Chapter Ten- Luck begins to Run out
Harry had no choice but to take the news, as though he had not seen Sirius in his dream. Harry's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped.
"What?" he said, trying to act surprised.
"Yes! Your Godfather, Sirius Black. He has returned" said Professor McGonagall.
Before Harry could continue, or say another word, the closet door opened once more, and out stepped Sirius Black. Harry nearly fainted when he saw him. His long dark black hair hang over his face, and his face was set into a smile. He swept the hair out of his face.
"Hi Harry"
Harry was at a lost for words. In his dream, Sirius was sitting in a portrait. Now, he was standing directly in front of Harry. Harry couldn't believe it. His heart was racing, and his eyes were nearly popping out of their sockets.
"S-Sirius?" he said, as he took a closer step. He wanted to make sure that THIS was not a dream. Sirius pulled Harry into a tight bear hug. It was real. Sirius was alive. He was back.
Harry tried to get free. Sirius was strangling him. "Wait a second. How did you get back? I thought Lupin said-"
"That I was gone. It was true for a minute, but not entirely true. When I fell through the arc, It was as though all the life had been sucked out of me. Bellatrix's spell hit knocked me into the veil, and when I fell in, I fell onto the ground" he said, as Professor McGonagall ushered them into chairs. Harry saw from a side-glance, that Professor Kevin was putting a charm on the doors to the classroom. Harry knew that he was making sure no one entered.
Harry continued to listen to Sirius's story. "I stood up, and of course, whipped out my wand and I saw that I was in a room of complete darkness. I lit my wand, and as I proceeded to walk forward, a bunch of my memories began to emerge in front of me. Things that I saw when I was young, My days at Hogwarts, and even you. When I saw the memory of the first time I met you in the Shrieking Shack, my body began to glow, and I was being lifted into the air" he said. "And I closed my eyes and when I reopened them, I was lying in Dumbledore's office"
"How did you get there?" asked Harry.
"It was the bond that I shared with the two of you that brought me back to his office. He explained everything to me and told me it was an ancient piece of magic that sealed the deal. That's why I am back"
Harry was overjoyed. He didn't even know what to say at this point. But suddenly, he brought up the dream he had before he arrived back at Hogwarts. "I had a dream three weeks ago, about you. I saw Professor Kevin there too. You both were in some kind of hallway at Hogwarts, and you were sitting in a picture frame talking to him" said Harry, looking from Sirius to Professor Kevin.
"What hallway was this?" asked Professor Kevin.
"I don't know. I've never seen it before" said Harry.
Professor McGonagall, Professor Kevin and Sirius seemed utterly confused at this point.
"That's a bit odd" said Sirius. He continued to stare at Harry as though he had not seen him in twenty years. "It feels great seeing you again"
"Same here" said Harry. He was bursting to ask a question but he probably knew the answer was no. He decided to take the risk and ask anyway. "Were you ever cleared of the charges that put you in Azkaban?"
Sirius cast a longing look at Harry. Harry thought he saw Sirius frown, but it was merely him grinning. "Of course!" he sang out. "Dumbledore convinced Cornelius fudge already"
Harry thought his days of returning to Privet Drive were over. If Sirius was cleared of all charges, he was sure to be able to come and live in the magic world with him. He decided not to ask questions though. By now, the booming bell had rung, and it was time for Herbology. Harry gave Sirius a hug, before being shunted out the door by Professor McGonagall.
He watched students go by, laughing and talking. His day was shaping up to be better than he had thought it would be. He started to head down towards the entrance hall, and out the front doors, across the dry grass to the Greenhouses.
Ron and Hermione had already arrived and waved Harry over to their table. Ron didn't ask him what Professor McGonagall had wanted, and neither did Hermione. They simply beamed at him, and awaited the arrival of Professor Sprout. The Hufflepuffs arrived, and stationed themselves with the Gryffindors. Professor Sprout entered the room, with her ugly brown pointed hat and her mop of gray hair underneath. She was holding something truly ugly in her hands.
"Good Morning Class" she said, in her loud, booming voice. Everyone roared "Good Morning Professor Sprout"
She set the ugly plant down upon the table. It was Red and Yellow, with long tentacles that looked like weeds in a field. Its eyes were slits with a Mystic gaze. It had no arms nor legs but it did have a mouth. It was moving gently, and Harry could hear a small chirping noise emitting from the plant.
