A Potter Secret

Educational Prowess

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Isabella studies hard throughout the summer, getting through first year courses in a fraction of the time. The professors return a week before the term begins, each taking time to test Isabella on the what she has been taught. In herbology, transfiguration and potions, she passed so well that Severus consented to let her take the second-year exams. Severus smiles as each professor comes to him to congratulate him on her progress.

Dumbledore brings Madam Hooch by as Isabella finishes her last test. "Absolutely not," Severus says as he sees Madam Hooch. "No."

"Severus, hear us out," Dumbledore pleads.

Severus shakes his head and stands up. "She's not even five, Albus. No! I refuse to allow you to take her up on a broom!"

"I assure you, Severus, it can just be on a kiddie broom only a few feet above the ground. Think about what this could do for her, Severus!" Madam Hooch steps forward. "To fly is to feel free. I know you don't like it, but her father was a natural on a broomstick. At least give her a chance to experience something he loved so much."

"Madam Hooch, I understand your reasoning but I simply can't allow her to fly on her own. She's too young! Her parents trusted me to know what's best for her and letting her fly up in the air is not in her best interests. I feel it's too dangerous for her at this age. Perhaps in a few years," Severus explains.

"What if I rode with her?" Madam Hooch offers. "You could supervise and is you ever feel the need, you could stop us. I implore you to consider it, Severus. She deserves it! I hear she's doing better in classes than others in the same lessons. She's a magical prodigy!"

Severus sighs and thinks for a moment. A crash is heard from behind the door before the door opens. "Isabella, what have I told you about eavesdropping?"

Isabella looks at her shoes. "That it's rude and bad and I shouldn't do it," Isabella replies. "Is- is it true that my dad flew on a broomstick?" she asks.

Severus kneels in front of her and pulls her into a hug. "Yes, Isabella. Your father was rather good on his broom. He played Quidditch."

Madam Hooch smiles at the girl when Isabella looks at her. "Your father was an absolute natural on his broom. He made Gryffindor's team and played with his friends. He loved to be in the air."

Isabella turns to Severus. "Please Papa," She pleads. "Please let me fly. I promise I'll be careful and listen to this lady."

Severus sighs and looks at Madam Hooch. "The moment there is any chance of danger, you return to the ground. I will hold you accountable for any injuries she receives. If there is so much as a scratch, she stays on the ground until she's six. Understand?"

Madam Hooch smiles and nods. "Perfectly. Thank you, Severus. You won't regret it."

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Severus watches from the doorway to the courtyard as Madam Hooch goes over how to fly with Isabella. Madam Hooch covers her normal lesson before starting the practical part of it. Isabella mounts her broom and, with Madam Hooch holding her hand, lifts up in the air. Isabella takes a few careful circles around Madam Hooch before she is released and takes a few more. After a few minutes of flying around, Isabella lands and Madam Hooch joins her on the broom. Together, they fly high up in the sky before landing. Isabella runs to Severus, her hair turning blonde as she gets closer. Severus' eyes widen, shocked. He masks it, picking her up. "What did you think of that, Isabella?"

Isabella can't stop giggling as she hugs Severus. "Thank you, Papa! That was so much fun!"

Severus nods, brushing some hair from her face. "I'm glad you liked it. Now, how'd you like to go see Grandma and Grandpa?"