A Taste of Magic

Chapter 88: 88th Course - Comfort

"Problem, Mister Potter?" McGonagall asked, giving him a stern look.

Harry gulped. "No, Professor. No problems at all. Not a one. Wouldn't know what to do with one if I found it."

"No, please, by all means. If you have a problem, feel free to share it so that it may be addressed," she continued, almost glowering at him.

Harry flushed and looked around helplessly. Most of the other students looked away, not wanting to catch McGonagall's ire like he did. Lavender looked at him sympathetically while Parvati giggled a little. Hermione gave him a slightly confused look. "I, uh, well, I was just thinking that the amount of homework is a bit…more than before," he said lamely. "But I know it's our O.W.L. year and you want us to prepare for it so it…makes…sense?"

She snorted a little. "I am pleased you think so," she said dryly. "And you are correct, this year it is more important for you to be diligent in your studies so that you perform well on your O.W.L.s."

The bell rang and the majority of the students gathered their things swiftly and made for the door, making a small jam as they pushed each other in an attempt at leaving first.

"Is this about the prefect thing?" Harry asked, quailing a little at her look. "I think it's about the prefect thing."

"No, despite me thinking you would be a good one," she huffed. "I understand your reluctance in the matter."

Harry looked at her. "Is this about the muffin thing? Professor Dumbledore said you liked muffins."

She flushed, especially when Lavender and Parvati and Hermione giggled at that. "I do and no, it is not about that and they are very delicious, thank you." She rubbed her eyes. "It is nothing you…solely…did. Perhaps I should be more circumspect."

Harry thought some more. "Is this about the letter that Grandfather Nicky said he was going to write you?"

"I would tell you to tell your grandfather to come and say his accusations to my face but I know he would do that!" McGonagall nearly growled, making them take a step back. "That man! As if it is my fault that you do not love transfiguration first and foremost!"

"I do like it!" Harry protested. "I try hard, it's just not my favorite!" He winced at her look. "I'm sorry."

"I am sorry as well," she sighed. "I should not take my ire out on you, considering it is tangentially your fault but not directly."

"Right okay uh so I'll just make you more muffins and I'll go do that and gotta go bye Professor!" Harry hastily gathered his things and fled with Lavender and Parvati and Hermione right behind him.

"What was that about?!" Lavender asked, laughing outright.

"Over the summer, my grandparents asked me my favorite subjects and I said Charms and Potions," Harry said, shaking his head. "Charms because of Professor Flitwick and stuff I've learned for cooking and kitchen work and Potions because it's basically like cooking. Turns out, those are the schools that Grandmother is best at and she rubbed it into Grandfather's face since he's the best at Transfiguration. He said he was going to write her a letter and I guess he did."

"Professor McGonagall shouldn't be taking it out on you though," Hermione sniffed. "That's not right."

"She gets a little irrational when it comes to Grandfather," Harry sighed. "They really like to argue and fight."