Chapter 7: First Class

Percy

"I'm teaching my first class today. Honestly, I have no godsdamned clue what I'm doing. How am I supposed to teach anyone anything? Me? I still have trouble teaching sword fighting classes, something I'm actually good at! Hecate just throws this wooden stick in my hand and off I go to save the world again. She says it just takes time but I'm not sure how much of that we actually have - I'm not even sure I have a magic bone in my body. How am I supposed to do this?" Percy asked, his eyes lost, wandering around the bare walls of his little hut. "You would know what to do… you always know what to do."

Percy sighed, his shoulder slumping. "At least I'm not in the prophecy this time. Feel bad for Harry though, he's stuck in the middle of one of those damn riddles. You and I both know how terrible those things can turn out, says he's probably gonna die." Percy shrugged his shoulders at the empty room.

"Course, I was supposed to die about five times now and I'm still breathing… The Fates can kiss my ass." A chuckle escaped his lips, echoing off the wooden walls. "Who knows, maybe I can make a difference over here, help out a kid who's down on his luck. Still not sure about this teaching thing though…"

"If you were here, you'd probably tell me to quit being a seaweed brain, roll your eyes… and then save my butt for the hundredth time. I wouldn't have ever made it without you, and you deserve to still be here - with or without me. Everyone always gives me the credit, tell me I'm some great hero, but you were always the true hero…" Percy trailed off, dropping his head as a lone tear trailed down his cheek, dripping onto the old Yankees cap clutched in his hands.

"Gods, I miss you, Annabeth. Everyday I'm reminded of the spear that was meant for me, of how I wouldn't be alive if not for your sacrifice, of how I wish it were me instead." A long, shaky breath exited Percy's lungs, dispersing into the cool air.

"All I can do is follow your advice, move on and live my life… but it's just... Everything we've been through, I can't just throw that away. Being over here has helped, further away from all the memories, from the pain - it's not as constant a reminder anymore, I do have something else to keep my mind occupied, at least."

Percy paused, reigning in his emotions, something he had found difficult to do since that fateful day in Rome. It had left a stain on his soul, one that doesn't just wash away in the shower. "I met someone, you know. I think you would like her. She's different, that's for sure, but in a good way. She's funny, strong, a little clumsy, and she's smarter than she gives herself credit for. Not as smart as you though… nobody is." A quiet snort of amusement escaped his nose before his features fell again. Percy continued, his voice lower.

"I don't know if I can do it… a relationship - not after what we had. I know you'd want me to try, but it's so hard. I don't want to lead her on if I can't follow through, that's not good for anybody, and she's too good for me anyway. She's still got her whole life… I just… she deserves better than me."

Percy's head whipped up, eyes focused on the sunlight streaming through the little window on the side of the hut. The excited conversation of a group of young students filled his space. He looked down towards the hat one last time that morning, silently praying for the strength to get through the class. "Well, it's time to face the music - Gryffindors and Slytherins… should be interesting. Wish me luck, Annabeth."

He slowly stood, carefully placing the faded cap in a special drawer in his desk. He watched the cap disappear from his view as the drawer was forced shut by his own hand. He moved towards the sink, leaning his face towards the faucet as the water flowed into the drain. He splashed the cool water on his face, instantly feeling refreshed and alert. He let the water run down his face momentarily, dripping into the sink with small splashes before willing himself dry. Briefly looking his reflection in the eye, noting how his eyes weren't quite as vibrant any longer, Percy headed out the wooden door and into his first day as an educational professional.

Breathing in the crisp morning air, Percy spotted the gaggle of learners in the clearing that had been designated for Care of Magical Creatures. He was accompanied by the musical chirping of the birds settled in the trees as the dirt and sticks crunched under his sneakers. He couldn't help but roll his eyes as he approached the group. They had split into two sides, red on the right and green on the left, facing each other in some sort of stand off. Each group's representative stood in front, faces too close to be any sort of friendly. The Gryffindor was, of course, Harry Potter. That kid needs to watch his temper. As the thought crossed his mind, the irony of the words were not lost on the young professor - his own temper being legendary amongst the godly world.

