Chapter 7: Fleur's first day of teaching
Hello guys, gals and non-binary pals. Welcome back to Professor Delacour chapter 7. Today we sit in on Fleur's first day of teaching at Hogwarts, and learn more about her class. This chapter will be entirely in her POV.
It's another shorter one, sorry about that, but I had one less day to write and I still intend to write 4 chapters this week, so I couldn't spend as much time on this as I would've wanted. Plus, I'm doing 1 hour of language practice a day now to help with my Norwegian and Swedish, so that's cutting into my writing time too. The next chapter should be longer, I promise!
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Chapter 7: Fleur's first day of teaching
(Fleur's classroom)
[Fleur POV]
Harry was late.
Fleur had just started her final class for the day— fifth year Gryffindor and Slytherin— and realized while taking roll that Harry, Hermione and Ron were absent. She was about to mark them as so when the classroom doors opened as softly as possible and the trio entered quickly and silently.
"Monsieurs Potter, Weasley and Mademoiselle Granger," She said, drawing their attention. She wondered if they had intended to sneak in unnoticed and pretend as if they were there the whole time. It would have brought a smile to her lips, but she reminded herself she was a professor now. "Class began 'zree minutes ago, would you mind telling me why you are late?"
The three of them shared a look that seemed to contain entire conversations, before the two boys looked to Hermione as one. "Apologies, Professor." Hermione began, looking slightly embarrassed. "We were held back after class by Umbridge."
Fleur eyed the trio and let her natural Veela abilities sense if they were being truthful. While she couldn't detect lies and deception as well as masters in the mind arts, she got a sense when people were hiding things from her. She detected no such lies from the students before her, or saw any revealing body language. They were telling the truth.
"Did she give you a note?"
"No, Professor."
Fleur nodded before gesturing to the only open seats in the room. "Please, take your seats. I would like to start my class."
"Yes, Professor." The trio chorused, taking their seats.
Fleur stepped up to her lectern and regarded her students with a welcoming smile, making sure to hold back her allure which she had been doing all day.
"Welcome, class," she greeted. "I am Professor Delacour, and 'zis ees Non'uman Cultures and Magical Societies of 'ze World class. 'Zroughout your next 'zree years een 'zis class, you will study many magical races and cultures 'zroughout 'ze world, and learn to not only appreciate 'zem, but understand 'zem."
She heard snickering coming from the Slytherin side of the room, but was unable to tell who it had come from. In only her first day teaching here, Fleur had learned of a few students' dislike and complete disrespect for magical races, and of those students, almost all were in Slytherin House.
She continued with stride. "We will study local cultures such as Goblins, 'ouse Elfs and Giants, to more lesser known and exotic cultures such as 'ze dog-headed men of Greece, to 'ze Yokai of Japan, to 'ze mermaids of 'ze southern seas."
A Gryffindor girl put her hand up.
"Yes, Mademoiselle…?"
"Patil, Professor."
"What ees your question, Mademoiselle Patil?"
"So is this class like Care of Magical Creatures?" She asked. "We'll be learning about magical animals and things like that?"
"Non," she said with a slight shake of her head. "Een Care of Magical Creatures, you deal with just 'zat: creatures. While een my class, we will be exclusively learning about sentient races. Races 'zat 'zink and feel just like 'umans." Another snort came from the Slytherins, but she ignored it.
"I assume most of you are at least a leetle familiar wi'z 'ze modern definition of 'Beings' created by Minister for Magic Grogan Stump een 1811?"
The class gave her a dead stare of confusion, and only Hermione held up her hand. Fleur had to suppress a sigh, this was going to be harder than she thought.
"Do not worry," she told them. "'Zis ees why I am 'ere, to teach you about magical races and 'ze differences between Beings, Creatures, Spirits and Beasts. And, as eet turns out, 'zat will be 'ze focus of our first term. Now," she drew her wand and tapped the black board behind her. "Please copy down our course aims. Eef you 'ave any questions, feel free to discuss 'zem wi'z a neighbor. We will reconvene een ten minutes and go over 'zem toge'zer."
