"I'd like to welcome you all to another year of Hogwarts, and good luck to the new first years. Now, as you all know, Professor Dumbledore...died last year so I shall be taking over as headmistress. I would also like to announce the new appointment of defense against the dark arts teacher, Professor Coldrick." Professor McGonnagol said to the hall full of young witches and wizards. A young woman with dark brown hair-which was clipped to the back of her head so you could see her pony tail sticking up over her head, and a long fringe, parted to the sides of her head- stood and gave a smile to the surrounding students, but as her hazel eyes fell on Harry, he noticed a flash of pity in her eyes. Applaud began, and a few whistles from the older boys, causing an amused, yet a slightly embarassed look crossed her face and she quickly sat back down.
"Unfortunately, the last year of students who would've recognised her have already left, as she only left Hogwarts 7 years ago. So your going to have to make do with a new face. Good luck to you. Now, enjoy your feast!" Professor McGonnagal finished and went to her seat as the plates began filling.
After the feast, Harry, Ron and Hermione began chatting about the new teacher.
"So...what do you think of her?" Harry asked the other two, seeing if they also found something strange about her.
"She's fit." Ron thought out loud.
"Ooooh. Ron fancies Professor Coldrick." Hermione teased, a little too loudly as many female students turned round and giggled at Ron, although they heard a few boys say: 'Well, he's got a point.'
"Keep it down, would ya?" Ron snapped at Hermione and looked around, blushing.
"Sorry." Hermione said with a slightly amused look. Ron just glared at her.
"Anyhing else accept for physical features?" Harry asked, grinning slightly. Ron just glared at him aswell.
"No..." He said. Harry turned to Hermione with a hopefull look.
"Sorry, Harry. I haven't noticed anything. Why, have you?" Hermione replied.
"No. Just...wanted to know whether you guys did."Harry answered nervously. But Harry was lying. When she looked at him, he noticed something weird. It was as if she knew of his pains, of his losses. But he thought the only people who knew of Sirius' death were order members. She wasn't in the order. What was going on?
Their first lesson of the term was defense against the dark arts, and everyone was looking forward to it, since Professor Coldrick was an ex student of Hogwarts and they were hoping she would make it a good lesson. And let them off homework. But Harry wanted to ask her a few questions.
"So, class. Wow, I never thought I'd be saying that. Anyway, today, we're starting on a brand new spell, specially created to block the crucio curse. It has just been invented by a man in the ministry," Harry noted how a disgusted and, basically pissed off expression, came over her face when she mentioned the ministry. "and I have been ordered, well not exactly ordered, but you know, by the headmaster to teach it to you, for obvious reasons." Professor Coldrick said. "We're not going to be practising the crucio curse because...well it would just be silly. So, since the new spell you're about to learn is visible, I'll be able to tell if you're doing it correctly." she continued. "Oi, Damien, stop jinxing Neville or I'll jinx you myself. 10 points from Slytherin." She half shouted. She was pbviously enjoying this new power. Damien was a Slytherin boy, who had basically taken over Malfoy's position as Crabbe and Goyle's leader, and that of basically the rest of Slytherin aswell. "I don't think he finds it half as amusing as you seem to. Although I'm sure the rest of the class would enjoy watching you tink pink for the rest of the lesson." she threatend.
"You can't do that. I'm a student." Damien retorted, sticking his nose up and trying to act smart.
"Oh, I assure you, I can and I will if I have to." Professor Coldrick said with a tone that meant she was serious. Damien opened his mouth to retaliate, but thought better of it.
"Professor?" Hermione said.
"Yes, Hermione?"
"Neville's still twitching."
"Ok. Hold on," Professor Coldrick replied and sighed. "Finite." she muttered and pointed her wand at Neville, who immediately stopped figiting. "Alright now?" she asked. He nodded and looked down, embarassed.
"Good." she said with an encouraging smile. "Now let's begin."
After a lesson of embarassingly feeble spells, incorrect and slightly dangerous attempts at the spell and, obviously, some very good ones from Harry and Hermione, the lesson was over.
"No homework, since there's nothing to do it on. You could do a little research or something like that." Professor Coldrick announced as everyone started packing up. There were many 'YES!'s after that comment. After everyone had left, Harry walked over to Professor Coldrick's desk and said:"Um, Professor?"
"Oh, hey Harry. Shouldn't you be going to your next class?"
"No, free period. Can I talk to you about something?"
"Um, sure. Why not."