Whatever It Takes
Disclaimer: Nope, don't own Harry Potter.
A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed!
Chapter 9
The following day, Hermione and Ron seemed to have come to an agreement and everyone was in a cheery mood.
"We've got to introduce you to Professor Denton!" Hermione said, dragging Harry into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
In the dim light of the room, Harry could make out a man who appeared to be well into his fifties. He was slumped over a desk and had one hand in his short, mop-like hair, while the other lay limp at his side. He didn't seem to notice them.
"Professor?" Hermione asked.
He looked quite startled. "Sorry, I was just…er," he shuffled some papers on his desk around, "…yes?"
"We want to introduce you, Professor Denton, to our friend," Ron started, but Denton interrupted him.
"Harry Potter, yes," he said nodding. He did not seem all that interested in Harry, or perhaps he just realized that Harry didn't like attention. "I am, as I'm sure you've heard, Professor Denton," Harry reached over to shake his hand and Denton held out his left. "My other arm…the Death Eaters got it. Destroyed the nerves and I haven't been able to use it since." Harry quickly switched to his left, and shook hands with the man.
"I hope your friends have been telling you good things about me?" Denton joked. "Of course, I am probably nothing on your old teachers. At least from what I've heard. You've had Moody and Lupin, correct?" Harry nodded. "Well, it has been a pleasure meeting you, and thank you," he added to Ron and Hermione, "for introducing us. I do have some things that need to be tended to, so if you would please excuse me."
After they had left the classroom, there was a strange silence.
"He's a brilliant man, Harry," Hermione explained.
"That's too bad about his arm," Harry spoke quietly.
"Yeah, it really is. Lupin told me that Denton never even wanted to be an Auror. He used to work in the Department of Mysteries, but he changed and no one ever knew why," Ron told Harry.
"He wouldn't have even killed the Death Eaters. He's not like Moody, at all. He thought they should all be placed in Azkaban," she said. "Moody, was obviously his boss at one point. The two didn't get along very well, but it's a good thing they do now."
"Now?"
"Denton's in the Order. Actually, they just appointed him the new leader, you know, since…" Ron trailed.
Harry changed the subject quickly to the decorations that were hung about the Great Hall (even though they were the same ones used every year). The three met Ginny, there and they decided to go down and visit Hagrid, and of course, Grawp.
A/N: Okaaay…it's short! And I'm late on updating. Sorry about that. My life has suddenly changed from being just the computer to being school, eating, swimming, and sleeping.