Poking him, “What is that?”
Glancing at Harry and tapping the parchment, “I found this Runes problem...thought I’d give it a go.”
Choking on his pumpkin juice, “You’re doing school work for fun?!”
Rolling his eyes with a patient sigh, “Yes, Harry, unlike the rest of you, I’m actually entertained when my mind is busy.”
Wrinkling his nose, “But it’s summer. You know, no more teacher...no more books...um...”
Raising an eyebrow, “I’m living in a school now.”
Shrugging, “Right. Never mind.”
Sighing, “What do you do for fun, other than Quidich?”
“What else is there?”
The blond stared at his friend for several long minutes, “We have to find you a hobby.”
Snorting, “I have the mad hatter and his tea time friends after me...I don’t need another hobby.” Draco choked on a fork full of eggs, knowing the Alice in Wonderland reference. Yes, he read muggle stories as well as wizarding ones. He could actually picture Voldemort as the mad hatter, his death eaters sitting at the table and sipping tea while Alice, looking like Hermione, questioned their sanity and her own. It was a rather hysterical picture that popped into his head.
He chuckled softly to himself and finished his eggs, “What are you going to buy with your allowance?”
Harry grinned, “I’m saving it for Hogsmeade.”
Draco rolled his eyes, “You’re almost as bad as Weasley when it comes to candy.”
Harry frowned, “You don’t like candy?”
Shrugging, “I don’t know.”
“You eat chocolate all the time. I’ve seen you.”
Nodding, “Yes, I eat chocolate. So?” At Harry’s confused look, “You said candy. I’ve never had it, just chocolate.”
The owls hooted and flew in through the rafters and everyone froze. Albus looked down at the children,
rubbing his hands together and eagerly awaiting their reactions, Draco in particular. He was actually quite excited by the programs he was instituting this year, and the years to come. One by one, schedules were dropped in front of the eager and not so eager and parchments were slowly opened. Draco braced himself when he received his, unwrapping the parchment and simply staring at the contents.
M/W
8:30 Herbology (Level 7); 2nd year Remedial Potions*
10:30 1st year Potions*
1:30 3rd year Remedial Potions*
3:30 Independent Music
T/R
8:30 4th year Remedial Potions*; Muggle Studies (Level 3)
10:30 7th year History of Magic*
1:30 Defense Against Dark Arts (Level 3A)
3:30 Animagus Training
F
8:30 Occulemency/Legilimency (Level 5); Medical Magic
10:00 Languages (Level 4); Dueling (Level 4)
1:00 House Relations (Level 3)
3:00 Double Defense Against Physical Arts (Level 2)
S
10:00 Flying Assistance
Research
Arithmancy
Runes
Charms
Astronomy
Completed = Potions, History of Magic
“Damn!” Draco jerked out of his thoughts of A.K.ing himself, looking over his rather horrifying schedule and wondering just where he’d gone wrong. Why did they think he needed remedial? And what did the level thing mean? And why the bloody hell did he need so much help in potions? Okay, the music course sounded neat and he would certainly love to use occulemency but he had to repeat potions? Both years? But he was really good and he wasn’t just boasting.
Muggle Studies. How the hell had he landed in muggle studies? He hated muggles and wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. Albus had set him up, he just knew it. And how in the bloody hell was he supposed to take two bloody classes at the same bloody time? His eyes widened. No, they were not taking over his Saturday with flying. That was his time, dammit! This was ridiculous. He was a seeker for the Quidich team, it was fairly obvious he knew how to fly. Biting the inside of his lip and swearing silently that he was not going to run away sobbing in frustration like a four year old girl, he turned his attention to his friend and carefully hid his schedule.
Sliding on his indifferent mask and glancing at Cassie, seeing her face twisted in a particularly distasteful way, “What?”
Cassie growled to herself, “I have potions right before lunch. Do you think I want to smell that on my clothes and eat? Yuck!”
Hen and Alex both had their chins resting in their hands, “The same for us.”
Cassie rolled her eyes, “Well you two don’t care about the smell so I don’t know what you’re complaining
about.” The twins glanced at one another before grinning at the reminder. Cassie huffed at them. Frowning, Draco glanced at her schedule.
Yep, she had first year potions. Well, at least they’d be in it together. He still stubbornly refused to waste his Saturdays in a flying class. She sighed in disgust, “So, what’d you get?” Face flaming, he grabbed a biscuit and bolted. Cassie frowned to herself before glancing around her, clueless, “Okay, what’d I say wrong this time?”
