CHAPTER 7 - A New Teacher?

Surprising as it may seem, Harry and the rest of the Gryffindor students didn't hate their Potions that day. It consisted of entering the room, Professor Snape bashing through the room again, him discussing something while the class listened, Slytherins mocking the Gryffindors, Professor Snape taking points from Gryffindors, and so on. But the weird part about it was that Professor Snape didn't put out any anger on them. He looked cheerful, in a creepy, sort of distraught and, totally different cheerful for someone like him way, and less stressed. An even more shocking thing was that the students actually saw him smile that morning after class. He seemed to be so jubilant beyond description (in the standard of Professor Snape, smiling is a big improvement).

Draco decided to continue hanging out with his Slytherin goons before actually telling them the big news. He didn't want to surprise them - considering the I.Q. of Crabbe and Goyle, Draco thought that it would take a lot of time before they could handle the truth. But Draco still managed to hang out with the three whenever none of the Slytherins were around. It didn't bother them that much.

After Double Potions, Harry went off to the Quidditch Pitch for a meeting. He didn't know who sent the announcement but he decided to go anyway. Ron followed him short after talking to Lavander. Hermione decided to stop by the Common Room to get her copy of Hogwarts: A History before following suit. When she arrived, she saw Harry and Ron walking towards a group of Gryffindors, some, of which, seemed to be in the team. She sat down at the sidelines where she saw some students talking. She looked back at Harry and Ron before opening her book and started reading.

"I heard we have a new instructor for Quidditch. They said that Madam Hooch was given an assistant to help her with all the students this year," Harry heard Seamus say.

"That's stupid. Why would we need an instructor for Quidditch? Do we look that stupid?" Ron asked Harry.

"I don't think that's what the instructor is for, Ron," Harry said.

"Then what is it for then?"

"Maybe they just want us to have a new teacher on flying classes or something. After all, Hogwarts' population increases every year, even with the goings of the seventh years."

"Harry, mind you, but I believe we've already graduated from flying ages ago. I don't think we need another one. After all, we are Quidditch players. I bet if Wood finds out about this he is going to go over the edge."

"Oh, yeah, about Oliver, I haven't seen him yet here. I wonder where he is. Have you seen him?"

"What do you mean? Wood doesn't study here anymore. He graduated years before."

"I know. What I meant is that he wrote to me last summer saying that he got a job here at Hogwarts and that he'll see us here soon. He just didn't tell me what kind of job was given to him."

"Maybe he got the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."

"No, that couldn't be it. Professor Lupin was given that position, remember?"

"Oh, yeah, I forgot. Well, whatever his position is, I'm sure that we'll see him soon. I mean, he can not be in the staff without appearing, at least even once, on any of the meals. Except maybe, if he's like Professor Trelawney or something. But she's loony and we still see her the the Great Hall every meal time."

"I don't think so. Maybe he hasn't arrived yet."

"Actually, I'm pretty sure he has, Harry."

"Why?"

"Because I think it is time for us to meet our new Quidditch Instructor."

Harry looked up at where Ron was looking, and sure enough he was right. It was time for us to meet the mysterious Instructor everyone was dying to meet. There he was, Oliver Wood, standing in front of them. Professor McGonagall was beside him, calling out to all the Gryffindors present to come closer. Harry saw groups of Gryffindors coming up to Professor McGonagall, he even saw other students from different Houses approach her. They must be surprised like us. I wonder what's going to happen. Is this what Oliver meant as his new job? What is his job anyway?

"What's going on? Why's Professor. McGonagall calling us over? And why are all these students out here?" Hermione immediately asked when she suddenly appeared beside Ron.

Ron was startled at her arrival and jumped a little. Harry laughed at this, causing Ron to glare at him. He nudged Harry on the arm and motioned for them to walk towards the group quickly pilling up. Harry and Hermione looked at each other before following him up front.

"I think the Headmaster has totally lost his mind. How could he hire Wood to do whatever it is that he is supposed to do?" Ron stated as they came closer to the crowd.

"Wood? Oliver Wood? Is this the reason why everyone's crowding here? Because of Oliver Wood's new job here at Hogwarts? Harry, what exactly is Oliver's job here?" Hermione asked shockingly.

"We don't have a clue either, 'Mione. All we know is that he is standing right there beside Professor McGonagall," Harry said.