"Now, I know you have all had a rather enjoyable summer holiday, having received the results of your O.W.Ls and I do not think I couldn't be even happier with this group" she said, beaming and smiling. "Which is why, I have brought in a little treat today. Can anyone other than Ms. Granger tell me what this is?" she asked, pointing at the moving ugly plant.
No one raised his or her hands. Everyone seemed lost. Finally, Neville raised his hand and Professor Sprout called on him.
"Isn't it called a Juglis Amandris plant, Professor?" Neville asked, in a confident voice.
Professor Sprout's smile widened. "Yes! That would be five points to Gryffindor house. Juglis Amandris are plants that are extremely rare, and very delicate. They are to be handled with care and especially love humans. Now, this one is growing to be a teen but, as you can see, it is making a chirping noise, which tells us, its ready to be used" she said. Everyone slightly moved when she had said the word "Used".
"Move in a bit closer, so you can see what to do" she said, as the class began to move closer to her. " You simply, tickle its stomach, and rub one of its Antennae and here is what you receive!" Professor Sprout said, as she began to tickle it, and rub its Antennae. When she tickled the plant, the chirping noise it made, became a giggle and when she rubbed the antennae, the giggling turned into a sort of human laugh. Suddenly, the eyes of the plant began to glow brighter, and what happened next was an absolute mystery to the class: It had produced a fresh batch of Honeydukes Chocolate. Everyone looked amazed.
"I thought today, we'd have a bit of a break from lessons, and just relax" said Professor Sprout. "Dig in"
She continued to tickle and rub the plant until there was more than enough Chocolate for the entire class. Justin Finch-Fletchly and Ernie Macmillan trotted over to Harry and Ron some ten minutes later.
"So, are you still continuing the D.A?" asked Ernie.
"I'm not sure. I mean, we don't know what this New Dark Arts teacher is like, so I really cant say" Harry said, as he nibbled on a piece of chocolate. "Besides, no one wants me to teach-"
"I want to be taught by you!" said Justin, causing Harry to stop speaking. "You were the best teacher we've had. You taught us hexes and curses and even taught us how to defend ourselves properly. And with all the training Lupin and Mad-Eye gave us, its like we've practically learned everything" he continued.
Harry was at a lost for words. He did not know what to say. Suddenly, he opened his mouth and spoke. "Okay" he said, feeling as though those words were just invented. "How about Thursday night? We can use that Room of Requirement. Try and pass the word on"
"Sure" said Ernie. "Thanks Harry"
The two of them rejoined some of their former Hufflepuff buddy's, as Hermione came over.
"What was that about?" she asked.
"There's a D.A meeting on Thursday" said Ron. "You coming?"
"Um.okay" said Hermione, looking puzzled.
The rest of class flew by, and finally, the bell sounded for lunch. They retreated back up the steps into the Great Hall, and sat down at the Gryffindor Table. The hall began to fill and became noisy and crowded.
"We've got Defense Against the dark Arts next," said Ron, as he began to help himself to some of the chicken. "I wonder what Professor Kevin's like?"
Harry pictured that in his mind too. After having Professor Umbridge last year, another teacher like her wouldn't be great at all. He hoped that Professor Kevin actually taught them magic, instead of making them read about it. Throughout lunch the Gryffindor Sixth years began to make predictions about Professor Kevin. Harry couldn't help but laugh at some of the predictions.
".I heard that he killed 25 death eaters, without a wand, and that he's experienced in Muggle fighting," said Lavender Brown.
"Well, I heard that he drinks the blood of a goat every morning, so he doesn't have to eat students" said Seamus Finnagan.
"That may be true, but I heard he isn't married yet" said Parvati Patil, with interest.
All of the Gryffindor girls began to quarrel over him during the rest of lunch. Finally it was time for class. Harry, Ron and Hermione grabbed their things and headed for the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom, and the door was already open.
"Come on in, everyone" called Professor Kevin's voice from inside the classroom. The Slytherins arrived behind the Gryffindors and everyone began to enter the room.
The Tables and Chairs that once littered the classroom their previous year were not there anymore. Instead, two dozen large cushions were spread on the floor as though someone were making beds. The class was adorned with pictures of various creatures, such as red caps, hinkypinks, and Hippogriffs.
"Everyone can have a seat on any cushion they please," said Professor Kevin, as he closed the door gently. Some of the students (Slytherins mostly) seemed uncomfortable with the door being closed. Professor Kevin walked to the head of the class, and began to speak again. "Good Afternoon everyone. My name is Professor Kevin as you may have already heard the Headmaster introduce me at the beginning of the year" he said, beaming at the class, and Harry even saw him give a small wink to him. "Now, as you already know, I will be your Permanent Dark Arts-Yes, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione had raised her hand before he continued his speech. She even looked surprised as to how he knew her name already.
