The Difference One Choice Makes
8th July 1992
"Surely not Albus?" said Professor Mcgonagall in shock.
"We all remember him as a student Albus… not exactly what you would call suitable for teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts" said the 55-year-old, long black-haired Ancient Runes Professor Bathsheba Babbling.
Dumbledore held his hands up trying to keep the peace.
"Now now, Gilderoy Lockhart might not have been the most exemplary student in his youth… but I am sure he will make a fine teacher" said Dumbledore.
The issue Dumbledore had been discussing with his staff during their latest staff meeting was of his recent appointment of their former student Gilderoy Lockhart as their new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor following Professor Keaton's decision to retire and return to the Auror Department.
"Perhaps Mr Lockhart has matured and made something of himself through the hard work we expected to see from him as a student" said Professor Flitwick who was Lockhart's Head Of House during his time at school.
Professor Sprout nodded in agreement, willing to give Lockhart a chance just like Professor Flitwick.
Professor Snape let out a snort.
"I doubt that, he always was full of himself and thought himself more talented than he actually was" said Professor Snape snidely.
The reason for his snide voice was because he remembered Lockhart as a student who was four years younger than him at school, having also taught him Potions in his last two school years when he took over from Professor Slughorn.
"I understand your frustrations… but Professor Lockhart can teach these students many things, like what not to do and how not to act" said Dumbledore kindly.
Understanding what her close friend and colleague was insinuating in his words Professor Mcgonagall nodded her head.
"I agree" said Professor Mcgonagall.
"You've changed your tune Minerva" said Professor Snape raising a curious eyebrow at her.
Turning to her colleague Professor Mcgonagall straightened up.
"Albus has raised a fine point Severus… I am sure the students can learn many things from Professor Lockhart" said Professor Mcgonagall tartly.
One hour later…
2nd July 1992
"And what exactly do you expect me to do Dumbledore?" said Professor Keaton stiffly as he stood looking at Dumbledore who was looking out of his office window deep in thought as the rain thundered on the window.
Dumbledore let out a weary sigh.
"I have reason to believe that Mr Lockhart is not who he appears to be… I believe that some of these things he writes about were committed by different witches and wizards, two of whom I know quite well… but they have absolutely no memory of such events" said Dumbledore solemnly.
Professor Keaton felt stunned at what he was hearing.
"Do you want me to look into this?" said Professor Keaton.
Dumbledore nodded but kept his back to Professor Keaton.
"Discreetly of course, I don't want him getting wind that the DMLE is investigating him" said Dumbledore.
"So why do you want him to come here and teach… if the man is a fraud as you believe him to be then why do you want him teaching students, especially with what you have planned for this year" said Professor Keaton curiously.
Dumbledore's plans for this coming school year was that he had invited students and staff from Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Castelobruxo and Mahoutokoro School of Magic to Hogwarts in an attempt to build professional relationships between the schools and give the students a chance to learn knowledge offered by their visiting schools and vice-versa for the visiting students.
Other schools had been invited including the likes of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, Durmstrang and Ugadou but they had declined to attend.
Dumbledore turned his head to Professor Keaton.
"I am hoping that Mr Lockhart will eventually cave under the pressure of teaching and prove himself to be a fraud, once that happens I expect the truth will come out and he can be punished for his actions" said Dumbledore.
Professor Keaton remained silent and still for several moments before he finally nodded his head.
"Alright… I'll look into Mr Lockhart, see if I can find anything out, but convincing Madam Black will be another matter entirely" said Professor Keaton stiffly.
"I see no need to involve Madam Black in this, not right away… this will need to be done discreetly, once we have some evidence on Mr Lockhart we can involve Madam Black and your other bosses, no… the fewer people involved in this the better, if too many people are involved in this then Mr Lockhart might be spooked and flee before the truth comes out" said Dumbledore.
Dumbledore who was now stood atop the Astronomy Tower following the teachers meeting looked out at the evening sky with a proud look on his face knowing that his carefully laid plan to oust Gilderoy Lockhart as a fraud was finally coming together.
