Ch. 4 The new DADA
Professor Lynn Vaughn really knows her stuff and teaches the children how to defend themselves against the dark arts; though there is something a little odd about Professor Vaughn she never attends dinner and after classes she can't be found in the castle...is the position really jinxed.
Harry and Ron hurried along the 4th floor hallways to their first lesson with the Defense Against the Dark Arts Herminone was waiting at the door she was talking to a boy.
"Is that Anthony?" Ron asked as they came closer. Harry looked up and sure enough it was Anthony Goldstein he was leaning against the door way and right on his chest was the Head Boy badge Herminone laughed as something Anthony before she saw Harry and Ron coming and waved. Anthony smiled and shook Harry's hand but Ron stayed out of distance and pretended he didn't see Anthony attempt of greeting him.
"Look, Anthony is head boy, I just knew it." She said looking up at Anthony Ron shifted his body uneasy as the two of them came a bit closer to one another Anthony placed his hand on her shoulder and said something to her to low for Harry or Ron to hear.
"I'll see you all later." He said and walked away.
"Do you like that git?" Ron asked as they entered the room.
"Perhaps and he isn't a git, he is very intelligent and a good man." Herminone said holding her books tightly against her chest and Harry swore she was blushing. Ron continues talking about Anthony in not very kind details as they walked into the room; almost all the students were there. Like every year they had DADA with Slytherin one of his least favorite people.
"Just drop it Ron." Herminone said as she found an empty seat. Ron found a seat next to Neville and Harry sat next to Herminone. The Slytherin's remained in the back so they could make rude comments away from the teacher's hearing range. Five minutes after class was supposed to begin there was still no sign of the teacher.
"I guess the curse has worked early this year." Malfoy yelled from the back. A few people laughed but some wondering if it was true.
"I assure you Malfoy there is no curse, perhaps bad luck, and maybe a lack of judgment..."
Everyone swirled their heads up to the front standing by her desk was Professor Vaughn her hair was no longer in a bun but braid down her back it nearly reached her abdomen
"Where the bloody hell did she come from!" Ron whispered. Harry shrugged he didn't see her enter but she would have to go by them to enter the room.
"Now this may be a problem." Vaughn said looking around the room. "I think it would be best if we were mixed. Okay everyone find someone of the opposite house to sit with."
Everyone stared at her and not a single person moved. "It's not a request, I will find seats for you." She said and sat on the corner of her desk.
People reluctantly got up and found seats with someone of a different house though each person was as far away as possible. Harry took a seat next to Daphne Greengrass she wasn't to please but didn't say anything. Ron sat next to Blaise Zabini and Herminone was forced to sit next to Goyle she frown deeply as she heard Malfoy laugh, Malfoy sat next to Neville much to Neville protest though everyone knew Malfoy just wanted to torture the poor guy.
"That's better." Vaughn said and walked up and down the alley between each desk starring at each student.
"I am Professor Vaughn as you all should know and I shall be teach Defense Against the Dark Arts this year and the following years if I am so lucky to survive the curse." She said starring at Malfoy. "I know all of you, I have study each of your records closely." She said and starred at Harry.
"I hope that some of you will reframe of pervious behaviors, I am not tolerate immaturity." She continued and looked up when she saw Herminone hand.
"I haven't asked a question, Miss Granger."
A few people snickered especially the Slytherin but Herminone seemed unfazed by the remark.
"I have a question for you though." Herminone said loud and clearly.
"By all means Miss Granger." Vaughn said and returned to her desk and sat on the end.
"Though it is against school rules for anyone to read student's records exception of the head master and the Ministry of Magic of course but you have us at a disadvantage you know everything about us but we know nothing about you. We haven't had much luck with teachers in this position so I think it would put us at ease if you could tell us a little about yourself."
Everyone stopped starring at Herminone and all looked up at Vaughn, she looked like she was thinking hard and didn't seem willing to answer.
"I assure you that I am nothing like the Professors you have had before. Professor Quirrell during your first year had other things on his mind..."
A few people laughed but others just starred at her. "Professor Lockhart seem to forgotten many things, and Professor Lupin was a bit loony." She said with a certain degree of sarcasm when she said loony. And Professor Moody, wasn't the man he claim to be and Umbridge I had the misfortune of meeting once, and of course last year was quite a mess."
