This Chapter has been beta edited! All credits for better words and grammar went to AbaddontheDevourer!
Chapter 2.
Professor Potter (I)
It was 05:00 AM just after the welcoming feast.
Harry's eyes snapped open as habit took over and he was instantly alert. Years of experience with no sleep or little sleep, and having to be alert and ready had forced his body to adapt. As always he scanned the room looking for any signs of activity or changes from what he remembered.
Always ready. Always prepared.
That had been the first lesson he'd ever been taught. Whenever and wherever you are, you must always be ready for the unexpected. It was something he hadn't taken seriously until he had slept in the forest by himself and found himself under attack by a large tiger.
Despite the pain and protests from his eyes due to sudden bright light that it receive, he forced the urge to close them down and sat up on his bed.
'This is not my tent so... Right, Hogwarts... I became a teacher...'
He took three deep breaths allowing his mind to calm down, eyes closed once more to relax it a bit. After that he ran a hand through his hair as he often did, before grabbing his glasses and getting out of his bed. "Morning Morrigan," He greeted.
The raven let out a caw from her perch; head swiveling as she flapped her wings to stretch her body after sleeping.
Harry gave a nod towards his familiar before going to the bathroom. Part of the contract of employment for all Hogwarts Professors was the use of their own private room, workshop, and bathroom. His room while not the largest he had ever stayed in was large enough for multiple people to fit comfortably and was decorated in a medieval style much like the castle. He would have to order some decorations and transfigure some furniture when he had a chance. Right now it felt too impersonal.
As he finished his morning rituals, he went to his closet and pulled out his clothes for the day. Blood red rather than crimson dress shirt, white cravat, long black boots, freshly polished hebridean black dragon skin boots, and black leather gloves with runes sewed into the inner lining. Lastly he grabbed his staff that warped by bandage and, turned to Morrigan who was still sitting on her perch.
"Right, breakfast doesn't start until 8:30. Shall we patrol the castle and familiarize ourselves with its layout? "
The raven responded with another caw as she launched herself from her perch and landed lightly on his shoulder. He allowed a small smile to spread across his face as he felt the familiar and reassuring weight of his companion settle on his shoulder.
Touching the doorknob he rubbed it a few times, a runic seal appearing on the door, glowing with power. There was a click and the door opened, letting his leave unmolested. As his door closed he saw the seals on all four walls glowing with power as the traps rearmed themselves.
While the inner defenses of his room had been crafted by him the previous night, the exterior namely the door was protected by a pair of flanking stone knights. Unassuming they were waiting for the command to come to life and defend their charge from danger.
"Students are only allowed to leave their common rooms after 6:00 AM except for Prefects. It's too late if you ask me..." Harry mumbled as he began to walk around. He briefly wondered where he should start; perhaps the Entrance Hall would be a good choice
Nodding, he began to walk towards the Hall looking to see if someone else was there.
It didn't take him long, even with waiting for the staircases to rearrange themselves, and not to his surprise no one was there. He left the Hall, almost bumping into a person, as he resumed his patrol.
"Ah, Mr. Filch." Harry greeted the caretaker who it seemed was on patrol as well "Good morning."
Argus' eyes narrowed at the boy for moment before he nodded. "Professor...Good morning to you too. You're early." He grunted.
"I'm always up at this time. Normally I'm training." Harry chuckled. "And good morning to you too Mrs. Norris." He added as he glanced to the cat in the caretaker hands.
Hearing her name mentioned the cat briefly opened her eyes, as she stared at Harry before closing them again without responding.
Harry stared at the cat for a moment before turning his gaze to Argus. "She's not a normal cat is she?"
"What makes you say that?" Argus asked as they both began to walk.
"A normal cat wouldn't behave like that. She also seems to be much older and smarter than the average cat you see, could she possibly be part kneazles?"
The old caretaker, inwardly was amused by the new professor's deductions, however on the outside he was shooting skeptical looks at the young genius. "Yes, her great-grandfather was a kneazles. How did you know?" He asked gruffly.
"I spent some time in Egypt, and it's the home of many kneazles and other magical cats, such as the nundu." Harry told the caretaker, smiling fondly at the memories of his time in Africa and Asia. "I met a few cats like Mrs. Norris, though I must ask. Has she bonded to you?"
Argus stopped sharply, looking at the boy. Truthfully he considered himself to be anti-social, withdrawing in upon himself due to the discrimination and prejudice he faced as a squib. No one understood what it was like to be the only one without magic in the country's premier school for magic, and he would've been forced into the muggle world with neither education nor money if it weren't for the Headmaster. Dumbledore had been kind enough to give him a place to stay and food to eat so long as he worked as the caretaker.
The arrangement worked fine for both of them, and despite it hurting every time someone brought up his inability to do magic, he was an adult and could no longer afford to throw tantrums as he had done as a teen. "Don't try to be friendly with me Professor Potter. I don't need your pity."
Harry blinked twice before he responded. "I'm not trying to be friendly, simply curious. Judging by the way you treat her and she hangs around you, it's obvious to those that know the signs that you're bonded. I simply wanted to confirm it." He paused, his expression turning thoughtful as he tilted his head slightly to the side. "And why should I pity you?" He asked in confused manner. He observe the old caretaker and take close look to his appearance then he concluded You are a carrier aren't you?"
"I'm a what?" Argus blinked, not expecting the boy's response.
"A Carrier, a person born with the magical gene but without the ability to focus the power. Yet you still are able to see magical creatures normally invisible to Mundanes and are unaffected by Mundane Repelling wards. Carriers are also able to give birth to Wizards and Witches still." Harry explained.
"You mean a squib."
