Harry was excited, as were many of the second-year students who were heading for their Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons. Today was the day Farlan was going to teach and they'd been looking forward to it. Even the other students at Hogwarts wanted to hear how it went. Seemed Lockhart wasn't making a good impression on anyone other than the female fans he had. Harry and Ron had tried to get through to Hermione too but she was hesitant on thinking anything bad of the useless professor. Having just dealt with him in detention the night before, Harry was more than fed up with the man.

Ron had almost gotten lucky to be cleaning with Filch while Harry had been helping with Lockhart's fanmail for four hours. This was what they'd gotten for hitting the Whomping Willow with the car and missing the train. What Harry hadn't expected though, was the voice he'd heard while he was leaving. Lockhart either hadn't heard it or was simply that oblivious but it made Harry nervous and he'd been listening for it ever since. Thankfully, it hadn't happened again and he'd brushed it off for now.

"You think Farlan will be any better than Professor Lockhart?" Ron asked as they headed for the classroom.

"Loads," Harry replied easily. "I think anyone is better than him."

"I'm sure they both could teach us something," Hermione pressed, still stubborn and refusing to say anything bad about Lockhart. "Dumbledore wouldn't have hired him if he couldn't."

"You heard Hagrid," Ron argued. "There was no one else to hire. He can't just leave the position open."

"Could Farlan teach?" Harry wondered as they stepped into the classroom where Lockhart and Farlan had yet to arrive. "If he does better, I mean."

"I don't see why not," Ron shrugged. "I mean, look at who they put in. Professor Binns is a ghost. Professor Snape is a git. Then, there's Professor Lockhart."

"Who took over for Professor Quirrell who had Voldemort on the back of his head," Harry muttered, making Ron flinch at using his name.

"But Professor Quirrell taught well enough," Hermione pointed out. "Same with Professor Snape a-and I'm sure there is lots to learn from Professor Lockhart! Mr. Daggrow is just an apprentice. Doesn't that mean he hasn't finished his studies?"

"Fred and George said Professor Quirrell took time off to further his studies," Ron pointed out as the door opened and Lockhart strode in; making him toss a thumb in his direction. "He doesn't even talk about his studies, just his books which sound like a load of bollocks."

"Ron!" Hermione hissed as Lockhart went up to his desk and leaned against the edge, checking his watch with a hum.

A few more students straggled in before the bell rang and Lockhart grinned, looking pleased.

"Well! The class period has begun and given there is no sign of Mr. Daggrow, it is safe to assume that he—"

The door opened then with a frazzled-looking Farlan standing there, hair dripping along with his robes.

"A-Apologies. I got caught up assisting a student with a water-conjuring charm." He seemed to realize then that he was dripping water and grimaced, drawing his wand and drying himself. "Sorry."

Lockhart's smile fell quickly as Farlan hurried to the front of the classroom, dropping a few parchments haphazardly onto the desk before fumbling with a handful of stones. Murmurs started up from the students who were suddenly questioning his capabilities, but Harry watched curiously before lifting a hand and speaking up.

"Sir?"

Farlan turned, blinking in surprise but nodded for him to continue.

"What are those?" Harry asked, pointing at the stones he was going through.

"Ah, um…" Farlan looked conflicted for a moment before clearing his throat and drawing out a handful of them from a pouch on his hip. "They're runic stones. You're welcome to pass them around if you'd like. These ones are not able to be activated on their own, but the ones I have up here will be useful in what I hope to teach you today."

Lockhart cleared his throat, pointedly. "I do hope you remember that this is a class for the Dark Arts. What does this have to do with defending yourself against pixies?"

Farlan gave him a bland look that unnerved the professor before turning back to the students as they passed around the stones. "Runes are what I specialize in and while they are used far more with subjects like Divination and Charms, they can still be used and considered a Dark Art if applied in a certain way. The Dark Arts are usually called so because they are charms used for causing harm but any charm can be used to cause harm, which is why I never cared for the distinction between the two subjects. Same can be said for any subject. Potions are used to kill people. Transfiguration to transform objects to fight for you."

