So Much for No Strings Attached

Chapter 99 A Very Different Hogwarts

Nobody answered.

'Right, on to sixth years - if you have already taken your OWLs in the new subjects, you are more than welcome to sign up for the NEWT course. If there those of you who have limited or no experience then you can, of course, sign up for the OWL course. And you are more than welcome to come to the introductory sessions. Any questions?'

A black haired sixth year witch, raised her arm, 'Professor, do you really think we'll be able to do our OWLs in two years?'

'The OWL subject will still be in a sixth year slot,' Babbling said. 'So, you will have twice the lesson time than you would in third to fifth year.'

'Finally, seventh years, if you have never studied the subjects before I would not recommend you starting now - one year is not really enough time to learn. However, if you have already achieved your OWLs either through tutoring or self-study you are more than welcome to sign up for the NEWT level course. Any questions?'

'What happened to McGonagall?' Ron asked suddenly.

'Professor McGonagall will be retiring at the end of the term, so we are in a period of transition,' Babbling said calmly.

Ron was sure that Professor Babbling was purposefully not telling them everything. Ron was sure that because of McGonagall's closeness towards Dumbledore she was being forced to retire. Ron was sure that He Who Must Not Be Named was going after every Light affiliated witch and wizard and with the Ministry of Magic on his side he could do it without killing anyone and with Dumbledore murdered there was no one who could stop him.

'Before, I say anything else,' Babbling said seriously, 'I have a zero tolerance, policy where bullying is concerned - any form of bullying will result in an immediate detention and fifty points will be taken. Do I make myself clear? Professor Dumbledore has far too often shown favouritism to his former house, and I am here to say that this ends here! Does everyone understand?'

Nods rounded the room.

'Good,' Babbling said. 'Second years I have your timetables here - as for third years and above due to the timetable changes, they will not be handed out until Sunday.'

- - - - - -

'So, what do you think?' asked Dean casually.

'Duelling will be cool,' declared Seamus brown eyes brimming with enthusiasm.

'So, are you changing subjects?' asked Neville nervously.

'I-'Ron began.

'Of course,' Seamus said dismissively. 'Divination is an utter waste of time. And duelling is wicked.'