Course aims:
1. Gain a greater understanding and appreciation of magical races and cultures around the world.
2. Learn to communicate and interact with non-human races and cultures with respect.
3. Learn to recognize and adopt learnings and teachings from all races and cultures.
Once everyone had copied the course aims down, they broke out into conversation with their neighbors. Harry and his friends talked about the course aims and the class, but Fleur was quite sure the Slytherins were just chatting and hadn't written down anything. She would need to rectify that.
"Alright, class." She said, returning to her lectern. She vanished the course aims from the board and pointed to the nearest Slytherin, a boy who was incredibly large and oafish, if she didn't know any better, she'd assume he had some Mountain Troll in his bloodline. She thought his name was Crabbe or something, some type of crustacean. She hadn't yet memorized names nor faces, except for Harry and his friends, of course. "Monsieur…?"
The boy blinked with a confused look on his face, pointing to himself. "Um… me?"
"Oui, you." Fleur snipped. "What ees your name?"
"Uh, Crabbe."
"Well, Monsieur Crabbe, please, tell me what you discussed about 'ze second course aim."
The boy regarded her with a dumb expression, like he had never been asked a question in class before. He looked to the boys around him, who all snickered at his confusion. "Uh…"
"Eef you cannot remember what you discussed," she said with a professional smile. "Please read aloud 'ze first course aim from your notes."
The boy looked down to the empty table in front of him, inspecting the lines in the wood like they would reveal great secrets to him. Maybe he did have some Troll blood in him.
"Uh…"
Fleur tapped her wand sharply against her lectern, startling half the class. The boy had nearly jumped out of his seat. Sure, she had used a silent snapping charm, but they didn't need to know that. Professors at Beauxbatons had used them all the time, and by Fleur's fourth year, she could perform it as well.
"Monsieur Crabbe," she began, her voice low. "Eet may 'ave escaped your attention, but 'zis ees a classroom. And while een my class, you will be expected to participate. And to participate, you must take notes and discuss topics wi'z your peers. Now, please take out your parchment and collect 'ze course aims from your partner." She held her nose up high, looking down to the surprised students like a bird of prey. "I will be checking to make sure you 'ave all written down 'ze course aims at 'ze end of class."
At that information, half of the Slytherins started to frantically pull out parchment from their bags and looked for the nearest student who had written them down.
"Class," she began. "Eet ees only our first day, so I do not mean to be 'arsh, but I 'zink 'zat you all, being fif'z years, know 'ow to act in class. So," she stepped around her lectern and sat on the low wall that separated the room, facing them. It was something a few professors at Beauxbatons had done to 'break the ice' their first day of class, and Fleur suspected the class would appreciate it. "Wi'z 'zat out of 'ze way, I would like to give you all 'ze opportunity to ask questions.
"My class 'as what I like to call an 'open floor' for communications, debates, discussions and forums. 'Zis class will not be all about notes and lectures and quizzes," she saw several students sigh in relief and heard a few mumbles. "Instead focusing on creating an open, positive, community conversation-based learning environment. We will, of course, take notes periodically and take 'ze occasional quizzes to determine retention, but a lot of our class will revolve around discussion and first-'and experience and practical learning."
She gestured to the class as a whole. "So, for our first day, I do not intend to make you take notes, but instead open 'ze floor for discussion. For 'ze rest of class, you are free to ask any question you 'ave either about 'zis class, 'ze study of magical races and cultures, or about Veela." She adjusted her sitting position, crossing her legs and assuring her robes weren't in the way. For her first day of classes, she had chosen to wear standard Hogwarts professor robes, but with a blue felt hat with a dragonbird feather she received as a gift from a tribe of Centaurs in Greece.
"'Ze floor ees open," she said, gesturing. "Who 'as 'ze first question?"
