Disclaimer :
Nothing is mine,
Save for the plot,
J.K. Rowling
Owns the lot.
Summary :
Harry goes somewhere during the summer holidays after his forth year. He comes back a year later to teach D.A.D.A. (Defence Against the Dark Arts).
Authors Note :
As usual, I would like to start by thanking all those who took the time to review. It's really encouraging to see that your story is appreciated. Thanks to : wquad, Wolfmoon, Elektra Joradees Gamblin, (Anonymous), Quidbrm, Rachel A. Prongs, toastedpaco, LittleEar BigEar's sis, and Phoenix353.
This chapter was updated since 2 kind-hearted and smart reviewer noticed small plot glitches. Thanks to Matt and Phoenix353 for noticing.
This chapter is about Harrys' return to Hogwarts, the train from King's Cross to Hogwarts and the feast.
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Albus Dumbledore was sitting in front of his desk. Many papers were in front of him on his desk, and he was busy reading them, occasionally signing a paper and placing it to the side.
His office, a rather large circular room, was the same as it had always been. Animated painting of former headmasters' were on the walls, and there were many magical gadgets to be seen. Fawkes was also there. The phoenix was asleep on his perch, his head tucked under his wing.
Albus Dumbledore looked quite tired and strained. He had spent the year wondering where Voldemort would strike, and doing his best to organize some sort of resistance. Sirius had been sent to visit what was refered to as the old crowd, a large group of close-knit friends from different houses, Slytherin included, who trusted each other. They had fought Voldemort years ago, during his first rise to power, and Dumbledore would need their help soon, if not immediately.
He was distracted, however, as the fire blazed green. He wasn't expecting anyone, and did what any respectful wizard would do : he drew his wand.
A tall green-cloaked figure stepped out of the fireplace. Once firmly on his feet, he drew himself up to his full height. Albus saw he was slightly smaller than himself, but was much larger. His hood was up, not allowing Albus to see his face. And from just his physical description, Albus was unable to say who this stranger was. The former just looked around, as if taking everything in. Finally, he turned towards Albus, and took a small step back.
"Now, now, professor. I won't hurt you." He said with a small chuckle.
Albus could recognize the voice. It was the voice of a certain short scrawney green-eyed raven-haired boy. But deeper, more … mature. Albus lowered his wand. "Harry ?"
Harry removed his hood. Albus saw how much the boy had changed. He was nothing like the scrawney little boy that had first entered Hogwarts. He had reached maturity, and his eyes held a fire, that of wisdom and knowledge. And determination. The way he stood was that of someone with a lot of physical strength, and the ability to use it to the full.
"Hello sir. I hope you're well."
Albus smiled a grandfatherly smile, and the twinkle in his eye was ever present. "I'm well Harry. You've changed some."
"That's one way of putting it." Harry answered, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"You said you would like to make me a proposal."
"Yes professor." Harry said, seating himself opposite his former headmaster. "I would like to pass my O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s before the start of school term. And then join the Hogwarts staff."
"Become a teacher ? Which lesson ?"
"I was thinking of Defence Against the Dark Arts. Although thanks to my training, I could honestly replace the teacher for any of the lessons. Except Divination." Harry let out an involontary shudder and Albus gave a small chuckle. "That's the one thing I refuse to teach."
"Remus has been occupying the post of DADA teacher this year. His 'problem' wasn't too much of a problem this year, thank goodness."
"His second year. Amazing. Maybe he broke the curse." They both chuckled. "I was thinking professor. Painful experience, by the way. Professor Lupin could teach the first to forth years, while I take the fifth to seventh years. We could also teach wand duelling, and I could teaching weapon and hand-to-hand combat. Of course, the two latter courses would be optional lessons, and only given to those who would use them well."
"You have been giving it some thought, haven't you. Now, I would have to pull a few strings to let you pass your exams, but it shouldn't be to much of a problem. As for being a teacher, I would have to make the suggestion to professor Lupin, but I don't think he would have any objections."
