I'm sorry for the long wait, it was due to be released earlier but I had to fine tune the chapter a little. As ever thank you to J.K Rowling and any mistakes are my own but I hope you enjoy and review please.
FireWulf
CHAPTER THREE: TEACHERS AND CLASSES
Drakus Sanguine and Harry Potter stood on the edge of the glade. It had been the third day away from his foster family when Drak had finally announced that it was time to meet his friends. They had driven west then north to Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean. Drak had parked the Landrover Discovery at the small town of Coleford, he had then removed two backpacks from the rear and the pair had set off into the forest. They had entered the glade two hours after they set off so Harry looked around in wonderment.
" What are we doing here?" Harry asked.
" Just wait, my friends should be here soon," Drak answered looking at his wrist watch, " They prefer the forest, and The Forest of Dean is one of the oldest royal Forest's in England,"
" Oh," Harry answered and waited for a few moments. Abruptly he was startled as a shimmering began in the centre of the glade. It expanded quickly until it was a large emerald green pool about a metre from the ground. It shimmered again and two shapes stepped through.
Before Harry stood two men, both were tall but one had long brown hair and deep brown eyes. He looked handsome almost ethereal then Harry noticed his pointed ears. The other was blond haired with silver eyes, he regarded Harry with interest. Harry almost laughed out loud. If he was correct these two men weren't mortal but elves, believed to be fey and legendary.
" Speak honestly and wield your blade true, I am Der'nei Iban Calect emissary of the High Elves, my colleague is Ry'kyn, Royal Training Master," Der'nei, the dark haired elf spoke, " Master Sanguine has told us you wish to become K'Orei,"
" K'Orei?" asked Harry.
" It means apprentice, we are the Halandrer; the Fey. We know much different Magic from the elemental to pure magic. Our bodies are honed and the life is difficult, you'll be the first human in a thousand years to learn the way of the Halandrer. If you so wish to be taught step through the portal,"
Mist hung in the air in tendrils but was quickly burnt off by the early morning sun the next day. Though it was still early two people were already up; Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. Harry had been thinking about his introduction to the Elves as he walked down from Hogwart's castle to the Quidditch field. It had been over two months ago and he remembered it clearly as he replayed the scene over again. Shaking his head he set out to do his usual morning ritual, he had already run partway through the forest then had collected a large flat case from near the doors of the Castle. Setting the case on the floor he stretched out, he wore just Lycra short and his ever-present sunglasses. Opening the case he revealed two Daitō, more commonly known as Katana's. Japanese swords once used by the famous Samurai the blades were 65cm-curved blades forged by folding the metal until it had almost a thousand layers. Though not Harry's personal choice of sword, he preferred the heavier broadsword; his Master's had told him it would teach him balance. As Harry began a delicate dance sweat trickled down his back. It was perhaps twenty minutes later when he finally reversed the blades and sheathed them. Soon he knew everyone would be getting up.
" Nice moves," a voice said to him. Harry looked to see Draco Malfoy is running shorts and t-shirt.
" Since when did you get into fitness?" Harry returned his chest heaving and sweat glistening on his thin but muscled upper body. He leant over and picked up a towel wiping his chest down and hanging it around his shoulders.
" Since this summer," He answered, " when I walked into a Muggle Gym,"
" You in a Muggle Gym," Harry barked out laughter.
" Yes, actually," Malfoy responded refusing to take the bait, " Being in the public I had to look my best,"
" I had heard you'd ventured into the Muggle world," Harry admitted.
" I studied Martial arts as well in the Gym but not to that level, what was that?" He asked.
" The Way of the Warrior, the Japanese believed that combat should be both armed and un-armed. It is a variant of their ancient techniques I learnt with some friends," Harry answered. Harry almost smiled at the young man as he walked past him until his back was to the young man.
" My god what happened?" Draco exclaimed looking at the scars that run down Harry's back.
