The New Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher:
Harry had a great week before the start of term. He felt like he was a member of a family. Yes, he had that with the Weasley's, but for some reason this was a little different.
Ariadne was right. Professor Lupin was a lot of fun. He had so many stories about Harry's Dad and Mum.
"Well, one time you father and I went into Hogsmeade; now we were not fond of Professor Snape, so we pulled a prank on him. James had his invisibility cloak on and he kept grabbing his cloak and tripping him. After the third time, Lily started throwing hexes. Finally the body-bind hex hit him. It took over an hour to find him."
"My mum was friends with Snape?" Harry asked.
"Professor Snape, Harry. Yes she was. They knew each other from early childhood, according to Lily."
"How could she like that greasy git?" Ariadne asked narrowing her eyes.
"Ariadne, that is not an appropriate way to describe a professor," Remus admonished.
"Sorry, Uncle Remus," Ariadne said quickly. Both Remus and Harry knew she was not even close to sorry.
"Professor Snape is a good man. He is a little stern in his demeanor," Remus admitted.
"Stern? I would say downright mean," Harry said.
"Now Harry, as I just said, Professor Snape and your father had a terrible history," Remus said.
"It isn't fair that he takes it out on me and the way he treats Neville is awful," Harry said.
"How much homework did you both finish today?" Remus asked deciding it was time to change the subject.
"We finished potions," Harry said making Ariadne laugh.
"Yeah we saved the worst subject for last. It was ridiculous," Ariadne said making a face. "The prat wanted us to read the first two chapters after writing five essays."
"Ariadne, last warning," Remus said harshly.
"So what are we going to learn in your class this year, professor?" Harry asked deciding to help Remus out and keep Ariadne out of trouble.
"The third year's main focus is on Dark Creatures," Remus said.
"Are we going to have hands on experience?" Harry asked.
"You will have to wait until class commences to find out."
"What's the point of having a professor in the family if I don't know what to expect in class?" Ariadne teased.
"The professor can help keep naughty girls out of trouble," Remus said.
"I'm not that bad," Ariadne said.
Remus just raised an eyebrow at her.
"Ok, I am that bad," Ariadne said unabashed.
"What did you do before you came to Hogwarts?" Harry asked laughing at the exchange.
"I've had many jobs and traveled a great deal before my sister died and Ariadne came to live with me."
Ariadne sat quietly during this point. One of the things that bothered her most in life was how others treated her uncle. He was a good man and didn't deserve to be discriminated against. Harry thought Ariadne's thoughtful silence had something to do with her mother's death. Ariadne didn't talk much about her parents. All Harry really knew was that her parents died and she moved in with her uncle.
"The Hogwarts Express arrives tomorrow. Are you both ready for a new term?" Remus asked.
"I can't wait to see Ron and Hermione," Harry said.
"Me too and we have new classes this year. It should be a lot of fun," Ariadne said.
"Good, because it's time for bed," Remus said getting up and picking up their teacups.
"One more story," Ariadne begged.
"No, you don't need any more to hold over my head when you're in trouble," Remus teased.
"Not that it would help any," Ariadne said smiling giving him a quick hug. "Night."
"Night Professor Lupin. Thanks for letting me stay with you," Harry said.
"It's been my pleasure. See you in class on next week."
"We have to wait a whole week for your class?" Ariadne asked.
"Yes."
"Do you know what class we first?" Harry asked.
"Potions," Remus said laughing.
They both groaned.
Harry was just finishing brushing his teeth when he heard a knock on Professor Lupin's door. Ariadne signaled for him to come over.
"I want to hear this," Ariadne said noticing it was Professor McGonagall.
"Why?"
"I think it's about Sirius Black," Ariadne said.
"So did you tell him?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"No, I really don't think he should know," Remus said.
"I agree, but you know how curious that lot is. I don't want them running amuck."
"Minerva, one of the many reasons I am here is to make sure of that. Harry does not need to know that Sirius Black want to kill him."
Ariadne looked at the pale Harry.
"Are you ok?"
"No, someone wants to kill me," Harry said.
"Well, why should this year be any different? You've defeated You Know Who twice, how bad could this mass murderer be," Ariadne said trying to cheer him up.
