Early update because I have a three day exam next week (bit ironic given the title of this chapter)
Also about Hermione quitting divination - I thought she quit much earlier on too. But after rereading a bit of the book and scrolling through wiki it seems she did quit around easter time (she was so close to making it to the end of the year). I think the film made it look like she left much earlier on.
Anyway, thanks for the reviews :) Hope you enjoy this chapter
5 June 1994
"Last exam tomorrow," Minerva said, leaning back in her chair and observing the board. She and Albus had been playing chess for a little over an hour. They were nearing the end of the game now — or rather, Minerva was close to finishing it.
"I hear Remus has organised quite an interesting test for our Third Years?" Albus commented.
"He has," she said slowly, scanning the board. "An interesting way to end the exam season, in my opinion. Queen to E6."
Minerva's queen took Albus' pawn and the latter frowned slightly.
"I am quite certain Granger is looking forward to the end of this year," she added.
"Yes, I have heard that Miss Granger has stretched herself quite a bit this year," Albus replied, resting his chin on his pressed fingertips; a habit Minerva had observed he practised when he was concentrating. She smiled slightly. "Rook to F3."
Albus moved his rook forward 5 spaces and Minerva sat back up.
"Well, I don't think I will allow her to do this again next year," she said.
He raised his eyebrows interestedly, breaking eye contact for a moment with the chess set. "When are you going to break that news to her?"
"Not now," Minerva replied. "I would have stopped her from taking all of these subjects earlier but I thought it wouldn't be fair seeing as she had come this far."
He raised an eyebrow.
"What?" she said.
"I sense that is a slight untruth," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You have been quite lenient with the rules, my dear."
"Is that a reproach?"
"Not at all," he said. "I think this has taught Miss Granger a valuable lesson," he added, looking back down at the board and observing Minerva's move. "She reminds me very much of yourself as a student. She is not unlike you."
"Ha," Minerva said lightly, somewhat amused. "Well, let us hope she does not come to me for lessons on how to become an animagus."
Albus chuckled and Minerva allowed herself a small smile.
"I can't imagine how much paperwork you had to go through with Professor Dippet," she added.
"Quite a fair amount, my dear professor," chimed in Armando from his portrait. "It was quite unheard of having a third year ask for animagus tuition."
Albus smiled. "Indeed." He then looked back down at the board for a minute. "I think you have won this game, Minerva," he told her, after a pause. "Four more moves—"
"Three," Minerva corrected, pointing out her next three moves.
"Ah, yes of course," he said, before looking up and putting his hand out. Minerva smiled and shook it. "Excellent game, my dear. Where does that leave us now?"
"40-40 I believe," Minerva replied. "I hope we don't end up drawing like last year."
Dumbledore shook his head. "It is not my intention to draw," he said, waving his wand so that the pieces floated off the board and back into the small dark green pouches on the table. "Will the winner receive a prize?"
"I hope so. I quite liked that book you got me two years ago."
"And I the chocolate eclairs you got me the year before."
"Hm," Minerva said, with a wry smile. She then stood up and collected her belongings. "Well, last match tomorrow evening."
"May the best player win," Albus added.
She bowed her head and he smiled.
"Goodnight, my dear."
"See you at breakfast, Albus." She began to leave however stopped just as she opened the door. "Will you stay with Hagrid tomorrow when Buckbeak...?"
His face grew sombre. "I will."
"Good," Minerva said, pausing slightly. "I'm glad," she added. "It really is an awful business."
He nodded and Minerva sighed.
"See you tomorrow," she said finally, with a small wave before closing the door quietly behind her.