OK just a few notes. Thanks heaps to everyone who reviewed!
Lu: HP/HL fanfic isn't too common, but it's out there... 11000 must've been a typo, sorry, I'll
fix that. I read a fic recently where he was 11000 that's probably where I got it. Harry
Immortal? Maybe, maybe not. I'll definitely think about it, but I don't want to make him some
kind of Superman guy, you know, perfect at everything.
TotallyMe: Yes, (well obviously), there are more chapters! I plan to complete it - and
hopefully update faster. Reviews? Well, I review whenever I feel like it, doesn't matter if
they ask or won't update without, say, fifteen. I think that's slack, so I don't do it.
Fabi: I was going to read some of your stuff, but I kind of don't speak Portuguese, so there
goes...thanks for reviewing! Try www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=498515 Harry Potter
and the Oldest Immortal. It's long - about 83000 words, but be warned it's slash -
Snape/Methos. iThat/i thought doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but it's
still a good fic.
Al: Thanks for reviewing, if you - if anyone - has anything to say please say it, I don't want
flames but constructive criticism or questions or suggestions for the story are all good.
*~*~*~*~*
He smirked a little at Snape as he sat down.
"So, what classes you have today?" He asked Telske.
"Third-years, first-years, fifth-years and seventh-years. You?"
"Second-years, fifth-years, sixth-years and seventh-years. My only full day is my first one."
He sounded gloomy. "But wizard history is a nice change from Muggle."
"You taught Muggle history? Why?"
"Well, I was Muggle-born. When I got my letter, they didn't want me to go, but I'd never
been on the greatest terms with my family, so I went anyway. I graduated, got a job. But I
wasn't really very happy, and so when Voldemort came along, I found it very easy simply to
duck out of sight, as a Muggle teaching in another country."
"What about after his downfall? Didn't you miss wizardry?"
"I still used spells; kept up with events. But I had a job I enjoyed, I had friends...I was
comfortable, settled in. I was happy to stay where I was, and decided to. But now..." Methos
paused and tried to look like he was thinking back. "I've got a different outlook from when
Voldemort first appeared. For one thing, now I know what he's capable of. And... I don't
know why, but I can't just stand by and pretend it isn't happening anymore."
"Ah, you're maturing. Growing up into a responsible person!" Telske teased.
"God help me, never that." Methos faked a shudder. "What've you been doing before you
came here?"
"Well, we can graduate at eighteen or go onto further studies. I did that in Defence, Charms
and Potions; finished at twenty. Then I worked my way around Australia, New Zealand,
some of Indonesia and the Phillipines - I wanted to travel - and then came to England, and
did the same thing until I was offered the job at Hogwarts." Suddenly, they heard a man
behind them speak up. It was Hagrid.
"Well, that's why yeh've got the death glare, from Professor Snape." He nodded towards
Snape, speaking quietly. "Sorry ter interrupt, but 'e's been after yer job fer years. An' if yeh're
good with Potions - oh, that'll tear it." He lowered his voice even more. "'E's a nasty bugger,
too. Oh, 'e ain't no Dark wizard, an' 'e's a good man, strong, underneath it all, but ah wouldn'
go round makin' friendly with 'im."
"Thanks for telling us." Telske said. "It's easier to ignore when you know why." She smiled
at Hagrid, and he turned back to his breakfast after smiling and giving a quick nod of
agreement, pleased to have helped the new teachers.
"Well, that explains that." She added to Methos. He nodded, although he'd guessed that
about Snape.
"Just ignore him. Or, of course, you could deal with him like you did just then." He grinned.
"I know what I'd prefer, but I think Dumbledore'd object to conflict among the staff, I
suppose." She sighed. "He'd better not get in my way, though." Methos smiled. "Just watch
him try. I know his sort." She faked a groan.
"He'd better not try it too soon, then. I don't feel like putting up with any crap today."
"Good luck! You've got a couple of pranksters in your seventh-year class, I've heard -
twins." She looked panicky. "Ah, they'll kill me!" But then she laughed, and they both left to
prepare for their first class.
Telske sat at her desk and went over her planned lesson. They wouldn't be doing much
today; outlining what they would be working on in future, finding out what they knew. She
took a deep breath. Calm. She was, she admitted, nervous. Oh, come on! She lectured herself.
You're scared of a bunch of first-years? Remember how terrified you were in your first year?
You're scared of these people? Kids? Swife, you're losing it. No, it was never even there. She
banished her nerves, refusing to admit she could be more nervous with a bunch of first-years
than being bait for a vampire.
