Author's Note: I just thought I'd clarify a couple of things about this story. First, this story will be completely canon. It will be a teacher-focused and Will-focused look at the Harry Potter books, but nothing will change from them. This story will also cover from 1987 through Harry's years at Hogwarts, ending a couple years after the Harry Potter books. I will update at least once a week, and I'll try to update twice a week or so.

ladyofthedark- Thanks for reviewing! Some of the ideas you suggested I actually was already planning to write. And one thing you mentioned will actually be in the next chapter.

Fall, 1987

Will looked at his first class of students and said, "Welcome to Ancient Runes!"

On the board, he'd written "Welcome to Ancient Runes" in English and in runes.

He smiled at the group of third years. "These are some of the runes we'll be studying." He indicated the lower portion of the blackboard. "There are four main runic languages that we'll be studying, one of which you can see here."

The students shifted a bit in their seats, trying to get a better look at the board. Several of them eyed their quills, as if wondering whether or not to start writing.

"But before we get into that, I'd like to talk about why."

Quiet fell. Will erased the blackboard and wrote, "Why Ancient Runes?"

"Why are ancient runes important? Why are they taught?"

None of the students raised their hands, although most of them had thoughtful expressions.

"Let's start with something simpler. Why did you take Ancient Runes?"

Hands. Good. "Yes?" Will asked, looking at a girl in the front row. I need to work on learning names.

"It sounded interesting."

Many of the other students nodded. "Yes, that will probably have been the reason most of you picked this class. Someone who didn't pick this class for that reason. Yes?"

"My older sister said that she really liked it and that I would, too."

Another student in the back called out, "I was hoping it'd be easy."

Snickers from the students. Will didn't bother to restrain his grin. "And there is that reason, of course," he agreed mildly. "Although with that attitude, you may have some difficulty succeeding in this class."

The boy groaned theatrically.

"Any others?"

Will glanced around the classroom. No raised hands.

"Okay. So if we want to figure out why Ancient Runes is an important class, let's talk about ancient runes. What are ancient runes?"

The boy in the back yelled out, "Old drawings!"

Everybody laughed. Will said dryly, "I suppose that's one way to put it. But I'll have to take two points from Gryffindor for speaking without being called on. Next time it happens, it'll be five," he warned as the boy opened his mouth to argue. Wisely, he shut it.

Good, Will thought with satisfaction. I have to prove who's in charge here the very first day. Otherwise, this could easily turn into a disaster.

"But yes, old drawings. How else would you describe them? Yes?"

The girl he'd called on said promptly, "The written languages of wizards in ancient times."

Someone's obviously read some of the textbook.

"Excellent. Five points to Ravenclaw. Now, can anyone guess why it might be beneficial to be able to read ancient runes?"

Several hands this time. Good. "Yes?"

"So that we can figure out what life in ancient times was like?"

"Very good! Someone else."

Hesitantly, a boy offered, "It helps us learn... what people back then knew?"

"Yes. Can somebody make this a little clearer?"

Nobody raised their hands.

Will said, "Wizards- or modern wizards, rather- couldn't always read ancient runes. While it used to be the language of wizards, it was forgotten a long time ago and later rediscovered. Our skills at deciphering them have developed over time. In fact, there are still some ancient runes people haven't been able to read. Turn to page 93 in your textbook."

Several people began to dig through their bags. Others, with their books already open on their desks, hurriedly flipped to the correct page.

Will waited until everyone was open to the correct page and said, "Here you can see a famous set of runes that have never been deciphered. Wizards today work on translating these runes and other similarly undecipherable runes."

He continued, "Now, to get back to the purpose behind learning about ancient runes. As more and more is known about these ancient languages, wizards discover more and more from translating them. They find out about life in ancient times, as was already stated, but they also find out about magic back then, including some spells we don't know about today."

"No way!" somebody blurted out.

Will grinned. I'll let it go this time. "Yes way. Guess how wizards discovered the Draught of Living Death?"

Surprised mutterings from the students.

"There have also been some magical theories discovered through ancient runes. Many of these theories are currently being investigated in the Department of Mysteries in the Ministry of Magic. Some have been proved true. Others have been proven mere superstition."

Will erased the "Why Ancient Runes?" from his blackboard and wrote instead, "Careers."

"Can anyone think of a career that uses Ancient Runes?"

A hand. Will nodded to the girl. "Um... well, like you just said, working in the Department of Mysteries?"

"Yes. While that is not a requirement for the job, a knowledge of ancient runes will help you, giving you an extra advantage. What else?"

Silence.

"What about curse-breakers? Wizarding banks such as Gringotts send people to explore ancient tombs and similar places in an attempt to get more gold. Many of these places have curses laid using ancient runes, and to become a curse-breaker, an E at N.E.W.T. level in Ancient Runes is required."

More mutters from the students.

"That's why Ancient Runes is important. That's why Ancient Runes is still taught here, and how it can help you in the future. Now, let's talk about the rules in this classroom..."

Will slid into a chair at lunch with a sigh of relief.

Hagrid said cheerfully, "Had yer firs' class, then?"

Will grinned at him. "Yeah. Thank goodness that's over."

Pomona Sprout said cheerfully, "First class is always nerve wracking."

"Yes," Will agreed. "That's one way to describe it."

Dumbledore said lightly to Will, "Not regretting your acceptance of the teaching position?"

"No, I think it'll work out."

"I thought so." And Dumbledore twinkled at him.