Disclaimer: Anything familiar sounding in the world of Harry Potter
belongs to the wonderful J.K. Rowlings. Any new characters and plots
belong to me.
A New Beginning
Chapter 3 The new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher
As the purple garbed woman walked towards the head table the rest of the Hogwart's student body watched and wondered who their mysterious new visitor was. Most of the Hogwart's Professors were happy to see her all except for one, Professor Snape. Snape who was sitting at the end of the head table looked on in disbelief. He refused to look at this woman who was walking towards him.
"It just can't be." Snape whispered to himself as his heart leaped into his throat and rage surged through his body.
She walked past him heading towards Professor Dumbledore but for a brief moment the two of them locked eyes and she just smiled at him as she passed him. Professor Snape just sat there dumbfounded by the whole situation he has found himself in.
Professor Snape looked towards the Gryffindor table and caught Harry's eyes. Professor Snape could tell that Harry had recognized her from his memories.
Harry caught Snape's glare and could tell he was livid with anger.
"Ms. Hecate, I am glad to see that you have finally made it." Professor Dumbledore said happily taking her in a warm embrace.
"I am glad to be back Professor!" Ms. Hecate exclaimed hugging Professor Dumbledore back.
"It is Albus now Iris." Dumbledore said with a wink of his eye and a smile on his face.
"Sure thing Albus! That is going to take some getting use to." Iris said laughing.
With the exchange of greetings between the Professor and the visitor the students had started to talk amongst themselves again and enjoying themselves.
"May I have everyone's attention please." Professor Dumbledore said bringing the Great Hall to a silence once again. "I would like to introduce everyone to Ms. Iris Hecate." Dumbledore said eagerly.
All the students in the Great Hall turned their heads or moved so they could get a better look at Ms. Hecate dressed in all purple. You could hear soft mummers around the Great Hall wondering what her purpose to the school would be.
"Good evening everyone." Ms. Hecate said warmly in a soft and silky voice as she looked over the house tables smiling at everyone.
"Everyone, you will be seeing a great deal more of Ms. Hecate over the next few months." Professor Dumbledore continued over the soft mummers of the students. "I would like for everyone to give a warm Hogwart's welcome to your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Hecate." Professor Dumbledore said excitedly as he clapped his hands.
Everyone gave a faint clap for their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Everyone seemed happy to have Professor Hecate here all but one. Professor Snape seemed madder than he has ever been before. Professor Hecate sat down next to Dumbledore and enjoyed a nice piece of chocolate cake and funny conversation with Hagrid who seemed pleased so see her back at Hogwart's. Everyone enjoyed the rest of the festivities and before long students were heading off to their respective common rooms.
Ron, Harry and Hermione were some of the very last students to leave the Great Hall. As they headed out of the Great Hall Harry turned back and saw Professor Hecate advance towards Professor Snape. Harry could tell that Hecate was trying to talk to Snape but Snape just sat there like a statue expressing no emotions at all. Then suddenly he stood up and rushed out of the Great Hall via a side entrance. Harry looked back to Professor Hecate and saw a hurt expression on her face. Harry then turned back around and headed off to catch up to Ron and Hermione.
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Ron, Harry and Hermione had situated themselves around the fireplace once they got back to the Gryffindor's common room. Luckily everyone else was tired and went straight up to bed. Once they knew for sure that they would have the common room to themselves for a while they started talking about tonight's events.
"Harry, are you sure it is the same woman?" Ron asked petting crookshanks whom just jumped into his lap purring.
"Yes!" Harry exclaimed annoyingly. "It has to be. You all both saw how Snape reacted once he realized who it was." Harry said staring into the fire. "He freaked big time." Harry said laughing to himself.
"I'm just not sure Harry." Hermione said questionably. "You said that in Snape's memory her trunk read 'POTTER', right?" Hermione said trying to make sense out of things.
"Yeah." Harry said.
"Well, if she is the same person she is or was married at some point maybe?" Hermione said pondering a thought.
"That would explain the different last name." Ron said as he yawned.
"You think Ron!" Harry said angrily.
"Hey! I am just trying to help Harry." Ron said defensively.
"Will you two please stop it." Hermione said. "There is no point in arguing about this. It is confusing to all of us. So why don't we all head up to bed and we can discuss this later." Hermione said as she got up and headed towards the girl's dormitory. "Night Ron, night Harry." Hermione said as she disappeared up the stairs.
"Good night Hermione." Both boys called out to her as they themselves head up to bed.
"Sorry about earlier Ron." Harry whispered as they entered their dorm room not wanting to wake up the other occupants.
"It's all right mate. Don't worry about." Ron said as he undressed and crawled in to bed.
Harry crawled into bed pulling the drapes around his bed closed. He laid there wondering just who Professor Iris Hecate was and what kind of relationship she had with Snape. But the biggest question he had on his mind was she a relative of his. All these questions ran through his mind as he slipped into another night of restless sleep.
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"It is great to be at Hogwart's!" Iris thought to herself as she looked around her new office.
She sat down on the floor in front of the fireplace and pulled a box in front of her and began emptying it of its contents. There lay before her were photos of her family, friends and old school pictures back when she was a student here. Her eyes scanned over all the photos on the floor and smiled as all the people in the photos waved back at her smiling. Her eyes caught one picture in particular and she picked it up and gazed over it and touching the glass gingerly. It was of her and Severus. They were sitting under a tree outside by the lake. They were happy and laughing together and enjoying time spent together. "I think this was taken during our 6th year." Iris recalled to herself. "I remember now, Lily Evans cousin James' friend took the picture of us in secret and gave it to me as a Christmas present." "Lily was a true sweetheart." Iris thought to herself. "Such a sad, sad story about her and James." She thought to herself with sorrow filling up her heart. Iris sat there for a few moments thinking about things of the past then got up picking up all her framed photos and clutching them against her chest she then placed all on the mantel above the fireplace.
