Chapter 2 class in session
Harry's first night in Hogwarts as a teacher was an eventful one. Remus dragged him to the Hogs End where they were joined by Fluer and Susan for butterbeers. The happily discussed what they were all planning to do over the next year. Harry did not say anything about what he was going to teach only that Albus knew and had approved of it. That got a few odd looks from the girls but they said nothing more on the topic. The group returned to Hogwarts late that evening. A very inebriated Remus and Harry were dragged through the gates of Hogwarts. Harry vaguely remembered a snickering Fluer and Susan talking about how both Remus and Harry were cute happy drunks. Harry woke up in the early morning and conjured a potion that removed hangovers. He remembered that Remus must also have a nasty hangover and got out of bed and showered and dressed. He put on a set of his last nice robes that were green with silver trim. He looked at his wardrobe in dismay and thought to himself. Ok got to go to Diagon alley today.
Harry left his quarters and roamed around until he found Remus's chambers. Harry knocked loudly to make sure that the werewolf was awake. As soon as he did, he regretted it. If Remus had a hangover anything like Harry's, the noise must have hurt. Plus the fact the Remus was a werewolf with increased hearing. wouldn't help much either. As soon as the last thought came to his head the door open. Remus had large bags under his eyes and he simply glared at Harry. Harry refused to let himself laugh and produced a the potion he used to get rid of his headache. Remus took it and gave the vial back to Harry. Remus still just stared at him. Harry was confused and asked, "Um, did the potion not work?"
Remus just stared at him still shooting daggers at the young wizard. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"
Harry smiled and said in a chipper mood, "Seven o'clock!"
Remus grumbled something about the stupidity of James for having an early riser son. Then the door slammed in Harry's face. Harry laughed realizing that Remus was going back to bed. Harry went down to the hall to eat breakfast. There were no house tables out, only the staff one. Harry noticed that each spot has a designated seat for each position in the staff. Harry never really noticed but the staff had always sat in the same spots. Even the new DADA teachers had always sat in the same spot, when it was impossible for the new professor to know where the previous one sat. That thought just made his mind stumble for a moment. Gah, the students are going to be calling me professor… I can't stand being called Mr. The hall will be filled with students tonight and Harry shook off the thought. He was looking forward to tonight if only to sit at the head table. When he finished eating, Susan and Fluer had come in to eat their breakfast. They both smiled at him and he returned the gesture, causing both to blush slightly. He walked over to the pair, "Good morning ladies, I trust you two slept better than Remus and I." Susan laughed along with Fluer. Both said they slept well.
"We didn't think you would be so heavy." teased Susan. "Its obvious that you have been living on your own if you been letting yourself go like that." Susan sat down in her spot at the table and Fluer sat down next to her.
Harry scoffed playfully. "I will have you know that there is not an ounce of fat below my neck."
Fluer smiled and said, "Well I am sorry that its all floating in your head then."
"Hey!"
The girls laughed again and began to eat. Harry didn't know what he was supposed to do today and asked Fluer, "Fluer, you been teaching for three years now, what do you do before school comes into session? I am kinda idle and wonder if I should do anything."
Fluer swallowed her food and wiped her mouth with a dainty cloth. "I uzually have to prepare potion ingredients. I make several potions for Susan over here to use over the year. You would be surprised over how accident prone some children are." Her eyes held that teasing air and Susan laughed along with Harry. "I check my lesson plans…" Fluer interrupted her self and asked. "Do you have lesson plans?" She took a bite out of her toast and was looking thoughtful to Harry being a teacher.
"Er-" Harry didn't say anything. He didn't have any plans. But Harry did not feel lesson plans would be necessary for what he was going to teach. "I have an idea on how I am going to teach things, something like that you mean?"
Susan smiled then looked to Fluer. "Harry has been teaching the D.A. for three years when we were in school. I am sure he will be fine teaching the little monsters." She smiled at Harry who felt like he was going to melt.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence Susan. Well I seriously need to go shopping. I have not bought any robes for over four and a half years. And they all kinda fit tight. " Harry turned away and was about to say his good bye when he heard two forks clatter against the plates. Crap, I really have to learn how to shut up. Harry looked back over his shoulders looking at the two girls who just thought their Christmas has come early. "Are you two ok?" he asked innocently.
Fluer and Susan looked at each other. Harry ran as they pulled their wands. He laughed dodging incoming spells easily. Harry saw Susan wave her fist for him to stop moving so fast so they can freeze him properly. They finally caught him in a corner and casted the petrifaction spell. Harry was frozen in mid step on the opposite end of the Staff dining table. Harry managed to move his eyes enough to see the two finish their food quietly. Both looked over to Harry and smiled.
The girls would take turns telling him, "We will be done in a moment and go with you." "Sorry about that, just one second." "I don't think he would look good in gold." "Silver and Green does look good on him." Harry just sighed and thought to himself that he was an idiot for a number of things. Of course it didn't help when a certain headmaster came walking in and saw the spectacle with an amused expression. Harry was just thankful it was only those three.
