We Held Hands
02
Defense Against the Dark Arts?
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Draco's POV
The walk was rather silence then, "Sorry for that one, Isis. Me and Potter and his friends aren't really in both nice terms." Draco said.
"That's quite alright, Draco. I'm pretty sure, everyone has a reason because of what they're doing. There's something in you that you just don't want known that's all. I guess…" Isis said.
Both of them were in silence again. When they reached the spiral stairs…
"Canary Creams!"
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Draco's POV
'Canary Creams'? The old daft might've used Cockroach Cluster for the entire world to know. Why is that damnable man too addicted with sweets anyway? There'd be no more teeth left at all if he keeps on going. Draco thought.
The gargoyle-ugly gargoyle, Draco thought-rose to life and up it went like an escalator spinning up to the top. With McGonagall in lead, Draco and Isis waited outside Dumbledore's office. A moment's knock, then, the man's voice can be heard permitting them to 'please do come in'. Professor McGonagall opened the door and soon came in the room followed by Isis. Having no where else to go and no choice anyways…
Why did I ever have to go again? Draco thought. So you can be with Isis. Right…Draco shrugged off his anxiety of any future encounter with those blasted nitwits and followed Isis.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy and Ms. Black, so nice of you to join us. Please, do sit down." Dumbledore said, gesturing the big red sofa facing the Headmaster's desk. Contrary to his usual purple and yellow moon and stars robes, he wore a rather… interesting robe over his nightgown, a robe with goats and birds embroidery at the back. Disgusted as it is with the Headmaster's choice of clothing, Draco looked around the room. He's never been inside this room before. There were delicate silver instruments of some sort that rested on the spindle-legged tables, some of them were wheezing and puffing strange silver mists… Portraits of the former Heads of the school were all wide-awake and was eager by the assembly, it seems. Draco's steel eyes stopped on one thing though, a Pensieve.
Well, isn't it just luck? What could've bothered an old headmaster that he used such thing? Draco thought. Oh, well, maybe he has habits. And here I thought father was the only one. Totally unaware of what is happening around him, seemingly overwhelmed by the many possessions of the headmaster, Draco sat down as Professor McGonagall took her leave. Isis afterward sat down too.
"Ehem. Now, as we are all now settled." Dumbledore's voice cut through Draco's train of thoughts. "As I was saying this evening, Isis surely needs a guide to all the paths here at Hogwarts, as sometimes even me as the headmaster seems to be at lost at times…"
"He already did, ask me if I'd like to, Headmaster". Isis inquired. Apparently, she's quite confident with herself when nobody's around… Draco noticed that for a start. She loves solitude I gather.
"Oh and as being a school Prefect, I need you to…" Dumbledore's voice drifted away and he was just watching his lips move until finally, noticing his student's absence, he cleared his throat. "Mr. Malfoy? Did you hear what I said?"
"Oh, certainly, headmaster. I'll be her 'tour guide' shall we say…" Draco said, shaken. He shrugged the said feeling. It has been on him since… He's been with the new student? But what is it?
"Very well then. Off you go." Dumbledore sighed then said. He glanced hurriedly around as if wanting to give something very urgent to his two pupils, as they were about to leave for bed. "Oh, but, are you sure you don't want any Lemon Drop?"
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No one's POV
Morning came and nothing can be more thrilling than guessing who would be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Here and there, every kind of rumors can be heard. From Professor Lupin being back, to wishing Professor Lockhart glues his feet permanently at St. Mungo's, to not hoping Professor (not that he really thought them, he said) Moody preferring teaching and to an ever hopeful of either a Handsome Vampire (courtesy of Parvati) or a Charmng Auror (courtesy of Lavender). Harry, Ron and Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor Table and seemed to be engrossed with the same topic.
"Harry, the new teacher's not there…" Hermione whispered.
"Ow kunyu nofe di pirfsor nofu zer?" asked Ron, having just stuffed his mouth with pudding.
