Moving Company

4. Defense Isn't Just For the Dark Arts

That night was the first night of the unofficial Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Upon entering the DADA classroom (Snape got it by the virtue that the Charms room was equally suitable for Defense), Harry had spent the first several minutes chatting pleasantly with his old House friends, who all made it a point to tell Harry how much he was missed. They were also wondering if he was going to try out for the Slytherin team--and were very disappointed (and some quite bitter) when he said he was, not bothering to hide it.

He moved to the other side of the classroom at that point, bothered by what had just happened. Draco had that smug smile on his face that said that he wanted to say something like "I told you so," but before he could Snape walked into the room. There was a scramble of Gryffindors trying to get to their seats while Harry and the other Slytherins calmly took theirs.

Snape didn't waste any time with preamble.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts may well one day save your life. One thing that Dumbledore and I have agreed on in the past is that the ministry underestimates what you can handle, which is why he did not interfere in your lessons dealing with the Imperius Curse last year. Who knows? Had Mr. Potter not learned how to throw it off he may not be with us today."

Harry felt the goosebumps as they crawled up his spine. Perhaps Snape hadn't changed that much after all.

"But he is alive, and that is why we will be continuing along a similar course of study. Since these are "unofficial" lessons the ministry has no say in what I teach. I assure you, however, that I will keep your contact with the Dark Arts to a minimum...we wouldn't want anyone complaining to their parents, now would we?" The last was said with a distinct look at the Gryffindors who squirmed in their seat.

"Tonight I will be testing your skills. I want to know what counter curses you already know, and if you can disarm an opponent. If we have time I will also check your cursing skills. The best way to not get attacked is make sure your opponent can't attack you. Many of our lessons will focus on this fact. If you find it disagreeable, go talk to Professor McGonagall and get yourself in with the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. I'm sure Professor Flitwick's class will be more to your liking."

The other Slytherins were smirking in the Gryffindors' direction. For their part, they were glaring back.

Harry felt the looks of both Houses upon him, as if making him choose sides. He didn't look at either group, instead staring ahead at the chalkboard, relieved to have the match end when Snape called out

"Longbottom, Neville!"

Harry winced as Neville ended up on the floor twenty seconds later, in a full body bind, but thankfully at least the other students had forgotten about him.

* * *

Snape worked his way around the room. Many of the Gryffindors lasted longer than Neville had, although they all eventually ended up in some kind of curse that restricted movement at the end. Much to everyone's protest, Snape didn't remove them either, instead moving the students to the side so he could continue testing.

To everyone's surprise, he was just as relentless with the Slytherins. Millicent Bulstrode got a jellylegs curse. Pansy Parkinson couldn't control her arms. Even Draco Malfoy ended up being petrified.

"Potter, Harry."

"The best for last," Harry thought darkly.

"Draw your wand and bow."

Harry did as he was told, ducking out of the bow towards the side as a curse flew right past where he was standing.

Harry pointed his wand at Snape and yelled, "STUPEFY!"

The spell reflected off of some kind of shield surrounding Snape and hit nearby Pansy instead. Harry ducked out of the way of another body-bind curse and yelled, "EXPELLIARMUS!"

Snape's wand came flying out of his hand, the distraction was enough to break the barrier.

"PETRIFICUS TOTALLUS!"

Now that Snape was wandless, the shield was gone and this time the spell hit its mark, and Snape toppled over. Everyone watched wide-eyed as Harry walked over to the fallen professor.

"Finite Incantatum"

Snape stood up, taking his wand back from Harry.

Everyone waited for Snape to kill the Boy Who Lived. Harry, now drained of his bravery, and looking absolutely pale, took a few steps back as his mind raced of thoughts consisting of "Oh fuck. I'm dead. I'm dead. I'm so dead." Several Gryffindors (well, the ones that could move enough to do so) even winced on Harry's behalf.

Snape smiled grimly. "Well done Mr. Potter. Twenty points for Slytherin. There may be hope for you yet. Now sit down."

Harry nodded. Still looking dazed, he retook his seat.