Later that night…
"Do you remember a student called Gilderoy Lockhart, a Ravenclaw about four years younger than us?" said Severus as he sat down on the settee in the Snape's living room in their Hogsmeade cottage with a cup of steaming tea in his hands.
Lily sat down next to him with her own cup of tea enjoying the relative quiet of their cottage with Eileen and Rose spending the night at Hermione's while Jerome had gone to bed early.
She took a sip from her tea and turned to Severus.
"Yeah… I used to tutor him in Charms and Potions in Seventh Year, not exactly an easy job, he was only a Third Year back then… why?" said Lily curiously.
Severus sipped his tea and leaned back on the settee.
"What else do you remember about him?" said Severus.
Lily tucked some of her hair behind her ear before leaning back on the settee.
"Other than his ego and that he was a bit full of himself, not much… what are you not telling me?" said Lily turning to him.
Severus snorted.
"He's Professor Keaton's replacement… our dear Headmaster was very keen on his appointment" said Severus.
"Why would that bother you… maybe Gilderoy Lockhart has matured in the years since school" said Lily.
Severus let out a chuckle.
"He might not say anything… but Dumbledore is hiding something from us, whatever it is I can tell Minerva has figured it out" said Severus.
Lily sighed.
"I'm sure Dumbledore has his reasons Sev" said Lily softly.
Severus smirked.
"Well, if he's anything like he was at school… I'll enjoy watching him squirm under the pressures of teaching children" said Severus amusedly.
Lily sighed.
"Just lay off young Harrison Potter Sev, he's not a bad Quidditch player actually… and I spoke to James after the Gryffindor Hufflepuff match, he said their Daughter Euphemia is starting this year as well, looking at her is like looking at a very young Narcissa Potter all over again" said Lily remembering Harry Potter when she visited Hogwarts to watch the Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff match where Harry caught the snitch after just five minutes.
Severus sipped his tea.
"It's just a bit of harmless teasing Lily, Harry Potter might be good at Quidditch and somewhat adequate at Potions, but he's nowhere near as smart as his Brother Edward… one of my top students that young man is" said Severus with a hint of pride in his voice when referring to how his Slytherin student Edward Potter excelled in academics.
"He's only just finished his first year Sev… I know it's hard for you to get over what James Potter did to you in school, but that was 16 years ago now… we're all adults now, and he did apologise for his behaviour" said Lily softly.
Severus chuckled.
"Yes, very profusely as I recall… I'll ease off of Harry Potter just a bit then" said Severus referring to James Potter's deep apology not long after they joined the Order Of The Phoenix.
Lily smiled before taking his hand and squeezing it.
"That's all I ask Sev" said Lily softly before taking a sip of her tea.
She finished her tea before getting up from the settee and kissing his cheek.
"I'm going to run a bath" said Lily before walking back to the kitchen to put her mug in the sink.
29th July 1992
Edward had just come down for breakfast shortly after the family owl had flown into the dining room dropping three envelopes on the table as his Parent's and Siblings ate their breakfast.
As he sat down at the table next to Harry, Euphemia opened the envelope addressed to her in eagerness.
Pulling two folded up pieces of parchment out of the envelope she started to read the first one.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
HEADMASTER: ALBUS PERCIVAL WULFRIC BRIAN DUMBLEDORE
(Order of Merlin, First Class)
Dear Miss Euphemia Potter
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find an enclosed list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1st 1992. We expect your reply by owl no later than July 31st 1992.
Yours Sincerely
Minerva Mcgonagall
Deputy Headmistress
With excitement coursing through her body Euphemia set her letter aside before looking down at the second piece of parchment which was her book list.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Uniform
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags
Set Books
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
The Standard Book Of Spells Grade One by Miranda Gowshawk
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginners Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Beginners Potion Making byNoel Green
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart
Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart
Marauding with Monsters by Gilderoy Lockhart
Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart
Wanderings with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart
Year with the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart
Other Equipment
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS
"New Defence teacher must be a fan of Lockhart… we have to get eight of his books" said Euphemia looking at her booklist while helping herself to some grapefruit.