"Now, now, students, settle down. I know that all of you are wondering why there was a note that was sent to you to come here for a Gryffindor Quidditch team meeting; though I am really appalled that even none team members came, and more appalled that other House members came as well. I am not certain as to how the note was leaked out of the team, but I will not deal with that anymore. Anyway, the main reason why I asked you all to come here is to introduce the newest member of our staff. I know that he is familiar to most of you, especially Gryffindors and the Quidditch players, but I am still to give an introduction," Professor McGonagall said. "This is Mister Oliver Wood. He is a graduate of this school and an honorary member of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. He was the former Captain and Keeper of the said team, and he used to play for the Puddlemere United. Now, Professor Dumbledore invited him to be a part of this school year, as why he offered him the position of a new job here at Hogwarts. He graciously accepted the offer and that is why, class, especially Gryffindors, I am pleased to introduce to you your first ever Quidditch Instructor, Professor Oliver Wood."

Everyone was silent at first, and then voices started growing all around the Pitch. Everybody was whispering to each other. The group of Ravenclaws started smiling and shooting glances at Oliver. A bunch of Slytherins, headed by Draco, started talking to themselves and started speculating stupid things. A pack of Hufflepuffs who were close behind the three were heard telling each other that Oliver's hiring was to be a wonderful thing for Hogwarts.

"Did we miss anything?" a certain manly voice said behind Harry.

Harry looked behind and found Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang standing behind him. Hermione watched as Harry tensed beside her. She nudged him and Harry looked at her. He stared into her eyes before finally calming down. This wasn't what they had talked about before. He was definitely over his feelings for Cho and that's the truth. He has to get used to the fact of having to run into Cho around the school. After all, it's only going to be one more year; better get used to it.

"Oh, hi, Cedric. How are you doing? Haven't seen you around," Hermione said, trying her best to create a conversation that will help Harry with his 'little' problem.

"Been busy restraining all the guys. They keep on asking me how death was. They're asking all these questions like 'Is it really that scary?' or 'Did you meet the Devil or God or something?'; it's really freaking me out," Cedric told them with a concerned look in his eyes.

"Well, you're lucky you just got the 'guys' bugging you. You should see Harry's fan club. We're lucky to have made it here in one piece," Ron said.

"I am lucky, aren't I? Well, I wouldn't want to end up like you, Harry. I'm lucky I didn't save the world from total destruction," Cedric asserted.

"I think that makes two of us," Harry told him.

"Thank you for that introduction, Professor. Yes, I'll take care of the rest. Thank you very much."

Harry saw Professor McGonagall leave the Pitch. He looked back at Oliver and saw him looking at all the students in the crowd. He seemed to be trying to memorize or remember all the faces that were looking at him. He smiled when he recognized Neville, Seamus, Dean, Katie, Angelina, Ginny, Justin, and so on.

"Well, now that the introductions are over, hello to all of you. I am pleased to be back here at Hogwarts, though I must say that I am still getting used to the fact that I am now a professor here. But I am really thankful that I am here right now - here to help you all. Now, I know that all of you are wondering what my job is. So, if you all will sit down on the grass I will be relating to you my side of the story," Oliver said.

Everyone sat down and waited intently for what Oliver had to say. It looked as if they were having Defense Against the Dark Arts class because everyone was eager to hear what their professor had to say. Hermione even put aside her book to listen to what Oliver was about to reveal to them.

"Thank you for complying. Now, as all of you know, I was a former student here. I was once the Keeper and Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. And for most of my teammates, they all know me to be a great lover of Quidditch. That is why when the Headmaster offered me this job, I accepted as fast as you can say bludger. You might be wondering what sort of job a Qudditch Instructor does. Well, my job is to assist all of the Quidditch players into a deeper understanding of Quidditch. As your instructor, I am to give you the basics of Quidditch. Preferably, when it began, how it began, who created it, and so on. Now, my job is not only applying to Quidditch players. Oh, no, I'm sorry, but I am to teach it to all. From first years to seventh years, you are all required to study and pass this subject. Now that we have that one out, I will give you all the rules when you are in my class. I am requiring you to memorize all of it, because if you break any of them, I might break your neck," Oliver said with a wink.

"I wouldn't want him breaking my neck. Wood scares me," Ron stuttered.

