Good kids?
You think Michael Corleone is violent, right?
Let's put it this way, the number of people Michael ordered to kill is not as many as the number of Dark Wizards Harry has killed.
Seeing that neither of them responded, Hermione realized she had drawn a blank.
But it wasn't the first time this happened; Hermione was long accustomed to such scenes, so she unabashedly spoke again: "So, what courses are you planning to choose?"
"Definitely not Ancient Runes," Ron said as he chewed on his ham, "It's too dull, too boring, but I haven't really thought of what exactly to learn yet. How about... first we eliminate Divination?"
"Divination is one of those easiest coursework to slack through," Hermione said without looking up, "Why not think about what you're suited to learning? I suggest you pick something simpler; your brain doesn't quite support complex things."
"You're so great, you study Arithmetic Divination," Ron retorted, "Why don't you go study this simple Divination class then?"
"Because Professor Trelawney thinks I lack talent in that area," Hermione said, raising her head as she spoke, reflecting thoughtfully: "What was it she said about me? Oh right, that my soul was as dry as a book, utterly uninteresting, I still remember, very clearly."
"Women." Ron and Harry exchanged a glance, "Truly hold grudges—"
"Hurry and eat," Hermione said calmly, "You're about to select courses, and you wouldn't want to be interrogated by Professor McGonagall for not being able to decide on electives all morning, would you?"
After breakfast, they remained seated, waiting for Professor McGonagall to step down from the staff table. This term's task of distributing schedules was more complex than usual; Professor McGonagall had to ensure each student's O.W.L results meet the criteria before allowing them to continue with their chosen N.E.W.T classes.
Hermione's courses were decided immediately; she would continue studying Magic Spell, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transformation Spell, Herbology, Arithmetic Divination, Ancient Runes, and Magic Potion.
Without delaying, she immediately went to attend her first Ancient Runes class.
Neville's situation took a little more effort; Professor McGonagall looked over his application while verifying his O.W.L results, anxiety fully evident on Neville's round face.
"Herbology, splendid," she said, "O.W.L result was 'Outstanding', Professor Sprout surely will be pleased to see you back. Defense Against the Dark Arts was 'Acceptable', qualified for continued electives. Transformation class was decent too, 'Acceptable' is enough, welcome to the advanced classes, continue learning Transformation class with me."
For a moment, the anxiety on Neville's face vanished.
Professor McGonagall looked at him through square spectacles, her eyes filled with encouragement and hope.
"I suggest you swap Divination for Magic Spell class." Professor McGonagall reiterated, "I've seen your result in Magic Spell was 'Acceptable'—why not apply for the advanced Magic Spell class?"
"My grandmother thinks opting for Magic Spell class is for convenience," Neville scratched his head in response.
"Choose Magic Spell class," Professor McGonagall said warmly, "I'll write to Augusta to remind her not to deem the course unworthy of learning because her Magic Spell O.W.L exam failed."
Seeing Neville's disbelief and delight, Professor McGonagall tapped an empty schedule with the tip of her Magic Wand, then handed it to Neville, which was already detailed with his semester courses.
"You may go now, Longbottom." Professor McGonagall reminded Neville.
However, Neville didn't move but curiously asked: "Professor, did you just say—my grandmother dislikes Magic Spell class because she failed her O.W.L exam in it?"
"Yes." Professor McGonagall's face revealed a rare smile, "We were classmates—you can verify this with her when you return; I believe she shouldn't assess a course's value based on her own results."
But that was clearly not what Neville thought; he merely marveled at how his always strong grandmother actually had times she failed...
"Alright, Longbottom." Professor McGonagall reminded him cheerfully not getting irritated, "You should leave now; the next person is still waiting."
"Alright, Professor." Neville left joyfully.
Next, Professor McGonagall turned to Parvati Patil.
"You don't want to choose Divination class, do you?" Professor McGonagall said warmly.
"Yes." Parvati said with a bowed head, "I'm not very fond of Professor Trelawney; she's truly too..."
"Oh, if that's the reason, then there's no need to worry." Professor McGonagall said seriously, "This year we have a new professor for Divination class... he just arrived at school today, didn't attend yesterday's banquet, and he'll teach the advanced classes for sixth and seventh grades."
"Really?" Parvati's eyes lit up.
"Yes." Professor McGonagall nodded, "Patil, not choosing Divination class is truly a pity—I saw your score, 'Outstanding', which means you have remarkable talent in Divination class."
"Alright, Professor!" Parvati left happily.
"Next up, Potter. Potter..." Professor McGonagall said as she reviewed her notes, turning to Harry, "Magic Spell, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Transformation Spell... all excellent. And let me add, I'm very pleased with your Transformation Spell result, Potter, extremely pleased."
"Thank you for the compliment, Professor." Harry nodded and said.
Professor McGonagall raised her head, glancing at her most talented student throughout her teaching career: "You are one of the most gifted students I've encountered since I started teaching, even the infamous... that person doesn't match your talent."
Those words...
If Voldemort had Harry's talent, that would be incredible?
"By the way." Professor McGonagall said again, "Your former captain, Angelina Johnson, graduated, now you'll be the captain of Gryffindor Quidditch Team."
This matter Angelina had also mentioned to Harry before.
"I understand, Professor." Harry nodded and said.
Professor McGonagall handed him the schedule, then added: "By the way—twenty students have signed up for the Quidditch Team, I'll give you the list later, you arrange a tryout when possible, that's the actual business."
Harry understood Professor McGonagall's unspoken message.
Classes aren't the main task, Quidditch is your main task!
Which seemed true, since Harry was already entirely at N.E.W.T.s level.
After standing, Harry left, taking a seat not far off, waiting for Ron.
It was clear Ron was quite confident, sitting upright accepting Professor McGonagall's guidance, managing to smile occasionally at Harry.
Nor could it be denied, Ron had indeed undergone considerable changes over the years.
After a while, Ron's schedule was ready too, his classes matched Harry's, the two left the table together.
"Look," Ron said happily, looking at his schedule, "We have no classes now... No classes after break either... No classes after lunch as well... It's great! It's completely different from last year's packed schedule!"
Having no classes, they returned to the common room, where there were only six or seven seventh-year students, including Katie Bell, the last remaining member of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team Harry joined in his first year.