Chapter 11.4- Doom Days

When the class finally came to an end, I was not surprised when Flitwick asked me to remain behind. I was beginning to suspect that such would be the state of things with all the lecturers whose classes I would be attending today. If this was what NEWT level magic was in this day and age, then there was utility to be found in attending the lecturers. MCgonagalll hadn’t been teaching during Riddle’s time either, but considering Dumbledore had been the one handling the class in her stead, it would be a tall order for anything she did to improve upon the old man’s ridiculous teaching ability.

“You’ve been holding out on me, Mr. Potter. On all of us” He said as a way to begin the conversation we were about to have. I took the offered seat as we left the classroom in favour of his adjoined office. As a head of house, he got to enjoy a few privileges that few others were afforded.

“On myself too, I think. Once my name came out of the goblet, it felt like something shifted in me. I realised my life was in danger and I needed to learn as much magic as I could so that’s what I did, I learned.”

“Indeed? I have scarcely seen the hardening charm used so confidently on living creatures-“

“Transfigured creatures do not count as living” I was interrupting before even thinking about it and the Professor only gave me a wide smile instead of a scolding for the lack of manners.

“Yes. Bur for a certain definition of the word and as long as we leave Gamp’s laws alone, they do qualify. Especially when it comes to determining the suitability of charms for a target” He said, and I nodded at his words.

“I dare say you’d manage a perfect hardening charm on your own arm if asked,” I niodded when he looked at me and he gasped with a bright smile.

“A once in a generation talent, indeed. So now I must ask the question, Mr. Potter. What happens after the tournament? Hogwarts does not have provisions to allow talented students move up the years because of mandatory exams that must be taken” he said.

“Yes, I know about that. I was wondering if you would give me an exemption to take my OWLS over the Yuletide at the ICW” I said, finally making the ask. Seeing so much ICW involvement in the tournament had been what brought the idea to mind.

“Yes, you are more than skilled enough at this point and I am sure we can plug whatever gaps exist in our theoretical appreciation of charms, but I must ask though- why the ICW? You are aware that the International Ordinary Wizarding Levels tend to be more grueling than the local counterpart you can have taken at the ministry, are you not?”

“That’s part of the appeal, Professor. I do want to test myself. And the IOWLS are respected internationally but to use the Ministry OWLS abroad I’d have to get them verified. Also, I don’t really think the British Ministry likes me very much” I said, something telling me I could be more honest with the half-goblin than I would have been with most others