" I was attacked long ago," Harry answered and walked away towards the school when Draco made him turn again.
" This doesn't make us friends you know," Draco said.
" I don't want to be friends, Draco but I respect you," he answered and disappeared leaving a dumbfounded Draco.
Harry entered the shower/toilets with his own toiletries and stepped up to the sink. He began to run hot water and stared at himself in the mirror. The glasses reflected his image back. He grinned as he began to rub foam onto his chin and upper neck.
" Since when did you start shaving?" Dean asked exiting the shower towel wrapped around his waist followed closely by Seamus.
" Nice Tat," the Irish boy grinned. Ron stepping from the shower behind the two boys saw a blade tattooed on Harry's back. An Ice-white Dragon seemed to be in mid flight clutching the sword, its wingtips finished on Harry's shoulders. Wrapped around the dragon's talons were vines and a pillar of fire.
" Thank you Seamus, oh I started Shaving during the summer. I can't seem to control it and have to shave every few days," Harry laughed.
" Well I'm glad I haven't started shaving," Dean replied rubbing his smooth cheeks.
" Arh, you still got your bum fluff, sweetie," Seamus grinned swatting the boys behind and running off. Ron stepped up to sink next to Harry and began to wash his teeth but he avoided eye contact with Harry ignoring the young man completely. Quickly finished he disappeared. Harry merely sighed knowing Ron would soon get over it because he wasn't interest in Ginny.
" Harry," He looked over to find Josh enter with a couple of first years. First to seventh Gryffindor's shared the shower/toilet's.
" Hi Josh,"
" Do you lift weights?" He asked.
" Excuse me," Harry asked as he washed his now smooth face with a flannel.
" Do you lift weights? Well you seem kind of muscled I wanted to know what you did to get there, I was to be strong then I won't be bullied," he seemed downcast. The short boy shuffled his bare feet on the tiles.
" Did you get bullied?" asked Harry.
" When I was at Muggle School, the children hit me and made fun of me,"
" Were you popular with the girls?" Harry asked seriously but Josh giggled.
" I had lot's of friends who were girls,"
" They were jealous, you're a handsome kid. I reckon several of the girls had crushes on you so the other boys were probably envious of your looks and popularity," Josh blushed and looked bashful.
" Thanks Harry," he squeaked and disappeared. Harry just laughed and took to the shower room which was empty now, he let the hot water run over his tense muscles relaxing him. Afterwards he found himself back in the dorm which was empty the other boys seemed to have gone. Harry grinned as he began to get changed; he knew he wouldn't wear uniform and that he wouldn't get in trouble for it. He bent over and tied his shoelaces on what seemed like expensive shoes. Today he wore an Armani suit of velvet black; the trousers were sharp and neat. The white shirt was crisp. He looked at the box on his bed, it held the two guns but he had made a promise to the Headmaster so he sighed and pushed them back into his locker.
" Shouldn't you be getting changed?" a voice behind him asked. Harry turned to see Neville Longbottom in the doorway.
" I am dressed, Nev," Harry answered.
" That's not school uniform," Neville persisted, " you'll lose Gryffindor points,"
" Look Nev, I don't think I'll have any trouble from the teachers," Harry eventually answered.
" You've changed," Neville murmured as he left the dorm.
" So have we all, my friend," Harry to the air, " War's will do that,"
Meanwhile down in the Great Hall Hermione was sat down next to Ron who chewed through his breakfast noisily as he chatted easily to Seamus not realising his girlfriend was extremely quiet. She was thinking about the dilemma that was Harry Potter. Not once had she seen his eyes since his return and she wanted to know why? Where had Harry been for nearly two months? She had watched him this morning with the two deadly swords and he could not have trained for two month been that fit and good in that short amount of time when the ministry couldn't find him? Slowly she chewed these questions over in her mind ignoring the hustle and bustle when suddenly there was a commotion at the doors to the Great Hall. Ginny entered but not the Ginny she once knew. This Ginny liked to dress sexily and wear makeup; today the younger girl wore a black miniskirt and a red t-shirt, which hugged her body. Surely the teachers would put a stop to this before it got to out of hand? She was smiling at all the boys especially Draco Malfoy on the Slytherin table. Ron merely eyed her with distaste but still watched her carefully. Abruptly Hermione's attention was taken by something else as new commotion erupted in the doorway. She sighed then realised that it was a circle and a fight was taking place.
