Another Chance
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling (JKR), various publishers of the Harry Potter (HP) series. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 2 – Announcements (uploaded 11/12/03)
Professor Flitwick stood up at the head table to make an announcement with the sonorous charm. "Ahem," Flitwick's voice echoed in the Great Hall, "I have a few announcements."
Hagrid went over to Flitwick's chair and picked it up as he stood on it. The half-giant positioned it carefully on top of the head table so that he could actually be seen, as well as heard. When the giggles and chuckles died down, he continued. "As you know, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape met with an unfortunate accident yesterday."
He paused until the buzzing died down, "They will be on leave for about a month while they recover. Meanwhile, per Professor Dumbledore's request, I will be taking up the responsibilities of Headmaster. Professor Sprout, will be the acting Deputy Headmistress." Despite his diminutive stature, Flitwick had amazing command of the student body's attention. He held his hands up to keep them from interrupting.
"To assist with your classes, we have three teaching interns. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Mr. Percival Wulfric, who will teach Charms classes. Miss Minnie Stewart will teach Transfiguration classes and Mr. Alan Marston will take the Potions classes." As they each took their turns to stand and wave, Flitwick had to pause for all the clapping, squealing, and swooning. "Substitute teachers will be selected by the Board of Governors and will arrive within a couple days."
"I would like take this opportunity to announce a dueling tournament." The charms master paused for a short cheer interruption. "Each house will hold a competition to determine your team of three. Miss Stewart will captain the Gryffindor team, Mr. Marston will captain the Slytherin team, Mr. Wulfric has agreed to captain the Hufflepuff team, and I will captain the Ravenclaw team. The Hogwarts teaching staff will serve as referees and judges. We will have singles, doubles, mixed doubles and team events."
"That is all. Please welcome our new instructors and make them feel welcome."
~ ~ ~
That afternoon, the three teen professors met in the teacher's lounge. Dumbledore asked, "I know we've only had one class, but I'd like to know how it's going with you both."
Snape cleared his throat, "May I ask a personal question?"
"Certainly, Severus."
"Please don't consider this bragging. I have observed the same student behavior around the both of you. Since breakfast, I have had an unusual amount of attention from the girls. They are following my every move and hanging on my every breath. I've had several owls and personal invitations to the Spring Dance."
"And you're unaccustomed to such attention?" McGonagall's lips pursed to suppress a wide smile.
Snape ran his long fingers through his golden locks. McGonagall looked away and took slow deliberate breaths as Dumbledore suppressed his amusement. Snape answered, "It's not that. I'm dealing with—"
Dumbledore interrupted, "Out with it, Severus. Just say it."
"Fine. Hormones." Snape spat out, "There, I said it. Has it been that long for you that you do not recognize the feelings?"
McGonagall busted into laughter and picked up a copy of the Quibbler to fan herself. Dumbledore couldn't contain himself either. "Dear Severus, I daresay it's been well over a century since I experienced the raging hormones of my teen years. Why I've had two cold showers today, already. The cold water tap is typically the blue knob on the right side."
Snape growled, "I know where the showers are. I know how to get cold water, thank you very much." He mumbled under his breath, "It's been a while since I needed to resort to that."
McGonagall put on her stern face, "Severus, I must remind you that you are a 37 year old professor and have no business dating your students. The Board of Governors are aware of our conditions and will be noting our behavior around the students. I suggest you go to the dance without a date so that you can fill your dance card." Snape cracked a shy smile at that, barely glancing up from the floor to make eye contact.
Dumbledore turned to McGonagall, "Speaking of dance, Minnie, would you do me the favor of allowing me to escort you to the Spring Dance?"
"Why, Percival, I'd be happy to accept," she said in a sing-song voice. "Alan, do remember to save me a dance. I'm partial to the tango," she winked. Snape bowed his reply.
Dumbledore changed the subject, "Severus, who do you fancy on the Slytherin dueling team?"
"Malfoy, Parkinson, and Nott. Do you figure on the Gryffindor dream team?"
"I'm almost certain of Potter, Granger, and Ronald Weasley, but there will be stiff competition with Ginny Weasley and Longbottom," McGonagall replied. "Hmm, the Creevy boys are quite good, too."
Snape laughed, "Longbottom?" He would have said more, but stopped at McGonagall's death glare.
"Come, come, you two. It's time for our next class."
~ ~ ~
That evening, after dinner, the dirty blonde teen Snape strode into the large lecture hall and smirked as he looked up at a sea of green and gray robes. "Is this everyone who is interested in trying out for the dueling team on Saturday?"
Milicent Bulstrode raised her hand, "Excuse me, Sir."
Snape interrupted her, "You may address me as Mr. Marston. If we are in a more informal setting, as we are at the moment, you may call me Alan or Captain. Now, what was your question?"
