Title Needed (Desperately!)
Ch. 4: A New Teacher
A/N: As always, thanks to my beta reader, PurpleSailorSaturn7. Please keep reading and reviewing, I'm sorry if it takes me a while to get these posted, I have a History paper due next week, an English paper due next week, and mid-terms are also next week, so things are a bit crazy. Plus I have play rehearsal, track practice, baby-sitting, and two dentist appointments this week (I'm getting my braces off finally! Yay!). I'll work on this as much as possible, but school DOES take precedence... sometimes... lol... anyway, I'll shut up now... One more quick thing: Hahaha, to my school friends! You'll see what I mean!
Disclaimer: I DO own Harry Potter and Co! I keep them in a little box, and when I get bored, I take them out to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting minds of readers....
***
The sky was clear blue, but a strong wind ripped across the countryside. A man walked towards the train station, a black trench coat wrapped tightly around his wiry frame. Once in the station, he loosened the hold on his jacket, letting it hang from his shoulders. Rubbing his arms to warm up a bit, he started walking along the lines of the platforms until he came to the ones marked 9 and 10. There he stopped, standing off to the side slightly as he saw a large group of people heading towards that same spot, three boys, all with trunks, one with an owl perched in a cage on top, and their mother and father. The man took a hat out of one of the many pockets in his trench coat and placed it on his head, obviously hoping not to be recognized. He watched as the three children made their way through the solid barrier between Platforms 9 and 10, then their parents following quickly behind them. The man sighed, then looking around, slowly went up to the same wall, and leaning against it casually, fell through onto another platform.
A sharp whistle pierced the air as the man saw a scarlet steam engine let off a puff of smoke. Children were running around everywhere, trying to find their friends, as parents said goodbye. The man walked towards the front of the train, and climbing up into the carriage, went to the conductor.
"Excuse me!" the man said, shouting slightly over the roar of the engine. The conductor looked up. "Where should I sit? Professor Dumbledore said I could take the train. I'm a new teacher!" the man shouted. The conductor pointed to a carriage, and the man thanked him, then went to sit down. The compartment was empty, and the man closed the door thankfully. He wasn't ready to face anyone quite yet. For a while, he watched the countryside passing by, but around noon, he decided to take a nap.
He was still asleep, but he could sense the train coming to a stop. He woke, then quickly changed into a pair of robes he had somehow kept stashed in his trench coat. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. He quickly took out a mirror, looking at his crazy black hair. He looked into his brown eyes and smiled. Content, he put the mirror away, just as the train stopped. He climbed down and managed to get into the first horse-less carriage waiting to take the older students to the castle.
Getting out quickly, he headed for the Great Hall. Once inside, he rushed to the head table, spoke to Professor Dumbledore for a moment, then sat down next to Ron Weasley, the Quidditch teacher at Hogwarts. The man smiled slightly, but didn't go to introduce himself. Ron didn't notice though, since he was busy having a conversation with his wife Hermione, seated on the other side of him. The Great Hall soon filled up with students, and after everyone was seated, Professor McGonagall came in with the new first years so they could be Sorted.
Ten minutes later, Professor Dumbledore stood up to speak. He cleared his throat then began. "Welcome students, old and new! I hope you are just as excited to be back as I am. The castle is too quiet without the constant din of children's voices and the random explosions from all over the school," Dumbledore said, making practically everyone laugh. He smiled. "That's more like it. Now, if you hadn't already noticed, we have a new teacher among us. I would like to introduce the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, James Turner," Dumbledore pointed to the man who had been wearing the trench coat. He stood and waved a little, and the students all clapped politely. "I hope you all treat him better than you did Professor Fordham. Now, before you start a revolt, let's eat!" Dumbledore clapped his hands, and food appeared on all the tables.
"Hi, I'm Ron Weasley, I'm the Quidditch teacher," Ron said, turning to Professor Turner. He stuck out his hand towards James.
"Hi. Nice to meet you. I'm James Turner. But you already knew that," James said, taking Ron's hand and shaking it. Ron gave him a slightly puzzled look, but smiled. He quickly turned back to Hermione.
"Hermione, does that new guy look kind of familiar to you?" he whispered quietly so James wouldn't hear. Hermione casually looked at him, then replied.
