Chapter 6
Professor Bat
The next day Harry, Ron and Hermione met in the Common room before they went downstairs to the Great Hall for breakfast. There, they were joined by Amelia Hooch and Mariah McGonnagal.
After a rather nice breakfast, Professor McGonnagal made her way around, pasing out class schedules for the Gryffindors.
Mariah looked down on hers, and gasped, "No way! We're scheduled for double Care of Magical Creatures with Ravenclaw?" she asked, shocked.
"If that's what it says, dear. Kindly do remember that it is not I who derived the schedules," McGonnagal replied primly, and went on with her duties.
"So, mate, what have we got today?" Ron asked Harry, not wanting to stop eating to check the schedule himself.
"Well, let´s see," Harry replied. "We start out with that double Care of Magical Creatures class, which we are going to have with the Ravenclaws this year, thank goodness. Hmm, then we have Herbology with, guess who, the Hufflepuffs just before lunch. After that, we've got double Transfiguration by ourselves, and finally our first Defense Against the Dark Arts class."
The five ate their breakfasts, and then hurried down and out of the Castle and out to Hagrid's cabin for their first class of the day.
"'Lo, Harry," Hagrid rumbled happily, when they arrived.
"Hello, Hagrid," Harry, Ron and Hermione said, nearly at the same time. Hagrid took a few moments to catch up with his friends, before all his students had assembled. Nodding to Harry, he moved away to address them all.
"Right!" Hagrid began cheerily. "This year, we're gonna talk about many different creatures, yeh kin. But, I figured we´d start with wee little feline creature, so I did."
He ambled over and plucked up a rather hefty looking cage no one had seen before, and within its confines, they saw what appeared to be a panther. "Now, this here's a Panthyger, see?" Hagrid told them all. "Confusin' beasts, these panthygers are...here, lemme show you all what I means," Hagrid instructed. He turned the cage about so they could view the exotic Panthyger from the front. It was one of the strangest things Harry had ever seen, and that was saying something. The Panthyger appeared to be neatly split down the middle of it face; one half panther, the other tiger. The right side was a tiger, yellow green eye, orange-brown fur, darker stripes, but the left side was entirely panther, sleek ebony fur with a golden- yellow eye.
"Now, some say the Panthyger can be nasty, but I says that's a lie, so I do. This kitty inn't dangerous, just as you know how to treat 'em, see? Now, everyone find yersefl summat to write with, an' some parchment...there yeh go." It proved to be quite a fascinating class, and quite refreshing to not have the laconic and sneering Slytherins interrupting with snide comments and trying to generally ruin the lesson.
Next, the Gryffindors made their way to their next class, Herbology with the energetic Professor Sprout. Once that class was done, it was time for lunch, which the trio shared with their new acquaintances, Amelia and Mariah.
"You'll love your Dark Arts class," Amelia informed them.
"Professor Bat is from Transylvania, and she knows just loads about vampires. It was great...the only thing she gave us for homework was to draw a vampire," Mariah assured them with a smile.
Upon completing their lunch, the three of them hurried off to attend their Transfigurations class.
Professor McGonnagal began her new class as she usually did: with diligence and fervor. "This year, we are going to concentrate learning about Animagus. There are advantages, as well as disadvantages to becoming one. For an example: when I had achieved Animagi status, I found I could only managed to meow within a week's time."
Everyone in class managed to laugh, which prompted Professor McGonnagal to give them a small smile in reply. "But, on the brighter side of the equation, I find that even in my human form, I have a better sense of balance. I also find that both my hearing and eyesight have vastly improved as well. Now, for those of you who haven't seen this before...observe," she said, just before her form blurred into that of a tabby cat.
The cat, with it's odd squared spectacle markings about its eyes, leapt gracefully up, and proceeded to bound from desk to desk around the classroom. When she stopped at the table Harry, Ron, and Hermione shared, Hermione gently scratched her behind her ears, which caused the tabby to purr quietly and contentedly. The cat blinked at Hermione then, and jumped down to the floor and trotted back to the head of the room, where she turned herself back to her normal form.
Without skipping a beat, McGonnagal continued her lecture, "Now, mind you, which animal one turns into depends a great deal upon the Animagi's own personality, which would reflect that of the animal they tranfigure into. Would anyone care to provide me with an example of an animal's personality traits?"
