Running Free

My First Entry: Defense Against the Dark Arts

August 10, 1997
Let them say I was insane. Let them say that I was under a spell. Let them say that I never knew what was happening. Let them say I was confused. All that may be true, but what does it matter now? I pity the world for what they can't see. I pity them for what they wouldn't see. All of them, blinded by their hatred for others. Fools. I was a fool, too. I believed in my heart that I could change the world. I thought I was smart enough. I thought I was brave enough. I thought I could take anything. Even after all the books I read I didn't know what I was up against.

I'm not making sense to you am I, Diary? Well, it's going to make a lot of sense very soon. You, Diary, were given to me for the very purpose of letting everything I know out. I was told to tell you everything, to write my memoir. What memoir, I would ask them. They answered the same every time. Your reminisces. I want to reminisce nothing. I want to forget, but if I did forget who would learn from my experience? Who would remember what I tried so hard to achieve? No one would.

So, Diary, I will do what they ask of me. I will tell my story the way I saw it. The way a story, this story, should be told. You will know what they didn't. You will see what they wouldn't. You will feel what I felt, what they would not accept. He would have wanted it this way. He would have wanted me to tell the truth. He wouldn't have wanted me to forget. He sacrificed more than I did. I can't forget that. I'll do this for him. I will write this story for him, for love, for hope, for everyone who will follow us.

This story starts at the beginning of sixth year, on the train to Hogwarts. Ron was sitting next to me and Harry was across from us. His eyes kept looking down to my hand as we talked about the new teacher we weren't dying to meet.

"I personally feel that . . . "

Wait! STOP! This can't continue. I won't tell this story as if it happened in the past. This story should be told in the present. Yes, it should be told in the present, in second person point of view, like in a fairy tale. Of course, is this a fairy tale? No, this could never be a story you tell to children. So, here goes, in the second person, present time:

"I personally feel that this new teacher is going to be someone handpicked by Dumbledore. After all the bad luck we've had with past teachers and with everyone realizing Voldemort. . .Ron please . . . has finally come back no one can afford a teacher who supports the Dark Arts. We need someone who knows what they're doing and is going to teach us to protect ourselves," Hermione said as she glanced at the rolling hills pass by.

"You forget, Hermione, that no one wants the Defense Against the Dark Arts position," said Harry, unwrapping his chocolate frogs and still staring at Hermione's hand.

"I haven't forgotten!"

"I shus opee int liumbrid."

"Ron, will you please swallow your food before you speak."

"I said that I just hope he isn't like Umbridge," said Ron, his mouth now chocolate free.

"Now that Fudge has accepted Voldemort's return . . . Ron if you don't stop that! . . . the Ministry probably won't interfere with Hogwarts anymore. And even if they do it will be a good thing I hope. They'll be encouraging us learning Defense Against the Dark Arts won't they?" Hermione asked, but Harry only shrugged his shoulders. This confused Hermione and she didn't like it. Usually the train ride to Hogwarts was a happy time for them, but Harry and Ron didn't seem happy. In fact, they seemed quite unhappy about it. Ron kept fidgeting in his seat and Harry was still staring at her hand. Finally Hermione gave in and looked and she saw why Harry was staring. Ron's fingers were a hair away from touching hers before he snapped them back when he realized she noticed. Ron's ears were a brighter red than Hermione had ever seen them. It took all that she had to stifle a laugh. She had been saved for the moment from having to say anything about it. Draco Malfoy and his two idiots had entered the compartment.

"Well, well, who would have guessed you three would be together. Potty, Weasel, and the Mudblood. My Weasel you look a little embarrassed. Did Granger turn you down?" Malfoy drawled on.

"Get out Malfoy, you aren't wanted!" Harry was on his feet now and shooting daggers at Malfoy. Ron stood beside him and pulled out his wand.

"Touchy, aren't we? You both need to calm your tempers. It wouldn't be a fair fight, two against one."

"You must need your eyes checked, Malfoy. It's three against three," Harry offered and it was then that Hermione looked up. She was still in deep thought about the new teacher, classes, and studying for N.E.W.T.S (which weren't until next year) that she hadn't even realized Malfoy came in.

"Yeah," she said faintly, "three to three," and rose to stand beside her two best friends.

"Hmm, something tells me your heart isn't in this Granger."

"Sod off, Malfoy. If I have to I'll hex you so badly you won't be able to return to Hogwarts. Get out!" Hermione said fiercely, jabbing her wand at Malfoy's pointed face.