"That's one way to look at it."
"Come on Harry, you can't change it, so there is no use worrying about it."
"You're not the one he wants to kill."
"True, but we have bigger problems right now."
"What?"
"We were just caught, eavesdropping."
"Ariadne and Harry, I thought I told you to get in bed," Remus said harshly.
"We heard Professor McGonagall and wanted to know what was going on," Ariadne said.
"I should have been told that Sirius Black was after me," Harry said angrily.
"I don't agree, but since you know we can talk about it. Ariadne, we does not include you," Remus said.
"But Remus," Ariadne whined earning her a sharp smack on her bum.
"To bed," Remus said pointing to her room.
"Night Harry."
"Night Ariadne," Harry said feeling sorry for his friend the swat sounded like it hurt.
"And Ariadne, if you are near that door again you will not like the consequences. Do you understand?" Remus asked
"Yes, sir."
Remus led Harry back in the living room and poured another cup of tea.
"What do you want to know Harry?" Remus asked.
"Why is he after me?"
"We don't know and we're really not sure if he is," Remus said.
"Why do you think he is after me?"
"He was one of Voldemort's most loyal Death Eater and many feel that if you are gone Voldemort will come back."
"Oh," Harry said.
"Harry, Dumbledore has everything under control and you have absolutely nothing to worry about."
"Yes, sir."
"Harry, I need your word that you will not go after Black."
"Why would I go after him?"
"Just give me your word," Remus said seriously.
"You have it. There is no way I am going after someone who wants to kill me."
"Goodnight Harry, please let me know if you need anything."
"I will, sir."
Harry and Ariadne were waiting in the Great Hall when everyone showed up the next night. Both were transfixed on how much everyone had changed over the summer and how small the first years were. It was weird to wait and not filter in with the rest of the students.
"I want to ride the train next year," Ariadne said.
"Yeah, everyone is staring," Harry replied.
"Right now I would love to have the power of telepathy. I wonder if there's a potion or charm for just that," Ariadne said.
Harry laughed, he thought Ariadne would be upset about getting in trouble the night before, but the moment the sun was up she was her cheery self. She even joked about the spank her uncle delivered when Remus was out of the room of course. Harry had never met someone like that in his life, nothing could get her down.
Finally he saw Ron and Hermione and waved them over.
"Why weren't you on the train?" Ron asked.
"He came to Hogwarts with me," Ariadne said.
"Why were you here early?" Hermione asked.
"I still had detentions to make up with Snape, so did Harry," Ariadne joked.
"Really?" Ron asked
"No, my uncle is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher," Ariadne laughed.
The four friends quickly found themselves in conversations about what to expect this year.
"What classes did you pick?" Ariadne asked.
"Care of Magical Creatures and Divinations," both Harry and Ron said.
"Ruins, Muggle Studies, Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy, and Divinations," Hermione said.
"How are you going to do all of those classes?" Ariadne asked incredulously.
"I just am. What are you taking?" Hermione answered.
"Care of Magical Creatures and Ruins," Ariadne said.
"I was sure you would take Divinations with us," Harry said.
"Nope, I've met Professor Trelawney once. Let me know what you think after your first class," Ariadne said laughing.
"What about her?" Ron asked only to be interrupted.
"Oy, Ariadne we need some help tonight," George said. "You in?"
"Always, George."
"Ariadne, your uncle is here. Are you really going to keep pulling pranks with Fred and George?" Hermione asked. She never liked how much trouble Ariadne got in because of Fred and George.
"Why not?" Ariadne said mischievously following George and Fred out of the Great Hall, "I'll see you in the common room."
"I can't believe her," Hermione said harshly, "Isn't she worried about how her behavior will make her uncle look."
"Awe, come on Hermione, Professor Dumbledore knew how Ariadne was before he hired Professor Lupin," Ron said.
"Trust me Professor Lupin knows exactly what to expect out of Ariadne," Harry said laughing.
"What's he like? Is he as cheery and free spirited like Ariadne?" Ron asked.
"Not free spirited. I think his class will be a lot of fun, but I don't think it will be easy," Harry said looking at the head table.
