Chapter 11
Sirius had ensured he made the Slytherin Common room early enough to catch his new students before they headed off to breakfast. There were some things he wanted to say to his house before the rumour mill took over.
"Good morning everyone, I just wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you before we start classes. I am Lord Sirius Orion Black and most of you will already know my wife, as Lady Black is your Astronomy Professor. I will be teaching you defence against the dark arts and am well qualified in this field, I served as an auror before leaving the ministry to set up PMP with my friends. I was also a Gryffindor when I attended Hogwarts as a student but please don't hold that against me."
It didn't take a genus to see from the glances he was receiving that his last piece of information was already known to some. This was his main reason for holding an impromptu meet and greet this morning, there were things he wanted to say upfront.
"Slytherin house from that time bears no resemblance whatsoever to what I see before me here today, people who don't learn from past mistakes are destined to repeat them. Slytherins are noted for their cunning, guile and ambition, I see nothing wrong with possesing these qualities. My ambition for this house is to see both the Quidditch and House Cups resting in my office at the end of term. This is especially true since one of my best friends is currently the head of Gryffindor."
For some reason this drew everyone's attention to Harry. He just laughed along with his friends, all four knowing the friendly rivalry that existed between the marauders.
"As I said, there is nothing wrong in having ambition. Cunning and guile are also admirable traits to posses, there is something eminently satisfying about outsmarting your opponents. Lying, cheating and sabotaging those same opponents is not something I want this house to be associated with, nor will I tollerate. I want the entire school to know we achieved our goals purely on merit. I want them all to be forced to concede that Slytherin House is simply the best house in Hogwarts."
This drew roaring cheers from the students as Sirius dismissed them off to breakfast. He held the first years back and told Marcus Flint he wanted a word with him later. Sirius then began handing the first years their timetables.
"Since this year's sorting was so skewed in favour of Slytherin and Ravenclaw, the first year timetable had to be amended last night. With the twelve of you, ten Ravenclaws, five Hufflepuffs and only four Gryffindors, this is the smallest intake of first years into Hogwarts in decades. Due to that fact, most of your classes will be undertaken as one group, Potions you will share with Hufflepuff while Herbology is now with the Gryffindors."
They were all studying their new timetables intently as Sirius gave his students more information on them.
"You will notice that you have Wednesday afternoon's and Thursday Morning's off. This is due to the fact that your astronomy class takes place at midnight on Wednesday. Now, since your first class is with me, I'll collect you all after breakfast. I won't have my house turning up late to their first class because they couldn't find it, loosing Slytherin house points will see me demanding an explanation from the individual involved."
Sirius led the excited bunch through the still confusing array of corridors toward the great hall.
Pansy watched the young couple walking beside their head of house, still holding hands. Next to her walked the epitome of a light family wearing the green trimmed robes of Slytherin house. At the moment Pansy had a lot more questions than answers, it was time to try and change that. "Susan, if those two need to be so close, what would have happened if they had been placed in different houses?"
Susan could see the girl was struggling to understand so was as honest as she could be. "Hogwarts would have lost at least two students as they returned to Crawley and went back to St Andrews school. They would just have reversed their teaching schedule."
This didn't help Pansy any so Susan explained further. "As we told you, the six of us attended primary school before coming to Hogwarts, Luna and Dudley still do. Harry and Hermione intend to continue with their ordinary education in their spare time and holidays, they and Dudley intend to attend a university after finishing here. They would have just swapped and studied their magical subjects in their spare time. With four Hogwarts professors available to them, I don't think they would have any problems with the curriculum."
Susan ran her thoughts through to their natural conclusion before saying the next bit. "Hogwarts would probably have lost four professors as well. Aunt Lily was torn about coming here full time while the Potters and Blacks aren't exactly hurting for money. They were already very wealthy before PMP made them another fortune. Without Harry and Hermione here, they would probably have stayed at home and continued our magical education there."
Pansy didn't miss the implications on the way Susan used 'our', she got the distinct impression Susan and Neville would have followed their friends back to this Crawley place. "Well then, we should just be glad Harry and Hermione were both sorted into Slytherin."
Susan didn't let Pansy see the smirk that was dying to break out on her face, that wouldn't have been the Slytherin thing to do.
Sirius took a moment to have a quiet word with his godson as they rounded another corner. "Did either of you get any sleep last night?"
"We managed a good hour on the sofa before you woke us. If we can't sleep, the mirrors can be used to arrange for us to meet in the common room. That sofa was quite comfortable."
Sirius had no intention of hiding his teasing smile. "I don't think it was the sofa that made you so comfortable."
Harry was denied a chance to answer as they were now at the great hall and Sirius was busy handing out timetables to the rest of Slytherin.
Justin had received his timetable from Professor Sprout and was studying it intently, keenly anticipating his first lesson at Hogwarts, defence with Professor Black. The only fly in the ointment was that he had no idea where that classroom was located. Reckoning that his Slytherin counterparts would be more likely to know that information, the naive Hufflepuff decided to ask. Turning around until he was facing the Slytherin table, Justin unknowingly committed a Hogwarts faux pas and left himself wide open for an embarrassing rebuttal.
"Excuse me chaps, we appear to be sharing our first lesson together. You wouldn't happen to know where the defence classroom is, would you?"
Greg was busily working out which of his answers would be the more sarcastic when Neville beat him to it.
"Sorry we don't, but Professor Black is collecting us outside the great hall after breakfast. Why don't you join us there? You might want to pass that around to the other houses."
Justin now wore a wide smile, things inside Hogwarts were looking up. "Smashing, I'll see to that very thing right away. Thank you."
It was a confused Greg who watched the boy pass the information on to his two Hufflepuff friends before then approaching the Ravenclaw table. "Why did you tell him that Neville?"
Neville answered with a question of his own. "Why not?"
Greg was unsuccessful twice as he attempted to find words to answer Neville, this was not lost on the rest of Slytherin house. Cedric Diggory had also paid close attention to the byplay between the houses, he was probably the first outside Slytherin to receive an inclination that there might be dramatic changes afoot inside Hogwarts.
-oOoOo-
Since Professor Black collected them outside the great hall, almost all the first years made it to defence class on time. Only two Hufflepuffs were missing, Draco had been too busy concentrating on ignoring everyone that he missed the glaringly obvious. When food was on the table, Ron was oblivious to everything else. Neither boy had any intention of asking for directions.
Sirius took the register, again attempting to match faces to names. He intended his first class to be a memorable one. "Now since this is your first lesson it might not seem fair to ask you the most important question you'll be faced with in this class over the next seven years. It may also help enforce the maxim that often life is extremely unfair. The question though is really quite a simple one. If someone was about to attack you, what is the best method of defending yourself?"
Draco chose this precise moment to race into the classroom.
"Mr Malfoy, be late for my class again and it will cost you house points. As it is, you can be the first person to answer the question I'm putting on the board."