Hermione put up her hand enthusiatically, as was her wont.
"Yes, Miss Granger," McGonnagal ventured, nodding her head to her.
"Cat´s are known to be stubborn, yet wise and fair. While rats are often traitorious, and dogs rather playful and loyal," Hermione recited with vigor.
"Very good. 30 points to Gryffindor," McGonnagal said, congratulating Hermione.
They continued their lesson with rapt attention, finally being dismissed much to their chagrin. As they walked to their next class, many a discussion was heard about the merits of the Animagus.
"Blimey! Wouldn't it be so cool to be an Animagus?" Ron said, thinking.
"Well, I suppose we could always ask Professor McGonnagal if she'd teach us how," Hermione replied, though somewhat doubtfully.
"Hmm. What sort of animals do you reckon we'd be then?" Harry asked, more from curiosity than anything else.
"That's an easy one, Harry," Hermione answered him. "You'd be a lion...definitely. Remember what Professor McGonnagal said...what animal an Animagi becomes depends upon the their personality traits. Harry, you're brave, intelligent, and sympathetic. Therefore, you'd make an ideal candidate for a Lion animagus." Hermione then cast a searching look at Ron. "Now, Ron, I think, would become a fox," Hermione ventured.
"A what, thank you?" Ron sputtered. "You heard me. A fox. They're much like you, Ron...playful, easygoing, yet would never leave their friends behind."
"Oh," Ron then said, changing his opinion in a hurry. "Right then, a fox. Of course..."
"All right, then. What about you, Hermione?"
Harry then asked. "Probably you'd become an owl, you know...for wisdom, maybe?"
Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Harry that's sweet, but no. No, I don´t think so," Hermione said. "I'd most likely become some sort of feline of some kind."
"Yeah, Harry," Ron said, chuckling. "Remember that time in the girl's bathroom..." He was, of course, referring to the time that they had all taken a Polyjuice Potion, which had worked magnificently upon both Harry and Ron. But, it had gone badly awry on poor Hermione, who had unwittingly transformed herself into an anthromorphic sort of cat.
"Just you hush, Ron!" Hermione rebuked him, glowering as both he and Harry fought hard not to laugh in rememberance.
It was then time for their next class, and they all set off to the classroom reserved for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Once there, the three found themselves seats together, and waited for class to begin.
"Velcome, class," an eerie, reverberant voice intonedd. "I am Batilda Bat...your new Professor." Proffesor Bat seemed to glide inside the room, her dark eyes and features making her very eerie indeed, which was only enhanced all the more by her pronounced Transylvanian accent.
"I have heard many good things about this class from Professor Remus Lupin. I intend zhat zhis year's lessons shall be an in-depth study of Werewolves and Vampires." She raised a black gowned arm, and pointed to the blackboard, using her wand as a pointer of sorts. "Now, copy down the syllabus of this class that now is upon this blackboard. You vill see vhat your homework assignments are for next class."
After the day's lesson had finished, the three collected their books and departed, heading back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Ron. Hermione. Look, there is Professor McGonnagal," Harry said, indicating her with a swing of his chin.
"Think we should ask her about training to become Animagus?" Hermione asked, excited yet still somewhat nervous. Harry and Ron gulped, then resolutely nodded their heads in agreement. The three headed over to talk with Professor McGonnagal.
"Professor? May we ask you something? Something important?" Hermione asked politely.
"Of course, child. Please, walk with me," McGonnagal said. They walked with her down to her office. The office was bedecked in red with golden lions upon it.
"Crikey," Ron said, impressed.
"Oh, it´s not much, but it is home,"
McGonnagal said humbly with a small, satisfied smile. "So, you three, what was it you wanted to talk with me about?"
With much trepidation, yet lots of desire, they told her of their wish to become Animagus. "You're certain?" McGonnagal asked, her dark eyes studying them all intently. "This is a very serious undertaking, I hope you understand. Not one to be taken lightly. There are serious as well as potentially life-threatening repercussions to being an Animagus."
"We know, Professor, really!" Hermione wheedled, attempting to convince their Transfiguration instructor. "But, don't you think that being Animagi would be a definite plus if we are pursuing careers as Aurors?"
