A New Teacher

"A New Teacher"

It seemed as if the odds were against him, as Harry was yet again late for Potions. The day started out fine. He awoke in his four-poster bed and reached for his glasses and then got dressed. So far, so good. Then it happened. He got halfway down the stairs to the Common Room when he realized that he had forgotten his Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson book, which he would need later in the day.

Harry Potter was in his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and this year looked as if it was going to be like the previous year. Not only had he almost been expelled in his fifth year, but he had been caught using magic outside of school (which of course wasn't his fault). He only did it to get back to Privet Drive, when he missed the Hogwarts Express, and he Apparated in front of the house. He would have gotten away with it had it not been for the neighbor who just about fainted at the sight of a boy appearing out of thin air.

After getting yet another warning from the Ministry of Magic, Harry promised not to use magic again outside of Hogwarts grounds. Uncle Vernon hadn't been too pleased as well. The instant Harry had Apparated, an owl flew through an open window and dropped the letter on the kitchen table and continued flying through the house until it found another way out. Aunt Petunia had screamed her head off, and then began swatting at the poor creature with a broom.

Now, Harry made his way down to the dungeons where Potions class was. Snape was in a rather foul mood, even for him. Ron and Hermione looked up from their cauldrons at him. Both of them gave him a look of sorrow.

"Mr. Potter. Late again I see. Fifteen points from Gryffindor, and you will serve detention. Now take your seat and try to pay attention."

Harry took a seat next to Ron and Hermione and took out his things. Potions ended, not soon enough for Harry. The three of them walked back to the Gryffindor Common room, talking.

"What were you thinking?" asked Hermione, "You know that Snape has it in for you and what do you do, go and turn up late."

"It wasn't my fault. I forgot my lesson book for Defense Against the Dark Arts, and I didn't want Professor Web getting upset," Harry said.

"I'd rather have her upset than have Snape mad at me, not to mention he took fifteen points from us," said Ron.

They reached the Portrait of the Fat Lady and Hermione gave the password. It swung forward and the three of them climbed through and took seats in the chairs. The rest of the day went by quickly and before Harry knew it he was back in his room getting ready for bed. After taking off his glasses, he stripped from his clothes, down to his bare skin. For some time now, Harry had been sleeping in the nude. He found that it gave him a sense of freedom.

Of course he made sure no one saw him, for they would surely laugh. At sixteen, Harry had filled out quite nicely, especially in his upper body area. His chest was broad and muscular and slightly covered with light black curly hair, and his shoulders were broad as well. Playing Quidditch had really been good to him. His stomach was nice and flat, not to mention toned. His glasses had been replaced with contact lenses as well. He pulled back the curtain and got into his bed, letting it fall back into place. He lay there for some time, looking up at the top of his bed, just thinking. Many things ran through his head. Lately he had been having these feelings.

It had really begun at the end of the summer, while he was at Privet Drive. Harry had been at the local library, with Aunt Petunia and Dudley. Of course he hadn't wanted to go, but it was that or stay home, cleaning the garage out. Harry had been sitting at one of the cubicles, reading an article about Muggles. He could remember it like it had just happened.

Harry got up from the chair to get a drink of water from the water fountain and waited in the line. In front of him stood a young man, who appeared to be around his age. His hair was dirty blond and slightly long, falling just below his collar. Harry normally wouldn't have paid any attention to him, except that something caught Harry's eye. A thin, pointy thing, which resembled the tip of a wand was sticking out of his pocket. Harry took a closer look. Sure enough that's what it was. A look of amazement spread across Harry's face. The young man was a Wizard, like him.

As if he could feel Harry's eyes on his back, he turned around and looked at him. He noticed where Harry was looking and smiled at Harry, who quickly looked at the floor. There was a moment of awkwardness while Harry waited to get a drink. At this very second he wanted nothing more than to be at the front of the line, wetting his lips with the cold, refreshing water and then back in his cubicle. The young man turned back around and finally got his drink and left. Harry watched him leave and got his own drink, and returned to his cubicle.

Harry flipped through the pages, not really reading anymore, for his mind was too distracted now. He couldn't believe that there was another Wizard living here, in Little Whinging Surrey. A shadow covered the small space in the cubicle as well as the magazine Harry was reading. Harry put it down and slowly turned around. He looked up at the young man, who now squatted so that he was eye-level with Harry.

