The Defense Professor Chapter 1: Chapter 1

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1 Title: The Defense Professor Category: Books» Harry Potter Author: Bloodpage Alchemist Language: English, Rating: Rated: K+ Genre: General Published: , Updated: Chapters: 12, Words: 47,926 Chapter 1: Chapter 1 1. The letters just wouldn't stop. Constant nagging and bothering about anything the government could think of to make him upset, not to mention the newest demand: "Have you found a Defense teacher yet?" Headmaster Albus Percival Wulfuric Brian Dumbledore was tired. He wasn't as young as he used to be and sometimes, doing the right thing just wasn't easy. He was going to be stuck with some Ministry idiot now because of the Defense position. They were going to have a foothold right into Hogwarts and he couldn't stop them. It was bad enough knowing that he was going to have to be stealthy because the Ministry wouldn't acknowledge the return of the Dark Lord Voldemort but to have to put up with them everywhere, not even having a safe haven in his school, would be quite annoying. A gentle tap at his window made Albus look up. He couldn't rest despite his exhaustion, and so a distraction was quite welcome. He opened the window and the bird entered. The bird wasn't an owl, but it was a nocturnal one... ah, yes, a nighthawk, with a letter. Albus knew it wasn't from the Ministry or from anyone he knew. Curious, he accepted the letter and noticed the nighthawk waited patiently for him. Albus opened it and his eyes widened. A curriculum vitae? He looked quickly at the letter attached, which read: Dear Headmaster Dumbledore, I am terribly sorry about the late sending of this letter and my CV. Please rest assured it was not deliberate; I just was unable to send it until now. If the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is already taken, then my heartfelt apologies for bothering you when I know you are so obviously busy. Thank you, Archimedes S. Hat Oh. Someone was applying for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position? Wait. Someone was applying for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position! Albus's eyes widened as the thought fully hit him and he immediately ripped the CV out of the envelope and began to look over it. It was a very comprehensive listing of this man's professional history, including every term of employment, academic credential, publication,

2 contribution and significant achievement he had even included some samples of his work! Albus was beyond impressed; it seemed as if the man had studied an old fashioned style of calligraphy and used it a fair bit, since his handwriting was very, very neat. Home schooled; well, that was good, there would be no biases against any students because of their House. Albus nodded and picked up a quill. He would schedule an interview immediately for this Archimedes S. Hat and... Really? If one can't be honest with himself, who can he be honest with? Albus knew full well that any interview really was just for show. The only other applicant had been his Potions professor, Severus Snape, and he was not going to give the job to him. That was something Albus would only do upon pain of death, and even that was questionable. He had a Defense teacher. The Ministry would need to find another way to get its claws into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Albus didn't put it past them, but he was curious, very much so, about the obviously brilliant applicant. Why settle for just being a teacher when he had so many accomplishments? Well, he had been asked that question many times himself. Perhaps, like Albus, this Archimedes didn't trust himself with power. Or perhaps, like Filius Flitwick and Minerva McGonagall, two brilliant people that really had their choice of career paths, he just honestly wanted to teach younger generations. Albus chuckled; better to not question too much and just be relieved that someone had decided to take the post. "Here you are," he told the nighthawk, who gave his fingers an affectionate rub of its head and a gentle nibble of his fingertips before allowing him to tie the letter to its foot and zooming out the window. Albus hoped the flight wouldn't be long, seeing as he had scheduled the interview for the next day! If he was going to outwit the Ministry, it would have to be very, very quickly because August was almost over. He smiled, scribbling a letter to the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, that stated: Dear Cornelius, Your interest in the future of the school is very admirable and though I am glad for it, I must tell you that the position for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post has indeed been filled. Though your offer of having a Ministry official step in was rather generous, I am afraid I must decline it. Thank you, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore "Fawkes," Albus said to his familiar, a phoenix who was swan sized and possessed magnificent red and gold plumage. He knew that Fawkes was a very nice looking bird who didn't like the Ministry's approach to this at all. "Would you mind delivering this to the Ministry? I'm afraid I must disappoint those that want to silence me." A happy song echoed through the office as the phoenix took the letter and was gone in a burst of flame. Albus smiled and, feeling a bit better despite his curiosity about the newest staff member, he continued working at a much faster pace than he had been before, eager for the next day to arrive. Perhaps his wish had been granted, because all too quickly the next morning, while Albus was working on some finances for the school, a gentle knock sounded on the door. Albus looked at his watch; 10am. Archimedes was right on time. "Come in!" he called.