"Sort of, but I don't know who he looks like. Maybe I'll think of who he reminds me of later. I'm hungry, so let's eat," Hermione said, putting mashed potatoes on her plate, then passing the tray to Ron. Ron put some potatoes on his plate, then gave it to James.
"So, where are you from? Did you go to Hogwarts?" Ron asked casually. James cleared his throat a little, took the potatoes, then answered the question.
"I'm from America," James answered tersely. Not bothering to elaborate, James changed the subject. "Could you please pass me the salt?" Ron obliged.
"America? What part of America? What are American schools like for wizards?" Ron asked. He didn't seem to notice James' growing agitation.
"Maine. They really don't go to school in America. They find out they're a witch or wizard, then train under another witch or wizard. It's different," James said, starting to eat his food.
"Oh. Well, is that why you came here to teach? Because they don't teach over there?" Ron continued, just trying to be sociable.
"Something like that. My parents were friends with Dumbledore, and he sent me an owl, saying he needed a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I was the only one who could make it," James replied. Thankfully, the feast was winding down and Dumbledore stood to speak once again.
"Before I dismiss you for the night, I have some brief reminders. Mr. Filch's list is constantly growing longer, so if you don't want something to be banned, please don't use it for mayhem. Also, I would like to remind the students that, yes in fact, the Forbidden Forest is still forbidden, and for good reason. Have a nice night, everyone, and enjoy your first day of term tomorrow!" Dumbledore said, dismissing the students. Ron was about to ask James more questions, when he stood up.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to finish up my lesson plans. I'll be seeing you around then," James said, heading for his living quarters. Ron just watched him leave, then turned back to Hermione once again.
"There's something odd about that guy. I don't know what it is, though. It seems like he doesn't want to talk about his past, like he has some big, bad secret or something," Ron said, trying to puzzle through his thoughts.
"He's probably just nervous. Remember when we first started teaching? I felt so weird sitting up here, and people only a few years younger than us were in our classes. People we had gone to school with," Hermione said. Ron shook his head, still trying to think of what he felt.
"I don't know. All he would tell me was that he used to live in Maine, in America, and that Dumbledore was friends with his parents. It just seems too weird. If he lived in America, then why would he come teach here? I mean, he even said they never really went to wizarding school in America. If that's true, then is he even a fully qualified wizard? And he seemed to know his way around here pretty well," Ron said, not giving up. Hermione just sighed.
"Ron, just drop it for now. If James is hiding something, I think we'll figure it out eventually. Let's go talk to Harry before he needs to go to sleep, okay?" Hermione said, standing up and heading towards the room that she and Ron share.
***
James slowly made his way through the different hallways of Hogwarts, heading towards his room. After a while, he found the correct door, and opened it, going in. Once inside, he sat down at his desk, opened up his grade book, and looked over the plans he had made. About five minutes later, he sighed, closed the book, and went into his adjoining room, taking out his contacts and getting changed. He lay awake for about ten minutes, his naturally green eyes staring at the ceiling, before he finally fell asleep.
The morning light streamed in through his window, and James rolled over, his hand covering his face. He groaned as he opened his eyes to look at the clock on his nightstand. Sighing, he pulled himself out of his bed, which at the moment felt like the most comfortable bed in the entire world. He slowly started getting ready, taking a quick shower in his private bathroom, then putting his contacts in again, so his eyes would once again appear to be brown.
Gathering his books and other things for his first day of class, he stopped by his classroom to drop them off, then headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. He took his seat and served himself some scrambled eggs and a couple pieces of bacon. A few minutes later, Hermione came in and sat down next to him. She smiled at him.
"Hi, I'm Hermione Weasley. You met my husband Ron last night. I'm the Charms professor. Sorry about Ron being somewhat rude, he has a very inquisitive nature," Hermione said, her fast paced speech surprising James just a little.
"Hi. You already know who I am, so I guess I don't have to tell you. I wasn't bothered by Ron. I just don't like talking about my past all that much. It wasn't that pleasant," James said, taking a sip of orange juice he had poured for himself.
"If you ever need to talk, I'm always available," Hermione said kindly. James smiled a little.
"Thanks, but I really should be getting to my first lesson. I want everything to be perfect," James said, quickly taking a few bites of his food, then another sip of orange juice. He nodded his head in greeting as Ron entered and he left.