Sirius moved to the front of his desk and hopped up onto it, leaving his legs swinging in space. He was trying to create a relaxed atmosphere with this class and lazily waved his wand at the board.
Draco studied the question that appeared there for a moment before formulating his answer. "I would use a shield charm professor."
"Very good Draco, now take a seat." Another wave of his wand and 'shield charm' appeared on the board, underneath his original question.
"Mr Thomas, what do you think?"
"Professor Black, I'm a muggleborn and this is my first lesson on magic. I have no idea sir."
"I understand that Mr Thomas but please look at the question again carefully, it doesn't mention magic. Supposing you were faced with someone wielding a gun, what would your answer be?"
"Em, a bullet-proof vest sir?"
""Very good Mr Thomas." A wave of his wand and 'armour' appeared beside Draco's answer.
'Now we've asked a Hufflepuff and a Gryffindor, time for a Ravenclaw. Miss Turpin, an answer if you please?"
"Sir, I would try to negotiate and solve the problem without violence."
Sirius nodded in acceptance as 'negotiate' appeared beside the other two answers while their professor chose his next victim with great care. "Miss Granger, would you care to enlighten us with your answer please?"
Hermione's answer was precise and to the point. "Don't be there sir."
This drew a few chuckles as Sirius' wand added 'evade' to the answers already on the board.
"Now boys and girls, we currently have answers from every house and both sexes but which are correct? To determine that we have to carry out a class investigation."
The barely contained glee from their professor alerted a certain four Slytherins to how this was going to play out, especially when Sirius floated out from a cupboard some equipment they were familiar with. They should be, it was theirs. Sirius flicked his wand and an armoured vest and helmet made it's way toward Dean.
"Mr Thomas, please put this on."
It was a worried Gryffindor who fastened the Velcro bindings before donning the helmet and goggles. Dean felt incredibly stupid, sitting in class dressed like this. That was up until the moment Professor Black fired a curse at him. He jumped before the professor's outstretched hand halted any further action.
"Mr Thomas, did you feel that?"
Dean had to think for a second, it was being hit with his first ever curse that had made him jump. "No sir, didn't feel a thing."
"Very well done Mr Thomas, you may take that off and five points to Gryffindor."
A tick appeared on the blackboard beside the answer 'armour'. "Mr Malfoy, raise your shield please."
"Huh, ouch! What the …"
"Where was your shield charm Mr Malfoy?"
Draco hated to make the admission but had no alternative. "I can't cast one yet sir."
"I didn't think you could Mr Malfoy, but it's my job to teach you that skill. Five points to Hufflepuff for your answer and helping me make a point to your classmates."
An X appeared next to Draco's answer on the board. "Miss Turpin, talk me out of it."
"Sir what do you…ouch!"
An X now appeared next to 'negotiate' and Sirius didn't even speak to Hermione, he just cast the same stinging hex at her. He'd deliberately chosen Hermione from the four as she was sitting at the end.
Hermione had been expecting nothing else since they were taught this lesson when they were about seven. She easily dodged the curse, which flew harmlessly past her. Well it would have been harmless if the missing Hufflepuff hadn't chosen that moment to rush into the room and get hit by the hex.
"Sorry I'm…ouch. Bloody hell, that hurt. You can't go hexing folk just because they're late to your class."
"Five points to Miss Turpin and Miss Granger, ten points from Hufflepuff. Five for being late and another five for use of inappropriate language."
"Why do they get points while I get hexed and lose them?"
"Mr Weasley, had you bothered to turn up for class in time, you would know the answer to that question. Now sit down and shut up before I add a detention to the ones you received from your head of house yesterday."
A wave of his wand saw a tick appear next to 'evade' as Sirius jumped down from his perch on the desk. It was time to explain what the lesson had been all about.
"I gave points to everyone who provided us with an acceptable answer because, in certain circumstances, each of those answers could be the correct course of action to take. Mr Thomas, your armour protected you?"
Dean was looking really pleased with himself as he answered. "Yes sir, I didn't feel a thing."
Sirius moved like lightning and a curse flashed from his wand, it impacted with a suit of armour standing in the corner. The entire class were now staring at the metal breastplate, or rather the hole in the middle of it that was big enough for them to put an arm through.
"Mr Thomas, had I fired that curse at you, do you think you might have felt it?"
Dean had to gulp a few times before he could find his voice, he needed to get his heart out his mouth and back down into his chest where it belonged. His wide smile had vanished the instant the professor's curse hit the metal. "Sir, I'm sure I would definitely have felt that."
The tick beside 'armour' on the board changed to a cross. "As Mr Thomas so eloquently explained to us, armour is a good thing up to a point. There are certain curses that the best armour available can't protect you from. Mr Malfoy, your shield answer falls under exactly the same category. There again are curses no shield can stop."
The visual aid that was the damaged suit of armour drove that point home in a way that none of them would ever forget. Time to forge ahead with the second objective of the lesson.
"Miss Turpin, while your aspirations are to be applauded, my job is to teach you how to act if that method fails. Attempting to negotiate with someone who means you harm would never be my first choice. I always think it is better to negotiate from a position of strength, the other person is more likely to listen to your point of view with your wand placed under their chin."
Lisa nodded in understanding. The professor had taken her answer and showed her how it could be improved upon. His argument was hard to refute and she'd won her first house points for Ravenclaw, Lisa thought her first class at Hogwarts was brilliant.
"Now that leaves us with one answer up there that will always get the job done. It won't matter what the curse is that's fired in your direction if it doesn't hit you. Not only that, it leaves you free to return a few curses of your own. Boys and girls, that's what we're going to be practicing in this class."
The entire class were now sitting just that little bit straighter as Sirius had them eating out of his hand. He reached around and pulled out the paintball gun that he had hidden behind his desk.
A paintball was soon speeding toward Harry but he was already moving, the splat of red paint splashing on Justin's desk behind him generated some yells as a few in the class thought it was his blood. A smiling Harry sat down again as Sirius held the gun up for inspection.
"This gadget here is a paintball gun. It's going to help you hone your reflexes because it can sting like blazes if it hits you in the wrong place. The protective gear Mr Thomas was wearing earlier is designed to ensure you experience nothing more than discomfort when getting hit by one of these paint pellets. The paint tells everyone exactly where the hit was."
Draco had been enjoying the lesson up until now but didn't like this idea. "We're going to use some muggle device to learn about defence?"
Sirius tolerated this interruption with good grace. "Mr Malfoy, it is my intention to use devices like this to help members of this class learn how not to be there when a curse arrives."
"Then why not cast curses? That has to better than some muggle contraption?"
Sirius shrugged his shoulders by way of an answer. He then barked out what was nothing less than an order. "All those who can cast a stinging hex, do so now with the suit of armour as your target."
Four curses shot out just as Sirius had finished speaking, all appeared powerful and passed into the hole in the breastplate Sirius had made earlier. Theo, Blaise and Pansy were only a moment behind their fellow Slytherins and also managed to hit the suit. Conner and Edgecome from Ravenclaw both managed to cast the curse though Michael missed the target.
