I do not own any Harry Potter Characters.
When the onslaught of spells was shot against Professor Potter, half of the class went down. Regulus did not believe his eyes. Even Rabastan was stunned by a stray hexed! Rabastan was every good in dueling so it took him a second to realize what is happening. He was in the middle of crossfire!
He was relieved that he learned a lot of spell casting techniques last summer and was able to put up a protego just in time. The impact of the combined hexes of Ravenclaw and Slytherin hit and shattered one of the four mirrors conjured by their Professor. Yes mirrors very ingenious! However, the attack of his fellow classmate immediately ceased when half of their numbers went down because of the rebounded spell. They faltered and Regulus took the moment to duck and immediately run away from the mayhem. One thing he learned from his Grandfather Pollux is that, never engage in battle without first having a clear ground.
Regulus strategically places himself at the very back to avoid any stray hex. He untied his neck tie and conjured it as a large rock in order to take cover. He will not take chances of being hit of a stray hex even if he is already at the back. He then assessed the ensuing battle. Professor Potter swept in the room and Regulus classmates went down in his wake. Crouch Jr ,Parkinson, Fleamont, Goldstein, one of the Currow twins, Peakes and Coote went down. It was fascinating to watch a seasoned wizard dance against the spells casts by his classmate.
Regulus being excellent in charms, disillusioned himself and the conjured rock to wait for a chance to catch their professor off guard. Regulus tried his luck and "bombarda" conjured mirrors swirling around from Professor Potter but the spell was just deflected. Regulus cursed and immediately took cover from his deflected spell. The conjured mirror is stronger than Regulus thought. He can't take it alone.
"We must work together!" Regulus shouted still disillusioned. His classmates replied with noises of their affirmation.
"Yes, that's a brilliant idea! Let's all throw exploding spell to the mirrors simultaneously." Julius Travers, his fellow snake, suggested and everybody nodded in agreement. "On three! One, two three!"
Spells were thrown, and another Mirror shuttered but it also bring down other two casualties. The class cheered.
"Well done. Ten points to Slytherin for a wise suggestion. However, clock is ticking. Three minutes left and two more mirror to go." Professor Potter grinned. "Remember the rules, you might have destroyed one of my mirrors, but you didn't hit me. Now, be prepared.Diffindo!"
The curse went flying towards Julius Travers. Travers casted a protégo but it wasn't strong enough. The spell went through and hit him in his shoulders. Travers was thrown in the corner of the room with the impact. Bleeding.
Ellora shrieked in alarm and went to aid.
"Petrificus Totalus!"
Without warning, Professor Potter pointed his wand at Ellora, who was instantly paralyzed. "Never turn you back from your opponent! Constant Vigilance!"
"That's cheating!" Amelia Bones cried. "She did not cast that charm!"
"Stupefy!" Bones wand flew and she went down. "Don't be ruled by your emotion during battle! Your enemy will taunt you to rile you up! Will use every underhanded tactics to catch you off guard! And if you allow them to take advantage of that, it will eventually lead to distraction then your defeat."
He approached the Ravenclaw Prefect. "To answer your query, the Slytherin girl did cast it Miss Ravenclaw Prefect. In fact, it was the first spell she thrown against me. The disarming charm on the other hand was your first right? Sorry if my response was bit little late. I'm getting old I guess." Professor Potter smirked. "
Professor turned and Regulus swore that they had an eye to eye contact. He was just not sure. It happened too fast.
"Five point to Slytherins and Ravenclaw who are left standing."
"I am the only person standing" said William Urquhart, a Slytherin, who indeed the only one left standing in the middle of his classmates who are trying to scampered to the wall. Regulus other classmate went out cold, others disarmed and there was other who yielded and no longer chose to fight.
Professor Potter rolled his eyes. "Not standing per se. Hermione dear, this is not the time for napping get up."
The Fleamont Girl rose from lying down. "Evanesco! " she shouted and the last mirror disappeared.
"Impedimenta! Incarcerous! Expelliamus!" The first spell hit Professor Potter in the chest and was lifted off his feet and slammed into the opposite wall, slid down it, and fell to the floor. Then, he rolled to evade the second and third jinxes. Regulus saw a chance.
Then exchange of hexes where thrown. Professor Potter mobility was clearly affected because of his hard fall.
The Fleamont girl was able to land a hex again.
