After the Yellow Quartet left Charms, they headed off to Quirrell's Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
To the dismay of the Yellow Quartet, there was neither any academic learning nor any practical magic done in Quirrell's class.
Instead, Quirrell had spent the entire period telling stories about his travels.
"What a waste, "said Harry in a very disappointed voice as the Yellow Quartet headed to the Great Hall for lunch, "While Flitwick is clearly a highly qualified teacher, Quirrell is, well, a farce. I mean, what kind of teacher spends a whole class just telling his students about his own travels?" How on god's green earth did Quirrell ever get offered a position as a teacher in the first place."
"I couldn't agree more, " said Amy fiercely, "Our supposed Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher didn't exactly do much teaching did he?"
"No, he didn't, " agreed Susan firmly, "Of all the subjects we learn at Hogwarts, Defense Against the Dark Arts is one of the worst to have an incompetent teacher in."
"We really should have been doing practical magic in Defense Against the Dark Arts, "observed Hannah, "Quirrell didn't even give us an academic lecture. He literally just wasted our time telling stories of his travels."
"I say, "said Amy, "That we give Quirrell one more chance, but if the same thing happens in our second Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, then we take our concerns about Quirrell's non teaching to Professor Sprout. She's already proven that she'll listen to us and take our concerns seriously."
"We're probably stuck with Quirrell for the year, "admitted Susan, "But if he really is a poor teacher and that gets around, maybe we get a more competent teacher for next year."
"That makes sense, "said Hannah matter of factly, "It's pretty well known what an important subject Defense Against the Dark Arts is."
"Even if we're stuck with Quirrell for seven years, maybe Sprout could suggest ways we could learn and study Defense Against the Dark Arts on our own if it came down to it, " suggested Harry.
"So, are we all agreed to give Quirrell only one more chance and inform Sprout of his non teaching if the same thing happens in our next lesson?" asked Amy.
"Yes, chorused Harry, Susan, and Hannah.
As the Yellow Quartet sat down at the Hufflepuff table to eat a lunch of ham and turkey sandwiches on wheat bread complete with lettuce, pickles, and mustard and Jim Beam to wash it down with, Harry turned to Amy, Susan, Hannah and asked, "Is there anything any of you absolutely want to make sure I know about?"
"Be very wary of Draco Malfoy, "warned Hannah, "His father, Lucius Malfoy, was a Death Eater."
"What is a Death Eater?" asked Harry.
"It's what Voldemort's old supporters called themselves, "explained Hannah, "And no one, and I mean no one, stops being a Death Eater. IF Voldemort ever rises again, Draco would be well positioned to join his father as a Death Eater. Either way, the Malfoys have historically been a Dark family with a love of both the Dark Arts and a huge belief in pureblood supremacy."
"Also, "said Susan importantly, "In the Wizarding World, you should NEVER give another person direct eye contact. Some witches and wizards have the skill of Legilimency. Legilimency at its core is the ability to read minds and sense emotions. A witch or wizard who successfully performs Legilimency on you will have access to your thoughts and feelings."
"That sounds creepy, "said Harry with a wince.
"And it's dangerous, "said Susan warningly, "Witches and wizards who have the ability to perform Legilimency can use this ability to manipulate other people. As eye contact is often important in Legilimency, avoid giving it. Be especially careful if you ever realize that an untrustworthy person knows Legilimency."
Harry nodded.
"Is Legilimency legal?" asked Harry a nanosecond later.
"Yes, "said Susan uncomfortably, "And it's not even regulated!"
"I'll have to be on guard about that then, "replied Harry.
"Also, "added Hannah, "While flying broomsticks is an extremely fun hobby, I strongly recommend avoiding the sport known as Quidditch."
"Hagrid tried to tell me a bit about Quidditch, but I didn't understand it, "said Harry honestly.
"Well, McGonagall explained Quidditch to me as part of my introduction to the Wizarding World, "said Amy clearly, "And I most certainly will NOT be playing it. It sounds extremely violent and dangerous, especially for a sport. Apparently, one part of the game is that there are two balls whose sole purpose in the game is to try to knock players off their airborne brooms. No thanks. "
"Count me out too, if what I'm hearing is accurate, " said Harry clearly, "Flying on brooms does sound fun though."
"You're in luck, Harry, our first afternoon class today is Flying Lessons, " smiled Hannah.
"You should also be aware, " added Amy, "That certain witches and wizards have the ability to transform at will into animals. They are called animagi. While this is not a bad thing in and of itself, such a talent could be used for spywork. Tread carefully if you meet an unregistered animagus."
"Animagi have to register then?" asked Harry.
"Damn, "said Amy crossly, "I keep forgetting how inappropriately inadequate your introduction into the Wizarding World was. I tell you what, Harry, I'll let you borrow my list of registered animagi when an opportunity presents itself. Study it and familiarize yourself with who the registered animagi are."
Next nanosecond the bell rang, and the Yellow Quartet was off to their first flying lesson.