3 As well as being very prompt with time, Albus noticed as the man walked in, Archimedes was a very tall person, taller than even Albus himself. He was a rather slender man, with eyes that were such a light brown that for a moment, due to the sunlight streaming through the window, they seemed almost golden. His nose wasn't crooked like Albus's, nor was it large or noticeable; it seemed nice and normal. His light brown hair had such a light touch of gray that unless one were analyzing him, like Albus was doing, it would have been missed. He seemed to give off an air of both intelligence and determination, and Albus found, to his surprise, that he liked the man instantly despite the clothing that could really only be described as "scruffy." The man gave a faint smile and spoke, his voice was a bit familiar but Albus couldn't imagine why perhaps he sounded like someone else? "Good morning, Headmaster." "If we're going to be working together, I would ask you to call me Albus." He stood up and shook Archimedes's hand. A solid grip and an amused smile was the greeting, back, and Albus noticed a few things. There was no trace of the Dark Arts around Archimedes, unlike Quirinus Quirrell. He didn't seem boastful and loud, as Gilderoy Lockhart had been, yet he wasn't as tentative and unsure as Remus Lupin had been. He wasn't grousing about teaching or anything, as Alastor Moody had done either; all in all, Albus was surprised, but this man just seemed like a decent choice. "Ah, I'm sorry. Good morning, Albus," Archimedes corrected. "I'm not late, am I?" "No, you're right on time," Albus said, amused. "Lemon drop?" "Oh, thank you." Archimedes took one and seemed quite blissful as he ate it. Wait; he took one? Albus perked up immediately as the realization sank in, rather happy. So few people actually accepted the offer of the lemon drop that having someone do so was a very pleasant surprise. "Please sit down," Albus said. "Thank you." Archimedes sat and Albus was surprised once more when Fawkes flew over to the man he intended to hire and just sat in his lap, stretching out his head, obviously a silent demand to be pet. Archimedes seemed to instinctively oblige, causing Fawkes to sing a rather happy, sleepy song before just laying his head on the man's shoulder. Albus tried very hard not to show surprise. Fawkes was a beyond excellent judge of character and he had never done that with anyone else besides Albus himself. He allowed others to pet him and had healed others or sung to them, but on the first meeting, he had never just put himself on someone's lap expecting to be pet. The man didn't seem thrown off at all though, which was a good quality in a Defense teacher, to seem as if nothing threw him off, as if all things could be taken in stride. The interview was quick, of course, but despite the swiftness of it, he was indeed impressed. Archimedes Hat knew how to make someone feel comfortable, that was obvious, and there was no denying his intelligence or manners, because for the first time, when Albus asked if he had any questions, the man looked nervous. He looked at Fawkes, who was still relaxing in his lap, and the phoenix gave a gentle coo of sorts before nudging Archimedes. "I was curious about a few things, including the classes themselves," Archimedes finally said, looking back up at Albus, his hand still continuing to scratch Fawkes. "I looked over the standard class schedule and spoke to a few former students. I wouldn't mind if my class could possibly be shared I know about the Houses and I would like to have them share classes, if it is possible?"

4 "Certainly," Albus said, surprised that a teacher would actually want more students in a class. He looked over the possible variations and winced. "Oh dear." "What is it?" "Well... it seems the only possible combinations involve a lot of Gryffindor and Slytherin classes." Albus looked at Archimedes, "They have quite the rivalry." "I don't mind," Archimedes said simply. "I've dealt with many people before that let such things get to them. Besides, how will they get over this rivalry if it is never addressed?" Albus opened his mouth and then closed it; that was a very valid point indeed. "I suppose if you don't mind, that will be just fine." He smiled, "You said you were curious about a few things. Might I ask what the others were?" "Well, I was curious about the types of extracurricular activities that are available for students." "Ah," Albus said, musing. "We have Quidditch, of course, a Charms Club, a Gobstones Club, and a Chess Club." "Oh." Archimedes seemed a tad distracted and he looked back at Fawkes again, who was gently singing to him. Albus wondered if the phoenix was singing a soft song of encouragement. "What is it?" Albus prodded gently. Those light brown eyes seemed a bit golden again due to the light, but it was obvious that he meant every word, "If it's possible... perhaps I could start a dueling club? And literature and music ones as well?" "We had a dueling club a few years ago," Albus mused, remembering it. The students had liked it, but the teachers... one competent teacher wasn't enough to watch such a large group and so the group had fallen apart after one meeting. But perhaps this time... "It seemed to go over well, though the teachers didn't continue it for long. Severus Snape was one of the heads of it perhaps he wouldn't mind having it again. As for the literature and music clubs, I don't see why not. It sounds like an excellent addition to what we have, though we will have to make room in the budget for instruments and other supplies, as well as have the house elves clean out the rooms we will use for them." A smile that seemed to light up the room and also brighten up Albus's day appeared on the newest teacher's face, "Then I would have to say I would be delighted to teach here, Prof er, Albus. However, I do believe I will be arriving with the students since I need time to find more suitable attire." Albus nodded and then decided to check one final thing before he let the man leave. He waited until Fawkes had returned to his perch and the new Defense teacher was at the door. "Archimedes?" "Yes?" The man faced Albus. "With all of the media coverage this summer... tell me, what is your opinion of me and what I have been saying?" Archimedes chuckled, "I think you're trying desperately to lead a horse to water and make it drink." He looked sad now, and continued, "The subject you want me to teach requires me to take any and every threat seriously. I have to have these children aware that some people really do lose themselves to the magic and that they might know the next Dark Lord. Human nature doesn't change. Herpo the Foul, Merwyn the Malicious, Emeric the Evil, Owle Bullock, Morgan le Fay, Godelot, Loxias, Grindelwald, Voldemort... do you really need me to continue?"