"I've left the rest of you as you are so you can contemplate this: as you now stand, you are all dead. There is nothing to stop your assailant from casting any number of spells upon you, including Avada Kevardra. As should be obvious, we have a lot of work to be done. Mr. Potter, you may release your classmates. We will meet here again in one week's time."

Snape left the room a cruel smirk on his face; leaving Harry to free the cursed students, many of them throwing bitter looks at the professors retreating figure, and muttering a clipped "thank you" to Harry before leaving.

* * *

A half hour later, Harry sat in the Slytherin common room working on his History of Magic essay, struggling as he tried to keep yet another group of goblins straight.. Stories of what had happened in the DADA class had already spread throughout Slytherin, and his housemates were looking at him with a mixture of awe (the third years and lower), indifference (fourth and fifth years, who for the most part were used to Harry) and scorn (sixth and seventh years, with the exception of Montague and Derrick who treated him with respect). Harry was about to give up on the essay and go back to his dorm when Snape slipped into the common room.

Snape looked around, and sent Millicent to get Pansy. Once the two girls returned he ordered the fifth years to follow him. Harry looked at Draco for an explanation, but Draco looked equally confused.

They were lead down into the potions dungeon, where they all took a seat.

"Tonight was a disgrace to the Slytherin house. I've never seen such ill prepared students before, ever! I know what Crouch taught you. You all should have been able to at least last longer then you did!"

Someone spoke up. "But sir...we haven't had the experience that Harry has had in dueling!"

" Mr. Potter, how many duels have you been in total?"

Harry thought for a moment. "Two, sir. Once in the dueling club second year, and once with Voldemort."

Many of his classmates winced. Children of Death Eaters or not, they were all still afraid of the Dark Lord and never referred to him as anything but the epithet.

"Now try telling me again that Potter has had more practice over you."

No one spoke up.

"Luckily, the Gryffindors are in no better shape then you are, but I refuse to let it stay that way. I want a three-foot essay on a defensive spell of your choice ready for me next Tuesday. I will go over them, and if any of you have chosen well, you will get five points and we will review them at the next lesson. Dismissed. Mr. Potter, I want you to stay behind."

Harry nodded silently and his classmates left the dungeon.

An uncomfortable silence stretched between the two men for several minutes as Snape straightened up his potions cabinet.

"You did well tonight, but you could do much better. You won't be able to duck every spell thrown at you."

Harry nodded. "Yes, Sir."

"That being said, I have no doubts in my mind that you were the only one to even think of trying to disarm me. A wise decision. Every fight is a duel whether or not it is started that way."

Harry nodded again, slower this time.

"IMPERIO!"

Harry almost toppled off his stool, and it took all his strength to grasp onto the side of the table, to ignore the voice in his head that was telling him to give his wand to Snape.

Sweat started to form along the hairline, but he finally shook his head and threw it off, "I WON'T GIVE YOU MY WAND!"

Snape nodded. "Five points. Being able to do that even when attacked unexpectedly will serve you well. Your reflexes need some fine tuning, you need to trust magic a little more for your defense, but I imagine you haven't ever really had a chance to practice those, have you?"

"No, Sir. I haven't."

"After our lesson I went and spoke with Dumbledore. We both agree that you could use some advanced training. If you agree to this, in addition to our weekly lesson, you will spend an additional two hours a week training with me. We will work on counter curses, defenses like the shielding spell I cast during our lesson, and possibly some passive charms that you can keep on at all time. In exchange, you will teach the first years of all four houses basic Defense skills. Because of your age you will take them one House at a time, and a lesson plan would be provided. Sixth and Seventh years will be teaching the second and third years."

"But between all that and Quidditch practice, I won't have much time for homework."

Snape smiled wryly. "And I here I had the distinct impression that you didn't care about doing it. Still, the Headmaster has agreed to let you drop Divination if you agree to this deal. I didn't think you'd object to that. I'm sure you must be running out of ways to die by now."

Harry snickered despite himself, and he smiled. He didn't think he'd ever be free of Madame Trelawney and her headache-inducing incense.

"He has also graciously agreed to provide you with a small stipend for your work. It won't be easy."