"Another thing professor. I don't want it known that I'm back yet. At least, to to the masses. Voldemort is likely to attack soon after learning my whereabouts."
"Quite right Harry. It's most infuriating, knowing he has risen once again, yet not manifesting his presence save for the odd attack on muggle-born wizards. Fudge is almost exstatic, sometimes sending me owls telling me had has taken the right course of action."
"Fudge is probably the biggest idiot I've ever met. I would use another word than 'idiot', but he is still the minister, and I am surrounded by chaste ears."
"When are you planning on letting your identity be known ?"
"I was planning on being on the train bringing the students to Hogwarts, in case Voldemort tries any funny business. After that, I was hoping to leave it a week before showing myself to my friends, as I was hoping to see my family later."
"Family ?"
Harry gave a small smile. "Whilst not blood related, Sirius and Remus are the closest people I've got for a father and an uncle."
"I'm sure they would be very happy and proud to hear that. Pardon my interruption."
"No worry. I haven't thought farther than that. I suppose the staff would have to know, since I'll be close to them. That's it. I'll be needing sleeping quarters, of course."
"Of course. I suppose you would like to be close to the Gryffindor tower."
"That would be perfect."
"Do you have any belongings ?"
Harry patted his pocket. "Shrunk my trunk."
"Let's go then."
Albus got up, as did Harry who lifted his hood, as they began to make their way towards Harrys' new sleeping quarters. Along the way, Harry gave a brief summary of where he was, his 'teachers', and the training he had followed. Albus listened closely, and seemed interested in the Rune magic and Necromancy.
"Who taught Necromancy ?"
"Salazar Slytherin did. He may not have been evil, but he still was VERY interested in what's considered to be the dark arts as a whole. I would suggest it be taught here, but I wouldn't have the time or the energy to do so."
Upon arriving before a painting depicting a sunset landscape, Albus and Harry stopped.
"This is the entrance to your new quarters. The entrance to the Gryffindor commonroom is just around the corner. As a teacher, you will be kept up to date as the password changes. For now, you'll have to think of a password for your own quarters."
Harrys' brow creased slightly as he gave it some thought. "I don't want a password. It can be overheard, or guessed. Could I rather enchant one of the stones to recognize who I want it to, and grant them entrance ?"
"Excellent idea, Harry."
Harry moved to the side of the painting. Choosing a stone, he placed his wand upon it and chanted in an undertone. After 20 or so seconds, the stone started to glow a gold light. Harry removed his wand and placed his hand upon the stone. Saying his full name (Harry James Gryffindor Potter), the stone stopped glowing, and looked like any of the surrounding stones. Placing his wand against the stone once again, he chanted another incantation, similar to the first. The stone started to glow again, but a bright silver this time. Indicating for Albus to come over, he said, "Place your hand upon the stone and say your full name. Albus complied (Albus Hikmat Winfred Dumbledore), and the glow receded, leaving a normal-looking stone once again.
"Harry, why did you make it glow a different light ?"
"I want to place levels of security. I could give different people different levels of priority. This means that, for any reason, I could block people under a certain level from entering. I could allow certain students to enter in normal circumstances, but block them if need be, only allowing teachers or above to enter. I could also place a trap, that imprisons those who try to gain unwanted entry."
"Very clever."
Harry smiled. "Thanks."
"Pray tell, what level did you put me in ?"
"Ah ha. You are level 3. Since they are to be my personnal chambers, I am level 1.
"Well, now that my curiosity has been satisfied, let me show you were you will live for the next few months." Albus placed his hand on the stone, and the painting slid to the side, leaving a respectable entranceway. Albus stepped in first, followed by Harry, who removed his hood once he was inside.