"It is starting to feel a little like home now." She thought happily to herself. Looking at a clock that laid on several unpacked boxes Iris realized just how late it was. "Gosh I must get to bed I've got classes tomorrow!" She headed to a door in the back corner of her office and she was off to bed. As she laid her head down on her soft fluffy pillow Severus crossed her thoughts. "Will he ever talk to me? We have so much unfinished business between us." As she sighed to herself and closed her eyes.
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"I can't wait till we get to Defense Against the Dark Arts today!" Hermione exclaimed sitting down for lunch in the Great Hall. "It has been so long since we have had a proper teacher for that class." Hermione said as she poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice.
"I've asked other students who have had her class already today and they're not saying much." Harry said. "All they will tell me is 'you have to experience it for yourself mate.'" Harry said anxiously. "Last time someone told me that we had Professor Moody..Barty, hell whoever it was and you saw where that lead." Harry said as he grimaced about that thought.
"Maybe she'll turn Malfoy into a goldfish and we can let Crookshanks have a go at him." Ron said laughing so hard that pumpkin juice can squirting out his nose.
Ron and Harry carried on about what kind of things they would love to see happen to Malfoy. Hermione just sat there studying and occasionally laughing at what they were coming up with.
"Quit it you to." Hermione said. "Let's go, class will be starting up shortly and we don't want to miss anything new."
"You miss anything new Hermione I think not. You've already read the book forwards and backwards." Ron said mockingly.
Hermione just glared at Ron. She grabbed her books and was out the Great Hall. Ron and Harry took after her laughing hysterically.
The three of them reached the classroom and entered and took their usual spots in the back of the classroom.
"Hermione we are sorry." Ron said holding back his laughter and Harry just sat there trying to not laugh also.
Hermione just glared at him and grabbed her book and placed on her desk. She was about to say something rude to Ron but all of the sudden the room got quiet. Ron, Harry and Hermione brought their attention to the front of the classroom. Harry noticed that Professor Hecate had walked in and was just standing in front of the class smiling at everyone. Today she was dressed in pale yellow robes. Then Harry saw that several of the other students in the class kept on looking back and forth at him and Professor Hecate. Harry turned to Ron and Hermione to ask them a question but they were doing the same staring back and forth at him and Hecate but their mouths were open.
"What?" Harry asked confused.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
"What?" Harry said getting annoyed.
"You look like Professor Hecate!" Ron said confusingly as he looked back and forth between him and the Professor.
Harry could hear faint mummers of agreement from his fellow classmates over Ron's statement.
Harry turned back to Professor Hecate. All he saw was a woman with short and spiky hair with purple streaks dressed in pale yellow robes. "Ok so the hair is kind of untidy like mine." Harry thought to himself. "She is wearing glasses but I am not the only one at school who does." But deep down inside Harry knew that Professor Hecate reminded him of his Dad but he didn't want to admit it to himself let alone anyone else.
"You two are mad!" Harry exclaimed and turned to face the front of the classroom.
"Ok everyone, please settle down now." Professor Hecate said drawing the attention of the class back to her.
Everyone got quiet and turned to face Professor Hecate.
"Good afternoon everyone." Hecate warmly said. "I am Professor Iris Hecate and of course you are already aware that I am your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Professor Hecate said as she sat on the top of her desk.
"Today is going to be the only free day you will receive in this class." She said looking around the classroom.
She laughed out loud when she heard the class moan. Everyone looked at her in astonishment.
"Don't worry." Professor Hecate said smiling. "It won't be that bad. I've looked at all the material you have covered over that past several years and just recently and you are moving along nicely." She said. "We will have to do a little catching up though. I looked over what you covered last year and you all didn't get very far." Professor Hecate said picking up a piece of parchment paper and scanning its contents.
Hermione huffed at the thought of last year's class with that Umbridge woman.
"Before I tell you what I expect out of everyone this term I think it is only fair to tell you all a little about myself."
Everyone in classes perked up in anticipation about hearing about their new teacher. Professor Hecate laughed once again and gave the class a warm smile. Her smile was contagious because everyone in the room seems to be smiling along with her.
"First off I am a former student of Hogwart's and my house was Slytherin." Hecate said surveying the class and taking in everyone's reaction. Knowing that everyone might not take to a Slytherin teaching the Dark Arts class she continued anyway.
Harry looked over at Ron and Hermione with a shocked look on his face. Ron and Hermione looked just as shocked and confused as Harry did.
"I've worked with the Ministry of Magic for the past 16 years. Boy it has been a while now." Hecate said laughing which the whole class joined in on. "But before I started with the Ministry I did some independent work in my field of study." Hecate said. "Once I had completed my independent studies I was an Auror for several years during the time of He-Who-Must-Not- Be-Named. After his defeat I was placed in the Department of Mysteries. I am proficient in Occlumency and Legilimency." Professor Hecate said as she got more comfortable sitting on top of her desk. "Of course I have a vast knowledge and experience with the Dark Arts." She said as a somber expression came across her fair face. She shook her head of bad thoughts and then continued. "That is all I am allowed to say to you all. Since most of my time has been spent with the Department of Mysteries I am not allowed to say anymore. Ok! Now if anyone has any questions please ask but if not I will start explaining what we will be covering." Professor Hecate said as she hopped down from her desk and made her way to the blackboard.
Hermione raised her hand "Excuse me Professor Hecate."
"Yes, Miss." Professor Hecate said smiling at Hermione.
"Hermione Granger." Hermione said.
"Oh! Miss. Granger I have heard good things about you!" Professor Hecate exclaimed. Hermione blushed at her statement. "I'm sorry Hermione please continue." She said leaning up against the blackboard.