"Hello," he said to Harry.

"Hi. Can I do something for you?" Harry asked him.

"Yes, actually, you can. I was wondering if you could lend me some advice."

He now stood up and pulled up another chair and sat next to Harry.

"Uh, sure. On what exactly?"

"Well, I was wondering how you go in for the kill at the end of a Quidditch match?"

Harry's mouth dropped open. "How did you know about me?"

He smiled once again. "It wasn't very hard. Most people who notice my wand simply think it's something else and look away. But you, you gave an extra long glance. And I do know who Harry Potter is."

Harry forgot. It seemed everywhere he went in the Wizarding world, people knew him instantly from his scar.

"My name's Joel. And I'm a graduate of Hogwarts, but soon enough I will be back there as an assistant to the new teacher of the Defense Against the Dark Arts class. I may even have to take over for them."

"So what is it you wanted to know exactly about Quidditch?"

"Nothing. I just used that as an excuse to talk to you. I like you Harry."

Harry thought nothing of this for a second and then it hit him.

"Oh. You like me?"

"Yes I do. I'm sorry if I have startled you, but you are rather attractive. If you ever want to hang out before you go back to School, let me know. Send me an owl."

Harry watched him as he got up and left. Thinking back to that day now, Harry hadn't sent Joel an owl. He didn't even see him again before he left. He closed his eyes and tried to find sleep. The next day, Harry went through his classes as usual. Between Transfiguration and Charms, Harry had an hour free. He walked the grounds outside, just milling about. Thinking about Joel had done something to him. He remembered Joel's words that day at the library.

He also remembered the feelings he had been having. Had Joel put a spell on Harry to make him act this way, or did he simply find himself attracted to Joel as well? Nonsense. Harry couldn't be attracted to him. But then why did he think about him in ways he shouldn't? His thoughts were interrupted by someone calling his name. It was Hermione. She was running up to him, out of breath. When she reached him, she bent over and tried talking, but it came out in gasps of air.

"Harr-y. There's some-thing you ne..ed to see."

"What is it, Herm?"

She only motioned for him to follow her, and he did. The two of them walked back to the front door and entered. "What's up?" Asked Harry.

Hermione, who was now able to speak properly again told him as they began walking up the stairs. "Professor Web is ill."

"Why do I need to know this?"

"Because her son is here and he's taking over for her. Everyone is supposed to meet him in the Great Hall."

They continued until they reached the Great Hall. Everyone was seated at the tables, and the staff were as usual seated at the front, with Dumbledore in the center. Harry and Hermione sat down next to Ron at the Gryffindor table, and waited.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and began to speak. "It comes to our attention that Professor Web has become ill. We do not yet know, but Madam Pomfrey is looking into it. Now for the other matter. Professor Web's son, also Professor Web will be filling in for her until she is well again." A young man stood up. At once, Harry recognized who it was. Joel. Joel was the son of Professor Web, and now he would be Harry's new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. The students were in awe as they listened to Dumbledore's news. The new Professor Web looked as if he had just graduated from Hogwarts. Hermione looked at Ron and Harry, both of whom were just as speechless as the other students.

"Can you believe that? He doesn't look a day over eighteen. They expect him to teach us?"

"Well, maybe he knows his stuff," said Ron. Harry nodded his head in approval. Hermione looked back to the front of the Great Hall, where Joel had now taken his seat again. Snape looked as if he were about to jump up from his seat and cast a spell on Joel at any minute. For years now, Snape had been passed over for the opportunity to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, and now, someone younger had the position. Dumbledore told them that classes with the younger Professor Web would begin the following day, and they may leave the Great Hall, and have the rest of the day free.

Harry, Ron and Hermione got up from the table and began to file out with the other students. Harry, who was behind the other two, looked over his shoulder, back at Joel, who surprisingly was looking at him, and smiling. He has such a great smile, Harry thought. As quickly as he had thought it, he wished that he hadn't. These feelings were getting stronger, and harder to suppress. And then something happened. Something in which Harry had never experienced before. He could hear Joel's words in his head, because he heard Joel saying that he, Harry, had a great smile as well.

