Chapter Fourteen: Those Few Moments

Staring at the red curtains of his four poster bed Harry reluctantly got out of bed.

Checking the clock he found if read 5:30. Reaching for his glasses Harry deciding it

would be best to continue his training went straight to his trunk and began working out.

Harry attacked the dummies without mercy lashing out with blows from his sword

and powerful curses from his new wand. Moving in close after the training dummy

disarmed him Harry pulled out a dagger to be mimicked by the dummy. They began a

dance of sorts both exchanging blows. Both parrying and dodging, but in a moment of

exhaustion Harry relented causing the dummy to take advantage and take a swipe at

Harry cutting him from his shoulder across his neck stumbling back he had the dummy

deactivate. Reeling from the pain Harry stumbled to his stores of healing and anti-septic

potions. Pouring the potions in the wounds he grimaced from the burning sensation.

Leaving with a change of cloths he headed to the showers.

Letting the blood and grime roll off of him Harry winced as he ran his fingers

across his newly acquired scar. Getting out of the shower he looked in the mirror and

breathed heavily as he looked across his chest and arms. Sure that had gained some

muscle, but also a great many scars from his hours of training. Sighing he got dressed still

being one of the few up he headed down for breakfast. Taking his seat Harry ate in

considerable silence. Watching the room fill in he noticed the changes in people he never

noticed. Justin Finch-Fletchley seemed to have become a leader among the Hufflepuff.

His eyes wandering to the Ravenclaw table more specifically Cho Chang. He noticed he

no longer had butterflies in his stomach when he saw her, seeing that she seemed to be

much happier. He continued to look around until he saw Draco Malfoy walk in the door.

He couldn't help but to sneer when he looked at him, he hadn't changed except getting

taller he remained a cocky spoiled brat. Not letting him ruin his decent morning he

decided to study a little in the common room.

Walking in the general direction of the common room he was pulled from his

stupor by the voice of his head of house. "Mr. Potter your presence is required in the

Headmasters office." With that he followed Professor McGonagall to the stone gargoyle

catching the password (Fizzing Whizbees).

"Ah Mr. Potter its fortunate the Minerva was able to find you this morning. Please

Take a seat." Said Dumbledore

With a vague idea about why he was here he decided to ask "Why was I called

here this morning, does it have anything to do with the person along the tracks?"

With a small smile Dumbledore replied "That is part of why you are here, I know

that this is the figure you saw in Diagon Ally and I also believe it is the same being we

have been searching for. As for why he has decided to show himself I cannot be sure of

his motives, but I do know that the display of power it showed saved the lives of every

person on the train."

"What do you mean?" asked Harry with sudden interest "How did it save

everyone and what did it do?"

Fixing Harry with a gaze sizing him up wondering weather he should tell him, but

knowing that Harry deserved to know he spoke "While what he did was quite simple we

are not sure how it was done. Simply there were a large amount of spells which were on a

delay to make sure no one would suspect anything, but as the spells were about to

activate the being basically absorbed the spells into himself.'

"How would someone be able to do something like that?" Asked Harry floored at

the revelation that someone just absorbed a large amount of destructive spells in what

seemed to be a great ease.

"That is what the mystery is no person or creature has been known to absorb

spells many can resist them or they often have no affect, but to completely absorb and

then release them as if it wasn't anything difficult. Whoever this being is it has magical

abilities far above anything I have ever know." Spoke Dumbledore somberly.

Harry was floored he sat there thinking of the implication of a being able to just

absorb spells and just release the energy. More frightening it was something Dumbledore

knew nothing about. Deciding to think about it later he remembered there was something

else Dumbledore wished to speak to him about. "Sir?" Harry asked tentatively "What else

did you wish to speak to me about?"

"Ah. Yes I was coming to speak to you about a few things with will be happening

this year." Said Dumbledore with the ever present twinkle in his eyes. "As you notice

there was not a Defense teacher at the opening feast. I did not address this due to the fact

that our Defense Against the Dark Arts class will be taught by a few different teachers.