She stopped and looked around "Take out your books now." Everyone reluctantly did so. "Keep out your wands." She said as a few people had begun to stick them in their backs. She had stood up and was standing over Neville.
"Keep you wand ready at all times." She said looking down at Neville. She looked at Malfoy. "What would you do if Mr. Malfoy decided he was going to hex you?" She asked. Neville glanced at Malfoy and shrugged his shoulders. Professor Vaughn suddenly grabbed Neville by the cloak and jerked him out his seat everyone eyes opened widely. "Do you want to share the same fate as your parents?" She whispered into his ear. Neville looked up at her his eyes were big and round.
"Courage young Longbottom...Mr. Malfoy could you please stand up."
Malfoy stood up and walked up to the front of the room. "I imagine you know a few curse?"
Malfoy nodded his head "Tell me one, that you would use against Longbottom?"
Malfoy looked at her oddly wondering if this was a trick. "Don't be afraid Mr. Malfoy, I will not punish you."
"The bat-bogey hex." He said shrugging.
Vaughn rose on eyebrow and nodded "Well...it's a effective curse when one is trying to escape Mr. Malfoy. If someone wants to escape than we wouldn't have to worry about them...Mr. Longbottom want curses do you want to learn to defend?"
"Crucio." Longbottom whispered
"The best way to avoid this spell is not to be in the wrong place." She said softly.
"You two may sit down." She said and signaled for them to go on. "I'm not talking about these kids stuff that you pull on one another. I am talking about the curse that kill, or...drive you insane. With the return of Voldemort..."
A few people gasped some even screamed slightly at the same "I think its time that you not only learn how to defend yourself, but you also learn how to attack back...you all cannot be afraid to be lethal."
"But Professor, Unforgivable curses are forbidden." Lavender Brown said.
Vaughn walked over to her and stood in front of her desk. "Tell me Miss Brown if death-eaters came to your house, or lets say the Dark Lord Voldemort himself comes to destroy everything you know and love including your own life...are you telling me you wouldn't try to kill him because its forbidden?"
Lavender shook her head and looked down at her paper "I want everyone to read the first chapter and write one parchment about when and where the Unforgivable curses should be used I expect this by next class period." A few people groaned. "You all may leave now...Miss Granger, could you please stay behind for a moment."
Harry and Ron reluctantly left they wanted to know why Professor Vaughn wanted to speak with her. "She seems to know her stuff." Ron said as they waited outside. Harry nodded at last students were going to learn first hand material. Herminone came out a few moments later with a weird expression on her face.
"What did she want?" Ron asked.
"Never mind, we better get going we're going to be late for Potions." Herminone said leading the way Ron and Harry exchange glances but follow despite their curiosity.
"I heard 7th year Potions is terribly hard I hope you two have thought extremely hard on your study habits." Herminone called behind them
Ron rolled his eyes and growled when he saw Anthony again "Hey Herminone, are you taking advance potions too?" He asked his hands went through his long light brown hair as Herminone approached him. Herminone nodded and shook sheepishly down at her feet.
"Well will you sit with me?" He asked.
"Um...well." She looked back at Ron and Harry "Yeah sure."
Anthony held out his arm for Herminone to take Herminone slowly wrapped her arm around his and allowed him to lead her into the classroom.
"Smooth talking, peabrain." Ron muttered.
Harry rolled his eyes why was Ron always like this did he fancy Herminone? If he did why did he allow every man hit on her while he stood in the back and muttered insults.
"Come on Ron, I don't want to be late...another year with Snape...let's go." Harry mumbled.
The dungeon was cold and dark as usual Harry didn't expect any major changes over the summer Professor Snape was on his desk working on some parchments. The class was filled with students from all different houses they were about a total of 40 students.
"This is advance Potions." Snape said loudly as if some people weren't in the places they should be. "It's miracle that any of you made it this far, this year will be hard than any of you can imagine. I expect nothing but perfection, as you can see there is list of ingredients and procedures on the board I expect it completed and turned in before the end of class you may begin."