When it didn't look like either of the two ladies were going to end soon. It actually looked like they had forgotten about him, he casted the counter spell on himself. The girls looked up in surprise when he shattered the spell. "Sorry girls, but I was getting a cramp." Harry rotated his arms and looked over to Albus who sat there smiling. The headmaster looked over to the two girls then continued to eat his breakfast. When Harry walked next to the two ladies, he check to make sure the curse hadn't responded to spell he was caught under. Harry was please his containment spell was doing its job hold Voldemorts' curse. "If you two ladies are finished, would you like to accompany me to Diagon Alley for some shopping?" Harry gave them his most radiant smile. The two professors couldn't help but laugh and gracefully took him up on his offer.
"Well of course handsome sir, we gladly accept your offer to go shopping with you." Said Susan. She stood from the table and curtsied.
Fluer followed suit and went a step further to show him her hand. Harry being the 'noble gentleman' that he was, took her hand and kissed it. Both Professors acted like a couple of young teenagers when they giggled to themselves.
Harry glared at the two ladies. The girls both grabbed an arm and dragged Harry to Hogsmeade to floo to Diagon Alley.
Harry stepped out of the Leaky Cauldron back entrance and stopped in front of the wall. He stood their for a few seconds. Susan saw him revert back to the broody young man she new when she finally said, "Come on James, its not as bad as you think it will be. Nothings changed."
Harry nodded but tugged a tuff of his hair over his invisible scar before he pressed his hand against the familiar pattern of bricks. The gate opened and Harry walked in looking around as if it was his first time. Fluer and Susan looked at him wondering if it was such a good idea to come here. Neither of them thought that it would be such a trial for him. Fluer grabbed his elbow and said, "Come Jamez. We can walk around until you get comfortable here." Harry nodded and was led around the Alley by Fluer and Susan. Each took him to a shop that was their favorite.
Fluer took him to a book store that specialized in imported books from around the world. Fluer showed him books that she wish she could afford on potions and Harry slowly began to unwind. Harry looked at the book she held to him. It was a book of potions around the world. It held information of how to acquire several ingredients for each potion that would be next to impossible to find without the aid of the book. Harry gapped at the price. It had cost well over five hundred galleons.
"Five hundred and seventy galleons?" He whistled at the price. Fluer was embarrassed for a moment and nodded. Harry saw her look at it longingly after he placed it back on the shelf. Without thinking about what he was saying he asked, "When is your birthday?"
Fluer looked up mortified for a few seconds before she stammered out, "N-No! You can't. Besides it was actually two weeks ago." She flushed when she realized she should have just said no and left it at that.
Harry smiled at the older woman. "Then consider it a late Birthday present. Besides I owe you for the past four birthdays I missed. But I'll need to stop at Gringotts first. And you better take the book young lady." He added imitating Minerva. Fluer laughed and finally agreed. Susan whistled at the generosity and tugged him to follow her to her favorite store. Harry saw it and started laughing. Susan flushed and dragged him inside before he could launch a protest. It was a store that sold female muggle clothes. Harry felt suddenly embarrassed when was dragged through the ladies personal wear and to the back where there were many beautiful dresses. Harry smiled as she went through several dresses to give Fluer and Harry a private fashion show. Fluer cheered the ones she liked and shouted playful remarks when Susan come out with a dress that did not fit well on her. Susan huffed and ran back into the fitting room. Harry felt a few more knots in his stomach loosen as he laughed with Fluer over the fashion show. Fluer new what Susan was leading up to for some time now and her eyes were dancing when Susan finally came out wearing a dress that she new Harry would have liked.
Harry was in mid sentence when he cut himself off staring at Susan in the next dress. The dress was made of blue silk that stopped half way down her calves and had lacing silver ribbons that wrapped around her frame and stopped at her shoulders only to go down the sleeves that stopped at her elbows. The neckline was cut to a modest length and only emphasized Susan's features. She looked at Harry and smiled when he just stared at her in shock.
Harry was awe struck. Before he realized it he was on his feat and was in front of her. "You look amazing in this." He said quietly. He turned her around and saw the back was cut down enough to reveal her shoulder blades but no much farther. The silver ribbons wrapped around the bare part of her back to the shoulders. Harry numbly looked over to Fluer who was trying very hard not to laugh at Harry.
"I think we have a winner here James." She winked at him.
"Yeah." He said after another look at her. "I would like to buy this for you if only I can have another opportunity to see you in this if that is alright?" Susan wrapped her arms around him shouting a thank you before planting a kiss on him which seemed to make him stare at her more dazed. Both girls laughed and Susan went back to change into her robes.
Harry and Fluer followed her to the register where she asked if they could hold the dress for her. The store clerk gawked at the dress she told her to hang onto and nodded looking as dazed as Harry. As they were walking to Gringots Harry asked, "So is the dress more or less expensive than the book I am getting Fluer?" Susan playfully hit his shoulder.
