Disclaimer :
J.K. Rowling
Owns all, save the plot,
Which actually makes,
Quite a lot.
(Pathetic, but I'm low of cafeine at the moment, bare with me ;) ).
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 is customary, I would like to begin by thanking all those who took the time to review. It's really encouraging to see that your story is appreciated by others. Thanks to : shdurrani, Phoenix353, Wolfmoon, Rach A. Prongsn angelangie, BloodRedSword, androme and toastedpaco. It's really encouraging to see that what you do is appreciated by others, and is a big motivationnal factor.
To everyone : enjoy !!!
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Harry had enjoyed yesterday. After the combat lessons, his friends had stayed to talk a bit, and it was quite late when they had gone back. Harry had accompanied Cho back to the Ravenclaw common room, no one believing it was to be sure points weren't taken off for being out after curfew.
He was presently sitting at the head table, with his hood up, charmed to stay put. Very few students were up at the moment, and the teachers weren't numerous either. Harry was just pushing his food around his plate at the moment. Today would be his first DADA lesson, and he was nervous, more so than before his first quidditch match. Remus and Sirius had reassured him yestereve, and their assurance had helped, only to come back as bad as ever.
The students had started to arrive, slowly but surely. It was 8 o' clock, and the first lesson of the day was at 8:50. Harry had a double serving of Gryffindor and Slytherin fifth years, Ginnys class. She had been reading his book of curses last night, so she was forewarned of what they were going to see. As his thoughts were wondering, he didn't notice Remus who had come and was seated next to him.
"Morning James."
Harry jumped, causing the sausage that was on his plate to fly through the air and land neatly on professor Sinistra's plate. However, she was busy talking to professor Vector, and didn't notice she had gained some food.
"Good morning Remus. Don't scare me like that."
"How do you want me to scare you then ?" Remus answered back with a grin. "What were you thinking of ?"
"I was thinking of todays lessons."
"Still nervous ?" Harry nodded. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll do fine. Are you going to be hooded or not ?"
"Errr, good question. No, I think I'll put on the same disguise as I did yesterday and let my hood down."
"Good man. Let them see the fear on your face."
"Remus, you're not helping," Harry groaned.
"James, take a deep breath, and think. Think of your past teachers, of what they did to make you enjoy lessons, and do the same. That's my advice."
Harry smiled. "Thanks Remus, although becoming a werewolf is not on my 'to do' list. Congratulations, by the way."
"Congratulations. What for ?" Remus asked, puzzled by Harrys remark.
"For officially breaking the curse of the DADA position. I think Albus should announce it today."
"I may just do that," said a voice just behind them. Harry jumped again, sending another sausage flying away to an unknown destination. He and Remus turned and saw Dumbledores smiling face, his eye twinkling like always. "It does merrit some sort of celebration." He quipped, before taking his seat and starting to eat.
Harry somehow managed to finish what was on his plate and set off to his classroom. Upon arriving, he entered and closed the door behind him. After checking, both magically and non-magically, that the room was indeed empty, he lowered his hood and performed a disguise charm on himself, taking the same blond-haired blue-eyed look he had taken yesterday.
Only 10 minutes left before lessons started. Some students could be heard behind the door, the more motivated. Harry took out a piece of parchment and put it on his desk. On it was a list of subjects that had to be seen during the lesson. A brief overview of fire spells and a few examples.
Five minutes before the bell rang, Harry opened the door, allowing the students already present to enter. Most of the Gryffindors were already present, and Ginny was among them. About half the Slytherin were also there. Harry briefly wondered why Dumbledore continued to put the 2 houses in lessons together, but reasoned that having lessons together might lower the animosity between the two houses.
The bell rang, signaling the start of lessons. A few last-minute students entered and took their seats, before Harry closed the door and took his place next to his desk. After performing the customary roll-call, Harry started his lesson.
"Good morning all. My name is professor Andrews, and I'll be your Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. I know I'm young, but I have a lot of experience dealing with the dark arts. Last year, you studied the Unforgivables (a few students shuddered) along with basic dueling and some curses and counter-curses. This year, we will start by dealing with another category of spells : fire spells. These spells are often used by dark wizards and their followers. Can anyone suggest why ?"
A few hands were raised, and Harry chose Ginny. "Because they are hard to trace."
"Yes, that's one reason. Can anyone else see another reason ?"
"Some more hands went up, and Harry chose a Slytherin student this time : "Because they can kill more people at the same time."