Sirius then handed the gun to Millie and showed her how to pull the trigger, the red splash of paint that appeared rather close to the suit's groin area had every male in the class wincing. The professor's 'sting like crazy if it hit's you in the wrong place' was running through all their minds. It was hard to think of a more 'wrong place' to be hit.
"Now the answer to Mr Malfoy's valid question should be self-evident to the class. Two-thirds of you, including Mr Malfoy, can't cast the stinging hex while Miss Bulstrode hit the target after receiving mere seconds worth of instructions. It's a lot easier to point a gun and pull the trigger."
It was almost time to finish so Sirius outlined his plans for this class. "I intend to use the guns until we're all adapt at dodging before teaching you how to fire curses. We will then work on spell accuracy before tackling shields. Any questions?"
Daphne had thought the lesson was terrific but had a question that needed to be answered. "Sir, how did you know Harry would move in time when you aimed that gun at him?"
She needed to know the answer because Daphne was sure if the professor had fired at her, she would currently be wearing robes covered in red paint.
"A very astute question Miss Greengrass. If I didn't think it would show bias, I would award you house points for it. The answer is really quite simple, the gun actually belongs to Mr Potter. He and his friends have been training with these things for a few years now, I was very confident he'd dodge it since Mr Potter's awesome godfather taught him all his moves."
The bell rang and four Slytherins were trying not to laugh at Sirius' joke, their grins though were bound to draw a comment.
Justin was the one who asked the question. "Well done Potter, so who's this awesome godfather who taught you to move like that?"
Neville's answer had most of the class laughing. "Professor Black."
-oOoOo-
Marcus Flint sat that night at dinner and waited for the explosion he knew was coming, the poster he'd placed on the common room notice board guaranteed it. He didn't have long to wait as members of last year's Quidditch team angrily sought him out.
"What the hell is that note all about? All our positions are gone and we have to go through trials?"
"All positions are up for grabs, including mine." This diverted some of their anger and allowed Marcus time to explain. "Sit down and eat guys, this is going to take a while."
He took a moment to put another chicken leg onto his plate before continuing his tale of Quidditch woe. "Professor Black knew our entire play book from last year, and threw most of it away as being unacceptable to Slytherin house. His exact words to me were 'if you think it's acceptable to bludgeon other teams into submission, then Slytherin needs a new Quidditch captain."
This ended the complaints toward their captain, they were all in the same situation here. "Black wants Slytherin to outplay and outscore every other team that takes to the park against us, not try and knock them onto the grass by whatever means possible. He was at great pains to point out a winning captain would be more likely to attract interest from professional teams, rather than one whose favourite move was elbowing opposition chasers off their brooms."
Marcus then delivered the kicker, he drew the rest of them closer as he whispered the next bit of news. "I must say Black has put his gold where his mouth is. This is to remain a secret until our first match but he's providing the team with Nimbus two thousand's."
This placed grins on their faces. They still had the opportunity to try out for the team and, with a broom advantage like that, Slytherin had just taken a large leap toward winning the Quidditch Cup.
Marcus made it plain Professor Black would be watching him as he put together Slytherin's team and he would have to choose the best players for each position. What he didn't say was the mixed message that he received from his head of house. It was easy to see that the Professor wanted certain first years on the team, but he was insisting Marcus had to pick the team on merit. He could only hope they were as good as Professor Black was hinting at, otherwise the Slytherin captain would be faced with quite the dilemma.
-oOoOo-
Dudley was sitting down to dinner at the Grangers, he was finding it strange to be here on his own. Emma appeared to read his thoughts.
"Yes it's certainly a lot quieter without those two here, now it's clear who caused all the trouble."
This raised a slight smile from Dudley. "You're only saying that because you know they can't answer you back from Scotland. Can you imagine Hermione's reaction to that accusation, and you just know Harry would support her."
Imagining the scene Dudley described put a smile on all their faces.
"Thanks for staying with us Dudley, I don't know how Emma and I would have coped with an empty house until Christmas. I'm already going off the idea of boarding school, and they've hardly been gone two days."
"I know exactly what you mean. Without those mirrors from Uncle Remus, I think we would all have gone crazy. At least with them, we can still all chat every night and keep each other up to date with what's happening."
Emma ruffled the boy's hair before lifting his empty plate away. "It's one thing to say we were prepared for this, it's totally different being faced with the situation."
This was met with nods of agreement from the two males at the table. Emma intended to have a chat with Lily using her own mirror tonight. Remus had established a 'mothers network' so she, Alice and Amelia could keep in touch with the one person in their group who was actually in the castle. They may have Sirius as their head of house but Lily was going to be their surrogate mother while they were in that castle.
Maia also had a mirror but faced a different problem. Luna was separated from her friends before attending next year. Using magic to alter the documents Luna needed for St Andrews turned out to be ridiculously easy, unfortunately the same couldn't be said of Hogwarts. The castle's admission policy had also stood for hundreds of years and their first of September rule couldn't be changed because a child wanted to attend with her friends.
Dudley was helping tidy up after dinner when his mirror went off, he was soon chatting away. When Dan and Emma heard him laughing along as they described Sirius' lesson, they began to think they might just get through this as a family. A rather extended family to be sure but they wouldn't have it any other way.
-oOoOo-
Their Herbology class started off well, Professor Sprout demonstrated a task to the small class before splitting them into groups of four. Since it was only the Slytherins and the Gryffindors, the professor allocated a Gryffindor into each group of three Slytherins. Neville, Harry and Blaise found themselves working with Dean Thomas. The professor also said she didn't mind them chatting as long as they were working.
Dean tried to get the conversation going within their group. "I couldn't believe it when Professor Black pulled out that paintball gun, I thought magical people tended to shy away from all things muggle? Seamus is half-n-half so I really don't have anyone else to ask, hope you don't mind?"
Harry could only smile as he answered the likeable boy. "My mum's parents weren't magical, neither are Hermione's or Dudley. We all grew up in a mixture of both worlds. Most of the time we live in Crawley, in a perfectly normal house that's next door to Hermione's. The school holidays we tend to spend at the manor. It has a Quidditch pitch and a quad bike trail."
"You've got a quad bike?" was asked almost simultaneously as "What's a quad bike?" Harry and Neville were handling the explanations when Harry noticed Hermione glancing over at him, her expression told Harry their Gryffindor was not integrating as well as Dean.
Hermione, Susan and Millie had been allocated Lavender Brown to work with them, the girl was a total nightmare. She'd just fired off at least half-a-dozen questions without pausing for breath, or allowing any opportunity for answers. The blond Gryffindor had spotted Hermione holding hands with Harry from the other side of the great hall, now she wanted to know their entire life history in minute detail.
What really worried Hermione though was the mischievous look Susan had in her eyes. Susan was renowned amongst their group for being the sharpest at pulling pranks, she could spin a believable tale out of nothing. It would never be malicious, was often hilarious and usually embarrassing for anyone who bought into it. She was currently whispering to their Gryffindor co-worker and Lavender's eyes appeared ready to pop out.