Percy was able to catch the tail end of the not-so-friendly conversation between the two fifth years. Harry looked livid, his face red, fists clenched at his sides. The blonde kid had an infuriating smirk plastered on his mouth, his eyes shining with arrogance and a holier-than-thou attitude that Percy had seen on plenty of faces over the years.

"Shut up, Malfoy!" So, this was the infamous Malfoy. He does kind of look like a ferret after all. Harry's voice was hard, his lips barely moving with the words he uttered. He said them quietly, with a sharp edge, but Percy was able to hear them clearly. If he was able to hear them, he was certain the rest of the students could as well.

"Better be careful how you speak to me, Potter. You better start dogging your footsteps." Malfoy spit Harry's surname with such venom, it nearly made Percy flinch, nearly. Percy had faced much, much worse than a blonde schoolboy with a major ego problem. Percy figured he should intervene before this petty argument really got out of hand and something happened they would both regret.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen!" Percy announced as he moved past the group and into the clearing. "Gather 'round. I've got something special cooked up for your first class with your new, barely qualified professor."


Daphne

Daphne didn't really know what she was doing, standing next to the forbidden forest in the crisp morning air. Why had she taken this elective again? Ancient runes would have been much more useful - ya know, real world application and all.

She supposed it had a lot to do with Tracey, her only friend in the castle, and one of the only half-bloods in the snake house. Tracey had somehow wormed her way into Daphne's heart, somehow eluded the cold, unflinching aura she showed off for the rest of the school. Daphne knew she was quite attractive, and most boys let her know about it. Daphne didn't have any time for their shenanigans, so she took great strides to scare off any suitors.

Daphne had been raised in perfect pure-blood society. Prim, proper and the expectation that she would be one day married off for political gain. It really was a horrendous system, if you ask her. The problem was, nobody ever did. As a young girl, she had dreamed of exploring the world, discover what lay beyond the strict borders of the wizarding world. Her mother had once thought like Daphne had, cooped up in a world where women had next to no rights, essentially living as trophies to be shown off. They had often spoken of future plans while her mother was laying her down for bed in her younger years. Her father had walked in on them one night while they were fantasizing, immediately putting a stop to their behavior.

Her father was your stereotypical pure-blood wizard. He was arrogant, distant and completely set in his ways. He wasn't much of a father when Daphne was growing up, biding his time for, what Daphne would assume, marrying her off to increase his political standing, sticking her in a loveless marriage - a fate that had befallen many a witch of pure-blood status. The same thing that happened to her mother, and the same thing will happen to her little sister, Astoria. Daphne hoped to avoid that fate, especially before she got married to the likes of Malfoy, who's father Daphne had seen multiple times at their family manor.

So, once again, Daphne wasn't sure how Care of Magical Creatures was going to help her with her great escape, but she was here nonetheless. Her and Tracey were some of the first to arrive at the morning class, standing in the clearing next to the small wood hut that housed the gamekeeper.

"Thanks for doing this with me, Daph." Tracey had always been nervous, being a half-blood in Slytherin, the house notorious for its belief in blood purity. She had been bullied mercilessly in their first year, until Daphne had stood up for her, essentially taking Tracey under her wing. "I know you're probably too smart for this class, so I thought I should thank you. Ya know, for everything you do for me."

"Don't mention it. I would do it again in a heartbeat." Daphne meant it, too. She never thought she would become this close to anyone at Hogwarts, much less in the house of snakes. But it happened regardless.

"You're a good friend, whether you believe it or not."

Daphne snorted at that, not convinced in the slightest. "There's not many who would agree with you."

"Oh no." Daphne's mood instantly dropped when she noticed the object of Tracey's misgivings. "I was hoping he wouldn't be in this class." Daphne hated Draco Malfoy, her skin crawled whenever he came around. Ever since first year, he had been trying to get into her pants, unsuccessfully of course. Lately, however, he had grown more callous, emboldened by the fact that his father was close to securing a betrothal contract between their families. He and his two goons had cornered her on more than one occasion, only her expertise in well-placed stinging hexes having secured her escape. It was only a matter of time before she missed.