"Ah, an interesting point. Anything else ?" No more hands went up. "Anyone ? Well, other reasons are that it requires less power to perform, is less draining, and causes a lot of pain. Lets just take the killing curse. It requires a lot of power, has to be cast with precision, and kills with no or little pain. But to burn to death is a painful death indeed." Harry continued his lessons, while the students wrote everything down, giving generalities concerning fire spells, more reasons for their use, and the like. He also showed then a simple fire spell and had them practice. At the end of the lesson, Harry gave them homework. "I want you to research 3 different fire-based spells, 6 inches on each spell, to be handed in two weeks." A few groans made themselves heard, but nothing more than the usual. The lesson had gone well, and no incidents had happened. No points had had to be removed, which was a good sign in itself. Ginny gave Harry a reassuring smile before leaving, chatting with her friends.
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At lunch, Harry caught up with Remus. Sirius was lying down in dogs form at Remus' feet, eating whatever Harry or Rumus would pass him.
"How was your morning ?"
"Fine, Harry. I had first years. They were most impressed by the werewolf that I am."
"Please don't tell me you scared them senseless."
"No, they're still mentally sane. For now. We just had a brief review of what we would see during the year. How about you ?"
"I think it went well. They were calm and no disruptions, that must count for something. And I think they were too busy to try anything against each other."
"Well, I must say, the teachers have been able to reduce house rivalry somewhat during the past year. Except for Severus."
"Ooooh, isn't that a surprise." Harry said sarcastically. Severus Snape was the potions master, head of the Slytherin house, and very biased where his students were concerned. He also had an open animosity where students from Gryffindor were concerned. Harry seemed to take the brunt of this, often having points removed for no apparent reason. "And do you have lessons this afternoon ?"
"Nope. I have this afternoon free. You ?"
"Fifth year Ravenclaws and Hufflepuff."
"And you'ld much prefer seventh years, wouldn't you ? Remus said with a grin.
"You're spending too much time with Sirius, he's starting to rub off on you."
"Oooh, the shame. You're good at avoiding questions, you know."
"I do my best," Harry grinned. "By the way, when will the full moon be ?"
"I've still got a week left. Why, would you like to accompany me ?"
"I might just do that."
"You never told us that you had become an animagus …"
Harry gave a small shrug and continued eating. "You didn't ask."
"And what's your animal form ?"
"You'll see …"
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The rest of the say passed without a hitch. After lessons, He returned back to his quarters to see Hermione and Ron in front of the painting.
"Ah, students."
They turned around. "Hello Hamumph", the rest of the word cut off be Harrys hand on Rons mouth.
"Don't reveal my identity." Ron gave an apologetic lookas Harry removed his hand.
"Sorry."
"Don't worry. No damage done." Harry placed his hand on the stone which glowed gold then green before the painting moved aside to let the threesome enter. "You want something to drink ?"
Hermione politely shook her head, while Ron asnwered "I wouldn't mind a chilled butterbeer, if you have any."
Harry walked over to one of the cupboards and removed 2 bottles of butterbeer. Muttering an incantation, they both chilled and were covered in condensation. Opening them, he gave one to Ron and took a sip from the other.
"So how was your day Harry ?" Hermione asked. Harry indicated the chairs near the fire, and they all sat down, Ron next to Hermione and Harry all by himself.
"It went well actually. I was a nervous wreck before though."
"And are you ready for tomorrow ?"
"Sixth years tomorrow. Goody, goody." Harry said, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, I'm ready. I might be able to get a good laugh from this and all, what with teaching Draco." Harry gave an evil grin, mirrored by Ron. Hermione, ever the voice of reason, frowned.
"Harry, being a teacher does not give you the excuse to take points off for no reason."
"Tell that to Snape," Ron answered back. Sensing an argument brewing, Harry quickly intervened.
"I won't take points off for no reason, but I won't hold back from removing them." Nodding in satisfaction, Hermione opened a book and started to read, while Ron and Harry played wizards chess, crushing Harry in both games they played. It was time for dinner, and Harry insisted they leave his alone afterwards so he could prepare for tomorrows lessons, although both Ron and Hermione thought he might just recieve the visit from a certain Ravenclaw …
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Quarter to nine in the morning found Harry in his classroom once again, listening to the exited babble of students outside his door, his warhammer leaning against the desk. He had prepared a list of creatures that would have to be seen during the year. He had considered to start with elementals. Whilst not really dark creatures, they can be manipulated to such ends.
