Disclaimer: J.K owns most - I twist the story.
A/N: This is really a bridge chapter to join Chapters 9 & 11. That must be its excuse for being so small. Rest assured - the next chapter will be up as soon as I receive ten reviews - it is already written.
The Parting of the Twain
Chapter 10: Subjected to Choice
The months slipped by with no event of major consequence except hard work - particularly for the Fifth and Seventh years that were sitting their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s respectively. Towards the end of the spring term, all fifth-years had to decide which subjects to take for Sixth and Seventh Year.
"So let me get this straight," said Padma. "At N.E.W.T. level you do four or five subjects."
"Most people do four," explained George, who she had come to for advice.
"I'm doing five," said Hermione, brightly.
"You take his point?" asked Ron, with a shrewd look at his best friend.
"It's really hard to cope with Five Newts because you don't get study periods. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone apart from Hermione."
"What did you take?" asked Harry.
"Magical Sports, Transfiguration, Charms and Herbology," said George, ticking them off on his fingers. "Fred did Magical Sports, Transfiguration, Astronomy and Arithmancy."
"Fred never told me he did Arithmancy," remarked Hermione.
"Know what you want to do yet, Hermione?" asked Padma, trying to act casual.
"Transfiguration, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Ancient Languages, Charms, Herbology, History's important of course, oh and possibly Music..."
"Sorry to degrade your Arithmancy skills," said Padma. "But you've exceeded five."
"There's so much to choose from, though!" moaned Hermione.
Harry and Ron glanced at each other. "Don't go over the top now," they cautioned. "Remember third year..."
Padma and George looked at each other confused.
"What do you think I should do?" asked Ron, obviously changing the subject.
"It really depends on what you want to do," shrugged George. "Bill had to do Arithmancy, Charlie had to do Care of Magical Creatures, Percy had to do Ancient Languages to get into the Ministry... But nearly everyone has to do Transfiguration."
"All I want to do is give up Potions," smiled Ron, at the thought of no more Snape.
*
Parvati was taking Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology and Enchanted Art. "It's so exciting," she babbled. "You use your wand to pick up the brushes and paint!"
"I'd be useless at that," said Padma, relieved that she did not want to do any of the same subjects: she would never have to compete.
Mandy had chosen Muggle Studies, Transfiguration, Herbology and Magical Sports. "I'm not too keen on Quidditch," she explained. "But apparently, they do go into other sports like air-polo."
"Sounds thrilling," smiled Padma, who knew Hogwarts' Sports keeper, Madam Hooch to be obsessed with Quidditch. "What are you doing, Lise?"
Although far from being stupid, Lisa had never excelled at Hogwarts. Pupils often nastilly wondered why the Sorting Hat had put her in Ravenclaw.
"Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Charms and Magical Music," she said proudly.
"Oh, I was thinking of doing Music," said Padma, who thought it would be interesting to watch a stringed instrument play itself.
"Oh," said Lisa, put out.
*
The deciding day had come. The Ravenclaws were behind the Gryffindors in the queue to announce their choices so Padma was fortunate enough to be able to talk to her other friends. "Bit harsh this way of choosing subjects," she said. "We didn't have to choose our O.W.L.s this way." The entire teaching staff at Hogwarts was seated in a line and could openly say if they did not think the pupil capable of studying their subject. Hermione shrugged. "O.W.L.s are much easier than N.E.W.T.s.," she said.
"Brown, Lavender please," said Professor McGonagall. Lavender's choices turned out to be identical to Parvati's. Seamus was next. "Your first subject choice, please," asked Professor McGonagall.
"Transfiguration," he said looking her straight in the eye.
"Really Mr. Finnigan, you astonish me," said McGonagall, a smile playing about her lips. "You would have thought that since you could not turn a shoe-box into a guinea-pig, you might consider Transfiguration not to be your subject." Seamus went pink, but stood his ground. "However," McGonagall continued. "You can learn when you set your mind to it, so I'll give you a chance." Seamus let out a deep breath. "Second choice?"
"What?" After surviving his first choice, Seamus had forgotten he was only a quarter of the way through. "Oh, Charms." Professor Flitwick smiled and said, "I don't see why not."
"Third?" barked McGonagall.
"Magical Sports," said Seamus directing his request in the direction of the Sports department. Madam Hooch surveyed him like a hawk. "It's not all Quidditch in here, boy. We train you hard for games such as racing... oh I can't be bothered. He's in."
"And finally?"
"Herbology," said Seamus looking at Madam Sprout.
