Hello again everyone!
Once again I've made you all wait longer than I intended, though this time it was only two months, so at least it wasn't too long.
Firstly I'd like to say how happy I am that I've finally reached the over 100 favourites milestone. Thank you to everyone who has hit that fav button
Secondly I would like to thank the people who have reviewed recently. As I always say, I welcome constructive criticism because I believe it helps people improve. So I would like to thank the following people for their reviews:
Land of Insanity who mentioned that they don't really understand the Metric System, so I have made sure to update the character profiles to include the Imperial System (thank Google for that one, because I'm pretty unfamiliar with the Imperial System – I mean, I know that I'm 5 foot 4 and that I got ripped off genetically considering my dad's 6 foot 2, but that's about it) - Also, I'm glad that you like my style and tone – thanks.
Simarly I would like to thank Narniaisinmycloset who pointed out that I made a mistake when having Francis say 'ma Cherie' as since he was addressing a male he should have said 'Mon Cheri'. My only experience with French goes back to my year seven class at school – 15 years ago! (Which personally sounds hard for me to believe – and also gives you a clue as to how old I currently am). So thanks for that. Also I'm glad that you like my characterisations.
As for other reviewers:
UNseated4TH (I'm glad you like Alfred's character, and that you like the fact that he wouldn't want to take Divination because he doesn't want spoilers )
VivaDragnire (even if your review consisted of a single digit, it's better than no review at all, so thanks)
SynPyre (I'm glad you find my fic intriguing, I hope you continue to enjoy it)
Narniaisinmycloset I would like to thank you again for your reviews. After over a month without a single review I was so happy to see the ones you gave me. I actually opened the page fully expecting to see the number 55 (for reviews), which had been there for about 6 or 7 weeks, so when I opened it and saw 60 reviews, I did the biggest double take. Thank you for getting me to 60!
Star: Glad you liked it.
Fifth Floor Corridor - Hogwarts
2nd September, Midday
Francis' POV
Francis' first lesson of the year had been one of the free classes that 6th and 7th year students attended. Fred and George, who conveniently had a similar timetable to France, had taken it upon themselves to show him around the castle. Their 'tour' Francis had noted, lacked most of the places that he'd actually need to use throughout the year, such the majority of classrooms he'd be frequenting, or even the library, and instead consisted of the 'important places', including access to the kitchens, and a shortcut to the Quidditch pitch.
The twins were just explaining how to get into the much nicer bathroom, reserved for prefects, without a password when Francis spotted a familiar figure in the corridor ahead.
"Is that Alfred?" he stopped, looking at the American rounding the corner ahead of them.
"With Ron and Neville," Fred confirmed.
Alfred then noticed them, giving them a small nod as they approached.
"Well, look at this George," said Fred as the two groups met. "It seems like our little brother has decided to skip class."
"Very disappointing, Fred," said George. "Don't know where he would get the idea to do such a thing, when we set such a good example for him."
"Mum will be disappointed too when she finds out."
"Please don't tell my Gran!"
"Ah, don't listen to Fred and George's crap," said Ron to Neville. Turning to the twins he added: "Even if you did tell her, you'd probably end up with a howler too. Do you really want to remind her of how many times you've both skipped class?" He paused for a beat. "Not that we're even skipping class!"
"True about mum," Fred conceded. "But if you're not skipping class then why are the three of you not in class?"
"We were taking Alfred to the Hospital Wing. We messed up our potion and he got some of it on him," explained Neville.
Francis gave Alfred a questioning look. Alfred simply shrugged his shoulders.
"Ok," said George. "Then why are you going in the exact opposite direction of the Hospital Wing?"
"You don't exactly look like you've had a potions accident," Fred added.
"I think we also screwed up how strong the potion was," Alfred explained. "Snape must have thought it was worse than it actually was. After leaving his class we just went to the closest bathroom and I managed to wash it all off."
Francis raised an eyebrow at this. He had a feeling that Alfred not requiring a visit to the Hospital Wing had less to do with the strength of the potion, and more to do with the nation's high speed healing ability.
But so long as everyone else buys Alfred's version of the story, I don't suppose it matters.
"After that we saw there was really no point in going to the Hospital Wing, but Snape thinks we went there, and since it would have taken the rest of the lesson anyway, we figured we may as well use the time for ourselves," finished Ron.
"Ahh, so you are skipping class after all."