Harry sighed deeply he saw a sour pale look on Ron's face as he read the potion's list he was thinking the same as Harry was, Harry turned toward Herminone her and Anthony were pulling out their cauldrons they both seem to be at ease with this. This was going to be a tough and Snape by the look of his face wasn't going to make this easy for any of them.
Harry followed the instructions step by step being so careful not to make a mistake he had learn his lesson that Snape has his eyes on his always and ready for his to make a mistake.
"Look at him, how he is drooling all over her." Ron said starring at Anthony as he helped her with some of her ingredients.
"Be quiet Ron and pay attention to your ingredients." Harry said as he cut his asphodel into slim pieces.
"Sorry mate." Ron said turning back to his cauldron but he still kept an eye on Herminone.
Harry looked up from his cauldron and he stopped nearly dropping his freshly cut asphodel.
"Ron look." Harry whispered Ron looked up and in the front Professor Snape was talking to Professor Vaughn. "How did she get in here?" Ron asked. Harry and Ron glanced at Herminone she was looking up as well and little by little students were beginning to notice her presence.
"I suggest you all get back to work." Snape snapped at them.
"11pm then." Harry heard her say. "Very well though I do not think it will make a difference." He said and Vaughn turned and walked passed them and Harry swore he saw her wink at Herminone. "Please someone explain that?" Ron said after they left the classroom. "Does she have a bloody time turner like you did Herminone?"
Herminone shook her head as they turned the corner a small figure nearly bumped into them.
"Hey Harry, Ron, Herminone." Acantha said she was holding more books than she seem to be able to handle.
"I found the books you requested, Herminone." She said with a big smile. Herminone turned the smile and took the books, Harry read one of the titles before Herminone tucked it away 'Ancient Creatures' Herminone always seemed to do things in secret.
"Will these be effective?" She asked in her small voice.
"They're perfect, Acantha, I'll meet you in the library at 8 then." Herminone said and she walked by heading towards the great hall.
"What was that about?" Ron asked.
Herminone smiled "We just share a common love of knowledge, it's wonderful she is a lot smarter than I was at that age, true brilliance and dedication. I guess she doesn't hang around a couple of trouble makers so she has more time to study."
Ron rolled his eyes and continued on he was eager for lunch.
Professor Lynn Vaughn really knows her stuff and teaches the children how to defend themselves against the dark arts; though there is something a little odd about Professor Vaughn she never attends dinner and after classes she can't be found in the castle...is the position really jinxed.
Harry and Ron hurried along the 4th floor hallways to their first lesson with the Defense Against the Dark Arts Herminone was waiting at the door she was talking to a boy.
"Is that Anthony?" Ron asked as they came closer. Harry looked up and sure enough it was Anthony Goldstein he was leaning against the door way and right on his chest was the Head Boy badge Herminone laughed as something Anthony before she saw Harry and Ron coming and waved. Anthony smiled and shook Harry's hand but Ron stayed out of distance and pretended he didn't see Anthony attempt of greeting him.
"Look, Anthony is head boy, I just knew it." She said looking up at Anthony Ron shifted his body uneasy as the two of them came a bit closer to one another Anthony placed his hand on her shoulder and said something to her to low for Harry or Ron to hear.
"I'll see you all later." He said and walked away.
"Do you like that git?" Ron asked as they entered the room.
"Perhaps and he isn't a git, he is very intelligent and a good man." Herminone said holding her books tightly against her chest and Harry swore she was blushing. Ron continues talking about Anthony in not very kind details as they walked into the room; almost all the students were there. Like every year they had DADA with Slytherin one of his least favorite people.
"Just drop it Ron." Herminone said as she found an empty seat. Ron found a seat next to Neville and Harry sat next to Herminone. The Slytherin's remained in the back so they could make rude comments away from the teacher's hearing range. Five minutes after class was supposed to begin there was still no sign of the teacher.
"I guess the curse has worked early this year." Malfoy yelled from the back. A few people laughed but some wondering if it was true.
"I assure you Malfoy there is no curse, perhaps bad luck, and maybe a lack of judgment..."
Everyone swirled their heads up to the front standing by her desk was Professor Vaughn her hair was no longer in a bun but braid down her back it nearly reached her abdomen
"Where the bloody hell did she come from!" Ron whispered. Harry shrugged he didn't see her enter but she would have to go by them to enter the room.