"Pleasure to have you Seamus," smiled Madam Sprout. Seamus could not help grinning. "Don't stand there smirking," sighed McGonagall. "Go away!"
Seamus practically skipped offstage while Hermione was being called.
So it continued. Hermione was welcomed into Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Ancient Languages, Charms and The Study of Ancient Runes with open arms. Neville's teachers sighed as they allowed him to study Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, Astronomy and Magical Music.
McGonagall seemed rather amused when Parvati chose the same subjects as Lavender had done, but said nothing.
Harry went up next. "Mr Potter, first subject please?"
"Transfiguration, Professor," he replied.
"Well, as long as you don't distract Mr. Weasley too much, you'll be very welcome," she sighed. Padma could tell she was trying not to give him special attention. "Second?"
"Charms," he said. Professor Flitwick said in a very high voice that he would be honoured. "Third, Mr Potter?"
"Magical Sports." This came as a surprise to nobody. Harry had been the youngest seeker in a century. Madam Hooch tried to conceal her delight.
"And finally?"
Harry gulped. "Defence Against the Dark Arts," he said, deliberately not looking at Snape. There was a gasp from the fifth-years. Snape greasily ran his fingers through his hair. "So, Potter, you think you're good enough for my class, do you?" he hissed.
"I will try to be good enough for the subject," answered Harry. He could not stop himself from adding. "Professor Dumbledore, we are getting a new teacher next year aren't we? So I'd have to be good enough for their class?"
Dumbledore grinned as he replied. "Most probably, Harry, but Professor Snape has the final word."
"I'll get back to you," drawled Snape with a casual air. Professor McGonagall shot him a filthy look. "We have to grant or deny pupils today, Severus."
Snape looked trapped; it was a most satisfying sight. In the end, he had no choice but to allow Harry in "but," he added as Harry was attempting to make good his escape, "I will be informing the next Professor of your weaknesses and telling him to watch out for you."
"Thankyou, Professor," said Harry with a fleeting smile.
Dean Thomas chose Enchanted Art, Transfiguration, Herbology and Charms. Madam Dessin was thrilled to have Dean in her class as she had seen the banners he had drawn for Gryffindor. "Of course you need to be good at freehand Art before you learn to manipulate the materials," she gushed.
Out of the Gryffindors, there was only Ron left now. He chose Transfiguration, Astronomy, Herbology and Magical Sports and was accepted (though a bit reluctantly into Professor Sinistra's class.)
Padma waited impatiently for Boot, Brocklehurst, Moon and Nott to finish. "Well Miss Patil?" asked Professor McGonagall when her eventual turn came. "Are you going to join your sister's and Lavender's identical choice?" A smile played about her lips, so Padma knew she was joking. "No Professor," she replied.
"First subject choice?"
"Transfiguration."
"Accepted," replied McGonagall readily. "Second?"
"Ancient Languages?" Professor Linguallus looked at her keenly. "Do you speak another human language?" he asked.
"Yes, Professor, Urdu."
"Ah..." he said. "That is an advantage, of course. Do you know which two languages you would like to study?"
"Possibly Mermish," she replied. "I'm not sure about the other one."
"Welcome in Miss Patil," he said with a jovial expression running across his face.
"Third choice?"
"Charms."
Professor Flitwick was Head of Ravenclaw House. "Good choice Miss Patil," he said.
"And finally?"
"Magical Music."
Madam Clavier looked her up and down and Padma felt uncomfortable at once. "Do you play any instruments at the moment, my dear?" she asked.
"I used to play the violin for a while, but I stopped. I can play a few tunes on the piano."
"Can you sing?"
"I try."
"Would Voice be your main instrument, my dear - Piano being your second?"
Padma nodded. Madam Clavier was not going to ask her to sing on the spot, was she? "Singing varies a great deal from the others, Miss Patil," she said. "Your voice being so much a part of you for so many years, has to then be trained to be isolated from your body while you control it with your wand. The sound is supposed to be better than it normally is, but only at the end of your N.E.W.T. training course will it produce a quaver that is near bearable to listen to."
Padma nodded, bewildered. "On the other hand, I could do violin again..."
Madam Clavier smiled and shook her head. "You have the body of a singer. Work on that."
"Does this mean that I can take the subject?" asked Padma, confused.
"Of course, dear," smiled Madam Clavier.
Professor McGonagall called Lisa up then proceeded with the Hufflepuffs.
*
"I'm glad that's over," sighed Padma. "I didn't know you wanted to do Defence against the Dark Arts, Harry."