"He looks like he's sick or something," Hermione said.
"I think he is. Ariadne was really concerned about him when he showed up at the Leaky Cauldron. I've never seen her that serious," Harry said.
"Ariadne serious, that is something I would like to see," Hermione said.
"Ariadne is like Fred and George. Serious really isn't a part of who they are," Ron said.
"So how was the Hogwarts Express?" Harry asked. Not wanting Ron and Hermione to start fighting.
"Dementors boarded the train. It was awful, I felt like I would never be happy again," Ron said.
"I know Ariadne and I ran into some on the grounds," Harry said omitting that he passed out. Ariadne promised she wouldn't say anything and neither was he. It was too embarrassing.
"Why are they here?" Hermione asked.
"Sirius Black," Ron said astounded that she didn't know that.
"Why would he come here?" Hermione asked.
"He wants to kill me," Harry said.
"WHAT!" Hermione and Ron said together.
"Yep, Ariadne and I overheard Professor Lupin and Professor McGonagall talking."
"What are you going to do mate," Ron asked.
"Nothing."
"What can he do?" Hermione asked.
"What was strange was Professor Lupin was worried I would go after him," Harry said.
"You would have to be mental to go after a mass murderer," Ron said.
Fred, George, and Ariadne walked quickly to the Gryffindor Common Room which was thankfully empty.
"So what do you have planned?" Ariadne asked.
"Filling the classrooms with enchanted signs, with a special message for each professor, but Professor Snape's will have a little something extra," Fred said laughing.
"Kinda boring," Ariadne said.
"I'm hurt Ariadne, it took a great deal of skill to perfect the signs," Fred said still smiling.
"Ok, tell me more," Ariadne said rolling her eyes and laughing.
"So every time someone touches the sign it multiplies by three. The counter curse is pretty hard so the professors shouldn't get rid of them for a couple of days at least. I wonder how many signs there will be by the end of week," George said laughing.
"Hundreds I supposed. Filch will keep touching them. Fred, sorry that I doubted your and George's magical skills," Ariadne said.
"You're forgiven," Fred said.
"Anyway we're going to take things slowly this year. You know with your uncle here, we don't want you to get into too much trouble right away that is. Trust me the jokes will grow as the year goes on," George said with an evil gleam in his eye.
"Ok, when do we start?" Ariadne asked
"After hours of course," Fred said quietly as Percy and the first years wandered in.
"Hey Percy!" Ariadne said smiling and waving at him.
"You three better not be planning anything. Fred and George you have fair warning, if you get Ariadne into any trouble I will write Mum. Professor Lupin doesn't need to be disgraced," Percy warned.
"I thank you kind sir, for your concern for my behavior and the fate of my family honor," Ariadne said adding a curtsey for effect.
Percy promptly turned crimson with anger. Making the twins burst into fits of laughter. With that Percy stormed out of the common room.
"Ariadne, you always know the right thing to say to our brother," Fred said through his laughter.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked in a few minutes later.
"I'll see you guys later tonight," Ariadne said leaving the twins.
"What are you going to do?" Hermione asked.
"You'll see," Ariadne said.
"Come on Ariadne," Ron said.
"It will spoil the surprise. So how was your summer?" Ariadne asked.
"We went to Egypt to see Bill. It was great," Ron said, "How about you?"
"I was grounded most of the summer because of the Chamber of Secrets and the all of the pranks I pulled with Fred and George."
"And you're off to pull another one," Hermione admonished shaking her head.
"Hermione you worry too much," Ariadne said.
"And you don't worry enough," Hermione said disapprovingly.
"Harry did you tell them about your aunt?" Ariadne said wanting to change the subject.
Harry told the story of Aunt Marge and ending up at the Leaky Cauldron.
"I can't believe it? I wish we could do that to Snape," Ron said.
"Me too," Ariadne replied. "Hermione, could you figure out how he did it?"
"No and even if I could I wouldn't. Accidental magic is dangerous," Hermione said.
Ron and Ariadne kept begging Hermione and Hermione kept telling them no. Harry laughed at his three friends. It was great to be back.
