CHAPTER 4
The classes were starting today. Students sleepily entered the great hall. At the Gryffindor table the Marauders too were excited. They all had taken DADA as their NEWT level subject. Soon they were joined by Lily, Alice and Frank. Alive was a sweet girl with pixie hair. She was in 6th year with her best friend Lily. Her boyfriend Frank Longbottom was a Gryffindor 7th year.
"Good morning Lily flower." James exclaimed as he saw the red head.
"Good morning everyone." Lily replied making all but James snicker.
"Anyway mate, how do you reckon the new professor would be like?"Frank asked drawing everyone's attention. They turned their heads to the head table where the new professor was talking to the Charms professor, Filius Flitwick. The half goblin was talking to her animatedly. Just then her owl swooped into the great hall and perched at the back of her chair. She gave her owl some bacon and seemed to talk to it.
"Whatever, one thing I know that the owl is definitely too large in size." Sirius said eyeing the bird warily.
"Maybe it's her familiar." Remus piped in. Meanwhile Professor McGonagall came handing them their schedules. They all had almost same schedules- Charms, Transfiguration, Potions before lunch, followed by double DADA and then Runes/ Muggle studies. they all made their way to respective classes.
The Slytherin 6th years had their DADA with the Gryffindor's . students from either house staring intently at one another while standing outside the class. However, there were no verbal comments today as none of them wanted to lose house points on the first day itself and leave a poor impression.
The door to the classroom opened and came a voice- "Come in."
They started moving and gauged at the sight. The DADA classroom looked like it had totally been reformed. On either side of the wall were books lined up, books about every piece of magic- DARK, LIGHT and GREY. There were small trinklets on the desk which had some kind of sand and particles in a ball. On the right side of the room were kept some magical creatures which were to be taught for lessons, while on the left side the windows have all been opened. On the far side of the window was kept a musical instrument.
On the teachers seat sat the snowy white owl regally and the professor stood smiling at their awe.
"Welcome to Defence Against the Dark Arts, please take your seats." There were three rows of desks. The Slytherins sat on the left side of the classroom while the Gryffindors on the right. The middle row was empty. The professor seemed to know that already and waved her wand to make the middle row disappear.
"I know it can sound a bit boring, but I want o see for myself how much to all know. Here is a small test. 15 minutes on the clock would be sufficient." She said as the papers started distributing themselves.
"Based on how much you know i can start the lesson planning accordingly." With that the students started. They thought it would be easy, but they were wrong. Their brows furrowed in concentration trying to answer them.
"Time's up." Professor said. No one looked happy. After a quick scan on some papers, Haradah turned her attention to them, "well we'll have to work a lot but we will manage."
"Now first I would like to introduce myself, my name is Haradah Isodore Peverell. You may address me as Professor Peverell or Miss Haradah." The students looked a bit at ease after going through the horrific test.
"I'm not too strict with rules, but there are going to some ground rules which are to followed. First, there is not going to any house rivalry or petty house fights in my classroom. Now I want to hear any kind of verbal abuse in my class." The voice with which she spoke made the students shudder.
"Second I will mostly be doing practical work but when i give you some theory work i want it on my table positively. I'm not the professor who will dock house points or anything. Disobey me and you won't like the punishments. Clear?"
The students just nodded their heads in agreement. The new professor was strict and not someone to be crossed paths with; the point was very clear.
"Now since everything is explained why don't you introduce yourselves one by one. We will start the work from tomorrow onwards." The mood dissipated into a cheerful one easily. The students introduced themselves and as it came to an end Sirius being Sirius spoke up, "Professor could you tell us something about yourself please?"
"What do want to know Mr Black?" Haradah asked amused.
"What is your age?" Sirius asked immediately and everyone looked at her as she chuckled.
"I'm 21 Mr Black."
"Where did you study from?"
" I was homeschooled alongside my cousin, recently came to Britain."
"Do you have a boyfriend?" Sirius asked making everyone laugh.
"No, Mr Black, I do not and neither I am looking for one."
"Professor who is that?" James asked pointing towards the owl.
"This is Hedwig, my familiar.' Many students gasped at this. Having a familiar was a very rare thing. "And she looks a bit larger because of the familiar ritual bond I have performed with her."
At this a Slytherin asked, "Professor it seems like you understand her."
"Yes because of our bond we can read each others thoughts and feelings."
"Professor the test you made seemed a bit difficult.
" Yes Mr Junes. Actually I made the test according to the Standard International Syllabus. These kind of tests are very similar to what is taught in schools outside Britain. It's sad to say that Wizarding Britain is lagging behind."
"Means all this is taught in other wizarding schools?"
" Yes. But you don't have to worry. We'll be able to catch up very soon. Alright I think our time is up. Next class wear comfortable clothes, we'll be starting duelling." With the murmurs of excitation the class ended.
"Mr Snape and Miss Evans, a moment please."
"Yes Professor."
When they were alone Haradah spoke.
"Yesterday Professor Slughorn told me that you two are one of the brightest students in Potions and want to build a career in it too. But I've seen the standard at Hogwarts are not as they should have been. If you allow i would like to give you some books on advanced potions and summarised syllabus according to International Standards."
The two students remained shell shocked. No teacher at Hogwarts gave students such extensive texts. Severus and Lily couldn't find words and nodded in agreement. Haradah gave them books and some information.
"Also if you want to brew you can use my personal lab if Professor Slughorn does not permit. I brew potions myself too." Lily beamed and Severus actually smiled. Thanking the professor profusely the duo left to join heir classmates.