"Shut up Fred," said Ron as the bell signaling the end of class sounded. "We'd better go," he continued. "Although, I've got Divination next. It wouldn't be so bad skipping that too."
"Dude, if you don't care about being late you can show me where Arithmacy is."
"Perfect – I don't know where it is either, so that'll fill in some time," Ron said happily. "Well, see you lot later."
Fred and the twins bid Alfred, Ron and Neville good-bye.
"So, I'm assuming you know how to get to ze Defence Against ze Dark Arts class?" Francis questioned when Alfred's group had disappeared from view.
"It's on the third floor," answered Fred.
"Every year the DADA professor sets it up differently. I'm looking forward to seeing what the class will be like with Moody," said George.
Five minutes later Francis entered the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, taking a seat between George and an attractive girl. He'd almost finished setting up his supplies for the lesson when he noted the tell-tale sound of Moody's clunking footsteps making their way down the hall.
Entering the classroom, Moody proceeded to tell the students to return their books to their bags. "I believe a practical lesson is much more memorable than a theory-based one," he added. He then moved quickly through the class roll, demonstrating his ability to look in two places at once, by simultaneously reading a student's name and surveying whichever student had raised their hand. Moody paused briefly when coming to the twins names, mentioning some incident that he and the Weasley's father had been involved in a few days prior, concerning Muggles and cursed dustbins.
Moody also paused at Francis' name. "So you're Bonnefoy?" Moody questioned.
Francis nodded, not particularly liking the way both of Moody's eyes now fixated upon him.
"I heard about your sorting last night. I look forward to learning how your classes at Ilvaqmory differ from those taught at Hogwarts. Although, they may be difficult to compare for this class, given the vast number of teacher changes this subject has seen at Hogwarts over the past decade.
"From what I have been told," Moody continued, finally addressing the class at large. "I am the sixth teacher you have had for this subject. Given the fact that you have never had a teacher for longer than a year, I am impressed that this many of you managed to receive an adequate result for your OWLs last year. Credit must be given to Professor Lupin for bringing you up to a more acceptable level – particularly after you had that fraud who taught you the year before.
"However it would seem that you are still behind in your knowledge of curses. You may have been able to get away with this for your OWLs, but if you have any intention of passing your NEWTs, you must use every chance you have at building your knowledge in this area.
"So let's get into it. You have already covered the majority of counter curses – we'll look at some of the advanced ones later in the year – but for now, we're going to look at the opposite side. The curses themselves. Today we'll be discussing the curses that you'll only see if you find yourself in dire situations – the kind of situations where only skill, alertness, and no small amount of luck will keep you from death. I am of course talking about the Unforgivable Curses – three curses so vile in nature that their use can give their caster a one way ticket to Azkaban.
"That is of course only if you use them on humans, which is why I brought these," Moody held up a glass jar containing three large black spiders. "Though unpleasant, a practical demonstration of these curses is the best way to prepare you, should the situation ever arise outside of the classroom. Now then, I take it some of you must know what these curses actually are?
"Yes, Mr G. Weasley."
"Our dad's mentioned the Imperious Curse a couple of times," said George as Fred nodded.
"Ah yes," said Moody appreciatively. "Arthur would know that one. The Imperious Curse gave the ministry all sorts of trouble a few years back. Puts the victim under full control of the castor, whatever the castor desirers, the victim will do. Then once the curse is lifted, it leaves no trace. It leaves others asking who was actually under the curse, and who was acting of their own free will. And now, to demonstrate."
Reaching into the jar, he picked out a spider. Moody pointed his wand directly at it, uttering the curse.
"Imperio."
Francis watched with mild interest as the spider perform a series of unnatural movements, beginning with a series of cartwheels over the front desks. He had seen this particular curse in action on a number of occasions over the centuries – more so before its ban roughly three hundred years prior. What was interesting about the Imperious Curse, was that unlike most other spells, it had absolutely no effect on nations. According to Arthur, this was because a personified nation was the physical embodiment of all their citizens and that the beliefs of the majority largely influenced the way that nation thought and acted. This meant that a nation's thoughts and actions could not be controlled by magic in this way, as the thoughts of the citizens were not being affected. However it was speculated that if enough of a countries citizens were put under the Imperious Curse at the same time, the nation himself could be controlled. Something that Arthur had wanted to try with Sealand a few years back, but Germany had quickly deemed it unethical, leaving the question unanswered—
" – CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
Francis jumped, suddenly pulled from his thoughts as Moody asked the class to name the next curse.