Harry shrugged, carefully tucking away his schedule. Remedial Potions on Monday. He was un-thrilled but resigned himself to that fact, “Maybe you embarrassed him.” She gave him a look as if to say What?!. He shrugged again, “If the whole school found out I was in remedial potions I’d be embarrassed, too.”
Cassie shook her head, “I can’t imagine him in remedial anything- wait, he is?”
Shrugging again, “I don’t know. But I am so I can understand.” Cassie just stared at him, “I suck in potions.”
“Don’t like the work?”
He frowned, “Don’t like the professor...greasy old bat...”
She glanced behind her, seeing Snape as dower as ever sipping his tea, “Ah, gotcha. So, is he usually the only one that teaches it?” Then she gave him a smirk, “Except for us this year.”
He frowned at her, a little jealous, “Unfortunately. Every year one professor teaches one subject so it’s sink or swim. McGonagall teaches Transfiguration, Flitwick Charms and so on...”
“But isn’t that small man, Flitwick retiring?”
Nodding, “Yep, can’t imagine who will replace him since the charms professor also seems to be Head of Ravenclaw.” She raised an eyebrow, “It’s a trend or something. Potions Professors head Slytherin House. Ravenclaws for Charms. Hufflepuff for Herbology and-...”
“Gryffindor for Transfiguration. I get it.”
Hermione came in with Pansy, the two girls sitting and looking around at the dour faces. Dumbledore had managed to convince their parents to let them stay since school was so close to starting, “What in the world did we miss?” Two owls circled and dropped their schedules.
Pansy picked her’s up with a grimace, “Ah.”
***
Hermione stumbled in a daze, tears pricking her eyes as she found the Headmaster in his office, his phoenix sitting on his shoulder, “Professor, was I that far behind? I had no idea I needed remedial work! Oh, what are my parents going to think?”
Albus had her sit down, sitting behind his desk in confusion, “What are you talking about, dear girl?”
Sniffling, wiping her eyes with the back of her hands, “I have to retake first and second year history of magic and Transfiguration?? But I passed both years perfectly??”
“Good lord, my girl, calm down. The situation is nothing that you- oh, by Merlin. Fawkes, go find Draco for me...check the astronomy tower.” The phoenix squawked and flew out of the tower while Dumbledore handed Hermione a handkerchief and sat down across from her, a more informal position. Now the mixed reactions he’d observed was easily explainable, “Calm down my dear. As soon as Draco is here I will explain this to both of you. He’s no doubt just as upset.”
“But...Headmaster...”
“Shh...there, there...just sit for a moment...”
Within five minutes Draco was there, looking every bit as upset though not crying. Glaring fiercely, “You put me in Muggle Studies!”
Albus sighed and pointed to a chair. Draco just crossed his arms and glared. His face calm, “Sit down, son. Right now.” Draco huffed but slowly obeyed, not wanting to get chastised in front of Hermione. Albus had both of them sit down next to one another, giving each of them tea and not accepting a decline. Unconsciously the two of them leaned in to one another, both sharing their upset and strength with one another. He calmly asked for their schedules, knowing Draco still carried his and carefully went over it with both of them.
“Alright, we are going to go over this calmly and completely, I don’t want either of you to misunderstand.” Seeing the blond grinding his teeth together, itching to say something, “Draco, we will speak about Muggle Studies later, now hush.” Draco opened his mouth, halted by the look Albus sent over his glasses. His charge subsided with a pout, “We’ll start with the easy part. Monday through Thursday are when we have the basic courses listed. On Fridays will be listed any specialized lessons that you are eligible for.”
Hermione looked wary, glancing at Draco’s schedule, “What does research mean?”
Smiling, “It means that you have advanced beyond the curriculum at Hogwarts. The research that you do
will be applied towards university credit.”
Hermione’s eyes widened while Draco’s narrowed, “Then why am I taking remedial potions?”
“You aren’t taking it, Draco. You are teaching it.”
Coughing, “What?”
Nodding slowly, more than proud enough to repeat it, leaning back comfortably with his hands serenely in his lap, “You are teaching every year of remedial potions. The good professor refuses to have remedial students for NEWTs level potions so you are only teaching levels 2 thru 4. As well as first year potions. Professor Snape will be handling the more advanced courses for now and he will be assisting you through your curriculum. Do you see the small star? It indicates just for you the classes you are teaching.” Hermione grabbed her schedule, eyes scanning as Draco stared down in shock, “Yes, children, you both are teaching History of Magic.”
