Chapter 6

The month went by in a buzz and Haradah didn't know if she had ever been this exhausted. The classes were going pretty well and the whole staff was singing her praises. Students were more ecstatic with the way their DADA classes were more practical than theoretical; this made them not complaint about the work assigned to them when asked.

The only person wary about her was the headmaster. He was not happy about the curriculum she started in her classes, especially the studies related to dark and grey magic and magical cores. But he had not been able to voice his thoughts for now as he had no proof or reason to tell her to not teach it. Haradah had been careful and already read and studied the rules related to curriculum decided by the Board Of Governors, and headmaster had no right in to object them.

She had also been helping Madame Pomfrey by preparing some basic potions for the infirmary- healing potions, balms for cuts and bruises, dreamless sleep potion etc, which were always needed in the hospital wing. Pomfrey had been elated that someone was actually doing things for the health of students and taking some burden off her.

She also had been close to Flitwick, Sprout and Slughorn. Slughorn was beaming with happiness when he found out that she was helping his favourite students to learn Potions at a greater level. Haradah had simply said when confronted about the same-'We can't let such talent go wasted sir, now can we?'

Sometimes Flitwick and Sprout too asked if she could help them handle schedules, etc. McGonagall however had been aloof because of Dumbledore. Haradah didn't complain she had been expecting this from the very starting.

In the classes she observed the Marauders were quite an intelligent group apart from being famous pranksters. They often asked questions and listened to everything she explained with full attention. Lily would join them too for extra help. The Slytherin's behaviour wasn't something she was expecting. She had expected them to question her on her ways of teaching, not following her rules about No House Rivalry, maybe sneer at her for challenging what they have been taught; but what she got what total acceptance. She realized her own mistake and that at the end of the day they were all students, trying to learn all they could. They were in fact quite happy that they were not forced to be taught by a Light Witch who was a puppet of Dumbledore. It was enough that they respected her immensely.

The Ravenclaws often asked her about different topics and sometimes she would recommend them books outside the curriculum. Hufflepuffs too would engage in pretty interesting topics with her.

Right now Haradah was sitting in her office. It was the first Hogsmeade weekend and she was grading the papers. She had been immensely busy with matters of the Wizengamot and so here she was with a boring task at hand.

There was a knock on the door and she looked up to find Bellatrix and Regulus of all people.

'Mr Black and Mss Black, please have a seat. Didn't you all have a Hogsmeade weekend to attend to?'

'No Professor. We have been there too many times, nothing there surprises us now apart from some Honeyduke's candies.' Bella said with a charming smile.

This made Haradah laugh much to the trio's amusement. In her short time at Hogwarts, Bellatrix had came to admire the young professor very much. She was so young yet so fierce; Bella had looked up at her as a role model. Regulus too couldn't find any better way to describe their professor. According to the young boy she was "Simply awesome mate!"

'Very well, what can I do for you?' Haradah asked them politely while she offered them some tea and biscuits.

The Slytherins had known that Haradah had helped Severus in his potions classes. Though Severus didn't say much, Bella and Regulus both knew the poor boy was grateful to Haradah. He along with Lily would often spend time in library to read ahead, and would use her lab sometimes. He told them how her lab consisted of all the rare ingredients too and how Haradah would work quietly on her own never disturbing them. She would sometimes ask what he was brewing and give some tips on how to improve the shelf life of several potions, etc. Bella was quite happy for her friend. She knew he had a difficult home life and that someone as actually helping the poor bloke was a great opportunity to prove himself. That was the reason Bella had come to Haradah for help. Maybe she would help her too.

'Professor Lucius told us that you know how to fight off the Imperius curse.' Regulus started hesitantly.

'Yes I do. My professor was very strict and would always say two words- CONSTANT VIGILANCE!' Haradah informed them making them chuckle.

'He was a nightmare honestly but I owe him a lot for he was one of the best professors we had.' Haradah said smiling sadly. She missed her friends and family but she knew what she was doing was for them and Tom. The duo looked at her curiously. It was the first time she had spoken to anyone about her past.

'Anyway, so you ant me to teach you how to fight off the Imperius curse right?' They nodded.

'And why do want to learn it?' she asked them. Though she had an idea she wanted to hear the reason from them.

'We want to learn it so that we can defend ourselves and not do anything under someone else's influence.' Bella replied instantly.

The actual reason was that Bella didn't want her parents to use the curse on her and force her to take the Dark Mark. She wasn't against the Dark Lord or that but over the years, according to many, his goals have changed. Regulus too had the same reason. His mother had gone mad since Sirius had left the house and all responsibilities were left on his shoulders.

Haradah knew that, 'Alright, I will teach you. We can do it on weekends as my week days are full. Also if you don't mind I can call my cousin to help too. He is quite adept in this as well.'

Bella exclaimed happily as she jumped up to Haradah and hugged her tightly. Haradah patted her back awkwardly, surprised at her sudden outburst. Regulus outright laughed at his sister's antics.

'Professor could we bring our friends too? I promise I will take guarantee of them.'

'Yes of course, it's not that I have something better to do.'

The two students left the room quite happy the way things went.