"My respect for your previous defense professors is limited to Remus Lupin, who is a dear friend. However my instruction style will depart drastically even from his." Lily's eyes darted around the class of fourth year Gryffindors.
A perky brunette whose fluffy hair had begun to settle listened diligently, taking notes without needing to look down.
A boy with bright red hair-a Weasley-sat next to her, disinterested.
And there he was. Pudge not quite out of his face, a growth spurt about to hit, she guessed. He wouldn't meet her eye, because he alone knew what it meant to lose your family.
All Taken in at a breath. And then, "First, I will be collaborating much more heavily with other professors. The key to defense is not to know a specific charm to banish a monster, it is to use your knowledge effectively under pressure. Mister Finnigan, how would an auror defend themselves if I attacked them with a stunning charm?" Lily drew her wand dramatically, and pointed it at Seamus.
"Huh? Oh, um, they'd have the counter already up, I guess?"
"Quite. Miss Patil, how would the giant squid defend itself?"
"It wouldn't be phased by a stunning charm, would it professor?"
"Correct. Miss Brown, how would Professor Sprout defend herself if I were to attack her with a stunning charm?"
Lavender gasped. "Who would stun Professor Sprout?! I'd sock you!" There were scattered laughs, nervous.
Lily smiled. "Exactly. Few people would wish harm on our dear Pomona, and many would rush to her aid. Mister Longbottom." She turned her attention to him. "How would YOU defend yourself?"
The room went silent quickly enough for his gulp to be audible.
"I... I would probably just run away, professor." He said, finally, quietly, looking up for only a moment.
"Perfect." Lily sheathed her wand. "Ten points to Gryffindor. Now Miss Granger, if you'll explain to the class why I've chosen these four questions it will be another five points."
Hermione paused and thought.
"A specific counter, resistance, having people help, running away. Any defense should be like one of those?"
"Very good, the five points are yours. In this class we will review techniques to counter, resist, and avoid threats, focusing on techniques that will work on a variety of threats."
Hermione's hand shot up.
"What about having people help?"
Lily smiled, though her eyes stayed fierce.
"Having friends isn't something I'm qualified to teach. But what I will do is put everyone in a class together, and hopefully you'll all be able to manage. That's right, starting next week every house will be in defense at once."
Neville gulped. The rest of Gryffindor rioted.