Malfoy's eyes darted from Ron to Harry to Hermione before finally saying, "Well, I can see this isn't a Slytherin friendly area. I should go before the Mudblood does something she'll regret." He turned to leave, but over his shoulder he grumbled, "I'd hate to see what my father might do to a Mudblood like you."

Ron mumbled something and sat back down. Harry stared at the door for another moment in hatred, but Hermione didn't move. That was the first time Malfoy had ever threatened her with his father. The thought of being around Lucius frightened her.

"I . . . um . . . I have to go and check on the other compartments. Prefect, you know." Hermione was out of the compartment before she heard their replies and was walking down the train to check in on the other students. She stopped, leaned against the closest door, and took a deep breath to calm herself. She was filled with hatred and fear. Hatred towards Malfoy and everything that he is and fear because for a moment she believed that Lucius would really hurt her if he had the chance. She didn't think that she had anything to worry about while she was at Hogwarts. She knew she was safe at Hogwarts, but that didn't mean she never left Hogwarts.

The door to the compartment opened suddenly and Hermione fell onto her back into the compartment behind her. The world was a bit foggy from hitting her head, but was clearing up when she heard Malfoy yell, "Get out Mudblood! You're contaminating my compartment! I said get out!"

Hermione stood up as fast as possible, with the world still shaking and made her way back to Harry and Ron. Pansy and her friends shrieking behind her.

"Good job, Hermione," she said to herself. "Fall right into the serpent's den! I commend you."

Hermione entered her own compartment looking pale and dizzy, grabbed her clothes, changed, and left the train with her best friends. Harry and Ron refused to stop asking her what was, but Hermione shrugged it off and said nothing. The last thing she wanted was to be made fun of.

All the students above first year got into the carriages and waited for the sorting to begin. Hermione was looking anxiously up at the staff table. Everyone was there except for the new teacher, an empty chair was between Professor Snape and McGonagall.

"Where is he?" Ron asked. "I want to get to the feast some time today. I think it's silly we have to wait for the new teacher just to have the sorting ceremony. He's going to be teaching all of them anyway, not specific houses."

"Oh, Ron stop it! I'm sure your stomach can wait a few more minutes," Hermione said as she checked her watch.

About ten minutes later Dumbledore rose from his seat. "Quiet everyone, please. I'm not quite sure what's keeping our new faculty member, but I think we should start with the Sorting Ceremony."

Professor McGonagall brought the stool and the old Sorting Hat forward with the trembling first years following behind her. Then the Sorting Hat began to sing:

I am to sort you here today
and put you where you belong.
Four houses are to choose from
but it shouldn't take to long.
Gryffindor was proud and brave
and thought those students best.
Ravenclaw was quick of mind
and took those from the rest.
Hufflepuff had dedication
and liked students with the same.
Slytherin was sly of wit
and wanted what you couldn't tame.
Though these four were different
they once had a common goal,
to teach the students who would come,
to pull them from the fold.
They were united at the start,
but divided in the end.
You students have a choice this year
of how this time could end.
Take a stand and face your fears
there's nothing left to lose.
But like I said, I am their hat
and houses for you I will choose.

The hall was quiet as the students thought of the Sorting Hat's words. Mcgonagall stepped forward. "When I call your name, please step forward and put on the sorting hat. Adams, Jon . . ."

The door to the Great Hall flung open and a young women with her long brown hair dripping wet and her clothes a mess ran into the hall. When she realized that everyone was looking at her she stopped running and walked quietly to the staff table. Dumbledore gave her a warm smile and she returned it. Snape, however; looked very displeased to see her and eyed her with malice.

"Adams, Jonathan." A boy with mousy brown hair got up and tried on the sorting hat.

"Ravenclaw!" it screamed, and the boy went off to join his table. It went on the same until the last student, Billy Zindler was sorted and at his house table.

Dumbledore rose once again and addressed the students. "Everyone I would like to introduce you to our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Linz who has graciously decided to return to England from studying tribal magick in Africa." The young, and soaking wet, woman nodded and smiled. "It appears, though, that she forgot about not being able to apparate onto school grounds."

"Yeah, it's been a long time since I read Hogwarts: A History, but that's okay 'cause I got in a nice brisk run through the Forbidden Forest. I got my exercise for today." This was the first professor Hermione had seen who seemed so full of life. She was the only adult that Hermione knew who seemed like a regular teenager.

Dumbledore chuckled and smiled wider. "Well, even though Professor Linz was in the Forest, first years, no student is allowed inside. Hogsmeade trips for the third years and up have been postponed." There was a great rumble of disappointment throughout the hall. "It's time to eat!" Dumbledore clapped his hands and food sprung up in great piles.

