It had been in the middle of July when Harry had gotten an unexpected letter from Hogwarts. He'd been sitting right in front of the Burrow's fire; he'd just lost a game of wizard chess to Ron; the other Weasleys and Hermione had been watching. Last month, they had received their O.W.L.s and he had gotten quite a few owls. When another owl, came soaring through the open window, and dropped an envelope addressed to him, on his lap.
Harry looked at the envelope curious. They usually didn't get the reminder to get on the Hogwarts express, and book list letter until August. So, Harry opened the envelope eagerly and read the letter out loud:
"Dear Mr. H. P
This is you Transfiguration teacher, Professor McGonagall. Professor Dumbledore has asked if you wouldn't mind becoming the new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher? Professor Dumbledore had gotten the idea while seeing the superb marks for D.A.D.A (Defense against the Dark Arts) O.W.L.s: from everyone in the fifth year D.A (Dumbledore's Army). Well we await your answer. If you decide yes, look on the next parchment and see what D.A.D.A books for the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh year you would prefer.
Hoping you are well,
Professor M. McGonagall.
"Harry! Do you know what this means?" Mrs. Weasley asked trying to scan the letter for a false Professor McGonagall writing. Mrs. Weasley nodded. She evidently didn't find any forge in the hand-writing. It even sounded like their teacher.
"So, what'll your answer be mate?" Ron asked amused. Harry thought hard. He wrote down a few questions about his continued education in other subject. He also wrote yes of course. Well, there was no point in saying no. If he had succeeded in the D.A than why stop.
"Harry! I'm so excited! You a teacher! Who would have thought? I can't wait!" Hermione ran out of the room excited.
"Harry, I would advise you to fill out the second piece of parchment before returning your answer." George said. Harry could see him looking jealous about not being in school when Harry would be teaching.
Harry flipped open the next piece of parchment and began reading the titles of books and descriptions about them.
-
A month later (August 12th) Harry stood in Diagon Alley, at Madam Malkin's Robe for All Occasions buying new robes (non Hogwarts type robes). When Madam Malkin had headed toward the black robes, Harry told her that he needed a variety of different colors (he had been speaking in a whisper at this point) beside black for he was going to be a teacher. Madam Malkin looking unconvinced; took out a pad, so she could write down the measurements.
Harry walked into Flourish and Blotts, after walking in he grabbed the seven D.A.D.A books he would need for that year (seven grade levels). He had convinced Hermione to read them very fast, but very interesting so he could remember everything inside them. So, Harry got his course books and left Flourish and Blotts (after paying for his things).
Harry continued to other stores just for that year's lessons he would be taking, except Snape's. This was what confused him, if he was D.A.D.A teacher than what was Professor Slughorn teaching. There wasn't nearly enough subjects for him to join. Harry pushed this out of his mind. He left Diagon Alley then to return to the Weasleys.
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On September 1st Harry stood on Platform 9 ¾ looking around at all the unsuspecting students. Harry jumped up and down excitedly. He didn't know why, but becoming the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher had driven Remus Lupin (his old boyfriend) out of his mind.
So, Harry stepped onto the Hogwarts express, he'd just been hugged and kissed goodbye by Mrs. Weasley. Ron and Hermione left to the prefect's carriages while Harry went to find a carriage. Too bad they didn't supply teachers with their own carriages.
-
Harry sat entered the Great Hall very nervous. When, Professor McGonagall came running over to him.
"Pr–Mr. Potter please follow me?" Professor McGonagall had stopped from calling him Professor. She'd stopped because the warning look Harry had been giving her. Malfoy sniggered behind her.
Professor McGonagall took him into an empty classroom just outside the entrance hall to talk to him. "Mr. Potter I was wondering if you might explain the fight you had last years with Professor Snape?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Professor, he'd started it. He held me back in class just to insult me to a breaking point. I had tried containing myself, but it didn't work. I'm sorry Professor." Professor McGonagall nodded understanding.
"Yes, I suppose the break up between you and Professor Lupin was hard." She nodded.
"Professor," Harry asked, confused.
"Yes, Mr. Potter we have three new teachers this year, teaching different subjects: you, Professor Slughorn, and Professor Lupin. Now, I really need to head out, and pick up those first years. Also, if you want it to be a surprise to everyone, sit at the Gryffindor table until Professor Dumbledore announces the new teachers.
Harry left the empty classroom and entered the Great Hall. "Potter, I suppose you black out again. Not, from a dementor this time, but from deprivation from friends on the way here," Malfoy sniggered.
Harry yearned to take ten points away from Slytherin for that, but it would ruin the surprise. Harry sat down between Ron and Hermione whispering so only the two of them could here. "I'm sitting here until Professor Dumbledore says my name." He told them. They both nodded in understanding and stared up at the Headmaster's chair.
Harry looked up to, just in time to see Dumbledore smile and wink at him knowingly. Only a few seconds later the sorting began. Seven or Eight students became Gryffindors. Five or Six each became Ravenclaw and Hufflepuffs (sorry if this is misspelled). Slytherins got the most student eleven to be exact.
Professor McGonagall left to put the sorting hat away. Dumbledore stood up and looked around at all the students. "For those of you who were just sorted welcome, for those who came back for another year welcome back. Now I have a few announcements before we become full with supper. I would like to welcome back Professor Remus Lupin who's taking up the subject of Charms for Professor Flitwick became terribly ill over the holidays. Professor Slughorn is also a new teacher. He will be taking place for the Herbology (sorry if spelled wrong) teacher. Professor Sprout has asked to take a vocation for a two years; she's gone to America to study the magical herbs there.
"Now, I'm sure we're still missing a teacher up here. Will you please welcome Professor Harry Potter the new Defense against the Darks Arts teacher," Harry stood up and headed for the staff table. He heard everyone that was in the D.A hooting with joy yelling, "He's the best at it!" or "No better teacher you could find!" Harry saw Malfoy's face drop like a rock in shock.
Harry sat down next to Dumbledore. Hagrid was now beside him; the teachers had grown tired of him in the middle of the table, so they forced him toward the Headmaster. Harry blushed deeply; the shouts and whoops were still going. Professor Dumbledore called for silence and continued with his speech.
"Yes welcome Professor Potter. Now, as a beginner of the year reminder Filch has asked for me to remind you that you're not to use magic in the halls. Also, first years and others who need reminding the Forbidden Forest around the castle is off limits; for it gives homes to dangerous creatures. One last reminder please check the list on Filch's office door, so that you do not bring items into the castle that aren't aloud. I have three more words to say they are: Nitwit, pork, and Peck" the food appeared on the table.
The hall filled with the sound of people filling their plates with food; then the clatter of knives, forks and spoons could be heard. "'Arry 'u a 'eacher who 'ould 'ave 'ought eh?" Hagrid asked beside him.
"I couldn't, believe me. Hagrid were you this nervous on the night before you first lesson?" Harry asked shifting in his seat. Harry gulped when he saw Remus looking at him from two seats down.
"ye', it 'as 'orbbile," Hagrid gulped recalling the day himself.