Chapter 5 Back to Class
AN: Thanks to my betas, poisonivy9675, alix33 and darrelldeam, for looking this over. All mistakes are my own. Especially, since I have a bad habit to adding to my chapter and not sending it back to them.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
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A few days later it was back to class, so Harry, Neville and the other three boys from the dorm went to breakfast. They got to the Great Hall and sat together at the Gryffindor table, all but Ron who was still mad at Harry. He sat further down. After loading their plates with a variety of food, they started talking about the staff changes.
"Anyone notice that Snape is acting kinda weird? He seems guilty about something," Harry asked as he glanced at the Staff Table. The greasy haired man in question had been distracted for days. His sneer didn't seem quite as pronounced and he hadn't taken any points off Gryffindor for the week they were class free. Come to think of it Harry really hadn't seen him much.
"Oh, believe me, I noticed," Neville said with a firm nodding of his head. If there was one teacher he kept an eye on it was Snape.
"Yeah, seems right thoughtful, our Snape," Dean commented between bites. "Don't rightly know what's up with him, but if he's not taking points from us, I say it's a bonus." The others around them nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Harry said, and then changed the subject. "I wonder who the new History teacher is."
"Don't know, I hope it's someone alive," Seamus said. While he would miss naptime, he still liked history and so far their education in this subject had been lacking.
"I don't see anyone new at the Staff Table, but hey, it looks like Hagrid's back," Neville said, pointing out the large man, who was sitting next to the larger Headmistress of Beauxbaton. Their heads were together and it looked like they were going over schedules.
Harry smiled at this development; he was happy for his first friend. He turned his gaze to the man who had been introduced as the temporary headmaster the evening before. He was a middle aged man from Ireland, a Mr. Patrick Flanagan, who was usually the Head of one of the day schools, but had conceded to being Hogwarts Headmaster until Dumbledore came back or a new one was chosen. He was a rotund man with a sparkle in his eyes, a smile on his face and an approachable demeanor. Harry liked him and hoped the man would stay on if Dumbledore was relieved of duty.
The dark-haired teen's thoughts turned to Dumbledore. Seems the Headmaster was getting a lot of criticism for not getting Sirius a trial and the last three years at Hogwarts. Not only was he up for review here at the school, but both his other positions as well. According to the Quibbler, it might be time for the old man to step down.
Trelawney wasn't there of course; she never came to the Great Hall. Harry almost felt sorry for that professor. Now the true believers in her class were predicting her demise with their lessons. The poor woman was frazzled. She was almost too scared to hand out assignments. Harry figured she would stop predicting student's deaths soon and stick to teaching.
Turning his contemplation back to the Staff Table, he noted that a young lady—he could only assume was Tonks— with pink hair and a heart shaped face was sitting in the chair usually set aside for the DADA position. He vaguely remembered during his first year when she was a seventh year Hufflepuff.
"Do you think that Tonks will make a good professor? She looks rather young," Hermione was heard to ask. Everyone ignored her, making her huff, grab her books and leave for class. This had been happening all week; every time Hermione asked a rude question it went unanswered. They didn't ignore or shun her completely, only when she nagged about something, which was a lot. Harry made sure that he talked to her daily; until she started badgering him about classes. The green-eyed boy hoped she stopped soon, he missed his friend.
Their first class was potions, much to Neville's dismay. So they gathered up their stuff and headed to the dungeons. Their class was with Slytherin, and the two Houses lined up outside the locked door. Gryffindors on one side Slytherin on the other. There were a few sly glances Harry's way, but he ignored them. The taunting from that House had dribbled off to almost non-existent, for which he was grateful. But now they all looked at him like he was a bug to be dissected.
Malfoy looked horrible, his normally slicked back hair was in disarray and his clothes were rumpled. The only two at his side were Crabbe and Goyle, everyone else made sure there was tons of space between him and them.