"Oh, please, Ronald, get a grip. Wood will not strangle any of us. He's just using technical strategy to get us to obey his rules. I'm sure he didn't mean it. Oh, how am I going to pass this class if I don't like Quidditch?" Hermione lamented, worried.

"Don't worry, Hermione. You're the brightest witch to have ever lived in this time. I know you can pass this with flying colors," Cho assured her.

"Thanks. But, that's easy for you to say. You're a Seeker. In fact, all four of you are Quidditch players. You know these things. I don't," Hermione said, worried even more.

"Hermione, even if we're Quidditch players we don't know these things. Sure we know some of them, but we don't know what the history of Quidditch is. It wasn't being discussed during practice," Cedric told her.

"I guess, but if I need any help you guys will help me right?"

"Of course we will, Hermione. We're your friends. If you need any help just approach us," Cho said.

"Hey! You guys over there! Pay attention. I need you to listen carefully because I'm only going to say this once. I'm not that type who repeats and repeats just for the fun of it. Alright then, let's begin, shall we? Now, I'm telling you guys that I am one tough teacher; just ask my former teammates. I can be very competitive and demanding. So, for my rule no. 1, there shall be no late submissions for any essays that I am to assign. I expect you students to be able to manage your time. And if you are not to submit it on time, there is to be a very fatal consequence for your irresponsibility." Wood said, making a strong eye contact on one of the Sytherin students.

"He's like Snape, only younger and nicer. I've never seen Wood like this before. He's really getting into his professor form," Hermione said, not looking at any of her companions.

"Next, my second rule is that all of you are to be ready always. I expect all of you to be prompt and present, because I am not the one who gives out schedules for tests. You must be ready. And lastly, you are all required, by the end of each month, to play a game of Quidditch. This has already been arranged between me and Madame Hooch. The Headmaster has ordered us to have a little game of Quidditch every end of the month to prove if all of you are really paying attention to everything I say. Sometimes during my discussions, I give out information on the different plays that there is existing in this world. And those things will be watched when you play your game. The rules are still the same, but the teammates aren't. This time I will be assigning your teammates. Just choose what name you want for your team, but I am to decide who will be in what team. This was also approved by Dumbledore as an act of cooperation. He wants you all to cooperate even if you guys aren't on the same Houses. I believe that the scheduled first game will be by coming January next year. It will give all of you time to get used to the game."

Oliver walked around the crowd. He took out his wand and pointed it at a Slytherin who was sitting behind Crabbe. A flash of light came out of his wand and struck the hand of the boy. All the students were shocked at what happened. Oliver approached the boy and kneeled down in front of him.

"Next time, Mister Zabini, if you are planning on releasing unwanted stench on my class try not to make it so obvious," Oliver told him.

Oliver took something from Blaise's hand and headed towards the front. He held out the object in front of the crowd. Everybody started wondering whatever the object may be. Oliver shot Blaise a knowing look before taking out a bag. He placed the object inside the bag and set it down beside him before looking back at the crowd.

"Oh, please, you guys, how immature can you get? I graduated from Hogwarts ages ago, and still, you guys are up to the same tricks. It's a new era, people. Try to think of a different prank to unleash in my class, alright? Zonko's Joke Shop isn't exactly the newest joke shop to have sprouted in this world. I've gone to Zonko's loads of times to have already seen every single one of their items. I think I have experienced every possible trick known to man. Don't forget, I used to play with Fred and George Weasley."

At the sound of their names, Fred and George suddenly appeared. They walked towards Oliver who was smirking. He almost laughed when Fred gave Blaise a piece of parchment containing what seemed to be a spell for changing one's color to green. It was a spell they created in order to get out of class.

"Hello, Oliver. How you doing, man? Been long time since we last saw you," Fred said, while him and George slapped Oliver back.

"What's with your talking? Have you eaten something bad?" Oliver asked.

"No, man. We just saw a muggle movie last summer, and, as you can see, it has greatly improved our language," George answered.

"Whatever you say, so, how's my two trouble-making Beaters? All set for the new year?"

"Weren't we always, Oliver? We're planning something big this year," Fred said.

"We're planning it for the Ball. But, we need your help on this one," George continued.

"Sure. But, I won't do anything disgusting or I'll be force to report you to the higher authorities."

"Then it's a deal. So, is our Captain coming back to wake us up every five in the morning again?"

"No, but I could do that, you know. I'm actually here to teach Quidditch History."

