Hogwarts: I'm Truly a Model Wizard

Lockhart finished his speech with a self-satisfied grin and strode off toward Harry. The moment he was gone, Professor McGonagall turned to Kyle with a firm expression.

"Don't get any ideas about that tree," she said. "If you value your life, keep your distance from it." She pressed her lips together before adding, "You have plenty of classes this year, and I recommend you focus on books that are… actually useful. Perhaps ones on magic."

"Yes, Professor," Kyle replied.

In truth, he hadn't even skimmed Wanderings with Werewolves; he'd only thrown out that comment to mess with Lockhart. He hadn't expected Lockhart to not only agree with him but also award Hufflepuff ten points for it. Now that was a surprise windfall.

Professor McGonagall nodded approvingly before stepping aside for Professor Sprout.

"Now, about your request," Professor Sprout began. "Unfortunately, Kyle, your application for a Time-Turner was denied. You may need to reconsider your class schedule."

"Denied?" Kyle's eyes widened. "But Percy mentioned that—"

"This time it's different," Professor Sprout said with a sigh. "All Time-Turners are stored in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry, but it's currently under strict lockdown. No correspondence can even reach them."

"Just yesterday, we tried asking Professor Dumbledore to intervene," added Professor McGonagall. "But even he couldn't manage to help."

"Even Headmaster Dumbledore can't get in?" Kyle asked, baffled.

"No, he did visit the Department of Mysteries," Professor McGonagall replied, giving Kyle a meaningful look. "But someone there turned down the request, claiming that all Time-Turners are currently in use and there are none available for students."

"No spares at all?" Kyle repeated, still trying to process this.

"Exactly, so you'll have to revisit your course choices," Professor Sprout said, handing him a new schedule dusted with bits of earth. "Now, hurry along; you don't want to be late for class."

Kyle accepted the schedule and, after a moment's thought, said, "Professor, I'd still like to take all the classes."

"But without a Time-Turner—" Professor Sprout began, looking concerned.

"It's fine," Kyle interrupted. "I'd just like the option to sit for the exams. If there's a scheduling conflict, I'll only attend one of the classes."

Professor Sprout looked at him, bewildered. In all her years at Hogwarts, she'd never encountered a request quite like this. She glanced at Professor McGonagall, who was also frowning. They conferred briefly.

"Are you certain about this, Kyle?" Professor McGonagall asked seriously. "You realize that earning top marks in ten subjects is not the same as doing so in twelve."

"I understand," Kyle replied with a determined nod.

"Very well," Professor McGonagall agreed. "If that's what you want, I'll speak with the other professors, and you can handle the courses as you see fit."

"But," she reminded him, "you're limited to six electives."

"Of course," Kyle said with a grin. "I wouldn't miss Transfiguration or Herbology for anything."

For once, Professor McGonagall allowed herself a slight smile. Professor Sprout, too, seemed to forget the annoyance caused by Lockhart, and she handed Kyle a small branch from the Whomping Willow.

Though not as valuable as the roots, Whomping Willow branches were rare and highly sought after as magical ingredients. A single branch like the one Professor Sprout gave him could easily sell for at least twenty Galleons in Diagon Alley. And since there was only one Whomping Willow in all of Britain, any parts from it were especially prized.

Once the discussion of Kyle's course load was settled, the two professors departed. This time, Kyle didn't follow Professor McGonagall back to the castle; instead, he strolled toward the nearby Forbidden Forest.

Even though he hadn't secured a Time-Turner, things had worked out better than expected. Now he could freely choose which classes to attend—Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, or even none at all. The professors wouldn't mind, and he could use the time for other pursuits.

It hadn't been easy to get Professor McGonagall to agree to such an arrangement; in fact, it might have been even harder than obtaining a Time-Turner. His flawless grades over the past two years had certainly helped, as did the recent denial from the Department of Mysteries. Otherwise, the thought of skipping classes wouldn't even have been considered.

At least, for this first class, he would definitely be attending.

Kyle crossed the field on his way to the Forbidden Forest and spotted Lockhart talking to Harry at a distance. Though Kyle couldn't hear their conversation, Harry's uncomfortable expression suggested he wasn't enjoying the chat.

Professor Kettleburn's Care of Magical Creatures class was set up on the far side of the Forbidden Forest, near the Quidditch Pitch, where he had cleared a large area for lessons. When Kyle arrived, he saw that Kanna had also chosen this class and was already waiting for him.

"What did Professor Sprout want?" she asked. "Do you need any help?"

"No, it was just a mix-up with my timetable, but it's all sorted now," Kyle replied, then told her about his unsuccessful attempt to get a Time-Turner and the alternative arrangement he'd made with Professor McGonagall.

While McGonagall had advised him to keep it confidential, everyone knew secrets never lasted long at Hogwarts.

"Twelve subjects?" Kanna looked surprised. "You already have a Order of Merlin—do you really need all those certificates?"

"It's not like I have anything better to do, and it's not that hard, so I might as well take them for fun," Kyle said, sounding casual. "And the best part is, I can skip class without anyone noticing."

"Oh, so it's really about being able to skip class!" Kanna narrowed her eyes at him.

Kyle shrugged, unbothered. Exactly.

Kanna rolled her eyes, choosing not to probe any further.

Just then, Professor Kettleburn emerged from the Forbidden Forest. He looked more disheveled than usual, with dust covering his face, and his old prosthetic leg was gone, replaced with a simple wooden stick that made him limp as he walked. The sight left many students who were meeting him for the first time in shock, wondering just how dangerous the Care of Magical Creatures class was. Some were already questioning whether it was too late to switch subjects.

But Kettleburn paid no mind to their wary expressions—this happened every year, and he was long accustomed to it. Besides, with his many injuries over the years, he'd been considering retirement, and this year would likely be his last at Hogwarts.

Spotting Kyle in the crowd, Professor Kettleburn gave him a nod of approval.

"For our first lesson, we'll be learning about Bowtruckles!" he announced, opening the pocket of his coat. Five or six creatures, resembling small plant stems with twig-like limbs, poked their heads out, looking curiously at the students.

"Does anyone know what these are?"

Kyle raised his hand. "The Bowtruckle is a gentle magical creature that usually live in trees whose wood is of wand quality. But if anyone tries to damage those trees, they'll defend them fiercely—unless you have their favorite food: Wood lice."

"Spot on! Ten points to Hufflepuff!" Kettleburn said with a smile. "There's a suitcase over there with a small supply of snails. Take a bag each and come closer…"