"Why's he in such a rush?" Ron asked, sitting down in the seat James had just vacated. Hermione was looking at James as he left.
"I don't know. He seems so sad Ron. He said he doesn't like talking about his past because 'it wasn't that pleasant'. Poor guy," Hermione said, sighing in sympathy.
"Like our lives have been peachy keen," Ron muttered darkly as he put some food on his plate and poured himself some juice. Hermione rolled her eyes at her husband.
"Really, Ron. You don't have to be so spiteful. Try and be nice to him, he's new here," Hermione said, finishing her own food and heading for her first class as well.
***
James sighed. He looked at the notes he had written down, then back at the blackboard. They just didn't seem right to him. Using his wand, he magically cleared the board and read his notes once again, trying to figure out what he would do for the lesson. All too soon, the bell rang and students came rushing in, trying to get good seats. After the second bell rang, James closed the door and went to the front of the room.
"Good morning, ladies and gentleman. Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am your new teacher, Professor Turner. Could someone please tell me what Professor Fordham taught you last year?" James asked his class, surveying the students.
"Nothing," one boy replied, not bothering to raise his hand. Several students laughed at this comment. James just raised his eyebrow inquisitively.
"Nothing? Are you absolutely sure?" James asked, a hint of humor in his voice. The students tried to keep from smiling. A boy with hair in dreadlocks raised his hand.
"He tried to teach us stuff, but no one ever listened. We were all surprised he lasted all year, though he did threaten to quit at Christmas break," the boy said. More laughter broke out through the room.
"Thank you, Mr., um, Jordan," James said, checking the name on his seating chart. The boy smiled proudly, like he had just accomplished something amazing. "Now that I know the extent of your knowledge as second year students, we will begin with our first lesson. Please take out your quills and parchment to take notes on what I am going to say," James said, going to stand in front of his desk. After a moment, everyone was ready, and he began.
"Can anyone tell me the purpose of this course?" James asked, leaning up against his desk. A few people rolled their eyes in boredom, but one girl with slightly reddish hair raised her hand. "Yes, Ms. Weasley, I believe?" he said, pointing to the girl.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts was a course designed to teach students the basics of defending themselves against curses, hexes, and potentially dangerous magical creatures. It teaches the student to be prepared for any situation, and to not show fear in the face of danger," the girl said, smiling. A few more people rolled their eyes at her textbook answer, but she didn't seem to notice.
"Perfectly put, Rose. A point to Gryffindor. Now, in order to learn how to defend yourselves against these things, you must learn about them, how to perform them, where they live, etceteras. Our first lesson, which you will take notes on for the rest of this period, will be on some basic curses, mainly the partial and total Body Bind curses. Please take out your books and outline chapter one, and we will be having a quiz on it tomorrow," James said, writing the assignment on the board. He heard moans coming from the students. The first boy who had spoken whispered loudly.
"Fordham never made us do work. Too bad we can't get him back," the boy said. James turned around to face the boy.
"Mr. Lipton, if you feel that this class is too much work, then maybe you shouldn't be privileged enough to be attending this school. Everyone will do their work, to my standard, or will have a letter sent home to their parents. And if you decide to continue your rowdy streak, you can do so in detention with me," James said coolly. The boy just looked back at him, a slight look of hatred on his face. James heard a few sniggers from throughout the room. "That goes for everyone. This class is very important, and should be taken seriously. It could save your life some day," James finished, just as the bell rang. The students packed their things in silence, then headed for their next class.
James went around his desk and sat down in his chair. He sighed, relaxing after his first class. There was thankfully a five minute break between classes, allowing students enough time to get from one class to the next. Just before the bell rang, the next class filed in and took their seats. Sighing again, James stood up to greet them. After everyone was seated, James closed the door, then cleared his throat.
"Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am your teacher, Professor Turner. As sixth years, you will begin the process of learning about restricted curses, including the three Unforgivable Curses. These are the curses that are banned from use, for good reason. They are all highly dangerous, and a few are even deadly. They are the curses that, ten years ago, Lord Voldemort and his followers used to terrorize innocent people. This will not be easy. This is very advanced magic, but it will bring you one step closer to being able to defend yourself against almost anything you may encounter. You will also be learning how to defend yourselves against more advanced Dark creatures, such as the Dementor," James said, letting all this information sink in. The students didn't seem phased by this, so James decided to continue. "Our first lesson of the year will be in regards to the Dementor. Seeing that all the Dementors are kept confined, we will not be actually facing one. You will learn the theory behind the Patronus charm, and how to perform it. I will tell you this now, and I'm sure I will repeat this many times. The magic you are learning this year is highly advanced, and I do not expect many of you to be able to perform the actual counter charms, but you must at least know the theory and how to do the charm, even if you can't actually do it. For the next twenty minutes, you will read the chapter on Dementors and take notes. In the last five minutes of class, if you have been good, I will do a brief demonstration of the Patronus charm," James said. The students murmured excitedly, quickly taking out their books to take notes. James went back to his seat, watching his students and thinking to himself.
'I wonder if this is the right thing to do,' he mused. 'It's not like any of them will care what my Patronus is. I guess it is the right thing to do. There's no harm to it,' James spent the entire twenty minutes debating with himself, but when there was five minutes left of class, he decided to give his class what he promised them.
"Now, before I do this, remember, not all of you will be able to perform this charm. It is much harder to do than it appears. As you have most likely read in your notes, each person's Patronus is different. I will now do the charm," James said, taking out his wand. He took a deep breath, and raised his hand.
"Expecto Patronum!" James said, thinking the happiest thought he could. Out of the end of his wand shot a silver figure. The majority of the class gasped as they took in the giant silver stag standing in front of them. After about thirty seconds or so, the stag vanished. James put his wand down, and returned to his seat once more. The students found their voices once again, and started talking excitedly amongst themselves as James gained back his strength. Then the bell rang, and the students reluctantly got up and left.
***
The next few weeks, James had a rather enjoyable time teaching his new students all about defending themselves. All the students seemed to respect him greatly, and he hardly ever had a problem with any of them, except for the rare few who found it enjoyable to torture their teachers. The other staff members also respected him for knowing his subject so well, and being able to readily teach his students to defend themselves. Too soon, the first term was coming to an end, with the Halloween feast close at hand. Meanwhile, everyone was also waiting for the first Quidditch match of the season, the most anxiously awaited match, Gryffindor versus Slytherin.
***
A/N: Okay, so the ending kinda sucked..... I didn't know how to end it, without going on for pages and pages about the first term... Sorry if anything is kind of confusing at this point, but as we go along, things will start to clear up... I'm maybe thinking about keeping this going for more than one year of their time, because I might have a plot for something later, either that or I'll start a whole new story for it... I just have one question. Is anyone even reading this???? The only reviews I've gotten were from two of my friends who I made go read it!!!! I need more reviews!!!!! Please review this!!!! Even if you say it sucks and I should never write again, and I'm defiling the name of JK Rowling!!!!! Please!!!!!! And I'm still looking for a good title!!!! So please, review my story!!!
Here's my thanks!
Musteffi Plontiodengenial: First of all, you're a dork (lol!). Second of all, do I LOOK like JK?????? Not quite... she has reddish hair, for one thing... Third, how do you want me to use more Harry Potter terms? For one thing, the chapters you read are mainly transition chapters, and what you see above is the beginning of the actual story, so I will work on the "imagery" and the "terms". Now, if you'll get your stick out of your gludius maximus, I will continue to write my story the way I want to. And lastly, if you anger me any more, I will be forced to use XPT. Thank you. Goodbye.
(PS- don't worry, MP is a friend of mine.... lol.... he's in no REAL danger... hehe... hehehehe..... *grins evilly while rubbing hands together*....)
Since no one else has reviewed..... I guess I'll be going now... *sob*... please go read my beta reader's fics!!!! Just look up PurpleSailorSaturn7!!! Even if you don't like mine, just go read those.... please??? Is anyone out there??? Please???? Thanks......
A/N 2: I'm tired of waiting for my beta, since it's been SO long since I last posted! If she makes any changes, I'm going to re-load this. I just had to get it out! Please enjoy! And please, I BEG you, review!!!!!!! Pretty please!!!!!
A/N 3 (3-29-02): I'm re-formatting this for (*hopefully*) an easier read. Plus I have some mistakes to fix in some of the chapters. Please bear with me!