"That's what it's called in Britain, but in some parts of the continent as well as the far East they are called Carriers. They have another name for them in Africa, but personally I prefer Carrier. Squib is…" Harry's face scrunched up, before he frowned. "It's an ugly word, and it's too close to squid for my liking."
He then noticed that the corridor was forking. "Well I guess we should head our separate ways now Mr. Filch, it was quite pleasant chatting with you, as I rarely have any company that bonded with familiar's. People like us that bonded with magical animal quite rare you know?"
Argus stared at the youngest Professor for a moment, face set in his usual grumpy look before he nodded. "See you later Professor." He grunted and watched as the boy went off on the other path. "What do you think about him?"
Mrs. Norris let out a meow in response, eyes staring into her bonded's, before the old man nodded back.
"Yeah, he is quite interesting."
When Professor Potter talked to him, there was nothing in his voice. No disdain, no pity, no joy. It was polite, and curious. Most of the staff spoke to him with pity, and he didn't want to be pitied. "It seems that the Headmaster finally managed to recruit a decent person for DADA."
Mrs. Norris let out another meow as if agreeing with him.
The Gryffindor and Slytherin students murmured in enthusiasm as they took their seats in the DADA classroom, mindful to keep to their own sides. What was once considered noisy reached a new level of height as students chattered amongst themselves. Everywhere you heard discussions about the new DADA Professor.
Giggling, laughter and giddy expressions from every student, and even those who were normally stoic couldn't help but display their eagerness. Despite the class not beginning for another 15 minutes everyone was accounted for as none wanted to miss their first lesson with a living legend.
Last year DADA had been a big disappointment especially to those who had just entered the Magical World full of hopes and dreams. Quirrell could hardly be understood through his stutter and his teaching had reflected this. Not to mention how jumpy the man had been, it was as if he expected a hell hound to jump from his shadow every few seconds.
But this year? It was going to be different, they could feel it. They were going to be taught by THE Harry Potter! The Boy-Who-Lived, he who defeated the greatest British Dark Lord when he was nothing more than a toddler.
The fact that there were countless books written about him fueled his fame. He had done everything from banishing banshees to taming dragon, and even fighting a group of trolls with nothing more than his bare hands.
So yes! Everyone was clearly looking forward to this class.
"Oh my gosh…I can't wait to see him! I wasn't able to get a good luck at him yesterday." Lavender gushed.
"Yeah. It's no wonder, with the upper years mobbing him, and the invisible wall he put up." Parvati agreed not even bothering to hide her giddiness.
"I bet we'll learn something cool later! Like how to turn water into wine." Seamus grinned.
"You still haven't given that idea up?" Dean remarked dryly, knowing how persistent the Irish boy was.
"Nothing can stop an Irishman from his drink." Seamus said proudly. "I got the color right but it still tastes like water."
"Right." Ron snorted. "No offense mate, but I don't think turning water into wine will be useful when you're attacked by a Dark creature."
Hermione meanwhile was ignoring the chattering and gossip from her classmate as usual. Already she had read through most of the subjects that they would be covering this year, after she couldn't help notice the amount of information within that was failed to be covered by the Professors last year. They had only imparted the basics and it was the duty of the student to venture forth and learn more.
"Nose in another book and brooding like always, Granger?"
'Oh great...' Hermione thought groaning to herself. She turned her face and saw Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle not far from her seat.
"Buzz off Malfoy." She grumbled never breaking eye contact with her book, she doesn't wish to dealing with him in first class of first day.
"You know I was actually surprised that you came back Granger. 'Specially since you were almost turned into a stain on the wall by the troll last year." Draco sneered as he gave a mocking look to her. "Too bad it didn't get you."
Pansy and a few other Slytherins that heard him giggled, except for Crabbe and Goyle who stood there like bookends.
Hermione ignored him as she kept reading the book.
"Then again, perhaps it a good thing. After all we don't want that filthy mudblood of yours tainting the halls of Hogwarts do we?" Draco insulted further with cruel smirk.
The room was silent as everyone heard Draco's comment. Several people gasped, and others turned to look at the boy. Outwardly nothing changed, but on the inside she blanched. She didn't know what a mudblood was but judging from everyone's reactions it was a nasty insult. Even Ron who didn't like her at all looked mutinous at Malfoy's use of the word.
"That will be twenty points from Slytherin for using foul language."
The entire class jumped in surprise, some even yelped when they heard a familiar voice. However unlike when they heard it the previous night there was steel in his voice to rival McGonagall's. Slowly, as one they turned to see Professor Potter sitting on his desk, looking at them with disapproval. One hand was clutching his covered staff, as Morrigan sat atop the gem, glaring at them through her dark eyes. A few people began to fear that bird.
"W-Wha?" Draco blubbered in shock, mouth dropping as he stared at the Professor who suddenly appeared and taking point in instant.
"Really Mr. Malfoy? You're a Pureblood Wizard in the House of Slytherin, such rash and improper behavior is clearly not acceptable." Harry chided, ignoring everyone's shocked look. "Now I want you to apologize to Ms. Granger or I will be forced to take forty points from Slytherin." He ordered while shoot some look to Hermione for moment before turned back to him "Well?!" He demanded when the boy still gaping at him.
Draco snapped out from his surprise in an instant, face red in embarrassment. He turned to Hermione, face scrunched to disgust for moment, he briefly glanced at Harry who gave him a stern look. The boy gulped before he stuttered out through gritted teeth, "I-I'm sorry Granger..."
Hermione broke from her initial shock that somehow her Professor had been able to enter the class undetected. "Y-Yes." She faltered before she coughed, regaining her composure. "I forgive you Malfoy." She whispered slightly dazed. To think Malfoy will apologize to her of all people!