He waved his wand at a quill on Lockhart's desk, transfiguring it into a javelin that lodged itself into the wall. The students stared in surprise, having not expected him to be as good at magic as he was. Sure, they'd heard rumors from upperclassmen and some had been there for his study group last term but very few had seen him actually cast magic. The javelin was returned to a quill and dropped back on the desk as he collected the stones he'd pulled out earlier and returned to placing them on the ground.

"And runes can be used as well, though they're not usually used offensively."

He stood and pointed his wand at the stones that glowed red before looking at the students.

"Mr. Longbottom."

Neville flinched, looking concerned at being called.

"Please try and hit me with a stunner, or any attack spell you know."

"S-Sir?"

Farlan waved at the ground. "I am protected and if not, then I can defend myself. Please."

Neville hesitated before standing and lifting his wand shakily. "F-Flipendo!"

The spell flew toward Farlan and hit a barrier before it reached him, making Farlan nod and gesture to the ground.

"As you can see, even runes have their uses in a duel. Five points to Gryffindor for assisting."

Hermione lifted her hand then, getting a wave to go ahead as Farlan picked up the runes and collected those that were being passed around.

"How could you use runes in a duel if you had to set them up like that? They have to be in a certain pattern too, from what you told me and what I've read."

Farlan nodded. "Yes. Runes require very particular patterns to be set up or they won't work or will give you the wrong reaction. I have been working on trying to make them faster and have come up with this." He withdrew a link of stones and looked at the students. "Would someone wish to volunteer for a demonstration?"

No one looked eager to and Lockhart huffed.

"I still don't see what this has to do with dealing with pixies."

Farlan glanced back at him. "Well, given you wouldn't allow me to bring in pixies for my lesson, I have to make do. You are welcome to volunteer."

Lockhart shook his head with an awkward smile but a few of his fans looked eager and he grimaced before forcing a smile back on. "Well, since you insist I should do my best to help you since you're taking over this lesson for me."

Harry swore he saw a hint of a smirk on Farlan's face before it vanished and he gestured for Lockhart to stand a few feet away.

"In order for runes to work well in a duel or battle, they have to be placed quickly. This would normally be impossible or very difficult. I have already had some struggles and found only a few instances where a pre-made chain like this could come in handy. This would work for not just other people but works for creatures as well. Pixies… not so much. Their small size would make this method not particularly useful. I am working on other methods though, and you are always open to disturbing my studies to ask questions outside of this lesson." He glanced over at Lockhart. "You asked for a demonstration though, so this is the best use of the chain runes I have come up with."

The students eagerly watched as the chain was tossed toward Lockhart who flinched as it landed right on his shoes. He relaxed and went to say something only for a startled yell to escape him when the chain came to life and crawled up to wrap him from head to toe. He fell over as the living rope went tight, dropping him to the ground as the students stared in awe.

"There are plenty of defenses against such a thing like this," Farlan said as Lockhart squirmed and complained behind the rope around his mouth. "The easiest would be simply blocking it or flinging it away with a wand. I have others that cannot be thrown away by magic but could be tossed if caught by hand. However, everything I've learned about runes has not come from Hogwarts but from my own studies afterward. Hogwarts only teaches you as upperclassmen how to read the language and what the symbols mean. After that, it is up to you to learn the finer aspects in order to accomplish things like this."

He tapped the ropes with his wand and it loosened and shrank back to the small chain it was. He put it back on his hip as a pale Lockhart got up and brushed off his clothes. Farlan ignored him though to face the students who were more than eager to learn now. He had impressed all those who weren't pleased with Lockhart as well as those who had been looking forward to learning more about magic. The only ones who were hesitant were the few Lockhart fans who had a bias toward the scrambled professor.