Methos, in contrast, was bored waiting for the kids to arrive. History had been his subject for
more than merely a few centuries now, and he'd taught more classes than he cared to
remember. His only real interest in this one was what the kids would be like. Still, he was
looking forward to the afternoon more. Fifth-year - that was Harry Potter, Hermione, Draco
and Ron. Seventh-year - the Weasley twins. He drummed his fingers on the desk. Hurry up,
all. Or send one of the ghosts in. Or Peeves - seeing him again's going to be fun. Finally the
students started to arrive. Telske and Methos both sighed. One in an attempt at calm, another
in boredom.
"Hello, class." Methos stood when the last desk had been filled, a few minutes later. No one
was late - apparently they were all curious about the new teacher. "I am Professor Pierson,
and I'm obviously your new History of Magic teacher. We will not be studying goblin
rebellions - no doubt you are all deeply disappointed," he added, as the class grinned. "we
will be covering the Ministry's origins first. Now. Does anyone have parents in the
Ministry?" A few students raised their hands. Hmm. He made a mental note to remember
their last names - so he could steer clear of their parents.
"Does anyone know anything about the Ministry's structure and how it began?" Again, a few
students raised their hands. 'Stuck in a room with twenty twelve-year-olds who don't want to
be there, and you have to try and make them learn enough to pass history', one friend had
described his job. But he'd been doing it for centuries and he figured he had the knack - and
of course it helped a little that he'd actually been alive when most of it happened. He called
on a Ravenclaw girl and settled back into his chair, content.
*~*~*Telske*~*~*
Telske also stood when her class had arrived. She was five feet two inches and it was just
humiliating to be at eye level - or less - with your students when you were sitting down.
"Good morning. I am Professor Swife, your Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. I see
you've covered Dark Creatures and Curses reasonably well - so we will be beginning with
non-magical self-defence." A Slytherin put up her hand, smirking.
"You mean, like Muggles learn? Karardee stuff?" The derision in her voice was obvious, and
the deliberate mispronunciation of karate wasn't lost on Telske.
"Yes. If you don't like the idea, you may leave." Her tone was severe, and the girl lost her
smirk. No one made so much as a move. "Good. This is a form of self-defence Muggles use,
but it's even more useful because most wizards don't bother to learn anything like it." She
walked out from behind her desk, giving them a second to think about that. "One day, you
may be without a wand, and in trouble. Being able to hurt an attacker, or take their wand, or
dodge their curses without a wand would be vital; it could be your only chance of escape.
Now, practically everyone can land a good punch, or slap, or kick someone, and we all know
where to hit someone so it hurts. I'm going to expand upon that knowledge and teach you the
basics of martial arts, especially moves that can help you against another wizard with a wand.
Any questions?" A Gryffindor boy and girl put up their hands, and only one Slytherin boy.
They seemed to be sulking about having to learn 'Karadee stuff'.
"Yes?" She asked one of the boys.
"Um, how could it help you get away from a wizard with a wand, when you haven't got one?
I mean, it seems like that'd be pretty hard."
"I'll be teaching you about how most wizards curse people, and how to dodge them. Most
wizards would be surprised you'd dodged a curse; you could attack them then or use a
number of different moves you'll be learning to get their wand." She gestured to the girl.
"Is there stuff you can teach that's like...um, if you're smaller than your opponent, or not as
strong, to help you..."
"Yes. Smaller people often have the disadvantage in strength, but they can also be more agile
and faster. There are also ways to use your opponent's weight against them - like, ways to get
them off balance." She waved to the last boy.
"What happens if we're hurt? I mean, will you get in trouble if we break a bone or
something?" She could tell by his tone he wasn't at all concerned for her welfare - in fact,
he'd probably aiming to break someone's bone as soon as possible, by the look of him. She
didn't think she liked Slytherins...that nasty Professor Snape was the head of their house,
wasn't he? No wonder these guys were mean little munchkins, stuck with him.
"If you break a bone or something serious, you'll go to Madame Pomphrey to be healed. It's
much the same as hurting yourself in something like Quidditch -" he looked disappointed -
"your parents have agreed to your being taught this. I only get in trouble if I'm being
negligent. Oh, don't look so disappointed." He did, too. There went the chance to get the new
teacher the sack. The Gryffindors laughed, the Slytherins grumbled under their breath.