Professor Snape, in his sneaky way, startled them all by slamming the door open and ordering them in the classroom. Harry looked around and wondered how his wish was affecting his most hated teacher. He didn't think it would be too bad; the man had tried to save his life on a few occasions. The teen noted the jars on the wall were still the same, with body parts of various creatures floating in murky liquids. The classroom was just as creepy and cold as before. He didn't see anything different, but something was bugging the Potion Master. He took his seat next to Neville, and pulled out his equipment.
"Let us see what you dunderheads have…" Snape started to say, until a voice behind the chalkboard interrupted him loudly.
"Severus Tobias Snape, don't you dare call these children names! I remember when you couldn't follow directions. Don't make me start yelling, Sevy. If you think I'm here to make your life better think again, mister. I know all your childhood secrets and I'm not afraid to share," the female voice said firmly. Everyone looked around to see who had spoken, but didn't see anyone.
Snape drew a weary hand over his face, then pinched his large nose and sighed. The despair on his face was almost overwhelming. This must be why he was so thoughtful this last week. It sounded like whoever was talking had known Snape a long time.
Harry turned to Neville and mouthed 'Sevy?' Both boys had to hide their snickers. Most of the class didn't bother; giggles and chuckles were heard throughout the class, until Snape turned his icy glare to them, shutting them up quickly.
"Mrs. Potter, Lily, please do not interrupt my class with your rambling," the potions professor said to the chalkboard.
"Mum?!" Harry yelled, and got up from his stool, knocking it over in the process, to run to the chalkboard. He rounded said board and saw a portrait of none other than his mother. "What are you doing here? When did you get here? Why haven't you come to find me?" he fired off questions to the redheaded woman he had dreamed about many times.
You could hear the class break out in whispers, a few stood in their seats to see if they could see around the chalkboard. A brave student got up and moved it, so they could, and then scurried back to his seat at the professor's cold glare.
"Oh, Harry, look at you all grown up," Lily gushed, looking her child up and down. A look of pride came across her face. "I can't leave the classroom, well, I can't leave Sevy" she explained, then folded her arms in a huff. "I was sent here to make sure he behaved. So I have to be around him whenever he is doing student things; like teaching or grading papers. I've been here for about a week. I tried to get that man to tell you, but he is stubborn," she spat. Then her face softened. "When I'm done and he has changed his teaching habits, or you graduate, then I can go with you. I'm not as good as the real thing, but I hope you can be happy with me. I am me; it is my soul that is in this portrait. I will stay as long as you live, and then I will move on when you do," she rambled, thankful she would ascend when her child did. Only an imprint would be left behind.
"Are you kidding? Of course I can be happy with you," Harry said, elated, bouncing on the soles of his feet. Anything that made it so he could talk to his mum was worth it. He did wonder if his dad was somewhere. He opened his mouth to ask his mother when Snape interfered.
"Mr. Potter, take your seat— now," came the soft order of the professor.
"You'd better go back, honey. Don't worry about Sevy, I'll make sure he treats you fairly," Lily's portrait said with a cutting glance to Snape.
"Bye, Mum. I'll come and visit, even if I have to bring another professor with me," Harry said, walking back to his table. Neville had picked up his stool and was grinning at him.
"Now that the drama is over, shall we begin?" Snape asked. He then waved his wand at the board and the directions for today's potion appeared. "You have one hour, follow the directions and maybe none of you will melt the cauldrons." He glared at Neville, making the boy shrink into himself.
"Severus Tobias Snape! What did I just get through telling you about scaring the children? Besides, is that anyway to teach? 'Directions are on the board'," the portrait mimicked, causing the class to burst out in whispers and snickers. "Your mother will be rolling in her grave, she taught you better than that."
A look of anguish took over the professor's face for a brief moment. Lily seemed to have hit a sore spot. He straightened himself up and barked, "Get out your books and turn to page fifty-nine. We will be going over the correct way to prepare for this potion."