It was a large common-room type room, measuring about 15 metres in length and 10 in width. The entrace hole was half way across the room. On the left wall was a fireplace, a large fire burning merrily away. A sofa and 2 comfy chairs surrounded a coffee table in front of the fire. The floor was covered in a dark blue carpet. Near the fireplace were 2 empty sets of shelves Opposite the entrace hole, slightly to the left, was a door, that Harry soon found out let into a small private office/library type room. Not as large or as extensive as Harrys', but not bad all things considered. Next to the library was a small storeroom, empty at present. On the right wall, opposite the fireplace, there was a set of stairs that let to a balcony that went around the room. There were 4 doors (one left, 2 opposite and one to the right of the entrance hole) : 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a spare room (which Harry had no idea what he would do with). The main bedroom, which was above the fire place, had a staircase down leading into another room. And the spare room (on the wall opposite the fireplace) had a door leading to another equally-sized room (making it a room behind the fireplace).
"Well Harry, what do you think ?"
"It's really great sir. Magnificent. How can I thank you enough ?"
"By being a good teacher" Albus answered, with a twinkle in his eye.
"There's just one thing missing." Before Albus could ask what, Harry walked over to the entrance hole and conjured up a large full-length mirror using his wand. Placing it next to the entrance hole, he enchanted it so that he could see who was next to the entrance hole when need be.
"There are just 3 small matters left to be discussed." Albus said.
"Yes ?" Harry said, turning to face Albus.
"First, since you will be a teacher, you will have to start calling me 'Albus'. Sir will no longer be acceptable, and will even be suspicious. Headmaster will do at first, but try to adapt."
"I'll try, sir, errr, Albus, but it won't be easy."
"You'll soon get the hang of it. Next matter concerns your name. Since you wish to remain annonymous, you cannot go around being called 'Professor Potter', can you ?"
"No. I hadn't thought of that. But, what will I be called ?"
"I'll leave you to find a name."
Harry thought for a moment. "Well, for a first name, err, James. James Andrews. That sounds quite good."
"Excellent. Now, professor Andrews, last of all, when do you want to see Sirius ?"
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Sirius had visited as soon as Dumbledore had contacted his, telling him that Harry had returned. Sirius was almost brought to tears in seeing how much Harry had grown during his absence. Remus had also come, and the three of them spend a few evenings catching up. Harry had also been 'introduced' to professor McGonagall, who had cried at seeing Harry again. Hagrid had also shed more than a few tears, and had held him in a bone-crushing hug. Harry had performed the entrance charm for them (Sirius and Lupin were level 4, wheras McGonagall and Hagrid were level 5). Lupin was pleased with sharing the duelling lessons with Harry, and was enthusiastic about the combat lessons. He even considered joining.
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The week passed quickly, and Harry was able to pass his O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s. He had done brilliantly, passing every one, not doing so well in History of Magic, but enough to get by.
It was now the first of September. A Thursday. Harry was standing near the entrance of platform 9 ¾. He had been there since 8 o'clock in the morning, and was thankful for the fact it wasn't raining, despite the grey clouds in the sky.
He was dressed in black boots, trousers and a long-sleeved dark-grey shirt. Today, he was wearing a dark red-and-gold cloak, with a number of silver runes along the hem. His hood was pulled up, since he didn't want to be recognized just yet, and had been charmed so as to prevent it from falling under any circumstances. Harry had also placed a voice-modifying charm, so that no one could recognize him by his voice. On his back was his 2-handed warhammer. It was magically attached, meaning there were no annoying straps. It was almost glued on. 'One of the more practical runes, all things considered' Harry mused. Most of the people who entered gave his a small nod of greeting, save for the first years who walked quickly on.
It was now half-past-ten, and a large crowd of students had already arrived. He hadn't seen Hermione, Cho, or any of the Weasley family yet. 'Nor Malfoy, for that matter', Harry thought for himself. 'Ah, speak of the devil …' just as Malfoy passed through the barrier, next to his smarmy-looking father. They both gave Harry a look, almost a stare. Whilst Malfoy had grown, he was still at least half a foot shorter than Harry, and much thinner, lacking muscle. They must have decided he wasn't worth looking at, judging by their faces, as they left without glancing behing them. Lucius helped Draco onto the train, then left.