"Now this may be a problem." Vaughn said looking around the room. "I think it would be best if we were mixed. Okay everyone find someone of the opposite house to sit with."
Everyone stared at her and not a single person moved. "It's not a request, I will find seats for you." She said and sat on the corner of her desk.
People reluctantly got up and found seats with someone of a different house though each person was as far away as possible. Harry took a seat next to Daphne Greengrass she wasn't to please but didn't say anything. Ron sat next to Blaise Zabini and Herminone was forced to sit next to Goyle she frown deeply as she heard Malfoy laugh, Malfoy sat next to Neville much to Neville protest though everyone knew Malfoy just wanted to torture the poor guy.
"That's better." Vaughn said and walked up and down the alley between each desk starring at each student.
"I am Professor Vaughn as you all should know and I shall be teach Defense Against the Dark Arts this year and the following years if I am so lucky to survive the curse." She said starring at Malfoy. "I know all of you, I have study each of your records closely." She said and starred at Harry.
"I hope that some of you will reframe of pervious behaviors, I am not tolerate immaturity." She continued and looked up when she saw Herminone hand.
"I haven't asked a question, Miss Granger."
A few people snickered especially the Slytherin but Herminone seemed unfazed by the remark.
"I have a question for you though." Herminone said loud and clearly.
"By all means Miss Granger." Vaughn said and returned to her desk and sat on the end.
"Though it is against school rules for anyone to read student's records exception of the head master and the Ministry of Magic of course but you have us at a disadvantage you know everything about us but we know nothing about you. We haven't had much luck with teachers in this position so I think it would put us at ease if you could tell us a little about yourself."
Everyone stopped starring at Herminone and all looked up at Vaughn, she looked like she was thinking hard and didn't seem willing to answer.
"I assure you that I am nothing like the Professors you have had before. Professor Quirrell during your first year had other things on his mind..."
A few people laughed but others just starred at her. "Professor Lockhart seem to forgotten many things, and Professor Lupin was a bit loony." She said with a certain degree of sarcasm when she said loony. And Professor Moody, wasn't the man he claim to be and Umbridge I had the misfortune of meeting once, and of course last year was quite a mess."
She stopped and looked around "Take out your books now." Everyone reluctantly did so. "Keep out your wands." She said as a few people had begun to stick them in their backs. She had stood up and was standing over Neville.
"Keep you wand ready at all times." She said looking down at Neville. She looked at Malfoy. "What would you do if Mr. Malfoy decided he was going to hex you?" She asked. Neville glanced at Malfoy and shrugged his shoulders. Professor Vaughn suddenly grabbed Neville by the cloak and jerked him out his seat everyone eyes opened widely. "Do you want to share the same fate as your parents?" She whispered into his ear. Neville looked up at her his eyes were big and round.
"Courage young Longbottom...Mr. Malfoy could you please stand up."
Malfoy stood up and walked up to the front of the room. "I imagine you know a few curse?"
Malfoy nodded his head "Tell me one, that you would use against Longbottom?"
Malfoy looked at her oddly wondering if this was a trick. "Don't be afraid Mr. Malfoy, I will not punish you."
"The bat-bogey hex." He said shrugging.
Vaughn rose on eyebrow and nodded "Well...it's a effective curse when one is trying to escape Mr. Malfoy. If someone wants to escape than we wouldn't have to worry about them...Mr. Longbottom want curses do you want to learn to defend?"
"Crucio." Longbottom whispered
"The best way to avoid this spell is not to be in the wrong place." She said softly.
"You two may sit down." She said and signaled for them to go on. "I'm not talking about these kids stuff that you pull on one another. I am talking about the curse that kill, or...drive you insane. With the return of Voldemort..."
A few people gasped some even screamed slightly at the same "I think its time that you not only learn how to defend yourself, but you also learn how to attack back...you all cannot be afraid to be lethal."
"But Professor, Unforgivable curses are forbidden." Lavender Brown said.
Vaughn walked over to her and stood in front of her desk. "Tell me Miss Brown if death-eaters came to your house, or lets say the Dark Lord Voldemort himself comes to destroy everything you know and love including your own life...are you telling me you wouldn't try to kill him because its forbidden?"
