Chapter 7: Talking with McGonagall

I woke the next morning to sun shining through my window. Everyone else seemed to be asleep still. Well, I didn't have the luxury. Time to get up.

Since we didn't have classes today, I didn't bother wearing my uniform; instead opting for a pair of comfy jeans, a black tank top, and my Gryffindor sweater. I let my long red hair swing loose down my back rather than pulling it up.

Satisfied, I grabbed my bag and quickly left Gryffindor Tower and headed towards Professor McGonagall's office. I didn't see anyone on the way; most everyone in the castle would be taking advantage of our last day to sleep in before classes start. I knew McGonagall would be awake, though, all of the Heads of Houses would be. Eventually, once everyone was awake, they would go to their Heads of Houses to get their class schedules. That was pretty much what this free day was for. And this way, the first years would be better able to find their way around.

I knocked hesitantly on the door. I knew she probably wasn't expecting anyone this early. "Come in." she said

"Good morning, Professor McGonagall," I said politely as I entered.

"Ms. Weasley. Here for your schedule?"

"Yes." She handed me the parchment with my schedule on it. "Umm…actually there was something I wanted to talk to you about, if that's okay?"

She looked surprised. "Well certainly, I'm not really expecting anyone to come for another hour or so, what is it you need?"

"Well…it's just…"

"I'd encourage you to just come out with it Ginevra, I won't bite." She said that last bit with a smile on her face.

I figured I had nothing to lose. "Well I was wondering if I could take my OWLs a year early." The next part came out in a rush. "I mean, I know that would mean taking fifth year classes, but you see, I've been studying fourth year material all summer with Hermione, and I think I could manage quite well. Also, I--"

"Miss Weasley." The Professor interrupted. "Let me get this straight. You wish to take you OWLs a year early?"

"Yes."

"And you are willing to take all fifth year classes to do so?"

"Yes."

"And you believe yourself capable of doing so while maintaining good marks?"

"I think I can."

"I need you to be sure this is what you want to do, and that you can do it."

"I… I am."

Professor McGonagall pulled out a piece of parchment and set a quill to writing with her wand. "You will need approval from all of your teachers. Once you get that, you must take this to the Headmaster for his approval. Or you may do it the other way around, if you wish, understand?" I nodded. "I will allow you to join my fifth year class, so long as you pass the fourth year exam. You may come to me any time today to take it, or you may do so during my class tomorrow." She signed the parchment and handed it to me. "I believe you are quite able to do this, but it won't be easy. You must apply yourself, understand?"

"Yes, Professor."

"Then go on, see what your other teachers say. Most of them should be in their classrooms."

"Thank you, Professor!" I said gratefully.

"You're welcome, Miss Weasley."

I left the room and began to head for Hagrid's cabin (might as well start with the teachers who are most likely to say yes), when my stomach rumbled. I instantly changed course and went to the Great Hall to eat breakfast instead.

I sat down next to Hermione and Harry. Ron was strangely absent. "Where's Ron?" I asked them. He wasn't exactly one to miss a meal.

"Still sleeping," Harry grumbled. What's got him in such a mood? I wondered.

Hermione gave him a look. "He would still be in bed, too, if I hadn't gotten him up. I tried to wake Ron, but he was like a log."

I laughed. No wonder Harry was being a grouch. "Here." I said, pulling out my wand. Harry's eyes met mine. "May I?" I asked him. "It'll make you feel better."

He nodded. Hermione gave me a suspicious look and I rolled my eyes at her. "prolixus suscitatio" I said.

Harry blinked and rubbed his eyes. "Did it work?" I asked hopefully.

"Yeah, if the point was to make me feel more awake."

I smiled and nodded. "It was."

"Thanks Gin."

"No problem, Harry."

Hermione was staring at me. "What did you do?"

"It was an awakening spell. Not like to wake a sleeping person, but to make a tired person feel more awake. I saw it in one of the books I read over the summer. It seemed useful, so I made sure to remember it."

"How come I don't know this spell?" She asked me. I shrugged.

"It was an old book. One of Padfoot's that he let me read. I wouldn't really expect you to know it." This seemed to bother her, but knowing Hermione, that wasn't a huge surprise. She liked to know things.

I just shook my head and started to eat my breakfast. There were plenty of spells I learned this summer that I could show her. But that could wait. Once I finished eating, I jumped up from the table and began to make a quick exit, saying goodbye to Hermione, Harry, and Ron (who had come in while I was eating) as I did so. I was almost out of the Great Hall when an arm wrapped around my waist and held me back. "Where are you going so fast?"

I turned to my boyfriend. "Michael." I said impatiently. "Will you please let go?"

"Why?" He asked. "I want to spend our last day class-free with you."

"I have something I need to do."

"What? All we have to do today is get our class schedules. Why in such a hurry for that?"

I sighed, thoroughly frustrated with him. "I already have mine. There's something else I need to do."

"What is it? I'll come with you."

"You can't."

"Why not?"

"Because-" I was interrupted by one of the Gryffindor Prefects.

"Ginny Weasley?"

"Yes?"

"Professor McGonagall told me to give this to you. Said you should read it right away, and go as soon as you can." She told me.

"Okay, thank you."

"Mhm." She said, before hurrying off. I turned away from Michael and quickly unfolded the parchment.

Miss Weasley,

Please do come see me in my office as soon as you are able to. It is about the matter we previously discussed. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

p.s: I like lemon drops.

"This," I said, waving the parchment. "Is why you can't come with me, Michael. Now, I have to go." And before he could say anything else, I headed to Dumbledore's office.

WATCHA!!! Haha 7th chapter has been completed! Okay, I've noticed a few things while writing this story, which I feel the inexplicable need to tell you all.

1: Most spells are in Latin (the one I used in this chappy is. It's Latin for wide awake)

2: Okay, so there's a ban on underage witches and wizards using magic outside of school, yes? But in one of the movies (I think it's the third? Maybe the second.) Harry is sitting in his room at #4 Privet Drive using Lumos to read! Ha! Underage magic, right there!

Oh, and I don't think they really have their first day of school free. But I just did that cuz I needed that day (obviously) to have Ginny talk to McGonagall. AND NONE OF YOU NOTICED MY GINNY NEEDS TO TALK TO MCGONAGALL STUFF!! That was what I wanted you all to see. Review pretty please? recenseo pulchellus commodo?? - look, I even have it in Latin!! NOW YOU MUST ALL REVIEW!!!!!!! Please and thank you :_)

Hehe....in this chapter i didn't have to revise anything at all... yay!! I'm very happy to be able to get this done fast now, because I really need to start cleaning for this party i'm having tonight for my birthday 333