Five – Lessons
Harry walked into his first arithmancy class alone. His schedule having separated him from both of his best friends for many of his classes this week. It was an odd experience for him, classes without at the very least Ron. He knew he wasn't the most social of his peers, but he was still somewhat friends with a few Hufflepuff's and acquainted with the odd Ravenclaw. The few friendly faces really helped the transition.
This time though, he was a bit further out of his element, what with it being a third-year class. Harry peered around the room from the entrance in search of an open seat, his gaze eventually landed on a familiar face, who happened to have one beside her.
"Alright if I sit here?" asked Harry, feeling out of place as the only fourth year in the room.
Placing her books on the table, Luna looked up at the sound of his voice. "Why wouldn't it be alright Harry Potter?"
Harry chuckled as he sat down. "I'll take that as a yes."
"You know you can just call me Harry, right?" he asked getting his copy of Numerology and Grammatica along with some writing materials out.
"I know," answered the odd girl flatly as if this was obvious.
Harry stared at her blankly. "Then why do you always say, 'Harry Potter' instead of just 'Harry'?"
"It's your name, is it not?" she asked, simplifying the matter.
He met her eyes, and despite her poker face, he could swear he saw a touch of humour hidden in her eyes, he'd bet his firebolt that she was teasing him.
"I guess…" They sat in silence for a moment before Harry remembered something he meant to ask her. "By the way, you should sit with us at the Gryffindor table during meals, or we can all sit at the Ravenclaw table?"
"That sounds very nice, I think I will," responded the girl distractedly, as she scratched in her bag. Her rummaging carried on, until a moment later when Harry noticed the troubled expression on her face.
"What's wrong?"
"I can't find my quills and ink..." She looked around. "It's a bit early for nargles."
"Don't know much about nargle seasons, but you can use some of mine," offered Harry, as he pushed his inkpot to the middle and handed her a quill.
"Thank you, Harry Potter," said Luna gratefully.
The remaining members of their class arrived, followed almost immediately by Professor Vector. Harry observed the woman, and though he'd seen her before, this is the first time in a teaching position. She wasn't the youngest, but she was certainly among the more youthful staff members; and definitely one of the prettier ones with her dark hair and eyes, highlighted by her handsome features.
Despite her youth, and relative inexperience when compared to veterans like Flitwick or McGonagall, she was considered one of the stricter professors, and honestly impressed Harry with the presence she seemed to command. It gave some indication of what the transfigurations professor must have been like in the early years of her teaching career.
Harry kept all of his attention on the woman, he needed to absorb as much information as possible during the classes, since he really didn't have the time to play catch up if he were to fall behind, not with how swamped his plate was already.
"Good morning class, welcome to your first year of arithmancy," said Professor Vector, her voice was friendly, but serious enough to prevent students from thinking her the joking sort. Some scattered greetings answered her, with just the right amount of enthusiasm.
"Some of you may have noticed the fourth-year student in your midst." She gestured in Harry's direction. "Mr. Potter has switched courses and will be joining us."
Harry smiled and shifted awkwardly from his place besides Luna at the curious looks he received with all the attention on him. Professor Vector spoke again, pulling their eyes off of him and back onto her, to his relief.
"It will take me some time to remember all of your names but let us continue." She paused. "Arithmancy, some of you may understand it as predicting the future using numbers?"
A pair of students raised their hands, a Hufflepuff and a Ravenclaw by the colour of their ties.
"Yes, Miss?" asked the Professor, looking towards the Hufflepuff student.
"Purvis Ma'am, Caroline Purvis," said the girl brightly, introducing herself.
"Well met Miss Purvis, please continue."
The girl nodded. "Arithmancy is also used in the setting up of rituals, as well spell creation."
"That's right, five points to Hufflepuff," awarded the woman, drawing a smile out of the Hufflepuff student.
"Let us elaborate on what Miss Purvis said. Arithmancy is used in ritual construction, as well as in spellcraft. It is also used in astrology, enchanting, curse breaking, and potion creation... There are reasons potions have highly specific instructions regarding stirring, the timings, number of clockwise or anti-clockwise turns needed and so forth... These are all broken down by Arithmancy."