"I was just wondering..If you don't mine me asking..Are you married?" Hermione said curiously.
"As a matter of fact no I not married." Professor Hecate said smiling at Hermione. "In my line of work any kind of social life is basically non- existent."
"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed looking over at Harry.
Harry knew what Hermione was trying to find out. Hermione was just trying to find out about her different last name since it is very different than what Harry saw in Snape's memory not to long ago.
"It is alright Miss. Granger." Professor Hecate smiling once again. "Now if there aren't any more questions I will continue with today's lesson." She said as she turned towards the blackboard and tapped it with her wand. Once she tapped the blackboard with her wand several words appeared to magically write themselves across the board.
"As you all can see I will be covering Occlumency and Legilimency with you. But let me stress this now. I will only be discussing these topics and showing you very basic ways to repel them. These two spells are very advanced but I have heard good things about this class and I am pretty sure you can handle tough subjects." She said looking at all her students. "Here a few other subjects we will be coving this term." Professor Hecate said as she tapped the blackboard once again. "Now for homework. Please it is not that bad." She said laughing at all the groaning. "I just want everyone to skim over the subjects listed on the board because at our next class meeting be expected to start right away. We have lots of ground to cover. Now with that being said you are all excused early and may head to your next class." Professor Hecate said as she left through the door she entered through at the beginning of class.
"James he looks so much like you!" Professor Hecate said to herself thinking about her cousin James Potter.
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"It is about time we had a proficient teacher for our Dark Arts class." Malfoy said arrogantly. "My father said it was about time Dumbledore finally got a Slytherin to teach our Dark Arts class." Malfoy said to a table full of Slytherins. "My father remembers Professor Hecate quite well as a matter of fact. He said that when she first enrolled at Hogwart's she went by a different last name but a couple of years later she changed it." Malfoy said shrugging of this bit of information.
Malfoy was talking loud enough for Ron, Harry and Hermione could hear him talk about their new teacher. Ron, Harry and Hermione paid closer attention to what followed.
"Did he just say she changed her last name!" Ron exclaimed.
"Shhhh." Hermione hissed trying to hear more of Malfoy's conversation.
"My father also informed me that she was second best in potions next to Professor Snape of course. He also said Snape and Hecate spent a lot of time together studying and pouring over Dark Art books before they where banned." Malfoy said eyeing the Gryffindor table.
"Great." Harry said sighed shaking his head.
"We can't believe anything Malfoy says Harry." Hermione said looking at the Slytherin table in disgust. "Yes we do know that she was a Slytherin and had a possible thing with Snape but that doesn't mean she followed the same path the he did long ago." Hermione said.
Harry looked up at Hermione and smiled "You may be right Hermione, you just might be right." "But there is only one way to truly find out if you are right or not Hermione." Harry said with a curious look on his face.
"Harry what are you thinking?" Hermione asked questioning her friend's intentions.
"I say we go and see Hagrid tonight. If anyone knows something he should surely be one." Harry said looking at Ron and Hermione.
Ron grinned at the thought of sneaking out tonight to see Hagrid but Hermion just shook her head in disgust knowing that she couldn't stop him but also at the fact she couldn't pass up the opportunity either.
"Look her she comes now!" Ron exclaimed.
The three of them turned their heads and saw Professor Hecate walk into the Great Hall. Everyone in the Great Hall turned their heads toward the doorway. By now the fact that Harry and Professor Hecate resembled each other had gotten around school by the time Ron, Harry and Hermione reached the Great Hall for dinner that night. Harry then saw several students do double takes between him and Professor Hecate.
"Let's get out of here. I am really not in the mood for being stared at tonight." Harry said feeling everyone stare at him.
Ron, Harry and Hermione got up and ran right into Professor Hecate.
"Where are the three of you rushing off to in such a hurry?" Professor asked innocently.
"Umm.off to the library to do a little bit of studying for your class Professor." Hermione stammered not looking at Professor Hecate.
"Good. Good. Well be off now." Professor Hecate said smiling at her three new students.
"Bye." The three of them called over their shoulders as they headed out the Great Hall and back up to Gryffindor's common room.
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"Good evening Professor Hecate." Malfoy said calling the Professor's attention to him.
Professor Hecate walked over to the Slytherin table and stood between Crabbe and Goyle and Malfoy was sitting across from his two friends.
"Good evening boys." Professor Hecate said placing her hands on Crabbe and Goyle's shoulders.
"I really enjoyed your class today Professor Hecate. I am looking forward to the material we are going to cover this term." Malfoy said in a sickly charming manner.
"Glad to hear that Draco." Hecate said smiling down at him.
Grabbe and Goyle just sat there stifling their laughter.
Professor Hecate saw that Snape was sitting by himself at the end of the head table.
"Well, you three have a good night." Professor Hecate said as she walked towards the head table.
"Night Professor Hecate!" Malfoy called out loud enough that it echoed through out the Great Hall.
Professor Hecate sat down next to Snape and helped herself to some roasted chicken. They ate in silence for a while not evening looking at each other.
"You are putting yourself into a dangerous situation talking to Draco Malfoy woman." Severus said in a low growl not looking at Iris.
"Yes that is true but sitting here with you is equally as dangerous don't you think Severus." Iris whispered back to him.
"You shouldn't have come back here Iris. You just don't know what is going on right now. This is not the time or place for you to be here." Snape said angrily.
"I'm not that sweet and innocent little girl back when we were students here Severus. YOU should know better than to assume I don't know what is going on at all times. " Hecate said bitterly. "You've seen what I can do and what I can be Severus." She hissed.
Professor Snape turned and glared at Hecate. Snape threw down his napkin and stormed out the Great Hall.
