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"It's the most difficult elective of third-year." Nigel's voice had a hint of hesitancy, largely understandable given that despite his constant climbing in the ranks of the second-years, the auburn-haired Gryffindor was still far from the top ten of the 1991 arrivals. And Professor Vector, the Arithmancy expert residing at Hogwarts, had acquired a reputation of failing half her class of third-years before Christmas. In all, less than five students managed each year to achieve an OWL in this class. Achieving a NEWT in Arithmancy was big news, according the rumours it gave access to extremely well-paid jobs and national recognition was not far behind. Of course you had to survive five years with Professor Vector first.
"Sure. But it will be a challenge. And Arithmancy is the basis of Spell-Creation."
"It's more than that." Said quietly Hermione. "In the books of the library, it's explained Arithmancy combined with Runes is at the foundation of the ward schemes defending each major wizarding home and stores, each school and place of importance in Wizarding Britain."
"True. And a lot of other possibilities have been listed in the brochures. So. Who will go in Arithmancy with me?"
Hermione of course raised her hand faster than her shadow. Nigel nodded negatively, rapidly followed by the MacDougal Heiress.
"No offence, Alexandra, but I want a class which will not be a monumental chore and that I can pass with an 'O' without studying every hour and minute of my free time. Nigel and I will leave Hermione and you the honour of ruling Arithmancy."
"Coward." Muttered the Potter Heiress vaguely amused. "What will you take then? Care of Magical Creatures?"
"Yes."
"No."
Alexandra and Hermione both blinked. Morag not taking Care of Magical Creatures did not leave her that many other possibilities. And Nigel taking it...Alexandra was sincerely worried for him. Professor Kettleburn had a frightening tendency of inviting 'funny' creatures to supplement his teachings. The man and Hagrid were friends, if their discussions in the Great Hall were any indication.
"Ancient Runes and Muggle Studies?"
"Yes." Confirmed the second Ravenclaw member of the Exiled. "Runes are quite an interesting subject, and Muggle Studies is an easy OWL."
"I will take Care with Divination." Announced Nigel.
"Divination is a joke." Told Morag before softening a bit her words. "It's true it's the easiest OWL of the lot since you can invent everything and not be caught out by the examiners, but the Professor is a drunk and it really doesn't teach you anything worthwhile."
"How to lie convincingly?" Proposed Alexandra. "I have heard it's a good quality for a politician...oh, well. I will take Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. I have seen too many dangerous creatures already in the last two years and I don't want Trelawney predicting my death twice per day."
"That only leaves you, Hermione." The MacDougal Heiress ignoring the last critic of her fellow Ravenclaw.
"I will take the five electives." The brown-haired Gryffindor girl said proudly and with a hint of superiority.
"Do you intend to break all the records of Hogwarts?" Asked politely Alexandra, before puffing at Hermione's reddening visage. "Never mind. But won't have any free time with that kind of schedule."
"To my knowledge, no one has tried to follow twelve classes at the same time." Thoughtfully announced Morag. "The boys and girls who achieve twelve OWLS do it in self-study. And they are not a lot of them. Arithmancy is a hard class to follow, and I suppose Ancient Runes can be on par with Transfiguration.
In fact, I think the last person to achieve twelve OWLS at the exams was William's Weasley, the eldest son of the Weasley family, who graduated three or four years ago."
"Did Dumbledore get twelve OWLS when he studied at Hogwarts?" Demanded Nigel.
"No." Answered Alexandra. "He achieved 'only' eleven. He didn't study Divination."
"Someone has been searching in the school archives..."
"It's not against the school rules last time I've checked." Affirmed the black-haired girl. The archives were always open to the students but the number of non-Ravenclaws demanding the permission to search them was ridiculously low. "But in this case, it was not necessary. Searching the archives of the Daily Prophet was largely enough to see Dumbledore's academic record printed black on white four or five times a month. Illuminating the masses with the brilliance of our Chief Warlock, I think."
"What did he take?" Hermione despite all accusations and conspiracies they had levelled against the Headmaster was still considering him an academic model to beat.
"Eleven OWLS, all with an 'O' and perfect or near-perfect marks. Transfiguration, Charms, History, Potions, Astronomy, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Herbology for the core classes. His electives were Alchemy, Ancient Runes and Enchanting."
Alchemy was still in theory offered as a sixth-year class elective. In theory being the key word. Only six times in three decades had someone managed a NEWT on the subject and not a single one had been taught by the Supreme Mugwump.
"Enchanting?"
"It was one of the most esoteric and prestigious elective classes a student could take at Hogwarts." Explained Morag. "Open only to the most brilliant students of fourth year, the class offered ward creation, the ability to enchant your own objects and different subjects at the edge of magical abilities."
"It was closed in 1964 by the Headmaster, no?"
"Yes, it caused quite a scandal at that time. The Headmaster made the point the class requirements were too high and there weren't enough witches or wizards to teach to justify keeping a full-time teacher."
Alexandra touched her lips in perplexity. It didn't make sense. Her mother had passed the OWL and the NEWT in Enchanting, in spite of being no teachers? How the hell had Lily Potter achieved that feat?
"I think Dumbledore enjoy being scandalous. Just look at his clothes, they're so out of fashion..." Alexandra sighed. "Chances to reopen the class in time for third year?"
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