Disclaimer: You know the deal, the Harry Potter characters belong to J.K. Rowling and her wonderful mind.


Chapter 18: New Teacher

They made their way to the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall lead a group of first years to the front to be sorted. Hermione smiled remembering how every year the first years looked just as scared as she had. The sorting hat started another song to begin the year. Hermione heard none of the song. She was to busy staring at Draco. He sat between Crabbe and Golye. In front of him sat Pansy, Hermione could tell that he wasn't the least bit thrilled.

Hermione turned her attention back to the front where Dumbledore was now going over the rules. Hermione scanned the staff looking for any new faced, instead she found Lupin's. Her heart gave a little jump hoping he would be the Dark Arts teacher.

"I know all of you have noticed that Professor Lupin is back with us." A cheer rang out through the hall. " But he will only be teaching the 1st through 4th years. Now our other new teacher will teach the 5th, 6th, and 7th years. Your classes will be form 9:00 to 9:30 to night. I know you 're probably wondering where she is, but don't worry I assure you she'll be here." Dumbledore turned around to take his seat when the Hall doors flew open.

Hagrid came stumbling in. "Headmaster, the new Dark Arts teacher is here, and she wishes to speak with you."

"I'll be right there." He waved hi hands and food appeared on every table. "Enjoy the feast."

"That was strange," Ron said trough a mouthful of food.

"If you haven't noticed everting is strange around here," Harry replied. Everyone laughed.

The rest of the feast everyone waited for Dumbledore and Hagrid to return, but they never did. Harry and Hermione finally made their way up to their dorm. The decided on 'Snitch' for the password, mainly Harry decided. Once inside they found a large common room decorated in red and gold. There were a large fire place and two large red sofas, there were also chairs that matched the room. Bookcases lined the walls on either side of the fire place. They stood for a few minutes in amazement before deciding it was late and they needed to get to bed. They said their 'goodnights' at the top of the stairs and went off th bed.

Classes the next day flew by, even Potions went by fast. When Dark Arts rolled around everyone was nervous. The 5tht, 6th, and 7th years all gathered into a room in which none of them knew existed. The room was dark except for the moonlight shining in. Everyone started taking seats, but some how Hermione ended-up in the front, with Draco. She kneed him under the desk and gave him a half grin. Once everyone was seated and whispers broke out through the room, all of the candles light. All of the corners wee still dark, but Hermione had an uneasy feeling about all of it. She continued to stare at the corner to her right.

"Welcome," the voice was like ice making everyone jump. "If you haven't caught on by now, I would be the new teacher." She emerged from the shadows as if she was part of them.

"Scarlet?!" Hermione's mouth drooped open as she flung her head sown onto the desk. Everyone stared at Hermione amazed by her actions, but Draco just laughed, knowing exactly how she felt. The only person in the room that knew about them was now standing in front of them.

"Anyway," Scarlet said trying to cover Hermione's outburst. 'My name is Scarlet, and no don't call my Professor it's too . . . formal." She walked over to her desk, but instead of sitting behind it she went to the front and propped herself on top of the desk and crossed her legs. "You will now need your wands very much, no, to ease your minds it's not all book work either." The class stared at her, unsure of what to think. "Are there any questions?" Hands shoot up all around the room. "Yes, Malfoy."

"If we're not doing book work or using our wands, what exactly will we be doing?"

"Well, we will learning how to use theses . . ." She opened the case beside of her. Inside were sharp and shiny daggers, all with jeweled handles. "You're probably wondering why. Well, this is my reasoning. What happens if you find yourself without your wand and you must defend yourself. We will also be learning how to use swords later on. Yes, Longbottom"

With a shake voice Neville got his question out. "Why are the classes of a night?"

"Because if you encounter someone of the "Dark" side, more than likely it's not going to be during the day. She slid of the desk. "Now before you are dismissed, I want everyone to look at who you're sitting with. If their form your own house, switch." She stopped and waited. Once everyone was seated she spoke again. "Now the person you're beside is going to be your dueling partner."

Draco and Hermione Laughed to themselves knowing that his would give them an excuse to spend time together.

"Class dismissed." Scarlet waited for them all to leave. She walked over and took a bottle of whisky out. There was to many memories around here, to many of her and Sirius. She started to pour herself a glass but decided she'd be ahead to drink out of the bottle. Tonight she would kill the pain and loneliness, for a short time, but she would be left to her damnation.


Note: Let me just tell everyone ahead of time I am bringing Sirius back at any cost, but I'm not telling how just yet. Thanks for reviewing. Much Love