5 The sadness etched on Archimedes's face made him seem much older, even causing Albus to feel young for a moment compared to such a depth of emotion, and the man continued, "War, peace and revolution is how the world works, Albus. Voldemort is only one wizard in a list so long it would take years to compile. My job is to teach children how to handle any dark magic user, not just him. So my opinion? If it's not Voldemort, another dark wizard will be here soon enough, as much as I wish it wasn't so, and I will do my job to the best of the ability to teach my students to defend against any dark threat." It was a very depressing statement, but even Albus couldn't deny the truth of it. Archimedes glanced at Fawkes and back at Albus, "As for you personally, you don't strike me as a liar. Harry Potter never seemed to embrace his fame and I've seen the quality of news stories, the start of rumors and speculation. It's disgusting and pathetic. Do I think you're perfect? Of course not, you're only human. Do I think you're trying to do the right thing? Yes." A gentle song of approval from Fawkes and Albus sighed, relieved. He wouldn't have any issues with his staff members. And for someone to see that he was only human was yet another pleasant surprise. "Thank you," Albus said it quietly, the simple words truly heartfelt. "All I did was say the truth," Archimedes replied, giving him a faint smile. "Have a good day." "And you as well. I will see you September first." "Until then." Archimedes left the office. Albus stared after him for a few seconds, until Archimedes was gone, before he looked at Fawkes. "No need to ask what you think. You absolutely adored him." A song of agreement caused Albus to chuckle and shake his head. At least his other staff members, especially Severus, would have things to keep their frustrations at bay with the obvious slander being encouraged by the Ministry. Albus was positive that dueling against a competent opponent would allow Severus to release some of his frustrations, and Minerva would love a reading group for the same problem something that would allow her to loosen up a bit among the students and yet actively debate with them. Being a tad more optimistic for the upcoming school year despite all of the troubles it was bringing with it, Albus returned to his various Headmaster paperwork, actually a bit eager for September first to arrive. Chapter 2: Chapter 2 2. It was September first, and the few students on Platform Nine and Three Quarters saw a very tall man and slender man, with eyes that were such a light brown that they seemed almost golden. He had light brown hair and gave off an aura that seemed to just gather attention. He seemed determined, intelligent, and capable, and nobody stood in his way as he boarded the train with his trunk. Despite the fact that he wore a dark gray Muggle morning suit and had a nighthawk on his shoulder, even the pureblooded witches and wizards didn't comment. He moved to the last compartment on the train, deciding that it would be helpful in allowing the students to exit first, and was a bit surprised to discover that someone was already in it. "Ah, hello," he said politely. "Might I sit here?"

6 The girl beside the window looked up. She had straggly, waist length, dirty blonde hair, very pale eyebrows and protuberant eyes that gave her a permanently surprised look. The girl gave off an aura of distinct dottiness. Perhaps it was the fact that she had stuck her wand behind her left ear for safekeeping, or that she had chosen to wear a necklace of Butterbeer corks, or that she was reading a magazine upside down. She gazed at Hat for a bit before nodding and saying in a dreamy like voice, "You're the new Defense teacher." "Yes, I'm Professor Archimedes Hat. And you are?" He held out his hand. "Luna Lovegood," the girl said, taking his hand and shaking it politely. Hat nodded and glanced at his nighthawk, "Trilby, I'm going to have to ask you to move." The nighthawk nipped him gently before it hopped onto a seat in the compartment, obviously waiting as its owner moved his trunk inside. Hat peered at the magazine, "Ah, the Quibbler. Rather interesting magazine, but some of the stories are sadly exaggerated a bit due to the sources never bothering to check before reporting. Not the owner's fault, of course, but still a shame." Luna nodded, "My father is the editor." Hat chuckled, "Stories that matter that the Prophet won't print. I can see the logic." He sat down and took out what appeared to be a journal from under his suit jacket, along with a Muggle pen. "Ms. Lovegood, you're in fourth year. Might I ask about the teachers you've had in my subject before?" She seemed surprised that Hat was speaking to her, but Luna obliged, saying, "We didn't really learn a lot my first year, Professor Lockhart was a bit of a joke. But Professor Lupin was very good, and so was Professor Moody. We learned about creatures and spells and some theories." They spoke a bit before Hat raised an eyebrow, hearing quite a bit of noise on the train now, and murmured, "Pardon me." He opened the compartment door and saw a boy with a round face shining with the effort of pulling his trunk along and maintaining a one handed grip on his struggling toad. Hat blinked a moment before chuckling and asking, "May I?" as he indicated the trunk. "Thanks," the boy said gratefully, grasping his toad with both hands and allowing Hat to bring his trunk into the compartment. "It was my pleasure," Hat said simply. "I am Professor Archimedes Hat and this is Luna Lovegood. And you are?" "Oh, I I'm Neville Longbottom," the boy stammered, grasping the toad that attempted to escape. "Sorry about Trevor, he's, well, he can be rather energetic." "That shows he is a very healthy toad and that you take good care of him," Hat said simply. "It's nothing to be ashamed of." He gave Neville a smile, "Ms. Lovegood and I were just discussing my subject and the teachers you've had. Would you mind sharing your point of view as well?" "I'm rubbish at everything except Herbology," Neville said, looking ashamed of this fact. Hat looked Neville up and down, obviously not liking that statement. "It seems as if that's a self fulfilling prophecy. Some people just take more time to develop magically. One such person was Godric Gryffindor." "Really?" "Yes. It was one reason he was so proficient in sword dueling, which was more of a Muggle means of fighting. He had magic but came off as clumsy for most of his youth and adolescence.