Malfoy caught her eye, ending a wink her way, narrowing her eyes in response, sending her best glare at his offending presence. She felt no small satisfaction when he flinched, losing his cocky smirk for half a second.

"You gonna be okay, Daph?" Tracey shook the thoughts out of her head, breaking her contest with the blonde stain.

"Yeah, yeah… I'll make it." She didn't know if she was trying to convince Tracey, or herself. Their attention was kept on the hill as a group of Gryffindors slowly descended, a certain black haired boy with glasses and a scar leading the way.

"Well, Tracey, there goes the hope for a relaxing class." Potter and Malfoy were sure to come to blows at least once per class, guaranteed. It was more rare to have a full class period without an altercation at this point. You would think they'd grow up at some point, but that does not seem to be the case, holding onto this petty schoolboy grudge since the first year.

"Oh, look. Class hasn't even started and there's an issue." Tracey sighed. Malfoy had gotten into Potter's face immediately, that infuriating smirk on full display once again. Potter was stiff as a board, fists clenched and face red as a tomato.

"You expected any less?"

"Guess not." Tracey said. "What do you think he said?"

"Probably something 'bout his parents. Hasn't that been a common theme the last four years?" Tracey just offered a shrug at her comment. Daphne hadn't even seen the Professor arrive until he was standing right in front of the clearing. Daphne hadn't seen him at the feast, but the word flying around the rumor mill was that he was quite attractive. Daphne agreed with that sentiment.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Gather 'round. I've got something special cooked up for your first class with your new, barely qualified professor." Daphne's eyes widened at the end of his little speech. She turned her head slightly towards Tracey, mouthing the words he just uttered, barely qualified.

"My name is Professor Jackson. You can call me that, or Percy, I don't really care. Just not Jackson… only people who want me dead call me that." Daphne shared another look with Tracey, who was this guy?

"Who wants you dead, Professor?" One of the Gryffindor girls piped up, asking the question that was on everyone's mind.

He stopped in front of a row of trees, the early morning sun shining through the foliage, bathing the clearing in light. "Oh, you'd be surprised. That's a loaded question, and not first class material. Need at least four classes for that." A small chuckle rolled through the crowd. Daphne heard Malfoy scoff under his breath.

"I bet he's a mudblood. That's why people are trying to kill him." He muttered to his two mindless goons.

"Well that's not very nice, is it, Goldilocks?" Malfoy's head whipped up, a bewildered look on his face, smirk absent from his lips.

"How did he hear that?" Daphne had the same question as Tracey, and she did not have an answer. Not that she was complaining, it was nice to see Malfoy put in his place.

"You know what?" Professor Jackson continued. "Five points from Slytherin. Congratulations, you're the first person who I've taken points from."

"Now." He took a step back from the students, back towards the trees. "I said I had something special in store, and I intend to deliver." He raised his hand to his mouth, an ear piercing whistle caused the majority of the students to reflexively cover their ears. Daphne even found herself flinching, and that doesn't happen often.

Nothing happened for a minute, then two minutes. "Umm… sir?"

"Just be patient." Professor Jackson said to Bullstrode. The name entirely too accurate for the girl, if you asked Daphne.

Thirty seconds later, a loud whinny echoed across the sky, as if from a horse, as a small black dot appeared over the tree line. As the dot got closer, Daphne could make out black wings protruded from the creatures sides, and four legs that were moving through the clear sky.

As the creature landed and trotted up to the smiling Professor, Daphne's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "Is that a Pegasus?!" She didn't know what compelled her outburst in front of the whole class. Maybe it was the fact that her mother had always talked about the mythical creatures, how she would love to meet one, to know what it feels like. Either way, it went against her whole persona she had been building up for four years.

She quickly schooled her features, sending a glare at anyone who eyed her. The professor just chuckled as he pet the majestic creature, his eyes shining.

"This is Blackjack… and yes, he is a Pegasus. Ten points to Slytherin for taking the question right out of my mouth." He flashed her a lopsided smile. "Miss…"

"Greengrass."

"Miss Greengrass, can you tell me anything about Pegasi?"