"Yes, Miss Johnson."
"There's the Cruciatus Curse," said the attractive girl next to Francis, a hint of disgust clear in her voice.
Francis suddenly felt a little squeamish at the mention of the Cruciatus Curse. Unlike the Imperious curse, the Cruciatus Curse did work on nations. Sure, a nation couldn't be permanently affected by the curse, but –
Hell that thing hurts!
"Crucio!"
Francis couldn't help himself. Stealing a look to the front of the class, he saw there was now a larger spider, twitching horribly, rolling from side to side, and shuddering violently. He looked away again. Unwelcome memories from the few times he had been unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of this curse surfaced in his mind.
That's it! Thought Francis only a moment later, it might just be a spider, but he couldn't sit there doing nothing any longer –
"Reducio," said Moody, ending the curse and shrinking the spider back to its normal size.
Francis sat back in his seat – letting loose a breath of air he hadn't realised he'd been holding. That was not pleasant to watch. Francis eyed the last remaining spider. At least ze next one's fast.
Francis only half listened as someone behind him – a Hufflepuff boy named Diggory, mentioned the Killing Curse. He had to admit, he felt bad for the spiders – particularly the last two.
It's for ze students. Francis reminded himself. This lesson may help save them one day.
Francis listened as Moody continued talking about the Killing Curse.
"It is the last and worst," Moody said. "Kills instantly. Remember, there is no counter curse for it and only one person has ever been known to have survived it."
Technically true. Francis thought. While he didn't know how Harry had survived the curse, he knew all too well about the lethal effect the curse had on nations. Fortunately though, death was only temporary for nations – Although it did leave the nation with a particularly painful headache for a couple of hours after reviving – Nothing compared to pain of the Cruciatus Curse though.
"Advada Kedavra!" Moody roared.
Francis looked with some distain at the now dead spider.
Still a terrible curse.
Moody then directed the class to complete notes about the three curses.
"Ok," said Moody finally. "To complete the lesson, I am going to use the Imperious Curse on each of you."
"What?!"
"You can't do that!"
"That's illegal!"
"Calm down – don't get yourselves all excited over nothing," said Moody. "In this case, it's for educational purposes – we'll see if any of you are capable of shaking the curse off – something that an enemy will not give you chance to do. And I'm not going to make you do anything too bad. So make a line. We'll get straight into it."
Francis remained seated at his desk. Crap. He thought. He's going to test it out on all of us? It won't work on me!
"Hurry up," Moody said. "Everyone in the line."
Francis frowned slightly. He couldn't be the only one to back out. It would make him seem like some kind of coward and that wasn't an option – especially in front of Arthur's people.
I'll just go along with it. He decided. Whatever I'm told to do, I'll do. That way it'll look like ze curse worked. He paused, thinking of any other options. And if some other students are able to throw it off, I'll pretend to as well.
Francis waited in line as each student in front of him had their turn of being placed under the Imperius Curse. Each student preformed a different stunt, whether it was the perfectly preformed gymnastics routine by Fred, George imitating a growing flower, or Angelina singing a song from Les Misrebles (In English – which irritated France somewhat). What remained the same for each student however, was the fact that none of them had been able to throw it off.
"Bonnefoy."
Francis moved forward. Ok, this is it. No one else could break through ze curse, so neither will I. I will do whatever I am told.
"Imperio."
Francis felt the curse hit him and Moody's presence enter his mind. But unlike his classmates, his mind remained clear. He could do this.
Moody's order entered his mind.
"Lick the Floor."
Mathew's POV
It was just on lunch time as Matthew walked through the corridors. So far he had only taught a second year class, but he had really enjoyed it.
Although maintaining the attention of students had been difficult – Well duh – I've never been good at gaining people's attention. Though maybe I'll learn a few tips through this teaching experience.
Matthew only had one more class to teach with McGonagall for rest of the day, which was due to start in half an hour. Figuring it'd be better to be there early to prepare, Matthew opted to skip lunch – he could always have it later.
"Hey, Matthew!"
He turned to meet Francis, who was walking with a few other sixth years. Matthew quickly introduced himself to the students.
"So, what class do you have next?" Francis asked after everyone had been acquainted.
"Fourth year transfiguration. It'll be interesting teaching Alfred, Arthur and Kiku."
"Teaching?" Francis scoffed. "More like stopping Alfred and Arthur from fighting."