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"Won't they just go up to bed now." Ron moaned quietly waiting for the common room to empty out.
"Just be patient Ron." Hermione urged.
Ron and Hermione continued to play their game of wizard's chess and Harry sat in a chair in front of the fireplace pretending to study but all the while he was sitting on top of his Dad's old invisibility cloak.
After a few hours of waiting and many games of wizard's chess Harry, Ron and Hermione were finally able to sneak out.
"Quit stepping on my heels Ron!" Hermione hissed.
"Shhhh! We are almost outside!" Harry exclaimed.
Ron, Harry and Hermione made it out past the great oak doors and were now hurrying down to Hagrid's hut. Harry reached a hand out from under the invisibility cloak and knocked on Hagrid's door and Fang started barking at once.
"Back you blasted dog!" Hagrid bellowed.
Hagrid opened the door cautiously. "Who goes there?" He asked into the night air.
"It's us Hagrid." Harry whispered.
"Shoulda known. Come on get in before you draw attention to yurselves." Hagrid said quietly.
Harry, Ron and Hermione rushed in and once Hagrid had the door closed they took off the invisibility cloak.
"What can I do for you three this evening?" Hagrid said smiling down at his friends.
"We have a few questions for you." Hermione said sitting down next to Ron and Harry.
"Shoulda guess." Hagrid said laughing. "So ask away Hermione." Hagrid said sitting down in his large armchair next to the fire.
"Who exactly is Professor Iris Hecate, Hagrid?" Hermione said eyeing Hagrid.
"Oh!" Hagrid said startled by the question. "Umm.what do you mean Hermione?" Hagrid said avoiding the question.
"She was a student here while you were here wasn't she?" Harry piped in.
Hagrid just sat there staring back and forth at Harry, Ron and Hermione.
"Yeah, she was." Hagrid said as he petted Fang on the head.
"Then you know who she is right?" Hermione said.
"Yeah." Hagrid grunted annoyingly.
"Then you can tell us who she is Hagrid." Harry said anxiously.
"Yeah I can but I won't. It is not my place to be telling you about Iris's past." Hagrid said heatedly.
"Past?" Hermione questioned Hagrid.
"Don't go reading between the lines Hermione." Hagrid said.
"We know her last name use to be Potter and that she had something going on with Professor Snape!" Hermione exclaimed.
"What? How did you find out?" Hagrid asked astounded.
Ron looked at Harry. "You better tell him Harry." Ron said.
Harry took a deep breath and poured his whole story to Hagrid. Harry told him every detail that he had recovered from Snape's memories and that he saw "POTTER" written across her trunk and how he saw Snape and Hecate share a kiss.
"You know more than you should really be knowing Harry." Hagrid said shaking his head.
"Then if I know more than I should Hagrid then tell me more. Make this make sense to me please." Harry said pleading.
"I can't Harry. I promised Iris when she returned that I wouldn't. I also promised your parents long time ago that I would never mention Iris to you." Hagrid said with a heavy heart.
"Hagrid please!" Harry exclaimed. "Is she a relative of mine?" Harry said fuming.
"I made a promise Harry." Hagrid said shaking his head. "You three must be leaving it is getting late." Hagrid said tossing the cloak to his friends. Once they had the invisibility cloak on Hagrid opened the door and off they went.
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After dinner Iris returned to her room and got ready for bed. She put on her favorite purple nightgown. She crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling for a while.
"I can't get to sleep tonight." She said to herself.
She got up and went to her office, which was adjacent to her bedroom. She pulled open the heavy wooden door and stood in the doorway between her bedroom and her office staring at her new home.
"This is the first place that has felt like home in ages. The last time I felt at home anywhere was when I was a student here so long ago. This place holds so many memories for me." She said to herself as she wrapped her arms around herself.
Iris walked over to the fireplace and placed a couple of new logs on the barely glowing embers. She then sat down on the rug in front of the fireplace pulling her legs to her chest and watched the logs ignite into bright orange flames. Iris was so engulfed in her memories and watching the fire burn that she didn't realized a shadowy figure emerge from the doorway of her office.
"Old habits never die do they Iris?" Severus said moving into the light of the fire.
Iris turned in fright to her uninvited night visitor.
"Sev!" Iris exclaimed.
Severus walked over and sat down beside Iris in front of the fireplace. She rested her head on his shoulder and they sat together in silence for a while just watching the fire.
"He is going to find out Iris. The boy is not stupid." Severus said.
Iris lifted her head from his shoulder and looked Severus in the eyes and then turned her gaze back to the fire.
"How'd you know I would be sitting here tonight Sev?" Iris said taking Severus's hand in hers.
Severus laughed at that question. "You know just as well as I do that when you can't sleep you come and sit in front of the fire." He said as he intertwined his fingers with hers.
"But honestly Iris, you can't avoid him looking for the truth." Severus warned her.
"Damn it Sev I know." Iris said dropping his hand from hers and scooting away from him.
"Iris why did you come back here?" Severus asked.
"Dumbledore asked me to that's why." She stated.
"What?" Severus said moving closer to Iris. "What do you mean he asked you to?"
"He knows my background Sev. I can be of help to the Order. I work in the Department of Mysteries for a reason." Iris said bitterly.
"How long have you been in the Order Iris?" Severus asked.
"Several months now." Iris said vaguely. "And yes you are the last to know this Sev." She said looking at him.
Severus just looked at Iris confused.
"Like you Sev I am also a spy." Iris said turning back to the fire.
"But?" Severus stuttered.
"But what Sev?" Iris said coldly. "Can we please drop it Sev? I know what I am doing." She said as she rubbed her left arm through her nightgown.
"Sure Iris, sure." Severus said gingerly kissing her on the lips.
