An American In Hogwarts
By Ben Tucker
Chapter One: Professor Garrett
"No, we don't really wear robes in the US. We just try to blend in with the Muggles." Collin said, shrugging as he took a drink of his pumpkin juice. It was lunchtime, September 1st. The students would be arriving tonight.
"There's no punishment for doing magic in front of Muggles? It's a big deal here." Sasha said, sitting next to the new professor. "I'm sure you know about the Ministry here."
"Yeah. I had to take a test and everything to even gain citizenship here. But we have our own magical branch of government. We just wear Muggle clothes." And old habits die hard; Collin was wearing a dress shirt and khakis under an open black robe. The blue matched his eyes, Sasha noted. "Are you excited about the start of term? Two different subjects!"
"I'm nervous more than anything else. Not so much about Care of Magical Creatures, but Divination isn't anything I've taught before. I only got it because I've got Seer in me."
"Well, if you can even predict the weather, you're better than Sybill was. She was a bit of a fraud," Sasha, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, revealed, "I think it was a bit immature of her, quitting just because nobody continued to Newt-level or signed up for taking it this year."
"I don't mind. I don't have to teach sixth years or third years Divination. Like I said, I'm nervous enough about it. I shouldn't have said anything to the headmaster."
"Professor Trundle wouldn't have asked you if he didn't think you could do it." Sasha said with a smile, "I think you'll do just fine. Do you have lessons started for the first day?"
"I do! Tomorrow I have everyone but third years. Fourth years are ramora, fifth years are ashwinders, sixth are nogtails, and seventh year I've got a sphinx." Collin said proudly, and Sasha nodded her approval.
"You're going to do fine. What about Divination?"
"I'm a little more concerned about that. I've only got fifth year tomorrow, and I think we're going to do dream interpretation. I can make it a term-long project."
The two continued their conversation for the rest of lunch, and through the afternoon. Too quickly, though, the Hogwarts Express arrived, and it was time to return to the Great Hall. Sasha took her place at the head table on the end, next to Professor Longbottom, and Collin sat between Carla, the Astronomy professor, and Eliza, who taught Ancient Runes.
The students began to enter, making their ways in twos and threes to their house tables. While most of the professors sat talking about one thing or another, Collin paid attention to the procession of the pupils into the Great Hall. At Salem, there were no houses; students could sit with whoever they felt like.
Eventually, the students had all entered, and the front doors burst open to allow the first years to enter in two lines. They made their way up to the staff table, led by Professor Gressick, the Potions Master, and looked up at the staff table curiously. It was only then that Collin noticed the battered hat sitting on an old stool. Collin listened attentively, along with the rest of the school, as the Sorting Hat began its song, then the sorting began.
The sorting didn't take too long. Professor Trundle eventually stood up and smiled at his students.
"Welcome, students, ghosts, and staff, to another year at Hogwarts. The first thing I would like to announce is the welcome of a new professor. Professor Garrett, from America, has graciously accepted teaching Care of Magical Creatures as well as Divination for this school year. Please give him a warm welcome." Collin blushed slightly and stood up. It was weird hearing his name attached to the word 'Professor' but he'd have to learn to like it. After he sat back down, Trundle began again.
"Quidditch try-outs will be held during the third week of classes, and as usual, I must remind all students that the Forbidden Forest is off-limits to all students. I think I've said enough, now. You all look hungry. Tuck in, and welcome to Hogwarts."
Collin looked down the table at Sasha and the two locked eyes. They smiled as their plates began to fill with all sorts of delicious food. It was definitely going to be an interesting year.