"Not exactly cheap some of those books" said Edward as he called for one of the Potter House Elves to get him some bacon and eggs.
"We can go and do the shopping on Thursday… that's when we're both off of work" said James.
Narcissa finished her breakfast and placed her knife and fork on her plate before leaning across James taking his pocket watch to check the time.
"Damn… I have to be in the office in half an hour" said Narcissa with a sigh.
She put the pocket watch back in James's pocket.
"I'll be back later" said Narcissa giving him a kiss on the cheek before walking out of the dining room to go and have a shower and get changed before she would floo to the Ministry Of Magic.
As she left James let out a small sigh and picked up his morning edition of the Daily Prophet and opened it.
"Be a long day for your Mum I reckon" said James as he started to read the newspaper.
"What's Mum working on Dad?" said Harry.
James closed the newspaper looking at his middle child with a stern look on his face.
"Harry… you know the rules, we don't discuss what your Mum and I get up to at work remember?" said James sternly.
Harry sighed and returned to his fruit knowing of his Parent's rules against discussing their work in the house.
"What happens at work stays at work" said the stern voice of Narcissa in his mind just before Edward went off to Hogwarts four years ago when Harry and Euphemia had been questioning why their Mother had been working longer hours than usual.
"You three finish your breakfast and get ready, then we'll go and see Aunt Andi and Uncle Ted" said James before he went back to reading his newspaper.
Euphemia finished her grapefruit before getting up from the table and walking out of the dining room to go and get ready for the day.
"I'm off to Hogwarts" thought Euphemia excitedly as she practically skipped up the stairs with excitement.
Four years ago she had been slightly jealous of her eldest Brother Edward for getting to go to Hogwarts while she was stuck at home, and then last year she had been jealous of Harry for leaving her at home while he joined their big brother at Hogwarts.
Now she was being given the opportunity to start her own Hogwarts journey with her Brother's and her best friend Lacey Lupin for company.
As she returned to her bedroom she went to her wardrobe to get a nice summer dress out for the day still feeling excited about receiving her Hogwarts letter.
"It'll be like seeing your Mother at Hogwarts all over again Euphemia, your growing into a beautiful young witch" said Druella Black fondly to the then 10-year-old Euphemia on one of her visits to her Grandmother's cottage.
Doing little to hide it, Druella favoured her blonde-haired, grey-eyed Granddaughter Euphemia and all five of her Grandchildren knew it.
Nymphadora of course could not care less, having little love for the Grandmother who treated her Mother so poorly, though Cassiopeia felt a little let down by Druella's favouritism she loved Euphemia too much to be angry with her which was the same for Edward and Harry.
With her towel and dress in hand, she left her room to go and get showered and changed in the bathroom down the hall from her bedroom.
Twenty minutes later…
"We'll have an empty house before we know it" said James softly with his hands on his Wife's waist.
Narcissa who now was dressed in her dark grey and white Ministry robes had her arms around James's neck leaned in and kissed her Husband.
"I still can't believe it, all three of my darling children off to Hogwarts" said Narcissa with a hint of sadness.
"They have to grow up eventually Cissy… just wait until they fly the nest" said James.
"Won't be for years that" said Narcissa softly.
James kissed her again.
"See you tonight" said James softly.
"Love you" said Narcissa before pulling away from him moving towards the fireplace.
James told her he loved her as he watched her floo to work before moving away from the fireplace.
2nd August 1992
Euphemia and now 11-year-old light brown haired Lacey Lupin walked into Flourish and Blott's followed by Narcissa and the long dark brown-haired Julia Lupin where a large crowd had gathered at the far end of the shop.
The reason for the gathering crowd inside the shop could be seen on a chalkboard next to the shop door.
GILDEROY LOCKHART
SIGNING HIS BOOKS
THIS AFTERNOON
Julia pulled Lacey's booklist out of her handbag and looked at it with a slight frown on her face.