Upon hearing the bell indication the start of lessons, Harry performed a small charm to open the door, allowing the students to enter and take their seats. Harmione and Ron took front row seats, and gave Harry a reassuring wink. Once all the seats were all filled, Harry cast a small glance over all present. He knew all the faces, if not the names. Draco was sitting in the middle of a row, sidekicks Crabbe and Goyle to one side of him while Pansy Parkinson was seated on his other side, acting girly, in a pug-faced kind of way. Harry supposed that they were going out together. Ahhh, young love. 'Yeah, as if …'
Breaking out of his reverie, Harry took the roll-call and decided to open todays lesson as he had done yesterday. "Good morning all. I'm professor Andrews, and I will be your DADA teacher for this year. Do any of you have any questions ?"
Draco raised his hand, and questionned before being answered "Are you any good ?" he said with his drawl. This brought several snickers from the Slytherins, and quite a few scowls from the Gryffindors. Harry just raised an eyebrow.
"I would have thought your own personnal demonstration on the train would suffice. The one where you ran away afterwards." Draco scowled and muttered something under his breath while the Gryffindors snickered. "Are there any serious questions ?" Seamus Finnigan raised his hand.
"Why are you replacing professor Lupin as DADA teacher ?"
"Professor Dumbledore rightfully thought that having 2 people well versed in fighting the dark arts is always a plus. Especially now." Harry gave a quick look at everyone present. Some of the Gryffindor looked slightly scared or grim, and several Slytherin had small smirks on their faces. Draco, however, had a small frown.
"But sir, despite all that has been said, we've seen no real proof of You-Know-Whos return."
"To that, I'll answer this : I, as well as others, believe that Voldemort (everyone flinched) has indeed returned, and is just making preparations while he slowly returns to full power. Now, even if he hasn't returned, there are still some of his loyal followers out and about. They made that clear during the quidditch world cup, what's to stop them starting again. And third, dark creatures will always be a possible menace. That's why these lessons are important. Anything else ?" Giving a look around the class, the only change he noticed was that Dracos face had a deeper scowl, and a hint of … dispair ? 'Odd, I'll have to look into this' Harry thought. "Now, since there are 2 teachers for one lesson, I have free time, and am willing to help anyone out of classes if they so desire, even in other lessons. Although it's always better to ask the teacher concerned."
"Now, this year, we will be seeing the more powerful creatures than can be used by the powers of darkness. We will be starting the year with elementals, and will also talking about vampires and windigos, amongst others. Now, who knows what an elemental is ?" Everyone turned to Hermione, who's hand had shot up before the question was finished. "Miss Granger ?"
"An elemental is a spirit representing an element, such as fire, water, earth or air."
"Correct. 2 points to Gryffindor. Now, each elemental has different properties, depending on the element. They have to be invoked during a ritual, although regular calling of a certain elemntal forms some sort of bond. There are 5 levels of elemental, depending on the amount of power and free will you wish to give the elemental." Harry continued like this during another hour, while the students took notes on the creatures, any special abilities, and so on.
"Now, does anyone have an idea on how to actually beat an elemental ? That is the aim of this lesson, after all." Several hands were raised, and Harry decided to ask one of the Slytherins. "Yes, miss Blaise ." (AN : I have never read that Zabini Blaise is a girl or a boy, so I have decided to make it a girl.)
"I suppose you would have to use a spell that used the element contrary to the element you want to attack."
"Correct. 2 points to Slytherin. So, for a water elemental, your best bet would be a fireball of some sort. A simple water conjuring spell would suffice to destroy a weak fire elemental." The rest of the class was spent discussing different ways to destroy elementals, from direct attacks to breaking the object it was linked to. No other incidents happened, and the lesson finished smoothly.
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Harrys Tuesday had gone well so far. The sixth year Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs had acted almost perfectly, and Harry was hoping that the rest of the year yould be the same.
It was now dinner time. In half an hour, Harry would be gining dueling lessons with Remus. He was starting to get used to teaching now, and, while he wasn't overflowing with confidence, he wasn't so nervous. After all, he had 2 days of lessons under his belt, and was starting to feel comfortable. It's not like he lacked training in this domain.