"Good." Harry nodded with approval, smiling happily once more. "Well then, please carry on. I didn't mean to intrude, and since class has not started yet, you can talk if you wish to." He finished with a small dismissive wave of his hand, Morrigan cawing once more as she stared at each of them in turn.
Even though he said that the room was silent, as they focused on him, faces filled with awe and amazement.
"Oh my gosh! He's more handsome in person!" Lavender blurted out.
The class broke into snickers and giggling as Lavender's face resembled a tomato and she buried it in her hands. Harry blinked once before he let out a small chuckle.
"Thank you Ms. Brown. You're also looking quite beautiful." He replied, eliciting a blush from the girl. It was then that he noticed Hermione raising her hand. "Class has yet to start Ms. Granger, so no need to raise your hand. Though I'm thankful that you're being polite." Amusement laced his voice. "Ask your question."
Hermione blushed a bit at the professor's words before regaining her composure. "How did you enter without any of us noticing?"
"With a lot of practice Ms. Granger." Harry answered simply "Trust me, when you need to deal with creatures able to hear the faintest of water drops, you will need such skills."
"How long were you there for?" Ron asked.
"Oh just recently, I heard Mr. Finnegan wishing for me to teach him how to turn water to wine. " Harry replied fixing the Irish boy with his gaze. "So you like to drink Mr. Finnegan? I remember drinking a pint in Emerald Isles once, and I'll definitely said it's better than what's served in England." He said and Seamus seems pleased to hear his homeland mentioned.
"A pint?" Neville uttered out "But you're not old enough to drink!"
"The ones I drank with didn't care." Harry said dryly "In my defense, I wasn't the one that brought the alcohol. Also if you must know the one I was drinking with lived in a time when people our age were already fighting in wars and getting married. He said that in order to graduate from a boy to a man you need three things, blood, liquor, and something else that I'm not going to tell you." He explained in mysterious manner 'You all doesn't need to know about bird and bee, yet. Even I still having hard time processing it.'
"Is it true that you rescued a princess from a group of vampires?" Parvati asked.
"Princess..." Harry rolled the word on his tongue for a moment "Ah, yes, Annette. I think she's will enter her ten years birthday this year. That was one of my earlier adventures, and it happened near the border of Austria and Germany. Oh and she wasn't a princess but the daughter of a Duke."
"But the book said-"
"Books often exaggerate things Ms. Patil. I sometimes read those books myself, and find them amusing. Many of those companies didn't actually ask for my permission to use my name. I take it the book was in the fiction section?" He inquired, raising a brow.
"Yes..." Parvati whispered, disappointment lingering in her voice.
"I knew it." Theodore Nott snorted. "There's no way those things can be real. I mean, wrestling ten trolls with nothing but your bare hands?" He scoffed while shooting a look at Harry.
"Ah, that one. I think that I was eight?" Harry asked rhetorically. "I agree with Mr. Nott here." He said noting the looks of disappointment and some openly jeering at him.
"So you're a fraud?" Draco sneered.
"I will let your comment pas just this once Mr. Malfoy." Harry said nonchalantly, brushing the boy jeer as if it simple comment. He not look angry at all to the boy. "However, make no mistake, I agree with Mr. Nott about the book saying that I wrestled with ten trolls, not the fact that I fought ten trolls at once with nothing but my hands and feet." He said, mirth laced in his voice.
"So you did wrestling with troll?" Ron asked in awe.
"I did not wrestle the troll Mr. Weasley. I fought the trolls with my limbs." Harry said hoping the boy would get the difference he was trying to convey. "There were ten of them, and at first I used magic as you would expect, but when there were only three left, I closed the distance. At the time I was 9, though I was small enough to be 8."
"Blimey..." Ron eyes shone in reverence. Many students were also looking at him with awe, and a few females were even swooning.
"Prove it." Blaise said, eyes narrowed in skepticism manner.
Harry stared at the black skinned boy, his eyes gaining some gleam for moment "Indeed, a demonstration would do wonders." Getting up off his desk he made his way of the wall.
The students' eyes followed him, as he placed a gloved palm against the stone. "Who can tell me how durable the walls of Hogwarts are?" He asked. "Ms. Granger, and once again I remind you that class has not started so there is no need to raise your hand."
Hermione blushed before muttering a small apology. "The wall of Hogwarts castle are enchanted, every single brick is covered in runes crafted by Godric Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff. Supposedly not even close range blasting and bombardment spells would be able to damage the stone."
"A textbook answer from Hogwarts, A History, take five points to Gryffindor for that." He said with approval. He noted that while Hermione was beaming a few students were showing their disdain, some were even from her house.
"Ms. Granger is correct, every part of Hogwarts is enchanted for durability and protection by runes. Why? Because using simple and common stone for a castle that would be used to teach the next generation of witches and wizards would not be wise. If they had there was a good chance that the entire castle could be burned down or destroyed when a person's accidental magic acts up." He chuckled. "Make no mistake, Runes is a deviously tricky subject and that's why the number of Runemasters is so small."
"Really?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, Runes is a subject for people who enjoy working hard and are good at puzzles. A small mistake could cause the array to fail or even worse explode." He explained to the class. "Anyway, I'm not here to teach you about runes. You'll learn all about them at the end of the year when you have to choose your electives for 3rd year."
He then pulled a wand from his holster and taking a few step backs aimed at the wall. "Watch carefully... Bombarda!" He then flicked his wand once and-
BOOOM!
A large explosion rocked the castle, as students shrieked and gasped in surprise. Those who were intimate with the spell knew that Harry had fired an overpowered version and was not drained. He flicked his wand once more, vanishing the smoke.
Now that it was clear the students could not even see a scratch or mark on the stone.
"Merlin's beard... Not even a scratch..." Dean muttered in awe. To be honest he never knew that the walls were that durable.