"Everyone up. Pair off; one partner take a wand, one leave yours there. We'll begin with
dodging curses; I want you using only basic curses that you know how to fix, and I'd like you
to start slowly; make sure you can dodge curses that you knew your opponent was about to
cast before you start tricking each other." That should put the Slytherins in a slightly better
mood. Getting to aim curses at their classmates. Ooh. They might just get some ideas from
that... "Everyone make sure you're a fair way from anyone else, and that there's no danger of
accidentally hitting someone who isn't your partner. Since we're starting slow, that should be
easy for you." She glared at them for a moment, letting her gaze rest on the Slytherins.
"Anyone who just 'happens' to hit someone not their partner will have one warning before I
start taking points and giving detentions."
"Yes, Professor." They chorused.
The class divided itself as she instructed, and Telske began to relax as they started working.
Not going too badly, anyway.
***********
Harry, Ron and Hermione were on their way back from their first Defence Against the Dark
Arts class for the year.
"Well, it was interesting," Ron offered hesitantly. "She seemed pretty nice."
"She knows what she's doing," Hermione said. "Seeing as she's teaching us Muggle defence
stuff, we know she's not prejudiced - and she shut Malfoy and Pansy up pretty fast."
"It was interesting, too. Dodging curses and learning martial arts - that's one thing I never
thought we'd learn in Defence. What've we got next?" Harry asked.
"Umm..." Hermione checked her schedule. "History of Magic. Another new teacher -
Professor Pierson. You remember Tara Atkinson, in second-year?" The boys nodded.
Hermione had tutored the girl a little last year. "She had him this morning, and I asked her
about him - she says he's okay. They're learning about the ministry - doing the basics first, she
said. But she saw some of his books - she thinks we'll be studying Dark Wizards." Ron and
Harry grinned. Tara was a genius when it came to snooping about, although she wasn't nasty,
or a gossip. And she never minded telling them what she knew.
"Sounds alright. But what's he like? Boring? Nasty? Favourites?" Over the years they'd come
to expect the worst from new teachers, what with Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"No, she said he was nice enough. He wasn't nasty, and he got down to business, not like
Lockhart or Trelawney. But he's nicer than McGonagall, she says, fair, has a sense of
humour."
"Actually sounds like we're getting two good new teachers." Ron commented, eyebrows
raised.
"Shocking." Harry replied. He was honestly surprised, though he knew that with Voldemort's
return, Dumbledore would be getting more accomplished witches and wizards to teach.
Judging by the little they'd heard of Pierson's conversation with Dumbledore, he'd have some
surprises up his sleeve for the Dark Lord. Though they didn't really know much about
Professor Swife, they guessed that any new teacher would have to be an excellent witch or
wizard, and from what they'd heard, she was.
"Well, History should be interesting."
"Don't jinx us!" Ron joked. "I want to find out something about him, though - I still can't see
how he could've known Dumbledore forty years ago."
"Oh, Ron, it's probably nothing. He's older than he looks, that's all." Hermione said.
"I don't know, Hermione," Harry commented. "Wizards age slowly, sure, but that's
stretching it - and Dumbledore would be getting ...well...unusual people to come in."
"Yeah, but what kind of unusual witch or wizard lives forty years and ages, what, fifteen at
the most?" Hermione countered.
"Well, why don't we try and find out? We could always see if he's taught here before. And
I'll ask Sirius in my next letter - he must know something about him, if Snape and Trelawney
do!" Harry said, in a burst of inspiration.
"Well, I suppose...look, there's the classroom. Better not talk about it where he could hear.
We'll go to the owlery, then the library at lunch?"
"OK." Harry and Ron agreed, and abruptly shut up as they walked into the classroom. It
looked different, Harry thought, as he glanced around. There was a bit more light in the
place, and it wasn't musty like it used to be. He could see that Professor Binns' old maps
were gone, replaced with newer versions, or pictures of historical sites.
Methos watched the kids arriving carefully. He guessed the three who had just walked in
were Harry, Ron and Hermione - he knew Harry from the scar, and his resemblance to his
father helped. Ron...well, Weasleys never looked that much different. The girl was
just...well, she practically screamed, 'study freak!'. Glasses, bushy hair that she wouldn't
take the time to care for, more thick books than any other student in the class, and he would
lay money on her being first to answer any question he asked them...well, she might've read
half the books in the library on Dark Wizards, but he had lived them - and then written some
of them. He'd be able to give her a challenge. He was curious to see what the boys were like,
though - especially to find out if the Weasley could be a weather mage. The Weasleys had it
in the family, even if it had been a long time. A blonde boy walked in, flanked by two
thuggish-looking boys. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, no doubt about that. Some things would
never change, but he'd keep an eye on the boy, as Dumbledore wished. Most of the class had
arrived, so Methos thought he'd begin.