Third through fifth will be taught by Professor Snape." Harry shuddered thinking how

horrible the past year would have been with Snape as a teacher. "Sixth and seventh will

be taught by Alastor Moody."

Wondering why he didn't mention the first and second years he interrupted the

Headmaster "What of the first and second years?" Harry asked curious to see who would

be teaching them this year.

"Remus Lupin" a large smile came to his face hearing his friend and old professor

would be working here, but his smile faltered as Dumbledore continues "was my first

choice, but with work for the Order he would be much to busy. Also every adult I know

who would be trustworthy is already quite busy so my next choice was you."

Dumbledore said this as if it was completely obvious, but Harry was a bit shocked.

Harry just looked at the headmaster and finally had a thought; the headmaster has

lost his damn mind. Raising an eyebrow Harry finally spoke "Sir are you sure your not

refereeing to yourself in the fourth person because I thought you said that I would be

teaching the first and second years." Hoping that the headmaster was joking he waited for

the reply.

"No Harry I think you would be the best for the job. While you are a bit young"

sensing Harry's anger rising he continued "I know you have seen more than most adult

Wizards and Witches this is why you would be the perfect candidate for the job. I will

leave the course curriculum up to you, but don't hesitate to ask if you need ideas for your

class, but I suggest you don't release any pixies on them I believe it's been done before."

Said the headmaster his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Harry to say the least was confused, why would he be picked to teach there were

other adults and even students who would be much wiser picks for this "Sir are you sure

you want me there are other people who know much more that I do and would be better

candidates." Thinking for a second he added as and after thought "There are students who

would be much better as well like Hermione she would be a great teacher." Harry said the

last part a little too enthusiastically.

"I agree Miss. Granger would make and excellent teacher, but her schedule is

much fuller than yours." Replied Dumbledore seeing the perplexed look he reiterated

"You are only taking the courses required to be and auror, Miss. Granger is taking all the

possible classes she could take. You on the other hand will have one free period each day

which allows us to fit in first and second years in that time. If you don't wish to take the

position it would be fine. I would be able to find someone from the ministry to take the

job." With that he could see Harry was more willing knowing it was either him or a

ministry official.

Planning on taking the position he decided to see what he receives out of this "If I

am to take the position what benefits if any would I receive?" asked Harry thinking about

the look on Malfoy's face if he gave him detention.

"During class you would be granted full rights as a professor, but outside of class

you will be in the same standing as a prefect, detentions and point deduction can only be

done by teachers. I take it you are considering my offer?" asked Dumbledore knowing

full well that Harry would accept even if it was a bit grudgingly.

Deciding he would take the position he still had one question "You mention an

event that was causing the need for multiple professors, I don't believe it is the Balls

coming up, so what is it?" asked Harry genuinely curious.

"Well Harry we will be having a guest of sorts in the next month, we will have a

student apprentice who has been studying at both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons. I have

heard he is quite strange, but a brilliant and powerful student and he wishes to work on

Defense Against the Dark Arts here. I am actually quite excited about this. So Harry will

you accept my offer?" asked Dumbledore as eager as Harry had ever seen him.

Breathing deeply Harry replied "I would be honored sir, but with the apprentice

will that affect my class?" Harry asked wondering about how he would have to work with

someone not much older that he is.

Thinking Dumbledore quickly replied "It won't be a problem he will be working

with mostly the older classes. I am not sure when he would arrive since he said he would

not take the express which is puzzling since Hogwarts is a good distance from anywhere

he could be coming from, but we will see. Now Harry off you go to enjoy the day seeing

how it is only ten o'clock I believe your class mate are wondering where you had run off

to." The headmaster nodded as Harry waved as he left thinking about the events of the

day.

As Harry walked towards the common room he was constantly plagued by a

single thought, "How am I supposed to teach when I can hardly keep myself alive."

Deciding he would work it out later believing it would be easier he meandered to the

Gryffindor common room he wondered how people would react to having him as a

teacher. He laughed thinking how his friends would look especially Ron.Well Ron

before the incident. Harry wished he had every thing back to normal, but he knew it

wouldn't quite be the same yet he could wish couldn't he.