"Ron, that's disgusting." Hermione irritably said.
"gulp, I said, How could you know if the professor's not up there?" cleared Ron.
"Look up and see the chair beside Snape, you'll see." Harry said, his head titled for a better look at the aggravated Potions Master.
"Oh, blimey, look at his face! That bat didn't get the job again, heh. I wonder why he has that disturbed face on him?" Ron asked.
"Maybe we should just wait till our first class then." Hermione said as Professor McGonagall gave their schedules.
"Wha-?" Ron whipped his head around and looked at his own schedule. "Oh, still had to attend Potions, what was I thinking of becoming an Auror? I still get to suffer in the slimy hands of the git. Hey, The new professor's name wasn't even written here. So much for surprise."
"Well, maybe Dumbledore's really up to something? You know, his usual self really." Hermione shrugged.
"Yeah, usual self as I hiding the things I need to know?" Harry added staring at the headmaster while talking animatedly at Professor Flitwick.
At the Teacher's Table
"So, Tell me, Albus. Who is this mystery teacher that you've got?" squeaked Flitwick.
"Surely, Filius, I know you know him by now?" Dumbledore said, the twinkle of his eyes seems to double-up.
"You mean it's-" Flitwick's eyes widened. Plus, he actually dropped his fork and it clattered noisily at the marble floor.
"Shhhh… Be quiet. Now, only you, Severus and me know this. Oh dear, Minerva will have a heart attack." Dumbledore chuckled, imitating someone looking around to see any listeners.
"Did I hear someone mention my name?" McGonagall piped in, having just heard the clatter.
"Oh, no, no. It's a rather complicated spell Minerva." Albus hesitated.
"Albus… I know that voice…" McGonagall warned. She seemed to be connecting things, "Do you mind telling me who's the new professor?"
"Of course Minerva, I do mind. If you do know him, he's going to end up in your clutches and you'll kick him straight back to A.W.W.I." Albus chuckled nervously. "Oops…"
"You mean it's-it's… It can't be. Albus, what will the students know out of him?" McGonagall's lips were in danger of disappearing right now.
"Really, Minerva. It's quite all right. If I was Dumbledore, I'll also choose him! I've heard many great stories about that boy back when he was a student." Flitwick recommended.
"I know, many great stories, like always almost crossing the line? He's almost the clone of the Marauders combined!" McGonagall hissed.
"Minerva, Minerva. That would be great then. And I assure you. The kids will have a great time." Dumbledore said.
"Then where is he?" Asked McGonagall, searching and finally her eyes rested at the open doors of the Great Hall. "I haven't seen him coming"
"He's wearing his all time favorite thing, Minerva, Invisibility Cloak. I guess he's still traumatized by you." Dumbledore chuckled.
At that point there was nothing the embarrassed Transfiguration teacher left to do than to just scoff and remain seated with her lips now impossible to locate. (She's mad, ain't she?)
At the Slytherin Table.
"Come on Draco, I can't wait, you still have to show me the Greenhouses." Isis urged.
"Really. Isis. You sound like Longbottom. It's too early. Our first class is Defense Against the Dark Arts with that who-ever-that-is teacher and you want to go to the Greenhouses?" Draco spiffed.
"Ah, maybe we can be the first students to take the first glance at the new Professor then?" Isis smiled.
With that, Draco stood up beside her and informed the Crabbe and Goyle to just not follow them.
"Now I know the reason of you being the Slytherin! Let's go!"
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Draco's POV
Both Isis and Draco arrived half an hour early at the corridor of the Defense classroom with their bag clutched tightly by their sweaty hands. They stopped for a while to catch their breaths then…
"Okay then, let's see who it is shall we?" Draco smirked.
He swung the door open and both of them entered the room. There was this noise but all they could see were tables moving, rearranging by themselves and so forth.
"Who's there?" A deep voice said. Isis seems to have had a reaction quite out of place but Draco didn't mind at all, maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him again.