"How dare you think we are taking advantage of you! And its one hundred galleons more than Fluers book."
Harry laughed at that and was calmly led to the wizarding bank. Once he reached the clerk he asked to make a with drawl, the three were in a cart and out again a few minutes later at his personal vault. Harry got an enchanted money pouch out and filled it with enough sickles for the purchases plus several times that for the shopping that the girls had planned for him. When they left Susan asked quietly, "Do you ever need to work to make a living?" Fluer huddled with the two so she could hear as well.
"Nope, with the Potters fortune, the Black fortune and my mothers own investments, I don't think I would ever need to work if I lived to be five hundred." He smiled at them.
Susan took the opening and said, "So you plan on leaving nothing for your children? You selfish little toad!" Harry only made a face at her before leading them into a robe store.
Harry was measured by several different tailors. Harry just took it in as the two girls happily discussed what he would look good in and what wouldn't work for his eyes as both a blued brown haired man and as a black haired green eyed man. The two girls were in their element as several robes were made tested then discarded. After several attempts to gauge what colors would work best, they settled for Harry to have two dress robes, one black with silver trim and the other blue with black trim this one they happily declared would match Susans dress. Harry promptly flushed and mumbled "that's nice".
The girls then chose four casual robes. One gray with blue accents to the shoulders and waist, one green robe with gold trim around the sleeves only, a third robe was made of a spelled silk and was a solid maroon and the fourth was a teal robe with black accents across the back. The girls happily told Harry that he looked best in this one. Harry, who was already tired from the two hours being a dress up doll, just took their word for it. Harry was then dragged to several other stores. One was a vest shop where he acquired four vest that matched the robes. The next store was a shoe store where Harry had to take off his year old sneakers to try on some dress shoes, everyday shoes, and casual wear shoes. Harry was talked into buying the two dress shoes, one black and one a brown tan, one pair of casual wear shoes, those being a off shade of brown, then two soft every day shoes, one white, and one a dark brown. Harry was exhausted by 2 p.m. He had just spent over 700 galleons on clothes that he really didn't think he needed. Harry had just planed on going and getting a few black robes and maybe a pair of new shoes. Not the whole wardrobe that Fluer and Susan chose for him. Even if the money didn't dent in his family fortune, Harry liked to live frugally. Harry sighed inwardly to himself. He knew it was his own fault for not saying anything about the purchases.
The girls and Harry had a late lunch back in Hogsmeade then talked animatedly over what they had been doing since Harry had last saw them. Much to Harry's guilt, Susan never saw anyone else. She continued her training as a field medic, and graduated from her medical training a year after Harry left at St. Mungo's. She got the job as Hogwarts nurse the same year as Fluer had taken over the Potions position. Fluer herself was in the middle of writing another paper to be published over the long term side effects of wolfs bane potion.
"Are there side effects to wolfs bane potion?" Asked Harry when he had heard her news.
"Yez," Harry smiled, he noticed that her accent was almost nonexistent until she was eagerly talking as fast as she was now. "There are quite a few, but since werewolvez heal so fast after a transformation, many werewolvez don't notice it. There iz also a slow change in the body chemistry, that makes other werewolvez who don't take the potion attack the werewolvez that do take it. Since wolfs bane potion has been freely distributed now through the ministry now, there has been a few conflicts like that arising."
Harry raised an eyebrow as they passed Zonkos'. "The Ministry is providing wolfs bane potion?"
Susan smiled smugly. "You can thank Hermione for that one. It was one of the first laws she passed. And the accidental biting's by werewolves have gone down by over forty percent. It was a big victory when it passed."
Harry smiled. "I am glad she is doing something that she can say she is making a difference."
Susan laughed at that. Harry asked her why when she finally calmed down. "Sorry, but she told me once, that the reason she is working so hard is so you can come back and give her the opportunity to hex you for leaving without a word." Susan stuck her tongue out at the last few words.
Harry shook his head, torn between being morose and laughter. Harry believed that is exactly how he expected Hermione to act. Though becoming Minister was a rather large leap in order for her to get to that goal.
"Well, I believe that the Hogwarts Exprezz will be coming in soon, we should get back now." Fluer looked to Remus who stood outside waiting for the first years to come in. He was surprised when Hagrid wasn't on the list of teachers until Albus explained that since he had negotiated with the Giants for so long, he became the Giants liaison. Remus volunteered to fill the role escorting the first years across the lake. Harry waved to him and Remus called back, "James, don't be late to the dinner tonight, Minerva threanted the staff with helpful hives if we are a minute late."