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I have to do it if I'm thinking about being an Auror." He turned to his best friends. "Why d'you do Astronomy, Ron? You always hate the homework."
Ron blushed at this. "I wanted to do a subject that none of my brothers did for N.E.W.T. level. The only thing I can think of doing with the rest of my life is working in space. I suppose you want to work for the Ministry, Hermione."
"Well, it did appeal to me," agreed Hermione, taking him seriously. "But with my choice of subjects I can do a number of things."
"D'you reckon we'll be in the same class for Languages?" asked Padma, who had never been in one of Hermione's classes before, and frankly wanted all the help she could get.
"Should be. Not that many people took it. I want to do goblin."
"Will you guys please stop talking about work?" moaned Fred. "The Hogwarts Express leaves tomorrow - get packing!"
*
"Looking forward to the party?" asked Mandy.
"Should be great," grinned Padma, but she had a very bad feeling about it. She threw the remainder of her books into her suitcase. "Oh I asked George, he says Terry can come. And Mike and Nick are invited too."
"He didn't mind did he?" asked Mandy cautiously.
"No, loads of people are coming."
"Are his brothers coming?" asked Lisa, trying unsuccessfully to sound casual.
"Yes. They're bringing their girlfriends."
Lisa made a moue. "When will you two learn to secure Terry and George?" Padma and Mandy exchanged glances. "There they are, two boys, gagging for you and all you do is say 'we're just friends'."
"Shut up Lisa," they grumbled in unison.
"What's happening with Terry, anyway?" asked Padma, acting as though Lisa was not present. "I just don't think I'm ready to be - to be official with him. I just don't like him like that. Don't you think it's unfair if I went out with him and he liked me more than I liked him?"
"Perfect Prefect," said Padma. "I don't think he'd see it that way somehow."
"What's going on with George, then?" asked Mandy, pouting.
"I don't know," shrugged Padma honestly. "I think we've accepted that it's never going to happen. He is leaving in a few months - and he's three years older than me."
There was more to be said of course, but it was hard to express - and even if she could have put the connection that they shared into words, she doubted that she would have told him. Her heart did whisper that it was destiny that tied them together, their pasts being so identical could hardly be called coincidence. She shook her head, determined to think of George Weasley no more except in reference to his party.
A/N: This is really a bridge chapter to join Chapters 9 & 11. That must be its excuse for being so small. Rest assured - the next chapter will be up as soon as I receive ten reviews - it is already written.
The Parting of the Twain
Chapter 10: Subjected to Choice
The months slipped by with no event of major consequence except hard work - particularly for the Fifth and Seventh years that were sitting their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s respectively. Towards the end of the spring term, all fifth-years had to decide which subjects to take for Sixth and Seventh Year.
"So let me get this straight," said Padma. "At N.E.W.T. level you do four or five subjects."
"Most people do four," explained George, who she had come to for advice.
"I'm doing five," said Hermione, brightly.
"You take his point?" asked Ron, with a shrewd look at his best friend.
"It's really hard to cope with Five Newts because you don't get study periods. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone apart from Hermione."
"What did you take?" asked Harry.
"Magical Sports, Transfiguration, Charms and Herbology," said George, ticking them off on his fingers. "Fred did Magical Sports, Transfiguration, Astronomy and Arithmancy."
"Fred never told me he did Arithmancy," remarked Hermione.
"Know what you want to do yet, Hermione?" asked Padma, trying to act casual.
"Transfiguration, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Ancient Languages, Charms, Herbology, History's important of course, oh and possibly Music..."
"Sorry to degrade your Arithmancy skills," said Padma. "But you've exceeded five."
"There's so much to choose from, though!" moaned Hermione.
Harry and Ron glanced at each other. "Don't go over the top now," they cautioned. "Remember third year..."
Padma and George looked at each other confused.
"What do you think I should do?" asked Ron, obviously changing the subject.
"It really depends on what you want to do," shrugged George. "Bill had to do Arithmancy, Charlie had to do Care of Magical Creatures, Percy had to do Ancient Languages to get into the Ministry... But nearly everyone has to do Transfiguration."
"All I want to do is give up Potions," smiled Ron, at the thought of no more Snape.
*
Parvati was taking Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology and Enchanted Art. "It's so exciting," she babbled. "You use your wand to pick up the brushes and paint!"
"I'd be useless at that," said Padma, relieved that she did not want to do any of the same subjects: she would never have to compete.