Harry stood there, not quite sure what to say. He hated Divination with a passion, and he'd do anything to get out of it, and the things Snape would teach him would be a lot more useful then any tea reading. On the other hand, he'd lose his only class with Ron, and one of the only times he could count on seeing him.

Snape took a good look at Harry. "You may tell me in the morning when you come down to breakfast. I would give you more time, but if you turn this down we will need to find another student to teach in your place."

"Yes, Professor. Is there anything else?"

"Are you getting along all right with the rest of your classmates?"

Harry nodded. "I'm starting to, yes."

"Good. Nothing further then. Now go back to your room. Don't make me take points off for breaking curfew."

"Goodnight, Professor."

Snape nodded and Harry left.

* * *

Back inside the common room, Harry gathered his books up. He had nothing due tomorrow and he knew if he tried reading his history book again none of it would stick. Draco and Crabbe were in the middle of a game of Wizard's chess, paying him no mind. He did see Blaise discreetly pack up his things and follow Harry back to the room.

"What did Professor Snape want?" Blaise asked as soon as he had draped himself on his own bed.

"He wanted to check some of my other reflexes." He paused, deciding how much he wanted to tell Blaise. "He also wants me to teach first years Defense against the Dark Arts."

"Wow."

Harry shrugged. "They're picking a sixth and seventh year to teach the second and third years. I guess this way they don't over burden Snape and Flitwick."

"What will you get in return?"

"Because of the time involvement, I won't have to take Divination, and I'll get a small stipend. "

Blaise considered it. "That's not bad, I suppose. Are you going to do it?"

"I want to, because I know I won't miss Divination, and if I can prevent another student from dying it'd be worth it..."

"But?"

Harry was oddly glad that Blaise didn't try a "But it wasn't your fault Diggory died speech"

"But. I would lose the only class I have with Ron, plus what little time I would have to spend with him."

"He means a lot to you, doesn't he?"

Harry nodded, not caring to elaborate.

"It's up to you Harry, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made."

With that Blaise closed the curtain around his bead, leaving Harry to think.

* * *

The next morning, Harry went up to the Head Table, where Snape was currently smearing a scone with honey.

"I'll do it, sir."

Snape nodded, and handed him a scroll, as if he'd never doubted that Harry would say yes. "That contains information about what you're to teach, rules for discipline and the like. You are to come to a meeting on Sunday after lunch in the teachers lounge to discuss all of that. You are to have read the information ahead of time."

"Yes, Professor." Harry returned to his seat.

"What was that about, Harry?" Draco asked.

"You'll find out soon enough."

Draco scowled. "Who would have thought that Snape would start to like you?"

"Never said anything about liking me, did I? And besides, you're still tutoring me in potions, so you can lord that over me."

Draco didn't look up from his eggs. "True. You'll never be any good at that."

Harry rolled his eyes.

Not long after the morning post was delivered, Dumbledore stood up.

"As you all know, Defense Against the Dark Art courses started this week for fourth years and above. I want to reassure those of you third year and below that we have not forgotten you."

Several of the younger Slytherins perked up at this. After hearing what the older students had been doing, they wanted to go too.

"However, it is unreasonable for Professors Flitwick and Snape to do all the teaching themselves. Therefore, we have enlisted three students to act as junior staff and teach you. Now, just to reassure you those of you who might get jealous, they are not receiving any special privileges for their hard work, unless you count admittance to the Teacher's lounge a privilege! However, you will treat them with respect as they can give out detention during classes, as well as take or deduct House points as they see fit. Now! Teaching first years will be Mr. Harry Potter of Slytherin."

Harry stood up and tilted his head slightly in acknowledgement, startled that Dumbledore had announced it so quickly after he accepted. Maybe he was the last one they offered the position to. Looking around the table, Draco seemed startled, and the first years seemed pleased. Hermione flashed him a smile from the Ravenclaw table.

"Next up, teaching the second years will be Cho Chang of Gryffindor."

Cho stood up, flashed a smile at Harry and nodded.

"And finally, teaching the third years will be Su Li of Ravenclaw."