Unsurprisingly, Hermione was the first to put her hand up.
"Oui, Mademoiselle Granger?"
"Professor," she began. "I was wondering if I could ask about the specifics of what we will be learning?" She said. "When you say we will be learning about various magical races and cultures, what exactly do you mean by that? What will we be learning?"
"A good question, Mademoiselle Granger." Fleur said. She looked to the whole class. "Eef any of you desire, you may write 'zis down, but eet ees not required." Hermione and a few others got a quill and parchment ready, while most of the class refrained.
"'Ze goal of 'zis class," Fleur began. "Ees to teach you about 'ze magor magical races and cultures around 'ze world, so 'zat you not only 'ave a better understanding of 'zem, but also a respect as well. For most of you, you only interact with or see other 'umans on a daily basis, so your knowledge of and familiarity with other races ees lacking."
"How so, Professor?" Hermione asked.
She looked to the class. "Who 'ere knows 'ow to formally introduce yourself to a Goblin?" No one raised a hand, not even Hemione. "'Ow about 'ze proper way to bow to a Centaur?" The class just blinked. "Or 'ze way to properly apologize to a Vampire?" The class just regarded her with a confused expression.
"You may not 'ave to deal wi'z any of 'zese situations on a daily basis," she said. "But 'zere ees a very real possibility 'zat you will once you graduate, more so eef you travel outside of Britain. And, to not only prepare you for 'zose situations, but to introduce you to 'zose cultures so 'zat you know 'ow to interact wi'z 'zem, we will be learning about various magical races.
"We will also be learning 'ze basics of many magical languages," she continued. "I know many of you 'ere have or will 'ave a vault at Gringotts on day, correct?" Many students nodded their heads, wondering what that had to do with anything. "What eef I told you 'zat your Goblin account manager will not only treat you wi'z more respect eef you know at least basic Goblin greetings, but also maybe even give you tips to increase your gold earnings?"
Many of the Slytherins' eyes widened at that, as if wanting to rush to the Owlry to write home as soon as possible.
A female Slytherin raised a hand. "Professor?"
"Yes, Mademoiselle…?"
"Greengrass, Professor Delacour." The girl said formally. "May I ask a question?"
"Of course," Fleur said. "'Ze floor ees open. Anyone may ask any question 'zey 'ave."
"You said we will be learning magical languages?" Fleur nodded, prompting her to continue. "I was wondering, how many magical races have their own languages? And how many of them will we be learning? Will we be trying to get fluent in every one?"
"Ah, a good question, Mademoiselle Greengrass." Fleur said, reaching to grab a massive book from her stack. She held it up, showing it to be 'Common Magical Nonhuman Languages and How To Apply Them In Conversation', by Lausho Moses. "One of our books ees on magical languages, and eet ees 'ze authority on magical languages een 'ze world. Eet has entries and dictionaries for over forty magical languages. Out of 'zose, we will be learning basic greetings and useful words for only twenty. And of 'zose twenty, we will be primarily be focusing on Goblin, Centaur and Mermish, 'ze most common magical languages in Britain."
Hermione raised her hand again. "Professor? But I thought Mermish was supposed to be impossible to speak and understand above water? How much use will it be for us on a daily basis?"
"Eet will be extremely useful eef you intend to study Ancient Runes or be a Ward Breaker after graduation," she told her. "Many locations of 'istorical, geological or magical significance or intrigue are underwater, either in oceans or flooded caves. And, eef you can properly and formally communicate wi'z 'ze Mermaids or other underwater races 'zat speak Mermish, eet will only aid you."
She raised her wand, said a spell under her breath, and a bubble of water formed over her mouth, leaving her nose untouched. She spoke. It came out like a muffled radio, but it was still mostly understandable. "Err 'zerr enee o'zerr queestenns?"
She waved her wand and vanished the water. She looked to the class. "Who was able to understand me?"