Time passed. It was now a quarter-to-ten. Just then, A tall red-haired boy entered platform 9 ¾, walking next to a bushy brown-haired girl. Ron and Hermione. They were both pushing their trunks, and seemed to be looking in the crowd for someone. 'Me' Harry thought, letting a small smile creep its way onto his lips. They were soon followed by Ginny and Molly Weasley. 'That's it ?' Harry thought as the 4 made their way towards the train. Then he remembered. Fred and George had graduated, and had opened a joke shop in Diagon Alley. Ron had told him in one of his letters, and they had sent a few photos showing different people in embarasing situations due to their jokes and pranks. 'And Arthur Weasley, along with Percy, were probably working' Harry thought, although the thought of Percy NOT working would be more shocking.
His train of thoughts weas interrupted by the arrival of someone. And not just anyone. Cho. She was still as beautiful. And she had grown. Harry had a small smile, thinking that she was a bit bigger than Malfoy. She was followed by two people Harry guessed were her parents. He could only just hear them giving a last piece of advice defore hugging Cho goodbye, and exiting.
Cho suddenly looked up, and started to look around. Harry wondered why, and then, BAM. The necklace he was wearing, the one Cho had given him, it was warm. Chos' must be too. 'Oh bugger' Harry thought. He quickly turned around, and took it out. It was warm to the touch. Harry quickly cast a small masking charm on it. The necklace glowed with a light purple light before resuming its original shine. It was no longer warm. Harry put it away again, and turned back to look at Cho. She was fingering the necklace, but had stopped looking around, and was instead heading towards the train stopping just before it, and made a first attempt to put her trunk on board. It looked heavy, and she seemed to be struggling, so Harry made his way over.
"Excuse me, do you need any help ?"
Cho looked up, and gave a small smile. "Yes, thanks."
Harry picked up the trunk, and he could see the look of surprise on Chos face. 'He makes it look so easy', she thought. He brought it in and placed it in a free space.
"There you go."
"Thanks. Whats your name ?"
"I'm professor Andrews. I'll be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts for fifth years and up."
"Nice to meet you. I suppose I'l be seing you soon."
Harry hopped off the train, and went back to waiting near the entrance. He saw Cho exit the train, put her trolley away, and make her way towards Ron, Hermione and Ginny, who were leaning out of a cabin window to speak to Molly Weasley.
The last few minutes passed, and Harry boarded the train just before it left. He started at the back, and made his way swiftly forward, checking in every compartment to see if everything was OK. What worried him, as he neared the front of the train, was that he had yet to see the Crabbe-Goyle-Malfoy trio. He eventualy reached the very front compartment, the one he usually was in with Ron and Hermione. Upon nearing it, he saw Goyle and Crabbe in front of the door, sniggering, while the voice of Malfoy could be heard.
"So, Potty still isn't here ? Shame. The sooner he gets back, the sooner the dark lord will deal with him."
"Just stuff off Malfoy" Ron answered.
As he made his was forward, he tried to guess who would be in the compartment. From what he remembered, there would be 4 people : Cho, Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Seeing his approach, Goyle and Crabbe straightened out and tried to look menacingly at Harry. However, Harry was about as tall as them, and his clothing left no doubt as to what physical shape he was in. Without forgetting the weapon that he was carrying on his back. As he approached, they both quavered slightly, before stepping back.
Upon reaching the door, Harry shooed (AN : yes, the word exists) Crabbe and Goyle away, and looked in the cabin. Malfoy was standing in front of the foursome, Ron sitting next to Hermione, holding her hand, and Cho next to Ginny. They were all four looking at Malfoy with loathing and disgust in their eyes.
"And Granger. You may be a prefect, but you've no taste, taking weasel here for your boyfriend." Malfoy drawled on. "What did you do, buy him ?"
Ron would have jumped Draco, had he not seen Harry standing behind him. Draco, however, never had the opportunity, as Harry grabbed the back of his robes and flung his backward into the corridor. Draco hit the wall with a bang, his eyes losing their focus for a few seconds. He looked up and, seeing Harry, slowly stood up. Noticing his 2 goons were standing several meters away, fear in their eyes, he realized he was alone on this one. He drew himself to his full height, and attempted to look Harry straight in the eye.
