Snape's Heart

Chapter Three

(Kinda Cool)

As the students filed into the Great Hall for breakfast the next morning, all they could talk about was the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

''Did you see her clothes?" exclaimed Lavender Brown. ''They were so pretty, but completely inappropriate for Hogwarts. Don'tou agree Hermione?''

''Yes, I do agree," Hermione answered, "but there aren't dress codes for the teachers. So I really don't think it is any of our business. As long as she can teach us what we need to know then what does it matter?'' Lavender, not liking Hermione's reply promptly turned her nose up and pretended not to hear her.

''I kind of liked it,'' said Ron. ''Quite refreshing to see a young woman dress her age and not like some old hag.''

''So, you think I dress like an old hag Ronald Weasley?'' Hermione attacked.

Ron whimpered, ''No, not you, just.....er....some girls....hmmm...Harry?''

''Not helping you out of this one mate, you stuck your foot in it this time,'' Harry replied, but he really didn't want them to start fighting again so he added, ''but I think what he means Hermione, is that she isn't dressed like Professor Sprout or Professor McGonagall, right Ron?''

But before Ron could even mutter a reply, Professor Lee walked in, dressed in red jogging pants with white stripes down the sides. She had on running shoes and a pink exercise shirt with a red hoody. Her hair was pulled back into two braids and she was pink and flushed as if she had been running. As she passed the Gryffindor table she smiled at Harry, Ron and Hermione who were staring at her with their mouths open.

Last nights outfit was one thing, but they really expected to see her in a robe today. As she reached the table Snape promptly got up and left without even looking in her direction.

* * *

Later that morning, the students from Gryffindor and Slytherin joined Professor Lee for their first class together.

''Good morning guys, as you know I'm your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and I am going to teach you what I know on how do protect yourself from all the nasties out there that can hurt you. And I don't mean just with spells and potions; they have their place, but you also need to learn how to defend yourself physically,'' Professor Lee began. ''Now who can tell me all the ways that you can kill a vampire?''

The only hand up was Harry's, since his cousin was a huge fan of B-Movies he had picked up some information from them.

''Yes Harry?'' Professor Lee said, calling on him for the answer.

''Isn't it beheading and a wooden stake in the heart? And aren't they afraid of sunlight?''

''You are correct, and I guess you thought that all those cheesy movies weren't telling the truth. Well sometimes the truth is hidden inside a wrapping of false information. Does anyone--?'' but before she could ask the next question, the students began to hit her with a ton of inquiries.

Lavender was the first one to shout, ''Are you really from America?''

''Well I'm not faking this accent, actually I was born in New Jersey, but I have lived all over,'' she replied.

Seeping with sarcasm, Malfoy yells, ''New Jersey? Bet you get many vampires there?''

''Yes actually," she answered him quickly, "there is a huge population of them in Newark and also in Hackensack, why, are you planning on going hunting?''

Parvati's hand shot up, ''How come Professor Dumbledore lets you wear Muggle clothes?''

''Well, I don't consider them Muggle clothes, they are just the fashions that I like, and in America not too many of us younger wizards wear the robes outside of special occasions,'' she answered. Then she added, ''Now if no one else has any questions, may we continue our class? I would like to work with you some more on vampires and by the end of the week we will begin practicing our techniques.''

The class began to hum with chatter but quieted quickly as they became interested in what Professor Lee was saying.