"Your voice is very similar to Professor Snape's. Are you related?"
"I don't believe Professor Snape has living relations," was his silky reply. "To continue on topic, this competition is open to everyone. Only the best of Slytherin will compete against the other houses. For the rest of this week, every evening, we will review rules and legal defensive and offensive spells allowed in competitive dueling. Saturday we will hold open competition to determine who will represent Slytherin the following Saturday. Question Mr. Pritchard?"
"Sir, how are the younger students supposed to compete with the sixth and seventh years?"
"As I said, everybody who is interested will work on the basic spells. The individuals who make the team will work on competition strategy and advanced spells next week. Obviously, the older students may have an advantage in experience, but talent and knowledge can overcome that advantage."
"Take this down." He waited as everyone scrambled for their parchment and quills. "Basic defensive charms. Shield, parry, block, disarm. Any first year should be able to perform these under the most stressful conditions. We will practice these tonight against the stinging hex. Tomorrow come prepared with a list of spells which can be used in competitive dueling."
Adrian Pucey raised his hand and asked, "Captain, aren't the only illegal spells the Unforgivables."
"Not true, Mr. Pucey. Can anybody tell me what other spells can not be used in competition? Yes, Mr. Malfoy."
Draco put his hand down and said smugly, "Explosive spells, spells which would break bones or break the skin. Marks on your opponent like welts, bruises, or boils are also illegal." Crabbe and Goyle smirked and patted him on the back.
"Very good, Mr. Malfoy. You cannot directly cause an injury to your opponent," Snape snarled, "However, if he were to trip over his own feet or run into a wall and break his nose, that is not considered an injury directly caused by a spell." The Slytherins laughed as they pictured this in their evil minds. "But we'll leave that strategy for later."
"Now," Snape ordered, "I want all first years up here and paired off. On my command, one side will send a stinging hex. The other side will block. Second years, prepare yourselves. You will be next."
~ ~ ~
Meanwhile similar lessons and instruction were given in the other houses. That's because Dumbledore outlined the curriculum for the week's dueling lessons. Nobody seemed to have the advantage, though it's hard to name who would stand out from Hufflepuff. But Albus Dumbledore (the most powerful wizard of the time and teacher extraordinaire) was training the Hufflepuff students. Ravenclaws were under Filius Flitwick, renown dueling champion in his own time. And of course, Gryffindors had a great deal of depth to choose from beyond the dream team. McGonagall was no slouch, at dueling or the tango.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling (JKR), various publishers of the Harry Potter (HP) series. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 2 – Announcements (uploaded 11/12/03)
Professor Flitwick stood up at the head table to make an announcement with the sonorous charm. "Ahem," Flitwick's voice echoed in the Great Hall, "I have a few announcements."
Hagrid went over to Flitwick's chair and picked it up as he stood on it. The half-giant positioned it carefully on top of the head table so that he could actually be seen, as well as heard. When the giggles and chuckles died down, he continued. "As you know, Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape met with an unfortunate accident yesterday."
He paused until the buzzing died down, "They will be on leave for about a month while they recover. Meanwhile, per Professor Dumbledore's request, I will be taking up the responsibilities of Headmaster. Professor Sprout, will be the acting Deputy Headmistress." Despite his diminutive stature, Flitwick had amazing command of the student body's attention. He held his hands up to keep them from interrupting.
"To assist with your classes, we have three teaching interns. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Mr. Percival Wulfric, who will teach Charms classes. Miss Minnie Stewart will teach Transfiguration classes and Mr. Alan Marston will take the Potions classes." As they each took their turns to stand and wave, Flitwick had to pause for all the clapping, squealing, and swooning. "Substitute teachers will be selected by the Board of Governors and will arrive within a couple days."
"I would like take this opportunity to announce a dueling tournament." The charms master paused for a short cheer interruption. "Each house will hold a competition to determine your team of three. Miss Stewart will captain the Gryffindor team, Mr. Marston will captain the Slytherin team, Mr. Wulfric has agreed to captain the Hufflepuff team, and I will captain the Ravenclaw team. The Hogwarts teaching staff will serve as referees and judges. We will have singles, doubles, mixed doubles and team events."
"That is all. Please welcome our new instructors and make them feel welcome."
~ ~ ~
That afternoon, the three teen professors met in the teacher's lounge. Dumbledore asked, "I know we've only had one class, but I'd like to know how it's going with you both."
Snape cleared his throat, "May I ask a personal question?"
"Certainly, Severus."
"Please don't consider this bragging. I have observed the same student behavior around the both of you. Since breakfast, I have had an unusual amount of attention from the girls. They are following my every move and hanging on my every breath. I've had several owls and personal invitations to the Spring Dance."
"And you're unaccustomed to such attention?" McGonagall's lips pursed to suppress a wide smile.