The girls remembered the old threat Minerva gave anyone who did something really bad and laughed along with Remus. Harry didn't get it. The girls explained on the way to the castle. "In the first month that we started working here, there was a problem with the students. They all got sick with weird symptoms like hives." said Susan as she recalled what happened. "Well, Minerva found that it was actually a new Weezely invention that had gone horribly wrong. Apparently the batch was supposed to give the person who ate them those symptoms to skive off classes. But unfortunately for the school, the batch was defective and the illness spread like a real one. Minerva contacted Fred and George personally and they received a fair telling off about the irresponsible things that could have happened if they didn't pay attention to what they made. Well the telling off was along the lines of Minerva confiscating the twos' wands and forcing the defective candy down the twins throats. The students dubbed the defective candy 'helpful hives'. Minerva went into detail of how she would lock the two out of their Shop after casting a burning spell on them, which is also their home by the way, and they would have to run through Diagon Alley to the fountain to cool off, and if they ran buck naked she wouldn't feel sorry for them. Fred and George promptly headed over to Hogwarts and reverse the spells on the student body. They also gave each student a written apology over the matter. The students thought it was a laugh riot when they found out that a Weasley product has came back to haunt them."
Harry just shook his head and smiled. Fluer interrupted then, "But Suzan didn't menzion the best part." Harry turned then. "Well Minerva's threat was such a good idea to the twinz that they ran and did it anyway." The three laughed together.
"So they streaked through the entire length of Diagon Alley?" Harry was laughing hard. The building that they took, six years ago, as their shop was on the far side of Diagon Alley well away from fountain. It must have been torture to be itching that much.
"Oh yes, when they cooled down enough in the fountain they proudly stood up and pulled out a stand selling the new helpful hives right there on the spot, still butt naked and itching from the hives." Harry laughed harder.
"After two hourz a few aurorz appeared and ordered them to go and put on zome clothez. When they wouldn't the aurorz were too squeamish to touch the two guyz while they were naked. When the two sold all the helpful hivez they had with them, they walked proudly back to their shop and put back on their clothes."
Susan lead the way to the courtyard of Hogwarts when she said, "Well since those two have done it, its now tradition for whoever takes a helpful hive has to streak through a public space."
She winked at Harry who shivered. Then he thought back to Minerva's threat. "Ooo… that's evil. Has she made any one actually do it?" He asked merrily.
"No, but she does make the threat to the students. She will never do it though. There are too many laws she would have to break. That doesn't stop a daring student though. Three guys have run through dinner to much cheering from the guys and whistling from the girls in the past three years." Harry shook his head. Susan decided to lay one more idea in Harry's head then said, "I remember Albus said he would love to do it someday." Harry stopped in mid step. He looked at both of them as they were suppressing giggles.
"O.k. that was definitely too much information." Harry walked ahead of them and into the castle.
They shouted after him still laughing, "Aww come on Jamez! Think of it! Albus running in the buff!"
Harry didn't dare stop as he ran to his room, the last thing he heard was Susan shouting after him, "Come on! You know we all were always wondering how he can run so fast. Bet he has the legs of a stallion!"
TLTLTLTLTLTLTL
Harry arrived for the feast with plenty of time to spare and ignored the two snickering lady professors that sat near him. Albus came through the side entrance and leaned forward next to Harry, "I have set everything up for the list of students who will be invited to your first class. Please try and not scare them on your first day." His eyes twinkled at that but continued. "I have placed the list of students in your room with several thoughts I wrote down about those students. I also made a note about the special student." Harry smiled and nodded. "The students who will be invited, will be informed tomorrow morning at breakfast. And the first class is scheduled at 7 p.m. tomorrow evening," Harry nodded. Albus smiled and went to his seat where he began a conversation with Minerva.
Harry finally got a good look at the students and was surprised at how young they all looked. He remembered the children in his own neighbor hood and realized a lot of them were old enough to be close to being in between first years and fifth years. He noticed a few students looked up at him and quickly back to their table when they saw him looking right back. Harry was alarmed to see that there were a few young ladies who saw him in a way that he didn't make him feel comfortable. Closest to him was the Ravenclaw table where a few girls giggled over the "cute new teacher". Harry suppressed a groan. He looked over to Susan and Fleur who no doubt noticed the whole spectacle and were now showing amazing self control over not laughing out loud. Harry looked back to his empty plate and sighed.
Remus sat down next to him and said, "What's wrong James?"
Harry pointed a quick finger to the groups of girls talking about him in each table. One group looked at him at the same time and squealed with delight. Remus looked at the group that just made the noise and laughed. "Get used to it. That comes with the territory. You wouldn't' believe what I had to put up with when I got here in your third year. Specially the seventh years. The most forward girls I have ever seen." Harry couldn't help but smile at this. He was glad it just wasn't him and took a small comfort that Remus had this problem too. Wait a tic. "Remus do you still get this?" Harry asked quietly. The students were just barely getting settled and Albus was giving a few words.
Remus blushed, "Every single year." He finished lamely. It was Harry's turn to laugh.