"She kissed a frog?"
Hermione's groan alerted Millie that everything here was not as it seemed. "Our Susan has that wide-eyed innocent look down to perfection. Why do I get the feeling the sorting hat couldn't have placed her anywhere else but Slytherin?"
"Sue just loves her practical jokes and Lavender here gives the impression of someone who likes to spread news around. Sue will think it's bloody hilarious if Lavender spreads the story she's spinning all over school."
Millie smiled at the girl she was now thinking of as a new friend, Hogwarts was quickly turning into a better experience than she ever thought possible.
Blaise's main reason for attending Hogwarts was to learn, he was currently being educated in ways that weren't on the Hogwarts curriculum. Just listening to this conversation was opening his eyes to things he couldn't even imagine just a few days ago.
Dean was also enjoying himself. "I'm glad I came to Hogwarts but I'll desperately miss my football, Saturday is going to be hell without being able to see a match."
Harry had a sly glance at Neville before answering. "We may have a way to help you out there. Neville and I intend to sit down and watch Match of the Day on Saturday night, would you be interested in joining us?"
The expression of longing on the boy's face was pitiful to see. "You wouldn't joke about something like that, would you?"
Neville sounded a cautionary note. "Better check he's not a Manchester United fan first."
Dean acted as if he'd been insulted. "I'm a West Ham fan. Why don't you like Man U?"
"Oh we don't have a problem with them, we're all Crawley City fans. When Sirius discovered that United were also called the Red Devils, he was disgusted and thought Man U should get a new nick-name."
Dean was struggling to believe what he was hearing from Neville, were they trying to wind him up here? "Man U are one of the biggest teams in the world!"
Harry was trying not to laugh, remembering his godfather's indignation. "That doesn't matter to Sirius, he's convinced they stole Crawley's nick-name. Nothing anyone says can convince him otherwise. I'll ask some questions regarding Saturday night and try and let you know by lunchtime."
The group spent the rest of the time working away with Dean constantly humming 'I'm forever blowing bubbles'. Blaise was struggling to make head or tail of this whole situation, he was having an enjoyable time though.
-oOoOo-
James was drawn out of the conversation on how his wife's morning had gone when his mirror called. He looked down from the staff table and could see Harry sitting at the Slytherin table with his mirror in his hand. He also noticed Sirius reaching for his pocket.
"Hi dad, Padfoot. I've got something to ask you both. Dean Thomas is apparently a massive football fan and we'd like to invite him to watch Match of the Day with us on Saturday. The problem is that curfew kicks in before the end of the program."
Both heads of house knew exactly what Harry was asking of them, James also understood Padfoot had to take the lead on this one.
"Harry I had planned on watching the football with you guys on Saturday. Tell Dean he's welcome to join us and I'll walk him back to Gryffindor tower after the program finishes. That's providing his head of house agrees to it?"
James had found himself unknowingly holding his breath as the situation unfolded. The enormity of what Harry was proposing was mind blowing. A muggle born Gryffindor was being invited into Slytherin house to watch a muggle sport being broadcast by the BBC. This was a prank against the old establishment of stupendous proportions. "His head of house thinks that's a wonderful idea. Tell Dean it's sorted."
Dean hadn't touched his lunch, that would mean taking his eyes off Harry Potter and then he might miss the signal he was so desperately waiting on. Hogwarts was a strange new world to the boy from the east end of London but being able to see a bit of 'home' would change his entire time in the castle. When Harry turned and gave him the double thumbs-up, it was like West Ham winning promotion all over again. Dean was up on his feet and punching the air in celebration, he didn't even realise he was shouting for joy.
The headmistress cast her eyes over this unusual behaviour before having a word with the boy's head of house. "James, can I assume there is no need to be alarmed concerning Mr Thomas' behaviour?"
"Minerva, to be honest, I feel like doing the same thing myself.
After hearing why the lad was celebrating, only her many years experience kept Minerva's reaction to a mere raising of an eyebrow and a slight smile on her lips. Slytherin and Gryffindor students being civil to each other was the limit of her ambitions regarding the bitter rivals. Having them socialising together was something she thought would not be seen in her lifetime, never mind her tenure as headmistress. Wait until the portraits in her office heard about this, there would be uproar. This news could even see a fight or two break out amongst the former heads of Hogwarts, Minerva would sit back with a wee dram and watch her own particular match unfold.
There were also grumblings about this development amongst the other Slytherin first years, Hermione had an idea how to head it off.
"Guys, since we've got astronomy at midnight on Wednesday, why not make that movie night?"
Neville was first to agree, and book the initial movie night premier. "That's a brilliant idea Hermione. Bags Jungle Book to be up first."
Three pretend groans left Pansy just having to ask. "What's this book about the jungle, and what's a movie?"
Susan answered her housemate. "You're in for a treat Pansy, I wonder if we can get some popcorn in the castle?"
Millie glanced toward Hermione for conformation. "Yes Millie, this time she's telling the truth. Not like today when my handsome Prince Harry was once an amphibian."
Harry groaned as Neville rocked with laughter. He turned to Susan, his admiration visible for all to see. "Who did you find that was stupid enough to fall for that fairy tale? No one's bought that since we were six!"
Susan, Millicent and Hermione all stared at the Gryffindor table where Lavender and Parvati were currently involved in a serious looking conversation.
"I think if we got hold of a few frogs, I could convince some Gryffindors to kiss them."
"Susan, you're terrible. Where are we supposed to find frogs during September in the Scottish highlands?"
The other four Slytherin females in first year had nothing but admiration for their two housemates. The thought of two Gryffindor girls willingly puckering up to a couple of frogs was simply too funny not to laugh. As the joke spread throughout Slytherin, so did the laughter.
Minerva sat at the staff table and thought that Hogwarts was going from strength to strength.
-oOoOo-
Severus Snape stared at the same wall he'd faced for almost ten years. The rudimentary calendar he'd painstakingly scratched into the stonework generated a feeling of hope within him that even the dementors couldn't steal away.
Yes, he was certainly physically a shadow of the man who entered this cell. He was barely over thirty yet had white streaks through his hair and you could count his ribs when he took his robe off. The self-made calendar offered Severus the one thing Azkaban had denied him all these years, hope. In two months, Severus Snape would be a free man.
His parents' old house was a muggle one and therefore should have escaped any asset sweep the ministry or goblins carried out on him. He also had some cash squirreled away there, not much but enough to ensure he ate better than he did in this place. He would need time to build up his strength after the ravages Azkaban had bestowed upon him before deciding what his first steps as a free man should be, probably a move out the country.
James Potter already hated him before the incident with Petunia while Lily could put a goblin to shame with the way she could hold a grudge and how vicious she could be. Meeting either would not be beneficial to his health. It would also take some time to discover how the released death eaters would be perceived in post Voldemort Britain. Anything was possible but Severus was fairly certain he would need a one-way ticket to wherever he could afford.