McGonnagal thinned her lips, and carefully regarded the three of them for what seemed to be an excruiatingly long time. "Ordinarily, I'd send the three of you packing, I'll have you know. And, rightfully so." McGonnagal reperched her glasses upon her thin nose, then continued. "However...you three have had...shall we say an unusual sort of training over the course of your stay at this institution."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione could only hold their breath, their fingers crossed behind their backs as they awaited her decision.
"Very well," she finally said. "If I have your pledge that you shall do precisely as I say, and no midnight forays into that which you know nothing about. Agreed?"
"Agreed, Professor McGonnagal," the three pledged without hesitation.
"I shall hold you to that. Now, we shall meet tonight, at the Transfigurations classroom, precisely at eight. Don't be late, or there will be hell to pay." The three were profuse in their thanks to her, then they took their leave, and headed down to dinner. There they meet up again with Amelia, Mariah, and Ron's sister, Ginny.
"Harry?" Ginny asked after a while. "Um, now that you're Seeker again...do you think I can tryout as a Chaser?" Ginny asked.
"Sounds good, Ginny," Harry replied, nodding his head. "That leaves us having to scrounge up a pair of Beaters and another couple of Chasers then," Harry observed, after swallowing a mouthful of Yorkshire pudding.
"Actually, I've been, well, practicing this summer," Ron then confessed. "After my bout as Keeper, I reckon I'd much rather tryout as a Beater, if you don't mind, that is."
"All right," Harry said, but couldn't help but frown. Ron had been a great Keeper last year, and had been pivotal in the Gryffindor victory just last year. "Okay, now...that leaves me shy a Keeper, a Beater, and a pair of Chasers to help out Ginny." Harry then looked to his friends, and stated, "We're having tryouts for the House team this Wednesday."
"We'll be there, mate," Ron said, and Ginny nodded before they started eating again.
"I'll post request for those vacanies on the team, if you'd like, Harry," Hermione offered helpfully.
"That'd be great. Thanks," Harry replied, nodding his thanks before he too resumed eating his supper.
Professor Bat
The next day Harry, Ron and Hermione met in the Common room before they went downstairs to the Great Hall for breakfast. There, they were joined by Amelia Hooch and Mariah McGonnagal.
After a rather nice breakfast, Professor McGonnagal made her way around, pasing out class schedules for the Gryffindors.
Mariah looked down on hers, and gasped, "No way! We're scheduled for double Care of Magical Creatures with Ravenclaw?" she asked, shocked.
"If that's what it says, dear. Kindly do remember that it is not I who derived the schedules," McGonnagal replied primly, and went on with her duties.
"So, mate, what have we got today?" Ron asked Harry, not wanting to stop eating to check the schedule himself.
"Well, let´s see," Harry replied. "We start out with that double Care of Magical Creatures class, which we are going to have with the Ravenclaws this year, thank goodness. Hmm, then we have Herbology with, guess who, the Hufflepuffs just before lunch. After that, we've got double Transfiguration by ourselves, and finally our first Defense Against the Dark Arts class."
The five ate their breakfasts, and then hurried down and out of the Castle and out to Hagrid's cabin for their first class of the day.
"'Lo, Harry," Hagrid rumbled happily, when they arrived.
"Hello, Hagrid," Harry, Ron and Hermione said, nearly at the same time. Hagrid took a few moments to catch up with his friends, before all his students had assembled. Nodding to Harry, he moved away to address them all.
"Right!" Hagrid began cheerily. "This year, we're gonna talk about many different creatures, yeh kin. But, I figured we´d start with wee little feline creature, so I did."
He ambled over and plucked up a rather hefty looking cage no one had seen before, and within its confines, they saw what appeared to be a panther. "Now, this here's a Panthyger, see?" Hagrid told them all. "Confusin' beasts, these panthygers are...here, lemme show you all what I means," Hagrid instructed. He turned the cage about so they could view the exotic Panthyger from the front. It was one of the strangest things Harry had ever seen, and that was saying something. The Panthyger appeared to be neatly split down the middle of it face; one half panther, the other tiger. The right side was a tiger, yellow green eye, orange-brown fur, darker stripes, but the left side was entirely panther, sleek ebony fur with a golden- yellow eye.