The confused class did as they were told and for the first time in four years, they had an instructive class. Every time Snape deviated from teaching the portrait would chastise him. It was a fun and confusing class, but at least they learned something.
At the end of the class, after successfully brewing their potion, Harry and Neville went to say good-bye to Lily, with Hermione trailing behind. "Mum, this is Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger," Harry said while indicating his friends. Neville nodded in greeting and smiled. Hermione said hello and went to ask the portrait questions, but stopped when Harry said, "I just wanted to say goodbye and I'll see you when classes are over."
"Goodbye, sweetie," Lily said with bright eyes, making Harry wonder how portraits were made to show such emotion.
The children left and ran through the halls to get to Charms on time. They made it and the boys grabbed two seats in the back. Hermione glared at them for the ruckus as she took a seat in the front. Harry just shrugged and pulled out his books and writing utensils. He and Neville were having a whispered conversation about Lily's portrait showing up and wish demons when Professor Flitwick called attention to the class. As the class progressed into learning a shield charm, Harry mused that he was glad this professor wasn't affected by his wish, because while Flitwick never actively went against Dumbledore, he always had words of encouragement for Harry.
"Mr. Potter, can you stay behind for a moment, please," the diminutive professor asked as the class was gathering up their belongings.
"Of course, Professor," Harry said as he continued putting his things in his bag. Neville nodded to him that he would wait for him outside. Harry went up to the front of the room and asked, "You wanted to see me, Professor?
"Ah, yes, Mr. Potter, thank you for staying. I wanted to talk to you for a minute about the Headmaster Dumbledore's orders to the staff," Flitwick hedged, a little nervous. Harry glared at those words and folded his arms defensively. "Take a seat," the professor offered, and pointed to the nearest chair. When Harry sat the tiny professor pulled up a stool and sat in front of the now wary student. "Mr. Potter, I understand that you are angry with us. However, you have to realize we were simply following orders from a man we all look up to. Now I didn't, and don't, agree with Albus, but he is… or was… our boss," he said with earnest.
"I do understand that, however, I will ask the same as I asked Professor McGonagall. If it were any other student would you have done the same?" Harry inquired, folding his arms across his chest and thrusting out his chin.
"I cannot answer for the rest, however, I can say that, yes, I would do the same thing if he asked. While he did not threaten our jobs, he is still the Headmaster." Flitwick held his hands out in a what-could-I-do manner and explained further, "I did argue in your defense, as I would anyone else; I don't see you as a celebrity. I see you as any other student, and while that was not true during your first year, you have proven to me you are just another teenager."
"Okay, I get that, and I'll take your apology if you are giving it," Harry said, conceding the tiny man's point. He might not be as quick to forgive the other professors— they all but shunned him when his name came out of the Goblet.
"You have it," Flitwick said quickly. "Now you had better get to lunch, I can hear Mr. Longbottom's stomach from here," he said relieved, and made a shooing motion towards the door.
Harry nodded, grabbed up his stuff and headed out of the classroom. The two boys went to the Great Hall and sat at their table. Harry grabbed some beef and potatoes and started to eat. He once again tried to find the new history professor, but that spot was still empty. He looked at Fred and George's faces and saw the mischief in their eyes. There was something else, but Harry couldn't place it—maybe hero worship?
"So," Harry said casually, "didn't you guys have history earlier?"
"Yup," came the twin response. The twinkle in their eyes became more pronounced.
"And?" Harry asked, putting down his fork and giving them his full attention.
"We can't tell you," they said smugly.
"Why not?" a frustrated Harry asked, going over in his mind what could possibly be a secret about history.
"The Professor asked us not to. He said it was a surprise for you fourth years," Fred said, a glint in his eyes. Harry looked at George and saw they were going to be stubborn about it.
"Huh, well I guess if you promised," Harry said, his brow furrowed in confusion. The whole of the fourth year was to be surprised. He had to wonder what that was all about. He scanned the Great Hall and noted some faces seemed to be smug, while others had a look of fear on them.