7 Some reports stated his family was often concerned he was a Squib until he was almost of age. Then he seemed to come into his own and became the legend we know today." Neville seemed pleasantly surprised and had sat down. Before he could speak though, the compartment door opened once more, revealing two other people. "Hi Harry, Ginny," Neville said. "Hi Neville," both of the newcomers said. "Hi Luna," Ginny said politely. "Hello," Luna said nodding to her and Harry. "Oh, um..." Neville looked a bit nervous, "Professor Hat, this is Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley. Harry's in my year and House, and Ginny's a year under us." "It's nice to meet you," Hat said politely to the newcomers, standing up and helping both Ginny and Harry with their trunks. "We were discussing the previous Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers and what you learned, if you wouldn't mind sharing. I'd like to be a bit aware of what I'm getting into." "My first year teacher was a bit of an idiot," Ginny said, thinking. "But I was distracted most of my first year." "Yeah, you didn't have Quirrell," Neville said, remembering this fact. Harry looked irritated as he said, "Lucky them, they didn't have a teacher that had Voldemort on the back of his head." Everyone shared looks and Hat raised an eyebrow, "There was a dark lord on the back of one of your teacher's head and nobody noticed?" Harry was taken aback by how serious and concerned Hat looked, and he said hurriedly, "H He wore a turban..." "The only kind of magic that would allow such a thing is possession, which is normally among the darkest magic someone can perform. Now there are similar things to possession, like certain types of bonds, that might be necessary to save someone's life, but a dark lord wouldn't do that. But for the type of magic he did... even covering the head would mean the sheer scent and aura around such a malevolent being... honestly, unless he coated himself in garlic to throw off the aura and scent, I can't see how he'd get away with it." Harry and Neville shared looks and Ginny said with a giggle, "My older brothers kept saying one of their teachers smelled like garlic all the time because he was scared of vampires coming to get him. He would be constantly protected." Hat just looked at her for a few seconds with a look akin to horror on his face and back at Harry, who couldn't help himself and said, "That'd be the same teacher." "Swive," Hat said softly, shaking his head in disbelief. Luna giggled at that, "That's an awfully ancient swear word, Professor." The man chuckled while the others shared confused looks. "Right, so I'm gathering it hasn't exactly been well rounded for most students?" "Well... we learned a lot about curses last year," Neville said hesitantly. Harry nodded, "And Professor Lupin was our third year teacher, he taught us loads about creatures." Hat nodded a few times, looking a bit concerned, "You're starting your fifth year but you already learned curses? Have you been taught hexes and counter spells?"

8 Everyone looked at each other with obvious confusion and Harry said, "Well, Snape showed us how to disarm someone in a dueling club meeting a few years ago, but that's it." "But Harry, you knew a lot of spells for the tournament," Neville said, confused. "Well, I studied on my own for that," Harry admitted. "So you know some hexes and counter spells?" Hat asked. When Harry nodded in confirmation, Hat looked around the room. "Anyone else?" "I do a decent bat bogey hex," Ginny offered. Hat sighed, looking worried. "Are we behind?" Luna asked, looking a bit dreamily out the window. "Normally we have a rough outline of what all of the years need to know," Hat confirmed. "First year is basic theory and explaining. Proper wand treatment and storage, stances for dueling, basic first aid and very basic history. Normally the Defense teacher collaborates very much with the Charms and History teachers in first year." "Well, we learned a little first aid," Neville confirmed. "And some facts," Harry said. Hat nodded and continued, "And the other teacher after him?" Four voices said as one, "How to write poetry and not to let pixies loose." Hat looked utterly horrified and swore once more. "But you said there was a dueling club. Second years are supposed to learn the basics of both proper dueling and, sadly, when you might be outnumbered." "Professor Lockhart dropped his wand trying to show me a shield charm," Harry said flatly. "I believe I'm going to need a headache potion..." Hat murmured quietly. "Professor Lupin taught us that," Ginny said, looking at Luna, who nodded. "And you said he taught you about creatures," Hat said, sighing in relief. "Well, that seems in order then. But you learned curses in fourth year?" He didn't seem to like that very much. "Everyone learned curses," Luna confirmed no longer looking out the window or dreamily at the ceiling. "... Everyone? " Hat saw the students all nod and he muttered, "What was your teacher, a Death Eater? Goodness..." "Actually, yes, he was," Harry said, causing Hat to just twitch and stare at him. "You were supposed to learn intermediate curses, hexes and counters," Hat said tiredly. "And you were supposed to learn more about curses and a bit more history and theory this year, along with poisons and antidotes." "We covered antidotes last year," Harry said, thinking. "You misunderstand. I meant using them on the field, how to assemble a basic field kit and things of that nature. Essentially, fifth year is to make sure everyone is ready for their O. and thus it's usually been a joke to say that it's the beginning of the Auror training program." "Aurors need potions?" Harry looked aghast at this. "It's a hard job," Hat confirmed. He chuckled and said, "I'm guessing that since you've had to fight dark wizards your entire life that it seems like a perfect career for you?" Harry looked at his feet before he nodded. Neville spoke up quietly, "I didn't know about the potions. I knew they needed good marks and have training for three years..."

