Chapter 31.3- Doom Days

It mattered little, though, because I was careful. With the time turner, I could make very day count for one and a half with no problems and that meant I could get a solid six hours of sleep each day— while still getting thirty waking hours instead of twenty-four like everyone else did. I had time to work on charms, transfiguration, dark arts, review Flitwick’s memories, and attend training sessions with him, while still making sure I got all the rest I needed. That was exemplified by the fact that I knew that the past version of me was training in the Room of Requirements right now, while this version of me stood patiently in front of the Transfiguration mistress’ office.

“Come in” She finally said after I knocked for the second time. I swung the door open and stepped into the brightly lit space. Windows surrounded the space, giving it a sense of scale that most of the castle lacked. Benefits of being the deputy headmistress, most likely.

“You said you wanted to see me, Professor” I said, getting into things as she waved me towards the chair in front of her desk.

“As you well know, since you are an enrolled student of Hogwarts the International Confederation has a duty to keep us appraised of your exam applications as well as results from said exams” She began. I hadn’t actually known that, but there was no need to tell her that.

“So you must know that we received your application to take the International Ordinary Wizarding Levels almost as soon as the Confederation accepted it. We have also received your results, and while I congratulate you on the achievement, I find myself worried by the application you sent in as soon as you received it. Mr. Potter, have we failed you in some way?” She asked, looking drained.

“Whatever do you mean, Professor?” I asked.

“Taking your Ordinary Levels made sense because of how far ahead you have found yourself than your classmates. It would have meant that you would have resumed next session as a Sixth year and moved on thus, but taking your Advanced Levels so quickly means that you have no desire to resume next Session. Your parents spent Seven years each here, I just want to know what makes you want to spend only half that” She said, looking genuinely curious.

“Does it matter, though? I feel ready for the exams and I want to take them. Is there any need to make it more than that?” I asked.

“It must be. You know the position you occupy in our society. Every action you take is run through a microscope and examined. When it gets out that you chose to spend only four years here, the first thought would be that something is wrong with the school itself, and you understand why I would want to avoid that” She said. I shrugged.

“It’s not an indictment on you. I just feel that there is more I could achieve outside of here than within these institution’s walls” I said.

“You still intend to duel, don’t you? I doubt you have been able to find a tutor with greater pedigree and skill than dear Filius.” She began.