Hermione shook her head, “Wait. We’re both teaching History of Magic...what about Professor Binns-...”
Draco glared, “Bite your tongue. I don’t want to aide that ghost.”
Hermione stuck her tongue out at him, “I didn’t mean it like that, you nit. I don’t want to teach with him either. I’m merely asking.”
Chuckling, “Actually, Professor Binns has recently discovered that he died and has in fact moved on to haunt his home in Wiltshire. We would either need to bring in two new Professors, or use our most talented students with one additional Professor. Normally I would still need a second Professor for the advanced and remedial courses, but the sad fact remains that none of the students are advanced in this course. Hopefully you will be changing that.”
Hermione blinked owlishly, “But I thought only Professors were allowed to teach.”
Smiling with a chuckle, “The scores you both earned on your entrance exams into university curriculum
made it very clear that trying to teach you more in your specialities would be a complete waste of time. Yes, children, that was the special test that you and the other two students took. However, as you are both far too young to be considered licensed wizards and witches you have been given a special allowance to use your knowledge while taking other classes that you are not as accelerated in.”
Draco tilted his head, “So we’re still Hogwarts students, just with fringe benefits.”
Hermione felt light headed as the realization suddenly hit her, “I’m teaching Transfiguration?”
Nodding, “Yes, first and second year. It will give Minerva enough time to focus on the NEWT level courses and on animagus training.” They both perked up at the mention of that class, especially since it was on their roster, “I thought it would be good to see if either of you have the talent since you’re advanced in other fields.”
Hermione frowned, “What if we’re not, an animagus, I mean?”
“Then you will simply have that time free.”
Draco cleared his throat, uncomfortable. The ability to be an animagus was a gift, not a learned talent. You either were or you weren’t, “What do the levels mean?”
Smiling gently, knowing they were both shocked, “Levels one thru seven, for first through seventh year.”
Swallowing, “At least I’m not in remedial Defense.”
Giving Draco a frank look, “Draco, you are not lacking in that class, you’re in fact accelerated, which is indicated by the A next to your level number. There is nothing to be ashamed at.”
Hermione showed her schedule, “See, I’m at level 3 in astronomy. I’m not even advanced. Nothing to be ashamed of.”
He glared, “But you’re at level 6 in defense.”
“Again, not advanced.”
“Advanced isn’t offered for NEWT level from what I see.”
Rolling her eyes at him and sighing, “I’ll help you if you like but I think Harry would be better.”
Eyes narrowing, “Why?”
Shrugging, “Because he soaks it up like a sponge.” Glancing at Albus, “Does Harry need to be in this conversation?”
Handling this delicately, “You are the only ones teaching courses.”
Nodding, understanding since she and Draco seemed to be the only ones who took their studies so
seriously. Actually, she hadn’t known the Slytherin did either, “Certainly but I meant, to explain about the research and advanced placements.”
Clearing his throat, “With the exception of five seventh years, you are the only ones that advanced.
There are quite a few students that have been upgraded a year in one class or the other, others still that are very quick learners but lack the knowledge and have been given advanced courses in their given level but to reach your abilities, both of you, is frankly phenomenal.” Pulling a small object from his cloak, “Which leads to this topic.”
They both looked at the rather strange object in awe, Draco’s widening in recognition, “A time turner! But...” He stared at Albus, “Those are illegal!”
Dumbledore made a tutting noise, “They’re considered immoral by the Ministry and certainly frowned upon
but not illegal.”
Hermione held her head, “As long as one isn’t caught using them. Owning one isn’t illegal, using it is.”
“As I was saying, it’s a gray area, to be used with great discretion.” He handed it to Draco, who stared at the Headmaster, “As you will notice, both of you are teaching at the same time you are taking various classes. There is only one way I can think of for you to be in two places at the same time...”
Draco yawned into his pumpkin juice, pushing his eggs around with his fork and awaiting for his new classes...yay. Amazingly Albus hadn’t caught his friends’ visits although he had caught a knowing gleam in the old man’s eyes. Nothing gets past Albus...got it. He absently rubbed the pocked in his shirt, a simple protection spell around it to insure the tiny egg inside didn’t break or fall out. Cassie was chatting happily, hoping she’d done well with her placements. Alex and Hen were both acting unnecessarily cocky and he rolled his eyes good naturedly at them.
