The Unspoken Reward

After Arithmancy, I made my way to Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall. During the first class, we didn't cover anything new. It was more about what would be expected of us throughout the year.

With classes barely over an hour, Professor McGonagall informed us that we would be allowed to practice on our own time. But, we still weren't allowed to work ahead of the curriculum without Professor McGonagall's permission.

At the end of the class, as I prepared to leave. Professor McGonagall said, "Mr. Fawley, please remain behind. I have something I would like to discuss with you."

As I nodded in acceptance, Cedric shot me a curious look. Normally, anytime someone is asked to stay behind, it's because Professor McGonagall is displeased with you.

Confused, I racked my mind for any reason for Professor McGonagall to be displeased with me. Although, I was planning on breaking her rules and working ahead this year. I hadn't actually done anything yet.

As the final student left and closed the door, the sense of being in trouble within me grew. Professor McGonagall stared at me from her desk chair with a stern gaze. It was a look that urges one to confess, even if you hadn't done anything wrong. I'll bet many students over the years have crumbled beneath her gaze.

After a moment of inspection, Professor McGonagall's stern expression seemed to relax, and she said, "Mr. Farley. Last year you indicated to me that you were interested in our student exchange program. Are you still interested in the program?"

After hearing what she wanted to know, my insides relaxed. With all the shenanigans Fred and George get up to, I don't see how they get away with anything under Professor McGonagall's watchful eyes. It's a wonder they aren't always in detention. But, I suppose having a magical map that allows them to track her movement helps.

Realizing that Professor McGonagall was waiting for an answer, I hurriedly nodded and replied, "Yes, I'm very interested. My cousin attends Uogadou, he's told me a lot of stories, and I'm curious to see if they hold true."

Professor McGonagall nodded thoughtfully as her lips pressed together in a firm line.

"Uagadou is a good choice," she said.

After a moment of silence, the faintest hint of a grimace appeared on Professor McGonagall's face as she admitted, "They have the best transfiguration program in the world. Having such a huge focus on transfiguration leads to their students having the largest percentage of students graduating with OWLs and NEWTs."

After processing her statement, I replied, "If they put that much focus on transfiguration, I imagine that it leads to them suffering in other areas."

Professor McGonagall nodded in agreement, "It does, you'll find they don't focus as much on Charms and Herbology. Their students tend to score lower in those subjects. If you are selected for the exchange program, I recommend bringing along volumes of our fourth-year textbooks in those subjects and studying them. That way, when you return for your fifth year, you aren't behind and can prepare for your OWLs."

Part of me danced with joy when I heard Uagadou doesn't focus that much on Herbology. It was my least favorite class, and I looked forward to my sixth-year when I could drop it. As for Charms, I wasn't concerned. I was already partway through the fifth-year book. I was looking forward to getting to the NEWT level spells. According to dad, that's when we start learning permanent or long-lasting enchantments.

While I was inwardly celebrating about less Herbology class, one of Professor McGonagall's statements caught up with me, she mentioned having to be selected for the program.

A little unsure, I asked, "Could you tell me more about the exchange program. How does it work? Who gets to decide who gets selected?"

"Well, it's a bit of a process." She answered, "There are several layers to getting approved. The first is the head of your house, which for you is Professor Flitwick. Once you get his approval, he will submit a small list of names from Ravenclaw. Once I get the lists from every house, I send it to the Board of Governors."

I couldn't help but ask, "Really? Why do the Governors decide who gets to go?"

Professor McGonagall's eyes tightened in disapproval, "The Board involves itself in the matter because they believe it's important only to allow students who will best represent Hogwarts."

"Although," she reluctantly admitted, "There is a considerable amount of politics involved with sending students to other schools."

Professor McGonagall answered my unspoken question. "The eleven great schools of magic guard their secrets carefully and are careful about letting outsiders. Each student in the exchange program has to be personally vetted by both the school and government they wish to visit. The Board of Governors makes sure this process runs smoothly."

The thought of not being selected for the program briefly crossed my mind. But luckily, I know someone who can help me out. For the first time, I was grateful that Grandma was on the board. Some people may complain of nepotism, but who cares what they think. What's the use of having and building connections with influential people if I don't use them? On that note, I should get Augusta Longbottom and the other governors I've made a good impression on to make sure my name is selected.

Still a little curious, I asked, "How many students will be selected?"

"Each house is allowed to send one student." Professor McGonagall explained.

"Are they allowed to choose whatever school they want?" I questioned.

A knowing look appeared on Professor McGonagall's face. "Each person selected is allowed to choose what school they wish to attend. Although it is rare, multiple students have chosen to attend the same school."