"Is it alright if I ask a question, Professor?"
"Certainly"
"What makes you so sure that you'll be permanent? I mean, if you look at the recent teachers we've had, One died, the other's memory has been modified, One is a werewolf, the other was locked away in a trunk for ten months, and the other one is in permanent shock" said Hermione. She stared at Professor Kevin.
Professor Kevin uttered a small chuckle. "You know, Dumbledore said I should expect that question from you, Ms. Granger, but truth be told, I am not allowed to discuss that with you. If it were my rules, I would be glad to tell you all why I am going to be permanent" he continued. The class was at a lost for words. Hermione raised her hand again and Professor Kevin showed no signs of weariness, and answered politely. "Yes?"
"Is the Ministry still going to interfere at Hogwarts?" she asked. Harry was a bit surprised at Hermione. Never in his life had he seen her so alert.
Professor Kevin shook his head. "No. They have released the school into Dumbledore's hands, and are helping him protect it"
Hermione seemed burnt out at this point. She merely smiled and said nothing else.
"I assume that no one has any further questions," said Professor Kevin staring at the class. He clasped his hands together. "Now! It's time for us to learn some Defense Magic!" he said. He pulled out his wand and stood up straight. "Who here can tell me one stunning spell?"
Every Gryffindor in the room raised their hands, and seemed urgent about answering as well. The Slytherins were quiet, and Malfoy, who had not said a word since he entered, was poised to take answers.
"Yes, Mr. Thomas?"
"There's one called Stupefy"
"Excellent. Five Points to Gryffindor. Does anyone know how to counter the curse?"
The Gryffindors now looked stunned. Harry raised his hand. Professor Kevin called on him.
"Ennervate" he said. Professor Kevin smiled broadly.
"Ten points to Gryffindor. Yes. Ennervate is the more common counter to the stunning spell," Professor Kevin said, looking around at everyone. "May I have a volunteer?" he asked. Malfoy shot his hand into the air, faster than Hermione did.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy. Come up here please"
Malfoy stood up, and walked to the front of the room, where there were some empty cushions.
"I will demonstrate the stunning spell on Mr. Malfoy and then I will re- awaken him" said Professor Kevin. "Stupefy" he said. A flash of red light hit Malfoy and he fell backwards, with his eyes closed. The class looked in awe. Some of them gasped. Pansy Parkinson shielded her eyes, afraid to see what had happened. Crabbe and Goyle were ready to pound Professor Kevin.
"And now, the counter spell" Professor Kevin said, calmly ignoring the classes gasps. "Ennervate". A white light hit Malfoy, and his eyes opened. He sat up, and shook his head. Apparently, he was a bit dizzy. "Excellent job Mr. Malfoy. Five points to Slytherin House. You may return to your seat" For the rest of the lesson, Professor Kevin demonstrated various spells and hexes on students, and then cast there counter spells. Harry thought it was amazing how Professor Kevin involved the students. What was even more amazing, was at the end of lesson, Harry tallied up the number of points Gryffindor and Slytherin had earned.
"We've earned at least one hundred points" he said, as he, Ron and Hermione headed to Care of Magical Creatures.
"No way!" said Ron.
"He's a very generous teacher," said Hermione, as they descended the steps to the entrance hall.
"I'm glad you think so, Ms. Granger" came a voice behind them. Professor Kevin was directly behind them, and smiling too. Harry wondered how he had left his classroom so fast and caught up to them. "That'll be fifty points to Gryffindor" he continued. He smiled at them, and continued on his way towards the front doors.
Harry, Ron and Hermione turned their heads to the giant hourglass that displayed the points for each house. They saw the shower of rubies fall into the Gryffindor side. There were many rubies in the Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff sides but Slytherin House were past them. Gryffindor was in the lead by a few rubies.
"It's only the first day back, and we're already in the lead" said Hermione, as they continued out onto the warm and sunny grounds. The sun beamed down upon them, and Harry instantly threw off his robes, and put them over his shoulder. It was unusually warm.
"Well, I hope it stays that way. At least he's not docking points from us like that toad, Umbridge was last year" Ron said, coldly.
"You know something, no one even knows what happened to her over the summer" Hermione said.
"I hope she got eaten by a kappa" Harry sneered. Ron grinned.
