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"Graduating early won't be a problem, and I'll write you a recommendation," Dumbledore said, "but whether you can enter the Ministry of Magic depends on their decision. Your skill is undeniable, but you're still far too young."
Dumbledore wasn't particularly surprised by George's plan. He, too, felt that George's progress would slow if he remained at Hogwarts. Yet George was still a child, and life at school offered its own happiness. Graduating so early and heading into the wider world felt a bit harsh.
In the end, Dumbledore left the choice to George.
What did surprise him was George's intent to join the Ministry immediately after graduation. The Ministry usually only accepted the school's top graduates, and George was undoubtedly the most outstanding student Hogwarts had ever produced—but age was a formidable barrier.
At just twelve years old, George had never taken the O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. exams. Even though he'd earned some renown in France, without those official credentials, admission would be difficult. Dumbledore would pull every string he could, but ultimately it would depend on the Ministry.
"The seventh-year N.E.W.T. exams start soon," George said after a moment's thought. "Is there any way I could be added to the roster?"
The N.E.W.T.s—also called the Ultimate Wizarding Examination—were crucial for seventh-year students. Their performance directly influenced post-graduation opportunities. The Ministry typically required "Outstanding" or "Exceeds Expectations" in at least five N.E.W.T. subjects for consideration.
"If you can score straight 'Outstanding,' no one can fault your qualifications," George continued. "With your recommendation, and perhaps Professor Snape's help with connections, plus my own Ministry contacts… If I make some noteworthy contributions, the Minister might see bringing me on as a point of pride."
"That's an excellent strategy," Dumbledore agreed with a smile. "With your abilities, you should do exceptionally well, increasing your chances considerably."
Breaking the rules slightly, the headmaster arranged for George to sit the N.E.W.T. exams—a simple matter for Dumbledore, who had every confidence in George's performance.
After finalizing graduation plans with Dumbledore, George left the headmaster's office.
"It looks like I'll need to capture Sirius Black soon," he mused.
Nearly a year had passed since Sirius had escaped from Azkaban, yet the Ministry had still failed to recapture him—and he'd even infiltrated the school. Public opinion in the wizarding world had turned sharply against Minister Cornelius Fudge, and Fudge himself was desperate.
If George apprehended Sirius and handed him over to the Ministry, he would certainly earn Fudge's favor—and his fame in the British wizarding community would skyrocket, smoothing his path into the Ministry.
Clearing Sirius's name would be simple; as long as he prevented Black from escaping again, the truth would follow.
"But I'll wait until after the N.E.W.T.s," George decided.
With only days to the Ultimate Wizarding Examination, he resolved to focus on that first, leaving Sirius's case for later.
Late at night, George slipped out of the castle under the Invisibility Cloak. Once he was beyond the Anti-Apparition wards surrounding Hogwarts, he Apparated away.
Moments later, he materialized in front of a small townhouse in a London neighborhood.
He pressed the doorbell several times. Bleary-eyed, a woman opened the door, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"At this hour…who's there?"
"Good evening, Professor Avery," George said with a grin and a wave.
Indeed, he had come to see Professor Amelia Avery—the witch who had once been temporarily hired to teach him Apparition, now serving as Deputy Head of the Ministry's International Magical Cooperation Office.
Back in Paris, after George had subdued the notorious one-eyed wizard and cleared Avery's name—helping her earn a Bravery Medal—she'd been promoted to her current position even before she returned to Britain.
Over the past year, they had maintained regular correspondence, so George knew her address—and that her career at the Ministry was flourishing.
The Office of International Magical Cooperation primarily handles relations with foreign Ministries of Magic—most notably, the French Ministry.
Amy's partner, Lina, now serves as Chief Auror in Paris. A recipient of France's Bravery Medal, Lina's career has flourished, and Amy herself has grown far more diplomatic over the years.
"George, long time no see! You've shot up—you're almost as tall as me now!" Amy exclaimed, sweeping him into a warm hug.
Although only a year had passed, George's repeated use of duplication and body-enhancement magics had accelerated his growth. By height alone, he now matched many fourth- and fifth-years at Hogwarts.
"Your figure's looking great, too," George teased, enjoying the bounce of Amy's embrace.
A smooth, alabaster arm slid around Amy's waist, and Lina emerged with a lazy smile. "It's been too long, George."
"Lina! I didn't expect to see you here," he replied, unsurprised.
Lina feigned indignation. "You're so busy, Amy never has time to visit me in Paris—so I came to her instead!"
Amy laughed and shepherded George inside. "Come in, come in. You must have an important reason for stopping by so late."
Seated on the sofa, George got straight to the point. "When term ends, I'm applying to graduate early and join the Ministry of Magic. I'll need your help to grease a few wheels."
"Gr-graduate? George, aren't you only in your second year?" Amy sputtered, nearly spitting out her tea, echoed by Lina's startled look.
George smiled. "Yes, second year—but I've already completed all my coursework. Dumbledore has approved my early graduation and will write a recommendation. I'll also be sitting the N.E.W.T.s in a few days, so my qualifications will be iron-clad."
"Incredible," Lina said, giving him a thumbs-up. "We always knew you were a prodigy, but even Dumbledore thinks you're ready to graduate!"
Most wizards spent seven years struggling through their OWLs and N.E.W.T.s—George had mastered them in two. After all, last summer he single-handedly defeated the infamous One-Eyed Wizard. He truly was in a league of his own.
(End of Chapter)