Chapter 12
Lily ran a watchful eye over her brood as they made their way into her charms class. She really had to suppress her maternal instinct that wanted to offer their usual greeting of hugs, this was something the Hogwarts professor was going to struggle becoming accustomed to. Lily consoled herself that at least Harry and Hermione appeared to have slept last night. She was jarred from her parental concerns by someone in the class emitting a loud croaking noise.
Professor Potter was about to stamp her authority on the class when she noticed her four charges for the past ten years attempting not to laugh, the expression of triumph worn on Susan's face was the mother's biggest clue to what was happening here. If there was one person inside Hogwarts who could recognise a prank in progress, that person would be Lily Potter. After all, the professor had many years of personal experience to call on.
The amphibian mating call made another appearance as Lily was reading out the register, but this time she spotted the culprit. There was also more evidence as to just what was going on here staring Lily straight in the face, this helped clue her into what was unfolding in her class. That the croaking call came when she was reading out her son's name was the first clue, Hermione practically biting Harry's shoulder to stop herself from laughing out loud was certainly another. That Susan was proudly sitting there, basking in the obvious admiration of both Harry and Neville, gave Lily all the proof she needed to who the instigator of this prank was.
Lily clearly remembered another incident concerning frogs and decided to play her hunch.
"Mr Weasley, it would appear you have a frog in your throat? Do you require the assistance of Madam Pomfrey or are you just hoping a pretty girl will kiss it better for you?"
The four friends couldn't hold their laughter any longer, even Susan had cracked at that. She had just been reminded why they could never pull any pranks at home, the adults in their lives were all too smart.
Lily knew she had nailed it so pushed ahead, reckoning that hearing the children laugh was worth a few moments of her lesson. "Frogs into handsome princes is more transfiguration than charms, I'll be sure to pass the information on to my husband though."
She glanced toward a certain four Slytherins who could all imagine how that conversation would go, Prongs and Padfoot would be proud of them. Professor Lily Potter then regained control of her class and delivered an excellent lesson on how to be charming without a prince in sight.
After the lesson was over, a certain quartet of Slytherins hung back and Lily then received the hugs she had been craving earlier. She also had some words with a certain young lady. "Susan Bones, do you remember the trouble you caused the last time you pulled that prank? A certain Mrs Perks was on the phone to me because Sally-Ann kept kissing every frog in their garden pond. Are you telling me they fell for that tale at Hogwarts?"
Neville was smiling as he recalled what led up to that prank. "I remember that now. Sally-Ann had seen Harry flatten those bullies who hit Hermione at St Andrews. She wanted Harry to be her boyfriend and followed us about everywhere."
Susan was now joking and batting her eyes suggestively at Harry while a laughing Hermione had her arm possessively around his waist. "Get your own prince charming Bones. Our Sue here told Sally-Ann that's what she had to do, and then proceeded to tell her exactly how to do it."
Lily was now laughing along with the kids, though it had hardly been funny at the time. "Her poor mother was distraught, had visions of Sally-Ann covered from head to toe in warts. Wait until I tell James and Sirius, you know they're going to be so proud of you."
It was four happy friends who eventually left the charms class, only to discover a very unhappy Lavender Brown waiting on them.
"How could you do that to me? You told me a complete pack of lies and now everyone thinks I'm a complete fool."
Susan was unrepentant though. "It might have escaped your memory Lavender but I distinctly remember saying this was a very embarrassing story and must be kept as a secret. You didn't keep it a secret and I was proven correct, it is a very embarrassing story for you. Though I will say this, I'm totally impressed the story made it all the way to Hufflepuff in such a short space of time. You certainly possess some of the finest gossiping skills I've ever seen."
They walked away and left a young Gryffindor who was quite pleased with the high praise she'd just received, that was until Lavender remembered the entire school now thought she was an idiot. She'd set herself up for a confrontation with Susan and ended up forgetting all about it, how the hell did that happen?
-oOoOo-
Sirius almost choked on his lunch as Lily told them what had happened in charms class this morning.
"James, you have to transfigure something into a frog at their transfiguration lesson tomorrow. Lily, it should be easy to come up with a potion that requires part of a frog. Love, all I know about astronomy is that it's taught by a beautiful professor and there's a dog star up there somewhere. Please tell me there's something in the sky related to frogs?"
Aurora appeared to think for a moment before answering her husband. "Well I could point them toward the planet Kermit, but I don't know how many of them would understand the reference."
Sirius was now chuckling like mad as he kissed Joy on the top of her head. His daughter giggled at her silly daddy as she enjoyed sitting on her godmother's knee.
Lily though was shaking her head in mock indignation. "Oh I do hope my goddaughter takes her inelegance from her mother." She then spoke directly to Joy, ensuring that everyone could hear though. "Daddy is so silly, imagine believing that anyone would name a planet after a muppet."
It was time to face a crestfallen Sirius Black again and try to hold her laugh in. "There is no planet Kermit Sirius."
The marauder looked from his daughter, to Lily before finally settling on his wife. "You pranked me?"
Joy decided it was time to use the new skill her daddy had taught her. Giggling happily, she clapped her hands at silly daddy. This was met with howls of laughter from all along the staff table, or rather Sirius' reactions to his daughter's antics were.
-oOoOo-
Dean was about to enter his dorm when he suddenly discovered his feet no longer reached the ground. This phenomenon was not caused by someone casting spells on him, in fact no magic was used at all. Instead, a redheaded twin on either side of him had lifted the boy up by his arms. They made off with their shocked prize to the third year dorm before putting him back on his feet once more.
Dean couldn't tell the twins apart, that they kept finishing each other's sentences certainly didn't help the lad with that almost impossible task.
"Mr Thomas, welcome to our office. We would like a quick word with you."
"Rumour has it that you have been given a unique opportunity to assist Gryffindor with its very reason for existing."
"Namely, to prank the Slytherins."
"We would like you to take a few things we'll supply…"
Dean could see what was coming and decided to put a stop to this right now. "No. Not a chance, never going to happen."
The twins were surprised at the strength of their young housemate's refusal to help. George attempted to clear any misunderstanding. "Perhaps we haven't explained this well enough, the honour of Gryffindor house is at sake here…"
Dean was unimpressed by this line of argument, quickly countering it with one of his own. "I'll tell you exactly what's at stake here, my continued ability to watch the Hammers while living in this castle. I was a West Ham supporter long before I ever heard of Gryffindor, and I'll be a West Ham supporter long after I leave Hogwarts. On this subject my loyalties are crystal clear. I will not ruin my only chance to watch football inside Hogwarts so you two can pull a few pranks on Slytherin."
Fred was distinctly unimpressed with this less than helpful attitude being shown by a first year. "So it doesn't matter to you that they made a laughing stock of a Gryffindor, one of your fellow first years?"
Dean poured scorn all over that suggestion. "Who in their right mind would believe that a frog could turn into a man, with a bloody kiss too! That's a children's fairy story."