"Now, some say the Panthyger can be nasty, but I says that's a lie, so I do. This kitty inn't dangerous, just as you know how to treat 'em, see? Now, everyone find yersefl summat to write with, an' some parchment...there yeh go." It proved to be quite a fascinating class, and quite refreshing to not have the laconic and sneering Slytherins interrupting with snide comments and trying to generally ruin the lesson.
Next, the Gryffindors made their way to their next class, Herbology with the energetic Professor Sprout. Once that class was done, it was time for lunch, which the trio shared with their new acquaintances, Amelia and Mariah.
"You'll love your Dark Arts class," Amelia informed them.
"Professor Bat is from Transylvania, and she knows just loads about vampires. It was great...the only thing she gave us for homework was to draw a vampire," Mariah assured them with a smile.
Upon completing their lunch, the three of them hurried off to attend their Transfigurations class.
Professor McGonnagal began her new class as she usually did: with diligence and fervor. "This year, we are going to concentrate learning about Animagus. There are advantages, as well as disadvantages to becoming one. For an example: when I had achieved Animagi status, I found I could only managed to meow within a week's time."
Everyone in class managed to laugh, which prompted Professor McGonnagal to give them a small smile in reply. "But, on the brighter side of the equation, I find that even in my human form, I have a better sense of balance. I also find that both my hearing and eyesight have vastly improved as well. Now, for those of you who haven't seen this before...observe," she said, just before her form blurred into that of a tabby cat.
The cat, with it's odd squared spectacle markings about its eyes, leapt gracefully up, and proceeded to bound from desk to desk around the classroom. When she stopped at the table Harry, Ron, and Hermione shared, Hermione gently scratched her behind her ears, which caused the tabby to purr quietly and contentedly. The cat blinked at Hermione then, and jumped down to the floor and trotted back to the head of the room, where she turned herself back to her normal form.
Without skipping a beat, McGonnagal continued her lecture, "Now, mind you, which animal one turns into depends a great deal upon the Animagi's own personality, which would reflect that of the animal they tranfigure into. Would anyone care to provide me with an example of an animal's personality traits?"
Hermione put up her hand enthusiatically, as was her wont.
"Yes, Miss Granger," McGonnagal ventured, nodding her head to her.
"Cat´s are known to be stubborn, yet wise and fair. While rats are often traitorious, and dogs rather playful and loyal," Hermione recited with vigor.
"Very good. 30 points to Gryffindor," McGonnagal said, congratulating Hermione.
They continued their lesson with rapt attention, finally being dismissed much to their chagrin. As they walked to their next class, many a discussion was heard about the merits of the Animagus.
"Blimey! Wouldn't it be so cool to be an Animagus?" Ron said, thinking.
"Well, I suppose we could always ask Professor McGonnagal if she'd teach us how," Hermione replied, though somewhat doubtfully.
"Hmm. What sort of animals do you reckon we'd be then?" Harry asked, more from curiosity than anything else.
"That's an easy one, Harry," Hermione answered him. "You'd be a lion...definitely. Remember what Professor McGonnagal said...what animal an Animagi becomes depends upon the their personality traits. Harry, you're brave, intelligent, and sympathetic. Therefore, you'd make an ideal candidate for a Lion animagus." Hermione then cast a searching look at Ron. "Now, Ron, I think, would become a fox," Hermione ventured.
"A what, thank you?" Ron sputtered. "You heard me. A fox. They're much like you, Ron...playful, easygoing, yet would never leave their friends behind."
"Oh," Ron then said, changing his opinion in a hurry. "Right then, a fox. Of course..."
"All right, then. What about you, Hermione?"
Harry then asked. "Probably you'd become an owl, you know...for wisdom, maybe?"
Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Harry that's sweet, but no. No, I don´t think so," Hermione said. "I'd most likely become some sort of feline of some kind."
"Yeah, Harry," Ron said, chuckling. "Remember that time in the girl's bathroom..." He was, of course, referring to the time that they had all taken a Polyjuice Potion, which had worked magnificently upon both Harry and Ron. But, it had gone badly awry on poor Hermione, who had unwittingly transformed herself into an anthromorphic sort of cat.
