"This is good, Tamblin," Flitwick trilled. "Your efforts on the Memenograph are shaping up."
"Deciding on the idea was the hard part. Professor, I wanted to ask you something. I've been reading 'Legilimens, Occlumens, and You' like you suggested. I was wondering if it is possible to make a memory 'shield' of sorts."
"How do you mean?"
"Is there a memory enchantment that would make it so you could block legilimens by only letting them see the memory of your choice? Screening the rest of your memories with the one…"
Flitwick tapped a finger against his cheek.
"I don't think it has been done before, but I see no reason it couldn't be done. In fact it might be an excellent test. I've been presuming you have intended to carry on these lessons into next year. There is no official O.W.L. test for memory magics since they usually aren't taught in depth to students. I can petition the Ministry however."
Mention of the Ministry always made Tamblin wary.
"Petition them for what, professor?"
"Oh, to allow a special O.W.L. test. Not often done, of course. Generally the student completes a project which is presented to a panel of appropriate judges. If the panel agrees then a special entry is made in the student's record giving them equivalent O.W.L credit for the topic. I'd say if you were able to develop this memory screen of yours then that would do nicely."
"Develop it? You want me to create a whole new enchantment?"
"Well it won't be entirely new. It will be closely related to various other memory magics," Flitwick said.
"Still, sir, I mean… it's just…"
"Tamblin, you are a wonderfully gifted lad. I am not saying this won't be a challenge. It will, and should be. It is within your capabilities, though."
"Thank you, sir."
Flitwick smiled.