"Don't worry, Harry, we have history next, so you won't be waiting long," Neville said, clapping his hand on Harry's back.
Harry nodded and returned to his meal. When they were done, the fourth year Gryffindors made their way to the history class, with the Ravenclaws. Harry could hear a few grumbles from the other students about how they now had to bring the heavy text, and how they were going to have to stay awake for class. Though there was some excitement on having a new professor. The classroom was empty when they got there and the students filed in and took their seats, pulling out the book and note taking equipment.
The bell rang and the door slammed shut, making everyone jump and some shriek. A voice was heard throughout the classroom saying, "Welcome to your first real history lesson, I am the new professor. Fear me."
Harry knew that voice and started laughing. Neville looked at him weirdly. "Oh, Merlin," the green-eyed boy gasped between fits, "I can't believe they hired him." The more he thought about it the funnier it became until he was laughing so hard he was fighting to breath.
"Damn it, Pup, way to ruin my entrance," the voice said, as a dark haired, grey-eyed, man came from around the blackboard. He was still skinny, but didn't look like Death was about to take him at any minute, though there was a haunted look behind the mischief you could see sparkling in his eyes.
"Sirius!" Harry yelled, and went to hug his godfather. His luck was going well, if they hired the only living man he saw as family. His mother portrait was nice, but he couldn't hug her.
"That will be Professor Black, if you please," Sirius said in his more pompous tone, though he did gather the young man into a hug. "Now, go back to your seat, I don't want to have to take points from you," he said, pushing his godson gently towards his seat.
Harry did as requested with a huge smile on his face. Neville was confused, last he heard of this man he was just reprieved from his crimes. What was he doing at Hogwarts? Harry just shook his head at his friend's questioning look and nodded to the front of the class.
Sirius Black looked around the classroom and smiled. "As you just heard, I am Sirius Black and I will be your history professor. Today we're going to learn about Grindelwald and the man who defeated him. Open your books to page 159 and listen carefully, because some of this lesson will not be in your books, but is nevertheless true," he instructed, and then continued the lecture about Grindelwald and Dumbledore and how they plotted to take over the wizarding world, until Dumbledore had a change of heart and imprisoned his ex-friend. All in all it was an informative lesson.
After class Harry stayed behind with Neville and Hermione. They went to the front of the class and stood before Harry's godfather. "So what did they have to bribe you with to take on this position?" Harry asked with a huge smile playing on his lips.
"Oh, well you see, I heard about your mum's portrait and I thought I'd help her along. Don't worry, I won't be the git I was as a teen, just making sure that Snape changes his ways," he said quickly when he saw the frown on Harry's face. Harry never liked bullies and while he didn't know the extent of the Marauders pranks, he had a good idea from what Lupin had told him.
"Oh, okay," Harry said, relieved. "We've to get to Herbology, so we'll see you after classes, right?"
"Yeah, Pup, see you soon," Sirius said, and gave Harry one more hug.
The three students went to their last class of the day. The boys talked as they went, Hermione was silent. Harry had noticed that in all of the classes today, her hand was ignored, unless hers was the only one raised. Harry noted that other students were getting the important questions asked. So maybe this would be a lesson for her to not be so pushy.
After classes were finished for the day, Harry dragged Sirius down to the dungeons to have a long talk with Lily's portrait. Snape, who seemed to be having a heated conversation with the late Mrs. Potter, disappeared as soon as they entered the classroom, a look of revulsion on his face when he saw Sirius. Sirius just waved and smirked at the man. Making Harry wonder just what talks they'd been having.
After Lily greeted Sirius and Harry, she and Harry started discussing why she was back. Sirius was looking over some of the jars on the shelves, giving the two some private time. "So, while I'm happy you're here, why not bring you back to life?" Harry asked. It had been bugging him all day.