In a flash of a second, they both Slytherins dropped their jaws because of the scene before them. Draco's eyes really weren't playing games on him!
Out of nowhere, a head appeared. A HEAD. A HEAD FLOATING IN THE AIR WITH THAT CURIOUS STARE.
Bloody Hell, is it just me? Or is it a de ja vu? Why do I have the feeling that Potter's into this?
"Oh Merlin's Beard, I thought that was Tabby. Students, do come in!" the Head, which seems to be the new professor chirped, smiling in a way Draco had reminded of the smile of the self-centered Lockhart, although with much more realness in them.
Both Isis and Draco shook their heads. Who is this man? Is he really the new professor?
"Well? Won't you two sit down? I'm not quite finished with arranging the chairs you know. Either help me or sit down. Oh, and don't go near the box, he wouldn't like it."
Draco and Isis chose to sit down at the right corner but were still in the state of shock at the new professor. Draco tore his eyes away from him and scanned the room. But, he sensed. Yes sensed, Isis didn't, couldn't.
Trust the Bloody Headmaster with employing this person. Hey, very eccentric, but, too much, I think.
Draco thought, seeing the thrashing box. He glanced back and was about to ask the new professor but Isis beat him to it.
"Professor, why are you wearing an Invisibility Cloak?" Isis inquired. He took a glance at her and wasn't really sure if his eyes were indeed playing tricks on him again or is it real that Isis was raising one of her eyebrows as if she knew the reason and think of it as completely useless.
"Oh, this?" He looked down on his form, as if there was anything to look at. He seemed to chuckle to himself and then looked back at Isis again. With a sigh, he took off his Invisibility Cloak and stuffed it in one of his desk's drawers.
"Uhm. Well, I'm quite fond of this thing and it helps me from Tabby." The new professor said his back at them and still swishing and flicking his wand to and fro arranging chairs and desk so they would encircle the room and finally placing the box at the center.
Looking more closely, the professor had the appearance and personality of what may seem to be the younger version of Albus Dumbledore. With locks of auburn hair, fair complexion and startling aquamarine blue eyes. He looked very young indeed that it seems like he had just finished school mere months ago.
Draco and Isis watched in silence as the new professor walked to his desk which contains a Pensieve, a Sneakoscope, Dark Sensors, two bottles which contains transparent liquids.
"A very interesting lesson for the first day, all just for you sixth years and seventh year!" the professor chirped, addressing both the still curious students before him.
"Erm…" Both said.
Bloody like Lockhart. I imagine he's got some creature there and mayhem and havoc would be back just like back then at Second Year. Draco thought. And still the new professor spoke,
"I do hope Tabby wouldn't go barging in though, she'd spoil all the fun again."
"Uhm, excuse me sir, but your name?" Isis asked, again, looking as if she would like to know more than what she asked for.
The professor, startled by this question-why would he be? -answered,
"Oh, you don't know who Tabby is? I thought Wulf would've said everything to you kids."
Oh bum, who the hell is he? I have made it a general conclusion that he is related to Luna Lovegood.
"No, professor, what I mean is-" Isis, rolling her eyes, was cut off because the door opened and in came the Gryffindors followed by the Slytherins.
"Welcome, welcome! I am your new Professor and I hope that unlike Jane, I could teach you of everything I know to defend and fight the Arts of Dark."
Yep, he's either linked to Luna Lovegood or a relative of the Bloody Headmaster.
When the name Jane filtered through the air, everyone stood frozen, either bewildered of who the Jane is or was on the verge of doubling up laughing his or her heads off. Of course, by the name Jane, who the professor was talking about, was Professor Umbridge. Many who didn't stand frozen by shock were now snorting.
Honestly, if he knew our whole names he would've called me 'Drakie' and Potter 'Jamie' and maybe he might call Weasel 'Ronnie'. Jolly Bloody Good, he's a weirdo.