"As expected of something built by the most powerful magicals of their age." Harry commented. "Like Ms. Granger said, every part of the castle is fortified with runic seals, and there's the proof." He said while gesturing with his hand, then smiled a bit in respect. "Helga Hufflepuff was truly a magnificent woman."
"Helga Hufflepuff?" Lavender inquired.
"The one who crafted the Runes used was the founder of Hufflepuff. Godric helped her inscribe them but he didn't create them. She's known as one of best Runemaster in history, and this castle is her masterpiece." He said gesturing to everything around him.
"How do you know that? I've never read about it." Hermione asked.
"Somethings are not written in books, Ms. Granger." He warned. "However I believe that you can find this information in Step one to Becoming a Runemaster. Sadly you won't be able to find it in Diagon Alley due to many not delving into the runic arts anymore."
"Why? If Runes are really that great then surely people would be interested in it." Daphne asked as she sounding interested by it.
"Because you need patience and dedication to become a Runemaster." Harry told the girl. "Like I said before Ms. Greengrass, Runes is a very complicated subject. Patience is the most needed virtue followed by intelligence. A small mistake and all your work would be rendered unusable and you'd need to restart it from scratch. Not to mention the fact that runes have to be individually inscribed onto an object without a wand using hand tools which adds another degree of difficulty. Many people have the intelligence needed to pass the courses but few have the patience required to master the art. No offense to you all whom Slytherin but if the rumor I heard about him from students and staff true then I would guess that Professor Snape is an example of this."
The Gryffindors snickered while the Slytherins grudgingly nodded. The potion master was someone who though being impatient was a perfectionist. True he maybe show blatant favoritism but only when outside their dungeon
"Anyways I'm not here to teach you about runes, so let's get back on topic." He then put his wand back and rubbed the wall once more. "A bombardment spell didn't even scratch it; however make no mistake physical attacks can damage the wall. An adult mountain troll would have no problems destroying this wall in a few hits." Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. It happened in an instant, his eyes flashed open glowing green with unsuppressed power, his fist shot forth, as he let out, "HAH!"
The wall of Hogwarts, enchanted by the founders themselves, by the people who were living in age where magic is not secret and freely used, they was considered as the best in their times, their works clearly art of masterpiece. Only insane men that would try to destroy such crafted wall with nothing but bare hand
BOOM!
But instead of voice of flesh pummeled and bones snapping like a twig, an explosion appear. The wall that blessed by the Helga Hufflepuff, one of brightest Witch in Britain at her age, immune even to powerful bombardment spells, crumbled beneath his fist as the wall disintegrated into fine particles, creating a hole large enough for one of students to fit through it.
Silence.
All the students were staring at the hole in the wall, mouths opening and closing in a good rendition of a fish. Their jaws dropped in disbelief, it was impossible! All logic said that it should've been his fist that broke, but their professor had just broke their minds.
"Make no mistake..." Harry started breaking the ice. "What I just did is not something any normal men can do, and I'm almost certain something no one else my age can perform. When I say something I do not say it as a boast or in arrogance, but to show you what I am capable of."
He turned to them, one of the larger pieces, no bigger than a pebble and held it between thumb and pointer. With nary a thought he crushed the pebble into dust. "I did this to show you that despite being a year older than you I'm different, and that I am capable of teaching you."
There were no traces of the previous professor as everything about his demeanor now screamed seriousness. He looked at them with an expression that rivaled the transfiguration professor's. "I hope... With this there won't be any more doubts about my ability in teaching, Mr. Zabini, Mr. Malfoy?"
Both boys mentioned swallowed the lump in their throats, face showing their nervousness as Harry fixed them with killing curse eyes. As they looked into those eyes they knew that he expected one answer and one answer only.
""Yes Sir."" They chorused in unison.
Harry nodded, his stern look replaced by his usual smile. "Good! Now then!" He said looking at his watch. "Since class has already begun, all of you open your books and begin reading the chapter on Acromantula." He said eyeing the students. "And I really mean it. You can discuss it with your friends of course, but stay on topic because you'll be seeing one up close and personal shortly."
"An Acromantula?" Ron squeaked, eyes filled with fear. "But isn't it dangerous?"
Harry smiled in bemusement, "And that's why Mr. Weasley, this class is called Defense against the Dark Arts. When you delve into the Dark Arts there's always danger. However make no mistake, none of you will be harmed so long as I'm there and you follow my commands explicitly."
Several of the females Gryffindors wore dreamy expression, and even the best of the female Slytherins couldn't help the heat rising to their cheeks, causing a faint blush.
The boys meanwhile were also convinced, safe in the fact that one or two Acromantula wouldn't be a danger to someone of their professor's caliber, not after what they just seen.
Harry brought his wand up once more, and with a casual flick repaired the damaged wall, he only latched them back in place and the rune that crafted in other parts began to reconnected with the one he just destroy
'A rune that mended another runes the moment they reconnected? A trait of Hufflepuff indeed, truly Helga was amazing woman. If only I could meet her...' Harry thought with respect as he staring at the fixed wall for moment before turned to the students "Now everyone, read your books, the chapter on Acromantulas begins on page 192, and if there's something you don't understand please don't hesitate to ask."
Later
Harry let out a small sigh as he allowed himself to relax at the Professor's table for lunch. Morrigan resting on his shoulder, hopped down onto the table, looking at him with concern.
"Having a hard time adjusting, Professor Potter?" Flitwick who sat next to him asked in a squeaky voice.
"Quite so Professor Flitwick. Mostly First Year though there are a few in the Second Year." Harry answered as he took some food and placed it on his plate while cutting some meat into smaller pieces for Morrigan. "There were issues between Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley, both of them exchanging taunts and barbs, and if I hadn't been there I feel like it would've devolved into spell fire."
