Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.

Chapter 19

Jolicia's next class with the sixth years went much more smoothly than the first. She began by saying that she had made a fresh start with Draco and she wanted to do the same with them. She reassured them that, unless they were foolish enough to go down the same path as their classmate, her wand would be used for teaching purposes only.

"How about if we make a deal?" asked Jo. "You don't insult my heritage and I won't curse your ass."

The use of a swear word, all be it a mild one, by a teacher made them laugh. It broke the ice and they were able to carry on in a normal fashion. Jolicia continued her interviews, and the students, their essays. This time the interviews progressed nicely. She was getting to know them all fairly well. She even discovered that Neville Longbottom could speak a little French. She promised to help him perfect his accent; this pleased the boy immensely.

Ron Weasley's interview made her smile. It was quite obvious that the boy had a crush on her. He had spent the greater part of the interview time in a state of red, stammering confusion. It only made matters worse when she put her hand his arm to try to get him to calm down a tad. He was red, stammering, confused and now sweating as well.

Finally, Jo had said to Ron, "Mr. Weasley, get a grip!"

Where had he heard that before? He managed to settle down a little and was at least able to answer a few questions sensibly. He left with his head in a cloud.

As she rejoined her class, she thought, "I'll have to find a way to let him down gently, poor sweet boy."

Picking up her class list, she realized that there was only one student left to be interviewed – Harry. She glanced at the time.

"Harry, you're the last one. Do you have anything to do right after this class?" Jolicia queried.

"No, Professor. I am finished for the day," replied Harry.

"Would you mind staying over time so we could finish your interview today? That way, we will be able to get down to learning next class," she asked. Harry agreed to her proposal. The rest of the group was dismissed, a few minutes early for once.

Hermione shook her head and said to Ron as they left, "You're such a prat, and you don't even know it."

He was, as she had pointed out, at a loss to understand why she would say that to him. He kept on singing Jo's praises as they walked along and Hermione kept shaking her head.

Jo closed the door to the classroom and bade Harry to sit. She asked him to tell her what had happened last year, sparing no details. He did just that; he told her the complete story, including what happened with Voldemort. He alluded to the death of Sirius, but was somewhat vague. Jo was glad that Dumbledore had told her how Harry blamed himself. She decided not to press him further. There would be time later. Hopefully, she would be able to help him to come to terms with the loss, but for that to happen they would first have to build a strong foundation of mutual trust and friendship. When he had finished recounting his tale, Jo asked him what he hoped to learn from this class. Harry pondered for a moment or two and then gave her a list. She agreed that what he asked for would be appropriate.  He nodded in agreement.

"If there's nothing else, Professor Medwin, I'll be going now," said Harry standing to leave.

"Wait, Harry. We have something else to discuss - something private," Jolicia told him.

Harry looked at her, wondering what she could possibly mean. What would be private between them?

"Headmaster Dumbledore has requested that I take over your instruction in Occlumency," declared Jo.

She saw Harry tense. She knew that his previous experience had been a disaster.

"I'm not cut out for that, Professor," exclaimed Harry in a worried voice. "I was unable to learn the techniques Professor Snape attempted to show me. I was a miserable failure."

Jolicia smiled at him. She pulled up a chair, sat directly in front of him and took his hands in hers.

"Harry, dear, Professor Snape was… how can I say this... not the right person to instruct you. I am aware that you and he share some negative feelings towards one another. You and I do not have a past. We are starting with a fresh slate, so there will be nothing to hinder your progress. Do not doubt yourself, Harry. You can do this. You need to do this. Besides, I'm prettier than Snape. That should count for something, shouldn't it?" joked Jo.

Harry broke into a wide grin. "Are you sure, sure I can do this?" he asked, still full of self doubt.

"Harry, look at what you have accomplished so far. Look at your life. How many of your friends do you think would have survived the challenges you have faced? You have come through it all with courage, grace, and good humor. Your heart is as big as any I have known. Harry Potter, you can do anything you set your mind to. If you will let me have the privilege, I would be most honored to help you," Jolicia offered.

He looked at her, a lump forming in his throat. "How…how do you know all this about me, Professor Medwin?"

Jo said," Some of it, the Headmaster told me. The rest of it, what I said about you personally, I know it here." Jo put her hand over her heart.

Harry smiled shyly and said, "When do we start?"