The noisy group of students silenced as they entered the classroom. Across one wall of the room, was a glass cabinet filled with a variety of weapons, crossbows, swords, stakes made of silver and wood. Harry and Ron stared at the weapons as they took their seats.

"What kind of teacher keeps swords in the classroom?" Ron asked, taking out his textbook.

"I don't know but I hope we get taught how to use them." Harry replied, Hermione sat next to them.

"You must be joking, the school board will never allow that." She said.

The sound of a door closing caught the attention of the class. Miss Ryder had suddenly appeared at the front of the class, wearing similar clothes to the night before, her blood red hair pulled back tightly.

"Good afternoon class, welcome to Defense against the Dark Arts. I am here to teach you how to survive against the dark arts. I am Alora Ryder, I would prefer it if you called me Miss Ryder I am not old enough to be a professor." She would smile slightly. Her comment, earned her a nervous laugh from the class.

Miss Ryder cast her blue eyes over the class for a moment before continuing.

"You may have noticed there are a number of weapons on the wall. I will say this once, touch them without my permission and you will regret it."

"What good are swords against a powerful wizard like Voldermort?" Malfoy spoke up.

"There are more frightening things in the world then a dark wizard Mr. Malfoy," She spoke with an icy voice.

With that Miss Ryder began the class, starting with nocturnal beasts. The class was silent as they worked; something about this new teacher seemed to unsettle them.

"Excuse me Miss, but can I ask what you have that is different then the other teachers?" Asked Neville Longbottom. Miss Ryder turned from the board, the class held their breath.

"I have…experience," She replied simply turning back to the board and writing up their homework assignments, researching the different perceptions of vampires.

"Now, I want you all to do research on the different myths on vampires and ways they have been perceived over the last century. Two scrolls please by Thursday," She said turning back to the class.

"Dismissed," She said.

Later that night:

Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in the library doing their research. Harry stared out the window, paying very little attention to Ron and Hermione arguing. He blinked suddenly thinking he saw something darting across the rooftop of a wing of the castle. He leaned forward.

"There's something out there," He said.

Ron came to the window.

"What are you on about Harry?" asked Ron.

"There's something on the roof of the castle, look." Harry replied.

Ron pressed his face against the cold glass, looking around then he too caught sight of the hooded figure moving gracefully across the rooftop.

"Who do you reckon it is?" Ron asked.

"I don't know but I don't think they are up to any good," Harry said, watching as the figure disappeared off the building.

"Of course, that's why she has all of those swords on the wall!" Exclaimed Hermione behind them. The boys turned.

"Who? What are you talking about Hermione?" Ron asked.

"Miss Ryder, I know what she is! Its been staring me in the face all night!" She said not looking up from the thick book in front of her.

"Come on out with it then," Harry said.

"She's a Dark Arts Hunter." Hermione stated as if they should have known all along.

"A what?" Ron asked

"A dark arts hunter, that's why she is so young, according to this book most hunters don't live very long because of the dangerous nature of their jobs. It is also why she has all those swords on the walls. They prefer to use weapons enchanted with magic instead of magic alone!" She said.

"And that affects us how?" Harry asked.

"Dumbledore must have brought her here for a reason, Hunters are serious people Harry." Hermione said gravely.

"Alright you lot time to get back to your dorms," Growled Filch.

The trio gathered their books and hurried from the library and back to their dorms.