Hermione looked up once more at the staff table and watched Professor Linz hugging McGonagall and talking animatedly and laughing. Snape continue to watch them with and evil eye. Then Professor Linz gave McGonagall a wink and whipped around in time to catch Snape watching her.

"WOW," thought Hermione. "She's very different. I hope she knows what she's doing." A tap on the shoulder brought Hermione out of her thoughts. It was Ron.

"We have to take the first years to the dorm. First years, this way!" Hermione followed Ron to the Gryffindor common room and went up to her dorm. She put herself in bed and brought the covers up over her head. Tonight was the only night of dreamless sleep.

In the morning Hermione met Ron and Harry in the Great Hall for breakfast. "Did you get a load of our new teacher? Dumbledore finally decided to hire a teacher who's pretty."

Harry glance at Hermione as Ron said this, but she was focused on her class schedule and eating. Harry looked his over and sighed. "Well, Ron you'll be happy to know we have Double Defense Against the Dark Arts today . . . with the Slytherins."

"What?" Ron chirped, spitting out some of his muffin. Hermione looked up at him in disgust and Ron's ears turned bright red.

"I don't know about this teacher. She's so young," said Hermione.

"That doesn't mean anything. I was teaching a group Defense Against the Dark Arts last year and I was only fifteen. She has at least ten more years on us. Maybe she's like you, Herm. Brilliant and all," Harry said as he leered over towards the Slytherin table.

Hermione sat up a little straighter and smiled. "Maybe, oh I have to go to McGonagall's before class. I'll so you guys there."

"What are you going for?" Ron asked.

"Oh, she just wanted to talk to me about something. It's probably just my schedule again, or something."

"You didn't sign up for everything again, did you?"

"No!" Hermione left them and made her way to her Transfiguration classroom. McGonagall was waiting for her inside and Professor Linz was sitting in front of her desk, legs crossed, talking.

"Miss Granger, I'm glad you could make it."

"So this is Miss Granger?" Professor Linz asked and turned around giving Hermione a once over. "I have heard a lot about you, Miss Granger, and all said in praise. I'll be looking forward to having you in my class which . . .is in about ten minutes so I had better go. Don't be tardy. Until later, Professor." Then Linz was gone and Hermione was left watching McGonagall shuffle around a paper or two before looking up.

"I know that you work very hard at being a Prefect Miss Granger and there is something I am going to ask of you. With what is happening out in the world unity among the houses is needed. I am hoping you will try your best to encourage this."

"I will do my best, Professor."

"I'm glad to hear it. You'd better be off to class now."

Hermione entered the Defense classroom and found it much different from previous years. Lockhart had pictures of himself everywhere, Lupin always had some kind of creature, but Linz had artifacts and weapons. There were daggers and swords, large vials containing things Hermione didn't want to think of. Hermione took her seat near the front and watched as student after student entered the class in awe and amazement. Everyone except Draco Malfoy.

"What, so our new teacher is some kind of warrior? I doubt she could save herself from a Hinkypunk." His Slytherin cronies laughed as they took their seats near the back. Harry and Ron were the last to arrive and took seats beside her.

The door to the back of the classroom slammed shut causing all the students to turn suddenly. "I hope everyone is here," Professor Linz said while taking her place at the head of class. "Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am Professor Linz. Dumbledore has informed of what this years course schedule will contain and I plan on sticking to it. I know you all have had a different teacher every year, but I don't plan on going to far. So, you are Gryffindor and Slytherin, am I correct?" The students nodded. "Oh . . . how wonderful. Good, then this will be a lot . . . easier." Professor Linz picked up her wand and touched the wall behind her. "This is your assignment. It is a group project, an inter house group project. I will pair you off." Linz unrolled a piece of parchment and looked it over. "I want you to bear in mind that I didn't come up with this list, McGonagall did. She knows you better than I do, obviously. Normally this would be a 'raise your hand when I call your name and find your partner' kind of thing, but I'm sure you all know each other quite well. Okay . . . Weasley you're with Parkinson." Ron's face paled and Pansy gasped in horror. "Goyle you're with Brown. Potter you're with Zabini. Crabbe you're with Patil." Hermione heard and strangled cry near the back of the room and thought for a moment that Parvati might have fainted. "Thomas you're with Bulstrode. Malfoy . . ." Professor Linz looked up from the parchment and scanned the class. "Which of you is Malfoy?"

