Chapter 6: Parents?!

The Triwizard Tournament? Hell, no! "No, of course not," I say. "I'd have to be crazy to want that."

"Good," Hermione says quickly, turning a glare on Ron. "You know you aren't going to outsmart Dumbledore, why even bother thinking about it?"

"For a thousand galleons? Of course I'd try it!" Ron says hotly.

"I'm interested to see what people try to get past it, but that's about it," I say. "I'm pretty sure Champions have died before. Probably has something to do with why they haven't held them for so long."

Ron pales at that, but still looks defiant. "Well I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't let that happen."

"That's the thing," I say seriously, thinking of Cedric. "Who's to say Dumbledore will be able to stop it?"

The table immediately around me falls silent.

I'm not paying much attention to my surroundings, so I jump a bit when Professor McGonagall breaks the quiet. "Mr. Lerner, would you come with me, please?"

I glance around, feeling a bit bad at sobering the mood, but Harry and Hermione both give me a reassuring nod.

Professor McGonagall and I make the walk in silence. She doesn't even glance back at me, so I simply fall into step behind her until, after a surprisingly brief trip, we reach the gargoyle. 

It looks completely stationary until she mutters what I assume is the password, and the gargoyle moves with surprising alacrity and a distinct lack of the grinding I subconsciously expected. 

The wizened Headmaster is waiting in front of his desk with a pleasant smile.

"Welcome, welcome, Mr. Lerner. I trust you had a good trip?"

I don't know how much he knows already, or what exactly the transcript mentioned in my letter entails considering I have no recollection of applying, so I simply nod.

"Well, we have several things to discuss, so let's get right to it, shall we? But first I must admit some curiosity. It seems odd to worry about the sanity of an ancient, semi-sentient Hat, Mr. Lerner, yet I must confess I was quite concerned there for a few minutes," Professor Dumbledore says smiling. "What exactly did you do?"

"I told it a joke, I guess. To be more precise, I thought of a joke and the Hat saw it in my head."

"Indeed? I'm sure that wasn't the first time that has occurred though."

I think about what the Hat said about being neither male nor female. "Uh...well I suspect the Hat doesn't find itself on many fourteen-year-olds, right?"

"Are you suggesting the Hat prefers lewd humor?" McGonagall asks sternly.

Yikes, that's way scarier than in the movies. "Sorry, ma'am," I say with a blush.

"Not to worry, Mr. Lerner, not to worry," Dumbledore cut in jovially. "I'm sure it wasn't completely intentional. In fact I might have to try that myself...I just heard this one about a troll, a hag, and a leprechaun who all go into a barâ€""

"Albus."

"Er, ahem, right, anyway...now, I think next up on the agenda: since you're in Professor McGonagall's House, we can talk about your electives. Have you given it any thought?"

"Yes sir, I was thinking Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Care of Magical Creatures."

"Three you say? Very nice, very nice. Did you have any questions about them, or your decision? I must say catching up in Ancient Runes and Arithmancy may prove difficult, since they tend to build on previous lessons, though there is a review period at the beginning of each year."

"No questions at the moment, though if I'm lost I'll be sure to notify the professor. The only thing I don't know about is how I'm going to get my books and other supplies. I don't have any money except a few American dollars."

"Indeed? That is most unusual. Your tuition has been paid or else you wouldn't be here. What about your parents?"

I shrug, "Muggles. I haven't spoken to them in a long time." I try to hide the emotion in my voice, but I don't think I could stop the wavering at first. 

It's only been a few days, but I have a feeling it'll be a long time before I get another chance. 

Damn, I wonder what they think is going on? I can't very well send them a message from 1994!

"I'll look into it, Albus," Professor McGonagall says softly. Well, softly for her, which means a hint of mild concern breaking through her stern facade.

"Hermione Granger said I could borrow some of her books when I needed them, though she looked loathe to part with them," I say, smiling at the memory.

"I can imagine that would be the case," Dumbledore says, eyes twinkling. "It will be difficult, but you can get by without books. However, you'll certainly need other items. You have a wand, I take it?"

"I do," I say, pulling it out of my pocket and holding it out.

"Excellent, may I?" Dumbledore asks.

I nod and reach out to allow him to take it.

"Hmmm, most interesting. I don't sense any of the so-called 'big three' cores that Ollivander uses, do you know the core and wood?"

I shake my head. "It...wasn't mine until recently." An entirely truthful statement, I am proud to note.

"I see. Unfortunately I am not well-versed enough in wandlore to have the skill to tell you anything further. But as long as you are okay with it?"

"Sure, I'd like to see a wandmaker at some point, but I might as well wait until I can afford it." I don't mention that I have no idea if I can actually use it. 

Was I even holding onto it when I conjured that gum? Is that even what happened? I mean, I did feel that rush...

The two adults are silent, and a question strikes me. "Do you offer wandmaking classes or seminars here?"