9 "You'd like to be an Auror as well?" Hat's voice was gentle. "Both of my parents were Aurors," Neville said, his voice so quiet that over the noise of the train, it was hard to hear him. Hat nodded a few times, looking at both boys before saying simply, "If that is what you both want, then my job as your Defense teacher is to help you to the best of my ability. If you think that you might not be able to learn something, I urge you to see me and I will tutor you personally myself." The words must have struck a chord because Harry chuckled and murmured, "You remind me of Professor Lupin, sir. He spent ages teaching me the patronus charm." "... Mr. Potter, I'm quite concerned that I might not be of very much use to you this year," Hat said, looking a bit sad. He brightened, "There is the saying that you learn while teaching though... I wonder if Hogwarts has gotten rid of the assistant position..." "What?" Everyone asked. "My younger students are all behind," Hat said easily. "Once upon a time, teachers had assistants at the school because magic is dangerous. If your Head of House is willing to work with me on this, then I would be delighted to have you as an assistant. Some students learn better from people closer to their age anyway..." Hat mused for a few moments before continuing, "Of course, you have to agree, and if you have any other responsibilities like being a prefect " "I don't," Harry said quickly, grinning. The idea obviously appealed to him, and why wouldn't it? Voldemort was back, he knew it even if nobody wanted to believe it. What better way to be ready than to be able to help teach people what skills they would need? "Just Quidditch." Hat smiled, "Then if your Head of House agrees, I'm sure we will figure out something." The man shook his head and said with a sigh, "Despite what the Minister says, the Ministry needs more enforcers. I overheard Madam Bones telling the heads of the houses to distribute pamphlets about the different programs in the common rooms because in a few years, there won't be enough people to keep on top of all the crimes and minor things such as shoplifting will have to be overlooked in favor of something like the search for a missing person." "Why wouldn't that knowledge be made public?" Ginny demanded, sharing incredulous looks with the others. "Because people would panic. It's politics as usual." Hat gave Harry a bit of a sad smile, "You of all people here should understand that first hand." Harry made a face before he blinked and said, "Wait, you you believe me?" "I'll tell you what I told the Headmaster. War, peace and revolution is how the world works. Voldemort is only one wizard in a list so long it would take years to compile. My job is to teach you how to handle any dark magic user, not just him. So my opinion? If it's not Voldemort, another dark wizard will be here soon enough, as much as I wish it wasn't so, and I will do my job to the best of the ability to teach my students to defend against any dark threat." Hat's eyes bored into Harry's own and he continued, the boy hanging on his words, obviously desperate for someone that wasn't in his small group of trusted associates to see sense, "As for you personally, you don't strike me as a liar. You never seemed to embrace your fame and I've seen the quality of news stories, the start of rumors and speculation, like the Headmaster's

10 being sacked from the Wizengamot and the International Confederation of Wizards because he's 'getting on up in years '" Hat began. "My gran says that's rubbish," Neville piped up. "She says that it's the Daily Prophet that's going downhill, not Dumbledore. She's cancelled our subscription. We believe Harry," said Neville simply. He looking owlishly at all of them. "My gran's always said You Know Who would come back one day. She says if Dumbledore says he's back, he's back." Harry felt a rush of gratitude towards Neville and Hat just sighed, "At least you've got sense. But Harry, you're going to be in for quite a year." "Why do you..." Harry shook his head. "How many more people are going to suggest that you're lying, or unhinged?" Hat gave a sad look, "As many as the Ministry can convince. Politics as usual, as I said." "But why? " Ginny asked. "People don't like the truth," Luna said unexpectedly, her voice still dreamy as she returned to reading her magazine. Hat simply nodded in agreement, returning his attention to his journal. Neville looked slightly nervous as he said, "Sir?" "Hm?" Hat raised an eyebrow. "You said they needed people... how many do they have?" A moment of musing before Hat said, "If I'm correct, then from what I heard, before the last war even started, the ministry had a bit over one hundred fifty enforcers. By the end of the war about a hundred of those were dead or retired and the Ministry never fully recovered from its losses. There are currently about fifty enforcers and I think thirty of them are due to retire within five years and in the past ten years, they've only gotten three recruits." Ginny shook her head, "That can't be right. Dad says people apply all the time." " Apply," Hat stressed. "Ask your dad how many of the applicants are accepted into the department they applied for." She paused thoughtfully. Harry thought about his hearing and the people that had worked at the Ministry. Most of them weren't exactly young, like Hat had said... it was a disturbing thought, though since the current administration had idiots in it, Harry didn't exactly think them leaving was a bad thing. "So... what exactly does an assistant do?" Harry asked, curious. "Well, you'll be helping me grade tests and papers, assist students with their work, and take attendance. Depending on the class and the material, you might teach portions of the class lessons or teach lessons to small groups of students who need extra instruction." Harry nodded, "But you said that the teacher was supposed to work with the other teachers?" "Yes," Hat said, nodding. "The other teachers usually had assistants as well in the older days." "But why? Not every subject is behind," Ginny said, confused. "No, but Hogwarts..." Hat sighed, and looked around, "Hasn't anyone taught you history?" "Professor Binns puts most of us to sleep," Neville said quietly. "You can't help it, especially when it's warm and his voice just drones..." Hat seemed amused and he just shook his head, "Hogwarts was the model school, the first of its kind. Before Hogwarts and even now in some cases, people learned magic due to apprenticeships. Because so many of the teachers were masters of one subject, they had to

