An American Twist
"dialoge"
'thoughts/sounds'
*actions*
Disclamer: the right to ownership of any content other than the plotline and any original characters belong to the creators and distributors of any official works. (i don't own harry potter people, so no complaining)
WARNING: my version of the story will not follow the canon plot line, though partially based on it, certain aspects will be tweaked in order to make the story flow better. (NOTE: the story will be followed LOOSELY. While the main storyline will be similar, I am tweaking both characters and situations in order to fit with my story. I am hoping to give readers an experience where they are discovering new and fresh characters, rather than simply throwing the same old characters into some vaguely interesting situation.)
The man, for it was instantly obvious merely from the depth and gruffness of the voice that the speaker was intrinsacally male, seemed to stand before the hall with a nonchalant air, seemingly unconcerned by the attention focussed on his form. Harry's eyes strained through his slightly off-precription glasses at the figure, slowly making out details.
A tall figure stood between the gargantuan doors to the great hall, dwarfed by the massive pieces of wood, yet seeming no smaller for the comparison to the massive structures. Arms akimbo, the silhouetted man seemed to simply wait, allowing all in the room ahead of him to observe his figure, and his rather outlandish (for hogwarts) clothing. A short, black leather coat, similar to what one would expect of a gang member hugged his rather large frame, a pair of dark denim trousers covering his thick legs before leading down to large black boots. Everything seemed to be large about the man, his size, his clothes, his presence, and most especially his companion.
Next to the rather strange man was what was obviously an animal. Specifically, a large bear, easily reaching the height of the man's chest stared silently into the hall. Thick, coarse brown fur covered the beast from head to toe, leaving only it's eyes and snout uncovered. Beady, black orbs as dark as pitch stared out into the space of the great hall, slowly passing over each and every figure, studying them, evaluating. the only sound escaping the creature being the sound of it's breathing, similar to a pair of bellows from a smith's forge, the great woosh of air being dragged into powerful lungs, only to be exhaled out the animal's snout in a soft huffing sound.
The Man, unconcerned by the stares of any and all available eyes in the great hall upon him, began confidently marching straight up the walkway between the house tables, specifically, the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables, whispers errupting throughout the great hall. The large bear, species undetermined as of yet, followed the man slightly behind and to his right, nearer the Hufflepuffs. The creature seemed to keep it's footfalls in time with the mans steps, creating an odd caricature of marching as the man led the way towards the table.
"Albus! Good to see you old man!" The stranger's voice boomed, carrying that gruff, southern drawl that seemed to weigh down each word, causing it to drag on longer than expected.
"Mr. Unole, thank you for joining us this fine evening." Replied the ever twinkling image of Albus Dumbledore. The Headmaster seemed unconcerned by the abrupt entry, let alone the large animal that had followed the man inside.
"Dumbledore, I've told you. Don't call me that!" The man replied, voice exasperated,yet carrying to much fondness to truly seem irritated.
"Ah, yes, yes. You prefer to be called by your first name nowadays, do you not?" At a nod from the man, Dumbledore stood slowly from his seat, eyes surveying the students of the great hall, twinkling all the while. "Students, Faculty. May I introduce the newest Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, Mr. Johnathan Unole!" called the aging headmaster, quickly bringing his hands together in a quiet, but still enthusiastic applause.
Unsure of quite how to react, the teachers, and soon after, the students joined Dumbledore in his applause, though the effect was much diminished by their confusion at both the man, now known as Jonathan, and his companion's presence here at Hogwarts. As the small smattering of applause died away, Dumbledore smiled, once more beginning to speak.
"At the request of The Ministry of Magic itself, a new teacher was called forth to take up the position at Hogwarts to better prepare students for the coming events of our day and age. At my request, The Ministry agreed to allow an American Auror, known as an Overseer, to take up the position and report his findings to both The Ministry and The International Federation of Wizards in hopes of improving the quality of future students' educations. Please welcome Mr. Jonathan as you would any professor, with respect and an eagerness to learn from his years of experience in his profession." The now named and introduced Jonathan turned, nodding shortly before walking left, round the large table with the bear following silently, dutifully behind him. Upon reaching his seat at the table beside Professor Snape, the man sat at his chair, his lips moving as a few muttered words escaped him before digging into the food now sat on his plate, completely oblivious to the stares that continued to stay trained on him. The Bear simply sat behind and to the man's right, occasionally raising it's head to catch large chunks of meat tossed to him by this Mr. Unole.
"Wicked." Breathed Ron, Staring dumbfounded at their new DADA Professor with unabashed fascination, his gaze occasionally flickering to the giant bear laying beside the man.
"Well, that was strange." Harry offered as a beneign comment, Hermione nodding as she glanced from Ron's starstruck face, eerily similar to his expression last year with the arrival of Viktor Krum, back towards this utterly strange man who was even now steadily devouring food at a relaxed, yet accelerated pace.
'Let's hope this one at least knows what he's doing.' Was Harry's only concrete thought of the man, his eyes slowly leaving the man to return to his now filled plate. The whispers and hushed conversations of the other students around him assaulting his ears gently as he once more began focussing on the outside world rather than his thoughts. Words such as 'Deadly', 'Nutters', and 'Monstrous' being somewhat common.
Deciding he would ignore the public opinion until he had met the man himself, Harry tucked into his dinner, Ron and Hermione soon following, each with their own private thoughts on the man and beast at the table. The only shared thought between the close friends being 'At least this year will be interesting.' Oh how little did they know.
And so ends Chapter Two of An American Twist. Please review if you enjoyed my work, or have constructive criticism the will help improve the storyline. Please be polite, as I am fairly new to writing and wish to help hone my skills using this story. Thank you for reading, and have a good day.
Travis E. Stallings