Note: Please look to prologue for disclaimer and additional notes about the story.

A Dance With Fate

Canopus Carina

Chapter 6 of 20

By the grace of whatever higher power was watching over them, Hermione was able to find a small mention of Merlin's dabbling in time travel. It was rumored that he had actually accomplished the journey several times and written its secrets in a volume he took to the grave. They found it strange that the book had mentioned 'grave' when legend had it that Merlin was entombed in a tree for the rest of eternity.

They renewed their quest within the library to search for any of mention of where Merlin lay in his living coffin in hopes that it was hidden somewhere nearby. What they found astonished them. While it wasn't the resting place of Merlin himself, it was a connection between the greatest wizard and someone that many had long underestimated. There was a larger chance of finding something of hers than of his.

And he knew exactly where he wanted to start.

Friday: 2 September 1977

Classes are difficult to get through when you had the guilty feeling nagging at the back of your mind. Having the guilty feeling that the Marauder's felt and having to go through four classes, was driving them crazy. After the announcement during breakfast, Harry completely disappeared and did not appear during lunch. All they wanted to do was to apologize for pranking him when he only wanted to help them, plus he was family. So when they trailed out of Transfiguration class to get to dinner, they were expecting a sense of relief when they finally saw Harry. But he was not to be seen.

The cheerful and expectant chatter of the other students made Remus wish he could either cast a strong silencing charm or climb on the table and scream for everyone to shut up. Given his usual self-consciousness, he figured the spell would be the best bet. But before he even reached for his wand, the food appeared and the noise dropped considerably. Every once in a while one of the Marauders would look up to see if the instructor had finally entered the room, but each time they were disappointed. Each bit they took seemed to be dust in their mouths and twisted in their stomachs. It occurred for so long that they were convinced that Harry was doing that to punish them. That thought was encouraged when he finally appeared ten minutes before dinner disappeared with a knowing smile and quick glances in their direction. He spoke briefly with the Headmaster before sitting down to enjoy his own meal.

Eating was a more enjoyable experience when they noticed that Harry lacked any cuts or bruising and seemed to be in relatively good spirits. They hoped dearly that his lack of appearance during lunch and late arrival to dinner was for preparation of today's lesson. Harry attacked his food with a gusto which encouraged the Marauders to enjoy what remained of the night.

Harry had just polished off his plate when the Headmaster rose to address the students. "As a reminder, all those fourth year and above are required to attend tonight's lesson and any other that Mr. Potter will set up this month. Any others are not forbidden, however I implore you to continue thinking about whether you are ready for it. With that said, those who are attending today's lesson please remain in your seats as it will take place here to accommodate everyone. All others are asked to please vacate as, as I understand it, this room will be closed off." He paused and turned to receive an affirmative from the young instructor. Remus became slightly unnerved by the smirk that crossed Harry's features and a pointed look to the Marauders. Being locked inside after seeing that was something he was not anticipating. Now, more than everything, he was sure Harry knew the prank was set up by them and was more than ready to turn the tables on them.

Chatter rose back to an unbearable level as everyone mentally readied themselves for the lesson or younger years questioning whether they would remain. At the end, only the first years and a few second years left the room, all the other younger years planning on battling it out. They wouldn't show fear. Remus heard some muttering to each other that they would stop attending if it got out of hand. Soon it was clear that everyone who was going to attend were the remaining; they looked up expectantly to the headmaster. Instead of continuing speaking, he gestured to Harry as if saying "They are all yours" with a look that clearly stated "Don't hurt them". That look alone caused the Marauders to increase their nervousness. Once the headmaster was gone, Harry cast a series of charms on the doors and turned to the students.

"For those who didn't catch it, I'm Harry Potter, a distant cousin to your peer James Potter. Before anyone questions it, I will not favor him over any of you. One, this class is not graded and two, he needs this as much as any of you to deeply sink in. Just wanted to make that clear." He walked around the High Table and down the rows of house tables. Gesturing to the board recording the points each house had, he continued, "Nothing you do here will affect those points. You are not four different houses while you remain in this course. Points will not be given for difficult spells or good deeds, and in turn, points will not be deducted for failure or fighting. Instead of getting the rest of the house involved, I will handle all rewards and punishments. Lose of points is too loose of a punishment. Homework will only be practicing what you learn here, which is something you should be doing already." A wave of cheering echoed through the hall due to no homework. Harry gave a wane smile at their enthusiasm and continued, "But that doesn't mean I don't expect you to be researching on your own in preparation of this class. It will be a more difficult class than the others as here you will have to, heaven forbid, think for yourself. I would especially like for you to come up with lesson plans on your own."

"Professor Potter?" an uncertain Ravenclaw fifth year called out.

Before he could continue, Harry put a hand out to stop him. "Let me make this clear. I'm not a professor; I'm not even a mister. Please just call me Harry. I am attempting to convince the headmaster that he can't call me Mr. Potter or else we won't be able to tell the difference between me and James! Imagine arguing with him… But excuse me, you were saying?"

"Why are you more qualified to teach us as opposed to someone else?"

The hall quieted down quickly. A Ravenclaw questioning authority? Instead of getting offended, Harry chuckled sadly to himself and started staring at the star dotted ceiling.

"First off, I'm not from here. And where I lived, we too were under the constant threat of darkness. My parents had fought in battles just like those you would face against Death Eaters or even Voldemort himself." The hall was filled with shattering gasps at the Dark Lord's name. Remus could only think of one other person who says the Dark Lord's name. Not even McGonagall says it when Dumbledore insists she should. Instead of berating them for flinching, Harry flinched himself and sheepishly added, "Sorry, I forgot people don't like to here it here. But I was raised to say it so I got in the habit before talking with those who don't…

"My professors figured that if my parents were fighting hard against the Dark Lord, I should be allowed to be trained to fight as well. It was my destiny. Professor Dumbledore knows of this and trusts that I will do this job successfully. That is why I, above others, have the experience to teach and am close to your ages that it will hopefully encourage you to succeed."

He looked over his new students as he was slowly earning respect by many of them. Some, like the Slytherins, would never accept him, especially after he proclaimed his allegiance with the Light. But it was a start with the rest of them. With a small smile and a clap, he announced, "Let's get started, shall we?"

The hall seemed to buzz with anticipation at the announcement, but didn't say a word. Harry went back to his seat at the High Table and came back with a large brown cardboard box in his arms. Those close enough to him as he walked down the rows again, could hear slight scratching as something inside was trying to get out.

"Some of you are probably asking yourselves, 'Why did he choose today for the first lesson, when he didn't even think about teaching them?'. For those who were wondering, good question. I expect each and every one of you to question everything that happens. Those who do so will have a better understanding of what their opponent is doing and will be able to fight back easier. Those who didn't think of it: don't worry, but the end of this year, you will learn to be as good as anyone else. And the answer is simple.

"Last night after the headmaster came to me asking if I would teach this course again, I went into my new office to arrange some personal items when I came across some peculiarities. After dismantling the triggering spells on my office, and find this little critter among other things," he motioned in the box, "I figured it would be the best start to these lessons. I know one of you set these up, lets see how you all handle them when they are increased in magnitude and set against you?"

With those words of warning, the Marauder's were filled with dread. They watched as their harmless, if not embarrassing, fireworks were set off in the locked room, strong enough to deafen then and knock those close to them off their feet. The niffler wasn't helping matters either as it rampaged the room, attacking anyone who had something shiny near them.

And above the mayhem, Harry called out happily, "Welcome to a new year."

End of Chapter 6 – 1,562 of words

Posted: 1 June 2007