The Gryffindor students filed into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, their usual banter muted by the presence of their new professor. Harry, Ron, and Hermione took their seats, their curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar setup. Harry's eyes scanned the room, noting how pristine it was, with desks aligned in precise rows and shelves stocked with an assortment of labeled books and artifacts. It was a stark contrast to the usual chaotic setup of their previous Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons. At the front of the room stood Professor Iverson, a short, plump man with an air of approachable authority.

"Good morning," Iverson said, his voice calm and steady. "I'm Professor Iverson, and I'll be guiding you through the intricacies of recognizing and defending yourselves against the dark arts this year."

Iverson's gaze roamed over the students, pausing briefly on each of them. His eyes had a thoughtful quality, as if he was taking in more than just their physical presence.

He continued, "Defense Against the Dark Arts is not solely about learning spells and counter-curses. It's also about understanding the subtler signs of danger."

Hermione's hand shot up. Iverson's gaze settled on her as he nodded. "Yes, Miss…?"

"Granger," Hermione answered. "Will we be learning advanced spells this year, Professor?"

Iverson's smile broadened, though his eyes remained focused. "Advanced spells will come in due time Miss Granger. For now, it's crucial to develop your observational skills. Not every threat makes itself known with dramatic displays. Sometimes, danger reveals itself through subtle, almost imperceptible signs."

Harry listened intently, his interest piqued by the concept of detecting danger through subtle signs rather than relying solely on spells.

Iverson moved to his desk and picked up a quill, holding it up for the class to see. "Consider this quill," he said, his tone casual but precise. "It seems ordinary, doesn't it?" He set it back down, his fingers lingering on it for a moment longer than necessary. "But a cursed quill might produce a discomfort or ink of an unusual hue."

A murmur of interest rippled through the classroom. Students exchanged curious glances, some leaning forward to get a better view of the quill.

Iverson continued "Today's lesson on cursed objects will be a practical one outside of the classroom."

The class displayed a mix of apprehension and anticipation. They had never experienced a practical class before, and the mention of handling cursed objects left them feeling simultaneously intrigued and uneasy.

"Follow me," Iverson instructed.

The Gryffindor students followed Professor Iverson outside the classroom, down the deserted corridor, their excitement momentarily interrupted by a commotion. Peeves, the notorious poltergeist, swooped into view.

"Look at this! Gryffindors off to a new adventure!" Peeves cackled, spinning through the air.

Iverson stopped and addressed Peeves calmly. "Peeves, we're on our way to a lesson. Please refrain from causing a disturbance."

Peeves hovered closer, still grinning. "And if I don't? What then?"

Iverson's tone remained steady but firm. "If you insist, I'll have to inform the Headmaster. I'm sure he'd be interested in your latest antics."

Peeves hesitated at the mention of the Headmaster. "Alright, alright! I'll find another way to amuse myself," he grumbled, drifting away.

Harry and the rest of the class were impressed by Iverson's composed but effective handling of Peeves.

Iverson turned back to the students. "Let's proceed."

They were led down a second corridor towards the staff room, where Iverson gestured them inside. The room was unoccupied except for Professor Snape, who was at his seat with his usual scowl in place.

Iverson greeted Snape with a nod. "Good afternoon, Severus."

"Good afternoon," Snape nodded back in acknowledgement before his eyes swept over the students. "You must be warned about Longbottom, Edgar. It would be unwise to entrust him with anything difficult without Miss Granger hissing instructions in his ear," his tone dripping with barely concealed disdain.

Neville turned scarlet as Harry glared at Snape. Snape couldn't refrain from bullying Neville even in another professor's class.

Iverson's expression remained calm as he nodded. "Thank you for the heads-up, Professor. We'll keep that in mind."

He led the students further into another room in the staff area, where more objects were arranged for examination. The new room was filled with an assortment of intriguing and mysterious items on the tables and shelves. Harry looked around, feeling a quiet sense of anticipation.

"Alright. I've placed several objects around here—some cursed, some not. Your task is to identify which are cursed using only your instincts and the principles I'm about to teach you," said Iverson.

The students spread out towards the various items.

Iverson subsequently began explaining the ways to identify cursed objects including recognizing slight temperature changes, usual sounds, a change in the object's aura, subtle physical reactions, behavioral changes in the object, discrepancies in magical resonance, altered colors or textures, emotional influence, anomalies in refection and unexpected magical reaction. They were shown examples as he did so.

He then instructed them to began their own examination of the objects in front of them. Hermione meticulously inspected a set of old, dusty tomes, while Ron poked at a peculiar-looking jar. Harry wandered to a corner where a small crystal vial rested on a pedestal. He picked it up, turning it in his hands and peering through the clear liquid inside.

As the students worked, Iverson moved among them, offering occasional guidance. "Remember to trust your instincts," he said to a group gathered around an ancient-looking object. "The subtleties are often the most telling."

The class continued, with students focusing intently on their task. Iverson's calm demeanor and the challenge of the exercise created an atmosphere of concentration and curiosity.

When the bell rang, they began gathering their things. Hermione turned to Harry and Ron, her expression pensive. "Professor Iverson seems more knowledgeable than the Defense professors we've had so far," she observed. "He's delving into much darker territory than before."