At two in the morning Ariadne snuck out of the girl's dormitory meeting Fred and George in the common room. She felt Hermione's glare as she walked out. Hermione was not going to approve of this prank.
"Fred, do you have the map?" George asked.
"Yep, I solemnly swear I am up to no good," Fred said.
The map appeared and Filch was in his office, the professors all seemed to be out of their classrooms.
"That map always amazes me," Ariadne said.
"Looks like the cost it clear," Fred said.
"Ariadne, take the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors. Fred, take the dungeon, ground floor, and 1st floor, and I will take the rest," George said. "Fred, keep the map, since you'll be closest to Filch and Snape."
It took nearly two hours before the three were back up in the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Where were you?" Ginny asked harshly.
"Setting up a prank," George said.
"It better be a good one. I had to convince Percy that you weren't up to anything and that Ariadne was in her room. It almost took an hour."
"Thanks sis," Fred said giving Ginny a hug.
"You'll love it Ginny," Ariadne promised.
The next morning the Hermione, Harry, Ron, and Ariadne walked down stairs and joined George and Fred at the Gryffindor table. Most of the professors looked annoyed.
"What did you do?" Hermione hissed looking directly at the twins and Ariadne.
"Us? Nothing," Fred said smiling.
"You wound me, Hermione," George said holding his heart.
Ariadne just laughed and ate her sausages refusing to look at the head table. It was hard to keep a straight face when the professors glared at them. When Filch stormed through the Great Hall, Fred, George, and Ariadne almost lost it. He was fuming. Snape and Remus got up and followed Filch out.
Professor McGonagall passed out the schedules giving George, Fred, and Ariadne each a hard look.
"Potions first, I'm not ready for Snape or Malfoy yet," Ron whined.
"I don't know Ron, I think potions might be interesting this morning," Ariadne said mischievously.
"Well, we better get going or we'll be late," Hermione said looking at Ariadne disapprovingly.
The four walked quickly down to the dungeons. Signs were floating throughout the dungeon all saying the same thing.
"Why are all of these signs floating around?" Neville asked.
"Maybe it's Professor Snape's birthday. They do say "for a greasy git"," Ariadne said making everyone in the hallway laugh.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor, Miss Lupin," Professor Snape said silkily.
The class filed in after Snape only to see more signs floating around the classroom.
"Professor, if it isn't your birthday, why do you have signs? Is it part of today's lesson?" Ariadne asked.
"Twenty more points from Gryffindor. Miss Lupin I would suggest you remember to raise your hand and wait until you are called upon before speaking. I will discuss this further with you after class."
"Yes, sir," Ariadne said unabashed.
The signs kept buzzing loudly every time Snape opened his mouth making everyone laugh. That must have been the extra surprise for the potion's master Fred was talking about. Finally, Snape was able to get them out of the classroom without touching them. Potions went smoothly after that, with the exception of poor Neville melting his cauldron for the hundredth time and Snape screaming at the poor boy.
"Do you want us to wait?" Harry asked.
"No, go on I'll meet you in Care of Magical Creatures. Can you please tell Hagrid I'll be late?"
"Sure, good luck," Harry said.
The moment the classroom was cleared. Snape turned on Ariadne and hissed,
"I know you were part of this prank and when I find out for sure I will see that you and the Weasley twins are expelled. But for now you have detention with me tomorrow night for your actions today."
"Why? I only asked a question and forgot to raise my hand," Ariadne argued.
"I will determine what behaviors deserve punishment in my class, Miss Lupin. You will not get special treatment, because of the werewolf."
"His name is Remus Lupin not the werewolf. Would you like me to write it down for you, to help you remember?" Ariadne asked sweetly.
"Make that three weeks of detention and another twenty points from Gryffindor for your cheek. I will also inform the werewolf of your three weeks worth of detention and why they were assigned," Snape sneered.
"May I leave, sir?" Ariadne asked angrily.
"Go."
The moment she was out of the office she started crying; even here Remus was going to be discriminated against. Five minutes later Ariadne was outside for Care of Magical Creature still trying to compose herself. She was not going to let Snape get to her.
"What happened?" Ron asked.