"Good morning. I'm Professor Adam Pierson and obviously your new teacher. Now, to get
things straight, I expect work on time, I expect you on time, I expect you to pay attention.
Good reasons for late work or lack of concentration are acceptable -" he lightened up a little
" - but they'd better be proper reasons. Now, considering Binns was your last History teacher,
I'm just going to assume you learned nothing at all." The class laughed in agreement, and
Ron nudged Hermione. "See?" he whispered. "He knew Binns, too."
"You will be studying Dark Wizards, in light of recent developments. Today's lesson will be
in the library - I'm giving you an assignment. Research the life of a Dark Wizard - you can do
it alone or in groups of two or three. I want to know what he did, but I also want his
motivation, plan, strategy, the lot. Reasons for his actions, and for the actions of wizards of
the time. Resources - the best plan of attack they could have used, and an analysis of what
they did, and how he was defeated. This is a large task - you'll have a few weeks for it.
Questions?"
The class shook their heads, except for Hermione, who put up her hand.
"Name?"
"Hermione Granger."
"Go on."
"Is there any specific time frame? Can it be any Dark Wizard at all?" Methos frowned,
thinking about it. He'd meant only relatively recent wizards, but so long as they did a pretty
good project...
"No time frame, but doing a medieval wizard is no excuse for lack of information."
Hermione nodded, and he said "Are we all ready?" The class stood, picking up their books.
He led them towards the library, and was about halfway there when he heard an unmistakable
cackle behind him. The students scattered, with exclamations of
"It's Peeves!"
"Water bombs!" and a few muttered expletives. Peeves began throwing the bombs. A couple
of shouts said two students were hit - either Peeves' aim was suffering or the students had
had practice. Suddenly, one hit Methos square in the back.
"Hit the new teacher! Got the new teacher!" Peeves had a manic grin on his face, Methos just
knew it. He turned around slowly, concealing a smirk beneath his most evil, Death-like
expression. He glared at Peeves, who, failing to recognise him, was sniggering.
"POLTERGEIST!" He roared in much the same fashion as he had many years ago when
terrorising Peeves. Everyone flinched back, and he was pleased. Apparently he hadn't lost his
touch, even after so long.
Peeves' face, already pale, was snow white, and he was shaking. He sank to the floor, making
a quick motion with a hand that removed all of the water splattered about from the bombs.
He began muttering frantic apologies, and Methos waved his hand in a dismissal, whispering
"Never again." harshly. Peeves fled, and Methos gestured to the class, who collected
themselves and followed him warily.
Ron, Harry and Hermione were in awe.
"Now are you going to tell me he's just some ordinary wizard?"
"Well, obviously not, Ron." Hermione said, sounding put out. "He obviously knew Peeves
before this, and seeing as not very much puts Peeves off, he must be unusual. We'll look him
up in the library."
"And I'll owl Sirius. How cool was that, though? Peeves was scared out of his wits! Not like
just with the Bloody Baron or someone, he was shaking. But Professor Pierson must've done
something pretty nasty, though, to scare him." Harry sounded thoughtful.
"Yeah.." Hermione sounded worried. Then she brightened. "But he must be all right, though,
if Dumbledore hired him."
"Dumbledore hired Snape." Harry countered. "But then again, he did spy for our side before
Voldemort's - " Ron winced at the name "downfall. So he can't be all bad - just nasty."
"Snape's scared of Pierson." Ron pointed out.
"Doesn't exactly warm your heart, does it? But he seems all right. And Dumbledore did hire
him, that counts for a lot."
The class passed without any further events. Ron, Harry and Hermione formed a group and
decided to research Grindlewald - also deciding it might not be prudent to look up Adam
Pierson's name while in his class.
That lunchtime, the trio skipped lunch and headed first for the owlery. Harry scribbled a note
to Sirius.
Hey, Sirius
School's just started again and everything's good - we've got two new professors, Telske
Swife for Defence - she's an Australian - and Adam Pierson for History of Magic. Professor
Binns passed over, such a shame. We were wondering, though, do you know Professor
Pierson? Because he knew Dumbledore forty years ago, and he looks about twenty-five, plus
he knows Snape, Trelawney, Vector and Peeves. Trelawney and Snape are wary of him, and
Peeves is terrified. He seems nice enough, though - except when he was roaring
"POLTERGEIST" at Peeves - and he's friends with Vector. Were you friends with him? Was
he in your year? Do you know why Peeves is so terrified of him?
Harry.
********
So what did you think? When should Harry get an owl back from Sirius? What pairings do
you want? Plot ideas, anyone?