Mandy had chosen Muggle Studies, Transfiguration, Herbology and Magical Sports. "I'm not too keen on Quidditch," she explained. "But apparently, they do go into other sports like air-polo."
"Sounds thrilling," smiled Padma, who knew Hogwarts' Sports keeper, Madam Hooch to be obsessed with Quidditch. "What are you doing, Lise?"
Although far from being stupid, Lisa had never excelled at Hogwarts. Pupils often nastilly wondered why the Sorting Hat had put her in Ravenclaw.
"Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Charms and Magical Music," she said proudly.
"Oh, I was thinking of doing Music," said Padma, who thought it would be interesting to watch a stringed instrument play itself.
"Oh," said Lisa, put out.
*
The deciding day had come. The Ravenclaws were behind the Gryffindors in the queue to announce their choices so Padma was fortunate enough to be able to talk to her other friends. "Bit harsh this way of choosing subjects," she said. "We didn't have to choose our O.W.L.s this way." The entire teaching staff at Hogwarts was seated in a line and could openly say if they did not think the pupil capable of studying their subject. Hermione shrugged. "O.W.L.s are much easier than N.E.W.T.s.," she said.
"Brown, Lavender please," said Professor McGonagall. Lavender's choices turned out to be identical to Parvati's. Seamus was next. "Your first subject choice, please," asked Professor McGonagall.
"Transfiguration," he said looking her straight in the eye.
"Really Mr. Finnigan, you astonish me," said McGonagall, a smile playing about her lips. "You would have thought that since you could not turn a shoe-box into a guinea-pig, you might consider Transfiguration not to be your subject." Seamus went pink, but stood his ground. "However," McGonagall continued. "You can learn when you set your mind to it, so I'll give you a chance." Seamus let out a deep breath. "Second choice?"
"What?" After surviving his first choice, Seamus had forgotten he was only a quarter of the way through. "Oh, Charms." Professor Flitwick smiled and said, "I don't see why not."
"Third?" barked McGonagall.
"Magical Sports," said Seamus directing his request in the direction of the Sports department. Madam Hooch surveyed him like a hawk. "It's not all Quidditch in here, boy. We train you hard for games such as racing... oh I can't be bothered. He's in."
"And finally?"
"Herbology," said Seamus looking at Madam Sprout.
"Pleasure to have you Seamus," smiled Madam Sprout. Seamus could not help grinning. "Don't stand there smirking," sighed McGonagall. "Go away!"
Seamus practically skipped offstage while Hermione was being called.
So it continued. Hermione was welcomed into Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Ancient Languages, Charms and The Study of Ancient Runes with open arms. Neville's teachers sighed as they allowed him to study Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, Astronomy and Magical Music.
McGonagall seemed rather amused when Parvati chose the same subjects as Lavender had done, but said nothing.
Harry went up next. "Mr Potter, first subject please?"
"Transfiguration, Professor," he replied.
"Well, as long as you don't distract Mr. Weasley too much, you'll be very welcome," she sighed. Padma could tell she was trying not to give him special attention. "Second?"
"Charms," he said. Professor Flitwick said in a very high voice that he would be honoured. "Third, Mr Potter?"
"Magical Sports." This came as a surprise to nobody. Harry had been the youngest seeker in a century. Madam Hooch tried to conceal her delight.
"And finally?"
Harry gulped. "Defence Against the Dark Arts," he said, deliberately not looking at Snape. There was a gasp from the fifth-years. Snape greasily ran his fingers through his hair. "So, Potter, you think you're good enough for my class, do you?" he hissed.
"I will try to be good enough for the subject," answered Harry. He could not stop himself from adding. "Professor Dumbledore, we are getting a new teacher next year aren't we? So I'd have to be good enough for their class?"
Dumbledore grinned as he replied. "Most probably, Harry, but Professor Snape has the final word."
"I'll get back to you," drawled Snape with a casual air. Professor McGonagall shot him a filthy look. "We have to grant or deny pupils today, Severus."
Snape looked trapped; it was a most satisfying sight. In the end, he had no choice but to allow Harry in "but," he added as Harry was attempting to make good his escape, "I will be informing the next Professor of your weaknesses and telling him to watch out for you."
"Thankyou, Professor," said Harry with a fleeting smile.
Dean Thomas chose Enchanted Art, Transfiguration, Herbology and Charms. Madam Dessin was thrilled to have Dean in her class as she had seen the banners he had drawn for Gryffindor. "Of course you need to be good at freehand Art before you learn to manipulate the materials," she gushed.