Harry looked hard into Joel's eyes for what seemed an eternity. Joel had the most beautiful steel blue eyes. And then Harry found himself talking to Joel through his thoughts. Just as Harry was about to say something, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you coming or what?" Ron asked him.

"What? Oh yeah."

Harry turned back around and left with Ron. That night in the Common Room, Harry sat by the fireplace, alone. He knew it was after hours, but he didn't care. He kept thinking about what had happened earlier that day in the Great Hall. Joel had spoken with him, without saying a single word. What was even more amazing was that Harry had been able to talk back to him. Had Joel somehow given him the ability to communicate through telepathy? He had to see him again, now. Quickly and quietly, Harry ran upstairs to his trunk and grabbed his Invisibility Cloak and put it on.

After opening the portrait of the Fat Lady, Harry crept through the halls, searching for Joel's office. He had only been in the office of the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher a few times. But now he found it more easily then before. It seemed as if Joel was calling him to it. Harry lightly knocked on the door, and then wanted to run away as soon as he had done it.

"Open." Too late, he thought. Harry pulled off the Cloak and opened the door.

Inside, candles were burning, floating in mid air. The former Professor Web's belongings were still there, only now, Joel had added a little bit of his own flair to the office. He, Joel was sitting on his desk. He was wearing a light blue robe, with Celtic designs running up the trim. Harry looked at him and closed the door.

"Well, Mr. Potter. We meet again."

"I never thought in a million years I would see you here again. But now that I think about it, you did tell me you were going to be here, helping the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. You didn't tell me she was your mother though. Why?"

"Well I didn't know for sure if she was going to get the job. Have a seat."

Harry pulled up a chair and just watched him in awe. There was something about him that made Harry want to go weak in the knees. Now, these feelings had gotten so strong, Harry couldn't hide them anymore. Before he knew what he was doing, he was out of the chair and kissing Joel on the lips. They were just as he had imagined they would be, soft and sweet. Joel put his hand on the back of Harry's head, caressing his hair. After a few moments, they stopped and Harry pulled away.

"I, I don't know what came over me. I'm sorry."

"It's perfectly fine, Harry. I know what you're thinking. You think I put some spell on you, don't you?"

"Well to tell you the truth, yes, at first I did. But then I started to think. Something about you awoke feelings in me that I've never felt before. All my years here at Hogwarts and I've never thought about any boy that way."

"Well, sometimes they take a while to show up. I remember my sixth year here. I had a crush on my Quidditch Captain. He was handsome and everything I wanted to be. He was also unfortunately not like me."

Harry stood there, listening to him. Staring in his eyes. "What did you do?"

"Well I finished the year, went home for the summer and discovered who I was. When I came back my final year I met someone and we began to date. It ended however after we graduated."

"What about the telepathy? How did you do that?"

"That wasn't telepathy, Harry. That was our hearts speaking to each other. Ever since that day we met, there was something there. When two people are in love, but don't know it, they can speak to each other without really speaking."

"But surely, we can't date. People will notice. I don't even know if I am like you. It might be a phase." Joel looked at him and smiled.

"Harry. I'll give you time to think about it. To find out who you are. But if you ever need to talk to me, or ever want to do that again, you know where to find me. Now, go to bed and I'll see you in the morning in class."

"One more thing. How old are you, anyway?" Joel leaned forward and kissed him on his forehead.

"What does it matter? If you love me?"

"Who said I loved you?"

"If you didn't, you wouldn't have been able to hear me in your head." Harry turned to leave. "Nineteen. I'm nineteen, Harry." Harry smiled and opened the door, put on his Cloak again and returned to his four-poster bed in the Gryffindor Tower. As he climbed into bed, he thought about what had just happened, and smiled to himself. In the next few weeks, the weather began to get increasingly warmer. The teachers, with the exception of Snape, had begun to let students out of their classes a bit earlier than usual. Harry, Ron and Hermione took this opportunity catch up on homework and other things.

Harry in particular took this time to find out who he was. His feelings for Joel had grown stronger and he was afraid that he was going to let something slip. He hadn't yet told his two best friends and didn't know exactly how he was going to break it to them. Herm, he knew would probably already know, as girls tend to know these things. But Ron on the other hand, that might be difficult. After all, Ron and he had seen each other naked before in the bathrooms, when showering. That had been nothing. But would Ron think that Harry had been looking at him, or even thinking about him like that? All he knew was that he had to let them know, before someone else found out first and said something.