Professor Vector flicked her wand at the board, spelling the chalk to follow her words.
"Ritual construction. Spellcrafting, this includes counter-curse creation, enchantments. Astrology, as well as its uses in the prediction of future events. These are the fields in which Arithmancy plays a crucial role. In broader terms, Arithmancy is the numerical representation of the world around us, of magic."
The class nodded along, absorbed in her every word. They were excited for the prospects the class opened up, though some paled slightly, perhaps realising how difficult it was likely to become.
"I am sure you've all heard of certain numbers bearing power. Many of these are found in nature, and we will be studying them as well as their application. For now, a broader understanding of Arithmancy and arithmetic calculations will be our focus." She flicked her wand again, clearing the board, and filling it with numbers, some forming patterns that Harry was sure he'd seen before. "After Christmas we will touch upon some very basic practical applications."
Harry took note of every word, how could he have chosen divination over this. He was beginning to understand why Hermione loved the class so much. Not only was it fascinating, but the professor was also able to captivate her classroom and hold their attention.
"Please open your books to page ten."
"Sooo, how was arithmancy?" asked Hermione excitedly, having met him in the hallway on his way from class.
Harry smiled brightly. "It was brilliant, I went through some of your notes before, but being in the class showed me how important it's really going to be."
Hermione was cheering on the inside; she was glad he enjoyed her favourite class. Harry would often seem lazy, but she knew, the moment his interest was piqued. He'd become more absorbed than the most avid Ravenclaw.
"What do you have next?" she asked as they walked.
Harry pulled out his timetable to double check before he answered. "Hmm, Care of Magical Creatures, a free period and then Defence. I'm free for the rest of the afternoon after, so I'll head to the hospital wing from there."
"And you?" asked Harry.
"Double ancient runes. I'll stop at the library to do a bit of research before dinner." She paused. "Will I see you in the great hall?"
Harry nodded. "I don't think we'll be going on too long today. I want to meet with McGonagall this afternoon as well."
"Oh yes, for tea, you mentioned this. I hope you enjoy it," smiled Hermione as they stopped. "This is my turn, good luck Harry."
He returned her smile as he waved her off. "Thanks, I'm quite looking forward to it. I'll see you later"
Though they were surprised to see him, the Hufflepuff's were generally friendly to him, and the Ravenclaw's were rather indifferent. Hagrid on the other hand was quite surprised to find Harry there, but quickly got over it.
Harry had a rather pleasant two classes. He was paired with Susan for Hagrid's class and would be spending the better part of the year with her as they raised some odd creatures Hagrid had gotten a hold of somehow, called Blast-Ended Skrewts. They looked like grotesque, pale, malformed lobsters, which wasn't much of an issue, rather it was the smell that bothered them. They absolutely reeked and to make matters with, they seemed to fart sparks. It was by pure chance they'd made it out of the class with not a single injury amongst the students. The same couldn't be said for his robes though, but rather burnt robes than burnt skin.
Susan though did get a bit of her hair singed, but thankfully it was the tips. Not a concern for her, but definitely enough to make the Hufflepuff a lot more wary of the current and hopefully permanently mini monstrosities.
The fact that Hagrid had no idea as to what the things ate, or how big they'd become was setting off all sorts of warning bells in his head. At the very least he was going to carry burn-healing paste to these classes, and recommend Hagrid keep some on hand. He just hoped the gentle giant didn't do anything stupid and above all illegal to come into possession of the things. His friend was taking chances, what with last year's drama regarding Buckbeak, the smart thing to do would have been to lay low and stick to a simple and safe curriculum for the year at least.
Harry sighed. 'To Hagrid, these damn skrewts are probably the poster beasts for simple and safe…'
Unsure about whether he should speak to the big man about it, Harry decided on a wait and see approach for now. If the skrewts started to get really dangerous, he'd confront Hagrid then. For now, he'd let it go, get something light to eat, and maybe read over some of his texts for a bit. He had only one class left for the day, then he could hopefully get to start on his lessons with Madam Pomfrey.
Harry arrived outside the defence classroom right as the students began moving inside. He had gotten a bit absorbed in his book, and lost track of time.