"I am Draco Malfoy." Malfoy smiled a fake smile and sat up straighter than normal.

Professor Linz watched him for a only a second more before returning to the list. "Malfoy, you're with Granger."

That was all it took. Hermione's world stopped. Malfoy's smiled faded quickly and took on a look of hatred. Hermione never heard the last few names being called on the list. How could she get through a project having to work with Malfoy? So that was why McGonagall wanted to see her. She was preparing Hermione for what was ahead. "Unity among the houses is needed," she had said. Well, that was easy for her to say. She didn't have to accomplish unity by working with a Mudblood hating wanker.

Hermione turned her head to look at Malfoy. He was staring back at her with disgust and hatred. He tilted his head to the side and brought his index finger across his neck. Hermione turned back to Professor Linz and tried to calm her breathing.

"I am going to say this now because I know in my heart if I don't I'll regret it. If any of my students come back to this class by the time this assignment is due and are anything less than one hundred percent healthy, there are going to be some expulsions. Am I clear to everyone?" The class nodded and Professor Linz turned back to the chalk board. "The project will consist of four parts. The first is curses, the second counter-curses, the third testing and practice, the fourth demonstration. You will be in the library or where ever you have to go to find information on the curses I assign. Every group will have the same curses. I'd be afraid if I gave you all different ones, but there better not be any cheating. I know I said before about the hundred percent health, but that means you better work extra hard on those counter-curses. The third part, testing and practice, you are going to practice casting and deflecting these curses. Finally, you will each demonstrate what you have accomplished to the rest of the class. Are there any questions? No?"

Hermione's breathing was ragged now. How could she possible survive this? This must be a dream. This can't be real. I can't really have to work with Malfoy. I can't really have to let him curse me. This is terrible. I'm going to die, I know it.

"The curses are on the board." Linz touched her wand to the surface and the writing changed. The board read: Minuos, Leg-locker, Stunning, Imperius. "This is just a small list for right now. I don't want any of you doing anything too advanced. Who knows what you all might do to each other."

Hermione raised her hand tentatively. "Professor, we're not allowed to perform the Imperius Curse. It's illegal."

"I know that, Miss Granger, but part of the course schedule the Headmaster has provided me is that you all learn to fight it. You can't learn to fight it unless someone casts it on you. I will say this though. When casting the Imperius Curse do not force your partner to do anything that will cause them serious bodily harm. If I attend a Quidditch match and people are falling off their brooms and it was cause some idiot decided to test their partners ability to fight the Imperius Curse, there will be an expulsion. Misuse of any of these curses we will be learning this year will result in expulsion. You all are old enough that you should be able to be mature about this. Please prove to me that I'm right. Do you understand now, Miss Granger?"

Hermione nodded and looked to her notes.

"Now, against all my instincts and intuition, you will get into the pairs I assigned you and we will practice a curse and deflecting it. God help us."

Reluctantly Hermione got up and walked over towards Malfoy, holding her head high. There was no way she would give Hermione the satisfaction of seeing her scared or nervous.

"Everyone watch me. Pridem Sopor! And the counter-curse: Excito. If I see anyone casting anything except that curse I'll have you out of this school faster than you can say, 'Father . . .'" Draco's face contorted with rage.

"I'll cast first Granger." Before Hermione could reply he shouted the words and everything went dark.

Hermione's eyes fluttered slightly as she came to. Malfoy was standing over looking very pleased with himself. "Do you always faint when you're frightened?"

"What are you talking about, Malfoy? You cursed me, and you know it! I didn't faint!"

"Anything you say, Granger. Get up, it's your turn."

Hermione stood and pointed her wand at Malfoy. He gave a sly smile and all of her hatred poured into her words. Malfoy was down on the ground in an instant. She stood over him and was about to utter the counter-curse when she noticed something. There was something in Malfoy's face wasn't there when she saw him being the Slytherin prat he always is. There was peace and tranquility on his face. His features were nice when he wasn't trying his hardest to look mean all the time.

Hermione shook her head and muttered the counter-curse. His eyes opened slowly and looked at her with kindness. The moment ended as soon as it started and he hid himself behind the mask of anger again.

"That was good everyone. Parkinson, you have to revive him. Crabbe, a little more wrist next time, and Granger, that was very good. I'm impressed." Malfoy gave a grunt of disgust at Hermione's name and turned away from her. "That's then end of class. This assignment is due in three weeks! Work hard and please do not kill each other!"

Hermione avoided Draco as she walked to Arithmancy dreading the next three weeks that were ahead of her.