Chapter 4

Hermione hurried down to the Great Hall for her first day of her last year of school. Draco had already gotten up, and she had wanted to wish him luck, but Padma was already suspicious.

"Harry," Hermione called, catching up to him quickly. "Have you gotten your schedule yet?"

He shook his head. "To tell you the truth, I'm not looking forward to Potions. I'm finally taking Advanced Potions, thanks to your help last year, but I'm worried that I'll have to impose on you again, and ask for more help."

"That's fine," Hermione said, shifting her book bag. It was getting heavy already, and it was only the first day! "But I think Draco might be able to help you more, he's very good."

"Yeah," Harry said. "But, Luc's been watching us like a hawk, and same with Padma. I think she's catching on to us."

"I agree," Hermione replied quickly. "But there's nothing we can do. It was almost easier when we weren't all in the same dorm."

"Seriously," Harry replied grimly.


When they arrived at the Gryffindor table, they found Pandora a complete mess, and Ron trying to calm her down.

"Hermione!" Pan said, panicked, grabbing her good friend's arm and pulling her down. "It's that Professor Santisi! I'm having major déjà vu!"

"Really?" Hermione asked. "So did I."

"Do we know him from somewhere?" Ron suggested helpfully. They all wracked their brains.

"You know who he looks like," Harry said suddenly. "He looks like you, Pan."

Everyone suddenly looked at Pan, who was very irritated.

"Hey, you're right Harry," Ron said loudly.

Pan was very angry now. "We do not! There's absolutely no resemblance!"
"Calm down, Pan!" Harry said, patting her hand. "Don't worry about it. If there is any resemblance, it's only passing."

Hermione noted quickly that he seemed very worried about her. Pan was still mad, and ate her food quickly and with alacrity.

Professor McGonagall handed them each their schedule.

"Oh no," Pan groaned. "I have potions with Slytherin first thing, that means my brother and all the rest of that hated crew."

"Hey," Hermione said, a little hurt.

"Except for my brother," Pan said quickly, realizing her error. "Sorry, Hermione."

"It's okay," Hermione replied, suddenly not feeling up to her toast. She looked at her schedule. This year it was jam-packed, but she was still unsure of what she wanted to do.

She wanted to specialize in muggle studies, out of loyalty to her family, but such things like Prevention for Muggle Cruelty didn't seem quite up her alley.

She supposed she could go into politics, but politics requires a certain temperament she wasn't sure she had.


She had History of Magic first, with the still dead, and still boring Professor Binns. He droned on and on about how History of Magic could shape their lives, and even she had a hard time paying attention to his ranting.

Then she had Transfiguration, which was enjoyable as always.

And finally, she had Defense Against the Dark Arts, with Slytherin.


Upon entering the classroom, she saw Professor Santisi sleeping at his desk, completely oblivious to the uproar that surrounded the room. She took a seat beside a very tired looking Harry, and took out her books.

The bell rang, and almost instantaneously, Professor Santisi sat up, alert and ready.

"Good morning class," he said. "How are you all?"
"Fine," they replied, looking at each other in shock. How had he done that? They had sworn he had been asleep. But Hogwarts always seemed to have the most interesting teachers; perhaps this Professor Santisi was more than just a pretty face.

"I'm going to call roll," Santisi said, picking up a piece of parchment. He ran down the names.

"Dumbledore, Pandora," he called eventually, his dark eyebrows going up on his forehead.

Pan yawned. "Here."

He continued, passing Hermione, and finally reaching Harry.

"Potter, Harry?" His eyebrows went up even further, and Hermione stifled a laugh. Harry tiredly announced his presence, and wanted to vanish. Santisi continued and finished with Zabini, Blaise, and then rolled up the parchment, and turned to face them.

"Today we are going to go over a few rules, and such," Santisi said, standing, and beginning to pace in front of his desk. "And we'll discuss the core curriculum, and the role of Defense in your lives. Any questions?"

No one raised their hands, just stared at him blankly. The Slytherins snickered amongst themselves, and Hermione caught a few vague remarks about a "chicken-ass pretty boy."

"Good," he said. "First off, the rules. I don't have many rules, as you are all Eighth years, and should know the school rules by heart." He smiled to himself at this, and then proceeded. "However, this is a specialized class, only for those who are most advanced in Defense. If you are not willing to apply yourselves wholeheartedly, I am going to ask you to leave the class."

No one stood up.

"Very good. Now, my basic rules are: listen to me, no sleeping, respect everyone else, and no magic without permission. That's it."

Everyone nodded to their neighbors; they had heard all this before in almost every class for the past eight years.

"Now, this year, we'll be specializing on the study of the Spells of the Dead-"

Hermione's hand shot up.

"Yes Miss…" Santisi trailed off.

"Granger, Hermione Granger," Hermione said dismissively. "I've been thinking of pursuing a career in specialization of Spells of the Dead, and it is in fact an advanced section of magic, and many scholars discourage it being taught in school."

"Yes, Hermione," Santisi replied, a twinkle in his blue eyes. "That is correct. However, Professor Dumbledore asked me specifically to teach basic Spells of the Dead, no doubt for your benefit."

Hermione turned to Harry and said with a smile, "And for Pan's as well."

Santisi continued. "We will also be learning the psychology behind the Unforgivable Curses. And, for the end of the year, we will be doing a unit on the effects of Defense magic on the witch or wizard. There will be more of course, but that has not yet been planned. Oh, and I will be having several guest speakers come in, so be prepared for strange wizards or witches at the head of the classroom occasionally. Any questions?"

There were none, the bell rang, and Hermione hurried out into the hallway with Pan, who was busy clipping her fingernails.


A/N: Leave a review! ;)