Iris smiled at Severus and then laid her head in his lap and he ran his long fingers through her hair as they both stared quietly at the fire.
A New Beginning
Chapter 3 The new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher
As the purple garbed woman walked towards the head table the rest of the Hogwart's student body watched and wondered who their mysterious new visitor was. Most of the Hogwart's Professors were happy to see her all except for one, Professor Snape. Snape who was sitting at the end of the head table looked on in disbelief. He refused to look at this woman who was walking towards him.
"It just can't be." Snape whispered to himself as his heart leaped into his throat and rage surged through his body.
She walked past him heading towards Professor Dumbledore but for a brief moment the two of them locked eyes and she just smiled at him as she passed him. Professor Snape just sat there dumbfounded by the whole situation he has found himself in.
Professor Snape looked towards the Gryffindor table and caught Harry's eyes. Professor Snape could tell that Harry had recognized her from his memories.
Harry caught Snape's glare and could tell he was livid with anger.
"Ms. Hecate, I am glad to see that you have finally made it." Professor Dumbledore said happily taking her in a warm embrace.
"I am glad to be back Professor!" Ms. Hecate exclaimed hugging Professor Dumbledore back.
"It is Albus now Iris." Dumbledore said with a wink of his eye and a smile on his face.
"Sure thing Albus! That is going to take some getting use to." Iris said laughing.
With the exchange of greetings between the Professor and the visitor the students had started to talk amongst themselves again and enjoying themselves.
"May I have everyone's attention please." Professor Dumbledore said bringing the Great Hall to a silence once again. "I would like to introduce everyone to Ms. Iris Hecate." Dumbledore said eagerly.
All the students in the Great Hall turned their heads or moved so they could get a better look at Ms. Hecate dressed in all purple. You could hear soft mummers around the Great Hall wondering what her purpose to the school would be.
"Good evening everyone." Ms. Hecate said warmly in a soft and silky voice as she looked over the house tables smiling at everyone.
"Everyone, you will be seeing a great deal more of Ms. Hecate over the next few months." Professor Dumbledore continued over the soft mummers of the students. "I would like for everyone to give a warm Hogwart's welcome to your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Hecate." Professor Dumbledore said excitedly as he clapped his hands.
Everyone gave a faint clap for their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Everyone seemed happy to have Professor Hecate here all but one. Professor Snape seemed madder than he has ever been before. Professor Hecate sat down next to Dumbledore and enjoyed a nice piece of chocolate cake and funny conversation with Hagrid who seemed pleased so see her back at Hogwart's. Everyone enjoyed the rest of the festivities and before long students were heading off to their respective common rooms.
Ron, Harry and Hermione were some of the very last students to leave the Great Hall. As they headed out of the Great Hall Harry turned back and saw Professor Hecate advance towards Professor Snape. Harry could tell that Hecate was trying to talk to Snape but Snape just sat there like a statue expressing no emotions at all. Then suddenly he stood up and rushed out of the Great Hall via a side entrance. Harry looked back to Professor Hecate and saw a hurt expression on her face. Harry then turned back around and headed off to catch up to Ron and Hermione.
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Ron, Harry and Hermione had situated themselves around the fireplace once they got back to the Gryffindor's common room. Luckily everyone else was tired and went straight up to bed. Once they knew for sure that they would have the common room to themselves for a while they started talking about tonight's events.
"Harry, are you sure it is the same woman?" Ron asked petting crookshanks whom just jumped into his lap purring.
"Yes!" Harry exclaimed annoyingly. "It has to be. You all both saw how Snape reacted once he realized who it was." Harry said staring into the fire. "He freaked big time." Harry said laughing to himself.
"I'm just not sure Harry." Hermione said questionably. "You said that in Snape's memory her trunk read 'POTTER', right?" Hermione said trying to make sense out of things.
"Yeah." Harry said.
"Well, if she is the same person she is or was married at some point maybe?" Hermione said pondering a thought.
"That would explain the different last name." Ron said as he yawned.
"You think Ron!" Harry said angrily.
"Hey! I am just trying to help Harry." Ron said defensively.
"Will you two please stop it." Hermione said. "There is no point in arguing about this. It is confusing to all of us. So why don't we all head up to bed and we can discuss this later." Hermione said as she got up and headed towards the girl's dormitory. "Night Ron, night Harry." Hermione said as she disappeared up the stairs.
"Good night Hermione." Both boys called out to her as they themselves head up to bed.
"Sorry about earlier Ron." Harry whispered as they entered their dorm room not wanting to wake up the other occupants.
"It's all right mate. Don't worry about." Ron said as he undressed and crawled in to bed.
Harry crawled into bed pulling the drapes around his bed closed. He laid there wondering just who Professor Iris Hecate was and what kind of relationship she had with Snape. But the biggest question he had on his mind was she a relative of his. All these questions ran through his mind as he slipped into another night of restless sleep.
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"It is great to be at Hogwart's!" Iris thought to herself as she looked around her new office.
She sat down on the floor in front of the fireplace and pulled a box in front of her and began emptying it of its contents. There lay before her were photos of her family, friends and old school pictures back when she was a student here. Her eyes scanned over all the photos on the floor and smiled as all the people in the photos waved back at her smiling. Her eyes caught one picture in particular and she picked it up and gazed over it and touching the glass gingerly. It was of her and Severus. They were sitting under a tree outside by the lake. They were happy and laughing together and enjoying time spent together. "I think this was taken during our 6th year." Iris recalled to herself. "I remember now, Lily Evans cousin James' friend took the picture of us in secret and gave it to me as a Christmas present." "Lily was a true sweetheart." Iris thought to herself. "Such a sad, sad story about her and James." She thought to herself with sorrow filling up her heart. Iris sat there for a few moments thinking about things of the past then got up picking up all her framed photos and clutching them against her chest she then placed all on the mantel above the fireplace.