Following at the back of the group, he made his way inside last but paused once he was through the door. Something about the room set his nerves on edge. Trying to be discreet, he slowly removed his wand from his pocket and held it at his side out of sight. He took in his surroundings, trying to find whatever it was that out of place. But at the same time, he was at odds with himself, his more sensible side berated him for being irrational, but the rest him. The part that was formed by the dangers he'd been through screamed at him for attention.
It was a distraction, by way of Padma that sparked the fuse. She'd noticed him simply standing there, looking around, and wondered if he was trying to find a place to sit.
She scooted over to make room and called his name intending to offer the space beside her.
Harry turned ever so slightly at the sound of her voice calling him, when the flash of red lit up the classroom. A spell moved rapidly towards him. Fortunately, his reflexes were fast, having been honed through a childhood trying to avoid Dudley, and through quidditch since. Harry dove behind a shelf as he waved his wand and cast a banisher towards the back of the room, the direction the light had come from.
A flicker of light and the sound of the spell crashing into a shield were almost drowned out by the sounds of panic. Some students were fumbling for their wands in panic, while others had dropped down in an attempt to take cover beneath their desks.
"CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" came the bellowing shout from the back.
The students relaxed, having realized it was their professor all along as he dropped his disillusionment charm and made his way forward.
"DEAD! Every last one you besides Potter here!" scolded the gruff man.
"Lesson one! Keep your wits about you and always have your wand somewhere you can reach it quickly!"
"You! Missy! Where's your wand?" Professor Moody asked aggressively as he leaned over Padma.
The quiet girl sunk into herself. "My bag Professor..."
"Your bag? Five points from everyone here who had their wands in their bags. You'll be sure to keep it on your person from here onwards, preferably in a holster."
Professor Moody turned towards Harry, as well as Susan who also stood with her wand in hand.
"Well done Potter, Dumbledore was right about you. You too Bones, I see your aunt's taught you well."
"Take a seat, the both of you."
Harry moved, and took the seat besides Padma, though he kept his wand in hand throughout.
"That's right," praised Moody, "constant vigilance boy."
"Alright there Padma?" asked Harry, glancing at slightly shaken girl beside him. Even so, he kept a part of his focus trained on the professor.
She gave him a small shaky smile, "I'm fine, thanks for asking Harry."
He smiled back at her as Professor Moody spoke up again, calling on him.
"Potter! What was it that had you pull your wand out when you came in?"
Harry paused, trying to explain. "I... I don't know exactly sir... Just felt like something was off..."
Moody nodded knowingly. "Good instincts lad, keep trusting them and you might just live to an old age."
"Now, moving on, who here can tell me what the unforgivable curses are? Miss Bones perhaps?" asked Professor Moody, pointing towards Susan.
Taking the cue, she explained. "There are three of them, the Killing curse, the Imperius curse, and the Cruciatus curse. They're termed unforgivable as the use of any one of them is punishable by life in Azkaban."
"Right, take five points," said the ex-auror as he listed them on the board.
"The Killing curse, the Imperius curse, and the Cruciatus curse, as the young lady said. The use of any one of them is a fast way to end up in Azkaban Prison. Now I have been given special permission by Professor Dumbledore to show them to you. He, like me, believes you're better off knowing what's out there."
Professor Moody summoned a jar containing a large spider which he then proceeded to pour out onto Sue Li's desk to her horror.
The grizzled man pointed his wand at the spider. "First, the Imperius curse."
"Imperio!"
The spider stilled, before it began dancing its way up Sue Li's arm, who yelped as she stilled. Despite the comedic aspect of a dancing spider, Sue Li's fearful expression prevented many of them from finding the humour in it, still, a few laughed along with the Professor. Harry wondered if the professor didn't have a sadistic streak, he seemed to enjoy scaring Sue.
"Funny ain't it, now what should I have it do next? Maybe hide it in one of your bags huh, or maybe," he smiled cruelly, "impale itself?"
Realization dawned on the class, the few who had laughed quieted immediately.
The ex-auror's voice became serious. "Complete and utter control," he explained, "this curse was a nightmare in the past. You wouldn't know who was under it, could be your wife, your best friend. Families were wiped out by their own loved ones. All you had to do was get one under your control and have them kill the rest in their sleep."
