A Deeper Connection: A New Beginning

A Deeper Connection - Part II

There would be exceptions though.

When Professor McGonagall told him to elaborate on the theory behind the Avifors Spell and the Switching spell after a quick lunch, his explanations once again left nothing to be desired. This however changed when he was asked to transfigure a small white mouse into a snuffbox. It was becoming apparent rather quickly that Transfiguration was not one of Thomas Prince's strong suits. While the body of the mouse turned into a sort of box shape, the legs and tails simply refused to integrate themselves into the snuffbox, which was still covered in the fluffy white fur no matter how much Thomas tried to transfigure the mouse. After a few minutes, he surrendered. The fur-covered snuffbox was still twitching as three legs tried to jump off the table. His attempt at the Avifors Spell was not much better.

"Mister Prince," Professor McGonagall sighed, looking up from the array of twitching feathered objects on the table, "while I see that you understand the theory behind both Transfigurations, you obviously lack practice. Under normal circumstances, you would not have passed your practical examination given your performance. Normally, I would argue in favour of placing you into first year for you to have more time to catch up. Having seen your previous performance, I think it would be counterproductive as it would only halt your development in other classes. Therefore, I will allow you to be placed in second year under two conditions. Firstly, that you do not fail any of the remaining classes of your examination. Secondly, you must promise to practice during the holidays and after the start of the school year. If you need help, I am sure Mister Potter can assist you as long as he sticks to the proper Spellwork. Is that acceptable, Mister Prince?"

"Ye... yes, Pro... Professor McGonagall," the Dark Lord answered, staring at his feet, clearly not satisfied with his performance.

Sensing the disappointment of the child in front of her, the stern Transfiguration professor stepped forward to pat his shoulder, obscuring a slightly puzzled Dumbledore from view, "I am certain if you put enough time and effort in your Spellcasting, you will catch up in no time."

"Tha... thank you," Tom mumbled as Professor McGonagall cleared the stage.

In her stead, Bridget Hawthorne stepped forward, a warm and encouraging smile on her face, "Mister Prince, I am Professor Hawthorne, your future History of Magic teacher. As far as I am informed, you grew up mostly in France. Is that correct?"

"Yes, Professor," the Dark Lord answered, sounding slightly less nervous and relieved that the Transfigurations exam was over, "I... I grew up mo... mostly in Le Havre."

"Not one of the countless cities and towns with a long history of magical residents, yet a city with an interesting History nonetheless, especially with what happened during the last Muggle world war," the Historian said. Tom nodded his head in agreement, slightly nervous what the pale witch might ask him next. Out of all teachers, Bridget Hawthorne probably was the most unpredictable one.

"Do not worry. I will not drill you with questions about the Muggle word," the Historian smiled, "were you taught about Wizarding history and if so, did they follow the French History of Magic curriculum, and use Rochechouart's Notre Magnifique Histoire ?"

" Oui... Eh... Yes," Tom finally answered, "that is the book my parents used..."

His voice broke after that. Much to her credit, Bridget Hawthorne did not simply ignore the emotional distress of the child in front of her. Instead, he felt a strong hand on his arm, squeezing him reassuringly, "If you need a moment to gather yourself, Mister Prince, please let me know."