Just then, the first years were walking in. Harry looked over to the group and was startled to see one a boy he knew among the group. Uh-oh. Harry saw the boy look right at him. He was about to say something to the boy next to him until Harry interfered. Mathew. He thought to the boy. The bow jerked his head back up to Harry. Mathew walked with the group but didn't hear what Minerva was saying. I am glad to see that you are indeed a wizard, however, I am not known here as Harry Potter. Please don't speak that I am. It could make things very hard for me and I would appreciate the help with this. The boy nodded still in awe. Thank you. My name here is James Dursley. You are welcome to say you know me but only through that name. Good luck with the sorting.
Just then Minerva said, "Andrews, Mathew." Mathew snapped out of his stupor and walked up to stool and sat down. The hat promptly shouted "Ravenclaw!"
The cheer from the Ravenclaw table drew Mathew to it. He looked back at Harry for a moment before nodding. A few asked if he knew the new professor and replied that James lived in his neighborhood. Harry smiled and returned back to Remus who was looking at him funny. Harry gave a start. "Er- sorry, the boy knew who I was. Had to tell him not to say anything." Remus raised his eyebrow but didn't say anything else. The sorting finished and Harry noticed the number of first years. There were well over sixty. Then he really looked at the house tables. They were far longer than when he attended the school. "Remus why is the student body so huge now?" There were well over five hundred students. There were almost three times the normal number of students than when he was in attendance at Hogwarts.
Remus smiled. "Think of the time frame right now."
Harry gave it a moments thought before he said, "Right, Voldemort would have fallen the first time and a few years for people to start families again…" Harry saw the crowd and realized it must be the equivalent of the American baby boom.
Remus shook his head following Harry's train of thought. "That's only partly it. This is still small for the school. There used to be well over a thousand students. Didn't you ever wonder why there are so many unused rooms? Voldie rose to power, then he attacked wizards and muggle borns… lot of people died, or refused to bring their children to school and moved somewhere else."
Harry nodded in understanding. Albus gave his opening remarks to the first years and then started with Harry's introduction. "I am pleased to announce the opening of 'Advanced Magics,'" Harry tried very hard not to snort at this. Remus gave a side glance towards Harry that he felt was mimicked by both Fluer and Susan. "which will be instructed by Professor Dursley." Harry grimaced at the word professor but waved to the four tables. He heard several girls groan at no being able to attend his class. "The class is an additionally a closed course, and is by invitation only. The heads of house will pass out invitations tomorrow morning to the first class that evening. If you are fortunate enough to receive an invitation, I highly recommend you to accept and see what will be taught there." His eyes twinkled. The tables were in a roar of talk over what would be going over the class. To Harry's amusement, they didn't even notice when Albus announce the feast to begin.
TLTLTLTLTLTLLTTLTLTLT
After the feast Harry told his friends he would need to go over the student lists that Albus left for him in his quarters. Remus and the girls said good night and Harry went up to his room. Harry immediately took down his personal wards that pushed away magic now that he was safe in his room. He checked the wards just in case and found that they were the same as when he casted them. When he was able to sit down he found a stack of papers over three inches tall. "Oh God Albus, are you serious?" Harry didn't say anything about the saving grace of the stack was not in scrolls. Harry was more alarmed that he would have to teach a large class but his fears were quickly put to rest. The files were very detailed and Harry was surprised that a third of the papers was on the background of the student he was here for. Twenty three students would make it to his class. Harry thought of what he would need to say, and decided to give another out to students before he started the course. They would not be able to leave the course unless he forced them to after that.
Harry silently read the papers over several people. Nine seventh years who were in his class were preparing to go directly into Auror training when they graduated. He recognized a few names as third years when he graduated and was pleased to see them do so well. Three sixth years had the same goals. Three students, two sixth years and one fourth year, wanted to train to be teachers of Defense against the Dark Arts in various other private schools. Another three wanted to have some kind of ambassador job involving darker sentient beings. Two wanted to be some kind of hired body guards. That made Harry smile. That would be some body guard… He thought to himself. And four were undecided.
Harry looked at the youngest profile of a second year and sighed. "The girl is a prodigy… great." he said sarcastically as he flipped through the volume of text. The girls name was Alice Niete.
Harry stopped there. "Where have I heard that name before?" Harry sat there for over a minute before he laughed. The wizard snapped his finger and a picture appeared from his photo album. He took it from mid-air and he saw a couple in the photo whom Harry was sure was Alice's parents. Harry smiled at the couple. It was a picture as old as he was. It was after his parents died with the remaining Order of the Phoenix. Harry remembered Moody saying when he gave Harry the picture that not one of them didn't save one of his parents at one point in the first war. Harry smiled at the picture again before he placed it on the table before resuming reading the file of the Alice Niete.