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Harry's POV
Harry was either bewildered or worried when he saw Malfoy and Isis leave the Great Hall earlier than what was expected. But Hermione told him not to worry because Professor Dumbledore himself inquired to her that Malfoy would be Isis' tour guide.
Oh yeah, trusting Dumbledore. If I ever start to trust Dumbledore again, I'm as sane as Luna. (A/N: Very rude of Harry to say that, even mention Luna into that but, really, who wouldn't?) After finishing their food, the trio was on their way to their first lesson, Defense Against the Dark Arts. I wonder who the new Defense teacher is? I hope what Dumbledore said as eccentric, he meant Tonks. It would be great to have Tonks around, plus she could give us pointers for being an Auror!
When they entered the room, they were surprised that Malfoy and Isis were already there. And even more surprised when they saw the new professor had arranged the room to have a large space at the center… to place a now thrashing box.
They sat down and waited for the rest of the students, the Slytherins to settle too. But the new professor didn't wait for the hassle to cease…
"Welcome, welcome! I am your new Professor and I hope that unlike Jane, I could teach you of everything I know to defend and fight the Arts of Dark." The new Professor greeted them.
I thought so. Trust Dumbledore to hire another Lockhart. I hope Dumbledore wasn't very mild when he said eccentric. He's just like DUMBLEDORE!
When the name Jane filtered through the air, everyone stood frozen, either bewildered of who the Jane is or was on the verge of doubling up laughing his or her heads off. Of course, by the name Jane, who the professor was talking about, was Professor Umbridge. Many who didn't stand frozen by shock were now snorting. And of course, Harry, Ron and Hermione couldn't help but snort loudly. Lavender and Parvati stood frozen eyes transfixed on the new professor while Neville, Dean and Seamus was shaking with laughter. The Slytherins, some of those who were standing, don't know if they're going to laugh, be shocked or be unnerved. Crabbe and Goyle, as usual, were bewildered.
"Harry, Gods would think that maybe Professor Dumbledore should've warned us that he could be just like him. Next thing we know he could be bringing another creature like Lockhart. I do hope it's not Cornish Pixies in that box." Ron muttered looking at the new professor with mixed fear, bewilderment and excitement.
"Shhh, Ron, it's harsh to say such a thing! Maybe there's a new interesting creature in that box!" Hermione hushed back.
"Oh yeah, as gentle as Professor Lupin when mesmerizing at a full moon." Ron mumbled.
Man, he can be related to Dumbledore or be Lockhart's best friend! He's not eccentric, he's a weirdo.
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NO ONE'S POV
"Hem, hem.."
Everyone was startled and immediately tore their eyes off of the said box. One would think Umbridge went back, thankfully, it was the Professor.
"As I was saying, I am here to teach you everything, and when I meant everything, it sure does mean everything, in the field of Defense Against the Dark Arts." The Professor said. Almost everyone now sat straighter. Even Hermione seemed to have ignored Ron's continuous rants about the new professor. The professor continued as if nothing seems to be wrong with the package. "Now would anyone like to guess what the box hides?"
A hand went up, and of course it has to be Hermione. "Sir, may I ask something first?"
"Well, I sure think you already have, yes? And you are…?" The professor said while passing to and fro.
"Hermione Granger. I wonder-" Hermione responded, but she didn't get the chance to ask whatever her question might be. The professor seemed to have wanted to really show them whatever was in the thrashing box.
"So… Miss Granger, would you like to guess what's in the box?" The professor reiterated. Twirling his wand as he made his way back beside the box, he looked back at his rather, bewildered class.
"Could it be a.. uhm.. I couldn't say it's Cornish pixies because, it would make irritating noise. So.. A boggart?" Hermione inquired.
"Tsk, tsk, tough luck. Yes, a Boggart thrashes about but see, this one… it's kind of continuous in thrashing about even if there's no laughter present." A hand rose yet again. "Yes, Mister..?"
"Malfoy. Sir, it couldn't have been a sort of baby hippogriff or something... else?"(A/N: tsk tsk.. Draco... Don't worry it's not Buckbeak!)
