Work Text:
“Why do we have homework on day two back from winter break?” asks Ron.
“At least Mrs.Burbage didn’t give us homework the first day back like Snape,” says Harry.
“Come on, guys, it’s not that bad. We only have to read 1st Timothy chapter 4 verses 12 through 16, and write a paragraph on it,” says Hermione.
“And why are they called ‘verses?’ It’s not a song,” complains Ron. Hermione rolls her eyes.
“Someone didn’t pay attention in class,” Hermione says opening the book and pointing to the beginning of the passage so they could begin.
12 Let no one despise you for your youth,
“This man is smart,” Hermione says
“As long as he’s not Gilderoy Lockhart,” Ron comments.
“Shut up, I was 12!”
“You’re only 13.” Hermione huffs and keeps reading.
but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
“He does seem to have his priorities in order,” Harry says eyes lingering on ‘love.’
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
“I do love reading,” Hermione begins, “Do you think I could teach?”
“They don’t let girls,”
“Well, that’s stupid!”
“Girl or not, you have to know what you’re talking about,” Harry starts, “and this is literally the first time we’ve ever read this giant book,”
“It’s not that big,” Hermione says.
“Your ego is,” Ron says.
“Excuse me?!”
“Let’s just finish our homework, which is something I never thought I’d say,” says Harry bewildered.
“I regret taking Muggle Studies,” says Ron.
14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you
“What’s the gift?” Ron asks. Hermione’s eyes scan the text ahead.
“I’ll research it and get back to you,” says Hermione.
by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
“Not this rot,” Hermione says glaring at the word ‘prophecy.’
“In Muggle Studies?” Asks Ron bewildered.
“I definitely didn’t learn divination in muggle school, so maybe it’s a religion thing?” Harry guesses.
“Whatever it is, it’s probably more reliable than anything Trelawney teaches,” Hermione says.
15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
“He seems to have a good work ethic,” Hermione states.
“And he wants to push it on others,” Ron says giving Hermione a pointed look.
“It’s probably voluntary,” suggests Harry.
“Anyone with a strong mind would choose such a work ethic,” says Hermione.
16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
“Keep a close eye on yourself…I wonder if he’s had to watch his back like I have,” Harry wonders aloud.
“Oh! I’m stupid! I forgot I had a commentary!” Hermione says opening it up to find the answer to Harry’s question.
“That thing is almost as big as the other one!” Ron says.
“It says here that the writer, Paul, was in multiple ship-wrecks, put in prison a lot, and was even stoned to near death to the point where people actually thought he died. All just for talking widely about his beliefs,”
“Bloody hell,” Ron says.
“That’s strangely comforting to hear,” says Harry. The three begin their essays. Harry’s essays is about standing firm on what you believe in even though difficult times. Hermione writes about how a good work ethic and loyalty to your cause produces positive results in your endeavors. Meanwhile, Ron attempts to copy off of both of them getting an essay that makes little sense but meets the word requirement.
The End