A hand went up after a second.
"What did I say, Monsieur…?"
"Longbottom, Professor."
"And what did I say, Monsieur Longbottom?"
"You asked if there were any other questions." He said.
"Excellent, Monsieur Longbottom. Five points to Gryffindor." Fleur said before continuing. "You 'ave an excellent ear. All'zough I was going fairly easy for 'ze demonstration. Mermish ees a very difficult language to learn for surface dwellers. So, before we attempt to learn eet later 'zis year, you will all 'ave to master speaking English underwater like I just demonstrated."
Greengrass put her hand up. "So what you just said in the bubble wasn't Mermish? But just English?"
"Correct." Fleur nodded. "Mermish is created by numerous clicks, guttural tones and sounds most 'umans can't make naturally. So, when we get 'zere, eet will take a lot of 'ard work, but I 'ave confidence 'zat everyone een 'ere will be able to do eet een time."
"I have a question." A platinum blond Slytherin boy with a pompous grin threw up his hand. He didn't wait to get called on. "What if I have no intention to talk to a Mermaid? Why should I bother learning their language if I never intend on talking to them?"
Fleur didn't need to check the roll to learn his name, she already knew who this boy was. Draco Malfoy of House Malfoy. His father was one of the Governors of Hogwarts and had protested immensely when he heard she had been hired without their approval. She knew this boy had to be like his father: self-titled, pompous, egotistical, and a blood fanatic, but that wouldn't mean she would treat him any different than any other student. He, above most everyone in this class, had the most to learn from her, if he was willing to learn, that was.
""A wizard strives to achieve 'zings 'zats cannot be achieved, learn 'zings 'zat cannot be taught, and gain mastery of all 'zings; physical, spiritual, theoretical and mental."" She said.
His brows scrunched together in confusion. "Excuse me?"
"'Zat was a quote from the late philosopher Argentum Aurum Malfoy," she told him levelly, gaining a look of slight confusion. "'E was one of 'ze forefa'zers of 'ze Department for Education een 'ze Ministry, or do you not know your own families' legacy and 'istory?"
His eyes hardened, and for a moment he looked like he was about to say something, but decided against it at the last second. When he didn't say anything, she continued.
"So, Monsieur Malfoy, eef you intend to dis'onor your ancestors and refuse to learn for 'ze sake of bettering yourself, be my guest." She cooled her features. "But your grade will regretfully plummet from your decision."
He glared at her for a few long seconds, he leaned back in his seat and averted his eyes, surrendering. Good, Fleur hated to be a bitch, even if she had mastered it years ago. She wanted her students to learn for the sake of learning, not out of fear of failing her class. Perhaps she would talk to him after class? Try to mend any bridges-
"Shut your mouth before I shut it for you, Malfoy!" Fleur's attention snapped back to her students. In the moment she took to think to herself, it seemed Harry and Malfoy had gotten into an argument. She rose from her seat on the low wall and tried to determine what had happened.
"How did I know you'd stand up for this half-breed, Potter?" Malfoy spat. "I knew you were already low enough to dirty yourself with Mudbloods and Muggles, but I didn't want to believe you'd fraternize with beasts now."
Harry jumped from his seat. "Take back what you said about the Professor!"
That made Fleur pause. Malfoy had said something about her? It really shouldn't have surprised her, but she had hoped to help him this year. But, as it turned out, maybe he didn't want help. Malfoy and the two oafs beside him shot up. Fleur cracked her wand like a gunshot.
The class dove and ducked, and slowly, all eyes fell to her. Fleur slid her wand back into her sleeve and slowly made her way to the arguing boys. "What," she growled." Ees 'ze meaning of 'zis? What 'appened?"
"Potter and his friends threatened me-" Malfoy started, but Fleur cut him off with a hand.