Lu: HP/HL fanfic isn't too common, but it's out there... 11000 must've been a typo, sorry, I'll
fix that. I read a fic recently where he was 11000 that's probably where I got it. Harry
Immortal? Maybe, maybe not. I'll definitely think about it, but I don't want to make him some
kind of Superman guy, you know, perfect at everything.
TotallyMe: Yes, (well obviously), there are more chapters! I plan to complete it - and
hopefully update faster. Reviews? Well, I review whenever I feel like it, doesn't matter if
they ask or won't update without, say, fifteen. I think that's slack, so I don't do it.
Fabi: I was going to read some of your stuff, but I kind of don't speak Portuguese, so there
goes...thanks for reviewing! Try www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=498515 Harry Potter
and the Oldest Immortal. It's long - about 83000 words, but be warned it's slash -
Snape/Methos. iThat/i thought doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but it's
still a good fic.
Al: Thanks for reviewing, if you - if anyone - has anything to say please say it, I don't want
flames but constructive criticism or questions or suggestions for the story are all good.
*~*~*~*~*
He smirked a little at Snape as he sat down.
"So, what classes you have today?" He asked Telske.
"Third-years, first-years, fifth-years and seventh-years. You?"
"Second-years, fifth-years, sixth-years and seventh-years. My only full day is my first one."
He sounded gloomy. "But wizard history is a nice change from Muggle."
"You taught Muggle history? Why?"
"Well, I was Muggle-born. When I got my letter, they didn't want me to go, but I'd never
been on the greatest terms with my family, so I went anyway. I graduated, got a job. But I
wasn't really very happy, and so when Voldemort came along, I found it very easy simply to
duck out of sight, as a Muggle teaching in another country."
"What about after his downfall? Didn't you miss wizardry?"
"I still used spells; kept up with events. But I had a job I enjoyed, I had friends...I was
comfortable, settled in. I was happy to stay where I was, and decided to. But now..." Methos
paused and tried to look like he was thinking back. "I've got a different outlook from when
Voldemort first appeared. For one thing, now I know what he's capable of. And... I don't
know why, but I can't just stand by and pretend it isn't happening anymore."
"Ah, you're maturing. Growing up into a responsible person!" Telske teased.
"God help me, never that." Methos faked a shudder. "What've you been doing before you
came here?"
"Well, we can graduate at eighteen or go onto further studies. I did that in Defence, Charms
and Potions; finished at twenty. Then I worked my way around Australia, New Zealand,
some of Indonesia and the Phillipines - I wanted to travel - and then came to England, and
did the same thing until I was offered the job at Hogwarts." Suddenly, they heard a man
behind them speak up. It was Hagrid.
"Well, that's why yeh've got the death glare, from Professor Snape." He nodded towards
Snape, speaking quietly. "Sorry ter interrupt, but 'e's been after yer job fer years. An' if yeh're
good with Potions - oh, that'll tear it." He lowered his voice even more. "'E's a nasty bugger,
too. Oh, 'e ain't no Dark wizard, an' 'e's a good man, strong, underneath it all, but ah wouldn'
go round makin' friendly with 'im."
"Thanks for telling us." Telske said. "It's easier to ignore when you know why." She smiled
at Hagrid, and he turned back to his breakfast after smiling and giving a quick nod of
agreement, pleased to have helped the new teachers.
"Well, that explains that." She added to Methos. He nodded, although he'd guessed that
about Snape.
"Just ignore him. Or, of course, you could deal with him like you did just then." He grinned.
"I know what I'd prefer, but I think Dumbledore'd object to conflict among the staff, I
suppose." She sighed. "He'd better not get in my way, though." Methos smiled. "Just watch
him try. I know his sort." She faked a groan.
"He'd better not try it too soon, then. I don't feel like putting up with any crap today."
"Good luck! You've got a couple of pranksters in your seventh-year class, I've heard -
twins." She looked panicky. "Ah, they'll kill me!" But then she laughed, and they both left to
prepare for their first class.
Telske sat at her desk and went over her planned lesson. They wouldn't be doing much
today; outlining what they would be working on in future, finding out what they knew. She
took a deep breath. Calm. She was, she admitted, nervous. Oh, come on! She lectured herself.
You're scared of a bunch of first-years? Remember how terrified you were in your first year?
You're scared of these people? Kids? Swife, you're losing it. No, it was never even there. She
banished her nerves, refusing to admit she could be more nervous with a bunch of first-years
than being bait for a vampire.