"Hmm… I'll think about that one, surely we could practice with a Letifold or some Basilisk if the Headmaster would allow. But they're very rare and it's almost possible to spot one unless some would like to volunteer to help me and be a, let's say, trap? Maybe." The professor said his hand massaging his chin. Everyone was just well… blank. The professor couldn't be serious. However… He was. The professor let out a sigh and said:
"Well, another time. I guess I have to release him after all... Come now, Moony, out you go." With a flick of his wand, the ties, hackles and chains disappeared. And out came..
"I told you it was a werewolf!" Ron exclaimed and whooped. Everyone turned their heads to his direction… "Hey, isn't Moony, Professor Lupin's nick name?" Ron whispered to Hermione and Harry. Harry and Hermione both merely raised an eyebrow each as if there wasn't really anything too bothersome about that.
"And you are Mister…?" The professor asked; interest seemed to occupy his tone of voice. Ron, completely embarrassed for speaking quite audibly, is by then completely a shade of beet red. "I-I-I-I-I'm… Ronald Weasley, sir." Ron stuttered.
"Well Mister Weasley, why didn't you raise your hands when I asked who could guess what it was?" The Professor asked, seemingly (or purposefully) ignoring the growling and howling of the newly released werewolf behind him. He even dared fling his wand about as if the creature behind him is just his pet dog.
"I-I-I… Sir, is that Professor Lupin?" Ron pointed out at the werewolf. Someone grunted from behind. He whipped his head and saw some Slytherins sniggering. Even Draco sneered as if to say that is absolutely absurd.
"What?"
"Sir? There's a mad, mean, and hungry werewolf behind you… And isn't it illegal to bring in a Dark Creature?" Draco quipped, Isis beside him with a strange look on her face. She seemed to be judging about something.
"Mr. Malfoy does sit down." The professor said firmly. "Now, Mr. Weasley, would you like to tell me why?"
As if out of nowhere, the werewolf roared loudly and leaped to the many rows of the screaming and terrified students.
"Oh my…"
Chaos was everywhere, just like the incident of the Cornish Pixies and yet… only four remained in their place…The Professor, Isis, Harry and Hermione.
"What are you doing, Hermione! Let's go! There's a drooling werewolf for Merlin's sake! I just can't believe that's Professor Lupin! Well, if it really is him." Ron face displayed every means of hysteria. "And Harry! What's the matter with you two!"
"Do sit down, Ron. There's nothing to worry about." Hermione said and just raised her eyebrow at the smirking Professor in front of them then to Malfoy who was pushing his way towards the exit. "Look at Malfoy, pushing his way out of this classroom, just like a frightened Sissy."
Near the exit…
"Out of the way! Out of my way!" Draco demanded.
…
"I wonder why the Professor is acting like this?" Harry asked irritatingly, as if he knew he was wasting his time.
"I don't know. I don't really know what he's doing." Huffed Hermione.
The four people just stayed in their places and observed the scene before them, Isis obviously eyeing the werewolf who was howling and chasing (or was it playing?) around with other terrified sixth years. Then, she raised her hands, as if the class was at its normal state, and not in a complete chaos.
"Uhm.. Excuse me, professor.. But what can we achieve in you bringing here a fake imitation of a werewolf?" Isis asked flatly, her eyes showing boredom.
It was as if everyone could hear even a drop of a needle with the silence at the room. Everyone ceased in moving. The silence was deafening.
"What!" blurted out Ron.
"I would like to explain really, what our lesson for today is but I was terribly shocked when everyone just jumped off of their seats. Now we've wasted so much time." The professor smiled. "Twenty points for Slytherin for ceasing this chaos, Miss..?"
"Isis Black." Isis said, while taking a quick glance at everyone, who were mortified and embarrassed by their reaction. All sat down again with their eyes transfixed at the 'werewolf'.