"Ah, yes..." Flitwick nodded in understanding. "Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley are often at each other's throats. Last year they caused quite a lot of mischief, and even detention in the Forbidden Forest didn't straighten them out."
"Excuse me?" Harry asked blinking his eyes in disbelief. "The Forbidden Forest? A first year went into Forbidden Forest?"
"Hagrid went with them of course, and he is quite well known in the Forest by the creatures, so they wouldn't have attacked them seeing as he was with them." Flitwick answered in an attempt to calm his fellow professor. "The intent was to scare them straight, and while it didn't stop the incidents it certainly lessened the frequency and severity of their fights."
Harry rubbed his chin at that, truthfully he didn't care too much. He was more surprised than horrified for having First Year went to Forbidden Forest. Those two must have really made themselves a pain for Dumbledore to have sent them there.
"Well, fear can be quite the teacher sometimes." He agreed with a nod "And there Ms. Granger too..."
"What is it about Ms. Granger?" Minerva who just arrived taking the open seat at his side. She was fiercely protective of her cubs, and wanted to know what was going on.
"There's nothing wrong about her. In fact I would go so far as to say that she if the model student. In fact she earned her house 10 points." Harry told the Transfiguration Professor. "It's just… She seems quite… Isolated. Her own housemates seem to dislike her." He said remembering when Ron scoffed at her explanation during Acromantula session. "I was under the impression that the house was supposed to be like your family."
Hearing that Minerva sighed, truthfully she knew what happened to Hermione. She was ashamed to think one of her cubs was being treated badly by the other members of her house. Such behavior did not belong in the House of Gryffindor which valued bravery and nobility, and not to mention that she was often bullied by the Slytherins. Not once had her housemates defended her, not even in crucial moments like the troll incident.
She had already talked to her classmate about that, and while she couldn't force them to like her, she at least convinced them to stand by her in the name of house unity.
"Ms. Granger was quite commanding in her first year and often tried to force her beliefs on others. She also was a bit of a know-it-all and this alienated her from her peers."
"Children can sometimes be cruel." Pomona who was listening added, face set into bitter expression. "But you can't blame them. On the other hand that's what they are, and it's in their nature. They're children who want to enjoy themselves and have fun, and Ms. Granger's way of fun is different to what they want. I personally think that if she had been sorted into Ravenclaw her life would be much better."
"I see..." Harry muttered. "Well, I guess I'll try and talk with her later." He said, more to himself than everyone.
"Please don't press her too hard Professor Potter." Minerva said, voice sounding sterner than usual. "Whatever you are going to talk about with her is not my business, but if it influences her health then as her Head of House I have the right to know."
"I assure you, I have no intention of doing anything harmful to her." Harry reassured, raising one hand in gesture.
Minerva only nodded, she knew that Professor Potter would never harm a student, but she was quite fond of Hermione as she reminded her of herself when she was young.
"And how about my Claws, Professor? You taught my First Years." Flitwick asked in interest.
"Ah, yes. Ravenclaw is fine, albeit they did better in the theoretical aspect, and only had a bit of difficulty in the practical portion. I had them cast knockback jinxes." Harry answered. "One student in particular did very well in the spellcasting. Luna Lovegood, if I remember her name correctly, managed to get the jinx correct on her first try, albeit not strongly enough to do real damage. However for the exercise it was more than powerful enough to flip the statue that I had them use as a target. She stood out among all her classmates." He told the Charms Professor who beamed in pride that one his students did so well. "Though her behavior is quite…" He paused trying to think of a good word to use. "Eccentric."
"Eccentric?"
"Yes, when she met me for the first time she said that I didn't have any Wrackspurts floating around my head."
"Wrackspurts?" Flitwick blinked, he never heard of such a creature before.
"That was my response as well." Harry nodded "When I asked her what a wrackspurt was she said that they were invisible creatures that lurked around people's ears and made their brains go fuzzy. Then I asked if they were invisible how was she able to see them. She said something about how she could feel them." Harry paused and took a sip of water. "I must say, talking to her has made me interested in this wrackspurt creature."
"Well…if I may make a suggestion. Try not to pay to let such notions distract you too much." Minerva said. "The Lovegood family has a reputation, and is generally regarded as being unusual by mainstream wizarding society." She explained to her junior.
"I see..." Harry murmured with a nod. "That might be the reason why her classmates seem to distance themselves from her. They're not subtle about it, so I think I'll keep an eye on her just in case. I would suggest you do the same Professor Flitwick, like Professor Sprout said children can sometimes be cruel."
Flitwick appeared to take the warning seriously as his face went through several different expressions before finally settling on stern. "Thank you Professor Potter, I think I'll do just that."
"Don't mention it." Harry said, waving hand dismissively.
"Then how about my Badgers?" Pomona asked.
"Well… I'm sorry to say, but none of Hufflepuff managed to cast a quite strong knockback jinx, though they tried to help each other and were always asking for help. They seem to embody the concepts that the House was founded on." He paused his face turned to pure confusion "I'm curious though, the students keep giving me strange looks. They also seem to make strange movements when I fix their wand movements."
"Strange movements?" Minerva asked, eyebrow furrowed. For some reason she disliked where this was going.
"Yeah… Ms. Brown kept swaying her hips and brushing against me I was behind her trying to demonstrate the wand movements. Several of the Ravenclaw students turned away from me with red faces every time I looked them in the eye, the Hufflepuffs got a dazed look, and the Slytherins kept taking subtle looks before they gathered together and began whispering. For some reason their actions have made me quite jumpy." He frowned as he finished speaking. "Is it because they have eaten something wrong? As far as I could tell none of the food at breakfast had been laced with any potions. Or is this some sort of trend among the students now?"