"Lockhart's books aren't cheap, I might have to get the rest of Lacey's schoolbooks second hand" said Julia with a sigh as Euphemia and Lacey made their way over to the bookshelves.
Narcissa turned to the mother of her God-daughter.
"Me and James can get her books" said Narcissa reassuringly.
Julia sighed.
"You know Remus doesn't like borrowing money from James and Sirius… he knows that he can never pay you back and that's why he doesn't like it" said Julia regretfully.
"James said that you'd applied for promotion" said Narcissa.
Julia straightened up as she watched their two girls look at the books on offer.
"I didn't get it… they won't admit it but it's because they don't want to reward someone who's married to a werewolf, I even offered to take a pay cut if they gave Remus a monthly supply of this new Wolfsbane potion but they refused, said they couldn't do such a thing and that I'd have to get it or brew it myself, but it's so expensive" said Julia quietly.
Narcissa frowned.
"Look, I'll get Lacey her books, she shouldn't have to go to Hogwarts with second-hand school supplies because your bosses treat you and Remus like dirt… and some ingredients so you can make some Wolfsbane for Remus" said Narcissa quietly.
"You shouldn't" said Julia in quiet shock.
"Nonsense, James and I have more than enough money to last a dozen lifetimes… we'll be more than happy to get her books and that cat she wants so much" said Narcissa kindly.
On one hand, Julia wanted to say no to her close friend who was Godmother to two of her children but she knew that Narcissa had a good point and was doing this for good reasons.
"Alright" said Julia.
Narcissa nodded.
"You know… I don't know why you haven't left your job at St Mungo's yet, with everything they are putting you through, snide comments to the back of your head and random checks for werewolf bites, I'd have quit a long time ago if I had to go through that every week" said Narcissa.
Julia scoffed.
"Believe me, I would have quit a long time ago if I could… but me and Remus need the money I get from them, if not we'll starve" said Julia.
Narcissa had a few ideas in her head about how she might be able to help but she chose to keep them to herself for now.
"Come on… let's get these books and then we can go and find the others" said Narcissa.
It took them all of fifteen minutes to get all of the books for Edward, Harry, Euphemia and Lacey with the two boys currently shopping for other school supplies with their Father. When the four made their way over towards the till to pay for the books they heard noises coming from the crowd gathered near the till.
"Ladies and gentlemen… Gilderoy Lockhart" said the male shop manager of Flourish and Blotts.
Applause erupted around the shop as the 30-year-old, wavy blonde-haired famed author Gilderoy Lockhart who was dressed in fancy lilac coloured robes flashing the cameras and the audience a toothy smile as the cameras flashed over and over again.
"I remember him from school, always was so full of himself… looks like he's matured since then and made something of himself" said Julia.
Narcissa chose not to comment on Lockhart only vaguely remembering him from school having been five years older than him.
After the applause died down Lockhart took a fine eagle feather quill and an inkpot out of his robes.
"And I would just like to announce that starting in September… I will be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts, a chance for me to pass along the knowledge that has served me well on my many adventures to the next generation of talented witches and wizards, for more details, see my published works" said Lockhart before flashing a smile for the camera's once again.
"I guess that explains the use of his books for DADA" said Julia as she readjusted her hold on the books in her arms.
Thankfully Lockhart had decided to hold his signing session away from the till so Narcissa and Julia could avoid the large crowd as they paid for the books before leaving Flourish and Blotts.
1st September 1992
"Ready darling" said Narcissa placing her hands on Euphemia's shoulders as she got ready to run through the barrier onto Platform Nine and Three Quarters for the first time.
Harry and Edward had already gone through the barrier along with Neville and Jennifer while James, Sirius, Eric Black, Remus, Julia, Lacey, John and David Lupin, Alice and Frank Longbottom Jr were stood behind Euphemia and Narcissa.
Euphemia who was holding onto a trolley containing her trunk and owl cage housing a small tawny owl glanced up at her mother and nodded.
