Come Together KeeperPawsoffme Chapter 11

Draco's life was so dramatically changed, he didn't know what to do with himself. Before, he was always on edge waiting and fearing a visit from his father. He was always afraid for his mother. He lived his life on the edge of fear, and loathing for his father, and the other students from Slytherin.

Now, he was carefree, with true friends, and traveled with a pack of them where ever he went. Fred, George, Harry, Neville, Hermione and Ginny, all walked with him, never allowing one on one confrontations with any Slytherin students. He felt protected for the first time in his life, and he was enjoying it.

He loved the way he was referred to by Ginny and Hermione, as Coffee. He loved the way he was accepted into study groups, and helped in his studies by Hermione.

With Professor Quirell gone, he felt another threat removed, and was looking forward to seeing who the new DADA Professor would be. His wait didn't take too long, as Professor Dumbledore gathered the attention of the students at the evening meal. "I would like to announce that a new DADA Professor has been found, and I am glad to say that she will be here in the morning for her fist class. Professor Nymphadora Tonks has accepted the position. Please show her the respect she deserves, and welcome her with open arms. Now, enjoy you supper."

Harry, Ginny, and Hermione were thrilled by this announcement. They were hoping one of their family members would take this position. Draco was pleased to hear that his cousin would be there to help protect him from his ex father and his other enemies. He also knew that if the need aroused, his Uncle Sirius would be there, with his friends. Neville was also pleased he knew the new DADA Professor. He knew that she would make it a fun learning experience, as she didn't take life too seriously.

All in all, things were definitely looking up for the students for the rest of the year.

The next morning, they got up, and made their way down to breakfast. They were approached by a group of Slytherins, and for the first time since joining Gryffindor, Draco was faced off against by his ex housemates. "So, Malfoy, are you fitting in with your new housemates. Are they protecting the little mama's boy? Your father misses you. He comes by all the time, asking how you are doing. Of course he misses your mama also. He can't believe what she has turned herself into, a whore of the Black Family. I suppose we should be calling you Black as well. Too bad, really, her friends really miss her, and the fun they had, if you know what I mean." Flint finished his talk.

"You know Marcus, you have a big mouth. You should really keep it to yourself. Just because Draco has the nerve to better himself, doesn't mean you should have to feel jealous of him. Of course, Gryffindor couldn't lower their standards to accept someone like you. Now, run along, and go play with whoever you're playing with lately probably Millicent. You better hurry, as I think I saw her with Goyle just a few minutes ago." Fred replied.

The two groups split up, and made their way to the Great Hall. Draco looked over at the Slytherin table, and saw Marcus make his way to Millicent, and start to berate her. She stood up and knocked him flat with one punch from her closed fist.

The other three houses all took into laughing at this exchange. Flint got what he deserved. Millicent was not one to take abuse from anyone. She took off for her first class, kicking Flint in the side, just to let him know she was still angry. She then looked over at the Gryffindor table, and threw the finger at Fred, causing him to laugh.

Draco's first class happened to be a double session with DADA. He was about to experience what DADA should be all about.

As the group entered the room, they could feel the difference, and smell it as well. There was no smell of garlic in the air, and the room, was much brighter. The group took their seat, and waited for Tonks to make her appearance. Harry was the first to notice the shift in light, as it made its way through the students. Harry waited until the shift was near him, and he stuck his foot out and tripped it. Tonks landed unceremoniously on Draco's lap. Tonks smiled and said, "Twenty points to Gryffindor for the fine work displayed by Mr. Potter. He saw the shift in the light as I passed through you all. This is what I am here to teach you. DADA is more than just defending your self. It is being aware of your surroundings, and reacting to a change. Mr. Potter saw this, and reacted with the right amount of force for the situation. He knew that what he saw was no threat, but, wanted to let me know that he knew I was there. Excellent work Mr. Potter. Now, how far had your ex Professor got in teaching you. From what I understand, he was kind of hard to follow."

Hermione as usual, was the first to raise her hand. Tonks thought it was time to have a little fun with her. "Yes, Miss.."

"Hermione Granger, Professor."

"Granger you say? I have heard of that name before. Are you related to Stuart Granger by any chance?"

Hermione knew she was having a go at her, and decided to give her a dose of her own medicine. "As a matter of fact, I am. He was a great uncle of mine. Why do you ask?"

"I just wanted to know. I didn't know we had a celebrity in our midst. Of course this doesn't mean I will be showing favoritism to you though. Now, you wished to say something?" Tonks added.

Hermione forgot all about what the original question was, and just stared at Tonks with a blank look.

Tonks laughed at Hermione, and continued on, "Do you see how easily Miss Granger was distracted. Never let your guard down. It could cause you serious trouble in the wrong situation. Now, I believe the question was; how far a long had your previous Professor gotten in his teaching. Where was it when he left? I suppose, I will have to start at the beginning, and see how far along you are. Let's begin with the basics, shall we."

And the class proceeded from there. It was the most enjoyable class they had ever had in DADA. Tonks was brilliant. By the end of the class, they were farther along, then they were with Professor Quirell.

Yes, the rest of the year was looking quite promising.