11 rely heavily on the others to teach all of the subjects. Now, they knew all areas, of course, but much like your teachers now, they were especially gifted in the subject they taught. Their assistants were as well, and so the teachers would plan lessons together and with their assistants. Sometimes their assistants would go to meetings in their stance it really was a strong structure because they relied so heavily on each other. It was where the Houses were derived from each had students like them and so, much like they leaned on each other, they thought that the students would learn from their example and do the same." The others in the compartment shared looks at that and Ginny said, "But then what's the point of the House points and everything?" "The Founders didn't invent that system," Hat said simply. "And unless I am much mistaken, I do believe it is lunch time." The smiling witch from the food trolley opened the compartment door and everyone bought something. Hat in particular seemed to buy practically everything. Harry looked at him and at the massive stockpile, "Hungry?" "You have no idea," Hat said simply. "Sometimes sugar is a remedy for the soul. Never underestimate the simple and yet amazing power of snacks." Everyone in the compartment seemed to chuckle at this and the students began playing Exploding Snap while Hat left for a few moments, excusing himself. He had been gone a few minutes when the compartment door slid open and Ron and Hermione walked in, accompanied by Crookshanks and a shrilly hooting Pigwidgeon in his cage. "I'm starving," said Ron, stowing Pigwidgeon next to Hedwig, grabbing a Chocolate Frog from Harry and throwing himself into the seat next to him. He ripped open the wrapper, bit off the frog's head and leaned back with his eyes closed as though he had had a very exhausting morning. "Well, there are two fifth year prefects from each house," said Hermione, looking thoroughly disgruntled as she took her seat. "Boy and girl from each." "And guess who's a Slytherin prefect?" said Ron, still with his eyes closed. "Malfoy," replied Harry at once, certain his worst fear would be confirmed. "Course," said Ron bitterly, stuffing the rest of the Frog into his mouth and taking another. "And that complete cow Pansy Parkinson," said Hermione viciously. "How she got to be a prefect when she's thicker than a concussed troll " "Who are Hufflepuff's?" Harry asked. "Ernie Macmillan and Hannah Abbott," said Ron thickly. "And Anthony Goldstein and Padma Patil for Ravenclaw," said Hermione. "You went to the Yule Ball with Padma Patil," said a vague voice. Everyone turned to look at Luna Lovegood, who was gazing unblinkingly at Ron over the top of The Quibbler. He swallowed his mouthful of Chocolate Frog. "Yeah, I know I did," he said, looking mildly surprised. "She didn't enjoy it very much," Luna informed him. "She doesn't think you treated her very well, because you wouldn't dance with her. I don't think I'd have minded," she added thoughtfully, "I don't like dancing very much." She retreated behind The Quibbler again. Ron stared at the cover with his mouth hanging open for a few seconds, then looked around at Ginny for some kind of

12 explanation, but Ginny had stuffed her knuckles in her mouth to stop herself giggling. Ron shook his head, bemused, then checked his watch. "We're supposed to patrol the corridors every so often," he told Harry and Neville, "and we can give out punishments if people are misbehaving. I can't wait to get Crabbe and Goyle for something." "You're not supposed to abuse your position, Ron!" said Hermione sharply. "Yeah, right, because Malfoy won't abuse it at all," said Ron sarcastically. "So you're going to descend to his level?" "No, I'm just going to make sure I get his mates before he gets mine." "For heaven's sake, Ron " "I'll make Goyle do lines, it'll kill him, he hates writing," said Ron happily. He lowered his voice to Goyle's low grunt and, screwing up his face in a look of pained concentration, mimed writing in midair. "I must not look like a baboon's backside." Everyone laughed, but nobody laughed harder than Luna Lovegood. She let out a scream of mirth that caused Hedwig to wake up and flap her wings indignantly and Crookshanks to leap up into the luggage rack, hissing. Luna laughed so hard her magazine slipped out of her grasp, slid down her legs and on to the floor. "That was funny!" Her prominent eyes swam with tears as she gasped for breath, staring at Ron. Utterly nonplussed, he looked around at the others, who were now laughing at the expression on Ron's face and at the ludicrously prolonged laughter of Luna Lovegood, who was rocking backwards and forwards, clutching her sides. "Are you taking the mickey?" said Ron, frowning at her. "Baboon's backside!" she choked, holding her ribs. As the laughter finally died away, the compartment door opened for the third time. Harry looked around; he had expected this, but that did not make the sight of Draco Malfoy smirking at him from between his cronies Crabbe and Goyle any more enjoyable. "What?" he said aggressively, before Malfoy could open his mouth. "Manners, Potter, or I'll have to give you a detention," drawled Malfoy, whose sleek blond hair and pointed chin were just like his father's. "You see, I, unlike you, have been made a prefect, which means that I, unlike you, have the power to hand out punishments." "Yeah," said Harry, "but you, unlike me, are a git, so get out and leave us alone." Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville laughed. Malfoy's lip curled. "Tell me, how does it feel being second best to Weasley, Potter?" he asked. "Shut up, Malfoy," said Hermione sharply. "I seem to have touched a nerve," said Malfoy, smirking. "Well, just watch yourself, Potter, because I'll be dogging your footsteps in case you step out of line " "Just as I'll be doing the same to you for abusing your position?" Everyone turned and Harry almost took a step back. Hat looked very imposing despite standing there calmly, the man somehow reminding Harry very much of Dumbledore. "It's against the rules for a prefect to abuse his or her position of authority." Hat looked at Malfoy and then shifted his gaze directly to Ron. "This also goes for a prefect openly insulting a fellow student."