"Anyway, I had asked Percy if she's been into work, and he said no. He said Umbridge hasn't been to work since she left Hogwarts" Hermione continued, beaming at Harry and Ron.
"So?" said Harry as they reached Hagrid's cabin. "You don't fancy us going to look for her right?"
"Of course not!" Hermione spat. "But it is weird, don't you think?"
Harry didn't want to admit it, but it was weird. He simply shrugged his shoulders. Hermione snorted.
"'ello there!" called Hagrid. He emerged from the back of his cabin. He wasn't holding anything. There were no animals around.
"Hi Hagrid!" said Harry, Ron and Hermione.
"Had a nice summer?" Hagrid asked, as he looked over their shoulders to see the rest of the class arriving.
"Yeah! Spent most of it with Ron" Harry said.
"Tha's good!"
The rest of the Gryffindors and the Slytherins arrived. Hagrid walked over to greet the class.
"Good afternoon" said Hagrid. The class mumbled good afternoon back. "Er.today, I thoug' we'd take a bit of a break from lessons and relax. Go on, and have a seat down on the grass" said Hagrid. The class looked mildly surprised at this, and began to scatter about the grass, and talk about their summer. Malfoy sat far from Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle and began reading by Hagrids cabin.
"Hagrid, have you heard anything about Umbridge?" Hermione asked.
"No, I don' suppose I have. Why?"
"Well, I think she's missing"
"Is she?" Hagrid said, in a voice of hope. He hadn't forgotten what Umbridge did to him last year.
Hermione frowned.
"Hagrid, can I run back to Professor Kevin's room. I left my book there" Harry said. He was searching through his bag.
"Alrigh'"
Harry stood up, and sprinted off for the castle. He went up to the second floor, and towards the Dark Arts classroom. He ran to the door and knocked. He then remembered Professor Kevin wasn't there.
"He's in the great Hall" came a voice. He turned and saw a first year named Brian Torres who was in Gryffindor House. "Oh, thanks" said Harry
"Your Harry Potter, aren't you?"
Harry grinned. "Yeah"
"Wow. I never thought I'd actually have a conversation with you." Said Brian.
Harry grinned.
"Well, I'm off. I've got to get back to class" said Brian. "I'll see you around" and Brian walked off towards the Transfiguration hallway. Harry slowly began to walk back towards the Great Hall. When he reached the stairs, he heard a yell. It came from the direction Brian went. Harry pulled out his wand, and ran back down the hall towards the direction Brian went.
When he turned the corner, his face lit with surprise. Brian was on the floor, stunned. Standing over him was Kevin. He had his wand pointed at Brian. He then turned to Harry.
"Kevin! What-"
"Potter! What a delightful surprise!" said Kevin, smiling evilly. He suddenly pointed his wand at Harry, but Harry was quicker to say a spell.
"Stupefy" said Harry. The spell went directly past Kevin. Kevin said "Petrificus Totalus" he said, but Harry ducked. Suddenly, Brian threw his wand into his robes, and the scurrying of footsteps was heard.
Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick and loads of students rounded the corner, and saw Harry pointing his wand at Kevin.
"OH-What is going on here!" shouted Professor McGonagall.
"Professor" said Harry, lowering his wand. "Kevin just stunned Brian"
"What?"
"Yes! I heard Brian yell and came to see what happened, and Kevin was standing over him with his wand out"
"That isn't true Professor! Potter was the one who attacked Brian"
Harry laughed to himself. Kevin had no proof of this. But suddenly, he felt his wand fly out his hand. It flew to Professor Flitwick. He also had Kevin's wand, which had flown from his robes. "Priori Incantato" he squeaked on Kevin's wand. Kevin's wand shot the binding spell out of it. Harry's heart dropped. Kevin had set him up. He expected Harry to stun him, so then if someone wanted to find out who conjured the stunning spell, He would get caught.
"Deletrius" muttered Professor Flitwick. Kevin's wand stopped shooting the binding spell. He lifted Harry's wand. "Priori Incantato"
Harry's wand began to shoot the stunning spell into the air. It was nothing but a shadow of the real spell. Everyone gasped. He heard one distinct gasp behind him. It seemed that the entire school was there. Hermione, Ron and the rest of the students in Care of Magical Creatures came. Professor Flitwick stopped the stunning spell.
"NO! -I-Its not true! I swear Professor!" shouted Harry, trying to defend himself. "I didn't attack Brian!"
"The evidence is right here, Potter. I must take fifty points from Gryffindor House, and you will receive a month's worth of detention! I will be writing to your family as well"
Harry had no choice but to take the news, as though he had not seen Sirius in his dream. Harry's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped.