"For pixies—since your professor insists I stay on the topic of them—there are quite a few spells to defend against them. I used a couple when he decided poorly to release them on you." He gave the man a small frown, causing Lockhart to hastily look away in shame and retreat to his desk. "The headmaster has since altered how this class will be taught to prevent further injustices but there is always a way to teach without the actual creature present. I doubt any of you would wish to face a dragon or kelpie face-to-face, much less without a clue how to defend yourself against them."

He shifted a bit, looking around before spotting a book that he transfigured the pages of into paper butterflies, sending them off to land on each desk of the students.

"We shall use these instead. They are roughly the same size, fly, and are far less dangerous and mischievous than pixies. Tell me, what is the level of threat from a pixie? This may not be a Care of Magical Creatures class but knowing the level of threat is vital when facing any creature."

Hermione's hand shot into the air but Farlan picked a different hand.

"Mr. Finch-Fletchley."

"XXX, sir."

Farlan nodded. "Correct. Five points to Hufflepuff. As an XXX-level threat, pixies are of no trouble to any competent wizard and are of the same level as Knarls, Jarvey, and Salamanders. However, any wizard would have issues if they were caught in a swarm like what your professor unleashed."

Harry caught a glance at Lockhart who was flushed in annoyance at the constant reminder yet he didn't say a word. Scared maybe? Farlan did just tie him up for laughs.

"Now, does anyone have an idea of what spells might be useful with pixies?"

Hermione again raised her hand and Farlan gestured to her with a warning.

"One spell only."

She hesitated, thinking of the one she wished to address that the other students might not know. "The freezing charm that you used."

"Yes. Five points to Gryffindor. The freezing charm works well with a swarm of them. Anyone else?"

A few more spells were listed, some that would work and others that didn't, and Farlan nodded, appreciating the feedback.

"Excellent. Even those who picked incorrect spells, you had the right idea in mind. The only caution would be to make sure you take into account two things. First, the space you are dealing with. I chose the freezing charm to stop them all at once because it would have no effect on those in class. Trying to use a fire-making spell or similar area spell would not only destroy the room but could harm the people in it. Second, no spell should be used to harm the creatures."

"What?" Seamus questioned in disbelief. "How are we supposed to protect ourselves?"

Farlan glanced at him, idly pointing his wand at the boy who stiffened at the sight. "Should I hit you with a stunner right now, would you try to retaliate?"

"Y-Yeah."

"Okay," Farlan waved the wand across the Gryffindors seating around him. "Would not all of your friends also retaliate? Whether that be with their own magic or reporting me to the headmaster?"

The group nodded, murmuring starting up as Farlan lowered the wand.

"Now, imagine harming one pixie in a swarm. A single dead pixie could incite the wrath of the entirety of the swarm with a fierceness that will go unmatched. While you may have started with a swarm just causing a bit of mischief like the last lesson, you will not have experienced all of them fixated on causing you the most harm possible. Not only that, but pixies—like all creatures—play a part in supporting the land they live on. If you go around killing every pixie you come across on a space of land, you will find that area will soon be missing many creatures.

"For one thing, the creatures that eat them will vanish. As will any creatures of the same or lower level, who understand that a threat is eradicating them. That and the higher-level creatures will see the same threat and will challenge them. That is not a risk anyone should take unless they absolutely must. Now, I will admit I have a soft spot for all creatures, but killing any one of them—small pests or otherwise—leads to far more trouble than it's worth."

The class was quiet but some still looked uncertain so he pointed at another student.

"Mr. Weasley. What is your wand core?"

Ron glanced at his broken wand. "Unicorn hair."