"You will not take my glory from me!" yelled by Urquhart and cast a freezing charm against Fleamont.
The girl was able to duck. "Are you crazy? I am not the enemy here!"
Urquhart was not deterred. "Stupefy!"
Fleamont girl immideatly transfigured a mirror and the rebounded spell his Urquhart, copying the technique of Professor Potter.
"Five points to Ravenclaw for ingenious idea. 30 seconds left"
Fleamont girl smirk. "I learned from the best.Levicorpus!"
Professor was hit but was immediately able to cast the countercharm.
"Incendio." Regulus whispered and the spell hit the target. The girl screamed as her robes went on fire.
"Hermione!" called by Professor Potter worriedly. "Aguamenti!
Regulus took advantage of a moment of distraction.
"Expelliamus!" Professor Potter wand flew away from his grasp. Regulus catches the wand and cast off the Disillusionment charm.
"Time is up." Regulus triumphantly smirked.
Professor took a moment before realizing that he was disarmed. He sighed while Fleamont girl exclaimed in belief.
"You set me on fire!" she accused while dripping wet. She thrown him a jinx that he didn't recognize. He evaded.
"Now, now Dear please refrain from casting any further spell." Professor said then turned to Regulus. "Very cunning there Mr. Black, a true Slytherin. Fifty points to Slytherin for being able to disarm me with stealth and subterfuge. I already mark you from beginning. Albeit, I never thought that you would use my niece to caught me off guard. Very cunning indeed. I apologize if I under estimated you. "
Regulus beamed from the compliment. He ignored the glare that Fleamont girl throws at him.
Professor Potter flicked his hand. His wand flew to him away from Regulus hold.
"That's end the battle and only Mr. Black was able to disarm me." Professor said. The class groaned and helps each other to stand. Regulus went to Rabastan to rennervate his friend but the man is already standing when he approached.
"Bloody hell! I can't believe he did that!" Rabastan groaned in disappointment.
Regulus smiled. "Pretty brilliant really."
"Anyway, congrats man for winning!" Rabastan genuinely said.
Regulus frown. "I thought stray hex hit you and you went down… and faint."
"I did not!" Regulus snickered. "Professor Potter reflected my curse on me."
"You were petrified?"
"No. I was under Imperious. He bloody ordered me to just lay down the entire time. It was the longest Five minutes of my life!" Rabastan murmured.
"What?" Regulus whispered in disbelief. "You actually cast an unforgivable to our professor? Are you mental?"
"He practically asked for it man. I just tried my luck. And you are right, he is pretty brilliant. Guess he precede his reputation." Rabastan shrugged.
Regulus was about to scold his friend when Ellora cried.
"Professor!" Ellora cried after she was rennervate. "Julius needs Madam Pomprey. He is bleeding."
Other abled students immediately hover to the corner where Julius Travers where thrown.
"There is no need for that dear. Before we even dueled, I design this room so that no one will get hurt. Seriously." He said.
"What do you mean? He is bleeding! Look!" Ellora said.
As if on cue, Julius steered. The blood in his shoulder vanished alongside with the wound. Other students who also limped and have bruises immediately notice that they were no longer hurting.
"How?" Fleamont girl ask who appeared to be dry and her clothes was free from any burn markes.
"That I will explain to you but please do clear the floor please. Especially the center area please."
The students scurried and back themselves at the side of the room. Professor Potter picked something in his pocket and waves his wand. It turns out that it is the furniture that Professor transfigured earlier before class. Regulus and his classmate settle down after the table and chairs are arranged.
"Now that everybody has settled down, I would like to congratulate all of you for taking up my challenge. I am equally impressed, not only those who were able to stand their ground but also those who decided to yield. Sometimes, the bravest and the wisest decision are to stand down. Not because you are afraid or coward or not strong enough! but because you rather choose your own battle, than play in your enemies game. You did not fail me today class. I do hope you all learned a lot in the spur of five minutes."
Several heads nodded. Everyone now paid attention to Professor Potter with new determination to live up to his expectation. Professor gleamed at everybody.
"With regard to reason why you are now healed, I will tell you a little secret." everyone learned forward, actually curious to the spell used by Professor Potter.
"Do you know what is the thing that set us apart from muggles? Professor Potter asked. "You young man, what is your name?"
"Rabastan Lestrange sir." Rabastan replied.
"Well, give us your answer?
"Our magic sir."