Ron slung his bag over his shoulder, casting a wary glance at the objects they'd inspected."Yeah," he agreed. "Makes you wonder what darker things we've been brushing past all this time."

"It's probably for the best," added Harry. "So we're more prepared to face actual darkness out there."

As they left the room Harry's gaze drifting back to Iverson, who was tidying the room with methodical care. The professor's careful attention to detail and emphasis on observational skills had left a clear impression. This year's Defense Against the Dark Arts class would be both challenging and unique.

James leaned back in his chair, as he surveyed the informal living room of Potter Manor. The firelight flickered across the walls, casting long shadows over the marble floor, exquisite furniture and the collection of magical artifacts that adorned the room. Sirius Black and Regulus Black were bent over the cribs where Sirius's twin babies, Reggie (Now known as RB) and Leia, were nestled. The baby twins cooed and giggled as their father and uncle entertained them with soft, animated toys and gentle charms.

Jenny and Miranda were seated together on the couch, huddled over some papers and whispering intently. Remus, seated in an armchair, was studying a piece of parchment with his usual thoughtful expression, though he occasionally glanced up to smile at the playful scene before him.

Jenny looked, her eyes alight with excitement as she addressed the whole room. "I heard about a dark artifact gala at Obscura Hall next month. They're showcasing some rare items, including a Gryffindor Crest Medallion that's recently surfaced."

"A Gryffindor medallion?" James asked, raising an eyebrow. "Let me guess—it's either a key to some ancient treasure or just a really expensive paperweight?"

Sirius was grinning delightedly as he floated a small, shimmering charm above Leia's crib, chimed in. "Either way, it's bound to attract attention. Dark wizards love their shiny trinkets."

Remus glanced up from his parchment with a subtle smile. "And here I thought you were just into shiny things for their aesthetic appeal, Sirius."

"Guilty as charged," Sirius laughed, shrugging nonchalantly. "But let's face it, anything with Gryffindor's name on it will definitely draw a crowd."

James's eyes widened and brows furrowed as he tilted his head. "Hold on. What's Obscura Hall, and how on Merlin's earth do you know about this illegal dark artifact gala?"

"Obscura Hall used to be a rehabilitation center near Knockturn Alley. It was shut down years ago after a scandal, and now it's used by dark wizards for their artifact galas and secret gatherings. I heard about the gala from a patient," Jenny, who was a healer at St. Mungo's, explained.

"So you think that since the thief at St. Mungo's and Belleview is after the Gryffindor Stone, they'd be after the Gryffindor Medallion as well?"

"Exactly."

"Then we need to get in," said James.

Regulus, who had been gently waving colorful smoke over Reggie's crib, looked up with a thoughtful expression. "Dark wizards don't put their treasures on display without ensuring they're protected. So the gala is likely to be heavily guarded. We'll need to be careful if we plan to get close."

"They haven't met us and our ways. Dodging fancy security at a gala is child's play to us," said James as he exchanged playful smirks with Sirius. "But nevertheless, we'll be careful," he added to an apprehensive Regulus.

Sirius leaned in, twiddling his fingers. "And the thief after the Gryffindor Stone will probably be at the gala. Sounds like a prime opportunity to make our move and catch them in the act."

Remus, maintaining his calm demeanor but with a hint of a grin, added, "Just to be clear, by 'make our move,' you don't mean actually steal anything, right?"

James chuckled. "Come on, Moony, where's your sense of adventure? But not to worry. We'll keep it low-key. Wouldn't dream of ruining the big night for dark wizards."

"If we're going to this gala, I'd better make sure Sirius behaves," Miranda interjected. "Last thing we need is him charming every witch there while we're trying to catch a thief."

Sirius raised his hands in mock surrender while Leia reached for a floating toy in her crib. "Hey, I can multitask. Besides, someone's got to keep the crowd entertained."

Jenny's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I'll work on getting us invitations and digging up more on the medallion so we don't actually have to worry about sneaking in. Miranda and I will handle that while you four come up with your plan—defense or otherwise."

James shrugged. "Defense, attack—depends on who makes the first move. But don't worry, we'll be ready."

Regulus nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "We should also inform the Order about this. If the heirloom is as powerful as we believe, it's crucial that we don't let it fall into the wrong hands."

"Good point," James replied. "We'll coordinate with the Order."

"Just try not to burn the place down while you're at it," Miranda added with a playful grin.

Sirius, still grinning, responded, "No promises, but we'll keep the fireworks to a minimum."

As Jenny and Miranda exchanged a conspiratorial look and left to make arrangements, James watched them with a mix of excitement and anticipation. The prospect of uncovering the truth behind the Gryffindor heirloom and catching the thief was thrilling. Gryffindor's heirloom, a dark artifact gala, and a bunch of dark wizards—what could possibly go wrong?

With that, he joined his friends at the table, ready to dive into their next adventure.

=to be continued=

Please review and let me know what you think of Iverson and his class. And of the upcoming adventure of the Marauders. Let me know what you think of the dialogue, narration, characterization, character dynamics, etc. Would love to hear it.