Fred couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You have heard of animagus? A witch or wizard who can turn themselves into an animal."
Dean was extremely sceptical about this as the other twin continued.
"The headmistress can change into a cat, Professor James Potter is a stag while Professor Sirius Black is registered as a large black dog. You can check in the library, there's a list of all animagus who are registered with the ministry."
"You expect me to believe that?"
Fred could only shrug his shoulders. "Ask your friends if you don't believe us. Harry himself told us his dad's nickname is 'Prancer' because Hermione didn't know the difference between a stag and a reindeer."
George was chuckling at the memory. "He also told us she was two when she said it, and that's the last time she was wrong about something."
This placated Dean slightly, on the animagus issue at least. "I'll think about talking to them but it's a definite no to pranking the Slytherin dorm. Professor Black will be there to…"
Dean never got the chance to say another word. With a precision the military would have been proud off, both twins had Dean once more in motion as they rushed him down the staircase to his own dorm.
Fred was now ranting. "Dean, forget we even mentioned this…"
"Mentioned what, oh brother of mine. I have no idea what you are talking about. Who is this first year anyway?"
Dean's feet touched down outside his own dorm as the Weasley twins hurriedly made their way back up the stairs. He couldn't help but wonder what the twins knew about Professor Black that scared them off.
-oOoOo-
Tracy and Daphne were a little uncomfortable about tonight so approached Hermione to see just what they'd let themselves in for. "Hermione, just what is a movie night?"
Daphne had a follow on question. "More importantly, what's the dress code?"
"Well, normally we'd usually have our nightclothes on as we would tumble into bed after the movie finished. Just wear whatever you're comfortable lounging around the boys dorm in."
Tracy was left struggling for breath, never mind words, so it was left to Daphne to question what they just heard. You mean we're going into the boys dorm?"
Hermione nodded. "They can't come in here and we would disturb anyone studying if we did it in the common room. Don't worry about it, we do it all the time at home."
Daphne was finding this situation hard to believe, she was worried they were being set-up like Lavender Brown. "I've never even been inside a boy's room before, it's simply not done."
Hermione's mirror went off at that point so it was left to Susan to reassure them. Hermione was too busy looking at Luna's sad face reflected back from her mirror. Since Luna was normally the cheeriest soul amongst them, you didn't need to be a seer to know that something was wrong. "Hey Luna, what's up?"
"Oh I just wanted a chat. Dudley told me you were holding movie night this evening and it just made me miss you four even more."
All six friends enjoyed movie night but it was Luna's favourite. She was always first there and loved lounging with her friends while losing herself in a good story.
"I don't need to ask who picked tonight's movie and I'll miss singing along to all the songs. Dudley has been wonderful with me but I'm sure he's missing you even more than I am."
Hermione could see the tears beginning to form in the corner of Luna's eyes. They all missed Dudley and Luna but it would appear to be harder for the ones left behind. It was time to cheer her friend up. "Luna, remember I told you about having talks with Aunt Lily on what our options were after leaving Hogwarts? Well that wasn't all we talked about."
She could clearly see Luna's interest was peeked so pressed ahead. "You couldn't attend Hogwarts this year because of their strict admissions policy. You have to be eleven before the first of September."
Luna was nodding into her mirror, she knew this and wondered what Hermione was leading up to. She didn't have long to wait.
"We did some research and nowhere in that admissions policy does it say you must begin your education in first year."
Hermione enjoyed watching her friend's face closely as the penny dropped, Luna was soon wearing a wide smile. "That would mean I could be in the same year as you guys, and then leave with you as well?"
Hermione's smile now matched her friend's. "We planned on telling you next month as part of your birthday surprise. When I saw you I thought you could use a little boost tonight. We've got you all Hogwarts first year books and you'll get a copy of all our notes sent home with Aunt Lily at the weekends. She'll also arrange for you to be here and sit the end of year exams along with us. Then next September, you could be a second year Slytherin."
Luna though was thinking ahead much further than that. "If I leave the same time as you, that means I would be able to go to university with you, Harry and Dudley. That's if you want me to?"
"Of course we want you to, when has Dudley ever been able to say no to you? Neville and Susan are welcome to join us as well."
The Luna she knew was now looking back at her through the mirror. A Luna who was so bubbling with excitement she could hardly sit still. "That's fantastic Hermione, but I need to go now. I want to catch Dudley and tell him the news before his mirror is tied up sending you the movie. Send my love to everyone and you better believe I'll pass those exams."
She was gone in the blink of an eye and Hermione was sure she'd done the right thing. A down Luna was not something she wanted to see anytime soon, she was also betting the news would put a smile on Dudley's face too. They hadn't told him because he was rubbish at keeping secrets, especially from Luna who could read him like a book.
Hermione was now certain there would be at least four of them sharing a flat and attending uni, Susan and Neville were more of the 'wait and see what happens' variety but couldn't be ruled out.
Meanwhile Susan was trying not to laugh at the state Hermione had left Tracy and Daphne in. it was clear to see their imaginations were running riot and she was so tempted to tease but settled for the truth, this time. "Listen you two, after a movie night we usually say goodnight to the boys and head back to our OWN beds."
The blushing this caused with Daphne and Tracy had Susan biting her lip to stop the wisecracks that were running through her head from being spoken. "We're going to watch a movie and I can assure you the boys will be perfect gentlemen, nothing will happen."
Susan decided to give them a bit of history. "When we started St Andrews there were some older boys who thought it would be ok to bully us, they were about five years older than us too. Two had grabbed me while the third had Luna by the hair. When the other four heard her yelp in pain, they came running."
Pansy and Millie now gave up all pretence that they weren't hanging on Susan's every word.
"Dudley and Neville jumped the one who had Luna while Harry and Hermione tackled the two who had hold of me. One of them made the mistake of punching Hermione."
Susan gave a little pause for dramatic effect before continuing. "Harry magically blasted them flat on their backs and about ten yards along the corridor, he was five at the time. That was before Uncle Dan arranged martial arts classes for us."
All eyes switched for a second to Hermione who was still on her mirror before returning to Susan. "We've got the rest of our lives to decide if we want to be pureblood princesses but tonight we're just going to have some harmless fun with our friends. As I said the guys will be perfect gentlemen, Harry and Neville wouldn't have it any other way. These guys are our friends, when we're a good bit older we can decide if we want it to be something more than that."
Susan couldn't resist her last statement as the blushes started again. She had been raised in the constant company of three boys but these girls hadn't. Not one of them even had a brother and this would be their first time in the company of boys without an adult hovering over them.
Susan noticed Hermione was finished talking to Luna and couldn't resist teasing her, she knew Hermione would just come right back at her. "I mean girls, it's not like we expect any of them to offer marriage over popcorn. Though, if a certain dark haired, green-eyed hunk were to ask…"
She wasn't wrong in her guess, Hermione verbally came right after her. "Susan Bones, I hope you're taking into account that you will be sleeping in the bed next to mine for seven years. How would you like to wake one morning as a frog? An ugly frog that requires a kiss from Lavender Brown before you could revert back to normal?