"He gave me dentition for the next three weeks," Ariadne said trying to smile.
"That seems harsh even for Snape," Harry said.
"I deserve it. I was kinda was cheeky. I also lost another twenty points for Gryffindor," Ariadne said.
"Ariadne! That's sixty points in one class," Hermione said harshly.
"There was a reason, Hermione and I'm sure you can get them back for us."
"Do you think your uncle will say anything?" Harry asked.
"If he does I can't change it. What is that?" Ariadne asked in amazement, as Hagrid led a creature into the paddock.
Ariadne's three friends knew it wasn't only detention, something Snape said upset her. She had been crying before she came out and Harry promised himself that he would talk to her alone as soon as possible. They had become extremely close during those two weeks.
"Wicked," both Ron and Harry said.
"A hippogriff, they are very dangerous," Hermione said.
Hagrid's class was amazing. Harry was even able to ride the Hippogriff which flew. Unfortunately, Draco Malfoy decided to insult the creature and was hurt making the class end on a sour note.
"He did that on purpose," Ron said.
"I know, anything to get Hagrid in trouble," Harry said outraged.
"Well, they are dangerous and he's in the hospital wing," Hermione tried.
"Hermione, Hagrid said to treat them with respect so Malfoy deserved it. It's barely a scratch," Ariadne said.
The four of them wandered into the Great Hall and everyone was talking about Professor Lupin's class.
"Why didn't Dumbledore hire him years ago?" George asked Ariadne.
"He was busy doing other things. Raising me for one," Ariadne said smiling.
"When do we have him?" Ron asked.
"Not next week," Harry said.
Ron and Hermione groaned.
"That's too long," Ron said.
"Well, Miss Ariadne, we are doing nothing to disturb his class this year," Fred promised as he plopped down next to her.
"I'm so glad Fred. I might have gotten angry and hexed you if you did."
"You angry? Never," George said. "That would be like Fred getting angry."
"Hey Professor," Fred said.
"Hello Mr. Weasley. Ariadne, would you mind joining me in my office for a few minutes?" Remus asked.
"Sure," Ariadne said getting up from the table. "I guess I'll meet you in the common room?"
"No, we're heading to the library to get started on our homework," Hermione said.
"Ok, meet ya there."
Ariadne followed Remus to his office on the second floor.
"How was your first day?" Ariadne asked sitting in the chair that Remus pointed to.
"Good until I got a visit from Professor Snape."
"Oh and how was Professor Snape on this fine afternoon?"
"Angry. Would you care to explain why you treated him with such disrespect?"
"It really wasn't disrespect. I just asked him if he needed me to write your name down, he was having trouble remembering it. He called you werewolf," Ariadne said.
"Ariadne, I am a werewolf," Remus said simply.
"I realize that, but you are not only a werewolf."
"Ariadne, I love that you want to stick up for me, but I am an adult and have been a werewolf for most of my life. What people think of me, doesn't matter."
"It matters to me."
"Sweetheart, I know that, but I won't allow you to disrespect anyone on this staff including Professor Snape."
"He disrespected you."
"It doesn't matter. You know he makes the Wolfbane Potion for me and has for years. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here and you wouldn't be living with me."
"I realize that, but he's still a git."
"Ariadne, I wasn't going to punish you, but perhaps I should change my mind?"
"No Uncle Remus, I have three weeks worth of detention with him and lost sixty house points."
"But you seem unrepentant for your actions."
"I haven't had to serve detention yet," Ariadne said trying not to smile because she wasn't sorry one bit for what she said.
"This is your one warning for the entire year. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"And I don't have to tell you what to expect if we need to talk again about behavior?"
"No Uncle Remus, I'll behave. I like my bum the color it is and I enjoy sitting down without a cushioning charm too much," Ariadne said getting up and walking towards the door.
"I'm glad. Ariadne one more thing, know anything about the signs?"
"Signs? You mean the ones floating around school? They were kinda cute, weren't they? I better get my homework done," Ariadne said rushing out, before Remus could ask her anything else. Lying was not allowed in the Lupin household.