"What?" he said, trying to act surprised.
"Yes! Your Godfather, Sirius Black. He has returned" said Professor McGonagall.
Before Harry could continue, or say another word, the closet door opened once more, and out stepped Sirius Black. Harry nearly fainted when he saw him. His long dark black hair hang over his face, and his face was set into a smile. He swept the hair out of his face.
"Hi Harry"
Harry was at a lost for words. In his dream, Sirius was sitting in a portrait. Now, he was standing directly in front of Harry. Harry couldn't believe it. His heart was racing, and his eyes were nearly popping out of their sockets.
"S-Sirius?" he said, as he took a closer step. He wanted to make sure that THIS was not a dream. Sirius pulled Harry into a tight bear hug. It was real. Sirius was alive. He was back.
Harry tried to get free. Sirius was strangling him. "Wait a second. How did you get back? I thought Lupin said-"
"That I was gone. It was true for a minute, but not entirely true. When I fell through the arc, It was as though all the life had been sucked out of me. Bellatrix's spell hit knocked me into the veil, and when I fell in, I fell onto the ground" he said, as Professor McGonagall ushered them into chairs. Harry saw from a side-glance, that Professor Kevin was putting a charm on the doors to the classroom. Harry knew that he was making sure no one entered.
Harry continued to listen to Sirius's story. "I stood up, and of course, whipped out my wand and I saw that I was in a room of complete darkness. I lit my wand, and as I proceeded to walk forward, a bunch of my memories began to emerge in front of me. Things that I saw when I was young, My days at Hogwarts, and even you. When I saw the memory of the first time I met you in the Shrieking Shack, my body began to glow, and I was being lifted into the air" he said. "And I closed my eyes and when I reopened them, I was lying in Dumbledore's office"
"How did you get there?" asked Harry.
"It was the bond that I shared with the two of you that brought me back to his office. He explained everything to me and told me it was an ancient piece of magic that sealed the deal. That's why I am back"
Harry was overjoyed. He didn't even know what to say at this point. But suddenly, he brought up the dream he had before he arrived back at Hogwarts. "I had a dream three weeks ago, about you. I saw Professor Kevin there too. You both were in some kind of hallway at Hogwarts, and you were sitting in a picture frame talking to him" said Harry, looking from Sirius to Professor Kevin.
"What hallway was this?" asked Professor Kevin.
"I don't know. I've never seen it before" said Harry.
Professor McGonagall, Professor Kevin and Sirius seemed utterly confused at this point.
"That's a bit odd" said Sirius. He continued to stare at Harry as though he had not seen him in twenty years. "It feels great seeing you again"
"Same here" said Harry. He was bursting to ask a question but he probably knew the answer was no. He decided to take the risk and ask anyway. "Were you ever cleared of the charges that put you in Azkaban?"
Sirius cast a longing look at Harry. Harry thought he saw Sirius frown, but it was merely him grinning. "Of course!" he sang out. "Dumbledore convinced Cornelius fudge already"
Harry thought his days of returning to Privet Drive were over. If Sirius was cleared of all charges, he was sure to be able to come and live in the magic world with him. He decided not to ask questions though. By now, the booming bell had rung, and it was time for Herbology. Harry gave Sirius a hug, before being shunted out the door by Professor McGonagall.
He watched students go by, laughing and talking. His day was shaping up to be better than he had thought it would be. He started to head down towards the entrance hall, and out the front doors, across the dry grass to the Greenhouses.
Ron and Hermione had already arrived and waved Harry over to their table. Ron didn't ask him what Professor McGonagall had wanted, and neither did Hermione. They simply beamed at him, and awaited the arrival of Professor Sprout. The Hufflepuffs arrived, and stationed themselves with the Gryffindors. Professor Sprout entered the room, with her ugly brown pointed hat and her mop of gray hair underneath. She was holding something truly ugly in her hands.
"Good Morning Class" she said, in her loud, booming voice. Everyone roared "Good Morning Professor Sprout"
She set the ugly plant down upon the table. It was Red and Yellow, with long tentacles that looked like weeds in a field. Its eyes were slits with a Mystic gaze. It had no arms nor legs but it did have a mouth. It was moving gently, and Harry could hear a small chirping noise emitting from the plant.
"Now, I know you have all had a rather enjoyable summer holiday, having received the results of your O.W.Ls and I do not think I couldn't be even happier with this group" she said, beaming and smiling. "Which is why, I have brought in a little treat today. Can anyone other than Ms. Granger tell me what this is?" she asked, pointing at the moving ugly plant.