Snape ran his long fingers through his golden locks. McGonagall looked away and took slow deliberate breaths as Dumbledore suppressed his amusement. Snape answered, "It's not that. I'm dealing with—"
Dumbledore interrupted, "Out with it, Severus. Just say it."
"Fine. Hormones." Snape spat out, "There, I said it. Has it been that long for you that you do not recognize the feelings?"
McGonagall busted into laughter and picked up a copy of the Quibbler to fan herself. Dumbledore couldn't contain himself either. "Dear Severus, I daresay it's been well over a century since I experienced the raging hormones of my teen years. Why I've had two cold showers today, already. The cold water tap is typically the blue knob on the right side."
Snape growled, "I know where the showers are. I know how to get cold water, thank you very much." He mumbled under his breath, "It's been a while since I needed to resort to that."
McGonagall put on her stern face, "Severus, I must remind you that you are a 37 year old professor and have no business dating your students. The Board of Governors are aware of our conditions and will be noting our behavior around the students. I suggest you go to the dance without a date so that you can fill your dance card." Snape cracked a shy smile at that, barely glancing up from the floor to make eye contact.
Dumbledore turned to McGonagall, "Speaking of dance, Minnie, would you do me the favor of allowing me to escort you to the Spring Dance?"
"Why, Percival, I'd be happy to accept," she said in a sing-song voice. "Alan, do remember to save me a dance. I'm partial to the tango," she winked. Snape bowed his reply.
Dumbledore changed the subject, "Severus, who do you fancy on the Slytherin dueling team?"
"Malfoy, Parkinson, and Nott. Do you figure on the Gryffindor dream team?"
"I'm almost certain of Potter, Granger, and Ronald Weasley, but there will be stiff competition with Ginny Weasley and Longbottom," McGonagall replied. "Hmm, the Creevy boys are quite good, too."
Snape laughed, "Longbottom?" He would have said more, but stopped at McGonagall's death glare.
"Come, come, you two. It's time for our next class."
~ ~ ~
That evening, after dinner, the dirty blonde teen Snape strode into the large lecture hall and smirked as he looked up at a sea of green and gray robes. "Is this everyone who is interested in trying out for the dueling team on Saturday?"
Milicent Bulstrode raised her hand, "Excuse me, Sir."
Snape interrupted her, "You may address me as Mr. Marston. If we are in a more informal setting, as we are at the moment, you may call me Alan or Captain. Now, what was your question?"
"Your voice is very similar to Professor Snape's. Are you related?"
"I don't believe Professor Snape has living relations," was his silky reply. "To continue on topic, this competition is open to everyone. Only the best of Slytherin will compete against the other houses. For the rest of this week, every evening, we will review rules and legal defensive and offensive spells allowed in competitive dueling. Saturday we will hold open competition to determine who will represent Slytherin the following Saturday. Question Mr. Pritchard?"
"Sir, how are the younger students supposed to compete with the sixth and seventh years?"
"As I said, everybody who is interested will work on the basic spells. The individuals who make the team will work on competition strategy and advanced spells next week. Obviously, the older students may have an advantage in experience, but talent and knowledge can overcome that advantage."
"Take this down." He waited as everyone scrambled for their parchment and quills. "Basic defensive charms. Shield, parry, block, disarm. Any first year should be able to perform these under the most stressful conditions. We will practice these tonight against the stinging hex. Tomorrow come prepared with a list of spells which can be used in competitive dueling."
Adrian Pucey raised his hand and asked, "Captain, aren't the only illegal spells the Unforgivables."
"Not true, Mr. Pucey. Can anybody tell me what other spells can not be used in competition? Yes, Mr. Malfoy."
Draco put his hand down and said smugly, "Explosive spells, spells which would break bones or break the skin. Marks on your opponent like welts, bruises, or boils are also illegal." Crabbe and Goyle smirked and patted him on the back.
"Very good, Mr. Malfoy. You cannot directly cause an injury to your opponent," Snape snarled, "However, if he were to trip over his own feet or run into a wall and break his nose, that is not considered an injury directly caused by a spell." The Slytherins laughed as they pictured this in their evil minds. "But we'll leave that strategy for later."
"Now," Snape ordered, "I want all first years up here and paired off. On my command, one side will send a stinging hex. The other side will block. Second years, prepare yourselves. You will be next."
~ ~ ~
Meanwhile similar lessons and instruction were given in the other houses. That's because Dumbledore outlined the curriculum for the week's dueling lessons. Nobody seemed to have the advantage, though it's hard to name who would stand out from Hufflepuff. But Albus Dumbledore (the most powerful wizard of the time and teacher extraordinaire) was training the Hufflepuff students. Ravenclaws were under Filius Flitwick, renown dueling champion in his own time. And of course, Gryffindors had a great deal of depth to choose from beyond the dream team. McGonagall was no slouch, at dueling or the tango.