“Pass the porridge, please.”
Draco nodded absently, scooting the bowl over and the pepper, knowing that was going to be the next
request. He wrinkling his nose at the thought but ignored them, focusing on a runes problem he’d found. He’d actually gone through all of the classrooms he could get into, scrounging up old tests and activities, giving him something to do.
Harry tilted his head sideways, trying to figure out what Draco was doing. Poking him, “What is that?”
Glancing at Harry and tapping the parchment, “I found this Runes problem...thought I’d give it a go.”
Choking on his pumpkin juice, “You’re doing school work for fun?!”
Rolling his eyes with a patient sigh, “Yes, Harry, unlike the rest of you, I’m actually entertained when my mind is busy.”
Wrinkling his nose, “But it’s summer. You know, no more teacher...no more books...um...”
Raising an eyebrow, “I’m living in a school now.”
Shrugging, “Right. Never mind.”
Sighing, “What do you do for fun, other than Quidich?”
“What else is there?”
The blond stared at his friend for several long minutes, “We have to find you a hobby.”
Snorting, “I have the mad hatter and his tea time friends after me...I don’t need another hobby.” Draco choked on a fork full of eggs, knowing the Alice in Wonderland reference. Yes, he read muggle stories as well as wizarding ones. He could actually picture Voldemort as the mad hatter, his death eaters sitting at the table and sipping tea while Alice, looking like Hermione, questioned their sanity and her own. It was a rather hysterical picture that popped into his head.
He chuckled softly to himself and finished his eggs, “What are you going to buy with your allowance?”
Harry grinned, “I’m saving it for Hogsmeade.”
Draco rolled his eyes, “You’re almost as bad as Weasley when it comes to candy.”
Harry frowned, “You don’t like candy?”
Shrugging, “I don’t know.”
“You eat chocolate all the time. I’ve seen you.”
Nodding, “Yes, I eat chocolate. So?” At Harry’s confused look, “You said candy. I’ve never had it, just chocolate.”
The owls hooted and flew in through the rafters and everyone froze. Albus looked down at the children,
rubbing his hands together and eagerly awaiting their reactions, Draco in particular. He was actually quite excited by the programs he was instituting this year, and the years to come. One by one, schedules were dropped in front of the eager and not so eager and parchments were slowly opened. Draco braced himself when he received his, unwrapping the parchment and simply staring at the contents.
M/W
8:30 Herbology (Level 7); 2nd year Remedial Potions*
10:30 1st year Potions*
1:30 3rd year Remedial Potions*
3:30 Independent Music
T/R
8:30 4th year Remedial Potions*; Muggle Studies (Level 3)
10:30 7th year History of Magic*
1:30 Defense Against Dark Arts (Level 3A)
3:30 Animagus Training
F
8:30 Occulemency/Legilimency (Level 5); Medical Magic
10:00 Languages (Level 4); Dueling (Level 4)
1:00 House Relations (Level 3)
3:00 Double Defense Against Physical Arts (Level 2)
S
10:00 Flying Assistance
Research
Arithmancy
Runes
Charms
Astronomy
Completed = Potions, History of Magic
“Damn!” Draco jerked out of his thoughts of A.K.ing himself, looking over his rather horrifying schedule and wondering just where he’d gone wrong. Why did they think he needed remedial? And what did the level thing mean? And why the bloody hell did he need so much help in potions? Okay, the music course sounded neat and he would certainly love to use occulemency but he had to repeat potions? Both years? But he was really good and he wasn’t just boasting.
Muggle Studies. How the hell had he landed in muggle studies? He hated muggles and wanted absolutely nothing to do with it. Albus had set him up, he just knew it. And how in the bloody hell was he supposed to take two bloody classes at the same bloody time? His eyes widened. No, they were not taking over his Saturday with flying. That was his time, dammit! This was ridiculous. He was a seeker for the Quidich team, it was fairly obvious he knew how to fly. Biting the inside of his lip and swearing silently that he was not going to run away sobbing in frustration like a four year old girl, he turned his attention to his friend and carefully hid his schedule.
Sliding on his indifferent mask and glancing at Cassie, seeing her face twisted in a particularly distasteful way, “What?”
Cassie growled to herself, “I have potions right before lunch. Do you think I want to smell that on my clothes and eat? Yuck!”
Hen and Alex both had their chins resting in their hands, “The same for us.”