She stood up and nodded as well, smiling at the students around her, and then all three sat down.

"You will receive revised schedules on Monday listing when you will meet with your teacher. Have a good day all."

* * *

Harry started heading towards the library to work on his History of Magic essay, when Dumbledore stopped him in the halls.

"I want to thank you for agreeing to do this, Harry. It will be a lot of hard work, but I'm sure you'll excel at it."

"Thank you, Sir."

"I've taken the liberty of already making your new schedule up for you so you'll know what you're facing. All you've got left to do is talk to Professor Trelawney; inform her that you'll no longer be taking her class, and come up with a lesson plan. As long as you cover what's in the scroll, you may do so in any order you like. You also have my permission to use the classroom when no one else is occupying it to practice your newly taught skills. Now, I must be going, and I will see you on Sunday right after lunch!" He patted Harry on the shoulder and was on his way. Harry watched Dumbledore leave, then looked down at the scroll in his hand stupidly, trying to digest everything that had happened in the span of a half hour. Shaking his head, he went into the library, found a seat and looked at his new schedule. It didn't seem too bad, he now had DADA classes where he otherwise would have had Divination. His Saturdays would be free, which was nice. He could make time to meet Ron and Hermione then. Although not looking forward to them, he saw the Sunday meetings as a necessary evil. He made a note to himself to speak to Trelawney during lunch, pulled out the scroll from Snape and started working on a vague lesson plan, figuring that Snape could help him fill it out later.

Time quickly passed, and Harry was so absorbed in his work that he didn't hear Ron until the redhead spoke in his ear.

"Teaching Defense are you? You nuts?" asked Ron.

Harry startled, and turned to see Ron grinning down at him. "Quite possibly." Harry ruefully agreed. "How'd your lesson with Flitwick go?"

"It's all right. Not as good as Lupin though. What'd Snape have you do?"

"We dueled, basically. He managed to curse everyone but me."

Ron's voice tightened slightly. "I'm sure he was thrilled with that."

Harry had the grace to blush. "I actually earned 20 points for it."

"Oh."

Harry hadn't noticed that Ron had picked up his new schedule until Ron asked, "Harry? Where's divination?"

"Ah yeah. I'm not taking it anymore."

"What do you mean you're not taking it any more?!" His voice was loud enough that Madame Pince gave them a look.

"Calm down, Ron. With all the Defense stuff, I wouldn't have the time for it."

"Oh." He colored slightly in anger. Harry could hear the heat in his words when Ron continued, "But that was our only class together!"

"I know. Sorry about that." Harry took the scroll back, hoping that Ron hadn't noticed the blocks marked advanced DADA. "Don't look so glum. I've got Saturdays free that we can meet up during, and time on Sunday morning as well! I'm sure we can find some other times during the week too."

Ron shook his head. "Probably not. Your free periods are all different then mine."

Awkward silence came between them, and soon they heard a bell ring. "I guess I've better be off," Harry offered. "Got potions next. Talk to you soon?"

"Yeah. Sure."

Ron watched Harry leave, then left for Transfigurations himself.

* * *

Harry tried talking to Ron during the lunch break, but Ron was now in one of those "I'm not talking to you" moods and had Goyle relate the message. He wasn't sure if Goyle being Ron's henchman or Crabbe offering to take Harry clothes shopping was stranger.

Professor Trelawney told Harry she had forseen the end of their partnership and warned him to beware the ides of September. He kindly thanked her and went to Double Charms.

* * *

After dinner, Harry caught up with Hermione before she was able to go through the tapestry into the Ravenclaw common room.

"Hermione, wait!"

She turned around, her face lighting up when she saw Harry. "Hey Harry!"

"Would you take a walk with me?"

"Of course." She handed her things to Padma who kindly agreed to take them up to the dorm.

Harry lead them outside, onto the path that leads to Hagrid's hut. Once they were safely out of hearing range of other people, she asked,

"What's wrong, Harry?"

"Have you talked to Ron since breakfast?"

She nodded. "Just for a few minutes though. He seemed upset."

"Did he say why?"