He had finished dinner, and had started to look over the list of students that had joined. They were much more numerous than his armed combat lessons. Quite a few Slytherins had joined, as had Gryffindors. Next in number were the Ravenclaw, followed by the Hufflepuffs. Harry wasn't surprised that Cho, Ron, Hermione and Ginny had all signed up. It was the kind of thing they would do. Plus, since they were known as close friends of the boy-who-lived, they were more likely to be seen as possible targets. Draco also, had signed up, along with his dumb-as-mud goons. Although Harry was still puzzled about Dracos frown when Voldemorts return had been mentionned.
Dinner was over, leaving Harry all of 15 minutes to prepare the room. Announcing this, the students started to leave.When the room was free, Harry moved the tables and chairs to the side once again, clearing a large space in the middle. Only he and Remus were present, so Harry started to ask Remus about Draco.
"Remus, has Draco been acting … different … at all the past year ?"
"He has, actually, now that you mention it. He seems more reserved, and doesn't, well, strut about as much. He mentions his father less, too, now that I think about it."
"No idea why ?"
"No, I never really noticed till you asked the question."
The school bell struck 7 o' clock, and Harry opened the doors. "Those who wish to just see take seats." Some teachers and students took seats, leaving a rather large group standing outside the doors. "The rest of you place youselves in the center of the hall." Harry let them enter, walking up to stand on the stage next to Remus. "Okay. The aim of these lessons is to provide you with a practical knowledge of curses and counter-curses in a dueling situation. You will be learning more curses, with counters, to do so. For the most part, they are not pleasant. If you have any problem with this, please sit down." No one moved. "Good. Now, this lesson will be to test your level. You will be split up into groups as of next lesson according to skill level. Names will be randomly chosen, and you will duel under professor Lupins and my supervision." Harry copied the names from the inital piece of parchment to another, and cast a spell to arrange the names into pairs.
The duels went relatively well. There were some darn good duelers, too. Cho and Hermione were among them, whereas Ron fell under the 'not bad' category. Draco did pretty good aswell, although Crabbe and Goyle were dismal, managing to fire only 2 curses in the 4 matches they had. Harry and Lupin decided to alternativly teach the stronger and weaker groups, to leave them a little bit of variation.
Finally, the lessons came to a close. Harrys friends were all in the stronger group. 'Probably because we've been through so much together' Harry mused, thinking about their previous adventures. The students started to leave. Harry saw Cho, Hermione, Gionny and Ron waiting to talk to him, aswell as … Draco Malfoy. Ron was glaring daggers at this. Harry leaned over to whisper to Remus. "Take them to my quarters. I have to speak with Draco." Remus nodded, and went to join the group. He spoke a few words before they all left. Harry jumped down from the stage, putting the tables and chairs back in place with a wave of his wand. He didn't want to reveal to anyone yet about his ability to do wandless magic. Draco slowly walked over.
"Erm, professor. I wanted to talk to you." Harry nodded, waiting patiently for Draco to continue. "Professor, do you really believe in You-Know-Whos return ?"
Harry was slightly surprised at this question. "Yes, I do. And I don't intend on taking it lying down."
Draco gave a small nod. "My father, he's … he …"
"He's a death eater."
Draco nodded. "And he wants me to be one too."
If Harry was surprised before, he was shocked now. He hadn't expected Draco of all people to openly admit this fact. He also looked scared, now that Harry took a good look at his face. "And you don't want to be one ?"
Draco slowly shook his head. "No. And I've told him so. But he continually tells me that I have to, to be like him, to serve the same master. He … punishes me … when I refuse. But I don't want to. I don't want to be like him. I want to decide what's right for me. I want to decide what I want to do !" Draco ranted, almost spitting out the last sentence.
Harry nodded. He seemed sincere. However, Harry couldn't be completely sure, even if his gut instinct was telling him that Draco was, indeed, telling the truth. Dracos head was bowed as he stood before Harry, so he quickly cast a truth speaking charm that would make sure.
"And what would you like me to do ?"
Draco looked up. "Help me professor. I don't know how, but don't let me become like my father. Please …"
Just these few words cast aside any doubts Harry could have had. Draco did really want to avoid becoming a death eater.
"Well, the first thing to do would be to tell professor Dumbledore. He would be able to help better than most. Snape, also, could help." Draco just nodded, listening to every word Harry was saying. "I could also give you some charm, or a portkey if ever things become too much when you're with him. You do realize, however, that you will have to change. What happened on the train shows that you have improved, but can still get better." Draco looked down at this, and nodded. "Okay. Head back to your common room, and I'll go to speak with Dumbledore." Draco turned around and left the Hall, leaving Harry to think …
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Arriving at the gargoyle that guarded Dumbledores office, Harry gave the password ("Sugar quills") and climbed the stairs. Upon arriving, he knocked on the door.