Cassie rolled her eyes, “Well you two don’t care about the smell so I don’t know what you’re complaining
about.” The twins glanced at one another before grinning at the reminder. Cassie huffed at them. Frowning, Draco glanced at her schedule.
Yep, she had first year potions. Well, at least they’d be in it together. He still stubbornly refused to waste his Saturdays in a flying class. She sighed in disgust, “So, what’d you get?” Face flaming, he grabbed a biscuit and bolted. Cassie frowned to herself before glancing around her, clueless, “Okay, what’d I say wrong this time?”
Harry shrugged, carefully tucking away his schedule. Remedial Potions on Monday. He was un-thrilled but resigned himself to that fact, “Maybe you embarrassed him.” She gave him a look as if to say What?!. He shrugged again, “If the whole school found out I was in remedial potions I’d be embarrassed, too.”
Cassie shook her head, “I can’t imagine him in remedial anything- wait, he is?”
Shrugging again, “I don’t know. But I am so I can understand.” Cassie just stared at him, “I suck in potions.”
“Don’t like the work?”
He frowned, “Don’t like the professor...greasy old bat...”
She glanced behind her, seeing Snape as dower as ever sipping his tea, “Ah, gotcha. So, is he usually the only one that teaches it?” Then she gave him a smirk, “Except for us this year.”
He frowned at her, a little jealous, “Unfortunately. Every year one professor teaches one subject so it’s sink or swim. McGonagall teaches Transfiguration, Flitwick Charms and so on...”
“But isn’t that small man, Flitwick retiring?”
Nodding, “Yep, can’t imagine who will replace him since the charms professor also seems to be Head of Ravenclaw.” She raised an eyebrow, “It’s a trend or something. Potions Professors head Slytherin House. Ravenclaws for Charms. Hufflepuff for Herbology and-...”
“Gryffindor for Transfiguration. I get it.”
Hermione came in with Pansy, the two girls sitting and looking around at the dour faces. Dumbledore had managed to convince their parents to let them stay since school was so close to starting, “What in the world did we miss?” Two owls circled and dropped their schedules.
Pansy picked her’s up with a grimace, “Ah.”
***
Hermione stumbled in a daze, tears pricking her eyes as she found the Headmaster in his office, his phoenix sitting on his shoulder, “Professor, was I that far behind? I had no idea I needed remedial work! Oh, what are my parents going to think?”
Albus had her sit down, sitting behind his desk in confusion, “What are you talking about, dear girl?”
Sniffling, wiping her eyes with the back of her hands, “I have to retake first and second year history of magic and Transfiguration?? But I passed both years perfectly??”
“Good lord, my girl, calm down. The situation is nothing that you- oh, by Merlin. Fawkes, go find Draco for me...check the astronomy tower.” The phoenix squawked and flew out of the tower while Dumbledore handed Hermione a handkerchief and sat down across from her, a more informal position. Now the mixed reactions he’d observed was easily explainable, “Calm down my dear. As soon as Draco is here I will explain this to both of you. He’s no doubt just as upset.”
“But...Headmaster...”
“Shh...there, there...just sit for a moment...”
Within five minutes Draco was there, looking every bit as upset though not crying. Glaring fiercely, “You put me in Muggle Studies!”
Albus sighed and pointed to a chair. Draco just crossed his arms and glared. His face calm, “Sit down, son. Right now.” Draco huffed but slowly obeyed, not wanting to get chastised in front of Hermione. Albus had both of them sit down next to one another, giving each of them tea and not accepting a decline. Unconsciously the two of them leaned in to one another, both sharing their upset and strength with one another. He calmly asked for their schedules, knowing Draco still carried his and carefully went over it with both of them.
“Alright, we are going to go over this calmly and completely, I don’t want either of you to misunderstand.” Seeing the blond grinding his teeth together, itching to say something, “Draco, we will speak about Muggle Studies later, now hush.” Draco opened his mouth, halted by the look Albus sent over his glasses. His charge subsided with a pout, “We’ll start with the easy part. Monday through Thursday are when we have the basic courses listed. On Fridays will be listed any specialized lessons that you are eligible for.”
Hermione looked wary, glancing at Draco’s schedule, “What does research mean?”
Smiling, “It means that you have advanced beyond the curriculum at Hogwarts. The research that you do
will be applied towards university credit.”
Hermione’s eyes widened while Draco’s narrowed, “Then why am I taking remedial potions?”