Susan knew she was in dangerous territory and backed off immediately. She would never reveal Hermione's secret and was only teasing, probably not her best idea though. "Just trying to lighten the mood here."
"Some things aren't for sharing Sue."
"You're right and I'm sorry Hermione, you know I never would."
Hermione smiled at her friend and headed for the dorm's bathroom to get ready.
The other four girls were left wondering if Hermione was warning off Susan from attempting to snag Harry, only Sue and Luna knew about Harry's promise to Hermione and neither girl would ever tell.
Eventually Tracy asked the question that they all wanted to know the answer to. "Could Hermione really do that?"
"At the moment, probably not. Give her some time though and my answer would be different. When that girl sets her mind to something, there's no stopping her. I was letting my mouth run away from me and Luna usually cuts me off with a well-timed quip. I really miss her and hope she can be with us next year."
Susan could see the girls didn't really believe her about Hermione. "Remember I told you what Harry did to the boys that hit her? Had it been Harry they hit, Hermione would probably have put them through a wall. I'm a powerful witch but those two are just awesome."
The four girls were left wondering about the conundrum that was Hermione Granger. This muggle born witch was slowly but surely making them question everything they'd been taught to believe about being a pureblood.
-oOoOo-
When they reached the boys' dorm, the girls found their head of house waiting on them. That he held family size bags of popcorn was a good indication they weren't in any trouble. He also had a board with him, which intrigued them all until Sirius asked for the four mirrors. He took the four expanded mirrors and placed them flat on the board, his wand touched the centre where the four met and a click was heard. Sirius then placed the board on the wall and the sticking charm held it there.
"We designed this board specifically for you lot, that then led us to see the commercial potential from this system. Padfoot for Thumper."
Dudley appeared on the mirrors but, instead of there being four of him, the mirrors were now acting like one big screen.
"Hi Padfoot, hey guys. Got the video all set up and ready to play, the mirror stand is lined up to. Just wanted to say that was wonderful news you gave Luna Hermione, it really gave her a boost and something to aim for. I'll cover my mirror while I put it in the stand, wouldn't want you to get motion sickness."
The screen then went black as they could here Dudley laughing at his own joke, Luna's news had certainly cheered him up too. They then found themselves staring at the TV screen as Dudley got ready with the remote. Susan was busy dishing out the popcorn into bowls and passing them around as they settled down to watch the video.
The Slytherins found themselves mesmerised by this combination of using what they were told was drawings to tell a tale. They quickly got into the music to and the only slightly sour note was when they discovered the snake was a villain. Once Baloo made his appearance though, that fact was soon forgotten about.
Purebloods, and especially Slytherins, were taught you didn't show your emotions in public so the riotous laughter and singing coming from the first year dorm was always going to attract attention. There were soon loads of upper years sticking their heads in to see just what all the fuss was about. They knew their head of house had been in there earlier so whatever this was had been officially sanctioned.
By the time Sirius made it back with Minerva in tow, over half of his house was now in the dorm and staring at the movie. He'd attempted to explain the device to the headmistress but had failed miserably, watching the amazement on her face was well worth the effort of convincing Minerva to come down here.
"That screen is made up of four mirrors, we've got it up to sixteen in tests before the picture quality starts to be affected. A sixteen mirror unit would be the size of the one we're proposing to place in the great hall."
Minerva's gaze never left the screen as she spoke to her former student. "Tell me again what this can do?"
-oOoOo-
All the first years were tired after being up late last night for their astronomy class, most were at breakfast with the intention of heading back to their dorm for forty winks after they had finished eating. They all paid strict attention though when the headmistress stood and called for a moment of everyone's time.
"Last night, Professor Sirius Black asked me to accompany him to a Slytherin dorm where I witnessed something truly magical. A signal was sent from a muggle home outside London and was watched on a screen in the first year boys' dorm. It was something called a movie."
This had everyone paying close attention, especially those who knew what a movie was.
"All the equipment had been supplied by PMP and the signal was sent by the Potters' nephew from the home of Miss Granger. I understand arrangements have already been made to use this system to show a sport called football on Saturday night."
This drew cheers as people began wondering how to wangle an invite, you couldn't just gatecrash Slytherin house.
"Now the reason that I am standing here mentioning this today is that PMP have approached me with the idea of erecting one of these screens inside the great hall."
This led to a lot more cheering, Minerva almost smiled as she noticed that most of the cheering was coming from Slytherin house.
"This device is still at the development stage so Hogwarts will be getting a preview before anyone else, I'm told this will be the first one anywhere in Britain. PMP are also investigating the possibility of using this screen to show some professional Quidditch matches."
This certainly got a few cheers, the entire school knew how big a Quidditch fan the headmistress was so the screen would definitely be happening.
"I have agreed the screen can be fitted with a trial period of six months set."
This really got everyone cheering now, even Draco and Ron thought the idea of being able to see Quidditch while sitting in the great hall was a brilliant idea.
It would appear only one person in the great hall had a problem with this plan, Lily wasn't slow in confronting James and Sirius with her concerns. "Won't this put pressure on Dudley to keep the screen filled with content? It will also tie up his mirror and he wont be able to chat with the rest of them."
Sirius moved quickly to dispel Lily's concerns. "The screen we're putting in the hall won't be linked to Dudley's mirror, it's a different system altogether. The mirror he'll use will be tied directly to the screen and won't have the functions of their mirrors, it will be purely a transmitter."
James was nodding in agreement as he further explained the thinking behind this. "We plan to have it on the factual channels – discovery – nature, that kind of thing unless showing something special. Once the system is set up in Hermione's room, it will simply be a case of switching it on. The screen in the hall will only respond to commands from the marauders."
This eased Lily's fears somewhat, her husband then proceed to dispel them totally.
"Remus has contacted the Quidditch board about the possibility of beaming a live game into Hogwarts, they went for it immediately and are very excited about the potential of our system. I can see him and Dudley attending the match to send it here, I'm trying to keep Dudley as involved in our magical lives as possible."
James then found a pair of green eyes giving him a look so full of love, longing and passion, the Head of Gryffindor knew he would struggle to get through the rest of the day without grabbing his wife into his arms. He would suggest missing lunch but they would need to come up with an excuse their kids and the Blacks would believe. His wife's smile convinced him he could come up with something, he was a marauder after all.
-oOoOo-
James actually pulled a masterstroke of misdirection. He once more had the hall buzzing and no one noticed the Potters were missing from the staff table at lunchtime. He'd had a word with Rolanda Hooch and pointed her in Minerva's direction. This saw the headmistress stand to address her students for the second time that day.
"I have been advised that this years intake of first year students may contain some real Quidditch talent."
Both Draco Malfoy and Ron Weasley were sure the headmistress was talking about them.