"Ah… Miss Black. Yes, as I was saying. This 'creature' is only here to deceive you. I do believe it's done it's job well, but not that well." The professor went on and took out his wand. A strange looking one, which seemed like it was never been used at all. He flicked his wand and the werewolf clambered its way towards him.
He flicked his wand yet again and… The creature was gone. "It's just an illusion."
Everyone groaned. (Draco snorted at this one.)
"Too bad isn't it? I can't really produce any real werewolf. I'd really like one and name it Moony…"
There was a gap of silence… (A/N: Weird… Tell me about it.)
"Anyways," The professor continued. "Miss Granger, would you like to explain why you haven't moved an inch a while ago?"
"Because Sir, it would be totally weird to me to see a werewolf in the middle of the day. And the full moon is still far behind, is it not, sir?" Hermione answered. (A/N: Well, just as usual, isn't it?)"And erm.. You called it Moony, I'm afraid this is poorly imitation of Someone I know of…"
Everyone stared suspiciously at Hermione and Harry.
"Well, that is, if Professor Lupin and I ever met in the middle of a full moon night, which is entirely rubbish." Hermione finally snapped. But she made a more terrible mistake in saying that because more of the students eyed her.
"Ten points to Gryffindor, Miss Granger." The professor continued, "Ah, Mr. Potter. Why didn't you move?"
"Erm… It's not a werewolf. And if everyone assumed it was Professor Lupin, then I'm from another reality… I just know." It was all Harry said.
"Ah.. Another Ten points to Gryffindor. As you can see… Part of defending yourself against the Dark, is to not be deceived. You must always know the situation at hand. You must take extreme caution in any dire situation." The professor walked up to the front of the room and continued. "You might've as well walked 'in to a trap' if you weren't careful… I'm sirius now, class. All of you know that the Second War is looming in… And this is one of the things you need to know. Don't be deceived. In this class, nothing is what it seems, until you've seen or experienced it first-hand or in the 'real world'. This week, we will be reviewing your past lessons with Mr. Lupin. He has done quite well, I'm told."
"Excuse me, sir. But do you know Prof…. erm Mr. Lupin?" Asked Harry; who was now unbelievably interested than a while ago.
"Ah, yes, I do." He continued. "Now, who here is the member of Albus'… er, I mean, 'Dumbledore's Army'?"
All of the DA in the room, plus Harry, Ron and Hermione raised their hands.
"Ah… Would you like to continue this 'Army'? Then we can practice fending off Dark Creatures, I'm sure we can get to tackle some of those Runespoor…" (A/N: Weird)There was an immense approval, and some Slytherins was very intrigued.
"Ok, your president should meet me later."
Hermione, Harry and Ron exchanged looks and glanced at their fellow Gryffindors as if saying 'Is this really the professor?'.
"Back to the class… I would like you to make a list of the things, spells or any techniques that you have learned from your past Defense Against the Dark Arts, from you first years up until now. Never mind your Fifth year, I'm sure Jane bore you to death." The professor said. "It will be passed at right before our next class. But if you're an early bird, you'll have five extra points for your house and… oh, Lemon Drops. The Headmaster really likes them."
After he had given them the assignment, everyone was surprised as the bell rang. The class was finished.
"Oh and I'm Professor Chaffconham… Josh Chaffconham."
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DRACO'S POV
This is a sick joke of that Muggle-lover! Draco thought, angry and embarrassed at his actions a while ago.
Deceive? Now come on, who does he think he's teaching? Hufflepuffs?
"Oh and I'm Professor Chaffconham… Josh Chaffconham."
Yep, he's definitely just a joke.
"MISTER CHAFFCONHAM! YOU eccentric imbecile coot! " a very angry adult female voice exclaimed not far from the corridor of the room…
Oh my, look who it is…
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Author's Note: PLEASE REVIEW! I've revised this fanfic because it certainly needs to be edited... Heh.
E-mail me if you know and I'll give you a bit about the new 'eccentric' Professor! Ahahah. Oh, and PLEASE, PLEASE REVEW!