"Oy, Harry," Seamus called out to him. Seamus had also grown quite nicely over the summer holidays. Harry found himself staring at him, and quickly looked away.

"Hello, Seamus."

"If you weren't busy later today, I was hoping you could maybe show me some tips on Quidditch. I mean I know that you are the Seeker, and I'm only a Beater, but I'm not getting it down just yet."

"Sure, no problem Seamus. Just make sure Madam Hooch says it's ok."

"Oh, I've already asked her, she says there shouldn't be any reason why we can't."

"Ok then, what time?"

"I was thinking just before dawn."

"Ok, see you then. Be prepared." It was almost dawn, and Harry waited at the gates to the Quidditch field for Seamus, who was running a bit late. Harry looked out onto the field. Many a game he had played on this field, well up the air to be exact. He thought back to his first ever game of Quidditch and how exciting it had been. Now, he was still the Seeker for the Gryffindor team, and only getting better with age.

It seemed almost a shame that in the following year he would be graduating from Hogwarts and doing something more with his life. But what, he didn't know. Surely he would be leaving the Dursley's. Harry had everything planned for the day he graduated. He would pack all of his belongings, and Apparate somewhere far, far away from number four, Privet Drive. His plans for life away from his relatives were dashed as he heard the sounds of Seamus approaching. Harry turned around.

"You're late." Seamus had his broom slung over his shoulder. But he wasn't wearing his Quidditch practice robes, instead, he had on a pair of loose shorts, which revealed his muscular thighs, which were covered in dark, curly hair. That was all. Harry was aware that his mouth was gaping open, and closed it. He couldn't tear his eyes from Seamus' gorgeous, perfectly tan body. Every inch was toned and muscular, not even his body was that great. What seemed like forever to Harry ended in seconds.

"I know. I wasn't sure what to wear so I just came like this. Course I had to wear my shirt in the school, but took it off once I was near the gates."

"Well, I suppose I should take mine off." And with that, Harry removed his shirt. Two handsome, toned bodies stood on the Quidditch field. "So I guess we should start, huh?" Harry said.

"Guess so." Seamus got onto his broom, and Harry got onto his Firebolt and the two of them took off into the air. Harry called out to Seamus, telling him what to do and Seamus complied. The two of them flew through the air and soon forgot about Quidditch, but instead chased each other. The sun was setting fast, but it didn't matter. Harry and Seamus were having too much fun. And then Harry stopped and hovered, waiting for Seamus to catch up to him. When he did, he hovered beside Harry's broom.

"Why'd you stop?" Sweat was running down both of their faces. Harry looked into Seamus' eyes. And then it happened. He pulled Seamus close to him and kissed him. It was a short kiss, as Harry didn't know what to expect.

"What was that all about?"

"I just felt like doing it. Did it upset you?"

There was a moment of silence and then Seamus spoke.

"Not really. Truth be told, I was going to do the same to you, I just didn't know if you would like it."

"You were going to do the same thing? Why?"

"I don't know. Just felt like something I wanted to do. I mean, looking at your body like that, kind of made me want to kiss you. You're not going to tell anyone, are you?" Harry smiled and looked at him.

"No, Seamus, I won't say anything. S'long as you don't."

"Would you be willing to do it again?"

"I don't see a problem with that, but I suggest that we land first. We can use the changing room, as not to be caught. With that, the two of them took off down to the changing room and landed on the ground. Harry sat down on a bench and Seamus next to him. "I've never done anything like this before," Seamus admitted to him.

"It's ok. Me either," Harry lied. He wasn't about to tell him that he had snuck out of bed and kissed the new Professor Web. Seamus looked into Harry's dark, green eyes. Slowly he leaned forward and pressed his lips against Harry's. The sensual act between them lasted for some time. Harry parted Seamus' lips with his tongue and slipped it inside his mouth. He massaged Seamus' tongue with his own. A small moan of pleasure escaped from Seamus. Harry stopped kissing and wiped the sweat that had run down Seamus' cheek. "I think we should get back to the school, before someone comes looking for us," Harry said.

"Maybe you're right," he said, smiling. They grabbed their shirts from the field and carried their brooms back up to the front steps of the entrance.