"Unicorns are a rare species currently where only a few reserves and areas of uninhabited forest are able to keep them," Farlan explained. "They are also dangerous XXXX Beasts. Should we go around killing them, there would be no more unicorn hair wand cores. Same for dragons, thestrals, and phoenixes; one of the rarest species. This applies to all magical creatures. Each has its uses for other creatures and for us wizards in potions, items, spells, and transport even. Dispatching them from places where they are unwanted should not require killing unless you have no choice. Harming them should also be avoided unless you wish the wrath of their friends.

"I have already given you spells on how to protect, defend, and capture the pixies. None of which are spells that permanently harm them in any way. They are small creatures but even large ones should not be feared or persecuted for how they act or appear. Capturing to relocate is always preferred and anyone who says otherwise is a fool."

The students nodded and looked a little surprised. Harry hadn't thought about such consequences, though he wouldn't have thought to try and kill pixies or creatures anyway. Still, it was a humbling lesson and Farlan was quick to see he'd turned a bit too serious, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

"Apologies. I may have gotten a bit carried away," he muttered, clearing his throat before waving at the paper butterflies he'd sent out. "For the rest of the lesson, go ahead and attempt one of the charms mentioned. I will answer questions and assist if you need help. Just raise your hand."

The students nodded and got to work, eager to use their wands, and some easily using spells while others struggled with harder ones. Those who dispatched the butterflies easily were told to try the other spells as the papers were released, and soon the class was buzzing with activity. The lesson felt far too short by the time the bell went off and Farlan found himself rather flustered as a few students thanked him and praised his lesson. The trio was one of them, earning an awkward flush from the man as he hurried them all off to dinner.

Harry spotted him at the head table as well and smiled at seeing Hagrid and McGonagall patting him on the back and offering their own support. Even Dumbledore seemed to join in, saying something that got him flustered further, waving his hands in protest as the headmaster laughed. Lockhart was the only one annoyed by what happened, though he forced a smile and attempted to use Farlan; as if it was only because of him that the man had done so well teaching. Still, Harry and the other second years had enjoyed themselves, only to realize that it was a one-time thing and regret that their following lessons would be filled with useless facts on Lockhart once more. Though… he said he would help us if needed. I wonder…

I frowned, suspicious as I walked toward Dumbledore's office, holding the missive I'd been sent. It said little, other than a request to meet, and given it wasn't yet time for my monthly report on my studies I was rather confused and uneasy about the meeting. It had only been a few days since my impromptu lesson in the Dark Arts and I already felt a bit awkward walking through the halls. The students had obviously spread the word about how it went and it was often that I had not only second-years but upperclassmen questioning when I would teach again. Fred and George had offered to turn their pranks toward the useless professor and chase him from the school, leaving me to stop them as best as I was able. The threat to stop letting them use my runic spells for said pranks had them begrudgingly listening.

Doesn't explain what Dumbledore wants with me though, I mused, stepping past the statue and climbing up the steps to enter the office. Dumbledore wasn't there but his phoenix was, making my eyes soften. The bird was beautiful and a rare sight for anyone. It looked older now but it would pass and be reborn again given time. The bird watched me for a moment before letting out a trill that I cracked a smile at, only for movement on my shoulder to catch my attention.

The little fire-dwelling salamander I had rescued had poked itself out, eyeing the ashes resting under the phoenix. I reached up and lightly scratched at its head, drawing its beady black eyes up toward me as the reds, oranges, and blues on its body rippled; pleased by the affection. It started to try and climb down though, leaving me a bit scrambled to prevent it from doing so as it hissed and gave little squeaks of protest.

"No, no. You can't. Those are his ashes."

"I'm sure Fawkes won't mind," came the amused voice of Dumbledore as he stepped out of a door further back in the office. "A fire-dwelling salamander, is he not?"

I nodded hesitantly, reluctantly approaching the phoenix who leaned in to see the salamander in my cupped hands before giving it a light nudge. The salamander jumped from my hands into the ashes, scattering them before rolling around in the remains. I sighed lightly but pleased that both he and Fawkes were happy before turning my attention to Dumbledore.