13 "Who..." Ron didn't know what to say or think. Malfoy seemed a bit irritated, obviously at the fact that a teacher had caught him doing something he shouldn't have been doing. "Who are you?" "I am Professor Hat, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher." Hat gave a smile, "You must be Draco Malfoy. Your father is on the board of governors. I do hope I won't have to tell him that his son is abusing power. Imagine how the other governors would react..." Harry blinked, surprised; Malfoy always used his father as leverage. He had never seen anyone turn Malfoy's usual threat against him, and judging by the slight widening of his eyes, neither had Malfoy. "No, you won't have any reason to do that, sir," Malfoy replied respectfully, obviously not liking Hat. "Come on." This was said to Crabbe and Goyle, and the three left. Hat entered the compartment again, and Harry introduced him to Ron and Hermione. The new teacher returned to his work as the others returned to Exploding Snap. The weather remained undecided as they traveled further and further north. Rain spattered the windows in a half hearted way, then the sun put in a feeble appearance before clouds drifted over it once more. When darkness fell and lamps came on inside the carriages, Luna rolled up The Quibbler, put it carefully away in her bag and took to staring at everyone in the compartment instead. Harry was sitting with his forehead pressed against the train window, trying to get a first distant glimpse of Hogwarts, but it was a moonless night and the rain streaked window was grimy. "We'd better change," said Hermione at last, and all of them opened their trunks with difficulty and pulled on their school robes. She and Ron pinned their prefect badges carefully to their chests. Harry saw Ron checking his reflection in the black window. Hat noticed this and murmured quietly into Harry's ear, "If it's any consolation, all assistants have badges showing who they are as well." It took a weight off Harry's shoulder that he wasn't even aware of, and made him smile, "What's ours of?" "Goodness, what do they teach you in these schools?" Hat said, amused. "Ours is a simple symbol, a shield." Harry thought for a brief second; it made sense. They were Defense Against the Dark Arts, after all. At last, the train began to slow down and they heard the usual racket up and down it as everybody scrambled to get their luggage and pets assembled, ready to get off. As Ron and Hermione were supposed to supervise all this, they disappeared from the carriage again, leaving Harry and the others to look after Crookshanks and Pigwidgeon. Hat shook his head and said, "I'll take them, if you'd like. I won't be taking the carriages." "Thanks," Harry managed. He looked back at Ginny for a brief second to ask a question and when he turned back around, the crowd of students was there, but Hat was gone. Harry looked all around for a brief moment before Neville and Ginny both reminded him that they had to go to the carriages. Still wondering about how their teacher had managed to leave so quickly, Harry followed his friends. Chapter 3: Chapter 3

14 3. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his high backed golden chair at the center of the long staff table, wearing deep purple robes scattered with silvery stars and a matching hat. Albus thought he was rather fashionable, truth be told. And he liked stars. They looked rather nice. And purple made him feel regal. Well, not really, he knew he wasn't good with power, but was it so wrong to like the nice, noble color's history? He looked at the empty seat next to him, wondering where Archimedes could be. He had said he would be coming with the students and here they were. So where was his new Defense teacher? Before he could worry more, his attention was caught by Wilhelmina Grubbly Plank's arrival. Albus watched as she worked her way along to the very end and took the seat that ought to have been Hagrid's. He hoped Hagrid and Olympe were all right... but right now he had to focus on his students. And the fact that Wilhelmina was here meant the first years must have crossed the lake and reached the castle. Sure enough, a few seconds later, the doors from the Entrance Hall opened. A long line of scared looking first years entered, led by Minerva McGonagall, who was carrying a stool on which sat an ancient wizard's hat, heavily patched and darned with a wide rip near the frayed brim. The buzz of talk in the Great Hall faded away. The first years lined up in front of the staff table facing the rest of the students, and Minerva placed the stool carefully in front of them, then stood back. A small boy right in the middle of the row looked as though he was trembling. It wasn't hard to recall how he had felt at his Sorting; Albus was scared that he would be judged by his father, but that had gone away in a few days... and he had been so relieved that that hat had shouted 'Gryffindor!' though he had really wanted to go anywhere except the House known for its views on blood. The whole school waited with bated breath. Then the rip near the hat's brim opened wide like a mouth and the Sorting Hat burst into song: In times of old when I was new And Hogwarts barely started The founders of our noble school Thought never to be parted: United by a common goal, They had the self same yearning, To make the world's best magic school And pass along their learning. 'Together we will build and teach!' The four good friends decided And never did they dream that they Might some day be divided, For were there such friends anywhere As Slytherin and Gryffindor? Unless it was the second pair Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw?