"I don't think that's a fair comment coming from you," said Matthew, shaking his head. "So you just had your DADA class?"
At this the other sixth years began laughing.
"You should have seen it, it was great," said George before Francis could respond. "We had to throw off the Imperious Curse. No one else even came close to throwing it off, but the second after Francis was put under it he belts out, 'Hell No!'"
Matthew raised an eyebrow at Francis.
"It's not my fault!" said Francis defensively. "I was told to lick ze floor! It's bad enough that I have to eat English food while I'm at this place, I'm not about to lick English dirt too! Arthur would never let me live it down!"
Matthew couldn't help but smirk at this. "Well, if you want to get technical, we're currently in Scotland, so it's actually Scottish dirt you'd be licking."
"Great – so two people who wouldn't let me live it down!"
Matthew noted the mildly confused looks the sixth year students were beginning to express.
"Yes, well luckily you were careful enough so managed to avoid it." Matthew said, hoping his subtle hint would be enough to prevent Francis from letting anything important slip.
Francis' eyes widened slightly and he gave a small nod – message received.
"Right. Thanks Matthew!" Francis smiled. "Glad to have avoided it. Anyway, we had better go and get some of ze stuff that passes as lunch around here before it's gone. Au revoir."
"Later, Matthew," said Fred
"See ya, Matthew," said George.
"Bye, Matthew," said the other students.
Matthew waved goodbye to the sixth years as they continued down the corridor, before:
"Umm….aren't they suppose to call me 'Professor'?"
The next twenty minutes passed quickly as Matthew met with McGonagall and organised aspects of the lesson.
"Today I'll introduce the lesson and explain what everyone must do. What I would like you to do is to take note of some of the strategies I use to gain students attention. I noticed you found this difficult during your first lesson, and it's something you must improve at if you want to teach your own class one day."
Matthew nodded his agreement.
McGonagal looked at the clock on the wall. "It's almost time for lessons to begin. You can bring the class inside when the bell goes."
Matthew considered McGonagall's words as he moved into the corridor. While he doubted he'd be teaching any more classes after the year ended, he wondered if what he learnt from McGonagall could help him stand out more at different world events.
"Yo! Mattie!" a familiar voice broke into Matthew's thoughts.
He smiled, looking over at his 'not currently' identical brother, who was standing in line with the other fourth year Gryffindors. The Slytherins formed a noticeable gap between the two groups.
"Enjoying the first day?" Matthew asked Alfred.
"Meh, it's alright," said Alfred, though he looked a little irritated.
"Arthur-san's annoyed at Alfred-san for skipping the first class," explained Kiku, joining the Gryffindor group. Behind him, Matthew could see Arthur scowling in Alfred's direction.
"What do you mean skipping class?" said Hermione, rounding on Ron. "I thought you were taking Alfred to the Hospital Wing."
"Hospital Wing?" questioned Matthew.
"Err –" began Ron, suddenly looking uncomfortable. "We were, but then Alfred got better sooo…."
"So Ron and Neville showed me around a bit instead," contributed Alfred. "It was better than wasting my time in that stuffy old dungeon."
"Nice," said Harry. "Let me know next time you skip Snape's class."
"No don't," said Hermione looking at the boys with disapproval. "I'm glad you weren't hurt Alfred, but if you decided not to go to the Hospital Wing, you really should have come straight back to class. Lessons are never a waste of time."
"That is pretty much what Arthur san said," said Kiku. "Well, just with more swearing."
"You really should stop skipping things you don't like though," contributed Matthew, remembering a couple of the world meetings his brother had missed.
"Ah! You were still here!" Ron jumped, suddenly looking worried at what the new professor had heard.
"Nah dude, don't worry about it – my bro's used to getting forgotten about. Aren't you Mattie?"
Matthew couldn't help but feel irritated by this comment. "Actually, since we are at school now and I am your teacher, you should be calling me 'Professor Williams'," he said coldly.
"Sorry," said Alfred, knowing that bringing up his brothers tendency of being overlooked had crossed the line.
"Never mind that," said Matthew waving his hand dismissively. "It's time for class now anyway, so if you would please go inside –"
The students all filled into class, chatting as they took their seats. Matthew watched as McGonagall stepped forward and cleared her throat, which was enough for all conversations to cease and for each student to turn their attention to the front. Matthew was impressed. If I am able to learn to get others attention as simple as that, then maybe we'll be able to actually get something done at the world meetings for once.