"Yes. Two points to Slytherin. Indeed, it is magic. However, do you know what is the thing we always took for granted?" Professor Potter asked Rabastan again.
"ugghh. Magic?"
"Correct! Magic! There are several spells we use every day. However, we tend to take it for granted. Because we are born with it, we somehow forget what it's worth. It is part of our self. We need to cultivate it! Over the years, some authors would classify magic to simple spells as lesser magic to hard spells as a superior one. We humans tend to go for dramatic spells. Take for instance, if you are given a chance to kill some, what spell would you use? Miss Ravenclaw Prefect answer." Professor Potter commanded.
Amelia Bones shuddered, "I… I don't think I could Professor."
Professor Potter sighed. "Okay you may seat down. Nevermind I would just leave that as your assignment. It should be not less than 1 foot and not more than 4 feet about difference and similarities of using simple and hard spells. Your example must not less than three which is due 4 weeks from now. That is a lot of time to research."
The class immediately scribbled down the instruction.
"To give you an example, many household spells are considered as simple. However, do you know that the spell I just used to keep you from having severe injuries was considered a household spell? It is mostly use my mother's to keep their child from getting hurt while their working. Most use protective ward around play or bed pen. However, how I did it that I will not tell you." Several protests were heard however the Professor just chuckled. "Well, you must all figure it out. I want you to create your own spell. We are wizards after all and magic is versatile."
"On the different note, I also observe that you adequately learn last year. Many of you already know some defensive spells, nasty curses are sent which would have been your one way ticket to Azkaban." Professor Potter gaze lingered towards Regulus spot. Clearly, Professor Potter is talking about Rabastan. "I would say, cheekiness has its merits sometimes. However, in real battle, never under estimate your opponent! You will never know what he got under his sleeves. Never forget that class. As you have witness today, I underestimated you, that is why I was disarmed."
Regulus smirked. He was just so happy he won.
"Now, Too much for introduction and I never really know my students. Let's do a roll before I dismissed you."
The roll was called. After it, Professor Potter made another few announcements.
"Before I finally dismiss you, I want you to think what are the reasons why instead of many, only one of you was able to disarm me. We will tackle that next meeting and be prepared. I might assign another surprise practical. Be sure to read at least two chapters of your assigned book." Professor gave them a threatening grinned. "You are all dismissed except for Mr. Black and Mr. Lestrange. Ms. Fleamont save your questions and be at my office after dinner. Now move along."
Students picked up their things left the room. Some lingered to say a few thanks to Professor. After all students left, Professor Potter casted something towards the door.
"May I ask what spell is that Professor?" asked Regulus.
"Privacy charm." Professor Potter replied. "I know both of you already have an idea why I let you stay. I have few words to say and to ask. First Mr. Black, what would you like to make of your prize?
"I would like to have a private lesson to a chance to apprentice sir." Regulus immediately replied.
"Well, you should think it over at least, have you regarded your family reaction? I would hate to receive a howler from Dear Walburga you know." Professor Potter teased.
Regulus thinks for a moment.
"I don't think it would be a problem sir. It is after all, up to you if you find be acceptable as your apprentice. Whatever my mother would think and say would be premature."
"Alright if you are decided. It has been too long since I had an apprentice. I had three apprentices actually. Neither became a master of course. One almost became one but died in a war during Grindleward time. I regret the loss of such talented boy. The other one was fascinated too much with Dark Arts, not the defense against it. He is my greatest failure." Professor Potter became solemn for a moment. "And another one opted not to finish it, Alistor Moody became an Auror. My son Charlus was really a bad influence with that one." Professor added.
"Anyway, I accept your request Mr. Black. I expect you in my office every Saturday, 4 o'clock. We will have three hours per meeting but subject to changes. Are you amendable?" Professor Potter asked.
"Yes Professor." Regulus agreed.
"Now, Mr. Lestrange, may I ask why did you use imperious curse out of many spell?"
Rabastan twitched. Clearly nervous and shock with the sudden question under the prying eyes Professor Potter given him.
"Do not worry. I stand with my promise earlier. Call me intrigue."
Rabastan exhaled. Regulus didn't notice his friend has been holding his breath.
"Uhmmm. I was just testing sir if you would indeed use it back to me. I mean, I never really believe you at first when you said, well, implied rather, that you know Dark arts let alone unforgivables. I did not mean to insult you or anything sir." Regulus placed a hand on Rabastan shoulder to calm him and keep him from rumbling. "I mean, I know of course you know unforgivables and dark arts, you are a master after all. It just that, I didn't believe that you would actually cast one. Because, well, you are Lord Henry Potter after all. You're Light."
