Episode Sixty Seven

Part One

            When the students arrived they were not surprised to see Gwen sitting at the head table wearing robes of midnight blue. However they weren't certain what they should call her. The Gryffindors were particularly keen to see their new assistant Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and even more so to see her do well.

            The sorting proceeded nicely. When all of the new students were sitting in their new houses Dumbledore rose to give his start of term notices.

            "I would like to once again reiterate that the Forbidden Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Mr. Filch would like to remind everyone of the addendum to the Restricted Items List. I believe you will find a copy in his office for your perusal. Sadly, Hogsmeade weekends have been temporarily suspended until further notice." And after a deep breath: "I would also like to welcome our newest faculty member, Miss LeFey. She will be assisting in the teaching of Defense Against the Dark Arts this term. I expect you all to extend her your warmest welcome."

            There was a mixed amount of warm hearted cheers and scattered applause, some queasy huzzahs and two very distinct boos coming from the Slytherin table. Malfoy she noticed, was silent at the strange display, as was Harry although for very different reasons.

            While Draco was trying to come with a plethora of ways to unsettle the new teacher, Harry was gazing at her trying to come up with a way to convince her that they were meant for each other.

Part Two

            Her first day in the classroom was interesting to say the least.

            Professor Smith introduced her to each class as Dumbledore had done, as Miss LeFey. She wouldn't get to wear the title of Professor just yet, but she thought that being called Miss LeFey was an equally large adjustment. Some of the older students forgot themselves sometimes and reverted to calling her Gwen, but many of them were still rather intimidated by her. Only time would erase the terrifying images they had of her surrounded by thirteen knocked out death eaters.

            The first years were very keen to learn. Some of the older students were not so, as they knew (for once) what to expect from their dark arts prof. Professor Smith did not fail them. His first lecture of the term was as loopy as his teaching ever was.

            Gwen sat, trying to contain her laughter as she watched several third years roll their eyes when Professor Smith had turned his back. She didn't get to do much on her first day, but was pleased that so far things were going well. She had many ideas that she couldn't wait to try out when she began teaching herself.

            Harry approached her quietly after their lesson together. "Good afternoon Miss LeFey."

            "Good afternoon Harry." She said, her emotions as confused as ever. The situation couldn't have been more uncomfortable and she was grateful for Professor Smith's presence. Harry sighed, realizing he wouldn't be able to get her alone. He asked her about their first homework assignment; she explained it again. He thanked her and left.

            Professor Smith winked at her. She gave him a look of absolute disgust and he laughed out loud. "Looks like someone's hot for teacher."

            "Anthony." She said, her eyebrows crinkled in repulsion. She had taken to calling Mr. Smith by his given name of Anthony. He didn't really care what she called him. He had told her in their very first meeting: "you can call me shit-head if the mood takes you."

            He threw a fake punch at her arm. "Not plannin' on crossin' the line are ya?"

            "Absolutely not." Gwen said, blushing furiously. Of course she had thought of it, she'd thought of it since the moment she saw Harry wandering into the great hall. But a relationship with Harry was now impossible as long as he was a student and she a professor. Maybe it was for the best.

Part Three

            Gwen sat in Minerva's office shortly after the end of her first day. She was anxious to discuss her new dilemma and wanted the opinion of an older, wiser person than herself.

            "I'm glad you came to me first, Guenivere."

            "Well, I tend to keep you in mind when I'm thinking of doing something stupid. 'What would Aunt Minerva think.' And then I don't do it."

            Minerva grimaced at her. "How is Harry handling the situation?"

            "He's not. I'm not either. I really don't know what to do."

            "I would imagine he doesn't either. I think you've made an appropriate decision so far. It would be simply disgraceful to date a student."

            "No, that's what I thought." She said, picking at her fingernails. "It's just that I love him so."

            "What about Mr. Graves?"

            Gwen's jaw dropped. She didn't think that she knew about that. "How do you know about all of this?"

            "I have my sources." Her godmother replied dryly.

            "I love Graves too." She answered woodenly. "Which is very confusing."

            "Indeed."

            Gwen was looking down, her hand over her mouth, thinking. She looked up at her godmother, discussing relationships when a war was brewing. She sighed, realizing that life had to go on. You couldn't live cloistered in fear, and while she rarely did she often wanted to stop her little issues to take a look at the big picture. She couldn't just wade through her confusing emotions when wizards and witches everywhere were preparing for what they hoped would be the last battle.

            Minerva saw the depth of Gwen's thoughts. "John feels the same way you know. Why should he be cavorting about with me when both of our worlds are trying very much to avoid a war. He is what he likes to call himself, a soldier of peace. He wants as much as you or I to prevent any further losses because of differing opinions."

            "I don't understand why people can't just live together and celebrate differences."

            "It's not inherent in human nature Guenivere."

            "It is in mine. I just wish we could take care of each other, as people."

            "If only it were so simple."