ATTENTION: I HAVE DECIDED TO ADD A BIT MORE TO THIS CHAPTER...BECAUSE I WAS IN A HURRY TO GET IT OUT...before I got killed or something...SO, IF YOU'VE ALREADY READ IT...UM...READ IT AGAIN..
And, because I was in a hurry before, I forgot to thank my faitful reviewers. Let me make it up to you...Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you...Have a nice day...
A/N: *looks around in embarrassment* Terribly sorry to have waited so long to get this updated...but you see, my source of inspiration is extremely fickle...so fickle that at any given point in time I have about fifteen different plot lines racing around my mind....it's very difficult sometimes to pin one down and use it...
Chapter Five: Defense Against the Dark Arts
Harry sighed softly as he sat at one end of the Gryffindor table in between Ron and Ginny. The student body had arrived only moments ago, and the Sorting Ceremony was about to begin for the new first years. He hadn't had any sleep in the past week or so, and it was becoming harder to hide that fact from the others.
If only he could figure out what that voice was trying to tell him--or at least remember more of the dream than a few odd words--then maybe he would be able to rest. His attention was snapped back to what was going on at his table by the speculation over the young woman sitting at the table between Snape and what was usually McGonagal's chair.
"Probably the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," Hermione stated.
The others seated around them who had heard nodded in agreement. It was becoming a running joke that the DADA position was cursed since the professors could only last for a year. In fact, the last professor they had had, hadn't even been the person he was supposed to be.
Harry sobered at the thought and quickly searched the head table to keep from meeting anyone's eyes as they discussed it. To further help him out, the new first years, led by McGonagal walked in and lined up to be called for the sorting. McGonagal had already placed the Hat on a stool in front of the entire student body.
Several minutes later, the sorting was done and the first years had all gone to their respective tables. Dumbledore stood to get attention. The chatter trailed off as the student body turned towards the Headmaster expectantly.
"I have a few announcements to make before we eat. First, I would like to remind all the first years that the dark forest on the edge of the grounds is strictly off limits.
"There are some new rules to be layed down as well. After the events of last year, we have included some new saftey measures. First, there will be know travelling about the corridors after hours," and here he seemed to be staring right at Harry, "And no leaving the castle, without proper escort. Professors Sprout and Hagrid will be waiting in the main foyer for those of you taking their respective classes.
"Also, Sybil Trelawney our Divinations Professor has decided to take a year off--due to headaches brought on by her visions." Several of the older students sniggered at this. "Ahem, Professor Ivanna Seeyer will be taking her place." Dumbledore indicated the young woman sitting on the other side of Snape.
"And finally, I have been asked by the new Defense against the Dark Arts Professor not to give anything about them away. They will see you when you have their class. And now, let's eat!" He clapped his hands once and a spread of food appeared on each of the tables.
The next morning, many groans were had as schedules were passed out.
"Look at this," Ron was complaining, "Directly after lunch we have Double Potions with the Slytherins. I don't think I'll be eating anything...bleh..."
Harry nodded his agreement as he studied the schedule. "Well, at least we don't have Divinations 'til Friday...and look," he indicated the spot on the schedule, "We have Defense Against the Dark Arts first thing."
"Speaking of which," Hermione put in, "We should be getting on. We are prefects after all. We need to set a good example for the other students." And with that, she stood up and began walking out of the Great Hall.
Ron leaned over towards Harry and said in a conspiratory whisper, "She's just as curious as we are as to who the professor is."
Harry grinned and nodded, and they both stood and followed their friend out.
Isildur...Isildur...Isildur..
Harry jumped and looked at Ron who was gazing after Hermione with a glazed look in his eye. Then he shook his head, and Ron glanced over at him.
"Something wrong Harry?"
"Huh? N..no..just didn't get much sleep last night. First day nervousness is all."
Ron frowned, as though he wasn't sure whether or not to believe him, but then they were at the door along with all the other fifth years. Harry breathed a sigh of relief as he and Ron stepped into line with Hermione. Though, from the look Hermione gave him, it was certainly going to be short lived.
And then the door swung open. Hermione stared at the doorway for a moment, before stiffening and marching inside. Ron and Harry exchanged looks and then followed, the rest of the class right behind them.
The three friends took seats up front. For a moment, there was no one at the desk in front of the class, and then...an aparition faded through the walls. It was the Bloody Baron.
The entire class of Griffindor Fifth years leaned as far back as they could and began mutteringe amongst themselves.
The Baron, for his part merely looked out at them with his piercing, ghostly eyes, the slivery blood shining in the dim light of the classroom. Then, he lifted one hand. The class immediately stopped and looked up at him.
"Very good class," the Baron stated, "Now, normally we would be learning about the Unforgivable Curses this year, but as you've already learned about those last year, and because of...the way matters stand as of now...we are going to learn some more of the advanced protective measures. However, this first class, I want you to get to know each other. In the magical sense. Learn each other's strengths and weaknesses, and how you can boost the former and strengthen the latter. You must be able to trust each other..."
A nostalgic, bitter smile formed fleetingly on his lips. "I know you think this is a simple, unecessary task. However, there are things out there that can stretch that to the limit..." He cleared his throat--figuratively speaking for a ghost--and changed the subject.
"Now, I want each of you to stand up and tell us all something that you think we don't know about you. Even if it is embarrassing or painful. Do we have any volunteers?" When no one made any move, the Baron simply shrugged. "All right then, I'll have to pick. Mister Finnegan, you first."
Harry, along with the rest of the class turned to look at Seamus, who stood up nervously. "W..well...let's see. Er...I once dreamt that I came to potions class naked, and Snape made me go sit out in the snow as punishment."
As other students were picked, Harry tried desparately to think of something none of the others knew about him, either from his own mouth or other sources. By the time they got to Neville, who was the last person besides himself, he was in a panic.
He barely listened as Neville began telling about his parents, thinking hard on what he could say, and then, it was his turn. He stood up, his mouth completely dry. And then, as he opened his mouth, he knew what he would say. "I've been having these odd dreams this summer, and even last night. The dreams themselves don't scare me, but these words that are said do. It's in some language I don't understand...but I know its something bad, worse even than Vol--You Know Who." Several gasps met this pronouncement, and he wished he could take the words back.
"Yes," The Baron inserted quickly, "As I said, there are worse things out there, that you cannot even imagine. Now, I want you all to read up on the Patronus charm. We will have a quiz next time. Class dismissed."
The Griffindors immediately rose, babbling amongst themselves. Harry stayed slightly behind, still angry with himself for saying such a stupid thing.
"Little One," The Baron whispered softly.
"Huh?"
"Oh nothing Harry, go on to you next class and let your mind be at ease." As soon as the words were said, Harry felt oddly relaxed, and he walked on out the door."