Hidden Secrets
Chapter 3: Classes
I woke the next morning to my alarm blaring. I laid there for a couple minutes, first rubbing the sleep from my eyes then stretching. Deciding that it would be best if I got up and get ready for my first day of classes; I tossed aside the blankets and sat up. A yawn escaped from me as I got up and headed to the bathroom to do my morning routine. I grabbed the end of my night shirt and slipped it over my head, tossing it on the hamper to the side.
I walked over to the shower and turned it on to the right temperature. I stepped under the spray of the water, letting the pounding of the hot water loosen the tense muscles in my back relax.
Starting to feel more awake and alert I grabbed my shampoo and start to lather it into my hair. I rinsed out the shampoo then followed with conditioner and then cleansed my body with a bar of rose scented soap. I decided it would probably be best to get out of the shower and get ready for the day. After all today is my first day of teaching.
'Good Goddess of all that is magical. I'm going to teach people something.' I thought, pausing. 'At lease Albus had suggested in his letter that I should first find out what the students know- to judge what they have an understanding of and what they need help with. Especially since I was told that the last Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher sucked.'
'At least I wont have to do much today. Give each class a test on the knowledge that they should know for each year they're in, except first years who will do book work to get an start in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Then spend the time they're taking the tests I'll grade the tests.' I gave a smile.
I turned off the water and hurriedly grabbed a towel to get rid of the sudden chill form the temperature change. I dried myself off then headed towards my closet.
I grabbed a pair of black dress pants and a light blue oxford button up long sleeve shirt and a pair of simple black robes. I put on a black pair of underwear and a black bra first then followed with my outfit.
When I finished getting dressed I sat down in front of my vanity on a stool located off to the side in my bedroom. I took a brush and brushed out the snarls in my waist length brown hair. I took a pony-tail and gathered my hair up, tying it in a bun at the base of my neck.
My stomach gave out a low growl in hunger, telling me I should probably head to the Great Hall for breakfast. I threw on a pair of Tinkerbell Character socks- a gift from Albus last Christmas- and a comfy pair of black Converse shoes. Not very teacher like, but it's not like the kids will be staring at my feet.' I calmly walk out of my chambers hoping that I wont take a wrong turn on the way to the Great Hall.
'That would be such a wonderful thing to go on my first day- get lost going to breakfast.' I thought sarcastically, walking past whispering portraits in the maze of Hallways.
'Thank Goddess.' I mentally sighed in relieve when I came up to the massive wooden doors closing off the Great Hall. I pushed on the door, which is rather light for it's size- magic is an awesome thing to have- then entered the enormous hall. All eyes turned towards me as I made my way up to the head table. I flicked a nervous smile at Albus as I sat down in the empty seat I sat in last night.
"Good morning, Celeste. How did you sleep last night?" Albus asked, blue eyes twinkling.
"Good morning , Albus. I slept like a rock. By the way my rooms are amazing. Thank you so much." I answered smiling.
"I'm glad. There's no need to thank me, my dear. I'm just happy you agreed to come here and teach."
"No problem. I really didn't have anything going on. Plus, I've always wanted to come to Hogwarts. I've heard so much from my brother when I was younger. I was very disappointed when I wasn't allowed to go to school here." Albus sighed.
"I'm sorry Celeste, but you were better off going to a different school then here at Hogwarts- no matter how much we all wished you would follow tradition and go here."
"It's okay. I understand Albus. I really do." I reassured him smiling. I poured myself a glass of pumpkin juice and grabbed some buttered toast. I glance out at the sea of students as I nibbled on the toast. I stopped at a messy head of black hair. I watched as he conversed with his friends at the Gryffindor table.
'I wish that the truth could be out in the open. I hate lying and hiding the truth from you Harry.' I thought as bright emerald eyes met my blue ones. I could see the questions in those eyes. Questions he's dying to ask but wont get answers to till later. I tore my eyes away and turned to the dour black haired man to my right.
"Hello. I didn't get the chance to introduce myself last night. I'm Celeste Potter. Who might you be?" I asked, turning towards him. He sneered.
Severus, 3rd POV
'It still annoys me. Who the bloody hell is she? And how is she related to Potter?' Severus thought as he sat down at the Head Table in the Great Hall.
Him, along with most of the school, had one thing on their mind, Who is Celeste Potter? Which branched into hundreds of other questions. Is she related to the Boy-Who-Lived? Which Severus was sure she was. If so, how? What is she doing here? Where has she been? And why now?