On cue, the Mother and Daughter took off running towards the barrier passing straight through it onto the platform where Edward, Harry, Jennifer and Neville were waiting for them.
Once the rest of their group had joined them on the platform they all walked along the platform together so the children could get onto the train.
Later that evening…
"Lupin, Lacey" said Professor Mcgonagall holding onto the Sorting Hat in one hand with her parchment list in her other hand.
Lacey slowly made her way up the stool and sat down where Professor Mcgonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her head.
"A very courageous young girl you are… well then" said the voice of the Sorting Hat in Lacey's head.
"GRYFFINDOR!" called out the Sorting Hat causing cheers to erupt from around the hall most of which came from the Gryffindor table.
Professor Mcgonagall removed the Sorting Hat from Lacey's head with a proud smile at the Daughter of one of her favourite students being sorted into her house.
Lacey walked towards the Gryffindor table and sat down with the other Gryffindor First Years as the applause died down and Professor Mcgonagall called for a boy named "Murk, Andrew" to come up and get sorted.
Edward clapped as "Murk, Andrew" was sorted into Slytherin while he paid attention to the Sorting Ceremony for several minutes before.
"Potter, Euphemia" Professor Mcgonagall called out.
Euphemia made her way up to the stool getting a small smile from Professor Mcgonagall as she did, knowing that Transfiguration Professor would like to see her in Gryffindor House like her Father and Harry.
Once she was on the stool with the Sorting Hat on her head she felt something probing her mind.
"You have a lot of ambition in you little girl, but it is outweighed by something else, ah that's it, courage and a desire to protect your family" said the Sorting Hat in Euphemia's head.
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Professor Mcgonagall removed the hat from her head and sent the young girl a smile as the applause thundered around the hall before Euphemia made her way over to sit next to Lacey Lupin at the Gryffindor table.
By the end of the Sorting Ceremony Euphemia and Lacey had been joined in Gryffindor by fellow First Years Lucas Cole, Colin Creevey, Lucy Mclaggen, Connor Morrison who was the younger brother of Ellen Morrison, Damian Robins and Ginerva Weasley with all of them sat together near the top end of the Gryffindor table.
Nearly an hour later…
As Euphemia finished her jelly and ice cream dessert she saw Dumbledore stand up and move around to the podium in front of the staff table to make his usual welcoming speech.
"Welcome, welcome… to another year at Hogwarts, now that we're all fed and sorted, I have a few announcements to make, firstly following Professor Keaton's decision to return to the Aurors, I would like to welcome our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, good luck Professor" said Dumbledore loud and proud before applauding Professor Lockhart alongside most of the students and staff.
The famed author and new teacher stood up from his place at the staff table with his trademark toothy smile and bowed in appreciation of the attention he was receiving.
Dumbledore waited for the applause to die down.
"I am also delighted to announce that this year, Hogwarts will play host to staff and students from three of our fellow magical schools which will give all of you the chance to learn from other branches of magical education… the three visiting schools are Castelobruxo, Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Mahoutokoro School of Magic and they will be arriving on Halloween remaining here for the rest of the school year" said Dumbledore which caused noises of excitement to race through the hall.
After a few seconds, he held up his hand calling for quiet.
"Though owing to these schools visiting us at Hogwarts… I will be cancelling the traditional Quidditch Cup this year and will be instead allowing the four House teams to play against each other and teams from the visiting schools for a trophy which will be awarded to the winning team" said Dumbledore proudly.
Had Dumbledore not arranged Quidditch matches against the other schools, most people in the hall, Harry included would have been really disappointed that the Quidditch Cup would not be played this year.
"Whilst our guests are at school I encourage all of you to make them feel as welcome as possible, I also encourage you to learn all that you can from them, you will find that some of them learn magic that you cannot learn here at Hogwarts or at any other magical school in the world" said Dumbledore proudly.
After the excitement had died down Dumbledore finished his speech with his usual explanation about the rules and Filch's list of banned items before telling the Prefects to take the First Years to their dormitories.