Her eyes widened as she realized Joshua Dumbledore was one of the combatants so she got up muttering angrily to herself. She strode over to the circle the same time as Draco but he stopped her putting a hand on her shoulder.
" Wait! Watch," Draco said and indicated ahead of her where someone was just entering. It was Harry and the first thing she noticed was that he didn't have his wand but his right hand was covered by a black leather glove without the fingers. Oddly though it seemed to fit in with the suit and wasn't easily noticeable unless you were really looking. Entering quietly a power seemed to radiate from him and he passed through the crowd easily until he stood behind the boy. Josh was squared off against the first year Slytherin Alexander Chambers. As Harry placed his hand on Josh's shoulder Hermione noticed the light glinted off a silver ring on Harry's right hand.
" What's going on?" Harry purred quietly almost Snape-like. Speaking of the Teachers they were all watching the episode with interest.
" We're just having a debate," Alexander sneered, " About which house is better,"
" Neither. Both houses have their merits and weaknesses. While darkness darkens our doorstep we should be making friends and not enemies," Harry responded, to the shocked gasps of some. Every one of the crowd and the Great Hall was hanging onto his every word as he spoke passionately.
" I've always said he was a leader," A voice said
" I agree, the elves taught him a lot but strangely he seemed to have the knowledge and he certainly fought like he had been taught for a couple of years," a second voice answered.
" Is Der's daughter coming today?" a female voice asked.
" Yes, she is," the first voice answered, " Certainly she'll stir things up with Malfoy and Potter,"
" I thought he was destined for Ginny Weasley," the female commented.
" Ginny Weasley is meant for someone else," a new voice with a male edge spoke.
" And Harry Potter is meant to unite the races, he is to become a leader,"
" If he isn't killed first by Voldemort," the last voice sneered.
" If enemies should become friends, then what is the rivalry between yourself and Draco Malfoy we all hear so much about?" Alex asked and there were a few nods and agreements. Harry looked into the eyes of his supposed rival.
" I'll tell you all a little tale, when I was an innocent first year," his voice had become like steel and he gripped Josh's shoulder, " On the stairs leading up to Hogwart's I was offered a friendship,"
" An offer I made," Draco said loudly stepping into the circle beside Alex amidst gasps. These were the legends of Hogwart's for the last six years all siblings had heard was the fierce rivalry between these two. Draco Malfoy, cold hearted dragon of Slytherin. He was said to be cruel, wealthy and powerful in all circles. On the other hand you had Harry Potter, saintly Boy Who Lived. He represented bravery, honesty and loyalty.
" It was an offer I rejected somewhat foolishly. Yes we have had six years of rivalry but we do not hate each other in fact I respect Draco," Harry answered, " however it not First year Slytherin or Gryffindor's to argue our rivalry and who the better house is,"
Everyone could see the fight was over so dissipated towards his or her own tables. Harry led Josh by his shoulder towards the Gryffindor table. He was stopped en-route by Ron, Hermione and oddly Draco. Harry could see Hermione wanted to say something so the five moved out of earshot of the other students.
" Josh, Mum's going to kill you starting fights on the second day," Hermione berated the boy. The three young men looked between the bow-headed boy and Hermione.
" What do you mean by that?" Harry asked.
" Josh is my adopted brother," Hermione explained, " I only found out myself during the summer that he'd been adopted at birth by my folks and that his name was Dumbledore. I was told not to tell him about the Headmaster. But you didn't bat an eyelid when Professor McGonagall mentioned, you knew something?"