"I have already given my permission for any first years having the skill and ability to be selected for their house team to be allowed to play. Madam Hooch though has brought a Hogwarts rule to my attention. Before a student can take part in a trial for their house Quidditch team, they must first have received a flying lesson within Hogwarts. Since the first house trial is being held on Saturday, the first years will now receive their flying lesson tomorrow."
This announcement excited not only the first years, the rest of the students were left wondering which of the first years could be good enough to make their house team. No first year had made a house Quidditch team in over a hundred years.
Since their next class was transfiguration, Harry and co didn't notice there were no Potters at the staff table. They were too busy looking forward to their lessons.
Sirius was also too busy thanking Rolanda to miss the Potters. His plans for Slytherin dominating this year's Quidditch cup were almost scuppered before it began.
-oOoOo-
James Potter bounced into his class, a wide grin plastered on his face, and immediately captured his students' attention by transfiguring his desk into a giant frog. It gave a very loud croak and had the class laughing before the professor changed it back into his desk.
"That, young witches and wizards, is transfiguration. This is one of the most difficult and demanding branches of magic, it is also one of the most rewarding."
At this, their professor disappeared, leaving a magnificent stag in his place.
A certain four Slytherins had been waiting for this very event and sprang into action. Hermione was out her seat and produced a carrot from her robes that she'd brought for this very purpose. Susan was right behind her. Prancer was soon munching on the offered carrot and enjoying both girls scratching him between his antlers.
Now that the girls were blocking the stag's view, Neville and Harry took out the Christmas tree baubles and used their wands to levitate the delicate and shiny balls onto Prancer's antlers. Mission accomplished, the girls made it back to their seats. Their classmates were now sniggering and giggling at this noble beast that now had baubles dangling from its horny extremities.
As Prancer reverted once more into James Potter, the delicate baubles crashed onto the stone floor of the castle. They shattered into thousands of tiny pieces but it was the cloud of green gas they emitted that held everyone's attention. Anyone who'd ever watched the Wizard of Oz would recognise the effect as the one used when the wicked witch appeared/disappeared. They would also recognise the effect on Professor Potter. He now had green skin and a large, unsightly wart on his nose.
The class held its collective breath, desperate to laugh but terrified as to how their professor would react to being pranked.
James could clearly see he had green hands and suspected the rest of his body would be verdigris too, another transfiguration spell and the blackboard became a full-length mirror. He was fighting to control his laughter at the prank they had pulled off. Though James Potter was marauder, he was also a Hogwarts professor and had to maintain classroom discipline. This forced him to take some action.
"Now what we saw here today was a nice use of misdirection, a good skill for defence. Then charms were used to place the items where they needed to be, lastly potions were required to achieve the required affect."
There was not a sound as the class waited to see what would happen next.
"Quite impressive if I say so myself. Unfortunately, this is your transfiguration class. Since none was used, I'm left with no option but to deal with the perpetrators of this scheme."
He paused to let that sink in before continuing. "Bones, Granger, Longbottom and Potter, you will now be spending your Sunday with me. I will also be having words with your head of house and your Uncle Remus will definitely be hearing from me. Now, on with today's lesson…"
The class thought the four were in real trouble, they had no idea the quartet were already planning on spending Sunday with Professor Potter anyway. The four could also imagine the talk with Sirius would be full of laughter while Remus might get a bit of a ribbing for providing them with the potion.
Slytherin actually ended the lesson twenty points up after all four received five points each for effortlessly transfiguring their matches into needles. Since they were the only students in the class to manage this feat of magic, no accusation of favouritism could be levelled at the professor.
-oOoOo-
Dean couldn't wait to tell the Weasley twins they were right about Professor Potter being a stag. The twins' reaction on hearing a first hand account of the prank that the four snakelets had pulled was complicated and somewhat unexpected.
Fred and George found themselves feeling amazed, delighted and depressed all at the same time. Amazed four first years had managed to pull it off, delighted too that someone had finally gotten one over their new head of house and one of their idols. They were also depressed though that these four Slytherins appeared destined to take on the mantle as this generation's marauders.
Pranking the Brown girl appeared to be purely opportunistic, they had seen the chance and took it. This latest effort though was an entirely different league of pranking. Their take down of Professor Potter required careful planning, precise coordination, a fair bit of skill and a rather large dose of nerve.
At the moment the Weasley twins were forced to admit four kids who hadn't been in the castle a week yet were outclassing them. This state of affairs couldn't be allowed to continue for any length of time, they would have to regroup, study and learn from these Slytherins.
After all, these were not any ordinary kids but young witches and wizards who'd been raised by the marauders. Life was all about challenges and they both knew they had a massive one on their hands. They may be losing the battle at the moment but Fred and George Weasley were determined to win the pranking war.
-oOoOo-
Barty Crouch felt he had won his war but the imminent release of the former death eaters might see a few more battles still having to be fought. The minister for magic wasn't worried, these people would soon find themselves facing a very different magical Britain from the one they knew a decade ago. Barty was certain that if those trials had been held tomorrow, he would be guaranteed the verdicts he originally wanted all those years ago. There would have been one large dementor picnic as they fed on the souls of these scum.
As minister, he'd pushed hard to get reforms into their society that simply wouldn't have been possible back then. Barty considered it rather ironic that the death eaters not only provided the political impetus for these changes, they financed them too.
The wizarding economy benefited greatly from the massive injection of gold their asset stripping allowed. Those witches and wizards who were most resistant to change were the same ones whose legitimate businesses were suddenly making them a lot wealthier. In any contest between wealth and tradition, gold would win with these people every time. Not only was the wizarding economy booming, the country had never been safer. Those were two big factors in seeing Barty re-elected minister twice in the last ten years.
Amelia Bones had used the extra funds provided from the death eater captures to restructure and rebuild their auror force into something the ministry was rightly proud of. Barty had his ministry adopting the philosophy of speaking softly but carrying a big stick. Their auror department was one hell of a big stick, and the minister made sure everyone knew it. Crime was at an all time low.
When you then factored in a national newspaper that had built on its reputation for investigative reporting and campaigning for things people actually wanted, you had a world that would appear alien to a person from a decade ago.
The Prophet had already started another popular campaign to monitor the released prisoners closely, and to have them returned to Azkaban at the first sign of trouble. With a chief reporter who had an incredible knack of sniffing out a story, Rita Skeeter should see a few of the death eaters back in their former quarters before too long.
Yes their society had changed beyond recognition but one thing still remained the same, Barty's determination to see every one of these death eater bastards suffer as much as he had.
Barty had dedicated his life to reaching the top of his chosen profession, becoming minister though was a rather hollow victory in the end. Not only did Barty have no one to share his achievement with, he no longer had a son to pass his legacy onto. The law may say these people had served their time and should be set free, that didn't mean Barty had to agree with it. If Rita Skeeter or Amelia Bones got anything on these scum, they would once more be his. One toe out of line and they would be back inside their recently vacated cells quicker than they could say 'dark lord'.