Professor Moody scanned the class, taking in their pale faces.
"Of the unforgivable curses, the Imperius is by far the most sinister."
The class was silent as they absorbed the implications of just how dangerous the curse was.
"Before we move on to the others. I have been given permission to place each of you under, one by one. You need to understand how it feels in order to fight it."
He walked forward and stopped in front of one of the students at the front of the class. "We'll start here and move through the class."
What followed was as amusing as it was frightening. Harry watched as his classmates performed ridiculous acts one after another, unable to resist the curse. The only one who had put up a bit of resistance was Susan, but a moment later even she succumbed, performing an impressive owl impersonation.
Having witnessed Sue declare her undying love for Hannah, Ernie performing a ballet, and Megan Jones sing a soprano among others. It was finally his turn.
He prepared himself as he watched Professor Moody raise his wand and point it at his face. His instincts were screaming at him to duck.
"Ready Potter?" asked the ex-auror. To which Harry nodded.
"Imperio"
Harry felt a wave of calm wash over him, followed by a sense of euphoria. He heard a whisper in his head, it sounded both like his own voice, but at the same time not.
"Do a jumping jack."
'What? Why would I do that?'
"Do it now! Jump!"
The whisper became louder, the rough voice of Professor Moody slipping through as it spoke over the sound his own.
'No! Why!? I don't want to.'
"DO IT!" Moody's voice yelled in his mind.
'NO!'
Harry felt his knees hit the ground as he fell forward, out of breath and sweating.
"Good! Good! See that class!? Potter threw it off! Come on boy! Again!"
Harry didn't have a chance to voice his refusal or even fully stand before he was hit with the feeling again. He heard Professor Moody ordering him to dance, but this time the voice ordering him was clearer, easier to refuse.
It was a moment later when he threw off the curse again to the grizzled man's delight and the rest of the class's shock.
"One more time Potter, show me you can throw it off instantly!"
"Imperio!"
This time the voice ordering him was almost a scream in his mind, the feeling of euphoria nearly non-existent. It took barely a few seconds before Harry was able to throw it off, breaking the control.
"That's it Potter! People will have a hell of a time trying to control you lad!"
"Willpower class. That is how you throw off the Imperius. Some people find release in the feeling of the curse, surrendering to its control. Others can't stand the very idea of being under someone else's power. They fight! And once this happens, it's a match of wills, you against the caster."
He fixed his gaze on Harry. "I'll say it Potter, that is a mighty strong will that you have."
Harry didn't acknowledge his words any further than a slight clenching of his jaw.
"Take notes class, do some self-thinking, grow a bit of a backbone, and maybe you'll do better next—and there will be a next time, because we'll be doing this again later in the year."
Harry really wished he could just go sleep or at least find a pepper-up, exhausted as he was. Though it wasn't physically tiring technically, the mental strain was intense and left you feeling as if you've been awake for ages. To add insult to injury, he also felt the beginnings of a headache.
It didn't help that some of the class kept stealing glances at him.
"How'd you do it?" came a soft voice from his side.
Harry glanced towards Padma and shrugged with a sigh. "I just heard a voice telling me to do stuff. I didn't want to do it, that's all I guess."
"That's it?" asked Padma incredulously.
"That's it."
She stared at him in amazement, before she could respond. Professor Moody's voice cut through. "Next, the Cruciatus curse."
Harry watched as his professor straightened his expression before an angry, almost hateful look replaced it. He noticed a glint in the man's good eye, as he incanted with an almost growl, "CRUCIO"
The effect was instantaneous, the spider began writhing, almost spasming in agony. Harry was immediately brought back to the night of the world cup. The image of Fleur's form on the floor, convulsing. The healers' words rang like thunder in his head.
Nerve blockers for cruciatus exposure.
He remembered the scream he heard and understood the meaning behind it now.
'Fleur has been through this.'
He kept hearing her scream and seeing Fleur on that floor over and over as he watched the spider in pain. His chest tightened as the classroom closed around him. He couldn't breathe, he needed it to stop. He had to make it stop!
His wand was moving before he realized what he was doing.
