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"Look, I got wizard pictures of Professor Kryeen!" Colin Creevy announced the next day; as the hall was buzzing with talk of the new teacher.
Everyone crowded around to see a picture of a smirking Blair tilting her head back so she seemed to look the viewer directly in the eye.
"So what do you think about the new teacher?" Ginny came to sit by them, followed by Luna Lovegood.
Harry shrugged. "She seems unconventional, but still nice enough."
"I like her!" Ron exclaimed. "She didn't mind me calling Snape names!"
"Yes, she hardly seems to mind anything." Hermione said with a small hint of annoyance.
"You don't like her?" Ron asked, surprised.
She sighed. "She seems like a very nice person; but we didn't learn anything yesterday. We need a teacher who can teach; and I'm not sure Professor Blair can do that."
"Dumbledore seemed to think she was the best." Harry replied.
"Did he think Lockhart, Moody, and Umbridge were the best as well?" Luna's misty voice chimed in.
"She has a point." Harry muttered, fingering his slightly scarred hand.
"So there is a good chance that she isn't a good teacher." Hermione thought out loud.
"What do we have today?" Harry asked quickly as Ron opened his mouth to argue.
"Defense Against the Dark Arts first; then Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology and to finish the day up we have..." He groaned. "Divination."
"You could have picked something else to do." Hermione stepped in.
"Like what? Arithmacy, Ancient Runes? At least I pass Divination!" Ron snapped back.
"Do you to always fight like that?" Luna asked calmly.
"She started it!" Ron shouted first.
"Oh, please Ron!" Hermione said with exasperation. "Show some maturity!"
Harry's mind wandered as he tuned out his two friend's bickering voices. He couldn't get out of his head the strange connection between the phoenix that visited him and this new fiery Professor. He had considered that she was an animagus, but he would have to ask more about them from Hermione... later.
§
They walked into the fire-lit Defense Against the Dark Arts room and saw Professor Kryeen sitting on top of her desk. One leg crossed over each other and hands propped up, she looked much like a child impatiently waiting.
"So, did everyone think about what I said yesterday?" She asked in her audacious tone.
"I-I did Professor." Neville squeaked.
"And what did you feel?"Blair said.
"I t-think that you are right! We only need to fear, fear!" He stuttered.
Everyone in the class nodded.
"But yet you all fear other things as well, right?" She continued.
Shy nods answered her question.
"Well then let's go around and everyone has to say their fear. No lying." She warned with a rebellious smile.
So she went through the room; everyone saying a fear.
"Heights."
"Dragons."
"Spiders." Came Ron's predictable reply.
"Water."
"Mummies." Lavender Brown said.
"Snape." Neville whispered,
"Darkness."
"Failing a class." Hermione muttered under snickers.
Professor Kryeen stared at her intently with golden eyes; as if seeing through her. Finally, she moved to Harry.
There was a time when Harry would have said Dementors, but after Sirius's death he was angry with them above all. No his fear had changed. Still...
"Dementors." He lied. He found himself doing that a lot more often.
Blair stopped completely by his spot and she said, "You know Occlumency?"
Harry was taken back by the question. "A little." He admitted.
She kept surveying him. "Not nearly well enough." Came a direct answer.
"Pardon?" Harry still did not know how to deal with this new teacher.
"I am well versed in Legilimency, or mind-reading as it is more commonly called." Kryeen added, her eyes twinkling. She was not going to answer his unspoken question directly.
"You read my mind?" Harry asked, trying to go along with her guessing game. Although Snape said that there is no such thing as mind-reading...
She nodded encouragingly. "And what do you think I found?"
It took Harry a second before he understood. His cheeks flamed as he muttered, "I was lying."
Professor Blair nodded to him with cunning eyes. "I warned you not to lie Harry Potter, but mistakes are made and must be forgotten." Her voice lightened to a playful tone. "So, truth now.
Harry had no way out. He felt himself go red as he said, "I am afraid of Voldemort." She shouldn't be able to see through a half-lie. It is partially taken out of context but...
The golden eyes lingered a moment longer, but then they gradually moved away from the boy. The snickering of the class died instantly, and the Professor proceeded to question the others in silence only broken by a swift answer.