"Come in." Harry opened the door and entered. Snape was seated in a chair before the desk, and was visibly annoyed with being interrupted. Harry just ignored his look and spoke with Dumbledore.
"I have a matter to discuss, that interests both of you." Apuzzled look crossed Snapes face before it became a scowl again, while Dumbledore just raised an eyebrow.
"Lemon drop ?" he asked.
"No thank you. It concerns Draco Malfoy." Dumbledore raised his eyebrow again, while Snapes face reverted to a scowl. "He spoke to me after the dueling lesson. He explained that his father was trying to get him to join the death eaters, but that he didn't want to. I wanted you to know."
"And what do you want us to do ?" Snape disdainfully asked Harry, who was still disguised. (AN : Snape doesn't know Harrys true identity.)
"Help him, in any way we can. You, Severus, should realize the importance of helping them before they go over to the dark side rather than after."
"Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will think of something. You may return to your chambers." Harry nodded, and left Dumbledores office.
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Harry arrived at his chambers Opening up, he stepped in. He was still thinking about what Draco had said, and didn't notice that everyone was looking at him. He removed his disguise and started to make his way to the staircase when a voice called …
"Harry ?"
Spinning around, he saw Sirius and Remus, as well as Cho, Ron, Hermione and Ginny giving him strange looks.
"What are you lot doing here ?"
"You told us to wait for us, remember ? You said you were going to talk with Draco." Remus answered.
"Oh yeah. I forgot. I was just thinking about him, actually …"
"What on earth possessed you to think about that slimy git ?" Ron asked. Hermione frowned, and was about to reprimand Ron on his choice of words when Harry spoke.
"He asked me if I believed in Voldemorts return. When I said yes, he told me his father was pushing him to become a death eater, but that he didn't want to."
"Harry, you can't tell me you believe that." Ron said.
"I cast a truth spell, Ron. He's telling the truth."
"That doesn't excuse the way he's been treating us, all the things he said." Ron was starting to get angry, and he usually lost it at some point and exploded.
"Ron, I'm not saying it does excuse anything he has said or done. Simple that if he wants to come back, pushing him away won't help."
Ron scowled in a very Snape-eske way. "Well I don't trust him."
"I don't expect you to. But at least try to treat him civily." Harry told him. Hermione held Rons hand in hers, and he turned and gave her a small smile. They started to lean forward, but stopped when they saw Sirius take a camera out of his robes., so they settled for leaning on each other.
They spent the rest of their time together talking and joking, Harry next to Cho and Ron sticking with Hermione. Hermione, Ron and Ginny didn't stay long, since Hermione insisted they had homework to do, and Sirius and Remus left to get a good nights sleep, leaving Harry alone with Cho.
"A romantic evening, just the 2 of us" Harry sighed contentedly.
"Don't get your hopes up too high. Hermiones right, we've got schoolwork to do. And I want to get as many NEWTS as I possibly can."
"Don't worry, you'll ace DADA" Harry said with a grin.
"Yay, that's one exam I don't have to worry about." Cho smiled back.
"Are you really worried about NEWTS, or is there something else ?"
"Well, there are several things. For one, there's us. What will it look like if someone finds out we're together. Not only is there the student/teacher thing, but there's also Voldemort."
"Cho …" Harry said, turning so that he was looking her directly in the eye, "I love you, and would do anything for you. And if Voldemort attacks, I won't let him or anyone else harm you." Cho eyes shined with inshed tears.
"Oh Harry, I love you too." She whispered, throwing her arms around Harry in a tender hug. They stayed together for a few minutes before Harry spoke again.
"You said 'several things'. What else is there ?"
"Well," Cho started, visibly calmer than before, "since it'm my last year, I won't be able to see you afterwards, when it's over."
Harry was startled. "Of course you will. We've still got 10 months of the year left. Plus, no matter what happens, we will always be able to make time for each other. You could even become a teacher here, your points certainly agree with me. But I won't let anything come between us."
"Thank you Harry. You don't know how it feels to hear you say that."
Hary slowly leaned forwards, his gest mirrored by Cho, as they kissed, a long, deep, loving kiss, by the light of a roaring fire …
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Authors Notes :