" I was told that Dumbledore's Great-Grandson would be returning," Harry admitted, " Which is why I was sent back, so I can protect him. He's very special,"
" Sent Back?" Ron repeated, " From where? Who sent you?"
" I can't tell you that right now, only that I was asked to return," Josh was looking between the four young adults talking about him.
" You're here to protect me?" He asked.
" I'm here to keep you out of trouble," Harry answered sternly.
" Speaking of which, why did you start a fight?" Hermione demanded hands on her hips.
" I didn't start a fight," Josh whined, " I was merely defending Gryffindor House,"
" Josh mate, let me deal with protecting Gryffindor's honour. Have you ever seen a game Quidditch?" Harry asked changing the subject; Josh shook his head wide-eyed as Hermione grinned. If Harry was looking after him then he was doing well for himself. But she was concerned over his remarks about being sent to protect him and the boy being special.
" You never told us you had a brother, we've known you six years and you've never once mentioned him," ron spoke up.
" I'm sure I have," she said uncertainly and concentrated trying to remember.
" Not once," Ron re-iterated.
" That's funny when I try to remember when I told you my mind is a little foggy,"
" Really?" Harry asked intrigued but they were interrupted by a shout.
" Harry, may we have a word?" a teacher called. The other four walked off and soon Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall and Professor Sanguine were stood with him.
" Drak is needed elsewhere sooner than we thought," Dumbledore spoke.
" I thought you were staying the week," Harry stated confused.
" So did I but I must travel to meet a few friends of ours," Drak replied, " Though we knew this was going to be a temporary we wanted to talk to you,"
" About what?" Harry asked suspiciously.
" We would like you to be the Defence Against the Dark Art's teacher," Minerva McGonagall stated.
" Me? I'm only sixteen, I haven't even taken my NEWT's yet," Harry replied.
" You learnt a lot with the Elves, you certainly gave the impression that you knew a lot more than you admitted," Drak replied looking him squarely in the eye.
" You told them about the Elves?" Harry accused.
" Albus knew about them already not that you were there until the first day back," Drak said.
" You've had a lot of experience," Albus spoke up.
" If you take your NEWT's at Christmas and Pass, you'll be the youngest fully qualified teacher," McGonagall said.
" I…um," Harry stuttered surprised.
" Of course you'll have to give up as Quidditch captain and all your lessons. Though you can stay in the dorm until you feel ready to move into your own quarters," McGonagall added. It was strange, a sixteen-year-old teaching at Hogwart's but she knew he was the best qualified.
" In your office, there are a set of books and Drak has left a preliminary plan of what he would teach," Albus said and disappeared back into the Great Hall.
" I must go myself," Drak said and patted Harry before leaving a stunned boy with the Deputy Headmistress.
" The schedule is all ready," she said and handed him a piece of paper before breezing off into the Great Hall. Harry looked down at the sheet in his hand and his jaw dropped. It was the first day of school and already he was to begin teaching first period. His stomach grumbled and he realised despite the events that had already happened he still hadn't had breakfast. He followed the rumbling into the hall and sat at the Gryffindor table kind of stunned.
" Are you ok?" Ron asked confused. It was the second thing Ron had said to him since last night and Harry knew the slightly older boy was trying to make amends. He looked up shook from his reverie to find Josh on his right side, Ron his left next to his younger sister who wasn't wearing school uniform.
" Oh...um nothing," Harry replied as the last student entered for breakfast. He cut off from saying anything further when Dumbledore stood up and demanded their attention.