"Monsieur Malfoy, you will get your turn to speak." She looked around for a student to ask what happened, looking specifically for one who wouldn't take a side. Harry's friends were out of the question, and so was the majority of Slytherin. Her eyes settled on a blonde witch who had asked questions earlier just a few seats away from the conflict.
"Mademoiselle Greengrass," she said to the girl. "Please tell me what 'appened."
Greengrass' eyes widened for a second, before steeling herself. "Professor." She nodded. "After you finished speaking, Malfoy made an…" she hesitated for a moment, and Fleur considered asking her to step outside. But before she could, the girl continued. "... inappropriate comment about you and Potter told him to take it back."
It took years of training her emotions for Fleur to not outwardly react. It was only her first day, and some students though they could disrespect her because of his she looked. She would inform them of their poor judgment in time.
Fleur looked from the stony-faced Malfoy to the furious Harry and back to Greengrass. "Mademoiselle Greengrass, can what Monsieur Malfoy be repeated een 'zis class?" It wasn't like Fleur was really interested in what he had said, at her point in life, she was sure she had heard just about everything a teenage boy could say about her, but she'd need to know what he said for a formal disciplinary report.
Greengrass gave a small shake of her head. "I would rather not repeat it, Professor."
"Very well, Mademoiselle Greengrass." She thanked the girl. "Take fifty points for your 'onesty." She handed the girl a charmed piece of parchment that wouldn't let anyone else read it. "Please write down every'zing 'zat was said."
The girl took the parchment and soon her quill was scratching away.
Fleur glared at the tow boys. "Monsieurs Potter and Malfoy, please see me after class. 'Zere we will discuss what 'appened and prescribe detention." She said, looking at Malfoy for the second part.
The Slytherin boy regarded her with a look of disgust. "You're not even a real professor," he spat. "And worse, you're a half-breed. So where do you get off thinking you can tell me what to do?"
Fleur really wanted to throttle the boy, but figured that murdering a student on her first day of teaching wouldn't look good on her record, so she let him live.
Harry was on his way towards Malfoy within a second. "Take that back!"
Malfoy's eyes went wide with fear for a second before he drew his wand- Fleur disarmed him and had her own wand leveled at him before he could blink.
The room froze, with the three of them as the epicenter. The whole class watched the display in front of them with disbelief. Malfoy's eyes were nearly bulging out of his head. "W-what are-"
"You draw your wand on a classmate?" She hissed. "Do Noble 'ouses no longer teach 'onor?" She withdrew her wand and sheathed both his and hers in her sleeve. "Monsieur Malfoy, you will be serving detention wi'z me for 'ze next 'zree nights, and we will be speaking to 'eadmaster Dumbledore about 'zis after class."
Malfoy's eyes filled with fear for a second before he pushed it down with blatant showboating. "Give me back my wand," he demanded. "That's Malfoy property."
"You will get your wand back after our meeting with Dumbledore." She said evenly. The bell sounded, signaling the end of the class. These foolish boys, she had wanted to have more time for discussions, but they had to ruin it. She cleared her throat and all the students looked up to her, still in their seats. "Please read 'zrough 'ze first two chapters of 'The New Standard of Magical Beings, Creatures, Spirits & Beasts', by Rick Chiron and discuss it with at least on other student and write down and questions you have. We will go over 'zem in our next class. 'Zat ees all." With that, all of the students left, with the exception of Malfoy, Harry, and their friends.
Greengrass handed her the slip of parchment before leaving, and Fleur thanked her. "'Ze rest of you are dismissed." She said to the others. With a look between them, Ron and Hermione left, and after a nod from Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle followed suit.
With the room finally empty, Fleur took Harry to the side of the room to speak without Malfoy hearing. "'Zank you for sticking up for me, 'arry, but I do not need anyone to still up for me in my own class. Least of all from 'ze likes of a boy like Malfoy."