She is from one of the oldest pure blood families and she was in Griffindor. Harry was surprised that her best friend was also invited to the class, a third year Slytherin named Owen Yellow. He flipped through the pages for hours before he realized the time. It was close to morning when Harry decided to make an order of business when he woke up again in four hours. The first thing he had to do wasn't something he was happy about. There were several students who were sticklers for rules, and would no doubt complain about the rules Harry would bend, even when they could not tell anyone specifically what was going on in the class. Going to visit Hermione would allow him to tell the class that he had spoken to the Minister of magic about the course work and at least make those students not worry. Next thing was to observe Alice and Owen. He knew that the house rivalries had almost completely died out and was curious as to their friendship. Owen was an odd one for Slytherin being muggleborn himself. He was a skilled third year, and had strong abilities in transfiguration.
Harry put down the papers and got to bed. He was asleep in moments muttering about how he was going to get punched again from another gun-ho woman.
TLTLTLTLTLTLT
Harry got out of bed a few minutes before seven o'clock. He sighed, then stretched for a few minutes. He hadn't really summoned anything for a while and wondered if he was at all rusty. He concentrated on the idea of prudence and a silver eagle the size of his arm appeared. The eagle had rune like patterned in lines along his body and looked at Harry surprised he was there. He smiled at the bird. "Sorry to bring you out, but I am going to be doing it more often now."
The bird flapped to land on Harry's arm and looked at him then spoke in a deep resonating voice. "I never doubted that you would summon us again, I am surprised however, that it took so long."
Harry laughed and said, "It took Albus to drag me away from my home to do it. I need you to deliver a message to Hermione."
The eagle clucked then said, "Is it that bad?"
Harry shook his head still smiling, "No, but I will be sore when she meets me."
The bird laughed, "So do I just tell her that you wish to meet her?"
Harry nodded then added, "Yes today if possible. Tell her to owl Albus the time that is convenient for her."
Harry moved to the balcony and released the bird named Phor. The bird was created from Harry's mind as a corporeal summon. A second level skill as Harry decided to call it just then. Harry got dressed and headed down for breakfast. Many of the students were there already, but had just now started to eat. They were all looking to their heads of house to see who would be invited to the mystery class. Harry smiled to his fellow professors. The heads of house all walked around handing out letters to students. He smiled when he saw their shocked faces. He looked to Owen, who was so shocked he just sat there staring at his letter. Harry laughed then looked up as he saw the owls come in to drop off letters. Albus passed Harry a letter that was asked to be forward to Mr. H.P.
Harry had felt his eagle return to him when he entered the hall and wasn't surprised to see that Hermione had already sent him a letter in reply. Several professors looked at him surprised and he mouthed out 'Hermione'. Remus patted him on the back and received a pitying look from Fluer as well. Susan just looked smug, she was just pleased that Harry would see his other friends so soon. Harry caught the look and stuck his tongue out at her. That brought him back to where he was and saw several girls tittered at the display. Harry mentally slapped himself for endearing himself more to the teenagers.
The letter was opened and said,
Get here now. I cleared off my schedule for the day.
Hermione
Harry cringed at the tone. He stood up and nodded to Albus that he would be gone for a bit. He smiled and nodded, before Harry left the hall.
TLTLTLTLTTL
Hermione was beyond disbelief that Harry sent her a message. After the initial shock, she sent him a reply letter. She then yelled at her assistant that she was clearing today's schedule. The poor man merely nodded, quickly realizing that this wasn't one of her regular angry tirades.
She paced back and forth in her office waiting and worried as to why Harry would appear now of all times. And why he was with Albus. There was a sudden knock on the door and a young man who looked suspiciously like Harry walked in. He smiled at her when he closed the doors. "Hello Hermione, I know that the ministry has the highest levels of security, but just in case…" He raised a finger and several complicated wards laced through the room. When it was done, Harry changed back to the form his best friend knew him best as.
Hermione was in shock. It was really him. He came back. He was here in front of her. It was then that Hermione then started to cry. Off the things Harry was expecting, this was the last thing on his list. Then he felt stupid. This should have been exactly what he was expecting. "Hermione…" Harry gave her a warm hug.
She just let him wrap his arms around her then pounded her fist against his chest. Harry didn't flinch, the strike was not meant to hurt him. "I thought that the curse would have…" she managed through her sobs.
Harry nodded in understanding. He didn't tell her the details of the curse. He had only told her, Susan and Ron that he had been cursed by a very evil spell. "I am fine. I am not free of the curse but it is enough now that I am functional." Harry pulled her to arms length and looked at her. Her hair was longer and lost the bushy quality she had when he left. She wore the minister brown robes and even while she was crying he could see that she exuded authority. "The role of Minister suits you." He said cheerfully. Hermione was still crying but nodded. She was too happy to see one of her best friends again. Harry moved her to the couch that sat in front of her desk.
After a few minutes of shock Hermione was able to compose herself. When she was able to look at him and not cry, she asked. "So what happened that Albus dragged you back." She took another steady breath when she felt like she was about to cry again.