Ch. 4: A New Teacher
A/N: As always, thanks to my beta reader, PurpleSailorSaturn7. Please keep reading and reviewing, I'm sorry if it takes me a while to get these posted, I have a History paper due next week, an English paper due next week, and mid-terms are also next week, so things are a bit crazy. Plus I have play rehearsal, track practice, baby-sitting, and two dentist appointments this week (I'm getting my braces off finally! Yay!). I'll work on this as much as possible, but school DOES take precedence... sometimes... lol... anyway, I'll shut up now... One more quick thing: Hahaha, to my school friends! You'll see what I mean!
Disclaimer: I DO own Harry Potter and Co! I keep them in a little box, and when I get bored, I take them out to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting minds of readers....
***
The sky was clear blue, but a strong wind ripped across the countryside. A man walked towards the train station, a black trench coat wrapped tightly around his wiry frame. Once in the station, he loosened the hold on his jacket, letting it hang from his shoulders. Rubbing his arms to warm up a bit, he started walking along the lines of the platforms until he came to the ones marked 9 and 10. There he stopped, standing off to the side slightly as he saw a large group of people heading towards that same spot, three boys, all with trunks, one with an owl perched in a cage on top, and their mother and father. The man took a hat out of one of the many pockets in his trench coat and placed it on his head, obviously hoping not to be recognized. He watched as the three children made their way through the solid barrier between Platforms 9 and 10, then their parents following quickly behind them. The man sighed, then looking around, slowly went up to the same wall, and leaning against it casually, fell through onto another platform.
A sharp whistle pierced the air as the man saw a scarlet steam engine let off a puff of smoke. Children were running around everywhere, trying to find their friends, as parents said goodbye. The man walked towards the front of the train, and climbing up into the carriage, went to the conductor.
"Excuse me!" the man said, shouting slightly over the roar of the engine. The conductor looked up. "Where should I sit? Professor Dumbledore said I could take the train. I'm a new teacher!" the man shouted. The conductor pointed to a carriage, and the man thanked him, then went to sit down. The compartment was empty, and the man closed the door thankfully. He wasn't ready to face anyone quite yet. For a while, he watched the countryside passing by, but around noon, he decided to take a nap.
He was still asleep, but he could sense the train coming to a stop. He woke, then quickly changed into a pair of robes he had somehow kept stashed in his trench coat. Running a hand through his hair, he sighed. He quickly took out a mirror, looking at his crazy black hair. He looked into his brown eyes and smiled. Content, he put the mirror away, just as the train stopped. He climbed down and managed to get into the first horse-less carriage waiting to take the older students to the castle.
Getting out quickly, he headed for the Great Hall. Once inside, he rushed to the head table, spoke to Professor Dumbledore for a moment, then sat down next to Ron Weasley, the Quidditch teacher at Hogwarts. The man smiled slightly, but didn't go to introduce himself. Ron didn't notice though, since he was busy having a conversation with his wife Hermione, seated on the other side of him. The Great Hall soon filled up with students, and after everyone was seated, Professor McGonagall came in with the new first years so they could be Sorted.
Ten minutes later, Professor Dumbledore stood up to speak. He cleared his throat then began. "Welcome students, old and new! I hope you are just as excited to be back as I am. The castle is too quiet without the constant din of children's voices and the random explosions from all over the school," Dumbledore said, making practically everyone laugh. He smiled. "That's more like it. Now, if you hadn't already noticed, we have a new teacher among us. I would like to introduce the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, James Turner," Dumbledore pointed to the man who had been wearing the trench coat. He stood and waved a little, and the students all clapped politely. "I hope you all treat him better than you did Professor Fordham. Now, before you start a revolt, let's eat!" Dumbledore clapped his hands, and food appeared on all the tables.
"Hi, I'm Ron Weasley, I'm the Quidditch teacher," Ron said, turning to Professor Turner. He stuck out his hand towards James.
"Hi. Nice to meet you. I'm James Turner. But you already knew that," James said, taking Ron's hand and shaking it. Ron gave him a slightly puzzled look, but smiled. He quickly turned back to Hermione.
"Hermione, does that new guy look kind of familiar to you?" he whispered quietly so James wouldn't hear. Hermione casually looked at him, then replied.