No one raised his or her hands. Everyone seemed lost. Finally, Neville raised his hand and Professor Sprout called on him.
"Isn't it called a Juglis Amandris plant, Professor?" Neville asked, in a confident voice.
Professor Sprout's smile widened. "Yes! That would be five points to Gryffindor house. Juglis Amandris are plants that are extremely rare, and very delicate. They are to be handled with care and especially love humans. Now, this one is growing to be a teen but, as you can see, it is making a chirping noise, which tells us, its ready to be used" she said. Everyone slightly moved when she had said the word "Used".
"Move in a bit closer, so you can see what to do" she said, as the class began to move closer to her. " You simply, tickle its stomach, and rub one of its Antennae and here is what you receive!" Professor Sprout said, as she began to tickle it, and rub its Antennae. When she tickled the plant, the chirping noise it made, became a giggle and when she rubbed the antennae, the giggling turned into a sort of human laugh. Suddenly, the eyes of the plant began to glow brighter, and what happened next was an absolute mystery to the class: It had produced a fresh batch of Honeydukes Chocolate. Everyone looked amazed.
"I thought today, we'd have a bit of a break from lessons, and just relax" said Professor Sprout. "Dig in"
She continued to tickle and rub the plant until there was more than enough Chocolate for the entire class. Justin Finch-Fletchly and Ernie Macmillan trotted over to Harry and Ron some ten minutes later.
"So, are you still continuing the D.A?" asked Ernie.
"I'm not sure. I mean, we don't know what this New Dark Arts teacher is like, so I really cant say" Harry said, as he nibbled on a piece of chocolate. "Besides, no one wants me to teach-"
"I want to be taught by you!" said Justin, causing Harry to stop speaking. "You were the best teacher we've had. You taught us hexes and curses and even taught us how to defend ourselves properly. And with all the training Lupin and Mad-Eye gave us, its like we've practically learned everything" he continued.
Harry was at a lost for words. He did not know what to say. Suddenly, he opened his mouth and spoke. "Okay" he said, feeling as though those words were just invented. "How about Thursday night? We can use that Room of Requirement. Try and pass the word on"
"Sure" said Ernie. "Thanks Harry"
The two of them rejoined some of their former Hufflepuff buddy's, as Hermione came over.
"What was that about?" she asked.
"There's a D.A meeting on Thursday" said Ron. "You coming?"
"Um.okay" said Hermione, looking puzzled.
The rest of class flew by, and finally, the bell sounded for lunch. They retreated back up the steps into the Great Hall, and sat down at the Gryffindor Table. The hall began to fill and became noisy and crowded.
"We've got Defense Against the dark Arts next," said Ron, as he began to help himself to some of the chicken. "I wonder what Professor Kevin's like?"
Harry pictured that in his mind too. After having Professor Umbridge last year, another teacher like her wouldn't be great at all. He hoped that Professor Kevin actually taught them magic, instead of making them read about it. Throughout lunch the Gryffindor Sixth years began to make predictions about Professor Kevin. Harry couldn't help but laugh at some of the predictions.
".I heard that he killed 25 death eaters, without a wand, and that he's experienced in Muggle fighting," said Lavender Brown.
"Well, I heard that he drinks the blood of a goat every morning, so he doesn't have to eat students" said Seamus Finnagan.
"That may be true, but I heard he isn't married yet" said Parvati Patil, with interest.
All of the Gryffindor girls began to quarrel over him during the rest of lunch. Finally it was time for class. Harry, Ron and Hermione grabbed their things and headed for the Defense against the Dark Arts classroom, and the door was already open.
"Come on in, everyone" called Professor Kevin's voice from inside the classroom. The Slytherins arrived behind the Gryffindors and everyone began to enter the room.
The Tables and Chairs that once littered the classroom their previous year were not there anymore. Instead, two dozen large cushions were spread on the floor as though someone were making beds. The class was adorned with pictures of various creatures, such as red caps, hinkypinks, and Hippogriffs.
"Everyone can have a seat on any cushion they please," said Professor Kevin, as he closed the door gently. Some of the students (Slytherins mostly) seemed uncomfortable with the door being closed. Professor Kevin walked to the head of the class, and began to speak again. "Good Afternoon everyone. My name is Professor Kevin as you may have already heard the Headmaster introduce me at the beginning of the year" he said, beaming at the class, and Harry even saw him give a small wink to him. "Now, as you already know, I will be your Permanent Dark Arts-Yes, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione had raised her hand before he continued his speech. She even looked surprised as to how he knew her name already.