Walking into the common room he was surprised to find it almost completely

empty except two people sitting in the corner searching there faces he was happy to see

that it was Hermione and Ginny. Walking over unnoticed he plopped down next to Ginny

who squeaked at the sudden movement. "So what are you two doing in the corner of the

common room today?"

"Wondering where you were." Said Hermione pointedly. She seemed to be

studying him before she was snapped out of her reverie by Harry talking

"Well I'm here now so what's going on?" asked Harry curious as to why they

were in the corner of the common room speaking quietly.

Ginny was the first to speak this time "We were wondering about classes and who

would be teaching Defense." Seeing Harry tense she decided to ask "You know don't

you?" she said as more as an accusation not a question.

"Yeah I do." Said Harry, but before he could explain they immediately began to

scold him for not telling them when they first asked, but he rudely interrupted them "I

didn't know until this morning so don't get all snappy with me."

"Sorry Harry." Said Hermione who was genuinely sorry for accusing him of

hiding things. "So who is it?" asked Hermione very excitedly.

Not thinking Harry replied "Who is what?"

"The instructor!" exclaimed both teen witches which startled Harry at the sudden

burst of noise.

Feeling a little foolish he answered them "Well third and fifth years it will be

sadly Snape." Seeing Ginny blanch he added a little apology. "For sixth and seventh it

will be Moody." This got the two of them a jealous glare from Ginny who didn't seem to

have recovered from having been taught by Snape. Hoping they wouldn't ask about the

first and second years they began to talk about what they would be learning this year until

Ginny suddenly asked the question he was dreading to answer.

"Harry what about the first and second years they need a class don't they?" asked

Ginny wondering why he didn't tell them already.

Blushing he stammered out an unintelligible reply or "I...well you see.Along

with those two.As to say the next professor of the first and second years is.well

um.Me." He spilled out lamely.

"Oh yeah Harry." Said Hermione sarcastically "As if were supposed to believe

that they would pick you to teach over some trained adults." Seeing Harry blush deeper

than she had even seen Ginny go. "Oh my Harry I thought you were joking.Well I think

you'll be a great teacher." Said Hermione her voice suddenly full of confidence in him,

but Harry did not look quite sure of it.

Looking at his feet he responded "It would be better if it was someone else, but I

accepted the job so I guess that's all there is. Oh yeah Dumbledore just told me about

something else happening this year." Said Harry.

"What is it?" responded Hermione immediately.

Unsure of weather Dumbledore wanted it known yet or not he decided to tell them

"Alright, but don't let anyone else know, alright?" They both nodded quickly "Well

outside of having three teachers we will be having another person there." This

immediately got Harry there full attention "It seems were having someone apprenticing

here at Hogwarts." As he expected Hermione knew something about apprenticeships

"Are you serious Harry?" asked Hermione very excitedly. Harry nodded. "Oh my

there hasn't been any student apprentices in over fifteen hundred years."

Taking the words out of Harry's mouth Ginny responded "Why hasn't there been

any and whys it such a big deal?" she asked noticing Hermione seemed to be bouncing

with excitement.

"Oooh.don't you read it all in Hogwarts: A History, and there hasn't been any

apprentices because the need for people to do them has died out. Back before the time of

the founders people had to roam the lands to find people to instruct them in magic, often

pureblood families passed down there own spells and enhancements, but there was not

central place to learn. When Hogwarts was founded people were able to get there

education in one place, but often there were those that after Hogwarts would take an

apprentice ship to learn more about a specific field. While it was not common it was

practiced for a while until the practice ended and formal education was accepted and

spread across the magical world. That's why this is a big deal whoever this is the first to

receive training after there formal education began." Said Hermione in what seemed like

one long breath to Harry and Ginny who just sat there processing the information, but

suddenly Harry spoke.

Thinking back to the Headmasters office Harry decided to ask Hermione

something "You say a specific field, like charms, transfiguration, or Potion right?"

Hermione nodded "Did any of them become apprentices in more than one?"