"Sort of, but I don't know who he looks like. Maybe I'll think of who he reminds me of later. I'm hungry, so let's eat," Hermione said, putting mashed potatoes on her plate, then passing the tray to Ron. Ron put some potatoes on his plate, then gave it to James.
"So, where are you from? Did you go to Hogwarts?" Ron asked casually. James cleared his throat a little, took the potatoes, then answered the question.
"I'm from America," James answered tersely. Not bothering to elaborate, James changed the subject. "Could you please pass me the salt?" Ron obliged.
"America? What part of America? What are American schools like for wizards?" Ron asked. He didn't seem to notice James' growing agitation.
"Maine. They really don't go to school in America. They find out they're a witch or wizard, then train under another witch or wizard. It's different," James said, starting to eat his food.
"Oh. Well, is that why you came here to teach? Because they don't teach over there?" Ron continued, just trying to be sociable.
"Something like that. My parents were friends with Dumbledore, and he sent me an owl, saying he needed a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I was the only one who could make it," James replied. Thankfully, the feast was winding down and Dumbledore stood to speak once again.
"Before I dismiss you for the night, I have some brief reminders. Mr. Filch's list is constantly growing longer, so if you don't want something to be banned, please don't use it for mayhem. Also, I would like to remind the students that, yes in fact, the Forbidden Forest is still forbidden, and for good reason. Have a nice night, everyone, and enjoy your first day of term tomorrow!" Dumbledore said, dismissing the students. Ron was about to ask James more questions, when he stood up.
"If you'll excuse me, I need to finish up my lesson plans. I'll be seeing you around then," James said, heading for his living quarters. Ron just watched him leave, then turned back to Hermione once again.
"There's something odd about that guy. I don't know what it is, though. It seems like he doesn't want to talk about his past, like he has some big, bad secret or something," Ron said, trying to puzzle through his thoughts.
"He's probably just nervous. Remember when we first started teaching? I felt so weird sitting up here, and people only a few years younger than us were in our classes. People we had gone to school with," Hermione said. Ron shook his head, still trying to think of what he felt.
"I don't know. All he would tell me was that he used to live in Maine, in America, and that Dumbledore was friends with his parents. It just seems too weird. If he lived in America, then why would he come teach here? I mean, he even said they never really went to wizarding school in America. If that's true, then is he even a fully qualified wizard? And he seemed to know his way around here pretty well," Ron said, not giving up. Hermione just sighed.
"Ron, just drop it for now. If James is hiding something, I think we'll figure it out eventually. Let's go talk to Harry before he needs to go to sleep, okay?" Hermione said, standing up and heading towards the room that she and Ron share.
***
James slowly made his way through the different hallways of Hogwarts, heading towards his room. After a while, he found the correct door, and opened it, going in. Once inside, he sat down at his desk, opened up his grade book, and looked over the plans he had made. About five minutes later, he sighed, closed the book, and went into his adjoining room, taking out his contacts and getting changed. He lay awake for about ten minutes, his naturally green eyes staring at the ceiling, before he finally fell asleep.
The morning light streamed in through his window, and James rolled over, his hand covering his face. He groaned as he opened his eyes to look at the clock on his nightstand. Sighing, he pulled himself out of his bed, which at the moment felt like the most comfortable bed in the entire world. He slowly started getting ready, taking a quick shower in his private bathroom, then putting his contacts in again, so his eyes would once again appear to be brown.
Gathering his books and other things for his first day of class, he stopped by his classroom to drop them off, then headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. He took his seat and served himself some scrambled eggs and a couple pieces of bacon. A few minutes later, Hermione came in and sat down next to him. She smiled at him.
"Hi, I'm Hermione Weasley. You met my husband Ron last night. I'm the Charms professor. Sorry about Ron being somewhat rude, he has a very inquisitive nature," Hermione said, her fast paced speech surprising James just a little.
"Hi. You already know who I am, so I guess I don't have to tell you. I wasn't bothered by Ron. I just don't like talking about my past all that much. It wasn't that pleasant," James said, taking a sip of orange juice he had poured for himself.
"If you ever need to talk, I'm always available," Hermione said kindly. James smiled a little.
"Thanks, but I really should be getting to my first lesson. I want everything to be perfect," James said, quickly taking a few bites of his food, then another sip of orange juice. He nodded his head in greeting as Ron entered and he left.
