CHAPTER 2: Spinners End
When Harry got into his room his new professor was already sitting in a chair in the corner. His trunk was at the end of his bed, Hedwig in her cage by the window, and something shiny sitting on his bed.
"In case you were wondering," McClaggan started, lowering the hood of his cloak for the first time to reveal a young, strong face with dull green eyes. He also had a short, black beard that gave him a dark look. "You've arrived in Spinners End, my home. We are in Scotland, but nowhere near any civilization you will see. This is where your training begins. I will be teaching you many things in and out of class this year. Dumbledore is an old friend of mine, and he told me all about your predicament. He knows my whole story as well, and it is a long one." The Scotsman gave Harry a look before continuing. "I guess it'd be fair for you to know my story, seeing as I know yours. I was born a long time ago in the Highlands of Scotland. My father was head of the McClaggan clan and a muggle, my mother was a witch that, well let's just say she wasn't his one and only. She died while giving birth to me, my father didn't exactly take it upon himself to take care of me." The professor stopped for a second and looked into Harry's eyes, who was still standing in the doorway, mesmerized. "I had a decent life, but I never did see my dad much. When I was about eleven I got really mad at him and set one of the peasants' house on fire." Harry gasped. "Not on purpose boy, I simply lost control. Just after that I got the letter from Hogwarts. My clansman didn't exactly like the idea of magic, thought it was the devils' work. They drove me out, so I didn't have much of a choice but to go to Hogwarts. I was actually in one of the first classes, I knew the founders, that should give you an idea about how old I really am. I did well in school, but I believe that Dumbledore also wants me around to teach you some things I learned in the Highlands. I've become somewhat gifted with a sword, and I've learned a bit about woodsmanship after being exiled. These are some talents I will start teaching you very soon. We will go over some old spells that I can't really teach in school either."
Harry simply stood in the doorway, not knowing what to say or do. It was so much information to take in at once. Was the seemingly young man standing before him really centuries old like he said? Why would he be learning all of this extra stuff aside from magic? How could he even practice the magic before getting to school? And what is Spinners End?
"I should mention I've become decent at reading people's emotions, all of your questions will be answered soon," He added with his deep brogue. The man smiled for the first time since Harry had arrived. "Now Mr. Potter, I would advise you to open your Hogwarts letter, there are a few things I am sure you will want to see."
Harry looked down to see that he was still clutching the letter bearing the Hogwarts crest. He tore it open and looked at the cover letter.
Mr. Potter,
Enclosed are your OWL results and the classes you are eligible for. You have already been signed up for some classes that will be mandatory. You may choose 1 other class, along with the extra training Professor McClaggan will be providing you with.
RESULTS:
Defense against the Dark Arts
Theory: O
Practical: O
Transfiguration
Theory: E
Practical E
Charms
Theory: O
Practical: O
Care of Magical Creatures
Theory: E
Practical: O
Potions
Theory: O
Practical: O
Herbology
Theory: A
Practical: E
History of Magic
Theory: P
Astronomy
Theory: A
Practical: P
Divination
Theory: P
Practical: P
You have received 13 out of 17 OWLS. You are signed up for Defense against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, Charms, Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, Herbology, and you may join either Dueling or Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts. If you wish to join both please send that request back to me by owl post and we will talk on September 1.
-Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts
"I got an O in potions?" Harry said without realizing it.
"Tough subject is it? I never liked it much either" came the reply from the Scot. Harry started when he heard the voice, he had almost forgotten where he was.
"er- yea. My Professor doesn't really like me." Harry told him tentatively, he wasn't sure he wanted to bad mouth a teacher in front of this man.
"So I hear. Snape right? I know him, I've seen quite a few like him in my time." Harry smiled, every Defense against the Dark Arts teacher who disliked Snape ended up being great.
"Sir-"
"I told you, none of that until September."
"Well, McClaggan, can you explain these extra lessons to me?"
"First of all, the name's Breannan. And second I'll be teaching you how to keep people from seeing you without the use of your cloak, I'll also show you how to use that sword of yours."
"But Breannan, I don't have a sword. I've used one before, but it's not mine, Dumbledore has it."
"Lesson 1, open your eyes. Look on your bed."
Harry did as he was told and saw the shiny object sitting on his bed. He picked it up and looked at the name etched onto the blade, it was Godric Gryffindor's sword. But, it seemed much sharper than it had while it was sitting in Dumbledore's office. It was also now clean, the blood of the basilisk had finally been wiped off. As he held it in his hand he felt as if the sword belonged with him.
"I had to clean it a bit, and the blood dulled the blade so I had to sharpen it. You won't need to worry about that anymore as long as you keep it in this." He tossed Harry a black sheath with small gold symbols on it. "You'll learn more about those Celtic ruins when we start class. For now just remember to wear it at all times; and don't worry about looking stupid carrying a sword, it'll look good on you."
"How-"
"This sword, like the sheath, has some magical properties. I can't tell you what they are because I do not know this sword. The sword will reveal its properties to you when it chooses to, a scary thought for now but you'll understand. I'm sure the sword feels proper in your hands?" The question startled Harry, he was still quite taken with the feel of his sword.
"Absolutely. It feels…natural"
"Good, lets put it to use." The Scot stood up and walked right past Harry, who turned to follow him. The man walked down the wooden staircase and out the door quicker than Harry could've imagined. Harry had to sprint to catch up with him, and realized that he was making much more noise than the man. He opened the door and walked outside to see nothing but mist in front of a forest.
"BREANNAN!" Harry yelled as he walked towards the forest.
"Lesson 2, opening your eyes won't always be enough, use the rest of your senses. Welcome to Spinners End, you will soon become aware of the magics that surround the area, but first things first." The thick brogue came from directly behind him, as Harry turned he noticed that the Scot had his sword drawn and was preparing to attack. He did so, but much slower than Harry was sure he was able to strike. Harry parried the attack and stepped to his right. His teacher then sidestepped to mirror his pupil's move. Harry tried to go on the offensive, but the man saw the attack coming and parried it before Harry's sword got near him. He swung his sword around Harry's and knocked it from his grip. His sword hadn't landed on the ground before McClaggan had his weapon against Harry's throat.
"Not a bad first try, but you have a very long way to go. We will practice this for 3 hours everyday. You will also run, climb, and swim to build up your strength and endurance. Once you become decent with your sword I will begin to teach you how to be silent and quick, making it nearly impossible for people to sense you.