When it was done she walked up to the front of the class again, her flashing smile reflecting none of her student's moods.
"Why is it that we are afraid of these various things if you have all admitted that there is nothing to be cower from but fear itself?"
"Well, because these things are what cause us to be afraid?" Ron asked hopefully.
Professor Blair titled her head as if she was thinking and replied, "I see your point Ron, now I would like you all to hear mine."
Everyone sat up in their seats.
"These... things- water, heights, spiders... all revolve around one center fear. " She spoke without looking at anyone. "Does anyone have a guess of what that is?"
No one answered.
"Let me help. Sarah why do you fear water?" She asked a Ravenclaw girl.
"Well, you can drowned in it," The small blonde answered.
"Yes, and Seamus why do you fear heights?" Professor Kryeen continued.
"Because you can fall and die." Seamus replied.
"And Ron why do you fear spiders?" Blair asked.
"Well they are creepy and crawly, and dangerous and..."
"So they can kill you?" She asked with a taunting smile.
Harry caught on. "They all have to do with death, Professor Blair." He hastily added.
She smiled at him. "Ten points, yes Harry they all revolve around death. Specifically someone dying. So in essence what do you all fear?"
Harry felt himself liking her a lot more then he did five minutes ago; but still couldn't get the phoenix out of his head.
"Dying." Hermione answered.
"Yes, would anyone disagree?" Blair asked, searching the room.
No one disagreed, small murmuring passing through the students.
"In order to let your fear go; you must no longer fear death. Fear of death is a natural human fear, instilled deeply in your roots." Kryeen continued. "And the only way to defeat that simply fear, to break yourself free from its control..." Her golden eyes bored into everyone in the room.
"Is to find a purpose, a passion that means more to you then life itself."
♠
Care of Magical Creatures was next and Harry got to see Hagrid for the first time since last year.
"Alright, gather 'round all, gather 'round." He called to the class of sixth-years. "Today we are studying a new creature!"
Everyone huddled around the corral in the back of Hagrid's house.
"Where is it Hagrid?" Harry asked as he looked around the empty corral.
"Hmm, oh; let me go get it." He climbed into the corral and pulled out a strange silver bell with some unknown language written on it. He gave the bell a single shake and a soft, haunting note pealed out with calmness and gentility.
Then it appeared.
It was about the size of a wolf, with a faintly cat-like face and a curved horn that folded back on its head. It had four long, slender legs that ended in fin-like feet and had a long, banner twin-tail. The skin was a scaly pale blue with midnight black markings that seemed to have grown over the scales resembling rubber stripes. The cat-like eyes were slanted and ageless wise; a sharp turquoise color. A small pink dot was the only semblance to a nose. The mouth was so thin it seemed nothing more then a black line across the impassive circular face.
"What is it?" Parvarti gasped.
"This is a Chatdemer; a very rare creature. Caught it just won'ering the forest."
"It is beautiful." Lavender said aloud.
"Hush now, they are very shy creatures. Sound 'ill scare 'em away." The Professor said softly.
"But Hagrid," Hermione whispered. "Aren't Chatdemer the 'cats of the sea'? Water creatures?"
"Yes, Hermione. Don't know what this one is doing out; but we pretty much keep it in the lake." Hagrid replied.
"Then why is it here?" Ron asked.
"To study, course." The half-giant chuckled. "It won't die on land; but it doesn't like being out of the water for long p'riods of time. So when this class is over I put it back in the lake."
"This is a great chance! Not much is known about Chatdemer!" Hermione said excitedly.
So the rest of the lesson went on with each of them entering the corral one at a time with Hagrid's silver bell; calling to it and observing it. Hagrid warned that they were very ancient and wise creatures, not to be offended. They didn't like touch, but they would allow to be studied if the person showed respect.
♠
Herbology came and went quickly; they dealt with a new plant called the Sun-Dancer. It was basically a hybrid sunflower that could sense great amounts of light or heat and absorb it; growing bigger and stronger. Harry tuned most of it out; practicing spells with Ron under the table until it was time to go.