An overpowered disarming charm shot towards Moody, whose wand moved far faster than you'd expect of the handicapped man. He didn't even realize that he'd cast it silently.
Though Harry's spell was shielded, it still managed to accomplish its goal. The curse was lifted from the spider granting it much needed relief. The twitching spider tried to slowly slink away. But from the sluggish way it moved, the effects of the spell had clearly left its mark.
The class was silent as Professor Moody and the rest of them stared at Harry, many of them looked a bit ill. Even Sue, who was afraid of spiders, didn't want to see it in such pain.
"Enough," said Harry, breathing heavily, his wand still pointed unwaveringly at the professor.
Moody watched Harry seriously, before he continued. "Lastly, the Killing curse. It does what it says, kills. Only one person is known to have survived it. And if he doesn't lower his wand, he'll be spending the rest of the week in detention."
Harry felt a tug at the side of his robes, as Padma pulled him back down. He lowered his wand but kept it out as he took his seat again.
Professor Moody pointed his wand one last time at the spider.
"Avada Kedavra!"
A flash of green light, the same green light that filled his dreams on some nights, ever since the dementors had drawn that memory from the recesses of his mind.
The spider was dead in an instant.
"Some believe the spell stops the heart, others that it rips the soul from the body. One way or the other. It kills, that's all you need to care about. It is common belief that it can't be shielded against. This is not entirely true, an object pulled into the path will stop it, and a sufficiently strong ward won't be pierced by it."
He looked around the class as he met their eyes.
"I want ten inches on any of the three unforgivables by our next class. Class dismissed…"
"Potter." Harry looked up at hearing his name called.
"A word."
Harry grabbed his bag and made his way to Professor Moody.
"You had a pretty strong reaction to the Cruciatus, now whatever happened to cause it is your business. I don't really care either way, but word of advice boy. You come across someone who is throwing around curses like that. You put him down, and you put him down hard."
Harry took in the man's words. His scars a testament to his experience. He thought of the two who had tortured Fleur, he'd gone in hard that night, and had taken down one of them. If he'd opted for the disarming charm, the encounter could have gone much differently. Perhaps himself, or one of his friends might have been injured or worse.
"You hear me boy?" pressed the ex-auror with a raised voice.
"Yes sir, put them down, and put them down hard."
"Good, off with you, and well done again, throwing off the Imperius."
"Thank you, sir."
Harry left the classroom, and despite the minor distraction provided by Professor Moody at the end. He was still plagued by the sound of Fleur's scream. He understood that there was nothing he could do about it now. He just wished he had some way of seeing her now, knowing she was alright was one thing. Being able to see her in person would really help to set his mind at ease.
He still had the last letter from Fleur in his bag, he'd forgotten to put it in his trunk. Harry took the photo of Fleur from the envelope. Seeing her with her sister and the kitten in the photo helped to reassure him.
Having calmed down slightly since class. He set off for the hospital wing.
"You can do it Harry, try again."
With a deep breath, Harry followed Madam Pomfrey's instruction. He pointed his wand at the anatomical model's head, breathed in and out once more, and performed the wand movements.
"Cerebrum Reprehendo"
The feedback he felt from the spell indicated brain damage.
"Well done." His teacher nodded before pulling out a seat. She waved for him to sit as well. "Let's take a break here. You can tell me what had you so out of sorts today."
"Maisy," called Madam Pomfrey as he sat.
A house elf popped into the room. "Yes, Madam Pomfees?"
"Bring us a few sandwiches and some pumpkin juice please."
The elf vanished and reappeared barely a few seconds later with a tray and a pitcher of juice.
"Thank you," said Madam Pomfrey gratefully. The elf smiled before popping away again.
"Eat Harry, you've had a long day."
Harry thanked her before digging in, once he began to eat, he realized just how hungry he really was.
His teacher waited for him to eat before she questioned him.
"Tell me what's been on your mind today?"
The young man took a deep breath. "Professor Moody showed us the unforgivables toda-"
The Matron gasped, interrupting him.
"-He had permission," continued Harry quickly.
Madam Pomfrey stilled, clearly still upset.
"Anyway, when he showed us the Cruciatus. I remembered the world cup, one of the death eaters was holding Fleur under it, that's the girl I saved," he explained, "we've become friends of sorts."