By the end of his explanation the Head of Hufflepuff house was giggling like a schoolgirl while Flitwick shook his head smiling in amusement. Minerva meanwhile looked as if she had just eaten a sour lemon, as she closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. Though if one looked closely they would've seen a small twitch at the corner of her lips before she returned to her usual stern demeanor.
It was obvious to the three Professors that their students had a crush on the youngest Professor, however it seemed like the latter was oblivious to their feelings. While a part of them wanted to tell him what was going on another part wanted to see how this would play out. With several glances to one another they knew that they had found their yearly entertainment.
"Wait! How did you know that the food wasn't laced with potion?" Pomona asked.
"I always check my food before eating." Harry answered. "It's one of the things I picked up from Mr Moody."
"Moody?" Flitwick blinked. "As in Alastor Moody?! The Mad-Eye Moody?!"
"Yes, I got a visit from him and he's the one who taught the Dark Arts to me."
Pomona and Flitwick eyes widened as they appeared to be scandalized. No offense to Moody but it wasn't secret that he known to be quite brutal and vicious, not to mention unstable. Many on both sides of the war had been terrified of the man, and now he spent his time instilling fear in auror recruits. Few of Auror even willing to face Death Eater rather than meet the man!
Strangely, Minerva appeared to be unfazed but her lips were set into a thin line and there was a strange gleam in her eye. "How about the Slytherin students you taught?"
"Like I said there was nothing besides some furtive glances and whispering, but it's also what's got me worried the most. They're not as strange as the others but still strange..." Harry explained simply.
"What was it that James said again…" Minerva muttered under her breath. "Ah, yes. The famous Potter charm..." She whispered the last part loud enough to Harry ear
"Potter charm?"
"Nothing serious Professor. Just a joke that your father made during his schools years." Minerva dismissed.
"Ah, yes... James Potter, the man's pranks were quite amusing. Lily will be proud if she saw you now." Flitwick said nostalgically. "Why I remember when she got her charm to work the first time. Her face lit up so brightly."
"James was a prodigy in transfiguration; I remember when he transformed a piloe of leaves into a bunch of fake worms for his prank." Minerva chuckled. "He'd be proud but perhaps, disappointed as well if he saw you now."
"Disappointed?" Harry asked.
"He was prankster. And if he found out that you're not continuing his legacy..."
"Ah..." Harry nodded in understanding before falling silent and resuming his meal. Truthfully he didn't really remember his father, his small memories of him fragmented. It was his mother that he actually remembered more.
The other professors seemed to sense their juniors discomfort as they dropped the topic and began eating once more. He noted the fact that he hadn't seen Professor Lockhart and Professor Snape since breakfast, though he didn't care much. Both were grown men and were probably busy with their own work.
"Well, I guess I'm done for now. I think I'll take a walk around the castle. See you tonight." Harry said as he finished his food began to walk away.
It was when Harry was patrolling the Ground Floor, he had just left the main corridors when he felt something tugging at him. Curious he decided to follow the pull into one of the lesser used passages. There he saw three Slytherin students cornering a Hufflepuff girl and Gryffindor boy. The Slytherins appeared to be fourth years while the ones that they had cornered were first years.
"Excuse me, but what happened?" He asked as he approaching them.
The students jumped in surprise when they heard his voice. One of Slytherin students let sneered and turned to him. "None of your bus-" He trailed off when he saw it was Harry Potter. The professor's voice was a bit high, just like any other child, and they had thought it had been another student behind them.
"Yes?" Harry's eyebrow quirked at the pause, his eyes seems gleaming slightly.
"Nothing, sir." The Slytherin student gritted out, the way he said sir is like he spat some venom.
Harry's eyes stared at him, causing him to squirm in place, before he looked at the wall. Black soot covered a good chunk of the wall, evidence of spell fire. He also noticed that the soot patterns were roughly inches higher than the first years were tall and wide enough that the two younger children could've stood by side. All in all it looked like the fourth years had been using them as target practice, or scaring them. By the relieved faces that the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor were shooting him he thought it must be the second option.
"What happen here? Ms..." Harry paused as he stared at the girl trying to remember her name. "Entwhistle?"
Ms. Entwhistle was surprised hearing her name mentioned, she didn't think that Professor Potter would remember her name. She was about to answer when she noticed the trio of Slytherins glaring at her, and she shuddered in fear. She stayed quiet.
"Look sir." One of the Slytherin students said. "There's nothing wrong here, we just-"
"They bullied her sir!" The Gryffindor blurted out, throwing a weak glare at the Slytherin students. "Annabel and I were walking around and taking pictures, but then they came and began insulting us. When we were about to leave they began casting spells and told us to stay still or else they'll hit." He gestured to the scorched part of the wall, and despite his bravado his knees were shaking.
"He's lying!" The Slytherins said glaring at the boy who stared back defiantly.
'House of the Brave indeed.' Harry thought and inwardly give approval nod. He didn't know him, seeing as he hadn't taught the first year Gryffindors yet. "And your name Mr?"
"C-Colin Creevey sir!"
"I see..." Harry nodded at that before turned to the Slytherins "Your wands gentlemen."
"But sir-"
"That scorch mark is obviously from a curse, a Reducto perhaps. Do you think I'm foolish enough to believe that a First Year Mundane born has the knowledge to cast that? Your. Wands. Now! Gentlemen." He said staring at them, his eyes glowing once more. "Or I will take 50 points each for not obeying a professor, and attempting to harm a fellow students."
Harry extended his hand in expectant manner, as they each pulled their wands and handed them to him reluctantly. Taking aim with his own wand he cast a wordless prior incantanto, a golden beam lancing forth and splitting to strike the tip of the three students' wands
"Just like I thought." He said staring at the smoke that surfaced from each of the wands. "Multiple blasting curses. That will be fifteen points from Slytherin for damaging school property and almost cursing a student." He handed them back their wands.