Professor Potter stood and walks toward the window overlooking the forest.
"Do not worry you did not offended me at all Mr. Lestrange. However, allow this old man you give you a piece of advice. When I first studied the arts I never intended to become a master, my sole purpose was to learn and to be able to battle every single of it. My purpose is to find a counter curse in every dark magic. However, it was also during that time that I was able to understand what magic truly is."
"The Dark Arts," said Professor Potter, "are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. Then, you will realize that you are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, and indestructible."
Professor Potter faced them and regarded them for a long time. Regulus was speechless and suspicious at the same time. The way Professor Potter describe the Dark Arts, it is as if it was really fascinated by the arts. It almost reminds him of all those years listening to his mother monologue.
"Mr. Lestrange, Mr. Black, there is no such thing as Dark arts. It is just magic. Your intent was the thing the made it dark."
During dinner, half of the student population already heard of what happened in DADA class. That, of course, leads to many students, especially Seventh and Sixth years, to approach him and ask how he was able to disarm Professor Potter and if the same opportunity to became an apprentice would also be available to them. Even some brave Gryfindors tried to approach him. Of course, Regulus politely replied them that he has no idea if what happened in their DADA would be a repeat. He, however, advise them to polish their offensive spells.
Other of his year mate was also accosted but not being able to even last 3 minutes during battle, they were not able to provide satisfying answers. The outcome of the duel however did not sit well with William Urquhart. He is still bitter of his loss. He's been robbed, he claimed. And mostly blame it to Fleamont girl. Well, Regulus did not care less. Losers have always something to blame about.
Regulus is really in a good mood. He made a quick detour in the library to check any books that would be a good reference in their homework in DADA. It would not be due until four week but Regulus was just eager to impress Professor Potter. He didn't want to admit, but he really respects the old man. After checking out some books, Regulus lingered in the common room with his year mates not until Rabastan regale everyone about the epic duel Regulus and Professor Potter had. Thereafter, he opted to go to bed. This is the best start of the term for him.
Hermione sat in the office of his Uncle Henry turned-out-Professor having a tea. James and Sirius are with her. After the two saw their Uncle sitting beside Headmaster Dumbledore and chatting happily with Professor McGonagall, the two immediately seated beside Hermione in Ravenclaw table. Definitely oblivious, or maybe they just ignore it, of the suspicious stares that her housemates throws to her cousins. They asked her what Uncle Henry Potter doing in Hogwarts. She, of course, told them that he was their new DADA teacher and also what happened in the DADA class against her better judgment. Apparently, many heard her tale and later on she found herself being bombarded of several questions from different person she didn't even know.
She almost fainted LITERALLY because of the different smells. Thank God Bartemius Crouch Jr. took a pity of her and shoed away the expectators. He almost thanked Crouch Jr. Almost! Of all people to help her, it was Crouch! She felt sick. She would never want to be in debt with him. She was able to thank the man without literally saying it. After that, she spent the dinner glaring at her cousins who did not even help her but rather find the scenario amusing. Boys! She groaned.
When her eyes wondered the great hall to restrain herself from glaring at her cousins to death, she saw another eye sore. The prick was surrounded by other older Slytherins, she would not have a doubt Black Prince is regaling the tale of his win.
The arrogant prick! Ughhed!
This was really a terrible day to start the term with. She can't still get over the fact that she was used by Regulus Black to win the duel! It's unfair! She did all the work! She vanish the last mirror. She was confident she would be able to disarm Uncle Henry. If only the Slytherins did not interfere. That git! He even set her robes on fire and did not even bother to say sorry! Or even look sorry! She would definitely never let those things happen again. Ever!
Uncle Henry seated across them. He was casually drinking his tea.
"What do I owe the visit of my favorite nieces and grandsons?" Uncle Henry greeted them brightly.
"Gramps, why did you not tell us you're going to be our Professor this year?" James whined and She and Sirius nodded vigorously.
"Well, surprise!"
"Graaamps!" James and Sirius chorus.
Uncle Henry chuckled. "Well, I do love surprises, and your expression in great hall was worth it. I would also love to share Hermione reaction as well. She has the best. We could go to Dumbledore and borrow his pensive."