"Why's he in such a rush?" Ron asked, sitting down in the seat James had just vacated. Hermione was looking at James as he left.
"I don't know. He seems so sad Ron. He said he doesn't like talking about his past because 'it wasn't that pleasant'. Poor guy," Hermione said, sighing in sympathy.
"Like our lives have been peachy keen," Ron muttered darkly as he put some food on his plate and poured himself some juice. Hermione rolled her eyes at her husband.
"Really, Ron. You don't have to be so spiteful. Try and be nice to him, he's new here," Hermione said, finishing her own food and heading for her first class as well.
***
James sighed. He looked at the notes he had written down, then back at the blackboard. They just didn't seem right to him. Using his wand, he magically cleared the board and read his notes once again, trying to figure out what he would do for the lesson. All too soon, the bell rang and students came rushing in, trying to get good seats. After the second bell rang, James closed the door and went to the front of the room.
"Good morning, ladies and gentleman. Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am your new teacher, Professor Turner. Could someone please tell me what Professor Fordham taught you last year?" James asked his class, surveying the students.
"Nothing," one boy replied, not bothering to raise his hand. Several students laughed at this comment. James just raised his eyebrow inquisitively.
"Nothing? Are you absolutely sure?" James asked, a hint of humor in his voice. The students tried to keep from smiling. A boy with hair in dreadlocks raised his hand.
"He tried to teach us stuff, but no one ever listened. We were all surprised he lasted all year, though he did threaten to quit at Christmas break," the boy said. More laughter broke out through the room.
"Thank you, Mr., um, Jordan," James said, checking the name on his seating chart. The boy smiled proudly, like he had just accomplished something amazing. "Now that I know the extent of your knowledge as second year students, we will begin with our first lesson. Please take out your quills and parchment to take notes on what I am going to say," James said, going to stand in front of his desk. After a moment, everyone was ready, and he began.
"Can anyone tell me the purpose of this course?" James asked, leaning up against his desk. A few people rolled their eyes in boredom, but one girl with slightly reddish hair raised her hand. "Yes, Ms. Weasley, I believe?" he said, pointing to the girl.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts was a course designed to teach students the basics of defending themselves against curses, hexes, and potentially dangerous magical creatures. It teaches the student to be prepared for any situation, and to not show fear in the face of danger," the girl said, smiling. A few more people rolled their eyes at her textbook answer, but she didn't seem to notice.
"Perfectly put, Rose. A point to Gryffindor. Now, in order to learn how to defend yourselves against these things, you must learn about them, how to perform them, where they live, etceteras. Our first lesson, which you will take notes on for the rest of this period, will be on some basic curses, mainly the partial and total Body Bind curses. Please take out your books and outline chapter one, and we will be having a quiz on it tomorrow," James said, writing the assignment on the board. He heard moans coming from the students. The first boy who had spoken whispered loudly.
"Fordham never made us do work. Too bad we can't get him back," the boy said. James turned around to face the boy.
"Mr. Lipton, if you feel that this class is too much work, then maybe you shouldn't be privileged enough to be attending this school. Everyone will do their work, to my standard, or will have a letter sent home to their parents. And if you decide to continue your rowdy streak, you can do so in detention with me," James said coolly. The boy just looked back at him, a slight look of hatred on his face. James heard a few sniggers from throughout the room. "That goes for everyone. This class is very important, and should be taken seriously. It could save your life some day," James finished, just as the bell rang. The students packed their things in silence, then headed for their next class.
James went around his desk and sat down in his chair. He sighed, relaxing after his first class. There was thankfully a five minute break between classes, allowing students enough time to get from one class to the next. Just before the bell rang, the next class filed in and took their seats. Sighing again, James stood up to greet them. After everyone was seated, James closed the door, then cleared his throat.
"Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am your teacher, Professor Turner. As sixth years, you will begin the process of learning about restricted curses, including the three Unforgivable Curses. These are the curses that are banned from use, for good reason. They are all highly dangerous, and a few are even deadly. They are the curses that, ten years ago, Lord Voldemort and his followers used to terrorize innocent people. This will not be easy. This is very advanced magic, but it will bring you one step closer to being able to defend yourself against almost anything you may encounter. You will also be learning how to defend yourselves against more advanced Dark creatures, such as the Dementor," James said, letting all this information sink in. The students didn't seem phased by this, so James decided to continue. "Our first lesson of the year will be in regards to the Dementor. Seeing that all the Dementors are kept confined, we will not be actually facing one. You will learn the theory behind the Patronus charm, and how to perform it. I will tell you this now, and I'm sure I will repeat this many times. The magic you are learning this year is highly advanced, and I do not expect many of you to be able to perform the actual counter charms, but you must at least know the theory and how to do the charm, even if you can't actually do it. For the next twenty minutes, you will read the chapter on Dementors and take notes. In the last five minutes of class, if you have been good, I will do a brief demonstration of the Patronus charm," James said. The students murmured excitedly, quickly taking out their books to take notes. James went back to his seat, watching his students and thinking to himself.
'I wonder if this is the right thing to do,' he mused. 'It's not like any of them will care what my Patronus is. I guess it is the right thing to do. There's no harm to it,' James spent the entire twenty minutes debating with himself, but when there was five minutes left of class, he decided to give his class what he promised them.
"Now, before I do this, remember, not all of you will be able to perform this charm. It is much harder to do than it appears. As you have most likely read in your notes, each person's Patronus is different. I will now do the charm," James said, taking out his wand. He took a deep breath, and raised his hand.
"Expecto Patronum!" James said, thinking the happiest thought he could. Out of the end of his wand shot a silver figure. The majority of the class gasped as they took in the giant silver stag standing in front of them. After about thirty seconds or so, the stag vanished. James put his wand down, and returned to his seat once more. The students found their voices once again, and started talking excitedly amongst themselves as James gained back his strength. Then the bell rang, and the students reluctantly got up and left.
***
The next few weeks, James had a rather enjoyable time teaching his new students all about defending themselves. All the students seemed to respect him greatly, and he hardly ever had a problem with any of them, except for the rare few who found it enjoyable to torture their teachers. The other staff members also respected him for knowing his subject so well, and being able to readily teach his students to defend themselves. Too soon, the first term was coming to an end, with the Halloween feast close at hand. Meanwhile, everyone was also waiting for the first Quidditch match of the season, the most anxiously awaited match, Gryffindor versus Slytherin.
***
A/N: Okay, so the ending kinda sucked..... I didn't know how to end it, without going on for pages and pages about the first term... Sorry if anything is kind of confusing at this point, but as we go along, things will start to clear up... I'm maybe thinking about keeping this going for more than one year of their time, because I might have a plot for something later, either that or I'll start a whole new story for it... I just have one question. Is anyone even reading this???? The only reviews I've gotten were from two of my friends who I made go read it!!!! I need more reviews!!!!! Please review this!!!! Even if you say it sucks and I should never write again, and I'm defiling the name of JK Rowling!!!!! Please!!!!!! And I'm still looking for a good title!!!! So please, review my story!!!
Here's my thanks!
Musteffi Plontiodengenial: First of all, you're a dork (lol!). Second of all, do I LOOK like JK?????? Not quite... she has reddish hair, for one thing... Third, how do you want me to use more Harry Potter terms? For one thing, the chapters you read are mainly transition chapters, and what you see above is the beginning of the actual story, so I will work on the "imagery" and the "terms". Now, if you'll get your stick out of your gludius maximus, I will continue to write my story the way I want to. And lastly, if you anger me any more, I will be forced to use XPT. Thank you. Goodbye.
(PS- don't worry, MP is a friend of mine.... lol.... he's in no REAL danger... hehe... hehehehe..... *grins evilly while rubbing hands together*....)
Since no one else has reviewed..... I guess I'll be going now... *sob*... please go read my beta reader's fics!!!! Just look up PurpleSailorSaturn7!!! Even if you don't like mine, just go read those.... please??? Is anyone out there??? Please???? Thanks......
A/N 2: I'm tired of waiting for my beta, since it's been SO long since I last posted! If she makes any changes, I'm going to re-load this. I just had to get it out! Please enjoy! And please, I BEG you, review!!!!!!! Pretty please!!!!!
A/N 3 (3-29-02): I'm re-formatting this for (*hopefully*) an easier read. Plus I have some mistakes to fix in some of the chapters. Please bear with me!