Chapter 4:
The First Day
At ten o'clock, the Gryffindors met outside the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. Peter was the only Gryffindor sixth year missing. After several minutes, Professor Lomax opened the door to let the students in. Lily, Marlene and Kate sat together on the front row. The three marauders sat behind them, whilst Alice and Frank sat to one side away from their friends. Professor Lomax smiled kindly at his new students. He was an old man; perhaps in his sixties, with white hair and smile lines on his face. He cleared his throat to get their attention, "welcome to N.E.W.T. Level Defence Against The Dark Arts. From what I understand you have a strong knowledge of dark creatures, you have studied basic curses, some useful spells, jinxes and hexes and you have practiced basic duelling. However, to complete your N.E.W.T. exams you will need a far more extensive knowledge of defensive magic…"
He had the attention of the whole class, "sadly to completely appreciate and understand defensive magic we must understand the tangible, always changing nature of the Dark Arts. I wish that we could merely teach you a handful of protective spells and that would be enough. Alas, the Dark Arts are constantly changing so we must adapt."
"During the next two years you will learn about things that you wish you'd never even heard about, let alone seen. But be warned, we are at war and what you hear and see and learn about in this classroom is a reality in the war against Voldemort."
"In all of your sixth year classes, you will be expected to use nonverbal spells. Some of you will struggle with this whilst for others it will come naturally. We will study illegal curses including the Unforgivable Curses. We will also study some of the darkest creatures the world has ever seen."
There was a murmur of excitement around the room, "today though we will be practicing basic blocking spells using nonverbal magic."
The students groaned, "Don't complain; I promise you, you'll be challenged. Now can anyone tell me a benefit of using nonverbal spells in defence?" Professor Lomax pointed at Lily, "what's your name?"
"Lily Evans, sir," Lily replied.
"Well Miss Evans, you look like you know the answer," the professor smiled.
"Your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you are about to perform, which gives you a split-second advantage."
"Very good, Miss Evans. Ten points to Gryffindor. When we don't say the incantation out loud it allows us the element of surprise. However, it is very difficult and requires a good deal of practice, as it requires concentration and mental discipline alone."
The students spent the rest of the two hour lesson practicing non-verbal blocking spells. Seconds before the bell was due to go for lunch, the professor clapped his hands to get their attention, "for homework you will write an essay on the pros and cons of using nonverbal magic. See you on Wednesday."
The students made their way out of the classroom and down the hall towards the Great Hall where Peter was waiting for them. "How was transfiguration?" James asked.
"Piss awful," Peter replied angrily. "Three hours spent with Professor McKenzie; he's absolutely horrid."
"What did you study?" Remus asked friendlily.
"Nothing of worth; it was like being in first year again," Peter complained. "He said that we needed to make sure I had the basics. I don't know who he thinks he is; I'm a fricking Animag…"
"Peter, shut up," James stood on his foot to stop him spilling the beans.
Peter had a free period after lunch so he made his way to the library to carry on studying Transfiguration before going to Herbology. The others all walked together to potions. Professor Slughorn was waiting for them. He was sat behind his desk; with his feet lazily perched on the desk. "Come in, Come in!" He gruffed.
When the students were all sat down, he stood up and smiled, "this year will be great fun if you work hard enough. In the run up to Christmas we will look at some fantastic potions (some that by now you should know relatively well); the Draught of Peace, Invigoration Draught, Amortentia, Dreamless Sleep, and Felix Felicis. After Christmas we will move on to harder potions such as the Draught of the Living Death, Drink of Despair and Essence of Dittany. We will also learn more about the laws that govern potion making; for example Golpalott's Third Law. Hopefully we will even find time to study Alchemy."
"By the time we finish for the summer you will be able to produce the Polyjuice Potion, Veritaserum, Everlasting Elixirs, Poison Antidotes, Hiccoughing Solution and the Elixir to Induce Euphoria. It looks to be a very promising year."
Professor Slughorn grinned, "what to start with… Ah… I know… Felix Felicis. Who can tell the class about good old felix? Miss Evans?" Lily's hand had shot up.
"Felix Felicis, also called 'Liquid Luck', is a magical potion that makes the drinker lucky for a period of time, during which everything they attempt will be successful. However, it should be used sparingly, as it has a tendency to cause giddiness, recklessness, and a dangerous overconfidence if taken in excess. It is also highly toxic in large quantities and is a banned substance in all organised competitions. It is very difficult to make, disastrous if made wrong, and requires six months to stew before it is ready to be consumed."
"Very good Miss Evans," Professor Slughorn smiled, "Here I have a vile of Felix Felicis for the student that manages to prepare the potion correctly. Obviously we will not be able to create the potion today as it takes months to produce but one lucky student will be able to experience the power of good old Felix…"
The class quickly went about collecting their ingredients and beginning to prepare the potion. Just as the hour was coming to an end, Professor Slughorn made his way around the room checking their potions. "I believe this vile of Felix belongs to Miss Evans. Use it wisely…" He winked cheerfully at his favourite student. "For homework I want two sheets of parchment on Felix Felicis. Good day."
After potions, Lily, Remus, James and Sirius made their way to Herbology whilst the others went to the library to start their essays. Peter met the other marauders on his way down to the greenhouse. Herbology was James' least favourite lesson, so he spent the entire time passing notes to Sirius barely listening to Professor Sprout as she told them about Venomous Tentacula. Lily kept trying to shush the boys but after twenty minutes gave up and started giggling at their silly antics.
Charms was the last class of the day. The Gryffindors couldn't believe how much homework they had received on their first day back. They spent the last hour of the day trying to turn vinegar into wine before returning to the Great Hall for dinner.
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