"Well, I don't know much about them, just seen pictures." Daphne admitted. "But I was under the impression they were extinct."

"And you would be correct… if you only took Europe into account. In America, they are still rare to see, but not extinct."

"Does anyone know the story of the original 'Pegasus', with a capital 'P'?" Professor Jackson asked the group. "Nobody?"

Daphne was surprised Granger hadn't known, she is quite sharp and Daphne found a grudging respect for her intellect. Daphne hadn't known either, but she leaned ever so slightly closer. She was invested in learning more about the creatures that had fascinated her and her mother, taking mental notes for a letter home later.

"In Greek Mythology, Pegasus was the offspring of the God of the Sea, Poseidon, and the gorgon, Medusa. Legend says that Pegasus was birthed from the severed head of Medusa, after she was decapitated by the Hero, Perseus." Here he raised a hand at the disgusted noises. Even the pegasus reared his head back a touch. "I know, slightly gross and a tad unbelievable. Anyway, Pegasus is the being the species is named after, and every pegasus is descended from the original. Any questions so far?"

When nobody raised their hand, he continued. "All Pegasi require a diet of oats, like your average, run-of-the-mill horse. However, some pegasi are picky, and take a liking to certain food that isn't healthy for them." He finished, looking at the pegasus by his side. Daphne had never seen a horse shrug, nor had she ever thought she would, but she just witnessed it.

"Blackjack here, for instance, had developed a fondness for donuts and sugar cubes, of all things." Professor Jackson fished a small white cube from his pocket, tossing it toward the winged horse.

"Now, Pegasi are fiercely loyal companions, if you can gain one's trust - they do not give it easily. I saved Blackjack's life six or seven years ago and he hasn't left me alone since…saved mine once or twice as well." Percy patted his neck fondly. "Pegasi are good judges of character, they are often correct. If you are able, you will have a friend for life."

"Speaking of." He raised his hand to his mouth again, many students whipping their hands to their ears before the whistle exploded from his mouth. After a minute of anticipation, two more dots descended from the sky, replaced by two white pegasi, who took up positions flanking the Professor.

"This is Porkpie." He gestured towards the one on the right. "And this is Guido." The one on the left. "Guido has recently adopted my good friend Reyna as his human, and they have both agreed to have him here to assist me… any volunteers?"

Nobody moved a muscle. Daphne desperately wanted to, but after her outburst she couldn't afford to show too much more. To her surprise, Tracey slowly raised her hand. "I'll do it." Professor Jackson sent her a beaming smile, one that Daphne was sure made the girls swoon wherever he was from.

Potter raised his hand from the Gryffindor side of the group. Daphne remembered third year, how he was good with the hippogriff. "Alright, step forward you two. Miss…"

"Tracey Davis."

"…Davis, why don't you go with Guido here. And Mr. Potter with Porkpie. Good. Now, slowly reach out with your hand towards their nose, slowly now. If they accept you, they'll raise their nose to your hand." After a few tense seconds, both palms were touched with the snouts of pegasi. Tracey wore a brilliant smile, Daphne had never seen her so happy.

"So, do you two want to go for a ride?" Tracey's smile almost split her face and Daphne was sorely regretting not giving into her impulses. Potter nodded his head, a smile significantly smaller than Tracey's, but still there. The Professor helped them get onto the pegasi. Once they were comfortable, he turned to address the group again.

"So, if you ever get the chan-" he was interrupted by a small whinny from his pegasus. He turned his head, brow furrowed slightly as the horse continued to make noises. "Are you sure?" The pegasus made some more noises and threw his head. If Daphne didn't know any better, she would have sworn the pegasus nodded towards her.

"Miss Greengrass, please step forward." A chill ran down her spine at the words and the crowd parted down the middle, every pair of eyes staring at her. She slowly moved forward, one foot in front of the other, until she reached the Professor and the dark haired pegasus. They both looked a lot taller from this close, standing in front of the class as their eyes bored down into her own. "Blackjack would like to see you." His voice was low now, hidden from the crowd of students behind her.