Remus laughed the minute the door was closed. He figured she was a part of it, but until she was caught he wasn't going to punish her. His signs read, "Welcome to Hogwarts."
Ariadne headed towards the library where her friends were waiting with a big smile on her face. Fred and George were waiting for her around the corner and grabbed her.
"You didn't get in trouble for the signs?" Fred asked.
"No, I got in trouble because of Snape. Nice touch with the buzzer," Ariadne said smiling.
"We were worried," George said.
"Really? You two worried? I'm touched. Come on guys, if we worried about trouble we wouldn't do anything fun," Ariadne said. "I gotta get to the library."
"Have fun studying. I'm sure Hermione has a wonderful schedule set up for you," Fred laughed.
"Aren't your O. W. L.s this year?"
"Yes and?" Fred teased.
"Shouldn't you get to the library?"
"Us study? Never," George said.
"Bye guys."
Harry looked at the library doors a thousand times waiting for Ariadne. The minute she was there Harry asked her to look for a book with him.
"What was wrong this afternoon? Why were you crying?" Harry asked.
"It was just something Snape said. It's nothing."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure. He was just being a git and talking about Uncle Remus, like he does your dad."
"He's a prat."
"I know. I am defiantly not looking forward to my detentions."
"Was Professor Lupin cross?"
"Not really. What surprised me was he knows I helped with the signs, but didn't really say or do anything about it."
"Lucky. Don't let Snape get to you."
"I won't so don't worry. Thanks Harry."
"Let's go get some work done or Hermione will send a search party."
They both walked back to the table and started on their homework.
The first DADA class didn't come fast enough for the third year Gryffindor students. Everyone kept saying how great Professor Lupin's classes were. Ariadne was berated with questions every night at supper from all of the house tables. She supposed it would calm down after a few weeks.
"Welcome," Remus said smiling. "Today we are learning about boggarts."
Professor Snape glided in and handed Remus a potion.
"Thank you, I will take it later."
"You should take it as soon as possible. Oh, I see you have Neville Longbottom in this class, be careful most everything he does ends in disaster," Snape sneered making poor Neville blush.
"I was actually thinking about having Mr. Longbottom help me to demonstrate today's lesson," Remus said.
Snape glided out of the classroom without saying another word.
For most of the class everyone was able to face their worst fears and transform them into something funny. Remus stopped the lesson when Harry walked up for his turn.
"I think that is enough for one day. Please read the chapter on boggarts and summarize what you have read."
Harry walked out of the class puzzled. Why wouldn't Professor Lupin let him face the boggart? Did he think Harry was weak? Was it because he passed out when he faced the Dementors?
Ron and Hermione were walking ahead talking about the class and the different fears everyone had.
"What's wrong?" Ariadne asked.
"Nothing," Harry said.
"Right," Ariadne said rolling her eyes, "you're upset because Uncle Remus didn't let you face the boggart."
"Why didn't he?"
"Let's go back and ask," Ariadne said pulling Harry's arm.
They walked into Professor Lupin's office as he was drinking the potion Snape had left.
"Don't you have another class?" Remus asked.
"Yeah and I'll head to it. Harry has a question," Ariadne said pushing Harry in and walking out of the office.
"Go on, Harry," Remus said.
"Why didn't you let me face the boggart?"
"I didn't want Voldemort suddenly appearing in my class. I thought it would be disturbing to say the very least," Remus said.
"I wasn't even thinking about him. I actually was thinking about the Dementors."
"So you fear, fear, very wise. Well, next time I promise not to assume what you will see."
"Thanks Professor."
"Head off to your next class. I'm sure Professor Sprout is waiting for you and Ariadne. I bet she is waiting for you just around the corner."
Professor Lupin was right, Ariadne was waiting.
"So?"
"He thought Voldemort would appear," Harry said laughing.
"I thought so too," Ariadne replied. "Come on we're late for Herbology."
"Ariadne, why are you and Professor Lupin afraid of crystal balls?"
"It has to do with our family history and that's one of the reasons I refuse to take Divinations. The other is Professor Trelawney is mental," Ariadne said laughing hard. Ron had been bugging her all morning about Divinations and how much fun they would have if everyone was together.