"There is a student that Albus is concerned about. So I am teaching a special class that she is invited to."
Hermione smiled. "I thought he would try to find a way to make you teach that. And if its like anything I am thinking of, the mental discipline would be perfect for her then."
Harry nodded glad she understood. "I am just here to tell you that I am back in the wizarding world but only briefly. And needed to get er- 'permission' to teach this." Hermione raise her eye brow at that. If Harry was going to do something he wouldn't just ask some one for permission. "Think of Percy."
Hermione suddenly busted out laughing and nodded in understanding. "So you want to tell them that the ministry has given you the all clear then?" Harry nodded. "Consider it approved." she said happily. Harry nodded. The rest of the day was spent with them talking over what she has done. Harry was pleased with her progress and repeated what Susan told him about her goals. "That was one of the reasons why I became minister." was all she said. But she didn't look at him when she said it.
It was coming close to Five o'clock and Harry said he would have to leave. Hermione was on the verge of tears when she said goodbye. As Harry changed back to his alter persona. Hermione gave him a quick peck on the cheek saying, "Don't be a stranger. Ron will kill me if you don't visit him soon."
Harry smiled and said, "Send me an owl Saturday morning to where you two live, I think I will pay a visit then. Lets make it a lunch and dinner affair, I am sure Ron won't kill me right away if he had some food with him." Hermione laughed and said there would be no problems with either of their schedules. Harry gave her one last hug then left.
Hermione sat back on the couch. She was in a great mood. She didn't realize how much she missed one of her best friends until he came back. After Hermione calmed down, she left the office and headed home.
TLTLTLTLTL
Harry arrived in time for the beginning of dinner. He saw several students chatting and looking up at him. He noted they were the ones in his class tonight. Remus asked how it went and Harry smiled and said, "I don't have another bruise. So I guess it went ok." Susan laughed and said if he had time later she would heal it for him. He smiled back at her and she blushed resuming her dinner.
Harry met the group of students outside the great hall at seven o'clock. When he was sure no one else was with them he said, "Follow me." He led the class down several floors and to the back of the castle. Several seventh years whistled. They had never been here before. When they came across a bare wall at the end of a long hall Harry turned to them. They all just stood their expectantly. "Repeat after me. The Advanced Magic's classroom is located at the end of the hall on the third floor."
The students repeated the phrase in unison still slightly confused. Harry stepped aside from the wall to reveal a painting that was not there before. The old man stood up and greeted the class, "Hello everyone, its is nice to see so many faces. Password?"
Harry said, "Arvalis." The old man bowed his head and the painting swung open. The class silently filed into the class room and took their seats where they felt comfortable. Harry noted that Alice and Owen sat together near the front. When everyone was quiet Harry began. "I am sure you are all wondering why there are so many security measures in order to access this class. The simple answer is to protect any student who would try and see what is being taught here." Several students visually gulped. One student raised his hand. Harry was expecting it and said, "Yes, Mr. Jones."
"Professor, not to sound judgmental or anything but is what you going to teach us legal?" He had a slight edge to his voice but Harry understood that his concerns where for the safety of the school.
"What I am going to teach you has not been judged by the Ministry of Magic. However I have already spoken to the Minister and she approves of me teaching this subject. Any other questions?" No other hands rose up. "Excellent. The first two weeks will be learning how to meditate. And we will cover basics of Occulmency. As they are both required to continue beyond that. If you feel that you would not like to continue this class, you are welcome to leave now. The wards outside will not let you near the class, and the you will forget the location of the class room and password. It is as much for safety of everyone to not have students outside of this class try what I plan to teach you with out the proper training first." He looked around the class room. No one seemed to mind the conditions and none made a motion to leave. "Alright, in order to proceed, you all must come up here and sign this paper. This is a contract. You can not discuss the subject matter with anyone other than a fellow class mate. You can not discuss this in an area where someone can over hear it. And there is a final condition that I will tell you after everyone who will sign, signs. Those of you who are not interested in going through all these restrictions are welcome to leave. Know now, that if you break this contract, you will forget everything that you have been taught up to that time, the location of the class room, you will bared from the class room, you will have no way of getting back into the class and you will keep the knowledge that you broke the contract with me in this matter." The students eyes were wide. They had never heard such conditions but none were willing to leave. They were all to enticed by the conditions to see what the class was. The class stood up and all the students lined to sign the parchment.
When everyone signed the paper, Harry was glad to see no one had left. He rolled up the parchment and it disappeared from his hand. "Alright now that we got that out of the way, I can tell you the last condition that you can not let out of this room." Harry smiled giddily then changed. Brown hair turned black in unmanageable spikes. His blue eyes turned a vibrant green and Harry felt the scar appear on his forehead. "The condition is, you can not tell anyone else that your Professor is Harry Potter."
The class was stunned into silence. They all just stared at him for a few moments. Harry looked at them and sighed. "You can all breathe now." There were several audible gasps of air as four of the girls who thought he was cute, realized that he was cuter as himself.