Out of the Gryffindors, there was only Ron left now. He chose Transfiguration, Astronomy, Herbology and Magical Sports and was accepted (though a bit reluctantly into Professor Sinistra's class.)
Padma waited impatiently for Boot, Brocklehurst, Moon and Nott to finish. "Well Miss Patil?" asked Professor McGonagall when her eventual turn came. "Are you going to join your sister's and Lavender's identical choice?" A smile played about her lips, so Padma knew she was joking. "No Professor," she replied.
"First subject choice?"
"Transfiguration."
"Accepted," replied McGonagall readily. "Second?"
"Ancient Languages?" Professor Linguallus looked at her keenly. "Do you speak another human language?" he asked.
"Yes, Professor, Urdu."
"Ah..." he said. "That is an advantage, of course. Do you know which two languages you would like to study?"
"Possibly Mermish," she replied. "I'm not sure about the other one."
"Welcome in Miss Patil," he said with a jovial expression running across his face.
"Third choice?"
"Charms."
Professor Flitwick was Head of Ravenclaw House. "Good choice Miss Patil," he said.
"And finally?"
"Magical Music."
Madam Clavier looked her up and down and Padma felt uncomfortable at once. "Do you play any instruments at the moment, my dear?" she asked.
"I used to play the violin for a while, but I stopped. I can play a few tunes on the piano."
"Can you sing?"
"I try."
"Would Voice be your main instrument, my dear - Piano being your second?"
Padma nodded. Madam Clavier was not going to ask her to sing on the spot, was she? "Singing varies a great deal from the others, Miss Patil," she said. "Your voice being so much a part of you for so many years, has to then be trained to be isolated from your body while you control it with your wand. The sound is supposed to be better than it normally is, but only at the end of your N.E.W.T. training course will it produce a quaver that is near bearable to listen to."
Padma nodded, bewildered. "On the other hand, I could do violin again..."
Madam Clavier smiled and shook her head. "You have the body of a singer. Work on that."
"Does this mean that I can take the subject?" asked Padma, confused.
"Of course, dear," smiled Madam Clavier.
Professor McGonagall called Lisa up then proceeded with the Hufflepuffs.
*
"I'm glad that's over," sighed Padma. "I didn't know you wanted to do Defence against the Dark Arts, Harry."
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I have to do it if I'm thinking about being an Auror." He turned to his best friends. "Why d'you do Astronomy, Ron? You always hate the homework."
Ron blushed at this. "I wanted to do a subject that none of my brothers did for N.E.W.T. level. The only thing I can think of doing with the rest of my life is working in space. I suppose you want to work for the Ministry, Hermione."
"Well, it did appeal to me," agreed Hermione, taking him seriously. "But with my choice of subjects I can do a number of things."
"D'you reckon we'll be in the same class for Languages?" asked Padma, who had never been in one of Hermione's classes before, and frankly wanted all the help she could get.
"Should be. Not that many people took it. I want to do goblin."
"Will you guys please stop talking about work?" moaned Fred. "The Hogwarts Express leaves tomorrow - get packing!"
*
"Looking forward to the party?" asked Mandy.
"Should be great," grinned Padma, but she had a very bad feeling about it. She threw the remainder of her books into her suitcase. "Oh I asked George, he says Terry can come. And Mike and Nick are invited too."
"He didn't mind did he?" asked Mandy cautiously.
"No, loads of people are coming."
"Are his brothers coming?" asked Lisa, trying unsuccessfully to sound casual.
"Yes. They're bringing their girlfriends."
Lisa made a moue. "When will you two learn to secure Terry and George?" Padma and Mandy exchanged glances. "There they are, two boys, gagging for you and all you do is say 'we're just friends'."
"Shut up Lisa," they grumbled in unison.
"What's happening with Terry, anyway?" asked Padma, acting as though Lisa was not present. "I just don't think I'm ready to be - to be official with him. I just don't like him like that. Don't you think it's unfair if I went out with him and he liked me more than I liked him?"
"Perfect Prefect," said Padma. "I don't think he'd see it that way somehow."
"What's going on with George, then?" asked Mandy, pouting.
"I don't know," shrugged Padma honestly. "I think we've accepted that it's never going to happen. He is leaving in a few months - and he's three years older than me."
There was more to be said of course, but it was hard to express - and even if she could have put the connection that they shared into words, she doubted that she would have told him. Her heart did whisper that it was destiny that tied them together, their pasts being so identical could hardly be called coincidence. She shook her head, determined to think of George Weasley no more except in reference to his party.