“You aren’t taking it, Draco. You are teaching it.”
Coughing, “What?”
Nodding slowly, more than proud enough to repeat it, leaning back comfortably with his hands serenely in his lap, “You are teaching every year of remedial potions. The good professor refuses to have remedial students for NEWTs level potions so you are only teaching levels 2 thru 4. As well as first year potions. Professor Snape will be handling the more advanced courses for now and he will be assisting you through your curriculum. Do you see the small star? It indicates just for you the classes you are teaching.” Hermione grabbed her schedule, eyes scanning as Draco stared down in shock, “Yes, children, you both are teaching History of Magic.”
Hermione shook her head, “Wait. We’re both teaching History of Magic...what about Professor Binns-...”
Draco glared, “Bite your tongue. I don’t want to aide that ghost.”
Hermione stuck her tongue out at him, “I didn’t mean it like that, you nit. I don’t want to teach with him either. I’m merely asking.”
Chuckling, “Actually, Professor Binns has recently discovered that he died and has in fact moved on to haunt his home in Wiltshire. We would either need to bring in two new Professors, or use our most talented students with one additional Professor. Normally I would still need a second Professor for the advanced and remedial courses, but the sad fact remains that none of the students are advanced in this course. Hopefully you will be changing that.”
Hermione blinked owlishly, “But I thought only Professors were allowed to teach.”
Smiling with a chuckle, “The scores you both earned on your entrance exams into university curriculum
made it very clear that trying to teach you more in your specialities would be a complete waste of time. Yes, children, that was the special test that you and the other two students took. However, as you are both far too young to be considered licensed wizards and witches you have been given a special allowance to use your knowledge while taking other classes that you are not as accelerated in.”
Draco tilted his head, “So we’re still Hogwarts students, just with fringe benefits.”
Hermione felt light headed as the realization suddenly hit her, “I’m teaching Transfiguration?”
Nodding, “Yes, first and second year. It will give Minerva enough time to focus on the NEWT level courses and on animagus training.” They both perked up at the mention of that class, especially since it was on their roster, “I thought it would be good to see if either of you have the talent since you’re advanced in other fields.”
Hermione frowned, “What if we’re not, an animagus, I mean?”
“Then you will simply have that time free.”
Draco cleared his throat, uncomfortable. The ability to be an animagus was a gift, not a learned talent. You either were or you weren’t, “What do the levels mean?”
Smiling gently, knowing they were both shocked, “Levels one thru seven, for first through seventh year.”
Swallowing, “At least I’m not in remedial Defense.”
Giving Draco a frank look, “Draco, you are not lacking in that class, you’re in fact accelerated, which is indicated by the A next to your level number. There is nothing to be ashamed at.”
Hermione showed her schedule, “See, I’m at level 3 in astronomy. I’m not even advanced. Nothing to be ashamed of.”
He glared, “But you’re at level 6 in defense.”
“Again, not advanced.”
“Advanced isn’t offered for NEWT level from what I see.”
Rolling her eyes at him and sighing, “I’ll help you if you like but I think Harry would be better.”
Eyes narrowing, “Why?”
Shrugging, “Because he soaks it up like a sponge.” Glancing at Albus, “Does Harry need to be in this conversation?”
Handling this delicately, “You are the only ones teaching courses.”
Nodding, understanding since she and Draco seemed to be the only ones who took their studies so
seriously. Actually, she hadn’t known the Slytherin did either, “Certainly but I meant, to explain about the research and advanced placements.”
Clearing his throat, “With the exception of five seventh years, you are the only ones that advanced.
There are quite a few students that have been upgraded a year in one class or the other, others still that are very quick learners but lack the knowledge and have been given advanced courses in their given level but to reach your abilities, both of you, is frankly phenomenal.” Pulling a small object from his cloak, “Which leads to this topic.”
They both looked at the rather strange object in awe, Draco’s widening in recognition, “A time turner! But...” He stared at Albus, “Those are illegal!”
Dumbledore made a tutting noise, “They’re considered immoral by the Ministry and certainly frowned upon
but not illegal.”
Hermione held her head, “As long as one isn’t caught using them. Owning one isn’t illegal, using it is.”
“As I was saying, it’s a gray area, to be used with great discretion.” He handed it to Draco, who stared at the Headmaster, “As you will notice, both of you are teaching at the same time you are taking various classes. There is only one way I can think of for you to be in two places at the same time...”