Methos, in contrast, was bored waiting for the kids to arrive. History had been his subject for
more than merely a few centuries now, and he'd taught more classes than he cared to
remember. His only real interest in this one was what the kids would be like. Still, he was
looking forward to the afternoon more. Fifth-year - that was Harry Potter, Hermione, Draco
and Ron. Seventh-year - the Weasley twins. He drummed his fingers on the desk. Hurry up,
all. Or send one of the ghosts in. Or Peeves - seeing him again's going to be fun. Finally the
students started to arrive. Telske and Methos both sighed. One in an attempt at calm, another
in boredom.
"Hello, class." Methos stood when the last desk had been filled, a few minutes later. No one
was late - apparently they were all curious about the new teacher. "I am Professor Pierson,
and I'm obviously your new History of Magic teacher. We will not be studying goblin
rebellions - no doubt you are all deeply disappointed," he added, as the class grinned. "we
will be covering the Ministry's origins first. Now. Does anyone have parents in the
Ministry?" A few students raised their hands. Hmm. He made a mental note to remember
their last names - so he could steer clear of their parents.
"Does anyone know anything about the Ministry's structure and how it began?" Again, a few
students raised their hands. 'Stuck in a room with twenty twelve-year-olds who don't want to
be there, and you have to try and make them learn enough to pass history', one friend had
described his job. But he'd been doing it for centuries and he figured he had the knack - and
of course it helped a little that he'd actually been alive when most of it happened. He called
on a Ravenclaw girl and settled back into his chair, content.
*~*~*Telske*~*~*
Telske also stood when her class had arrived. She was five feet two inches and it was just
humiliating to be at eye level - or less - with your students when you were sitting down.
"Good morning. I am Professor Swife, your Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. I see
you've covered Dark Creatures and Curses reasonably well - so we will be beginning with
non-magical self-defence." A Slytherin put up her hand, smirking.
"You mean, like Muggles learn? Karardee stuff?" The derision in her voice was obvious, and
the deliberate mispronunciation of karate wasn't lost on Telske.
"Yes. If you don't like the idea, you may leave." Her tone was severe, and the girl lost her
smirk. No one made so much as a move. "Good. This is a form of self-defence Muggles use,
but it's even more useful because most wizards don't bother to learn anything like it." She
walked out from behind her desk, giving them a second to think about that. "One day, you
may be without a wand, and in trouble. Being able to hurt an attacker, or take their wand, or
dodge their curses without a wand would be vital; it could be your only chance of escape.
Now, practically everyone can land a good punch, or slap, or kick someone, and we all know
where to hit someone so it hurts. I'm going to expand upon that knowledge and teach you the
basics of martial arts, especially moves that can help you against another wizard with a wand.
Any questions?" A Gryffindor boy and girl put up their hands, and only one Slytherin boy.
They seemed to be sulking about having to learn 'Karadee stuff'.
"Yes?" She asked one of the boys.
"Um, how could it help you get away from a wizard with a wand, when you haven't got one?
I mean, it seems like that'd be pretty hard."
"I'll be teaching you about how most wizards curse people, and how to dodge them. Most
wizards would be surprised you'd dodged a curse; you could attack them then or use a
number of different moves you'll be learning to get their wand." She gestured to the girl.
"Is there stuff you can teach that's like...um, if you're smaller than your opponent, or not as
strong, to help you..."
"Yes. Smaller people often have the disadvantage in strength, but they can also be more agile
and faster. There are also ways to use your opponent's weight against them - like, ways to get
them off balance." She waved to the last boy.
"What happens if we're hurt? I mean, will you get in trouble if we break a bone or
something?" She could tell by his tone he wasn't at all concerned for her welfare - in fact,
he'd probably aiming to break someone's bone as soon as possible, by the look of him. She
didn't think she liked Slytherins...that nasty Professor Snape was the head of their house,
wasn't he? No wonder these guys were mean little munchkins, stuck with him.
"If you break a bone or something serious, you'll go to Madame Pomphrey to be healed. It's
much the same as hurting yourself in something like Quidditch -" he looked disappointed -
"your parents have agreed to your being taught this. I only get in trouble if I'm being
negligent. Oh, don't look so disappointed." He did, too. There went the chance to get the new
teacher the sack. The Gryffindors laughed, the Slytherins grumbled under their breath.