"You asked for me?"

He nodded, gesturing to a chair and offering me a drink. The fact he always offers a drink to me when we have a discussion says something about what he knows regarding my habits. The thought unsettled me a bit but I sipped at the drink and mentally groaned. Especially when it's of great quality. Ugh, I feel like it's the carrot on the stick. I'm being baited right into a trap. Dumbledore continued to smile, undoubtedly knowing what he was doing, as he spoke.

"Your lesson with the second years ended up a rather popular discussion."

I barely resisted a groan. "Apparently so," I muttered instead, taking a larger gulp of my alcohol.

"Yes, well, a number of students have expressed their interest in you taking Professor Lockhart's position."

This time I did groan.

"We've talked about this. I don't want his position. I understand why everyone hates him. He's a useless fool who's too absorbed in his own self to bother actually caring about anything other than his fame."

"He was a decent student here before that," Dumbledore mused, making me scoff into my glass.

"Yeah, then he got pigheaded."

Dumbledore lightly shrugged, changing the topic away from Lockhart. "I happened to have a young man in here the evening after your lesson. While I may have teased you at dinner about the Defence Against the Dark Arts position, I would never force your hand on the matter."

"My main subject of study isn't even in the Dark Arts," I countered. "I'm only just now working on dueling with Minerva. I'm not qualified, much less with my Owl and Newt scores the way they were."

"I would encourage you to think about things a bit deeper. You may study the mind arts but they are not a subject we teach. You may study runes but the practical application is also not taught. You would be hard-pressed to find any job position where one could implement those skills with your scores on your exams. Trying to focus on one or the other is difficult as well. Those studying runes tend to stick to translating. Those with the mind arts are either Dark Wizards themselves, those with secrets, or those trying to find others' secrets. Leaving a rather poor selection of opportunities that I feel would be unfit choices for you."

I frowned lightly but knew he had a point. I had gotten lucky with Magnus and luckier still with Dumbledore. Working with the creatures gave me some other opportunities but very few reserves functioned with the thought of the creature in mind. Hagrid would get that position here before I would, and that was fine by me. There were a few other problems as well though.

"Snape wouldn't be happy if I took it," I murmured, knowing the man had always applied for the Dark Arts position.

"Yes, however, he is a far better potion master than you. You are talented, yes, but he has tricks that make his potions exceptional," Dumbledore explained. "Which is why I will make the offer again because I have had several students mentioning your lesson to me as well as Mr. Potter coming to me himself to ask about you."

That was surprising. I knew the students were talking about the lesson but I hadn't known anyone would go to the headmaster to voice their complaints about Lockhart, much less request me to replace him.

"I-I don't…"

I was conflicted now. I hadn't wanted to teach in the first place and was content with my studies and occasionally helping the students and professors. While this felt like I was stepping on a number of toes, I also remembered the feeling of teaching the students. How they worked their minds to answer my questions and ask their own. How they realized something they hadn't known before or how pleased they looked when being praised. It made my heart swell with pride that I had done something purposeful with my skills. Something that sitting in my dark shed pouring over rune books and testing legilimency with creatures hadn't provided.

I enjoyed learning myself, of course, but I'd never given thought to teaching before now. My scores weren't good enough, I had thought. I didn't have any real-life experience. I felt like a child compared to the other professors and I will admit to never having thought well of my own abilities.

My mother's passing ruined my chances of a promising career. Not because of her but because her death had ruined my confidence in myself and what I could do. The mourning period had been a hurdle I couldn't overcome for years and when I did, it was too late to recover. But now… even the students…

"The students enjoyed their time with you, Farlan," Dumbledore urged. "They all learned something and Professor Lockhart was… a poor decision on my part but one I had little choice in making. I hadn't considered you at the time because—as you said—you were focused on your studies and I could tell you didn't have the confidence for it. However, something has obviously changed in your time here at Hogwarts. I never would have thought of seeing the four houses come together under any circumstances but they did, to be taught by you before exams."