With my curiosity about the program satisfied, I fell silent. For a few moments, there was only silence between us. Breaking the stillness, I asked, "Professor McGonagall, Is that all?"

She shook her head and said, "There's something else I wanted to discuss with you. Back in your first year, you indicated that you wished to explore becoming an animagus."

I nodded in agreement, "You said I would have to wait till my sixth year before you would teach me."

Professor McGonagall's eyes narrowed at my reply. I had tried to keep the accusing tone out of my voice. Judging by her eyes, I doubt I succeeded.

"Well, Uagadou happens to have the most successful animagus success rates in the world. I believe their success rate is around 90 percent."

Having questioned my cousin on how so many became animagi, I explained, "They actually have a class that is dedicated to teaching their students to become animagus. It's similar to an elective class, but once you successfully become one, you can stop attending."

Professor McGonagall nodded as if she wasn't surprised by this information.

"It's actually one of the reasons I want to go to Uagadou," I confessed a little guiltily. I didn't want to wait until my sixth year to become an animagus.

For a moment, I was worried that she would be offended. But she said, "If you truly wish to become an animagus, going to Uagadou is probably your best chance at success."

Professor McGonagall gave a wry smile at my shock expression. "In all my years of teaching, I've only had one student successfully become an animagus. In all of Europe, there are only seven animagi."

When she said that, I smirked to myself, seven that you know of. I could think of three right off the bat, Uncle John, Sirius, and Rita Skeeter.

Not willing to correct her, I quietly listened as she continued.

"Part of the reason is there just isn't as much of a demand. But, the other is the difficulty involved. Almost every single student who has asked me to teach them has quit in frustration."

Professor McGonagall smirked at my confidant expression, "You'll understand when you have to try and keep a mandrake leaf in your mouth for a month. I will never forget that foul taste. It's been permanently burned into my memory."

The smirk on her face faded away, and her tone became rather casual as she said, "I've actually been wanting to set up an official class for animagus, but while I know how to teach students theoretically. Hogwarts doesn't have the best track record at teaching students."

Sensing where she was going with this, I jumped in, "But, if I am selected, and successfully take the animagus class. I'll be able to study their methods and bring that knowledge back to Hogwarts."

After she nodded, I clarified, "Won't they be annoyed if I copy their method."

Professor McGonagall shook her head, "Not as long as you're just studying their methods and not their secrets. Our student exchange programs are designed to show other schools how we do things. As well as learning that there might be other ways to accomplish things in magic."

Part of me was a little skeptical of her high minded thoughts on the student exchange program. If the magical schools of the world were so eager for others to adopt their ways, why were they so cagey about letting outsiders visit and learn?

Honesty, the student exchange program, sounded like it was built for students to spy on other schools and learn everything they could about them. That may also be another reason why they chose fourth=years to do the spying. For schools trying to prevent their secrets from being learned, the damage a fourth-year student could do was pretty limited. Who knows what a seventh year could learn with a whole year snoop around.

Before I said yes, a thought occurred to me. This whole conversation had led to this request. I wouldn't even be supposed if this request came from the very top. Now, I don't mind spying and gleaning knowledge for the school. But, it seems to me that I should be compensated for my effort, and like most Ravenclaws, the most valuable thing to me is knowledge.

Of course, I can't just blurt out a demand. I need to be subtle about this, just like Professor McGonagall was during this conversation. After running through a few ideas, I grinned. I knew just what to say.

Trying to hide a smirk, I said, "Of course I don't mind. Helping you set up a successful animagus program for Hogwarts would be good for the school."

Seeing the satisfied look appear on Professor McGonagall's face made it clear she was pleased with my response.

Now for my payment. My time with grandma had taught me to ask for things politely and subtly. I couldn't just come out and demand things quid pro quo. No, that would be considered rude and do nothing more than draw her ire.

That's why I just subtlety reminded her that I was doing both her and the school a favor. Now all I needed was to carefully bring up my request in a way that didn't seem like it was a demand or payment for services rendered.

After looking around the empty classroom, I mused, "You said Uagadou focuses heavily on transfiguration."

Unsure of where I was going with this train of thought, Professor McGonagall nodded in curiosity.

Keeping my tone causally, I asked, "Wouldn't it be embarrassing for Hogwarts if their student showed up and couldn't keep up with the rest of the students at Uagadou?"

Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes, and I knew she wasn't fooled for a second, which was good. I wanted her to know what I was asking for without actually asking for something. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that she picked up my request immediately. One doesn't climb to the rank of Deputy Headmistress and be the right arm of Professor Dumbledore without learning a few things.

"I suppose that may be embarrassing," Professor McGonagall reluctantly agreed.