"Everyone up. Pair off; one partner take a wand, one leave yours there. We'll begin with
dodging curses; I want you using only basic curses that you know how to fix, and I'd like you
to start slowly; make sure you can dodge curses that you knew your opponent was about to
cast before you start tricking each other." That should put the Slytherins in a slightly better
mood. Getting to aim curses at their classmates. Ooh. They might just get some ideas from
that... "Everyone make sure you're a fair way from anyone else, and that there's no danger of
accidentally hitting someone who isn't your partner. Since we're starting slow, that should be
easy for you." She glared at them for a moment, letting her gaze rest on the Slytherins.
"Anyone who just 'happens' to hit someone not their partner will have one warning before I
start taking points and giving detentions."
"Yes, Professor." They chorused.
The class divided itself as she instructed, and Telske began to relax as they started working.
Not going too badly, anyway.
***********
Harry, Ron and Hermione were on their way back from their first Defence Against the Dark
Arts class for the year.
"Well, it was interesting," Ron offered hesitantly. "She seemed pretty nice."
"She knows what she's doing," Hermione said. "Seeing as she's teaching us Muggle defence
stuff, we know she's not prejudiced - and she shut Malfoy and Pansy up pretty fast."
"It was interesting, too. Dodging curses and learning martial arts - that's one thing I never
thought we'd learn in Defence. What've we got next?" Harry asked.
"Umm..." Hermione checked her schedule. "History of Magic. Another new teacher -
Professor Pierson. You remember Tara Atkinson, in second-year?" The boys nodded.
Hermione had tutored the girl a little last year. "She had him this morning, and I asked her
about him - she says he's okay. They're learning about the ministry - doing the basics first, she
said. But she saw some of his books - she thinks we'll be studying Dark Wizards." Ron and
Harry grinned. Tara was a genius when it came to snooping about, although she wasn't nasty,
or a gossip. And she never minded telling them what she knew.
"Sounds alright. But what's he like? Boring? Nasty? Favourites?" Over the years they'd come
to expect the worst from new teachers, what with Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"No, she said he was nice enough. He wasn't nasty, and he got down to business, not like
Lockhart or Trelawney. But he's nicer than McGonagall, she says, fair, has a sense of
humour."
"Actually sounds like we're getting two good new teachers." Ron commented, eyebrows
raised.
"Shocking." Harry replied. He was honestly surprised, though he knew that with Voldemort's
return, Dumbledore would be getting more accomplished witches and wizards to teach.
Judging by the little they'd heard of Pierson's conversation with Dumbledore, he'd have some
surprises up his sleeve for the Dark Lord. Though they didn't really know much about
Professor Swife, they guessed that any new teacher would have to be an excellent witch or
wizard, and from what they'd heard, she was.
"Well, History should be interesting."
"Don't jinx us!" Ron joked. "I want to find out something about him, though - I still can't see
how he could've known Dumbledore forty years ago."
"Oh, Ron, it's probably nothing. He's older than he looks, that's all." Hermione said.
"I don't know, Hermione," Harry commented. "Wizards age slowly, sure, but that's
stretching it - and Dumbledore would be getting ...well...unusual people to come in."
"Yeah, but what kind of unusual witch or wizard lives forty years and ages, what, fifteen at
the most?" Hermione countered.
"Well, why don't we try and find out? We could always see if he's taught here before. And
I'll ask Sirius in my next letter - he must know something about him, if Snape and Trelawney
do!" Harry said, in a burst of inspiration.
"Well, I suppose...look, there's the classroom. Better not talk about it where he could hear.
We'll go to the owlery, then the library at lunch?"
"OK." Harry and Ron agreed, and abruptly shut up as they walked into the classroom. It
looked different, Harry thought, as he glanced around. There was a bit more light in the
place, and it wasn't musty like it used to be. He could see that Professor Binns' old maps
were gone, replaced with newer versions, or pictures of historical sites.
Methos watched the kids arriving carefully. He guessed the three who had just walked in
were Harry, Ron and Hermione - he knew Harry from the scar, and his resemblance to his
father helped. Ron...well, Weasleys never looked that much different. The girl was
just...well, she practically screamed, 'study freak!'. Glasses, bushy hair that she wouldn't
take the time to care for, more thick books than any other student in the class, and he would
lay money on her being first to answer any question he asked them...well, she might've read
half the books in the library on Dark Wizards, but he had lived them - and then written some
of them. He'd be able to give her a challenge. He was curious to see what the boys were like,
though - especially to find out if the Weasley could be a weather mage. The Weasleys had it
in the family, even if it had been a long time. A blonde boy walked in, flanked by two
thuggish-looking boys. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, no doubt about that. Some things would
never change, but he'd keep an eye on the boy, as Dumbledore wished. Most of the class had
arrived, so Methos thought he'd begin.