"It is starting to feel a little like home now." She thought happily to herself. Looking at a clock that laid on several unpacked boxes Iris realized just how late it was. "Gosh I must get to bed I've got classes tomorrow!" She headed to a door in the back corner of her office and she was off to bed. As she laid her head down on her soft fluffy pillow Severus crossed her thoughts. "Will he ever talk to me? We have so much unfinished business between us." As she sighed to herself and closed her eyes.
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"I can't wait till we get to Defense Against the Dark Arts today!" Hermione exclaimed sitting down for lunch in the Great Hall. "It has been so long since we have had a proper teacher for that class." Hermione said as she poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice.
"I've asked other students who have had her class already today and they're not saying much." Harry said. "All they will tell me is 'you have to experience it for yourself mate.'" Harry said anxiously. "Last time someone told me that we had Professor Moody..Barty, hell whoever it was and you saw where that lead." Harry said as he grimaced about that thought.
"Maybe she'll turn Malfoy into a goldfish and we can let Crookshanks have a go at him." Ron said laughing so hard that pumpkin juice can squirting out his nose.
Ron and Harry carried on about what kind of things they would love to see happen to Malfoy. Hermione just sat there studying and occasionally laughing at what they were coming up with.
"Quit it you to." Hermione said. "Let's go, class will be starting up shortly and we don't want to miss anything new."
"You miss anything new Hermione I think not. You've already read the book forwards and backwards." Ron said mockingly.
Hermione just glared at Ron. She grabbed her books and was out the Great Hall. Ron and Harry took after her laughing hysterically.
The three of them reached the classroom and entered and took their usual spots in the back of the classroom.
"Hermione we are sorry." Ron said holding back his laughter and Harry just sat there trying to not laugh also.
Hermione just glared at him and grabbed her book and placed on her desk. She was about to say something rude to Ron but all of the sudden the room got quiet. Ron, Harry and Hermione brought their attention to the front of the classroom. Harry noticed that Professor Hecate had walked in and was just standing in front of the class smiling at everyone. Today she was dressed in pale yellow robes. Then Harry saw that several of the other students in the class kept on looking back and forth at him and Professor Hecate. Harry turned to Ron and Hermione to ask them a question but they were doing the same staring back and forth at him and Hecate but their mouths were open.
"What?" Harry asked confused.
"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed.
"What?" Harry said getting annoyed.
"You look like Professor Hecate!" Ron said confusingly as he looked back and forth between him and the Professor.
Harry could hear faint mummers of agreement from his fellow classmates over Ron's statement.
Harry turned back to Professor Hecate. All he saw was a woman with short and spiky hair with purple streaks dressed in pale yellow robes. "Ok so the hair is kind of untidy like mine." Harry thought to himself. "She is wearing glasses but I am not the only one at school who does." But deep down inside Harry knew that Professor Hecate reminded him of his Dad but he didn't want to admit it to himself let alone anyone else.
"You two are mad!" Harry exclaimed and turned to face the front of the classroom.
"Ok everyone, please settle down now." Professor Hecate said drawing the attention of the class back to her.
Everyone got quiet and turned to face Professor Hecate.
"Good afternoon everyone." Hecate warmly said. "I am Professor Iris Hecate and of course you are already aware that I am your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Professor Hecate said as she sat on the top of her desk.
"Today is going to be the only free day you will receive in this class." She said looking around the classroom.
She laughed out loud when she heard the class moan. Everyone looked at her in astonishment.
"Don't worry." Professor Hecate said smiling. "It won't be that bad. I've looked at all the material you have covered over that past several years and just recently and you are moving along nicely." She said. "We will have to do a little catching up though. I looked over what you covered last year and you all didn't get very far." Professor Hecate said picking up a piece of parchment paper and scanning its contents.
Hermione huffed at the thought of last year's class with that Umbridge woman.
"Before I tell you what I expect out of everyone this term I think it is only fair to tell you all a little about myself."
Everyone in classes perked up in anticipation about hearing about their new teacher. Professor Hecate laughed once again and gave the class a warm smile. Her smile was contagious because everyone in the room seems to be smiling along with her.
"First off I am a former student of Hogwart's and my house was Slytherin." Hecate said surveying the class and taking in everyone's reaction. Knowing that everyone might not take to a Slytherin teaching the Dark Arts class she continued anyway.
Harry looked over at Ron and Hermione with a shocked look on his face. Ron and Hermione looked just as shocked and confused as Harry did.
"I've worked with the Ministry of Magic for the past 16 years. Boy it has been a while now." Hecate said laughing which the whole class joined in on. "But before I started with the Ministry I did some independent work in my field of study." Hecate said. "Once I had completed my independent studies I was an Auror for several years during the time of He-Who-Must-Not- Be-Named. After his defeat I was placed in the Department of Mysteries. I am proficient in Occlumency and Legilimency." Professor Hecate said as she got more comfortable sitting on top of her desk. "Of course I have a vast knowledge and experience with the Dark Arts." She said as a somber expression came across her fair face. She shook her head of bad thoughts and then continued. "That is all I am allowed to say to you all. Since most of my time has been spent with the Department of Mysteries I am not allowed to say anymore. Ok! Now if anyone has any questions please ask but if not I will start explaining what we will be covering." Professor Hecate said as she hopped down from her desk and made her way to the blackboard.
Hermione raised her hand "Excuse me Professor Hecate."
"Yes, Miss." Professor Hecate said smiling at Hermione.
"Hermione Granger." Hermione said.
"Oh! Miss. Granger I have heard good things about you!" Professor Hecate exclaimed. Hermione blushed at her statement. "I'm sorry Hermione please continue." She said leaning up against the blackboard.
