Chapter Five: Harry's First Day with Lupin

Harry felt good to be at Hogwarts again, even though he wasn't officially a student. Only his closest friends knew why he was really there. Harry decided that he wanted to keep the whole ordeal relatively low-key so as to not jeopardize his safety that he knew existed as long as he was secretly behind Hogwarts's walls.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were heading down to the great Dining Hall, a room that had become famous over the centuries for its fantastic beginning-of-the-year feasts. Still, all three of them realized that this feast would not be the same as the others—for the first time since they had known, Dumbledore would not be present to give his speech. Instead, Professor McGonagall would do the honors.

The three friends sat down at their table, greeted with many enthusiastic and happy faces. Neville Longbottom was the most excited—in fact, Harry had never seen him so bubbly.

"Hiya, Harry!" he bellowed, loud enough for the whole hall to hear. "Guess what? Mum's out of St. Mungo's!"

Now Harry was excited. He had never thought that Mrs. Longbottom, who had been a famous Auror and member of the Order of the Phoenix years ago, would ever be able to see life outside of St. Mungo's, a hospital for Muggles and wizards alike who had suffered magically-induced iinjuries. Harry smiled. He was happy for Neville. He had enjoyed watching him grow in self-confidence during the D.A. meetings, and he looked forward to being able to watch him blossom further, if only for a time.

Harry looked around him at the other tables. There were many unused chairs. He realized that, for the first time since he had known, attendance was at an all-time low. Of course, Harry understood that this was to be expected. Dumbledore was no longer headmaster, and every parent and student alike now knew that the Death Eaters, and Lord Voldemort, were out in full force now, apparently unrestrained. Harry felt sorry for the first years—they should not have to endure this. It seemed unfair.

Professor McGonagall had taken the podium. "Greetings, Hogwarts students!" she exclaimed. "It is with great reluctance that I assume the role of Headmistress after the departure of our dear headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. I will assure you, I will endeavor to continue his legacy and try my best to foster a safe environment for all of you.

"I have several announcements to make. First of all, welcome, once again, to Professor R. J. Lupin, who will once again be taking over the reigns of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I think students who are old enough and remember Professor Lupin recognize that he is among the best teachers we have had, and that desperate times call for desperate measures…" She gave a fleeting glance in Harry's direction. "All of you, no doubt, are aware of Professor Lupin's…uniqueness…but I think that all of you must realize that considering these times, they are the least of our worries. Lupin's job is to train and equip all of you for the dark times that lie ahead, and I think he will fulfill that job quite nicely."

Harry nodded to himself. He couldn't have agreed more with what professor McGonagall was saying.

Of course, everybody there knew of the reason why Lupin was taking up the post. Students heard the rumors going around the school—rumors which proved to be true—that it was Professor Snape that performed the unforgivable Killing Curse on Professor Dumbledore. While some students were apprehensive, most of them were ready to learn. Even the first-years knew that all was not right within the wizard world, and realized that Professor Lupin was the best man they could find for the job, considering that no teacher hardly ever wanted the position.

After the feast was finished, Harry Potter reported directly to Professor Lupin for the first of his Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons. He was slightly confused. Why would he, Harry, have to take additional lessons when Dumbledore himself seemed to feel that he was ready for the face-off? He decided to pose this question to Professor Lupin.

"Well, Harry," responded Lupin, "Voldemort has had much, much more training in the Dark Arts and magical incantations than you have. He has had quite a bit of additional practice, not to mention a full Hogwarts education. Even though you are far ahead of all of your classmates in your Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, I feel that you could use some additional training, just to make sure that you are able to give Voldemort a run for his money when the time comes." Lupin smiled at Harry. There was no question that he was the best of his students, and if Lupin had anything to do with it, Harry would know more than enough to put Voldemort in his place when the time came.

"First, Harry, I feel it important that we drill the nonverbal spells some more. Snape introduced them to you last year, but it has come to my attention that you may still need a little practice. Let's start with something easy… the expelliarmus spell, perhaps. Think of yourself disarming me in your mind, Harry. Be sure to paint a very vivid picture. Remember, although imagining the incantation is important, it is far more important to BELIEVE that you can disarm me in your mind. Go ahead, give it a try…"

Harry thought hard. Suddenly, a ball of energy shot from his wand, strong enough to disarm Professor Lupin. Lupin beamed.

"Excellent, Harry, excellent!" Lupin exclaimed happily. "That was very good. Next, I am going to try to cast, and I want you to deflect the spell in your mind. Understand?"

Harry nodded.

"Good." Lupin stood looking at Harry for a moment. Harry suddenly went rigid.

As you no doubt have guessed, Harry, that was the impedimenta charm. I see that deflecting spells is going to take a bit more work. Let's keep trying, shall we?"

Harry felt as if his efforts were fruitless at first. He just couldn't seem to get the hang of this part of the lesson. Lupin, continuing to offer Harry encouragement, slowly noticed improvement, until finally Harry began to consistently deflect Lupin's spells.

"Very good, Harry, very good," he said after finishing the round of spells. "You have done very well. Continue to practice mental casting. I will see you in two days' time. Now, off to Dumbledore you go!"

Harry left Professor Lupin's room feeling quite satisfied. One thing was clear—though he may have thought himself to be ready for Lord Voldemort, there was still a lot that he could learn. There was still a lot that Lupin could teach him in the ways of defense. Harry didn't let this get to him, however; he was confident that with Lupin's tutelage he will learn everything quite easily.

Occlumency was another story. This was a subject in which Harry had struggled. He reminded himself that that was under Snape, his least favorite teacher at the school. He was sure that Dumbledore could equip him better. After all, Harry realized that the only way he was going to stand a chance against Voldemort and Snape was if he mastered the art of Occlumency.

This was going to take a lot of work.