"That would defeat the point, an apprenticeship was used to let someone excel in

there chosen field and besides apprentice ships take many years to complete. Why do you

ask?"

"Dumbledore said that he was former student of both Durmstrang and

Beauxbatons and was coming here to take an apprentice ship in Defense. Why would he

be a student at more than one school?" Asked Harry very confused and was definitely

going to speak the Headmaster if he had a chance.

Ginny who was quite until then was first to speak "Maybe he was booted out, I

mean he could have been unable to handle everything but defense so now he's an

apprentice here?" she said offering a little help.

"I don't think so I was told he was brilliant student and quite powerful so I don't

believe that was the case. Well we will have to see when he comes next month." Getting

up he said goodbye and headed to the library to read Hogwarts: A History.

The hours rolled by and Harry finished it and he could only think "How could

Hermione keep reading that, it was so boring I thought I was going to cry." Putting the

book away coming away with no new information about apprentices other than what

Hermione told him. Walking out of the library he ran into someone he had no intention of

seeing any time soon; Draco Malfoy.

"Watch where you're going Potter!" Malfoy sneered "Why aren't you off with the

muggle-lovers and your precious little Mudblo-ahh." He wasn't even able to finish

speaking as Harry grabbed him by his throat and pushed him into and empty corridor.

Still holding Malfoy's throat Harry spoke to him calmly, but his eyes showed the

anger and hate he was suppressing "If you utter that word once more I will show you that

there are many things much worse than death and I can show you all of them, so now

little ferret crawl back into your hole before I decided to bounce your pompous ass all

around the Halls." Throwing the shaken boy down to the floor he began to walk away

when unsurprising to him Malfoy shot a curse at him. Not even turning he sent up a

powerful shield spell sending the curse flying into a nearby wall.

"You think your so great being Dumbledore's little golden-boy, but a war is

brewing and your on the wrong side." Said Malfoy his voice full of venom.

Turning around he looked at Malfoy with distaste and said "Do you believe that?

If you do you are much stupider than I ever thought. Voldemort hasn't killed me in four

chances, yet you still believe he will be victorious. You truly are delusional. No matter I

have better things to do today." Walking away he didn't notice Draco was still sitting

there gazing at his right forearm.

The day continued normally for Harry he got out and flew for a few hours coming

in he decided to forgo a meal in the great hall he went to the kitchens and received a

warm welcome from Dobby. After his meal Harry decided he would get an early night

sleep. Saying goodnight to everyone he was stopped by Neville, Ginny, and Hermione

who wanted to speak with him.

"What's this about?" he asked wondering why they led him into a quite corner

where Hermione cased a silencing charm and replied

"Harry I wanted to know if we were still having the DA. I know we have decent

teachers this year," She said with a smirk at the red at Harry's ears "but I think it would

be good for us to cover things that won't be covered for a few years and it would be of

great help with our grades in class, incase you didn't know everyone in DA had

exceptional grades." She said with a satisfied grin.

Harry who hadn't considered it decided it would be best to have class even though

he didn't want the attention again "Alright, but ill ask Dumbledore about it, I won't make

it an official club, but I will see if he wouldn't mind us continuing it. Alright?" he said.

"That would be great Harry." Said Neville enthusiastically "I really wanted a

chance to work with my new wand." Pulling out a nice ten inch with Holly and unicorn

Hair. "Just like my dad, but this one fits me better." He said proudly.

Happy for Neville he regained his composure and spoke to Hermione knowing

she was the one who wanted the DA most since it was her chance to teach everyone.

"Don't tell anyone yet Hermione I need to make sure it's alright. We'll all talk in the

Room of Requirement tomorrow after dinner to discuss the schedule of the DA if we

have it." With that everyone separated. Harry went up to bed, while Hermione, Neville,

and Ginny stayed in the common room enjoying the last day before class.

It didn't take long after Harry cleared his mind for him to fall asleep. He didn't

notice, neither did the rest of the school a lone figure at the edge of the forest staring

directly where young Harry slept, but as suddenly as it came the figure left with no sight

it had been there except for one rune carved into the tree marking where the being once

was.