Harry looked surprised for a second, before looking upset. "You didn't hear what he said-"
She raised a hand, cutting him off silently. "'Arry, eet might surprise you, but I am a grown woman, and I 'ave 'eard every insult or inappropriate 'zing someone can say about me. So, let me say eet again: I appreciate you standing up for me, but you don't need to. I am 'ze Professor 'ere and you are the student, so let me 'andle 'ze discipline."
Harry let out a breath through his nose, calming down. "Sorry, Fleur- I mean, Professor." He caught himself, which made her smile, it would take her some getting used to too. "But Malfoy and his friends kept making comments about you and your class the entire class, and, well, I just lost it."
She looked behind her to ensure Malfoy couldn't see them, and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. He visibly reacted and tensed up, not the effect she was going for. "'Zat ees understandable, 'arry, but you 'ave to remember to control your temper. I gave Malfoy detention for drawing 'is wand first, but you were 'ze one to make 'ze first move. So, be 'zankful I am not giving you the same detention as well."
His eyes opened wide. "You're not?"
"Non, at least, not really." She said with a slight shake of her head. A few of her hairs falling out from under her hat. "But," she said firmly. "Een order to not look like favoritism, I would like to see you after dinner today for a 'detention'."
"Am I in trouble?" He asked, clearly confused. "Or are we just pretending I'm in trouble?"
"Pretending." She told him. "Technically you were involved in a conflict with Monsieur Malfoy, so I cannot let you go wi'zout punishment." She gave him an almost silent chuckle at his wide-eyed expression. "So you will be serving just one detention wi'z me tonight in my office after dinner, in which you and I will be catching up." She gave him one last smile, before speaking in a louder voice so that she could be heard by Malfoy. "Very well, Monsieur Potter, I 'ope you learned your lesson. You will be serving detention wi'z me after dinner. Do not be late." And with that, she turned on the spot and escorted Malfoy out of the room.
With a surge of her Veela power, she incinerated the piece of parchment in her hand. This Malfoy boy was even more immature and in need of a positive influence than she had expected. But Fleur was nothing if not determined. She'd do her best to help steer him in a better direction.
As the charred soot fell to the floor, Fleur suppressed her grin. "Monsieur Malfoy, you need to come up wi'z better insults and do a little more research. Veela don't lay eggs."
The boy went red, but if it was from anger or embarrassment, she didn't know. Nor did she care.
to be continued
(Author's Note)
What did you think of this chapter?
I changed the last POV from Harry to Fleur when I got to that section. I hope it worked, I thought it made more sense. Plus, I know how much y'all love our favorite birb, so I didn't think you'd complain.
Feel free to theorize what Malfoy said about Fleur. Originally, I had thought of a different interaction, so I had something else planned that he said, but it didn't fit anymore. Originally he said 'We can't even enjoy an attractive professor because she isn't any better than a House Elf'. But as I was writing I couldn't really think of something to replace it with, so I just left it open for y'all to insert your own idea. Lemme know your best lines for what Malfoy said about Fleur/Veela laying eggs.
If you want more stories by me, check out my Percy Jackson story 'Champion of Olympus' and book 1 of my follow-up, next gen series 'Daughters of Olympus'. Both can be found on my FF Profile. COO has 30+ chapters and 300k+ words, while DOO currently has 21 chapters out and has ~130k words. Daughters of Olympus is planned to be a four book series.
QOTD: Of the five books Fleur assigned for her class, which one(s) would you like to read the most, if they and magical races were real? Here they are again:
~ Nordic Magical Races and How To Not Insult Them, by Magnus Riordan - Year 4+
~ The New Standard of Magical Beings, Creatures, Spirits & Beasts, by Rick Chiron - Year ALL
~ Common Magical Nonhuman Languages and How To Apply Them In Conversation, by Laushu Moses - Year 5+
~ All About Fey; The History, The Facts, The Fairytales, and The Weird, by Perseus Riordan - Year 4+
~ Veela, Misconceptions and Misinformation, by Fleur Delacour - Year 4+
Next time: Please see me after class, Monsieur Potter