"You are not going to do any of that!" Hermione complained.
The three shared and conspiratory look.
"Anyway Uncle, why did you really decided to be a teacher. Well, I never have a problem really, you are an amazing teacher from the looks of our first lesson-"
"Yes Gramps! We heard you let people become your apprentice in case they disarmed you. Are you going to do the same in our class?" James asked.
"And any other class?" Sirius added.
"That would be a secret." Uncle Henry smirked.
"Graaamps!" James and Sirius whined which led to a loader chuckle from Uncle Henry.
"That is not the most important now!" Hermione chastise. "Aren't you two worried that Uncle Henry is teaching a subject that apparently no one able to teach more than a year without bad things happening to them?"
The two was horrified in realization.
"Gramps you must resign at once!" Sirius pleaded.
"Yes! We love to have you here but the subject your teaching is curse. We rather not take chances." James seconded.
Uncle Henry smiled. "Come here you three. This old man was touch by your concern. Give me a hug."
The three of them approached hugged the old man.
"You… You're not dying are you Gramps?" James asked. Hermione and Sirius waited to his answer. They were almost fearful.
Uncle Henry laughed hard and released them. "Oh you're such a funny man Jamie. I am healthy as a Hippogriff!" Uncle Henry stood and does some ridiculous martial arts movements to convey his point.
The four of them laughed together. Uncle Henry sat down and sips his tea.
"So Uncle… Why did you decided to teach DADA then? Are you having a death wish?" Hermione asked.
"No. I was just having some thoughts lately. You know children that I am getting old and that I have experience and learned many things. And with the strange things happening these days, I decided to teach the new generation. Misinformation is rampant this days, I would like to correct that." Uncle Henry replied.
"But, Defense against the Dark Arts really Gramps?" James asked. He tried to contain his worried but failed.
"Well young man. It is where I excelled at!" Uncle Henry grinned. "You are looking after all to the only Master in Defense against the Dark Arts and Curse Breaking in Magical World! Besides, it is what this school needs' am someone that you need."
"We will not going to be able to change your mind, right?" Sirius said sounded defeated.
"I am very stubborn, young man. And also, I am already old. I already spent my life travelling the world. Discovering and meeting many magical creatures, creating new spells and I already had a happy life with my late wife, loving son and adorable grandchildren." Uncle Henry smile.
"Don't say that Uncle. It seems to us that you are saying goodbye." Hermione said.
"Oh sorry. I just love your reactions. I won't stop not until you three actually cry." Uncle Henry teased.
Hermione grinned. James and Sirius look perturbed.
"Sorry Gramps. We would never" James said.
"Yes. That is for kindhearted Hufflepuffs." Sirius added.
"Crying is for girls."
Sirius agreed with James.
"Oh really?" Uncle Henry said in mock anger. "Let see if that would still be the case next few days. Maybe I should redecorate my classroom. Hang over the walls the pictures when you are still in nappy James."
James looked horrified.
"I wonder what would that beautiful witch would say, Lily by the name of it right?
"Graamps! I would definitely cry if you die! We're just joking. Right padfoot?"
Sirius just snickered then laughed hard when he saw James desperate plea to second him.
"Now, now I was only kidding." Uncle Henry finally said. "But, the idea is already there and I might actually do it if you two did not behave in my class. Is that clear?
James nodded but Sirius still laughing.
"Sirius boy, I have an arsenal of embarrassing photo of you. You are not exempted."
Sirius immediately cease his laughing fit.
"It is getting late. Leave this old man to reast. Off you go." Uncle Henry dismissed them. They give him a quick hug and goodbyes then left the room.
James and Sirius walked her in Ravenclaw Tower.
"So, so said you did not win, who won the Duel then?" Sirius asked as she was entering the Ravenclaw common room.
"Your brother did Sirius. See you tomorrow."
She saw the surprised expression of Sirius as the door closes. She then proceeded to the room she shared with Amelia Bones, Kathrine Densmore and Shahara Patil. The other two did not really pay her any attention. Both where submerge with reading. Amelia on the other hand smiled at her but also goes back to what she was reading. Well, it has been a long day. She badly needs a sleep. She changed and proceeded to her corner. She closed the curtain and warded her bed to sleep. Then she remembered that she was going to ask Uncle Henry about the protective ward he casted! She groaned. Well, let the question be tomorrow's problem. She then went to sleep.
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