" Good morning students, today begins the new year of learning and I hope you will all launch yourselves into your studies. I have a few more announcements this morning that I did not mention last night. Firstly Professor Sanguine had to be called away on urgent business," Hermione and Ron shared a look, " However thankfully a replacement has been found quickly so your Defence Against the Dark Art's shall take place. Quidditch will continue as normal this year however the Ministry, International Schools and Hogwart's have decided to have a competition not dissimilar to the Tri-wizard tournament," a few people turned to look at Harry, " nevertheless the Golden Arrow will be safer and has the co-operation of several schools. A wing will be opened for the students and tutors. I shall be giving out more details soon, the names of Hogwart's participants will be drawn in October and the first event shall take place in November.
" Lastly Hogwart's in conjunction with the Golden Arrow have decided to instil a trial program called Physical Education," There was a groan from Muggle born wizards, they thought they had escaped that lesson, " The teacher is young herself, only sixteen but highly qualified and travelling from the United States. She will arrive tonight but please treat her with the respect you show the teachers,"
The hall was abuzz with conversation from the new DADA teacher to the Golden Arrow and the new student tutor. Harry ate quietly his mind on other things while Hermione and Ron discussed possible DADA teachers, Josh and Ginny seemed to be discussing the Golden Arrow competition. Gulping down his porridge Harry looked at his watch.
" I've got to go," Harry said. Leaving bewildered friends behind he made for the Defence classroom and his new office. Looking around the office he found a wooden box and stared at it curiously. On top a note was sellotaped. It read
Harry,
A Bogart for your first lesson. I've heard about your first time so have fun.
Drak
He took a seat behind the desk in the classroom looking over the notes Sanguine had made when students began to filter into the classroom laughing and talking. They sat down and looked stunned to see Harry at the front of the class. First class: Third Year Slytherin and Gryffindor.
" Good morning students welcome to a new year at Hogwart's and Defence Against the Dark Art's. Unfortunately as Professor Dumbledore explained Professor Sanguine was called away urgently and I will be taking his place, for those of you that don't know I am Harry Potter but you may call me Professor or Sir," Harry stepped up to the front of the class and looked around at all the students, " I have been informed that your last two years have been theory, that will not get you experience. This year the course will be on the subject's of Potions, curses and so-called dark creatures. This first term we will be learning about Dark creatures, can anybody name any?"
Several of the 13-year-olds hands shot into the air, some obviously had done some studying over the summer.
" Yes, um?" Harry pointed to a Slytherin boy third row back.
" James McCann sir, Erklings," the blond boy answered.
" Well done, five points. To make it ten can you tell me what these are?" Harry asked.
" An elfish creature sir, taller than a gnome but more deadly. It has a high pitched cackle that allows it to lure away children and eat them,"
" Well done Mr McCann, you've been reading Mister Scamander's book," the boy blushed, " now can anybody tell me another Dark creature,"
" The Tebo sir," A girl answered, " Cary Mitchell,"
" Arh the Tebo, a rare creature found in Congo and Zaire. They have the ability to become invisible and are hunted by many for their hides. Now can anybody tell me another Dark Creature?" Dennis Creevey raised his hand.
" The Boggart, Professor Potter,"
" A good answer, five points for Gryffindor. Our first lesson will be on the Boggart, what exactly. The Boggart is a Shapeshifter," Harry said and placed the Boggart box onto his desk, " Currently this Boggart has no form but when I release it, the creature will take the form that scares you most. We, fortunately, have a big advantage over the creature because there are many of us and that will confuse the creature, always have company with you. If on the other hand you are alone and are attacked by a Boggart, there is a simple charm to resist it, Riddikulus. With this charm force it into a shape that amuses you, what will finish the Boggart off?"
" Wendy Richards, sir," a girl with her hand up said, " laughter,"
" Correct! Laughter will finish a Boggart off. Now let's try the charm without our wands, repeat after me, Riddikulus," The class all cried out at the same time causing the box to shudder.
"Riddikulus,"
" Right then form a line, Dennis you will go first," Dennis stepped up with wand in hand as Harry moved to the box. Nodding at the younger boy he opened the box, from it stepped a snarling werewolf, drawl dripping from its fangs.