The Slytherin students hissed, as one stepped forward to voice his displeasure. "Now see here brat, you-"
"Five points from Slytherin for ridiculing teacher."
The Slytherin student's face turned red at that, and as he opened his mouth again one of his friends gripped his shoulder and pull him back. The two Slytherins eye met before he shook his head and turning to Harry who was looking at them expectantly.
"We will take our leave now." He said before pulling his two friends away with him.
Harry stared at the retreating serpents carefully, eyes sharp as if he expected them to turn around and curse him. Veterans would've recognized the look likening it to a predator stalking his prey.
After the Slytherin students disappeared from sight, Harry turned to Colin and Annabel, his face feature softening as he gave them a small smile "You two okay?"
The two students that were ogling him with awe snapped from their stupor. Annabel instantly ducked down hiding her blushing face as she fidgeted. Colin was no better as he looked like he had just seen his favorite superhero.
"Yes sir!" Colin answered, face red slightly. "Thank you sir for helping us!"
"Just doing my duty as a Professor." Harry said. "That was quite brave of you Mr. Creevey, standing up when Ms. Entwhistle here was afraid to speak. Take two points to Gryffindor for that." He praised.
"Thank you sir! It was nothing! Really!"
"I give points to those who deserve it Mr. Creevey, albeit in some cases Bravery can be called suicide if shown at the wrong time so you need to be careful to use it." Harry said staring sharply at the boy. "Now Mr. Creevey let me give you this warning. Those students are going to come after you seeking retribution. Tell your prefects or some older students what happened, and from now on make sure you do not walk alone."
"Y-Yes!" Colin stuttered. "But sir, isn't it better if you report it to a teacher?"
"While it theoretically is a good thing, teacher cannot always be there for you. You may still want to tell Professor McGonagall of course but tell your friends as well." He then grinned. "You're mundane born right? If I recall there proverb "Fight Fire with Fire.", or in this case fight students with other students."
"Yes sir!" Colin said, his face so bright that Harry would swear that it began to sparkle.
"Now, you two should run along and join your friends. Who knows if they're still lurking about." Tapping his still bandaged staff twice against the floor the wall repaired itself and the soot marks disappeared.
He heard Colin whisper out 'Cool' while he did this. "I'll be continuing my patrol now. Mr. Creevey I expect you to read the introductory chapter before you have class with me tomorrow."
"Sir! Yes sir!"
Harry sweatdropped at the response, before he continued his patrol. Really dealing with mundane born students could be fun but at the same time annoying. Hopefully the boy wouldn't follow him along like his own personal stalker, he already have few, not need to add another one to his list.
As he began to walk again, part of his mind wondered why all the students were so cheerful to him. A few were even giggling and covering their face while squealing when he smiled back at them. Well, maybe they were just happy to see someone at their age become their Professor.
"Professor Potter's really cool eh?" Colin muttered in awe.
"Y-Yeah... His class was also amazing..." Annabel nodded in agreement, she remembered the class moments ago and she was embarrassed to admit that she had been more focused on their professor than what he had been teaching. Still though she had learned a few things from it.
"You have to tell me what you learned today with him Annabel!"
"Get out! Get out! I don't want to see you here!" Petunia snarled as she attempted to close the door of her house.
Only for Albus to put his foot in the doorframe, preventing it from closing. "Petunia, please. I have some news for you, it's about Lily."
Hearing her sister's name mentioned Petunia froze, her face troubled as she contemplated kicking the old man out or letting him in to hear about her sister. Eventually she chose the second option and opened the door. Seeing this Albus smiled kindly as he walked into the foyer.
"Thank you Petunia." Albus said as he took a seat, he briefly glanced around the house before returning his gaze to her. "I heard you married, where's your husband?"
"Vernon is still at work." Petunia replied snidely. "Now stop wasting time! Tell me what happened to Lily!"
Albus noted that despite the disdain in her voice there was also a hint of concern. Hidden and barely recognizable, but still there. Inwardly he was happy to see that she still cared for her sister which made it all the more harder to break the news to her.
"What has Lily told you about our world recently?" He asked.
"I don't care much. She only said something about a madman waging war." Petunia answered before her eyes widened and the pieces began to fall into place.
"Yes..." Albus said somberly, eyes filled with sadness as he gave a brief nod. "It breaks my heart to inform you, but Lily is dead. She fought valiantly but that Dark Wizard proved to be too much for her."
Petunia felt her world blacken for a moment. Many people said that she hated Lily, that she was ashamed to have her as a sister. They were right. She hated Lily, hated her with a burning passion. But she was not ashamed for having her as a sister, and despite the hatred she felt she also felt love.
"Lily..." Petunia choked out, eyes shimmering with unshed tears "Lily is..."
"I'm sorry Petunia..." Albus said bitterly, eyes closed in sadness.
For Petunia, Lily was her sister, and once upon a time her best friend. Despite the three year age difference, Lily and her had been close, undoubtedly close. They were perfect sisters to each other. Despite the jealousy she felt with Lily being the favorite, her sister was always there to comfort her.
Until that first blast of magic.
Had it happened in house or if she had been alone with Lily it wouldn't be a problem. But no…it was Severus who saw it.
Needless to say, Lily became close to him who seemed to know more about 'Magic' and they drifted apart.
And then the Hogwarts letter came.
Her parents were so excited and proud of her, adoring her more than usual. Petunia herself was left alone, not neglectful but the wound was already done. She and her sister drifted further and further apart every time she took the train to that freakish school
She was jealous of her, yes. She admitted that. She even sent a letter to the old man in front of her to be accepted but sadly she was only a mundane girl. Add the fact Lily always spoke highly about the Wizarding World that Severus told her of, and she couldn't be part of it!