"Is it alright if I ask a question, Professor?"
"Certainly"
"What makes you so sure that you'll be permanent? I mean, if you look at the recent teachers we've had, One died, the other's memory has been modified, One is a werewolf, the other was locked away in a trunk for ten months, and the other one is in permanent shock" said Hermione. She stared at Professor Kevin.
Professor Kevin uttered a small chuckle. "You know, Dumbledore said I should expect that question from you, Ms. Granger, but truth be told, I am not allowed to discuss that with you. If it were my rules, I would be glad to tell you all why I am going to be permanent" he continued. The class was at a lost for words. Hermione raised her hand again and Professor Kevin showed no signs of weariness, and answered politely. "Yes?"
"Is the Ministry still going to interfere at Hogwarts?" she asked. Harry was a bit surprised at Hermione. Never in his life had he seen her so alert.
Professor Kevin shook his head. "No. They have released the school into Dumbledore's hands, and are helping him protect it"
Hermione seemed burnt out at this point. She merely smiled and said nothing else.
"I assume that no one has any further questions," said Professor Kevin staring at the class. He clasped his hands together. "Now! It's time for us to learn some Defense Magic!" he said. He pulled out his wand and stood up straight. "Who here can tell me one stunning spell?"
Every Gryffindor in the room raised their hands, and seemed urgent about answering as well. The Slytherins were quiet, and Malfoy, who had not said a word since he entered, was poised to take answers.
"Yes, Mr. Thomas?"
"There's one called Stupefy"
"Excellent. Five Points to Gryffindor. Does anyone know how to counter the curse?"
The Gryffindors now looked stunned. Harry raised his hand. Professor Kevin called on him.
"Ennervate" he said. Professor Kevin smiled broadly.
"Ten points to Gryffindor. Yes. Ennervate is the more common counter to the stunning spell," Professor Kevin said, looking around at everyone. "May I have a volunteer?" he asked. Malfoy shot his hand into the air, faster than Hermione did.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy. Come up here please"
Malfoy stood up, and walked to the front of the room, where there were some empty cushions.
"I will demonstrate the stunning spell on Mr. Malfoy and then I will re- awaken him" said Professor Kevin. "Stupefy" he said. A flash of red light hit Malfoy and he fell backwards, with his eyes closed. The class looked in awe. Some of them gasped. Pansy Parkinson shielded her eyes, afraid to see what had happened. Crabbe and Goyle were ready to pound Professor Kevin.
"And now, the counter spell" Professor Kevin said, calmly ignoring the classes gasps. "Ennervate". A white light hit Malfoy, and his eyes opened. He sat up, and shook his head. Apparently, he was a bit dizzy. "Excellent job Mr. Malfoy. Five points to Slytherin House. You may return to your seat" For the rest of the lesson, Professor Kevin demonstrated various spells and hexes on students, and then cast there counter spells. Harry thought it was amazing how Professor Kevin involved the students. What was even more amazing, was at the end of lesson, Harry tallied up the number of points Gryffindor and Slytherin had earned.
"We've earned at least one hundred points" he said, as he, Ron and Hermione headed to Care of Magical Creatures.
"No way!" said Ron.
"He's a very generous teacher," said Hermione, as they descended the steps to the entrance hall.
"I'm glad you think so, Ms. Granger" came a voice behind them. Professor Kevin was directly behind them, and smiling too. Harry wondered how he had left his classroom so fast and caught up to them. "That'll be fifty points to Gryffindor" he continued. He smiled at them, and continued on his way towards the front doors.
Harry, Ron and Hermione turned their heads to the giant hourglass that displayed the points for each house. They saw the shower of rubies fall into the Gryffindor side. There were many rubies in the Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff sides but Slytherin House were past them. Gryffindor was in the lead by a few rubies.
"It's only the first day back, and we're already in the lead" said Hermione, as they continued out onto the warm and sunny grounds. The sun beamed down upon them, and Harry instantly threw off his robes, and put them over his shoulder. It was unusually warm.
"Well, I hope it stays that way. At least he's not docking points from us like that toad, Umbridge was last year" Ron said, coldly.
"You know something, no one even knows what happened to her over the summer" Hermione said.
"I hope she got eaten by a kappa" Harry sneered. Ron grinned.