15 So how could it have gone so wrong? How could such friendships fail? Why, I was there and so can tell The whole sad, sorry tale. Said Slytherin, 'We'll teach just those Whose ancestry is purest. 'Said Ravenclaw, 'We'll teach those whose Intelligence is surest. 'Said Gryffindor, 'We'll teach all thosewith brave deeds to their name,' Said Hufflepuff, 'I'll teach the lot, And treat them just the same.' These differences caused little strife When first they came to light, For each of the four founders had A house in which they might Take only those they wanted, so, For instance, Slytherin Took only pure blood wizards Of great cunning, just like him, And only those of sharpest mind Were taught by Ravenclaw While the bravest and the boldest Went to daring Gryffindor. Good Hufflepuff, she took the rest, And taught them all she knew, Thus the houses and their founders Retained friendships firm and true. So Hogwarts worked in harmony For several happy years, But then discord crept among us Feeding on our faults and fears. The houses that, like pillars four, Had once held up our school, Now turned upon each other and, Divided, sought to rule. And for a while it seemed the school Must meet an early end, What with dueling and with fighting And the clash of friend on friend And at last there came a morning When old Slytherin departed And though the fighting then died out He left us quite downhearted.

16 And never since the founders four Were whittled down to three Have the houses been united As they once were meant to be. And now the Sorting Hat is here And you all know the score: I sort you into houses Because that is what I'm for, But this year I'll go further, Listen closely to my song: Though condemned I am to split you Still I worry that it's wrong, Though I must fulfill my duty And must quarter every year Still I wonder whether Sorting May not bring the end I fear. Oh, know the perils, read the signs, The warning history shows, For our Hogwarts is in danger From external, deadly foes And we must unite inside her Or we'll crumble from within I have told you, I have warned you Let the Sorting now begin. The Hat became motionless once more; applause broke out, though it was punctured with muttering and whispers. All across the Great Hall students were exchanging remarks with their neighbors. Albus managed to keep himself from raising an eyebrow. He hadn't expected the hat to say something as well. The Sorting Hat usually confined itself to describing the different qualities looked for by each of the four Hogwarts houses and its own role in Sorting them. Supposedly it felt honor bound to it when it detected periods of great danger for the school. And always, of course, its advice was the same: stand together, be strong from within. It was sad, but Albus was pretty sure that wouldn't happen. And he had to bite back a laugh; from the students' faces, he could imagine the scorching look she was giving them. Soon she called out the first name. "Abercrombie, Evan." The terrified looking boy Albus had noticed earlier stumbled forwards and put the Hat on his head; it was only prevented from falling right down to his shoulders by his very prominent ears. The Hat considered for a moment, then shouted: "Gryffindor!" Gryffindor house cheered as Evan Abercrombie staggered to their table and sat down, looking as though he would like very much to sink through the floor and never be looked at again. Slowly, the long line of first years thinned. In the pauses between the names and the Sorting Hat's decisions, Albus bit back a look of amusement because he could could hear some

17 students' stomachs rumbling loudly. Finally, 'Zeller, Rose' was Sorted into Hufflepuff, and Minerva picked up the Hat and stool and marched them away as Albus stood up. He put on his best 'Headmaster' voice and said, "To our newcomers," and he his arms stretched wide and made sure a beaming smile was on his lips, "welcome! To our old hands: welcome back! There is a time for speech making, but this is not it. Tuck in!" There was an appreciative laugh and an outbreak of applause as Albus sat down neatly and threw his long beard over his shoulder so as to keep it out of the way of his plate for food had appeared out of nowhere, so that the five long tables were groaning under joints and pies and dishes of vegetables, bread and sauces and flagons of pumpkin juice. Albus glanced to the empty chair. Where was his new Defense teacher? He hadn't imagined the man he had shown up at the staff summer meeting at the end of August... How were students going to react to learning that the first week was going to be test based in all classes? Albus was pretty sure some would panic and worry about studying... When all the students had finished eating and the noise level in the Hall was starting to creep upwards again, Albus got to his feet once more, still slightly concerned. Where was Archimedes? Talking ceased immediately as all turned to face the Headmaster. "Well, now that we are all digesting another magnificent feast, I beg a few moments of your attention for the usual start of term notices," Albus said, hoping his concern for his missing teacher didn't show. "First years ought to know that the Forest in the grounds is out of bounds to students... and a few of our older students ought to know by now, too. "Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has asked me, for what he tells me is the four hundred, sixty second time, to remind you all that magic is not permitted in corridors between classes, nor are a number of other things, all of which can be checked on the extensive list now fastened to Mr. Filch's office door. "We have had two changes in staffing this year. We are very pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly Plank, who will be taking Care of Magical Creatures lessons; we are also delighted to have Professor " The Great Hall's doors flew open and someone went flying through the air, Albus too astonished to realize said person was flying directly at him until they collided. With a rather loud, "Oof!" Albus fell over, his glasses went flying and the man, one Archimedes S. Hat, who was covered in cobwebs and dust, was on top of him. "WELCOME TO HOGWARTS!" Peeves the Poltergeist shouted this and laughed. "PEEVES!" Minerva and Argus Filch had both shouted. Albus squinted a bit to try and see. He moved his hand and eventually felt his glasses, putting them on while Archimedes raised an eyebrow, "Fancy meeting you here, Albus." "Indeed," Albus replied, amused. "Had a nice trip?" "Oh, most pleasant on the train. Though I must admit, the fall, I could have done without." Archimedes stood up and helped Albus do the same before he looked at himself. "Oh dear. I'm quite dusty." "Well, if it's any consolation, I do believe the last thing anyone here is thinking about is your sense of fashion," Albus said this as he indicated the rest of the Great Hall.