She slowly reached out her hand like she had watched the others do, as the pegasus reached his nose towards her. Blackjack, she remembered. His nose came into contact with her palm before she realized, and it was more than she could imagine. The breaths from his nostrils tousled her blonde hair. He was beautiful, the way the morning sun bounced off his black hair, absorbing the heat into the darkly colored strands. She slowly rubbed her hand along his snout, relishing the feeling of petting a real life pegasus. The hair smooth against her small hand as it moved up and down the length of his head. Suddenly, that feeling was gone.

She got over her disappointment real quick when she realized where he had gone. The black pegasus had kneeled down onto his front, so that he was left in a position reminiscent of a bow. Daphne, flabbergasted, just stood there, unable to move with her hand still up in the air. "Did you want to take a ride?"

Professor Jackson's voice broke her out of her trance as she looked at the young professor. The smirk on his face was friendly, and she found herself nodding slowly to his question. Professor Jackson gestured towards Blackjack with his head, encouraging her to mount up. She swung her leg over Blackjack's back, coming to a rest on the back of the pegasus. Blackjack rose to his full height and Daphne felt like she was on top of the world - on the back of the mythical creature that she had spent many nights fantasizing about with her mother, looking over her classmates.

Professor Jackson moved her closer to Blackjack's shoulders before leaning in towards his companion. "Just a quick trip Blackjack… no messing around." The pegasus whinnied quietly, just enough for both of them to hear. The professor rolled his eyes. "I'm being serious, and how many times have I told you to stop calling me boss."

He stepped away from Daphne to address the three of the riders. "Hold on tight, arms around the neck. Do not pull on their manes to hold on, you wouldn't want anyone pulling on your hair. Got it?" At their nods of confirmation, Professor Jackson led the pegasi to the edge of the clearing. "Alright, have fun up there."

As he finished his sentence, Blackjack began to sprint across the clearing, the other two pegasi following close behind. She lowered her shoulders as much as she could towards Blackjack's neck, the wind whipping past her face. She heard his massive wings unfurl from his body as they left the ground, soaring towards the clouds. It didn't take long to reach cruising altitude, just below the clouds.

Daphne leaned back, taking in the sights from a height she would never have imagined possible - the sun beating down on her, wind throwing her hair every which way… it was everything she had ever hoped for. She glanced at her only friend to her left, Tracey's face was filled with wonder, the sunlight shining off her teeth with the biggest smile Daphne had ever seen from her. She seemed to be experiencing as much euphoria as Daphne. She looked to her right to see Potter, not as animated as Tracey. But clearly enjoying himself. She wondered if this is what riding that hippogriff was like in third year.

Daphne relaxed as she let the wind and sun wash over her, feeling Blackjack's powerful muscles moving beneath her, providing that security blanket, giving her the reassurance she would not fall. She spread her arms to the side as they flew over the castle, the quidditch fields and the lake. It was the first time in a long time she had genuinely smiled in public and she couldn't care less at the moment. Up in the sky, on Blackjack's powerful back, his wings beating at her sides, Daphne had never felt more free.

She was definitely drafting a letter to send to her mother later… she would have to hear about this day.

There was no small measure of disappointment when Blackjack's hooves touched back down on the dirt and leaves that covered the forest floor. Daphne felt her hair settle back down to her shoulders as some of the best ten minutes of her life came to an end.

"Great job you three. Take ten points for Slytherin and five points for Gryffindor for your willingness to volunteer." Professor Jackson said as the pegasi cantered towards him. "Why don't you dismount and join your classmates."

Disappointed, Daphne swung her leg back over as Blackjack lowered his front side once again. She gave him a light pat on the neck, whispering a soft thank you, before schooling her features and rejoining the crowd.

"Well." He clapped his hands together. "Looks like we're out of time for today." Disappointed groans followed his statement from other students who wanted their turn on the back of a pegasus. "Yes yes. Class dismissed, I will see you next time."

As the crowd began to file out, he faded back up the hill towards the castle, Daphne had the sudden urge to stay behind. Her eyes continued to be glued on the black pegasus as her fellow students crossed her field of vision.

"Daph? You coming?" Tracey asked from her side, gesturing towards the castle. "We have potions."