Divination was with Professor Trelawny again; she was now as haughty and cryptic as ever; telling them all that she had seen her own demise with Umbridge, but had not known the day. She spent the entire lesson predicting a horrible demise for the ex-Professor and they had to guess what she saw. Harry and Ron came the closest, coming up with the most morbid and painful deaths they could think of.
♠
The day ended as the trio ate dinner and headed up to their dormitory,where Ron worked grudgingly on Harry's Divination essay and Hermione poured over several books. He worked on a 3ft scroll for Snape on truth-ceriums; his mind wandering back to Professor Blair, her power and the phoenix. Before he knew it he had fallen asleep in the comfy chairs.
♠
♠
The rest of the week came and went for Harry; having lessons on fear with Professor Blair, who always shot him and Hermione odd looks; potions with an even more irritated Snape, Various other plants in Herbology, more studies on the Chatdemer; which proved to be a very intense time; despite the fact that you did little more then write and draw while the creature posed and acted as it liked. Vincent Crabbe once went into the corral and his stupidity aggravated the creature so much it almost took of his head with nine inch fangs that appeared when it opened its not so small mouth, under the think black lips.
After Hagrid called Dumbledore down to rescue Crabbe; since that was the only person it seemed to obey, Hagrid informed them all that it was a female. Males have long claws to shred their prey. Females have fangs. No one let their guard down after that.
Professor Binns seemed to be oblivious to the war raged outside the castle walls as he focused on how the first wizards came into being...
And so on as classes continued and everyone fell into routine; and the weekend came.
The trio all agreed to take a break, even Hermione. They decided to spend Saturday down at Hagrid's.
"Won'ering when you guys were going to visit me." Hagrid's beaming face greeted them. "Come on in; got 'ome tea boiling away!"
The trio walked in and sat down in the small, but comfy hut.
"So, how 're your classes going?" The half-giant questioned as he poured tea into foot-sized cups.
"Good, but the new teacher is different." Harry replied.
"She is great, always letting us knock Snape and all!" Ron exclaimed.
"Professor Blair hasn't taught us one spell yet!" Hermione huffed.
Ron rolled his eyes; but Hagrid seemed interested at this news.
"She hasn't?" He asked warily
"No, why?" Harry said.
Hagrid shook his head and sat down at the table. "Don' go tellin' anyone; but I don' trust the new professor. None of us do."
They all looked up surprised. Hagrid had never said a bad word about a professor. In his mind; they were chosen by Dumbledore so they were good. Well, except Lockhart and Umbridge, but Dumbledore didn't really get to choose them...
"What do you mean Hagrid?" Harry asked carefully.
His face was dark as he muttered, "Blair is strange, power is the reason Dumbledore choose her; but she is not the responsible type. Blair 'ould switch to the dark side if she thought it 'ould benefit her. Watch yourselves around her ya hear?"
"Oh, she doesn't seem that bad." Ron defended.
"Blair 's a charmer; very friendly person. Don't get me wrong. But don' think that it means she' help you. Her and Severus aren't the best of friends. She got no reason to defend him. But mark my words you three. Don't trust her. She is only concerned in her own gain, no one else's."
And with those daunting words, the three friends finished their tea and walked back to the castle.
♠
Harry was not sure what to think as he walked down the hallway; toward the Defense Against the Dark Arts room. The fidgeted with the slip of parchment in his hand that read,
'Harry,
Would you meet me in my room at six o'clock this evening?
-Professor Blair'
The note had been given to him by Professor McGonagall; who did not seem pleased that he was going to a private meeting with the young professor. This fact only added to his unease.
Harry was so deep in his thoughts that he almost walked past the door to the classroom. He stood in front of the plain-looking stone door; taking a deep breath before knocking.
No one answered.
He tried again and got the same result. Hesitantly, Harry pushed the door open.
"Er, Hello. Professor?" He called as he walked in the room. It was dimmer, now that the only light came from a fading sun and the flaming walls. But he did not see Blair.
Harry paused to study the mural. It was truly a piece of art, done with wispy bold stokes and bright colors that danced in the firelight. The eyes of the birds seemed wise and understanding. One creature caught his eyes. It was a smaller creature; a dark crimson color with a pale gold beak and ice blue eyes. Harry sat stunned. He was looking at an exact painting of his phoenix.
