"Professor McGonagall," Rufus said, ignoring the students' reactions below. His tone remained respectful, but his words were firm. "The Ministry of Magic's plan requires every student at Hogwarts to..."
"Rufus," Dumbledore gently interrupted him, "I think Professor McGonagall has a point. Mastering the Animagus transformation in one's second year is, I believe, quite impossible.
"If there is one student at Hogwarts who might be capable of it at present, it could only be young Mr. Weasley. If you wish to conduct a test, I think he alone will suffice."
Rufus could disregard Professor McGonagall's words.
When he graduated, Professor McGonagall had only recently arrived at Hogwarts and had never taught him. Nor was the age gap between them particularly large. Courtesy was certainly necessary, but there was no need for excessive deference.
Dumbledore, however, was another matter entirely.
Not only had he been Rufus's professor for a full seven years, but he had personally taught him throughout his N.E.W.T. courses. Even setting that aside, Dumbledore's current standing in the Wizarding World meant that even Fudge had to listen when he spoke, let alone Rufus.
Of course, there was also the fact that he genuinely did not believe first- and second-year students could manage a spell as complex as the Animagus transformation.
"Since Dumbledore has said so, very well." Rufus nodded. "The other first- and second-year students need not be tested. We'll test only the young gentleman Dumbledore mentioned."
His gaze fell on Tris as he spoke. Naturally, he had noticed where the students had been looking earlier.
"Professor, isn't this singling me out a little too much?" Tris walked forward with a pained expression, sounding miserable.
"Mr. Weasley, this is not singling you out. I would call it recognition, wouldn't you?" Dumbledore said with a smile.
Tris felt somewhat uncomfortable