"I was just wondering..If you don't mine me asking..Are you married?" Hermione said curiously.
"As a matter of fact no I not married." Professor Hecate said smiling at Hermione. "In my line of work any kind of social life is basically non- existent."
"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed looking over at Harry.
Harry knew what Hermione was trying to find out. Hermione was just trying to find out about her different last name since it is very different than what Harry saw in Snape's memory not to long ago.
"It is alright Miss. Granger." Professor Hecate smiling once again. "Now if there aren't any more questions I will continue with today's lesson." She said as she turned towards the blackboard and tapped it with her wand. Once she tapped the blackboard with her wand several words appeared to magically write themselves across the board.
"As you all can see I will be covering Occlumency and Legilimency with you. But let me stress this now. I will only be discussing these topics and showing you very basic ways to repel them. These two spells are very advanced but I have heard good things about this class and I am pretty sure you can handle tough subjects." She said looking at all her students. "Here a few other subjects we will be coving this term." Professor Hecate said as she tapped the blackboard once again. "Now for homework. Please it is not that bad." She said laughing at all the groaning. "I just want everyone to skim over the subjects listed on the board because at our next class meeting be expected to start right away. We have lots of ground to cover. Now with that being said you are all excused early and may head to your next class." Professor Hecate said as she left through the door she entered through at the beginning of class.
"James he looks so much like you!" Professor Hecate said to herself thinking about her cousin James Potter.
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"It is about time we had a proficient teacher for our Dark Arts class." Malfoy said arrogantly. "My father said it was about time Dumbledore finally got a Slytherin to teach our Dark Arts class." Malfoy said to a table full of Slytherins. "My father remembers Professor Hecate quite well as a matter of fact. He said that when she first enrolled at Hogwart's she went by a different last name but a couple of years later she changed it." Malfoy said shrugging of this bit of information.
Malfoy was talking loud enough for Ron, Harry and Hermione could hear him talk about their new teacher. Ron, Harry and Hermione paid closer attention to what followed.
"Did he just say she changed her last name!" Ron exclaimed.
"Shhhh." Hermione hissed trying to hear more of Malfoy's conversation.
"My father also informed me that she was second best in potions next to Professor Snape of course. He also said Snape and Hecate spent a lot of time together studying and pouring over Dark Art books before they where banned." Malfoy said eyeing the Gryffindor table.
"Great." Harry said sighed shaking his head.
"We can't believe anything Malfoy says Harry." Hermione said looking at the Slytherin table in disgust. "Yes we do know that she was a Slytherin and had a possible thing with Snape but that doesn't mean she followed the same path the he did long ago." Hermione said.
Harry looked up at Hermione and smiled "You may be right Hermione, you just might be right." "But there is only one way to truly find out if you are right or not Hermione." Harry said with a curious look on his face.
"Harry what are you thinking?" Hermione asked questioning her friend's intentions.
"I say we go and see Hagrid tonight. If anyone knows something he should surely be one." Harry said looking at Ron and Hermione.
Ron grinned at the thought of sneaking out tonight to see Hagrid but Hermion just shook her head in disgust knowing that she couldn't stop him but also at the fact she couldn't pass up the opportunity either.
"Look her she comes now!" Ron exclaimed.
The three of them turned their heads and saw Professor Hecate walk into the Great Hall. Everyone in the Great Hall turned their heads toward the doorway. By now the fact that Harry and Professor Hecate resembled each other had gotten around school by the time Ron, Harry and Hermione reached the Great Hall for dinner that night. Harry then saw several students do double takes between him and Professor Hecate.
"Let's get out of here. I am really not in the mood for being stared at tonight." Harry said feeling everyone stare at him.
Ron, Harry and Hermione got up and ran right into Professor Hecate.
"Where are the three of you rushing off to in such a hurry?" Professor asked innocently.
"Umm.off to the library to do a little bit of studying for your class Professor." Hermione stammered not looking at Professor Hecate.
"Good. Good. Well be off now." Professor Hecate said smiling at her three new students.
"Bye." The three of them called over their shoulders as they headed out the Great Hall and back up to Gryffindor's common room.
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"Good evening Professor Hecate." Malfoy said calling the Professor's attention to him.
Professor Hecate walked over to the Slytherin table and stood between Crabbe and Goyle and Malfoy was sitting across from his two friends.
"Good evening boys." Professor Hecate said placing her hands on Crabbe and Goyle's shoulders.
"I really enjoyed your class today Professor Hecate. I am looking forward to the material we are going to cover this term." Malfoy said in a sickly charming manner.
"Glad to hear that Draco." Hecate said smiling down at him.
Grabbe and Goyle just sat there stifling their laughter.
Professor Hecate saw that Snape was sitting by himself at the end of the head table.
"Well, you three have a good night." Professor Hecate said as she walked towards the head table.
"Night Professor Hecate!" Malfoy called out loud enough that it echoed through out the Great Hall.
Professor Hecate sat down next to Snape and helped herself to some roasted chicken. They ate in silence for a while not evening looking at each other.
"You are putting yourself into a dangerous situation talking to Draco Malfoy woman." Severus said in a low growl not looking at Iris.
"Yes that is true but sitting here with you is equally as dangerous don't you think Severus." Iris whispered back to him.
"You shouldn't have come back here Iris. You just don't know what is going on right now. This is not the time or place for you to be here." Snape said angrily.
"I'm not that sweet and innocent little girl back when we were students here Severus. YOU should know better than to assume I don't know what is going on at all times. " Hecate said bitterly. "You've seen what I can do and what I can be Severus." She hissed.
Professor Snape turned and glared at Hecate. Snape threw down his napkin and stormed out the Great Hall.
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"Won't they just go up to bed now." Ron moaned quietly waiting for the common room to empty out.