"The simple answer is you didn't ask for your parents. You wanted people to know how they made you feel. So Sirius and I are your answer to Sevy," the portrait explained, though you could see she was just as disappointed as her son. Sirius' bark of laughter echoed the classroom at that nickname.
"I get that, I guess, but why bring back Neville's parents? I mean, I know they weren't dead, but he wasn't part of my wish," Harry asked, still confused about that. He was happy for his friend, but still muddled.
"I don't know, maybe he made a wish the same time you did, or you were thinking about making him extra happy. I honestly couldn't tell you," Lily said thoughtfully.
"Well, I'm happy for him, so I guess it's okay. Enough about that," he said, waving dismissively. "Tell me what you've been doing since you've been back." He and Sirius, who came back when Harry waved him over, pulled up some stools and listened to Lily tell how Snape and she had had some long talks about their childhood, and how far the Potion Master had deviated from his goals.
Sirius explained about the dynamics between him and Severus and how there was a lot of tension that needed to be aired before they could even be in the same room. Harry's dogfather explained that he had to take a vow not to curse or prank the other professor; however, his cutting remarks were almost legendary among the staff. The green-eyed teen knew there was more to the story, but Sirius wasn't budging.
Lily told him the reason his father wasn't at the castle was because it would do Harry more harm than good in this class. Snape would never listen to James, no matter how logical he was, which according to his mum, wasn't often. However, a portrait of the man was in Potter Manor and he could visit it with Sirius, come the Christmas holidays.
They talked until it was dinnertime and said their good-byes. Harry promised to come back and tell about his childhood.
At dinner a special edition of the Quibbler was distributed the headline read: Voldemort—Read the Real Story Behind You-Know-Who as told by Rubeus Hagrid. The story went on to tell about how Tom had framed Hagrid for the murder of Moaning Myrtle. Who he was and how he had been Dark since he was a student. It even mentioned that he was a half-blood with a near squib mother and a Muggle father. The students exploded into whispers and shouts of denial.
Very few people paid attention to the side article about the Lovegoods finding the Crumple-Horned Snorkack in their backyard. Harry smiled at his new friend at the Ravenclaw table and lifted his glass to her. Luna smiled back and returned his toast; while some at her House table congratulated her.
The new Headmaster stood up and tapped his wand on his glass. "Yes, yes, this is exciting news," he said enthusiastically, holding up his hands for silence. "Now then, you are all students within a school that has a marvelous library, so instead of gossip and speculation, I suggest you get to researching." Then he sat still smiling his cheerful smile and nodded to the staff. They were shocked that the Headmaster tried to stop the students from starting rumors; it was something they had not experienced before.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Harry said. He wasn't going to bother though, he already knew the story.
Everyone around him nodded in agreement, especially Hermione, which made Harry sigh. He knew she knew about Tom Riddle. He had told her after the Chamber of Secrets fiasco. He knew she had already done some investigation. So why do more? He looked at his best friend and just shook his head; he knew that she would never be satisfied unless she had every scrap of information. As long as she didn't feel the need to tell him, he wouldn't begrudge her, her research.
That night he dreamed and this time he was in Voldemort, so he made sure to be extra quiet. The Dark Lord was riding the snake to Malfoy Manor, in hopes to get some help. They were in the backyard slithering up to the French Doors, when Lucius spotted them. Before Voldemort could say anything, the blonde man started firing off Killing Curses and Nagini started to retreat. Just as they were at the ward line Malfoy's aim was true and Voldemort fell.
Harry was repelled back to his own mind, but he knew the Dark Lord wasn't dead.
In Gringotts an alarm when off, as a cup exploded.
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Remember this is a wish verse; things are going to happen for no reason other than magic. Logic need not apply.
I am actually not trying to be harsh to Hermione, she did stand by Harry. I am just trying to get her to stop nagging, because other than that flaw, I like Hermione. Also for those of you who think Snape is getting off easy, wait for it.