As we say there in silence, Professor McGonagall studied me carefully as if she was trying to see what made me tick. Her intent gaze made a few droplets of sweat roll down my neck. I couldn't help but wonder if I just made a grave mistake. The silence became so great that I was sure I could hear a pin drop. The lizard part of my brain warned me to run. I was young and could surly outrun her.

After what seemed like forever, Professor McGonagall leaned forward and said, "In the interest of making sure Hogwarts isn't embarrassed next year. This year, some private lessons in transfiguration may be in order—Saturday, my office, nine o'clock sharp.

Worried that I would say something to screw it up, I just nodded in agreement.

My eyes widened in panic as Professor McGonagall pulled out her wand. I nearly bolted in panic right then and there. But, before I could do anything, she flicked her wand, and a few forms appeared. "Make sure to get these filled out and turned in to Professor Flitwick by October. You'll also need to get at least one parent's signature of approval."

Once I grabbed the forms, she flicked her head towards the door, "You better get going if you don't want to be late to your next class."

Eager to get away from her stern gaze, I gathered my things and headed to the door. By the time I made it to History of Magic, I had got my heart rate under control. I barely listened to Professor Binns as he started lecturing in his slow, monotone voice.

Most of my mind was pleased that I had maneuvered Professor McGonagall into private lessons. Not moving ahead had been frustrating for the last two years. So, when I saw a shot that would let me move forward at full speed, I couldn't help but take it. But, a small part of my mind warned me that I might have made a mistake back there. It was never a smart idea to piss off the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. While I wasn't sure if she was genuinely annoyed, I resolved to stay off her radar as much as possible this year. Of course, I realized it was ironic that with the extra lesson, staying under the radar would be rather tricky.

The rest of the class flew by, and soon it was time for lunch. I wanted to broach the subject with the rest of my friends. I knew some of them might be resistant to the idea, but I had two months to wear them down.

Luckily, meals were relaxed during the year, and you could sit where you pleased. It didn't take long before my friends were seated and eating lunch.

As I sat there playing with my food, I tried to come up with the best way to broach the topic. Being my best friend, Cedric knew when I had something I wanted to say but was trying to figure out the right way to say it. Eventually, he had enough of my hesitation and said, "Alex, whatever it is, just spit it out."

"Fine," I huffed. I had wanted to come up with the perfect arguments of why everyone should go to Uagadou with me.

Seeing as I had everyone's attention, I decided to rip off the bandage. "I'm applying for the student exchange program next year."

Three sets of eyes rapidly blinked at me in confusion. Wanting to explain, I said, "My cousin Omar attends Uagadou. He's the one who told me about the program."

Cedric, being the steady one in our group, calmly asked, "How long is the exchange?"

"The full year," I replied.

"What?" Anna demanded, "You're going to be gone all year."

I nodded and held up a hand to stall any other questions. "And, I want you three to come with me."

Ever since Professor McGonagall explained that there was an open spot for each house, I couldn't shake the idea of my friends coming along. Next year, a giant snake that can kill you just by looking at you will be slithering the pipes and halls. I know in the books no one was killed, but I couldn't help worry about my friends. It would ease my mind a great deal if they came along. I wish I could bring all my friends, but I will settle for my three closest friends.

Not surprisingly, Anna had gone from annoyed to being pleased in two seconds, "Sounds fun, I'm in."

I turned to Cedric, hoping for the same reply. A worried look appeared on his face. "I don't know Alex. I'm on the Hufflepuff Quidditch team. If I leave for a year, I will probably lose my spot."

Jumping into the conversation, Alicia added, "I'm in the same boat. Competition to be on the team is fierce. If I leave, I may not make it back."

I tried not to sigh in disappointment. I knew quidditch would be the major hurdle in getting Cedric and Alicia onboard. I decided to roll out the big wands, "You've got two months to think it over, but here is something that may change your minds."

As my friends leaned in with curiosity, I continued, "Uagadou has a class dedicated for their students to become animagus. Wouldn't it be awesome to go down there and learn? We would be the only students at Hogwarts who could freely transform ourselves without a wand."

I could see the idea of becoming an animagus tempted my friends. Professor McGonagall's demonstration in our first year left a profound impression on all of us.

A little hesitant, Cedric asked, "I thought becoming an animagus was extremely difficult."

"It is," I confirmed. "But, over the centuries, they've perfected their teaching methods. Almost everyone who attends the class is successful. My cousin was able to do it within a couple of months."

Alicia spoke up, "It's true, both of my parents attended Uagadou, and they both have animagus forms. I'm sure they would be thrilled if we went."

I could see Cedric was still torn, so I decided to stop pushing him so hard. "You don't have to answer right now, just think about it. You have until October to decide."