"Just be patient Ron." Hermione urged.
Ron and Hermione continued to play their game of wizard's chess and Harry sat in a chair in front of the fireplace pretending to study but all the while he was sitting on top of his Dad's old invisibility cloak.
After a few hours of waiting and many games of wizard's chess Harry, Ron and Hermione were finally able to sneak out.
"Quit stepping on my heels Ron!" Hermione hissed.
"Shhhh! We are almost outside!" Harry exclaimed.
Ron, Harry and Hermione made it out past the great oak doors and were now hurrying down to Hagrid's hut. Harry reached a hand out from under the invisibility cloak and knocked on Hagrid's door and Fang started barking at once.
"Back you blasted dog!" Hagrid bellowed.
Hagrid opened the door cautiously. "Who goes there?" He asked into the night air.
"It's us Hagrid." Harry whispered.
"Shoulda known. Come on get in before you draw attention to yurselves." Hagrid said quietly.
Harry, Ron and Hermione rushed in and once Hagrid had the door closed they took off the invisibility cloak.
"What can I do for you three this evening?" Hagrid said smiling down at his friends.
"We have a few questions for you." Hermione said sitting down next to Ron and Harry.
"Shoulda guess." Hagrid said laughing. "So ask away Hermione." Hagrid said sitting down in his large armchair next to the fire.
"Who exactly is Professor Iris Hecate, Hagrid?" Hermione said eyeing Hagrid.
"Oh!" Hagrid said startled by the question. "Umm.what do you mean Hermione?" Hagrid said avoiding the question.
"She was a student here while you were here wasn't she?" Harry piped in.
Hagrid just sat there staring back and forth at Harry, Ron and Hermione.
"Yeah, she was." Hagrid said as he petted Fang on the head.
"Then you know who she is right?" Hermione said.
"Yeah." Hagrid grunted annoyingly.
"Then you can tell us who she is Hagrid." Harry said anxiously.
"Yeah I can but I won't. It is not my place to be telling you about Iris's past." Hagrid said heatedly.
"Past?" Hermione questioned Hagrid.
"Don't go reading between the lines Hermione." Hagrid said.
"We know her last name use to be Potter and that she had something going on with Professor Snape!" Hermione exclaimed.
"What? How did you find out?" Hagrid asked astounded.
Ron looked at Harry. "You better tell him Harry." Ron said.
Harry took a deep breath and poured his whole story to Hagrid. Harry told him every detail that he had recovered from Snape's memories and that he saw "POTTER" written across her trunk and how he saw Snape and Hecate share a kiss.
"You know more than you should really be knowing Harry." Hagrid said shaking his head.
"Then if I know more than I should Hagrid then tell me more. Make this make sense to me please." Harry said pleading.
"I can't Harry. I promised Iris when she returned that I wouldn't. I also promised your parents long time ago that I would never mention Iris to you." Hagrid said with a heavy heart.
"Hagrid please!" Harry exclaimed. "Is she a relative of mine?" Harry said fuming.
"I made a promise Harry." Hagrid said shaking his head. "You three must be leaving it is getting late." Hagrid said tossing the cloak to his friends. Once they had the invisibility cloak on Hagrid opened the door and off they went.
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After dinner Iris returned to her room and got ready for bed. She put on her favorite purple nightgown. She crawled into bed and stared at the ceiling for a while.
"I can't get to sleep tonight." She said to herself.
She got up and went to her office, which was adjacent to her bedroom. She pulled open the heavy wooden door and stood in the doorway between her bedroom and her office staring at her new home.
"This is the first place that has felt like home in ages. The last time I felt at home anywhere was when I was a student here so long ago. This place holds so many memories for me." She said to herself as she wrapped her arms around herself.
Iris walked over to the fireplace and placed a couple of new logs on the barely glowing embers. She then sat down on the rug in front of the fireplace pulling her legs to her chest and watched the logs ignite into bright orange flames. Iris was so engulfed in her memories and watching the fire burn that she didn't realized a shadowy figure emerge from the doorway of her office.
"Old habits never die do they Iris?" Severus said moving into the light of the fire.
Iris turned in fright to her uninvited night visitor.
"Sev!" Iris exclaimed.
Severus walked over and sat down beside Iris in front of the fireplace. She rested her head on his shoulder and they sat together in silence for a while just watching the fire.
"He is going to find out Iris. The boy is not stupid." Severus said.
Iris lifted her head from his shoulder and looked Severus in the eyes and then turned her gaze back to the fire.
"How'd you know I would be sitting here tonight Sev?" Iris said taking Severus's hand in hers.
Severus laughed at that question. "You know just as well as I do that when you can't sleep you come and sit in front of the fire." He said as he intertwined his fingers with hers.
"But honestly Iris, you can't avoid him looking for the truth." Severus warned her.
"Damn it Sev I know." Iris said dropping his hand from hers and scooting away from him.
"Iris why did you come back here?" Severus asked.
"Dumbledore asked me to that's why." She stated.
"What?" Severus said moving closer to Iris. "What do you mean he asked you to?"
"He knows my background Sev. I can be of help to the Order. I work in the Department of Mysteries for a reason." Iris said bitterly.
"How long have you been in the Order Iris?" Severus asked.
"Several months now." Iris said vaguely. "And yes you are the last to know this Sev." She said looking at him.
Severus just looked at Iris confused.
"Like you Sev I am also a spy." Iris said turning back to the fire.
"But?" Severus stuttered.
"But what Sev?" Iris said coldly. "Can we please drop it Sev? I know what I am doing." She said as she rubbed her left arm through her nightgown.
"Sure Iris, sure." Severus said gingerly kissing her on the lips.
Iris smiled at Severus and then laid her head in his lap and he ran his long fingers through her hair as they both stared quietly at the fire.