"Good morning. I'm Professor Adam Pierson and obviously your new teacher. Now, to get
things straight, I expect work on time, I expect you on time, I expect you to pay attention.
Good reasons for late work or lack of concentration are acceptable -" he lightened up a little
" - but they'd better be proper reasons. Now, considering Binns was your last History teacher,
I'm just going to assume you learned nothing at all." The class laughed in agreement, and
Ron nudged Hermione. "See?" he whispered. "He knew Binns, too."
"You will be studying Dark Wizards, in light of recent developments. Today's lesson will be
in the library - I'm giving you an assignment. Research the life of a Dark Wizard - you can do
it alone or in groups of two or three. I want to know what he did, but I also want his
motivation, plan, strategy, the lot. Reasons for his actions, and for the actions of wizards of
the time. Resources - the best plan of attack they could have used, and an analysis of what
they did, and how he was defeated. This is a large task - you'll have a few weeks for it.
Questions?"
The class shook their heads, except for Hermione, who put up her hand.
"Name?"
"Hermione Granger."
"Go on."
"Is there any specific time frame? Can it be any Dark Wizard at all?" Methos frowned,
thinking about it. He'd meant only relatively recent wizards, but so long as they did a pretty
good project...
"No time frame, but doing a medieval wizard is no excuse for lack of information."
Hermione nodded, and he said "Are we all ready?" The class stood, picking up their books.
He led them towards the library, and was about halfway there when he heard an unmistakable
cackle behind him. The students scattered, with exclamations of
"It's Peeves!"
"Water bombs!" and a few muttered expletives. Peeves began throwing the bombs. A couple
of shouts said two students were hit - either Peeves' aim was suffering or the students had
had practice. Suddenly, one hit Methos square in the back.
"Hit the new teacher! Got the new teacher!" Peeves had a manic grin on his face, Methos just
knew it. He turned around slowly, concealing a smirk beneath his most evil, Death-like
expression. He glared at Peeves, who, failing to recognise him, was sniggering.
"POLTERGEIST!" He roared in much the same fashion as he had many years ago when
terrorising Peeves. Everyone flinched back, and he was pleased. Apparently he hadn't lost his
touch, even after so long.
Peeves' face, already pale, was snow white, and he was shaking. He sank to the floor, making
a quick motion with a hand that removed all of the water splattered about from the bombs.
He began muttering frantic apologies, and Methos waved his hand in a dismissal, whispering
"Never again." harshly. Peeves fled, and Methos gestured to the class, who collected
themselves and followed him warily.
Ron, Harry and Hermione were in awe.
"Now are you going to tell me he's just some ordinary wizard?"
"Well, obviously not, Ron." Hermione said, sounding put out. "He obviously knew Peeves
before this, and seeing as not very much puts Peeves off, he must be unusual. We'll look him
up in the library."
"And I'll owl Sirius. How cool was that, though? Peeves was scared out of his wits! Not like
just with the Bloody Baron or someone, he was shaking. But Professor Pierson must've done
something pretty nasty, though, to scare him." Harry sounded thoughtful.
"Yeah.." Hermione sounded worried. Then she brightened. "But he must be all right, though,
if Dumbledore hired him."
"Dumbledore hired Snape." Harry countered. "But then again, he did spy for our side before
Voldemort's - " Ron winced at the name "downfall. So he can't be all bad - just nasty."
"Snape's scared of Pierson." Ron pointed out.
"Doesn't exactly warm your heart, does it? But he seems all right. And Dumbledore did hire
him, that counts for a lot."
The class passed without any further events. Ron, Harry and Hermione formed a group and
decided to research Grindlewald - also deciding it might not be prudent to look up Adam
Pierson's name while in his class.
That lunchtime, the trio skipped lunch and headed first for the owlery. Harry scribbled a note
to Sirius.
Hey, Sirius
School's just started again and everything's good - we've got two new professors, Telske
Swife for Defence - she's an Australian - and Adam Pierson for History of Magic. Professor
Binns passed over, such a shame. We were wondering, though, do you know Professor
Pierson? Because he knew Dumbledore forty years ago, and he looks about twenty-five, plus
he knows Snape, Trelawney, Vector and Peeves. Trelawney and Snape are wary of him, and
Peeves is terrified. He seems nice enough, though - except when he was roaring
"POLTERGEIST" at Peeves - and he's friends with Vector. Were you friends with him? Was
he in your year? Do you know why Peeves is so terrified of him?
Harry.
********
So what did you think? When should Harry get an owl back from Sirius? What pairings do
you want? Plot ideas, anyone?