Several students tried to speak but just managed grunting sounds. Harry finally laughed. "Ok class, its not that bad. Relax." Several students began to get used to the idea and returned to normal. "Well I think that is enough excitement for one day. I want you all to write six inches on what you know of meditation and your own thoughts on the subject. Its due tomorrow. Classes will be here same time every day. This is including Saturdays and Sundays. I'll make an exception for Hogsmeade." The class gave a sigh of relief at the last part. "Before you go." he said as several people stood up. "If you feel as if you might not be able to keep this contract, come to me now, so I can give you a charm that will remind you to keep this promise. All of the girls came to him at once, though Harry thought only a few actually needed the charm. Two boys came up as well. They had a tendency, as Harry thought from their profile, to forget things. Harry casted a spell that showed a small image of a lily on back hand of the girls hands. They all flushed. The two boys were not so eager for the spell at the sight of the lily. Harry casted the spell on them anyway. Both boys received a image of a hand holding a wand. Everyone thanked him for the charm and left. Harry stood there reflecting back on the class. He heard a scrap of a chair and looked up and saw the black haired girl named Alice still standing there.
"Sorry I tend to zone out when I think, can I help you Miss Niete?" The professor asked lightly.
"Why are you here?" she asked after pulling in some courage. Her face was skewed in confusion.
Harry smiled at her. Damn she is smart too. He thought. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you said you would likely never come back, but you're here. It's not like the world turned a new leaf after your speech. And people are still jerks to each other." She said matter of factly.
Harry smiled at her description of the world. "And you think that my conditions haven't been met for me to come back right?" She nodded looking far younger that she really was. Harry gave an impish grin then thought that the most direct answer would be best. The new professor said honestly. "Professor Dumbledore thought it would be best if I teach certain things that I know. He really just wants me to come back, and called up a favor for me to do this. I am not to thrilled with the prospect of being back. But I owe the old man." Harry felt himself talking to her like he would a friend instead of a student. He caught himself but let it slide. He needed to establish a good rapport with Alice.
Alice didn't look like she was buying it until he confessed that he was not happy with the arrangement. She smiled at him and said, "O.K. I was just wondering, thank you for being so honest. Well I have homework to do. You do know you are the only professor who gave me homework on the first day?" she teased.
Harry laughed at that. "Best you get used to it, you will get more homework like that in the coming years." Alice smiled and left.
Harry was in a good mood when he left his class room. He had a few thoughts on some of the students even when they didn't speak. Their interactions with each other spoke volumes of who they are. Harry stretched his arm and felt the twinge of pain in his arm. Harry didn't notice before but noticed now that there was a small magic imprint from where Susan hit him. He chuckled that she must have used a wandless hex when she hit him. He change directions from his quarters to the hospital wing. He walked into the infirmary and called, "Hello!" Susan came out of her office in the back and smiled when he walked up to her.
"Hello yourself. Coming in to get checked up or did your class play too rough?" She gestured with her wand for him to sit down.
"Very funny. Just wanted to get rid of this bruise." he raised his bruised arm. Susan waved her wand and then tapped the bruise and it promptly disappeared.
"Thanks, it was getting annoying." Susan just smiled, while Harry rolled down his sleeve.
"So how did it go with Hermione?" asked Susan.
Harry was expecting this and was sure that Hermione was as worried about him as Susan was. "It was o.k…" Susan gave him a look. Harry exhaled and squirmed uncomfortably. "It was a mess. I felt horrible when she broke down and cried when I first got there."
Susan gently placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "She was o.k. after a few minutes, but I never really thought how bad any of you would take it if I had left." He placed his hand over hers.
"We understand. I think she wanted to see you just to make sure you were alive and well. And so did I." Susan gently squeezed his hand. "I was very happy when I saw you yesterday." Harry didn't need to see her to know that she was close to tears again.
Harry squeezed her hand gently in return. He turned around still sitting on the stool. "Thank you for still putting up with me Susan. It means a lot." Harry looked at her. He could still see the beginnings of a tear in her eyes.
Susan smiled and said, "Just because you can be an idiot for a few years, doesn't mean I wouldn't still be here when you come back."
"I'll always be here." She added in a small quiet voice. Susan smiled and kiss his forehead before walking away. "Go to bed already." She said, her voice reached its normal volume. "I am sure you have things you need to do tomorrow, and if you don't, I still have work to do." She waved to Harry behind her and walked into her office.
Harry just sat there stupidly, looking to where Susan left. After a few seconds he stood up and decided to turn in. He planned on observing a few of his students in the morning to get a good idea on how to teach them.
When Harry got to his room, he decided that he would set up some lesson plans for the meditation section of the class. With that decision made he promptly fell asleep with the tingle of Susan's lips still on his forehead.
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A/N yay! Second chapter got up fast. Hope you all liked, er whoever is reading it.