"Something about divinations. Couldn't make out what though. You know what Ron's like when he gets into that kind of mood."

Harry nodded.

"What happened between you two?"

Harry sighed. "He's upset because I dropped Divination."

Hermione almost squealed before she caught herself. "That's gre...a shame. Why did you drop it though? Because you're teaching?"

Harry nodded.

She smiled. "Congratulations on that. Just don't let it interfere with your work. Remember, we have OWLs this year!"

Harry smiled kindly. "We haven't even been here a week yet!"

"True. But no time like the present to start thinking about them."

"I'll try, promise. I'm even getting help in potions."

Hermione looked surprised. "You are?"

Harry almost blushed, and muttered "SnapekindofmadeDracodoit"

If she thought it odd that Snape was looking out for Harry, or that Draco actually agreed, she made no sign of it. "Good. Take advantage of that. Malfoy's good at it, even if he's too lazy to make the potion himself."

Harry looked at Hermione.

"What?" she said irritably.

"I thought you hated Draco."

"I do."

"Then why did you give him credit for his potions work when you usually do the preparations?"

She shrugged. "He's helped me a few times, and he does do some of the prep work. I don't mind actually making the potion. I find it kind of relaxing really."

"Only you, Hermione."

She flashed a quick smile at him.

They reached Hagrid's hut and knocked, no one answered, although Fang barked away madly.

Harry shrugged. "Maybe he's doing errands for Dumbledore?"

She nodded. "Probably." They turned around and headed back towards the castle. "Do you have any plans for the Hogsmeade weekend? I was thinking maybe the three of us could hit up all the old places, and get some butterbeer? Try and patch things up between you and Ron."

"I'd like to, but I can't."

"You can't?"

Harry shook his head, and smiled ruefully. "I'm going shopping with Draco, Crabbe and Blaise. They don't think I look Slytherin enough. Crabbe is paying for the excursion since I'm helping him with his Care of Magical Creatures essay. I was outnumbered, so I figured I might as well go along with it." He saw her look of confusion, and waved his hand. "It's a Slytherin thing."

She paused briefly, "Ron'll be disappointed you know."

Harry nodded. "I know. And I don't want to disappoint him. But you know. I'm a Slytherin now. I can't ignore them anymore, because they are my housemates...it's just one of those things, I guess

"Hopefully Ron will understand that."

Harry's voice sounded flat. "Yeah. Hopefully."

The rest of the walk was made in silence.

* * *

The next morning, Harry woke early, used to the early morning Quidditch tryout's/Saturday practices that Gryffindor always seemed to have. Then he remembered that they had the pitch last that day, so in theory he could go back to sleep.

In theory.

In reality he was far too awake, so he decided to get some early breakfast and go down to the field, and maybe be able to talk with some friends before he had to try out. He quickly got dressed, grabbed his Firebolt and headed upstairs.

Twenty minutes later he was sitting in the Slytherin stands watching as several Ravenclaws played a mock game to find some new Beaters. It appeared that to replace Cho as Seeker they merely promoted their former reserve player--Ravenclaw hadn't gotten any received Quidditch players in the re-Sort and had to make do with what it already had.

Harry watched the faux match continue. Two of the hopefuls weren't that bad. They were only third year so there was plenty of time to make them something more formidable. The third one was only mediocre. Reserve at best.

Apparently, Hooch and whoever was the new captain had seen what they wanted to, and a whistle blew, calling the players back down to the earth.

Ravenclaw left the pitch, to be replaced by Gryffindors. He noticed the stands on that side starting to fill up a little. He wasn't really sure why they were having tryouts. Almost the entire team from last year (aside from himself) was returning, and now with Cho Chang they had a fairly talented seeker to work for them.

"Spying on us, Harry?" The voice was cold and accusing.

Harry turned to find Seamus, Dean and Neville looking at him.

In a clipped voice, Harry replied, "For one thing, there's nothing against me sitting here. For another, it's not like I'm seeing anything that I haven't before. I've played against Cho, and everyone else is returning!"

No one had a response to that because everything Harry was saying was true. He'd know this stuff whether or not he watched the tryout.

