Showing the Professor the World

"What? You want to take a leave of absence?"

In her office, Professor McGonagall looked at Kyle, momentarily wondering if she had misheard him.

"Yes." Kyle nodded. "For about one or two months. During that time, I'd like to manage my own schedule."

"This..." Professor McGonagall frowned. Rather than answering immediately, she asked, "Does Professor Sprout know that you want to take leave?"

"She does," Kyle said. "Professor Sprout was the first person I went to. She agreed, but she could only excuse me from Herbology Class.

"She also told me that if I wanted to take an extended leave, I would need the headmaster's signature."

"That is indeed the case," Professor McGonagall said.

"But Professor Dumbledore hasn't been at the school lately." Kyle shrugged. "So I could only come here."

Since Dumbledore was so busy, most school affairs were handled by Professor McGonagall as deputy headmistress. Signing a form was naturally no problem.

"I can grant your request." Professor McGonagall looked at the application Kyle had handed her. After only a brief hesitation, she signed her name and said, "But I must remind you that even if you do not attend classes, you cannot leave the school. Leaving Hogwarts requires an application from your parents; students cannot make that decision themselves. This is non-negotiable, no matter how outstanding your grades are."

"Of course, I understand," Kyle said. "I'll stay in the castle. I won't go anywhere."

Only after Kyle agreed did Professor McGonagall return the application to him and casually ask, "Can you tell me why?"

"Ah, I might be attending some important tutoring during this period. Time is a little tight, so I can only give up my regular classes."

"What did you say?" Professor McGonagall abruptly looked up.

She had initially thought Kyle wanted to stay in