"I didn't—"

"You helped them with their studies," he stopped me. "Scores on Owls and Newts have increased since you've arrived. Professors are less stressed because you are assisting with their extra burdens. The creatures in the forest are rather keen on you as well, from what I've seen. You have even the centaurs curious."

I flushed at that, equally embarrassed and concerned. Centaurs were not well known for being amicable toward wizards and I had only one instance with a few of them.

"All of that combined with the students and Mr. Potter's remarks have given me the opportunity to bring you here and ask for you to take the position. I feel you would do well in it and it would be great for you and the students."

Still, I hesitated. "B-But my studies… and Lockhart wouldn't…"

He could tell I wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea and went quiet for a moment.

"Then, a compromise will be in order," he said, cracking another smile. "You and Lockhart will share the position."

"Share?" I muttered, not liking that idea even more.

"You will have one lesson with each year of students once a week. The rest of your time will be spent on your studies and I will request that the professors limit the tasks they give you to only what they cannot do on their own."

"Each year of students?"

He nodded. "While I would give you only the upper or lower year students, I feel choosing one over the other would lead to complications on exams. The younger years have had varied professors with little to no skills; the last being a servant of Voldemort and the current year being… himself. However, the older years are preparing for Owl and Newt exams and shouldn't have their education squandered because of incompetent professors. I would have to check the schedule but one lesson for each year should amount to two to three days a week."

The option was tempting and what he added on only made it more so.

"I will pay you, of course. The same amount I would pay for any substitute. I would also encourage you to continue to offer your services to students during office hours. This way you won't be bothered while occupied with your studies and will have set aside time for marking and lesson planning. Ah, and…"

He dug through his desk and slid a parchment toward me.

"You may have this. These are my old lesson plans from when I taught the class. While I won't expect you to cover everything, it does highlight potential Owl and Newt questions and will give you an idea of what the students should cover week-to-week. Not that you have to try and cover for Professor Lockhart's inability to teach, but it should give you an idea of what to discuss without forcing you to cut into your time with lesson plans."

I hesitantly took the paper, skimming it and glancing up at him awkwardly. "You really want me to do this?"

He smiled. "I would appreciate it and do not expect you to simply dive into the position. I am more than willing to try finding new professors for the following terms, but would like to request you try this out even if it's temporary."

"A-And the students?"

"Wholeheartedly want this as well. Mr. Potter was quite adamant about me at least discussing the possibility with you. His idea was you take the position or create a Dark Arts club to help those falling behind in their studies. The club was certainly an idea, but I felt it would be harder for you to deal with when exams come up. Though, I will be trying to implement a dueling club later this term that you are free to be involved in. I know you and Minerva have been practicing and am sure you could be useful there as well, if only for a meeting or two."

I again turned my eyes to the parchment, thinking about it before running a hand through my hair with a heavy sigh. "I guess I can't really argue then. If I don't assist with the lessons I'll just have too many students at my study sessions."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Then, I will write up a contract and send it to you later for you to sign. It will discuss responsibilities, payment, restrictions for lesson plans, and a schedule. You can start next week if you feel you're ready. Sign the contract and send it back with what date you'd like to start."

I nodded, finishing my drink and moving to retrieve the salamander which was covered in Fawkes's ashes.

"And Farlan?"

I paused before leaving, cautiously glancing at him from over my shoulder.

"I will be easing the restrictions on bringing creatures into the class for you alone. I have a friend who would provide them if they're taken good care of," he said with a wink. "Just be cautious. Any harm done to a student will be your responsibility."

My eyes widened, at least a hint of joy welling up in me for that alone, and I nodded before hurrying out, unable to help the smile on my face.

