HPX 6

Soccergirl13: sorry, I was rude too. I do understand that fear but usually there's a warning on the story or at least a romance genre. I have had that happen, though. I'm glad you came back despite my insane cruelty to you. I apologize for my own rant. You don't have to be that deathly afraid of homosexual romance, though. I don't like it because it IS romance, but some of the shonen ai stuff is kind of cute. I'm not crusading, so I don't mind if you don't care. So just be a little more open and not quite so rough. You might run into someone who WILL be offended.

CHL: why was it funny? It's true. And tragic, really. I hate that woman. She is not only bad, but, by the unwritten code of teachers, she's the anti-teacher. She's a politician damaging the honorable position of teacher and mentor with her twisted schemes. But enough. Good for you. I'm glad your writer's block is broken. As for Kuronue, he should show up… I think next chapter, but he really isn't there until chapter eight. Just hang in there.

Kitroku: Yay you reviewed! Thank you! Can't wait for the next!

Jadewolf: thanks. Yes, I hear it almost every chapter, but I'm glad you're anxious. As I told CHL, next chapter, but not significantly until chapter 8. yes, he's going to loose it. And it was fun to write, just make sure you don't flip. No, my muses give me some good stuff, just not the stuff I want. I was thinking cliff, but a well is more original. And no, nothing worth doing IS easy. Too bad.

Kaaera: -dances- I have reviews! Very cool. Yes, people are getting replaced. Though, seven people for one teaching job sounds frighteningly interesting. You find out this chapter, so have fun! –thumbs up-

Davatari: sorry, cliffies this chapter, but I'll stop soon. Thank you. No, Rhode Island speak doesn't confuse me. Yes, swords are wicked cool, but yes they are sharp. Be careful, I don't want to loose a reviewer to death by sharp object. And don't worry, my sanity is questioned every day. All of us are nuts. I think it's cool.

Maybeso: here's more? Question: is that "may beso" or "maybe so"? it worries me. All in all, though, thanks for reviewing.

Note: When the characters speak, DADA is pronounced "DAY-duh" (ay is a long "a" and uh is like the up-side-down "e"-- a dead consonant). If that didn't mean anything to you, just pronounce it however you want. For those who don't know (like that's anyone), DADA is Defense Against the Dark Arts

When chara are talking, but it's not specified and there wasn't mention of a "conversation" it's probably extras speaking and it doesn't matter who's speaking. (ex. The first part of this chap.) later there will be conversations and it will be fairly obvious who is speaking. If it isn't, it doesn't matter.

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The feast progressed in near silence between the three. Most of the familiar faces were present at the staff table. That confused them more. Tension and rumors ran through the hall.

"Which one do you think is the DADA?"

"Forget defense, who are the others?"

"I heard that Dumbledore got a security detail because of last year."

"Really?"

The tree of them knew that only when Dumbledore gave his beginning of the year speech would they find out.

Dumbledore stood. Immediately the hall quieted. Apparently the rest of the school had figures this out too.

"Before we turn in for the night, I'm sure there are some questions that many of you would like answers for." A rumble of agreement went through the hall. Dumbledore waited for a moment, then put up a hand up for quiet. "Nothing escapes these students and I'm sure that you all have noticed more than a few new faces than usual with us tonight." The hall hushed with tension. "Because of recent events, there have been some curriculum changes, and thus, staffing adjustments." Hermione gasped. "First off, we will be adding four new classes to our curriculum." A wave of whispers broke out through the hall. This was practically unheard of. Dumbledore continued through it. "A new class all together, Occlumency, will be taught by Professor Hiei Jaganshi." Hiei unwillingly stood as the hall erupted in applause though most of the school didn't even know what 'occlumency' was. "All students fourth year and up are required to take this course. Third years will be allowed upon request and/or evaluation." Hiei sat as the applause died down. "Next, we will have three alternative courses: Herbology, taught by Professor Shuuichi Minamino," Kurama stood, "Charms with Professor Touya Koriyuki," Touya followed Kurama, "And Divination with Professor Botan Kawa." Botan copied the boys. There was more polite applause from the hall. It died down and the three sat. "Eligibility for the Alternative classes is determined by evaluation. These are for fifth years and older. These are in a different style than what you are used to and rather untraditional, but they should be interesting. And, of coarse, the old ones will still be there." He smiled pleasantly. "We will be reinforcing our nursing staff this year with Miss Yukina Koorime. I don't think I need to explain why." Yukina stood and bowed politly. "And this year, we unfortunately have a few more staffing replacements than usual." This brought more tense whispering from the student body. Hermione, who had visibly relaxed until now, tensed up once again. "Our dear Professor Estrella (1), who has been with us for so many years, has, much to our disappointment, decided to retire. However, in his place, we will welcome Professor Jin Kaze Tsukai." Jin practically jumped out of his seat and gave a sloppy, Weasly-twin bow, ears twitching excitedly. The students clapped politely, some laughing at his performance, and stared in wonder at his clearly non-human appearance. As if in response to their question, Dumbledore spoke once more, "Professore Tsukai is of a clan of elvish windmasters. He has graciously come far from his home to teach these wonderful students." He eyed the Slytherines as if to say 'don't make a liar of me.'

"I won't keep you all waiting any longer. Your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is Professor Yuusuke Urameishi." The hall erupted in applause and cheering as Yuusuke stood, perplexed. As the hall regained order, he got an idea. "Now…"

"Ahem." The hall fell dead silent. Hermione jumped at the sound while Harry cringed more strongly than the rest of the rest of the Gryffindor table which, in turn, cringed more strongly than the other two tables. The Slytherins seemed to come to attention.

/That was different./ he thought.

/Was she really that bad/ Kurama mused.

Yuusuke looked at all of the eyes focused on him. "Sorry," he chuckled at his own joke, "I couldn't resist." He patted the back of his head sheepishly.

There was a collective sigh throughout the hall and a few laughs. The Slytherins visibly deflated. A resounding –SMACK- echoed through the room.

"Ow!" Yuusuke glared at Botan who'd hit him and sat back down looking a little sore.

Dumbledore, in contrast with the rest of the room, found this little prank great fun. He chuckled heartily. "This year should be interesting, to say the least." he finally got out, wiping his eyes. "Now," he got back to business, "Professor Bins, who has been teaching the students of Hogwarts for 563 years…" Everyone looked as if they would have a heart attack if he finished his sentence.

/Professor Bins? Retire/ the thought floated through the hall.

"…has decided to take a breather, figuratively of course." A gasp rippled through the hall. "Ah, and it seems that his replacement has managed to join us tonight."

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Mwahahahahaaaa! Cliffie. Of course, some of you probably already know what's going to happen. Sorry this was late. I got a wee bit sidetracked. But here it is. I hope you enjoyed it.

A few things to say. (1) Estrella (es-TRAY-ya) corny, I know. It means star in Spanish. I don't know the astronomy teacher's name, so I made one up. I made a lot of things up. Last names, the "elvish windmaster" thing. And how does Yuusuke know about Umbridge? It's Hogwarts. Everybody knows everything, even if they weren't there.

That's it. Until we meet again!

Liebe sie von,

Doomschneider

06-12-05