A intimidation tactic was to let your magical aura flow around you, letting your adversary know how powerful you are. Draco did so. Harry looked on, as did everyone else. Draco was powerful. Not amazingly so, but more than the average wizard.
"That all you can do ?" Harry asked.
Draco frowned. "Let's see what you can do than" Draco sneered back, rather bravely in Harrys' opinion.
Harry slowly realeased his power. It built up, and soon was greater than Dracos. But it didn't stop. Harry directed his aura towards Draco, who could feel the preasure of Harrys' aura pushing, almost beating itself into him. Draco was sweating, and Crabbe and Golye were powerless to do anything.
"Is that enough, or do you want me to continue ?" Harry sneered, letting the contempt be clearly heard in his voice. Draco said nothing, but stopped his aura. Harry did likewise.
Draco chose this moment to say something very stupid. "If you try anything against me, my father shall hear of it."
He had barely finished his sentance when he felt himself slam into the wall behind him, for the second time. Harry brought his face very close and hissed "I know who your father is, and, more importantly, WHAT he is. And I'm not scared of him in any way. Bring him to me, and he won't leave unscathed." Harry dumped Draco unceremoniously on the floor. "Now go, before I take off house points and give detention, even before the school year has started." Draco did the smartest thing yet, and quickly left, followed by Goyle and Crabbe.
Harry turned to the cabin, only to see his friends looking at him. Cho was the first to speak.
"Wow professor. That was incredible."
"About time someone did that to that git" Ron seconded.
Ginny glanced nervously at the floor, while Hermione asked "won't you get into trouble for doing that ?"
"If I would get into trouble, I wouldn't have done it" Harry answered. He entered the compartment and closed the door behind him. "Let me present myself : I am professor Andrews. I'll be teaching DADA for fifth to seventh years."
"What will we be learning this year professor ?" Hermione eagerly asked, while Ron rolled his eyes.
"Fifth years will be learning about curses and shields, sixth years about various dark creatures and seventh years will be learning a mixture of both. I'll also be teaching duelling with professor Lupin and combat training. Both these courses are optionnal, however, and will only be taught to those I deem worthy. Do you mind if I sleep here, the rest of the train is rather full."
"Not at all, professor. When do you want us to wake you up ?" Hermione answered.
"Whenever the trolley lady passes. I'll probably be hungry by then. And don't worry about waking me up, no need to speak in whispers. And don't hesitate to wake me if anything happens." With that, Harry tookl the seat next to the door, put his warhammer beside him, and fell asleep.
The 4 friends spoke for the whole trip. They were also visited by different people they knew. They woke Harry whan the goods-trolley passed, and he had bought some cauldren cakes, Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beams and some chocolate frogs, which he had shared with all present. They spent the rest of the trip speaking, save Hermione, who had to go to an hour-long prefects meeting shortly after lunch. Harry was careful to remain distant, as a professor would. They tried to ask him questions about himself, but he would give as evaisive answers as possible, without actually lying. He just couldn't lie to his friends.
They did seem a bit shocked when they learned he was only 16.
"How come you're a teacher and you're just 16 ?" Cho had questionned, "not meaning to be disrespectful."
"I've had special training." Was all Harry had answered.
During the trip, Harry had muttered a spell which permitted the caster to see the magical aura that surround wizards and witches, letting them have a rough estimate of their magical power. Hermione, he saw, was very powerful. Not as much as Dumbledore, and no way as powerful as himself, but way above average. Cho and Ron weren't far behind, and Ginny was slightly behind that. This was good, since they all seemed interested in the duelling lessons.