He watched as she entered the Hall and made her way up to the table, taking a seat between him and Albus. Severus listened into the she-Potter and Albus's conversation, hoping to get some information on who she is. He processed through his head what was said between them as she started on her meal.
He sneered at her when she introduced herself and asked for his name. He was going to tell her off but he glanced over her shoulder to see Albus looking a him with a frown and a small glare. He turned his gaze back at the woman in front of him waiting for his answer.
Regular: Celeste POV
"Severus Snape, the Potions Professor." He said, his voice it's normal even, boarder line callous tone.
"It's nice to meet you Severus." All I got in return was a cold glare.
'Okay. Note to self: grease ball doesn't like to socialize.' I mentally noted, glancing at his should length black hair that looked greaser than a car engine. When I finished my breakfast I sat there staring out at all the students till Albus cleared his throat. I turned to him questioningly.
"If you come with me I'll show you to your classroom." I nodded and stood up. He stood up as well then headed out of the Hall with myself a step behind him. I walked beside Albus as he led me to what would be my classroom for the year, trying to memorize the way. After a while of walking through hallways and up moving stair cases, which seemed to take forever, we stopped at a thick wooded door.
"Here we are my dear. Everything is set up. Your schedule and what not are in there on your desk. Any questions?" Albus asked with a kind, grandfatherly smile.
"No. Just a little nervous." I replied with a small nerve-racked smile.
"It's okay to be nervous. Just remember if you need help or anything you can always come to me or the other teachers. Would you like me to sit in with you on a couple classes my dear?"
"No. That's alright Albus, but thank you for offering."
"You'll do fine Celeste. I'll see you at lunch. Remember, if you need anything just come to my office."
"I promise Albus. I'll see you at lunch." I reassured him. He smiled at me, blue eyes hidden behind half-moon glasses twinkling merrily. Then walked away, leaving me standing outside my classroom. I took a deep breath in, held it in till small dark spots invaded my vision, then let it- along with some tension- out.
I opened the door and stepped into the room, letting my eyes scan the room. Desks in rows, books for each classes- along with others- resting on shelves, windows letting in the morning sun, other odd and ends, and a large teaching desk in front of the class off to the right a little with a white board behind it- curtsies of Albus, knowing that I can't stand black boards and chalk.
I walked over to the desk and sat down in the chair, facing the student desks. I looked down at the neat piles of parchment. Spotting one that has my schedule I picked it up and started reading it.
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Monday through Friday times (Single classes in mind):
Breakfast: 6:00 am- 7:40 am
First Class: 8:00 am- 9:00 am
Second: 9:20 am- 10:20 am
Third: 10:40 am- 11:40 am
Lunch: 11:40 am- 1:00 pm
Fourth: 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm
Fifth: 2:20 pm- 3:20 pm
Sixth: 3:40 pm- 4:40 pm
Dinner: 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Curfew: 10:00 pm
Classes- unless Double- are one hour long. There is a twenty minute duration between each class for students to get to their next class.
- Students are recommended to use any spare hours to work on school work, but are not restricted to do so.
- Any student out of their common room after 10:00 pm are to be punished by point loss and/or detention, determined by Teacher who catches them and in some cases the student's Head of House.
-There is to be no cursing, hexing, jinxing of other students or teachers in the halls and are to be punished by point loss and/or detention and Head of House and/or Headmaster are to be informed.
-Students are not to be out of the castle on the grounds after dark, unless approved by teacher (Quidditch or detention).
- Hogsmeade is every other weekend for those who are Year three to seven with Parent/Guardian permission. Two to three teachers are chosen to supervise the students.