"Oh, Harry there you are." Professor Kryeen suddenly appeared next to him.
Harry jumped, but did not relax when he saw his teacher. "Sorry to bust in; but no one answered and the door was unlocked."
She shrugged. "It's fine. I was busy so I didn't hear you; sorry."
Harry nodded, and then hesitated. "Professor, did you paint this?"
She smiled and nodded. "Yes, I used to paint a lot when I was younger; thought I'd try my hand at it again."
"Have you ever seen the actual creatures that you paint?" The words poured out of his mouth before he could stop them.
Blair surveyed him with interest. "My little secret Harry. Why such an interest?"
He shrugged. "Just wondering."
Kryeen studied him for another moment before saying, "Well, come and sit down. We have much to discuss."
Harry reluctantly sat down on a wooden chair beside his teacher.
"You are probably wondering why I called you here?"
He nodded.
"Do you remember the other day in class; when you had to say your worst fear?" She continued.
Harry nodded again. He wondered if the whole discussion was going to be like this.
"You said Voldemort." The fiery beauty commented.
He nodded... again.
"But it isn't just Voldemort you fear is it?"
Harry looked at her, confused. "I-I don't understand Professor."
"Harry do you hate Voldemort?" She tried again.
"Yes, of course." He replied.
"If Voldemort was to stand right here, suddenly appear; would you be afraid?"
Harry thought of Voldemort appearing right now, next to him. "No, not really." He admitted.
"It is not Voldemort as a being, Voldemort himself that you fear. Is it Harry?"
She was too perceptive. But she can read minds, Harry reminded himself.
"No." He said.
"Then what is it that you truly fear about Voldemort?" Blair asked.
Thoughts raced through Harry's mind. He did not want to tell this new professor the truth, but she would know if he lied. She had already broken through his mental walls once... And if she did it again she might discover things he did not want her to know.
Before he could change his mind; Harry spilled out the truth. "Voldemort killed my parents and Sirius. Every time I see him he gets closer to killing me, and Ron and Hermione are always right there. He could kill them; or the Weasley's, or Lupin, or someone else I like. He would kill them just to hurt me; but if I try to protect them and I die then he wins; All because of some STUPID PROPHESY!" He found himself panting when he was done. He had been screaming.
Professor Kryeen did not seem the least bit disturbed at this outburst. She just gave him an observing look that Harry was beginning to call, 'Blair's look,' do to how many times she did it and said softly.
"How interesting."
"Excuse me?" Harry asked.
"You did not fear for your own death; but for the death of others. You weigh your own life on how valuable it is to other people. How self-less." Her tone did not seem pleased or displeased; only factual.
"I am not sure I understand Professor." Harry added slowly.
"Harry, you have already found a passion greater then life and it is the life of others. Your fear is for those you care about to die. Not for yourself. That is... interesting." Blair continued to look at him for another moment; but the two were disrupted by a gentle sound.
"Professor Blair." The voice was misty and gentle. Almost unnoticeable had it not been for the silence of the room.
"Ah, Celia." Professor Kryeen stood to greet the new arrival; which Harry was quite happy about. He hated that look.
Harry had yet to see the new Slytherin close up; and now that he did he could understand why Malfoy wanted her.
She looked stunning in the firelight, it reflected off her dark blue eyes and porcelain skin. She held herself with grace and calmness; and her dark brown hair shone in contrast with her face.
"I assume that you are here to pick up the charm." Blair walked behind her desk, sliding it open to pull out a necklace.
"Yes Professor." She replied, glancing over at Harry.
Harry felt himself blush and quickly turned away to look at the necklace.
It had a silver chain, with a flat, smooth white stone that had a black slash of color going through it.
The woman walked over and handed it to the teen.
"Thank you Professor." Celia said right before she nodded in Harry's direction and left.
"Well, I think that can conclude our meeting today, unless you have anything else to say Harry." She questioned.
The boy shook his head quickly. "No, thank you Professor."
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Re-edited: Chapters 6 & 7 condensed.