McGonagall quickly welcomed the transfer students and introduced Matthew – or 'Professor Williams', before introducing the goal for the day's lesson.
"We did elements of the Inmutatio Spell at the end of last year," said McGonagall. "But today we will be bringing it all together to change a pear into a lobster. I do hope that you studied the theory for this spell over your break as instructed, because it will help you in today's lesson.
"Now, Professor Williams will you please give a demonstration of the Inmutatio Spell?"
"Oh," said Matthew, a little taken aback by the request. McGonagall hadn't asked him to give a demonstration during his first class, so he had made the assumption that she wouldn't now either. "Sure."
Feeling anything but 'sure'. Matthew took Professor McGonagall's place at the front of the class. He subconsciously touched his Seidhir gem. Thanks to its power, he could remember practicing and perfecting the spell during his few days of training. But this had been one spell in hundreds that he had learnt, and he hadn't had any time to practice since. Matthew turned to face the class full of students.
What if it doesn't work?
He made eye contact with Arthur, who gave him an encouraging nod. Arthur had been the one to procure the Sedhir germs in the first place, so to trust the gem to work was to trust Arthur.
I can trust Arthur.
Straightening up, Matthew turned his wand to the pear and while waving his wand in a spiral motion he said; "Inmuto!"
The pear began to change immediately. It grew, its smooth, soft skin hardening, while rough appendages sprouted from its elongating body. Only a moment later, the now-lobster began to turn from its original pear green shade to a brownish red.
Matthew let out a small breath of relief, watching as the newly transformed lobster slowly crawled across the table.
"Wahoo! Go Mattie! Next time dinner's on you!"
Matthew rolled his eyes at his brother's statement. Whenever we go out, dinner's always on me.
"Ahem," McGonagall gave Alfred a stern warning look before continuing. "A textbook example. Thank you Professor Williams. Perhaps you have some tips for the students before they begin?"
"Of course," Matthew said, remembering the tips written in the textbook. "Remember, you need to do three and a half spirals with your wand for it to work. Also the spell will work better if you place the pear on its side rather than standing it upright."
"Anything else?" McGonagall prompted.
"Umm…" Matthew racked his brain, he was sure the textbook didn't have any more tips regarding this spell but…
"Make sure you do not mistreat your pear before transfiguring it," McGonagall explained to the class at large. "Once the transfiguration is complete, the lobster will remember how it had been treated as a fruit and the ones that are mistreated have a tendency of being more aggressive. I don't want a repeat of five years ago when Mr. Flint had two of his fingers severed by his lobster. Now, I would like each of you to come, take your pear, and begin working on the spell. Professor Williams and I will be here if any of you need assistance."
Feeling flustered that he had not been aware of this tip and had needed McGonagall to step in, Matthew quickly set to work, supervising students as they attempted to cast the spell.
After assisting some students at the back of the class, Matthew moved towards the desk where Kiku sat along with Ron and Hermione. Hermione, to Matthews surprise already had a pear coloured lobster in front of her. He was impressed that she had managed to come this far on her first attempt, but then, McGonagall had mentioned the girl was bright.
"Ah, Professor, I think I've made a mistake," said Ron, showing Matthew his pear, which now had the head of a lobster.
"It looks like you did your wand motion too quickly, next time slow it down a bit."
"Ok, thanks."
Glancing next to Ron, Matthew noticed that while Kiku's creature had developed a tail, the rest was still unmistakably a pear.
"And Kiku, your problem is the opposite of Ron's. Try speeding up your wand motion a bit."
"Hai."
Leaving the boys to continue with their feedback, Matthew walked to the other side of the classroom, where a blond kid sitting next to Arthur also needed help. He was halfway through giving the boy advice on how to improve the spell when Alfred called out from the table in front.
"Hey Mattie, can I get some help?"
"Yeah, just give me a moment." Matthew said as McGonagall walked past.
"Mr Jones," she said, passing between the twins. "I'm aware that due to your relationship with Professor Williams, using professional titles may feel a little strange for you. However, brothers or not, you must address your teacher correctly during class."
"Seriously?"
"Yes Mr. Jones. I let it slide earlier, but I do not expect to hear it again." McGonagall said sternly as Alfred groaned. "Now stop slouching and make sure your wand movement is straighter, you are meant to be waving a spiral, not jabbing a square."