"Anyway, I had asked Percy if she's been into work, and he said no. He said Umbridge hasn't been to work since she left Hogwarts" Hermione continued, beaming at Harry and Ron.
"So?" said Harry as they reached Hagrid's cabin. "You don't fancy us going to look for her right?"
"Of course not!" Hermione spat. "But it is weird, don't you think?"
Harry didn't want to admit it, but it was weird. He simply shrugged his shoulders. Hermione snorted.
"'ello there!" called Hagrid. He emerged from the back of his cabin. He wasn't holding anything. There were no animals around.
"Hi Hagrid!" said Harry, Ron and Hermione.
"Had a nice summer?" Hagrid asked, as he looked over their shoulders to see the rest of the class arriving.
"Yeah! Spent most of it with Ron" Harry said.
"Tha's good!"
The rest of the Gryffindors and the Slytherins arrived. Hagrid walked over to greet the class.
"Good afternoon" said Hagrid. The class mumbled good afternoon back. "Er.today, I thoug' we'd take a bit of a break from lessons and relax. Go on, and have a seat down on the grass" said Hagrid. The class looked mildly surprised at this, and began to scatter about the grass, and talk about their summer. Malfoy sat far from Pansy, Crabbe and Goyle and began reading by Hagrids cabin.
"Hagrid, have you heard anything about Umbridge?" Hermione asked.
"No, I don' suppose I have. Why?"
"Well, I think she's missing"
"Is she?" Hagrid said, in a voice of hope. He hadn't forgotten what Umbridge did to him last year.
Hermione frowned.
"Hagrid, can I run back to Professor Kevin's room. I left my book there" Harry said. He was searching through his bag.
"Alrigh'"
Harry stood up, and sprinted off for the castle. He went up to the second floor, and towards the Dark Arts classroom. He ran to the door and knocked. He then remembered Professor Kevin wasn't there.
"He's in the great Hall" came a voice. He turned and saw a first year named Brian Torres who was in Gryffindor House. "Oh, thanks" said Harry
"Your Harry Potter, aren't you?"
Harry grinned. "Yeah"
"Wow. I never thought I'd actually have a conversation with you." Said Brian.
Harry grinned.
"Well, I'm off. I've got to get back to class" said Brian. "I'll see you around" and Brian walked off towards the Transfiguration hallway. Harry slowly began to walk back towards the Great Hall. When he reached the stairs, he heard a yell. It came from the direction Brian went. Harry pulled out his wand, and ran back down the hall towards the direction Brian went.
When he turned the corner, his face lit with surprise. Brian was on the floor, stunned. Standing over him was Kevin. He had his wand pointed at Brian. He then turned to Harry.
"Kevin! What-"
"Potter! What a delightful surprise!" said Kevin, smiling evilly. He suddenly pointed his wand at Harry, but Harry was quicker to say a spell.
"Stupefy" said Harry. The spell went directly past Kevin. Kevin said "Petrificus Totalus" he said, but Harry ducked. Suddenly, Brian threw his wand into his robes, and the scurrying of footsteps was heard.
Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick and loads of students rounded the corner, and saw Harry pointing his wand at Kevin.
"OH-What is going on here!" shouted Professor McGonagall.
"Professor" said Harry, lowering his wand. "Kevin just stunned Brian"
"What?"
"Yes! I heard Brian yell and came to see what happened, and Kevin was standing over him with his wand out"
"That isn't true Professor! Potter was the one who attacked Brian"
Harry laughed to himself. Kevin had no proof of this. But suddenly, he felt his wand fly out his hand. It flew to Professor Flitwick. He also had Kevin's wand, which had flown from his robes. "Priori Incantato" he squeaked on Kevin's wand. Kevin's wand shot the binding spell out of it. Harry's heart dropped. Kevin had set him up. He expected Harry to stun him, so then if someone wanted to find out who conjured the stunning spell, He would get caught.
"Deletrius" muttered Professor Flitwick. Kevin's wand stopped shooting the binding spell. He lifted Harry's wand. "Priori Incantato"
Harry's wand began to shoot the stunning spell into the air. It was nothing but a shadow of the real spell. Everyone gasped. He heard one distinct gasp behind him. It seemed that the entire school was there. Hermione, Ron and the rest of the students in Care of Magical Creatures came. Professor Flitwick stopped the stunning spell.
"NO! -I-Its not true! I swear Professor!" shouted Harry, trying to defend himself. "I didn't attack Brian!"
"The evidence is right here, Potter. I must take fifty points from Gryffindor House, and you will receive a month's worth of detention! I will be writing to your family as well"