Hogwarts, Assignment #2, Hufflepuff.
Cryptology: Task #1 - Write about a Substitute.
Word count: 398
Beta(s): NeonDomino, Justalittlepositivitea.
"It's true! I promise! Today's lesson won't be cancelled!" Seamus insisted as he looked over at the rest of the class who were all sitting in the professor-less classroom. The last three lessons of Defence against the Dark Arts had been cancelled after Professor Lockhart had lost his memory, but Seamus had spoken to Dumbledore personally, and he had been promised that it wouldn't be cancelled again. "The professor will be here soon!"
"But who's going to teach us?" Ron questioned.
Harry played with his wand, thinking about the two DADA teachers so far. "I hope they're better."
"Better? At least we were taught how to duel with Professor Lockhart, even if he was…" Hermione drifted off, instantly knowing that defending him wasn't appropriate at this time. "I'm just stating that at least he didn't try to kill you."
"But letting my sister die was okay?" Ron asked with a grumble to his tone.
Seamus cleared his throat as he heard footsteps. "Somebody's coming!" The excitement that bubbled up inside him instantly dissipated as Professor Snape walked into the classroom.
"Turn to page 219," he demanded.
Ron's face turned red as only half of the class followed the instructions instantly. "What are you doing here?"
Professor Snape's cloak flew out as he spun around to face Ron. "I am delivering your lesson today."
Seamus opened the book. Ooh, defensive charms! He didn't mind being taught by Snape, maybe he'll be nicer in this lesson.
"Why is Snape teaching?" Ron whispered to Hermione and Harry. Seamus turned to look at them to see what answer they came up with. Couldn't they just be happy they were going to learn something in this lesson?
Hermione, whose book had been the first to be opened, gave Ron a look. "He's just subbing."
"He's what?"
"Subbing… a substitute," Seamus added to help him out. However, the confused look that remained on Weasley's face showed he still wasn't comprehending.
Hermione's eyes glanced over the page they had been asked to look at. She whispered to Ron, "It means he's temporarily teaching this lesson as there's not a professor." Before raising her hand and speaking without permission. "But sir, these charms are for third-year students, we haven't learnt the basic defensive charms yet."
"I'm sure you dunderheads can figure it out."
Seamus looked up at the professor's face and grinned. "We sure can!"