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Monday:
1. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw Year One
8:00 am- 10:20 am
2. Gryffindor and Slytherin Year Two
10:40 am- 11:40 am
3. Lunch
4. Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw Year Seven
1:00 pm- 2:00 pm
5. Gryffindor/Slytherin Year Six
2:20 pm- 4:40 pm
Tuesday:
1. H/R Y2: 8:00 - 9:00
2.H/R Y5: 9:20 - 10:20
3. G/S Y4: 10:40 -11:40
4. Lunch
5. G/S Y1: 1:00 - 3:20
6. G/S Y7: 3:40 - 4:40
Wednesday:
1. H/R Y3: 8:00- 9:00
2. H/R Y6: 9:20- 11:40
3. Lunch
4. H/R Y4: 1:00- 2:00
5. G/S Y6: 2:20- 3:20
6. G/S Y5: 3:40- 4:40
Thursday:
1. G/S Y3: 8:00- 9:00
2. H/R Y1: 9:20- 10:20
3. G/S Y1: 10:40- 11:40
4. Lunch
5. H/R Y7: 1:00- 2:00
6. H/R Y6: 2:20- 3:20
7. G/S Y7: 3:40- 4:40
Friday:
1. H/R/G/S Y2: 8:00- 9:00
2. H/R/G/S Y3: 9:20- 10:20
3. H/R/G/S Y4: 10:40- 11:40
4. Lunch
5. H/R/G/S Y5: 1:00- 2:00
6. H/R Y6: 2:20- 3:20
7. G/S Y6: 3:40- 4:40
Years 2-5 combined house classes for day.
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'Okay.' I thought after looking through the schedule. 'Why in the world does Albus always put Slytherins and Gryffindors together. After hearing all the stories of their animosity, you'd think that wouldn't be the best idea. Crazy old man. First Year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. That will be easy. Have them read the first three chapters, take notes and write and essay about what they learned in those chapters. The only problem will be the last class of the day. Double with Gryffindor and Slytherin Year six, which means Harry and his friends.' I let out a sigh. 'Oh well. They'll be too busy with the test and their assignment.'
I glanced down at my watch, taking a deep breath in and slowly letting it out, as my first class students came in and took their seats. I put on a smile and tumbled head first into my first class as a teacher.
I let out another sigh as I dismissed my second class. I watched as the students got out of their desks, making their way to the Great Hall for lunch. I took the stack of tests at the corner of my desk left by the students and put them in a neat pile in one of the desk drawers, waiting to be graded during my Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw Year 7 class after lunch. I stood up, after locking the drawer, and headed down for lunch.
When I entered the Great Hall I looked up to see Albus with a friendly smile and eyes twinkling questioningly. I gave him a smile as I headed for the front table passing by the student tables.
"So how was your classes?" He asked as I slid into my seat beside him.
"Great." I said taking a couple sandwiches and putting them on my plate.
"How were the students?"
"Okay. They really didn't talk too much since the first years did some book work and the other years are taking a test. I assume that the first couple days or so will be easy with the students. Thought I wonder why you constantly put Slytherins and Gryffindors together in the same class. Even I know of the animosity that's been between these two houses for centuries."
"In hopes that one day soon Slytherin and Gryffindor will get along and there will be school unity." Albus replied with a wistful smile on his face. I stared at him with one eyebrow raised, silently questioning his sanity. I could see out of the corner of my right eye Professor Snape rolling his black eyes and a sneer on his thin, pale face.
"You are so weird Uncle." I muttered under my breath. Albus just kept smiling. I watched as Snape sat up straighter when his sharp hearing caught my sentence. I could sense the curiosity flowing off of him. He, like all the students, wondered who I was. Sadly the only person I want to know is the person who should but cannot know. I started on my lunch then sat back and observed the students. My eyes landed on the Gryffindor table and sought out a head of black hair with jade eyes obscured by black round frames and lenses. I watched as Hogwarts' Golden Boy conversed with his house mates.
I decided to head back to my classroom early and set up for the next students. As I stood up and walked to and out the Great Hall doors I felt Snape's gaze on my back.
'I have a feeling he's going to make things difficult this year.' I thought, climbing my way to my classroom. I entered the room and went to sit behind the desk. Pulling out the papers, I arranged them into piles. Blank tests- by year, finished tests, corrected tests, and my schedule along with notes and attendance lists. Pulling out the next classes attendance list I set it on the top, my eyes scanning through the names. I once again mentally prepared myself as the next class filled in a took seats.
The hour flew by and before I knew it my last class of sixth year Slytherin and Gryffindors came pouring in. Slytherins' taking seats on one side of the room while Gryffindor on the other. I stood up and walked in front on my desk, standing up straight, and waited for the students for settle down to turn their focus on me.
"Hello class. I am Professor Potter. To start off the year I'm going to have you all take a test." the class groaned. "Now, now. There's no reason for that. The test is merely for the Headmaster and my purpose. It covers the subjects and spells you should know up to this point based on the Ministry and school curriculum. I have been informed on how...poorly your last teachers were, with the exception of Professor Lupin. Dumbledore and myself made this test to inform us what you know and what you don't so we can catch you all up to where you are suppose to be." I glanced at their wary faces.