"Just you hush, Ron!" Hermione rebuked him, glowering as both he and Harry fought hard not to laugh in rememberance.
It was then time for their next class, and they all set off to the classroom reserved for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Once there, the three found themselves seats together, and waited for class to begin.
"Velcome, class," an eerie, reverberant voice intonedd. "I am Batilda Bat...your new Professor." Proffesor Bat seemed to glide inside the room, her dark eyes and features making her very eerie indeed, which was only enhanced all the more by her pronounced Transylvanian accent.
"I have heard many good things about this class from Professor Remus Lupin. I intend zhat zhis year's lessons shall be an in-depth study of Werewolves and Vampires." She raised a black gowned arm, and pointed to the blackboard, using her wand as a pointer of sorts. "Now, copy down the syllabus of this class that now is upon this blackboard. You vill see vhat your homework assignments are for next class."
After the day's lesson had finished, the three collected their books and departed, heading back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Ron. Hermione. Look, there is Professor McGonnagal," Harry said, indicating her with a swing of his chin.
"Think we should ask her about training to become Animagus?" Hermione asked, excited yet still somewhat nervous. Harry and Ron gulped, then resolutely nodded their heads in agreement. The three headed over to talk with Professor McGonnagal.
"Professor? May we ask you something? Something important?" Hermione asked politely.
"Of course, child. Please, walk with me," McGonnagal said. They walked with her down to her office. The office was bedecked in red with golden lions upon it.
"Crikey," Ron said, impressed.
"Oh, it´s not much, but it is home,"
McGonnagal said humbly with a small, satisfied smile. "So, you three, what was it you wanted to talk with me about?"
With much trepidation, yet lots of desire, they told her of their wish to become Animagus. "You're certain?" McGonnagal asked, her dark eyes studying them all intently. "This is a very serious undertaking, I hope you understand. Not one to be taken lightly. There are serious as well as potentially life-threatening repercussions to being an Animagus."
"We know, Professor, really!" Hermione wheedled, attempting to convince their Transfiguration instructor. "But, don't you think that being Animagi would be a definite plus if we are pursuing careers as Aurors?"
McGonnagal thinned her lips, and carefully regarded the three of them for what seemed to be an excruiatingly long time. "Ordinarily, I'd send the three of you packing, I'll have you know. And, rightfully so." McGonnagal reperched her glasses upon her thin nose, then continued. "However...you three have had...shall we say an unusual sort of training over the course of your stay at this institution."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione could only hold their breath, their fingers crossed behind their backs as they awaited her decision.
"Very well," she finally said. "If I have your pledge that you shall do precisely as I say, and no midnight forays into that which you know nothing about. Agreed?"
"Agreed, Professor McGonnagal," the three pledged without hesitation.
"I shall hold you to that. Now, we shall meet tonight, at the Transfigurations classroom, precisely at eight. Don't be late, or there will be hell to pay." The three were profuse in their thanks to her, then they took their leave, and headed down to dinner. There they meet up again with Amelia, Mariah, and Ron's sister, Ginny.
"Harry?" Ginny asked after a while. "Um, now that you're Seeker again...do you think I can tryout as a Chaser?" Ginny asked.
"Sounds good, Ginny," Harry replied, nodding his head. "That leaves us having to scrounge up a pair of Beaters and another couple of Chasers then," Harry observed, after swallowing a mouthful of Yorkshire pudding.
"Actually, I've been, well, practicing this summer," Ron then confessed. "After my bout as Keeper, I reckon I'd much rather tryout as a Beater, if you don't mind, that is."
"All right," Harry said, but couldn't help but frown. Ron had been a great Keeper last year, and had been pivotal in the Gryffindor victory just last year. "Okay, now...that leaves me shy a Keeper, a Beater, and a pair of Chasers to help out Ginny." Harry then looked to his friends, and stated, "We're having tryouts for the House team this Wednesday."
"We'll be there, mate," Ron said, and Ginny nodded before they started eating again.
"I'll post request for those vacanies on the team, if you'd like, Harry," Hermione offered helpfully.
"That'd be great. Thanks," Harry replied, nodding his thanks before he too resumed eating his supper.