Thay had nearly arrived at Hogwarts, and thay sky had decided that rain would end the day. It wasn't a downpour, but rain was coming down at a respectable rate. Ron and Harry had left the cabin to let the gils put on their robes. Harry had managed to get a better look at Ron physically. He was slightly taller than Harry, and had develloped quite a muscular frame from playing keeper. He was no way as physically strong as Harry, but it wasn't negligible, and could improve with proper training. Harry briefly wondered why Draco still dared to insult them with Hermiones magic power and Rons physical strength. Harry had had to leave 5 minutes prior to arrival. As soon as the train arrived, he exited the carriage, and joined Hagrid to bring the first years to the castle that would be their home for the next 10 months.
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The students had entered the hall and were seated, the first years had been sorted, and Dumbledore had just stood up. The teachers table was complete, save for one seat where Harry should have been sitting, next to professor Lupin. Harry had had to check something in the grounds with Hagrid, in the rain. Poor them.
"Another start of year. Just enough time to cram our heads with knowledge. Never let pass an opportunity to learn. I will repeat it once again : despite what the misistry says, Voldemort (everyone, save Dumbledore and Lupin flinched) HAS returned. It's not because he has shown no signs that he hasn't returned. The forbidden forest is just that, forbidden. Also, Argus Filch has told me that Screeching frizbees have been added to the forbidden items list. The complete list of 657 articles can be seen in his office. And no student, other than prefects, will be permitten unaccompanied outside their commonrooms afer 9 o' clock. On a lighter note, we have a new teacher this year, who will be teaching advanced Defance Against the Dark Arts, as well as duelling and combat, both of which are optionnal courses. Both courses are only available to third years and above. A paper will be sent to each common room tonight, and all those interested in one of the courses will be able to sign up. He is out in the forest at the moment …"
BANG !!!
The grand halls double doors were flung open. All heads turned towards the doors. There stood Harry, his features indistinguishable under his hood. His cloak was wet, and water was dripping off it onto the floor. His warhammer was still on his back. It was an impressive sight. Harry didn't move, he was too busy scanning the great hall. Then, slowly, he walked forward, the eyes of every student (and several teachers) upon him and the echo of his boots easily heard in the silence. He made his way towards the teachers table, and sat in the sat next to Remus Lupin. Sirius, in dogs form, was at Lupins feet.
"I ask you to welcome … professor Andrews."
A few people clapped : Dumbledore, McGonagall, Lupin, Cho, Ron, Hermione and Ginny, as well as a few other Gryffindors and Ravenclaw who had spoken with Ron, Hermione or Cho. Harry didn't seem bothered, and the smattering of applause quickly died down.
"Now, for the most important part : tuck in."
Food magically appeared on every plate, and the whole hall started to bustle with talking and laughter. Dumbledore leant towards Harry and whispered "You certainly know how to make an entrance."
Harry leant towards Dumbledore and whispered back "Always wanted to do that. Hadrig had to put his crossbow away. He will be arriving shortly" before turning and starting to eat. He had quickly finished, despite having taken a large serving, and was soon making small talk with several of the teachers. He even surprised himself when he spoke for a short while with Snape on potions, discussing ingredients and the like.
The meal was soon over, and the plates were cleared. Dumbledore stood up again, and said : "prefects, will you now bring students back to their common rooms. Lessons start tomorrow. Have a good night all."
Students left, following their respective house prefects. Harry noticed Malfoy had been made prefect this year, and wondered how much his father had had to pay to get that.
"Well, I'm off to bed," Lupin said. I believe I have the forth years tomorrow morning.
"Good luck. You'll need it." Harry quipped back. "I'll walk with you to your chambers."
Harry and Lupin bid the other teachers goodnight, and left the great hall. When they were sure they were alone, Lupin asked : "So, do you know when you'll tell them."
"I'm hesitating between giving them detection at the same time or making an appointment."
"I'd say an appointment. They'll be happy to see you, and it would be suspicious if they came back happy from detention."
"I suppose so. I'll see them after my DADA classes next week, and speak to them."
"Good man."
They arrived at Lupins quarters. Harry stepped in to say a quick hello to Sirius, who was posing as Lupins faithful dog, before heading towards his own quarters.