Lavender shook her head and looked down at her paper "I want everyone to read the first chapter and write one parchment about when and where the Unforgivable curses should be used I expect this by next class period." A few people groaned. "You all may leave now...Miss Granger, could you please stay behind for a moment."
Harry and Ron reluctantly left they wanted to know why Professor Vaughn wanted to speak with her. "She seems to know her stuff." Ron said as they waited outside. Harry nodded at last students were going to learn first hand material. Herminone came out a few moments later with a weird expression on her face.
"What did she want?" Ron asked.
"Never mind, we better get going we're going to be late for Potions." Herminone said leading the way Ron and Harry exchange glances but follow despite their curiosity.
"I heard 7th year Potions is terribly hard I hope you two have thought extremely hard on your study habits." Herminone called behind them
Ron rolled his eyes and growled when he saw Anthony again "Hey Herminone, are you taking advance potions too?" He asked his hands went through his long light brown hair as Herminone approached him. Herminone nodded and shook sheepishly down at her feet.
"Well will you sit with me?" He asked.
"Um...well." She looked back at Ron and Harry "Yeah sure."
Anthony held out his arm for Herminone to take Herminone slowly wrapped her arm around his and allowed him to lead her into the classroom.
"Smooth talking, peabrain." Ron muttered.
Harry rolled his eyes why was Ron always like this did he fancy Herminone? If he did why did he allow every man hit on her while he stood in the back and muttered insults.
"Come on Ron, I don't want to be late...another year with Snape...let's go." Harry mumbled.
The dungeon was cold and dark as usual Harry didn't expect any major changes over the summer Professor Snape was on his desk working on some parchments. The class was filled with students from all different houses they were about a total of 40 students.
"This is advance Potions." Snape said loudly as if some people weren't in the places they should be. "It's miracle that any of you made it this far, this year will be hard than any of you can imagine. I expect nothing but perfection, as you can see there is list of ingredients and procedures on the board I expect it completed and turned in before the end of class you may begin."
Harry sighed deeply he saw a sour pale look on Ron's face as he read the potion's list he was thinking the same as Harry was, Harry turned toward Herminone her and Anthony were pulling out their cauldrons they both seem to be at ease with this. This was going to be a tough and Snape by the look of his face wasn't going to make this easy for any of them.
Harry followed the instructions step by step being so careful not to make a mistake he had learn his lesson that Snape has his eyes on his always and ready for his to make a mistake.
"Look at him, how he is drooling all over her." Ron said starring at Anthony as he helped her with some of her ingredients.
"Be quiet Ron and pay attention to your ingredients." Harry said as he cut his asphodel into slim pieces.
"Sorry mate." Ron said turning back to his cauldron but he still kept an eye on Herminone.
Harry looked up from his cauldron and he stopped nearly dropping his freshly cut asphodel.
"Ron look." Harry whispered Ron looked up and in the front Professor Snape was talking to Professor Vaughn. "How did she get in here?" Ron asked. Harry and Ron glanced at Herminone she was looking up as well and little by little students were beginning to notice her presence.
"I suggest you all get back to work." Snape snapped at them.
"11pm then." Harry heard her say. "Very well though I do not think it will make a difference." He said and Vaughn turned and walked passed them and Harry swore he saw her wink at Herminone. "Please someone explain that?" Ron said after they left the classroom. "Does she have a bloody time turner like you did Herminone?"
Herminone shook her head as they turned the corner a small figure nearly bumped into them.
"Hey Harry, Ron, Herminone." Acantha said she was holding more books than she seem to be able to handle.
"I found the books you requested, Herminone." She said with a big smile. Herminone turned the smile and took the books, Harry read one of the titles before Herminone tucked it away 'Ancient Creatures' Herminone always seemed to do things in secret.
"Will these be effective?" She asked in her small voice.
"They're perfect, Acantha, I'll meet you in the library at 8 then." Herminone said and she walked by heading towards the great hall.
"What was that about?" Ron asked.
Herminone smiled "We just share a common love of knowledge, it's wonderful she is a lot smarter than I was at that age, true brilliance and dedication. I guess she doesn't hang around a couple of trouble makers so she has more time to study."
Ron rolled his eyes and continued on he was eager for lunch.