"Don't worry. The tests are not going on your grades," they let out collective sighs in relief. "I will correct the tests and give them back to you so you know how you've done. I will be taking the results and taking what I find most have difficulty with to start off with before moving on too far in this years curriculum. Those whom are farther behind then the class will be allowed to have tutoring and extra classes to help catch them up with everyone else." I picked up the blank tests for the sixth years off the desk and held them in the crook of my left arm.
"There will be no cheating. This is for your benefit so it's useless to cheat. When you're done with the test I want you to quietly come up and put them on the corner of my desk then return to your seat and work on your first assignment. Which is to read the first three chapters in your book "The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Six" by Miranda Goshawk. I want you to take notes and write an essay about what you learned, what you think is important and why you think it's important for each chapter." Students groaned again, except one bushy brown haired Gryffindor, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter- whom just stared at me with questionable eyes.
"You don't have to have it done till next Monday at most. Though I suggest getting it done with and out of the way. Now I'm going to hand the test out and I want quiet for the rest of the period." I started, walking around to each desk and putting a test face down in front of each student. "The test is quite long but everyone should be able to finish it and get a good start on your homework. You may start after I've handed out all the tests." I finished handing out the tests to each student then walked back to my desk.
"You may begin." The students flipped over the test and began as I sat down behind my desk and once again started correcting tests, making side notes for myself on what students struggled on.
As time went by my stack of tests still needing to be corrected slimed a bit while the corner of my desk filled up with more tests. I looked up as Harry walked to my desk and put his test on the pile of growing papers. I could see the wondering and curiosity in his eyes. I gave him a brief smile then looked back down at the test in front of me. I watched out of the corner of my eye as he headed back to his desk and start on the assignment.
I let out a mental sigh then glanced around the class, taking note on who was still working on the test. The rest of class went by fairly quickly and before I knew it, it was almost time to dismiss the students. I took a quick glance around, making sure everyone was finished with their tests, and saw everyone silently working on their homework. I stood up and walked in front of my desk. I made a gentle clearing of my throat to gain their attention.
"I just wanted to remind you to work on your assignment and that if you do finish it before Monday you're welcome to hand it in before hand." I started, once I had all eyes on me.
"I'm not entirely sure when I'll have the tests graded and hand them back since I have a lot of them to grade and then I have to go over them with the Headmaster. The next time we'll meet you'll have most of the time to work on your assignment. One thing about my class this year is that you will be given time to work on assignments and/or projects during class. So there should be no reason you can't turn in your work. I'll go over expectations when we meet again on Wednesday." I looked up at the clock.
"Class dismissed." As soon as the words left my mouth the students packed their things in their bag and left the classroom. The only one who really took their time was the Golden Trio. I gave them a small smile and began collecting the papers of my desk and then left the classroom shortly after them, locking the door on the way out. I let out a sigh and headed to my rooms to relax an try to put a dent in my correcting. Also to try to not be cornered by Harry or Snape.
'I can't deal with their curiosity and questions. And I'm going to try to avoid being stuck alone with either for a while.' I thought as I hurriedly walked to my rooms.
'First things first.' I thought as I entered my chambers. 'A nice relaxing hot bath.'
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This had got to be the longest chapter I have ever written.
Concerning Harry Potter book 7: the Deathly Hallows, it wont happen or have much affect on this story as well as Harry Potter book 6: the Half Blood Prince. I may take some ideas and information out of the books and use them in this story but it wont be spoilers. I'll mostly just take out some of the spells mentioned and some of the information, such as what was learned about Goblins and what not.
I have Learning to Love chapter 7 written but I don't have it typed yet. I hope to get that done soon.
Updating for all of my stories will take a while because I we got rid of the internet, I'm currently borrowing from my father. Not only did we get rid of internet but we're also getting rid of the land phone so I can't even borrow it from my father. Plus we probably wont get broadband with so much going on and things around here going to change.
I'll work on my stories as much as I can and I'll try to get updates out as soon as I can.
Thanks for hanging in there, reading my stories and leaving reviews. I know many want to know where this story is going and whom Celeste is but it will be a couple chapters till that comes up. I hope you'll all hang in there and keep reading.
Thanks,
Moonluna