"You can go on ahead, I'll meet you there. Just want to ask a question." Tracey nodded slowly, taking a few backwards steps before turning and heading towards the castle. Daphne watched her back for a few moments before focusing her attention back to the pegasus standing in the clearing, head bowed down to the dirt. She slowly approached, cautiously placing her feet on the ground, her eyes never leaving Blackjack.

Snap! She flinched as the twig broke under her foot, Blackjack's head whipping up to face her. He took a step towards her, a soft whinny escaping his throat. Daphne slowly reached out her hand, hoping to feel that impossibly soft hair again. She smiled as Blackjack reached out his snout, placing it in her small palm. She ran her hand up between his eyes, slowly dragging it back down his snout. He flapped his massive wings once before folding them back to his sides.

She nearly jumped out of her skin as Professor Jackson's voice came from behind her. "Don't you have another class to get to?" She whipped around, the young Professor standing next to a pile of wood, an axe resting on his shoulder.

"Professor, I just wanted to say thank you… for letting me ride with him."

Professor Jackson cocked his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're welcome, but it isn't really me you should be thanking." He gestured to the black pegasus. "It was his idea."

Her eyes widened at the implication, had she truly been chosen to ride a pegasus… by a pegasus? Not knowing how to respond, she turned to the pegasus, replacing her hand on his snout. She leaned in, bringing her mouth closer to his ears. Thank you, Blackjack. She became lost in thought, staring at the horse, until Professor Jackson spoke once again.

"Blackjack must have seen something in you… it's no small honor to get chosen by a pegasus." He brought the axe down, chopping the piece of wood in half with a sharp crack. "I'm surprised he let you get on, hasn't let anyone but me ride with him in six years."

"I'm not sure what he would see in me, I'm nothing special."

Professor Jackson snorted. "Obviously not." Crack. "I suppose it's something you'll have to figure out."

Daphne nodded, unsatisfied with the answer but leaving with something to dwell on. She paused, turning around, one more question on her mind. "Professor, why are you doing that?"

Crack. "Doing what?"

She gestured towards the wood pile, face scrunched up in confusion. "All that?"

Crack. "Gets pretty chilly when the sun goes down, gotta have wood for my fire. I'd prefer not to freeze to death."

"Yeah but…why not use magic?"

Professor Jackson rolled his eyes, pushing a breath out through his nose. "You wizards and your aversion to physical activity… I still don't understand it." Crack. "I enjoy it, helps keep me in shape."

"Magic would be much easier."

"That may be so." Crack. "But, nothing worth doing is ever easy." Daphne just nodded slowly, unsure of what he was trying to say. Crack. "Better get goin, don't want to be late."

Daphne perked up, she was certainly cutting it close for potions, especially with Professor Snape. "I'll be on my way… thank you Professor." She turned, starting on the path up the hill, the castle in her sights.

Crack. "Miss Greengrass!" She heard Professor Jackson call from behind her. Turning around, she found he had put the axe down, leaning against the cabin. "I've been rather busy as of late… Blackjack seems to have taken a liking to you." He wiped the sweat off his brow with the hem of his shirt. "If you have any free time, I'm sure Blackjack would enjoy some exercise…"

A smile erupted on her face at the implication, ecstatic at the realization that today would not be her one and only experience with a pegasus. "Will do, Professor." The smile stayed plastered on her face as she continued her trek up the hill. That hour long class was the most Daphne had allowed a smile for a long, long time. Turns out it wasn't a waste of time to take Care of Magical Creatures.

She continued to the castle, a few questions wandering around her mind. Why had Blackjack chosen her? What did he see? Who really was their mysterious new Professor? He was merely a few years older than them, yet seemed so much older. You wizards. He said that as if he wasn't one, but he had to be… didn't he?

Daphne paused as something occurred to her. She had been so consumed by the pegasi that it hadn't registered in her brain until now. The way the Professor talked… was he truly holding a conversation with Blackjack? Could he talk to animals?

Shaking her head, Daphne pushed past the massive doors of the castle, speed walking to arrive at the potions classroom on time. It would not do to get on Professor Snape's bad side this early into the year, after all.