McGonagall stayed a moment longer to ensure Alfred now had the correct wand motion, before heading to the back of the class to assist other students.
"So the two of you are brothers?" asked the blonde kid Matthew had been helping.
"What's it to you Malfoy?" Alfred said coldly, turning in his seat.
Matthew realised that he'd heard this name the night before when Alfred had told him about the train ride up. Malfoy turned to look back at Matthew and Matthew was sure he could see something darkening in Malfoy's eyes as the boy figured out that being Alfred's brother meant that Matthew must also be Muggleborn.
"Do you both have the same parents, even though you have different surnames?" Malfoy ignored Alfred's question.
"It's none of you business – you noisy ass-"
"Alfred, don't be rude," Matthew quickly cut Alfred off before answering Malfoy. "Yes we do. Our parents divorced when we were kids, and we both took a different surname."
"But they are both Muggles?" Malfoy sneered.
"From what I've heard, I know you already know the answer to that," said Matthew coldly. "And you might want to be careful with what I hear you say, because I will not tolerate any form of derogative language."
Behind Malfoy, Matthew noted the smirks Harry, Alfred and even Hermione adopted – clearly they appreciated Malfoy's prejudice being reprimanded by a teacher.
Matthew then took a considerably lighter tone. "However, now it is time to concentrate on the lesson. We may come from vastly different backgrounds, but that doesn't stop the fact that you'll need to use the tips that I gave you if you want to correctly transfigure your lobster and pass this lesson."
Malfoy paused for a moment, the temptation to retort with some slur clear on his face. The moment passed with Malfoy seemingly realising that anything he said to Matthew – a teacher – would land him in trouble. Instead he shot one last glare at Matthew before turning his attention back to his pear/ lobster hybrid and begrudgingly began implementing the tips that Matthew had given.
Matthew moved away from the scowling Malfoy, discreetly exhaling. Seeing the way Malfoy had instantly come to dislike him when he found out his heritage was a bit unnerving – even if his so called 'heritage' was made up. Matthew couldn't blame Alfred for disliking the boy.
Matthew continued to help students with their spell for the next ten minutes, with many students beginning to succeed. Moving back to the area where Alfred and Harry were seated, Matthew noted that Alfred was still having trouble transfiguring his fruit.
"Alfred, your wand movement is still too jiggered to be a spiral." Matthew reminded Alfred. "Also remember it's three and a half turns – that extra half turn makes a difference."
Alfred made another unsuccessful attempt on the pear.
"Almost there, but now you're going too fast. Slow it down."
"It's no wonder he's having trouble," said Arthur, looking up from his successfully transfigured lobster. "That was what – three instructions you just gave him? You should know him well enough to know that if he's given more than one instruction at a time, he's incapable of doing any of them."
Matthew rolled his eyes at what was an obvious reference to Alfred's earlier actions. Well if I do know Alfred, I know he's not going to let a comment like that slide.
As though to put Matthew's case in point, a look of determination spread across Alfred's face. Turning back to his pear he pointed his wand directly at it and with three and a half, well paced spiral motions he uttered, "Inmuto". Matthew watched, as like the transformation he had demonstrated earlier, the pear quickly morphed into Alfred's own reddish brown lobster.
Alfred then turned back and looking directly at Arthur said, "Looks like I can follow the instructions if Matthew's giving them. Good thing it's him that's the assistant professor and not someone else."
Alfred's seat suddenly made an upwards jerk as Arthur not so discreetly gave him a kick from behind.
"Arthur, that's enough and Alfred – Seriously?" Matthew shook his head, feeling frustrated at the behaviour of the two nations in front of him. "The two of you need to knock it off, you're behaving like children."
"I guess you're right," admitted Alfred. "Sorry Iggy."
Matthew quickly moved away before he'd have to deal with the inevitable retaliation from Arthur for Alfred's use of the nickname.
Five minutes later, McGonagall finally called the attention of the class. She made a few quick comments about the lesson, stating that she was pleased that everyone had managed to complete the spell before the lesson ended.
"However, remember that the Inmutatio Spell was a relatively easy one. As we move further into term, the difficulty of the spells will increase and I cannot stress enough that if you want to improve at the practical side of transfiguration, you must keep up with the theory side. This is why I am setting an essay regarding the properties of the Inmutatio Spell," ignoring the collective groans of her students, she continued. "I expect it to be completed by this lesson next week. Goodbye." With that she dismissed the students.
Matthew waited until the last student had left before approaching McGonagall.