Madam Pomfrey's face softened. "How is she now?"
Harry relaxed slightly. "I think she's alright, I mean, we've exchanged letters, and she's sent me some photos. Wait."
Harry grabbed his bag, fishing out the last one she'd sent him. He showed it to his teacher. "That's her and her sister."
Madam Pomfrey looked at the photo, she was struck by how beautiful the girl was, but neglected to mention it, deciding instead to give Harry her professional opinion to calm his worries.
"Harry, the fact that she is sitting up, and clearly comfortable and social means she avoided the serious side effects of cruciatus exposure. You made it in time."
Harry looked at the photo and smiled.
"Ready to continue?" asked the Matron.
He nodded. "I'm ready."
"Perfect, now show me the charm again. I need you casting it perfectly."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Harry laughed at the outraged expression on Professor McGonagall's face.
"Don't laugh Mr. Potter," scolded the woman good naturedly. "Your father earned himself an entire month of detention for that prank, and worse, he was only a first year!"
"Now James was very much in love with your mother from the moment they met. But as ones that young are, he was absolutely pathetic at getting the message across. It didn't help that he was jealous of Severus."
"Wait Ma'am, my dad was jealous of Snape!?"
"Professor Snape, Harry," admonished the woman.
"And well yes, Severus and your mother were the best of friends when they arrived at Hogwarts, though the house rivalry did separate them. They stuck it out and continued to remain close for years."
Harry was dumbstruck, and confused, his mother was best friends with Snape. The greaseball who treated him like crap, was her best friend…
"Now your father, instead of trying to win Lily's heart. He opted for pranking Severus, and then in the aftermath, he'd confess his love to your mother, thinking his prank was impressive. Now of course Lily was outraged, and rightfully so. She couldn't stand James, and it wasn't until years later, when he'd finally matured and became the man he could be. That she gave him the time of day."
Professor McGonagall smiled fondly as she reminisced. "Lily though, she was a dream of a student to have, much like Miss Granger. It's rare that I get such academically inclined lions. Brave, intelligent, and incredibly compassionate, an amazing person in every meaning of the word."
She took a sip of her tea, wetting her throat before she continued. "There was an incident once. A young Slytherin student had insulted your mother. James of course took it upon himself to get retribution. He clearly wanted Lily to witness the prank, but on her arrival. She'd noticed the set-up and immediately rushed to save the boy from his humiliation. Fortunately, he was spared, but unfortunately, she had gotten caught in his stead."
Harry was torn between shame at his father, and pride for his mother. He took some comfort in knowing that his dad had eventually grown out of his childishness.
"What was the prank?"
"It was thankfully nothing malicious. Lily had to attend her classes with her skin as red as a tomato for the next day or two though. There was no easy way to reverse it other than just let it run its course."
She laughed. "Now I was witness to the entire debacle and knew immediately who was behind it when James in a panic began to apologize profusely to your mother. The dressing down Lily gave him almost made me feel bad about assigning him detention."
"Almost."
Harry chuckled at the image of a bright red Lily scolding his father.
"If there was one upside out of the incident, it's that the young boy had what I believe was an epiphany. He never treated any of the muggleborns poorly after that and grew into a fine man. His daughters are both students currently, and among the most respectful Slytherins I've seen in years."
Harry tried to recall all the pairs of sibling sisters in Slytherin. He could only think of the twins, and then the Greengrass sisters. The twins were definitely out, their dad was apparently an ass. That left the Greengrass sisters and come to think of it. Harry couldn't recall a single time either of them had insulted anyone or even behaved rudely.
"Oh, dearie me, look at the time, I think we can stop here. It's almost dinner, best be on your way Harry."
"Thank you, Ma'am. I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me about my parents," he thanked her, truly grateful for what he has learned. He really was touched that she would meet him like this.
"You're welcome, I enjoyed it immensely. They were both lovely people, and I miss them dearly."
Harry smiled at her, he'd gotten to know about his parents, and also had a glimpse into the secret softie that was Professor McGonagall. He said his goodbyes, before heading to dinner, with just enough time to drop his bag off in his room first and use the men's room.
END CHAPTER FIVE
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