" R- Riddikulus," Dennis cried out and abruptly there was a sound like a whip cracking. The werewolf began to chase its tail around like a dog would. The class roared with laughter and the Wolf stopped confused.
" Gemmel, step forward," Harry shouted. A tall boy with dark hair moved forward, hand gripping his wand. The Werewolf became a Giant scorpion menacing and very deadly. It opened and closed the pincers menacingly.
"Riddikulus," Gemmel shouted forcefully. Another crack and scientific Lab bung's appeared on the tail and elastic bands bound the pincers.
" Doherty," a Slytherin girl stepped up. The Scorpion became deep dark vines writhing and moving towards the girl who seemed transfixed.
"Riddikulus," Abruptly the vines had multi-coloured flowers on them making everyone cheerful. Crack! A worm appeared then quickly made a knot in itself and then- Crack! A Hag appeared leering and jeering to suddenly become a beautiful young woman. Crack! A horned demon stepped menacingly forward then it had a dress and apron and seemed to pining over a poster in its hand.
" Its getting confused," Harry called over the din, " Creevey, finish it off,"
The younger Creevey strode confidently forward. Crack! The demon once again became a snarling werewolf slobbering and glaring at Dennis evilly.
"Riddikulus," Dennis bellowed and the Boggart now was muzzled and had a leash. It looked almost cute and helpless but Creevey laughed out loud and the Boggart exploded into tiny wisps of smoke.
" Bravo, everyone. Ten points to Dennis, Five to Wendy and five to all those who took part," Harry grinned with his students as the bell rang, they got up excitedly to leave but Harry stopped them, " No homework on your first day but I would ask a favour, can you please not tell anyone I'm the new DADA teacher,"
The class all grinned and promised him liking Harry as a teacher already. As the last student left Harry collapsed into the chair exhausted all ready. He had fourth year's next class for a single period and made them make the same promise. At break he walked into the teachers lounge uncertainly but Professor McGonagall smiled at him.
" The third years loved your lesson," she said reassuringly, " They wouldn't stop discussing you,"
" Thanks. I didn't think I had done that well," Harry answered. After the break Harry applied himself to Potions theory for his NEWT's but with knowledge he knew he could pass the exam then he made a plan for 1st – 4th years. As the sky darkened Harry slumped into the chair at the head of the table exhausted. His friends all looked at him.
" Are you ok?" Hermione asked concerned.
" Of course," he answered, " Just tired,"
" Where were you?" Ron asked, " You weren't in any of the classes,"
" I had several study periods and was in the library," Harry responded. Professor Dumbledore standing up at the head table cut off the pair from further enquiries.
" Good Evening everyone, before we settle into our meal I would like to introduce our new teacher," He said loudly, " She has come all the way from the United States of America and will be joining the Sixth Year Gryffindor girls in their dorm. I give pleasure in introducing Kristen Silverwolf,"
A young woman stepped from one of the outer rooms, she appeared to be sixteen-years-old with long flowing blonde hair. She was tall and willowy with light blue eyes the colour of the sea. She wore medieval style breeches and a white linen shirt, which showed off wiry muscles. She thanked the Headmaster and strode down the tables until she settled on the Gryffindor table by Harry, Ron and Hermione.
" I hope you make her feel welcome," Dumbledore finished.
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Here the answers to the reviews received, I try to answer everyone.
PSTurner – Of course I can't answer your question I'm afraid because it may reveal certain parts of the plot but I hope you continue to enjoy and review.
Kordolin – Thank you, here's your update.
Le Diablo Blanc2 – Unfortunately I've made it not so simple for Harry and Draco, it's certainly going to be a rollercoaster ride of games from both sides but I'm going to keep you guessing for a bit longer.
Brokenflamesrebel – One of my favourite reviewers, this chapter is dedicated to you.
Limeinthecoconut09 – Hehe, I thought it was a little random too but that's where my muse took me.
Olaf74 – here you go. Here's your update. Enjoy.