"So, you're the new teacher every one's been wondering about. I didn't expect you to ever come back here, much less as a new teacher," Fred said.

"The offer was indeclinable. I just couldn't resist it."

"Well, that's good news then. We thought you were here because the Headmaster asked you to repeat a year," George commented.

"You guys never change. In other issues, you boys are late. The announcement explicitly said that Gryffindor Quidditch Team players are to be prompt."

"Hey! Like you said, Captain, we never change," together they said.

"You two are going to give me headaches. Anyway, people, that's all for today. Thank you for attending. I'll be seeing you during classes. You will find that my class will appear on your schedules right at the beginning of dinner. Goodbye then. Go on now; it's almost time for lunch."

Everybody started leaving the Pitch. After only a few moments, there were only a couple of students left. Students of which are: Harry, Hermione, Ron, Cedric, Cho, Draco, Fred, George, and their teacher Oliver. They all walked towards Oliver and the Twins, each having questions to ask their new professor. Oliver wasn't surprised to see Harry and his friends stay behind, though he was quite surprised to find Draco Malfoy lingering around them.

"Well, hello to all of you. I've been expecting you to come over. How are you all doing?" Oliver asked.

Before any of them could answer, he took out his wand and pointed it at the bag that he had settled beside him a while ago. Within a second, the bag disappeared. He placed his wand back inside his robe and looked back at the group.

"Wood, why didn't you tell us that you are going to be a professor here?" Ron asked.

"I'm sorry, but the Headmaster asked me to keep the details first until I am formally introduced. But, I sent a letter to Harry stating that I was hired for a new position here at Hogwarts," he answered.

"Well, you just said that you got a new job here, you didn't elaborate what job it was," Hermione stated.

"You are right, aren't you? As smart as ever, are you not, Hermione? Well, who do we have here?"

"Oliver Wood, it's nice to finally meet you. I've heard great stories about you. I'm sorry I wasn't able to introduce myself during our Quidditch match before," Cedric said, shaking Oliver's hand.

"Cedric Diggory, right? It's nice to meet you too. And this lovely, young lady over here is…?"

"Cho Chang, sir," Cho said, approaching Oliver and shakes his hand.

"Of course, the famous Ms. Chang, Ravenclaw Seeker. One of the most beautiful faces here at Hogwarts."

"Thank you, sir."

"Please, just call me Oliver. I feel so old when you call me that. I'm not that old. I'm just a few years older that you. Besides, I'm still not used to this position yet."

"You sure picked out a different hobby, Wood. I'm surprised you'd rather teach here at Hogwarts than to play Quidditch with one of the most famous teams in the world," Draco told him.

"This is surprising. I never thought I'd see the day that Draco Malfoy would talk to me without a single insult in his words," Oliver said, looking at Draco.

"It's a long story. You just have to know that Draco is now our friend and everything has been worked out in perspective. That is, in our eyes, of course. His friends have no idea about it yet. He's still trying to find the right moment to break the news to them. It's going to take a while, so, just act normal when they're around," Hermione told them.

"That's good news. No more enemies for you then, Harry."

"Yeah, it's really turning out to be a great year," Harry finally spoke out.

"I wouldn't say that just yet. We still have to mingle with all those students for that Ball thing," Fred said.

"And, mind you, those students from Wardsworth aren't that friendly. They creep even the Bloody Baron. They're so mysterious," George said.

"But you like mysterious, don't you?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, hell, we do. That's why we're working on an experiment about them," both say.

"You guys will get into trouble if you do another prank. I suggest you start with the basics first before plunging into the higher level. Try Durmstrang first," Oliver advised.

"That's a great idea, Captain."

"I'm here to help."

"We'd better get to lunch. I'm starving," Ron spoke.

"You're always hungry," Fred joked.

"Oh, sod off! C'mon, you guys, I'm getting hungrier by the minute."

"Better be going then. Let's go, I'm starving too," Oliver said.

They all walked off to the Great Hall. Draco headed first, as not to create any suspicions. Oliver decided to sit amongst the Gryffindors. He didn't want to share lunch with Snape just yet. Once he got to the table, everyone started asking questions. Oliver seemed to enjoy the warm company that his old friends was giving him, but his eyes lingered over to a feminine figure that was sitting at the far left of the Gryffindor table. He gave a small smile at her before looking back at his friends.