Chapter Three – Teachers
"Professor," the man said to Dumbledore. "Thank you for taking me back. I'm sure you know that two years ago, I had the happiest time of my life here. My return to Hogwarts was unforgettable."
Dumbledore smiled. "Of course, Mister Lupin. I still can't believe you'd think I wouldn't ask you to come back." He sat down at his desk, and gestured for Remus Lupin to sit as well. Remus did. "The only reason you left two years ago, was because every student learned of you a werewolf, and told their parents. Naturally, I received some very angry letters, protesting my decisions." He frowned. "But those parents have more important problems then having a genius werewolf teach their children, don't they?"
Despite the compliment, Remus frowned. "Yes, I'm sorry to say they do." He shifted uneasily in his chair. "How..." he looked down at this hands in worry. "How's Harry?"
"Actually, Mister Lupin," Dumbledore said, "I haven't been able to see him, let alone talk to him."
"I'm just worried, Professor. As you can imagine." Remus fussed with his robes.
"He's a strong boy, Remus," Dumbledore said reassuringly. "I'm sure he's doing fine."
Remus nodded uncertainly, and looked back up at the old man. "How are the Diggorys doing? I hope they're handling it well."
"Actually," Dumbledore handed the Daily Promphet to Remus. "Both seem to be doing much better. They've begun to volunteer at a Quidditch training camp. Want to continue creating the best Seekers possible, I dare say." He smiled. "Of course, no Seeker they teach will be able to beat our Harry."
Remus smiled, "You've got that right. I only wish James could see his son; they're identical, they are."
Dumbledore nodded sadly, remembering the young James Potter – and his letter.
^*^*^
The four friends stepped inside the Great Hall, which was light magnificently by floating candles. They, of course, sat at the Gryffindor table, next to Seamus and Dean, Harry and Ron's other roommates. They talked, but quieted when the first years, all shaking with nerves, stepped into the Great Hall. They watched patiently as the young boys and girls stepped up to the Sorting Hat.
Watching all of it made Harry think of what the Sorting Hat said to him, on his first day of school.
"Hmm," it had said...a small voice in his ear. "Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind either. There's talent, oh my goodness, yes – and a nice thirst to prove yourself, not that's interesting....So where shall I put you?"
Harry remembered thinking, Not Slytherin, not Slytherin, to which the had replied, "Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all there in your head, and Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness, no doubt about that – no? Well, if your sure – better be GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry always wondered what would have happened, if the hat had decided to put him into Slytherin.
"Beam, Amanda!" McGonagall announced. A young girl stepped up to the hat. It was placed onto her head, and after a few seconds, it screamed, "RAVENCLAW!"
Harry turned to see the Ravenclaw table cheer. He noticed Cho Chang, and suddenly thought of Cedric Diggory—her late boyfriend, who was killed just last year. Harry continued to blame himself for Cedric's death. It's all because I decided not to be selfish, Harry thought. Had I been selfish, he wouldn't have grabbed the Goblet. My fault...
He continued to stare at Cho, only turning away when someone began to speak to him.
"Harry," Seamus asked him, "Will you be the Quidditch team captain? I mean, Oliver is gone, and you're one of the greatest players we've ever had."
Harry smiled. "What about the twins? They've been there much longer then I have...I'd....I'd barley know how to train the team. Fred and George would do a much better job, I say."
Seamus raised an eyebrow. "If you say so." He grinned. "I never thought of them giving rules...always breaking them."
Harry could only laugh.
^*^*^
He continued to pace around the cold dungeon, and occasionally threw a dart at the man's picture, which was mounted on a door. He fought a great urge to ruin the potion; the only thing that kept the man in his place. His mind replayed the same question over and over again: How did he get the position? He's a werewolf for Christ's sake!
A knock a the door caused him to aim poorly, and totally missed the man's face on the door. He snarled, and opened the door to see the man's face in his doorway.
"What?" Severus Snape spat.
Remus' lip curled, just slightly. "Dumbledore would like you down at the feast. He's quite disappointed you have not shown up yet, I dare say."
Snape grabbed Remus' robes, and shoved the man up against the cold, stone walls. "You think you're so smart. You've stolen the position from me again. But you won't last, Remus. You're going to fail. Like all the others."
Remus smiled smugly at the Potions master, and pulled his wand from a pocket. "I have it in mind to use the Crucatus curse on you, Severus," Remus said the man's name like a curse word, "But I'm not that low. Tarantallegra!"
Severus fell to the floor, his legs shaking violently. Remus looked around the room, and found his face on the door, covered with darts. He walked swiftly over to the door, pulled the darts out, and walked back over to Snape.
"Don't. Do this. Again."
Remus aimed a dart, and threw it, and threw the rest after that, each landing exactly where he planned. Snape was pinned to the floor: the darts had hit various parts of his cloak and pants. His legs were flying everywhere, but his body was pinned firmly down.
"I'll tell the Headmaster you aren't feeling well. Is that all right with you, Professor?"
Snape could only sneer.
^*^*^
"Move aside, please, move aside!" Hermione said, her voice firm with authority. She pushed her way to the front of the Gryffindor crowd, as she was the Perfect, and the only with the Gryffindor password.
The Fat Lady looked down at the students, and smiled at Hermione. "Password, dear?"
"Fairydust," Hermione said clearly.
The Fat Lady broadly grinned, and swung open, allowing all the Gryffindor students to enter. The first years marveled at the interior common room, while everyone else sat in their usual places, and began to fool around.
Hermione sighed. She pointed her wand at her throat, and whispered, "Sonorus!" Suddenly, her voice was louder then all the noise in the room. "Please, please, your attention everyone!"
The room immediately quieted, with a few first years turning towards others and saying, "Shh!"
"Thank you," Hermione said. "Now, I have a few announcements...First years should note they are not permitted to have their own brooms, and have no permission to be allowed on the Quidditch team. That is, unless, you blow us away with some amazing Keeper plays," she said, causing the rest of the Quidditch team to nod in agreement. With Wood gone, they weren't sure who would be playing his position, Keeper.
"The Quidditch team will be holding their first meeting the Wednesday after Halloween. There, they will vote on a captain, and discuss tryouts for anyone who is second year and older, who wishes to be a part of our wonderful team.
"And, though I'm sure I'll just be repeating what Headmaster Dumbledore said during the feast, I have been told to address you all on the events which are going on in today's world."
The room fell totally silent.
"As I'm sure all of you know, the Dark Lord has risen. First years, I can assure that you are as safe as you will ever be, with Dumbledore watching after you." Hermione refused to make eye contact with Harry. "Here at Hogwarts, we have excellent teachers, who will protect you, and teach you how to protect yourselves. I must say, if there was only one class I could take this year, it would be Defense Against the Dark Arts. Of course, this class is required for everyone, and I suggest you take advantage of the wonderful teacher, Professor Remus Lupin."
Many of the students, who were around two years ago, clapped, and a few (Ron and Harry) even cheered. Hermione smiled.
"Yes, yes, he is a wonderful teacher, isn't he?" She yawned, and noticed a few of the first years yawning also. "Well," she finished, "I suppose that's it. First year girls follow me. First year boys, follow Harry and Ron."
Harry and Ron glared at Hermione for giving them the responsibility.
She grinned back.