Hey look I can continue with a thing I started! This is a major accomplishment. I think you guys should check out my profile-info thingy for a bit of background of what I'm planning to do with all these ideas in my head.

Disclaimer: hey guess what I don't own? Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.

Chapter 2

The Great Hall was full of noise and excitement. Ghosts and students mingled and marveled at what had they had seen changed, and what had been kept the same. The first years were paraded in, heralded with loud applause. Headmistress McGonagall welcomed everyone, old and new, to the remastered halls of Hogwarts. Then she introduced the professors one by one, who were also received with a warm applause from everyone.

Ginny Weasley couldn't help but smile at the sight of it all. After all they had been through, it was delightful to see the school back in high spirits. Still, she was not alone in the rough adjustment process, both at home and at school. She missed Fred. They all did. Everyone missed their peers, friends and teachers. Even sitting in DADA class wasn't the same, the room that brings the most painful memories. It was an odd feeling, sitting in that same classroom with her peers, now 12th years, and yet it was so different. 'It's almost as if the room is… brighter' Ginny mused. She turned her focus on the young dark-skinned woman standing in front of the room, their new professor.

"Good afternoon everyone! I am Professor Evans and I will be your instructor for Defense Against the Dark Arts," she smiled, "And might I say it is an honor being in the same room with you young wizards and witches." The room, which had been expecting a long boring introduction speech, as per previous experiences, perked up. "You all worked tirelessly against the things that threatened this school and the Ministry and this whole world. And I know some of you didn't make it to this point." She started to pace thoughtfully. "I won't bore you with my adventures outside the UK while all this was happening, mostly because it wasn't too different, I'm afraid. I will just tell you that I deeply regret not being able to be here. But Headmistress has recommended that my focus be moving forward, for both myself and my teachings. Now I know Defense Against Dark Arts is probably the last subject anyone besides first years and new incoming students have any desire to sit through. But there are things that even heroes don't know". A quiet chuckle echoed through the tables, and Professor gave a small smile as she stopped pacing and faced her class. "This is one of the most delicate and crucial subjects a magic user can know. It is one of those that you have to know, but never want to be a situation where you have to use." Professor Evans walked over to the table behind her, where stacks of papers and books resided. With a flick of her wand one of the paper piles was dispersed throughout the room as she explained, "This is a knowledge skills test. It will not be graded, but it gives be an estimate of how this class is academically in this subject. I understand there has been a multitude of teachers in my position. Some much better than others, I'm sure" she quipped with an innocent façade, "So I need to know exactly what you know internally, as I have little reason to doubt your field skills. Do not worry if you don't know something, it just means I have something to do then!" Her laugh and smile felt out of place with the students' pre-established memories and feelings. Her kind hazel eyes behind her glasses looked on as the students filled out the test.

Ginny made mental notes of Professor Evans as she finished up. Her long hair was pulled to a side ponytail, the dark color almost would have blended in with her robes if it hadn't been for the red-ish tint to it. The kind of red hair that populated her own house, she thought. Professor Evans' eyes briefly connected with Ginny's, and smiled. But Ginny swore she saw a look of playful mischief in her eyes, much like Harry when they would pull pranks on Ron. Her facial composure gave a somber yet gentle air, like memories flooded back, like she knew something more. Just like when Harry… Ginny smirked and rolled her eyes at herself. Way to be lovestruck, Ginny, care to be any more cliché? Would you like to find images of Harry in your sock next? She asked herself playfully. Professor Evans seemed to notice the sudden change in demeanor, because she smirk grew more apparent and her eyes narrowed, not that Ginny was paying attention anymore.

Professor Evans had been analyzing Ginny at the same time. The bright red hair and an ever-present glint of mischief and alertness that were molded into something unique for each one were trademarks of a Weasley, something she hadn't seen since she was in a student. What will come out of this, I wonder… She thought as her gaze expanded once again to the whole class as they finished up. She announced no homework since she needed to review the results of the test and work from there, and then dismissed the class. "May good fortune find you til we meet again!"

Ginny was almost held back by a familiar feeling as she started to get up to leave with her friends. A feeling of recognition, though vague. Professor Evans was sitting at her desk, pleasant and understanding in posture. Ginny was pulled out of her stupor by her friends. "Yeah, I'm coming…" she muttered in half daze and walked toward the door. She looked back into thenearly empty classroom, and again she swore there was a tinge of sadness on Professor Evans' features as the teacher was lost in thought at her desk, now alone.