Chapter 89: Trick 88: Giving Guidance to the Misguided... without Magic?!!??
Ace walked into the classroom saying "Hello, everyone." Ron, Hermione, and Harry were stunned. Ace cleared his throat and said "Alright, well." he waved his wand and the books on their desks disappeared, returning to the bookcase on the side as he said "High Inquisitor has been relieved of her post and I will take over for these last few weeks. Of course that doesn't mean that the nightly study groups will be disbanded. They are still available for any students who need help studying for their OWLs."
He nodded and said "I think you are familiar with my methods, stand up please." before waving the desks to the sides of the room. He waved again and the students formed two groups as he said "We will be practicing Dueling, not for the Duel itself, but more so for you to familiarize yourselves in active combat."
He smiled and said "We don't want to freeze up in a combative situation, do we?" he said "Ron, Seamus, you two are first. I only want Charms, this is a friendly exchange, do not harm your opponent."
Ron and Seamus took their stances and Ace added with a smile "The winner shall continue in a tournament setting while the final winner will receive a prize. Remember, this is for practice, give your full effort. Begin!"
A while later
Ace handed Harry a pair of glasses, saying "These will help you read faster. Made them myself. Though they're not prescription." Harry took the glasses and smiled "Thank you, Ace." Ace took out another pair and smiled "I even have a spare. Hehe~"
Harry smiled and walked out of the room with the rest of the class as Ace sat at a desk, writing down as he waited for his next class.
A few weeks passed
Ace was teaching a class and when he was done, he said "Tomorrow is your OWLs, everyone. If you need last minute help, I will be in the library all night. I have convinced Professor Dumbledore to remove the curfew. Please notify your fellow students. That's all, good luck!"
The students left, only Fred and George came to Ace, asking "Mate, can we talk to you about something?" Ace smiled and said "Sure, just come to the Library later. I have another class with the First years right now. Is it important?"
Fred and George looked at each other before replying "Sort of." Ace smiled and said "Give me a few hours, is that alright?" the duo smiled and nodded, leaving the room.
Ace let out a breath, muttering "Teaching a class is so hard man…" as he left.
A while later
Ace was leaning on a table with his arms crossed as Fred and George said "We'll mate, listen. We were thinking, maybe we're not cut out for school. I'd say academics isn't our strong suit! You got that right. So we were thinkin', maybe we just drop out."
Ace frowned and asked "Have you talked to your father about this?" Fred and George shook their heads and Ace continued "You know I'm your father's friend, right? How would he feel about you dropping out? You should know, he has high hopes for you both to get a job in the Ministry…"
Fred said "That's just it, Mate." George finished, "We don't want to." before saying in unison "That's boring!" Ace rubbed his chin and asked "What do you want to do then?" Fred nudged George, who said "We've been saving up money! Oh and Harry loaned us 1000 Galleons!" Fred said "We're opening a joke shop!"
Ace asked "A joke shop?" the duo nodded and Ace frowned "What brought this on?" Fred replied "It's our dream!" George added, "And the old hag didn't help." Ace retorted "You're about to graduate though. Wouldn't it be better to finish the year?"
Fred and George groaned and replied in unison "We're not going to pass the NEWTs…" Ace sighed and asked "Why didn't you come to the study groups?" Fred replied "Well, you know, uh…"
George just said it, "Quite frankly, Mate. Studyin' is boring! Plus we've tested our products this year and they performed well! We think it'll be a hit!" Ace rubbed his chin and looked at the duo, asking "So what do you want me to do? Give you an opinion??"
The duo looked at each other before saying "You're one of the best teachers here, mate. On top of a friend. We want to know what you think!"
Ace sighed saying "Personally, I wouldn't want you both to drop out. Not only for the fact that it would be a detriment should something go wrong, but the time you've put in at Hogwarts is not little. There's only the NEWTs and you'll graduate…"
He paused and looked at their faces, adding "Or redo the year… Listen." he patted their shoulders, "As a teacher, I say you finish the year." the duo sighed and Ace smiled "But as a friend/adult, I think you should go follow your dreams. If you want to open a joke shop, do it. You shouldn't let me stop you."
Fred and George's eyes brightened and Ace smiled, adding "In addition… I happen to have 15000 Galleons…" he grinned at them, saying "Need an investment?" Fred and George were stunned, saying "You want to finance us?! Aw, mate, there's nobody better than you! And that's a promise!"
Ace rolled his eyes and said "I'll give you 15000 Galleons, but I want 10%" Fred and George whispered to each other before saying "7% but you can have whatever for free." Ace rubbed his chin and looked at them retorting "10% and I don't tell your mum."
Fred and George sucked in a breath of air, replying "You're ruthless! Deal!" before chuckling "You can still have what you want, mate. We were kidding… Don't tell our mum please…"
Ace laughed and pulled out a sack, dropping it in their hands before saying "Off with you." Fred and George hugged him before running off, shouting "Thanks, Ace! Remember to drop by!"
Ace waved and turned to the tables, getting ready for the study group. He had a lot of people coming tonight.
Meanwhile
Fred and George checked the bag before Fred said "There's an extra 3000 Galleons! What a guy!" George grinned and said "We should thank him." Fred looked at him and grinned, "Brilliant idea!"
The night came and went, as did the OWLs!
However they were interrupted by a fireworks display by the twins, thanking Ace for his contribution.
Ace was watching the display outside with crossed arms, snorting in amusement before returning to the library. He was cleaning up and holding a little party for the study groups in celebration of their OWLs.
He waved at the tables with his wand and all sorts of candies and desserts appeared as he sat down, texting Sharon.
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