A week passed and October began, bringing a damp chill into Hogwarts that caused quite a few colds. Staff and students alike were getting Pepperup potions, leaving them steaming from the ears. The other gloomy thing was their continued lessons with Professor Lockhart. Many students had hoped and prayed that Farlan might take over but there had been no word since his lesson. Harry sighed as they headed to their last lesson of the week before the holidays, having hoped that by going directly to Dumbledore there might have been a chance. Instead, he decided that he'd get with Ron and Hermione and request time to study with him alone. None of them wanted to fail their exams because of Lockhart.

"What do you think we're going to do today?" Ron muttered as they reached the door. "Learn how often he brushes his teeth? Shines his shoes?"

"He told us how he fought a banshee this week, remember?" Hermione pressed and even Harry had had enough of her trying to defend him.

"Yeah, but he never said how. Just rambled about her hairy chin."

They stepped into the classroom and took their seats, seeing no Lockhart yet as they joined the other Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. The final bell rang after a few minutes and the murmuring got louder. Lockhart was never late, having always been eager to tell them of his books and adventures.

"Wonder if something happened," Hannah Abbott murmured in concern.

"Probably got attacked by pixies," Zacharias Smith scoffed, earning an annoyed look from her and a few other fans of Lockhart's who were seated nearby.

The door opened then and the students all turned to look before their eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't Lockhart striding in, but the frazzled-looking Farlan who offered an awkward smile as he carried in some parchments with a smudge of charcoal spread across a cheek.

"W-Would you believe me if I said I was late because of a temperamental fire-dwelling salamander?" He asked before the students began to grin and a few eagerly spoke up while he went to drop off the parchments onto the desk.

"Sir! Are you teaching now?"

"What about Professor Lockhart!"

"Oh, who cares about him? We might actually learn something!"

Farlan turned to face the students and waved for them to quiet down, which they did only for Hermione to throw her hand up. He nodded for her to speak and she asked what was on everyone's mind.

"What's going on? Are you a professor now?"

Farlan rubbed the back of his neck, glancing away with a bit of a flush of embarrassment. "A-Ah, not a professor but… more of a… substitute? A… side position? I-I'm not sure what to call it."

Seamus tossed up a hand as well, not bothering to wait for permission to speak. "So, you're replacing Professor Lockhart?"

Farlan shook his head, making a few people grumble while others let out sighs of relief. "After the lesson I gave, a number of students asked for something to change. The headmaster was willing to offer me the position but I felt I wasn't qualified to do so."

"Rubbish!" Ron complained. "You taught us more in a day than he did in a week!"

Farlan held up a hand to quiet the class again. "I have my reservations because my Owl and Newt scores were… not the best because of a family issue that occurred while I was studying at Hogwarts. That, and I am not an expert in the Dark Arts in any way. My focus is on the application of Ancient Runes and Magical Creatures, so I will not be able to teach you everything you need to know. I am not an expert in dueling at all and would never wish to harm someone unless absolutely needed. I am…" He paused for a moment, growing sheepish once more. "...learning more about it as I've been told it may be useful but I doubt I would stand a chance against someone better or more experienced."

Harry felt there was a bit more to it than that, and felt bad that Farlan had such a lack of confidence in himself when he was obviously good at what he does. Farlan shook his head though and cleared his throat.

"T-The headmaster decided to try and compromise, due to your insistence. As such, I will be teaching a lesson for each year level once a week. I will do my best to… cover for any inconsistencies with the current professor as well as do a recap and ensure you all will have what you need for exams. Those in upper levels are testing for Owls and Newts, after all, and are already struggling with the constant change of professors. The headmaster simply felt that—given how my other study sessions went—the extra help would be needed." He reached back to grab a parchment then, holding it up. "I will also have office hours now, per his request. This will ensure I have time to continue my studies while having time set aside for you all and for marking."

He put the parchment back as the students muttered to each other in excitement. Even the fans of Lockhart looked pleased about this development as Farlan faced them all and spoke.

"Now, who can tell me about banshees?"