"What were your thoughts on this lesson?"
Matthew considered her question for a moment. "I like how you are able to gain everyone's attention so quickly – I don't know if I could ever do it so effectively."
"Don't forget that I've been teaching teenagers for years now, it's a skill you can improve." McGonagall commented. "I did notice that you seemed to put an end to the argument between Jones and Kirkland."
"Well for now at least," muttered Matthew.
"I actually want to talk about the demonstration you gave," continued McGonagall. "The demonstration you provided was textbook."
"Thank you," smiled Matthew.
"However, I did find it a little odd that you were unable to give the students the tip about taking care of their pear. While it technically isn't in the text book, it is so commonly known by those who have experience performing the Inmutatio Spell that it may as well be."
Matthew's smile froze, his mind turning, trying to come up with an adequate excuse for not knowing the well known fact. I know everything, so long as it's in the text book. He thought. Damn, if more non-text book things are going to come up, how am I going to keep this appearance up?
"I suppose it does not matter this time," continued McGonagall. "I did put you on the spot a little by asking you to do the Inmutatio Spell. I understand that people can forget small details when put on the spot like that."
"Yeah," agreed Matthew, glad that by some chance McGonagall had provided him with an adequate reason for 'forgetting' the fact. "I can't believe I forgot that," he said, adopting an exasperated tone. "I guess I'm just tired. I'm not used to teaching yet."
"It'll become easier," said McGonagall kindly before looking at the clock. "That was our last lesson today. Now if you'll excuse me, I must attend to some things in my office before dinner time. You are free to do what you wish of course."
Matthew waved goodbye to McGonagall before looking around the empty classroom. Taking a seat behind the teacher's desk, he pulled out the book which detailed the upcoming lessons. He spent the next couple of minutes scanning its content for any more facts that may not have appeared in the actual textbook.
Finally, he tossed the book to the side, slightly disappointed about his fruitless effort. I guess I can only hope there won't be many more 'non textbook facts' left. He sighed, No use stressing about it I suppose, I'll just have to figure out another excuse for McGonagal if it does happen.
Matthew let out a long yawn and stretched his arms before exiting the room. Well one thing is true – that was tiring – even more so than a day at a world meeting.
Done again. Finished their first day. I originally wrote this chapter and last chapter as a single chapter, but it ended up being over 9000! which I've previously stated is too long. ;P
Again I apologise for the delay, but it was for good reason. I now have a note book full of planning for the rest of the story. I have a detailed understanding of what needs to happen each month throughout the story and have a clear understanding of what will happen during the climax.
Because I now know detailed plot points for future chapters, I am able to hide different hints to foreshadow these plot points throughout the chapters that have already been released – so be on the lookout!
So a few points on this chapter:
It took me a while to find a good name for the transfiguration spell in this chapter. Eventually I went to Google translate and found that both 'Inmutatio' and 'Inmuto' are Latin for the word 'change'. I also noticed the similarity of these words to 'mutation/mutate'. Language is interesting.
And secondly as I have mentioned previously, I am a teacher and so like Matthew in this chapter I have been a student teacher in the past. Some of the things Matthew went through in this chapter, like struggling to get students' attention and feeling awkward or flustered after Professor McGonagall stepped in when he didn't give the students some important information are partially influenced by my own personal experiences – though sadly I wasn't teaching Transfiguration at the time :( .
Next Time:
The nations reflect on the successful completion of their first week of study. They know that certain things could have been handled a little better, but they are confident that no one suspects them….. However some might argue about whether or not they should be so confident….
Character Profile:
United States of America - Alfred F. Jones
Year of Birth: 1565 (This year was chosen as it was the when St. Augustine, the first permanent city in North America was built).
'Birthday': 4th July (Independence Day)
Age: 429 (as of 1994).
Appearance (normal): 19 (this age comes up on all Alfred's ids – even if he gets a fake one, his age mysteriously reads '19', making it hard to buy a drink, or have a night out in his own country – something that Alfred has always found annoying.) (Also, this is his cannon age according to his Wiki).
Appearance (Hogwarts): 14
Height (normal): 177cm (5.81 feet) (Canon - Hetalia Wiki)
Height (Hogwarts): 164cm (5.38 feet)
(Land of Insanity as requested, I have now included feet in the profile :)
That's it for now, unless I find anything that needs editing.
Thanks for reading, and please remember:
Reviewing does a lot for motivation!