And thus, her hatred and the scar grew deeper and darker until it she finally snapped. She called her 'Freak' and cut the tie between them, and in return Lily become distant toward her, thus making the seed of hatred grow further.
But at same time that darkness grew so did passion and affection as well.
She loved Lily with a passion, and she missed her greatly. A childish part of her heart always praying and wishing for them to be together once more, for things to return to like when they were children and innocent, but she knew it wouldn't happen. Not since the first time that Lily stepped through to the platform and she call her 'Freak'
And when she heard her sister died, the passion that was hidden and buried bubbled to the surface. It took everything she had not to faint in the spot, as she broke, letting out a banshee like wail and sob. A deep cry that filled with nothing but anguish and deep pain, enough to made the old wizard in front of her shed a tear.
She remembered when they spent time together, when they played with their dolls, swung together in the park, and when she stood there and protected her like the true big sister she was. When everyone was so simple and easy, when they still innocent and don't know the World
"THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" Petunia screamed, eyes glistering with tears "If... If you freaks never existed in the first place Lily would still be here! She would still be alive! You take her away from our parents! You split her from her family! YOU AND YOUR FREAKISH NATURE!" She yelled before she broke into sobs once more.
Albus didn't know what to say, he truly didn't. The woman in front of him was right to hate him. He failed Lily and he had failed James. He knew Lily's relationship with Petunia was hurt because she was a witch but he never knew the pain was this deep. "She has a son." Albus said, breaking the woman from her sobs.
She glared at him. "So what?! Take care of him! It was your responsibility! Your World's fault! Don't dump it on me! I bet he will be freakish like you all!" She snarled hatred and malice clear in her voice.
"He's not safe, there are dark wizards after him. I can't show him to the public Petunia." Albus replied sadly "Lily cast protective magics on him, one that will drive away his pursuers but it need to be strengthened. It needs someone who shares a blood relationship with Lily, and that person is you, Petunia."
"I don't care! To hell with that boy! You and your World have already taken my remaining family from me! You have no right to-"
"He has her eyes." Albus cut her, making Petunia eyes widened.
The woman bit her lip, face filled with tears, as she closed her eyes for a moment and look troubled. "How old?" She rasped out, voice dry due to her wail and sob before
"Two years..."
Albus watched as Petunia fell into silence once more, the woman closed her eyes again. Albus could tell the woman was deep in thought.
"I can't..." Petunia finally rasped, as she opened her eyes.
"Petunia..." Albus was shocked, did she really hate magic that much?
"I can't take him. Not with Vernon. He would end up hating the boy and that would lead to neglect, and abuse." Petunia said bitterly. "And I don't want to leave him, not when I already have Dudley in my life. He will need his father..."
Albus' eyebrow quirked at that, it wasn't a strong reason actually and normally he would allow the woman her privacy but Harry's condition was dire. "I will support any financial problems you may have Petunia if you take Harry in. Or if Dudley's father is someone that can abuse a child then surely you know he is not a good person. Harry needs you, he-"
"And Dudley needs me!" Petunia screamed. "I don't want him to grow up with Harry! I don't want him grow up with a freak like him! I don't want Dudley to..."
To be like me.
She left that part unsaid…
She didn't want her son to turn out to be anything like her, to experience bitterness and have her family torn apart because of magic. She doesn't want her son to have felt what she felt when she split with Lily. She knew big chance Dudley can become envy and jealous to Harry, just like her and she don't want that to happen, not to her own Son
"I can't... Your people, and Magic have taken too much from me. I can't raise him. My decision is final... Now get out..."
"Petunia, please-"
"GET. OUT!" She shrieked, eyes filled with pure murderous intent for once.
Albus seeing the sign knew he had lost. He closed his eyes in sadness and nodded before standing from his seat. He walked toward the door and opened it, but before he left he glance back. Petunia was staring at the floor, her face filled with tears as she looked as if she had aged ten years.
"For what it's worth, I'm truly sorry. You need not forgive me, but know that I regret what happened to you and Lily." He said sadly before closing the door.
He heard Petunia's muffled sobs as he apparated away. The only thing he could think while leaving was, how he regret for what happen to Petunia and Lily, and what should he do about Harry now?
Hello all! Another chapter has come out! In here you all see how Harry act as a teacher! And how he went through his first day of teaching
Like I said before, this universe is quite AU. Harry able to break enchanted wall without any problem is proof of that, all Wizards will get their own upgrade of course. Make no mistake, Harry is strong in here despite he quite young
We get glimpse of how he capable in here and also small flashback about what happen to Harry in past, obviously he not given to Dursley seeing Albus got rejected and leave
Make no mistake, Albus is a good man in here, however that doesn't mean he is Saint, to facing someone like Voldemort you can't be just a Saint. He manipulative, yes, you all see it in here he try to use guilt trip on Petunia side and nearly succeed had her love to Dudley is not stronger than to Lily's
However, the fact he not threatening her and forcing her is proof that he won't be Dark Lord or someone insane enough to rule the whole World. No, he is good man, but he can be cruel sometime for the 'Greater Good'. In here all Characters will be reasonable, true there will be few who did evil things out of fun and really cruel but there will be history of them of course
Next chapter would be another lesson with Professor Potter! I split it into few parts in order to show further how Harry dealing with students. A two more chapter perhaps before we will start to enter more serious things. A flashback about Harry also will be lessened, I can't just spoil it now am I? Where the fun of that?
Anyway! This is it for now, I hope you love this chapter! Please give Favorite, Follow, and Review to this story
Ja Ne! XD