"Why are you guys on my case anyway? It's not like I asked to be re-Sorted."

Dean shifted slightly. "Maybe not. But Slytherin? I thought you were better then that Harry."

Harry's eyes narrowed and he glared at Dean. "God, you're an idiot, aren't you? Just because I'm in a new House doesn't mean I'm suddenly an entire different person. Did you think that me being there meant I was going to brainwashed into some evil automaton?"

"But Snape doesn't...."

Draco's clear voice rang through the crisp air. "Snape doesn't treat Harry as bad as he did because like it or not Harry *is* a Slytherin now and Snape protects his own. Now, unless you have something intelligent to say, bugger off."

Harry turned around to see the rest of the Slytherin fifth years backing him up, all of them showing expressions of various degrees of anger and annoyance.

Outnumbered and with no good comebacks ready, the three Gryffindors left them alone, Neville looking torn between being sympathetic for Harry, and upset because Harry had let Draco tell them off.

"Idiots." Blaise commented.

"Should have suspected you'd be here early." Draco remarked. "Did you find out anything good about next year's teams?" He sat down on one side, Blaise on the other, the remainder fanning out around them on either side.

"Not really. Like you probably heard me say to Dean, the Gryffindor team is going to remain the same for one last year, although Cho will be Seeker instead of me. I missed the Hufflepuffs though"

Draco nodded. "See anyone else?"

"Ravenclaw had more positions to fill. It looks like there new Seeker is the one they used to have on reserve. Not sure of his name. The new beaters aren't bad, but aren't great either. They're third years, I think."

"So Gryffindor still the main competition then?"

"Most likely."

Draco nodded. "Well. Let's get going. We're up next."

Harry nodded, and grabbed his broom. The others wished the two of them luck, then devised a betting pool on the odds of Draco actually getting to keep his position of first string Seeker.

* * *

At lunch, Harry watched as Pansy collected a nice handful of Galleons from the others.

Draco looked dour and muttered something that Harry was pretty sure he didn't want to actually hear. It sounded something along the lines of "Bloody fucking Potter. We play to win so we use the best! Bastard Snape after my dad bought brooms for everyone last year..."

Blaise leaned over and whispered, "He'll be like this for a while. You might want to avoid him. He knew it was coming, but still..."

Harry nodded and spent most of the afternoon in the library with Hermione, looking up good stories to tell the first years about why it's important to take Defense Against the Dark Arts seriously.

* * *

Sunday passed in a blur of studying, and an exceedingly dull meeting about what Harry could and couldn't do as a teacher (although he now had a master list of detentions he could assign on Snape's behalf), and what to do about any problems he might have. The only thing enjoyable about the meeting was getting to see the teacher's lounge (which was currently decorated as a deciduous forest with real trees and complete picnic benches) and to get a cup of a tea that had twice the amount of caffeine, as the normal student variety had, leaving him with a nice buzz for Draco's potions tutoring.

In between quizzing Harry and going over the finer points of a potion they were going to make later in the week, Draco was still sulky over the loss of his position on the Quidditch team.

Harry found that cute, but for the life of him, couldn't figure out why.

* * *

Dear Snuffles,

Don't know if Dumbledore has sent you anything about this, but I'm helping to teach DADA. To first years. All of them. After the meeting today, I'm convinced that I'm thoroughly nuts. On the bright side, I no longer have to take Divination, and even better I'm going to learn some advanced DADA stuff. I guess this came about because I was the only one of the Slytherin/Gryffindor fifth years that could actually beat Snape in a pseudo-duel when he tested us on Thursday night. Oh yeah. I'm also getting a 2 galleon/week stipend for doing this. I'm including it in my letter. I'm not sure how/what you're living off of, so every little bit helps, right?

Saturday was Quidditch tryouts. I made the Slytherin team, much to Draco's dismay (since I took over his spot), but the oddest part of the day was the way Seamus and Dean treated me. I was sitting in the stands watching Cho go through the motions of trying out for Seeker, when they and Neville (who was probably just tagging along) came up to me, accused me of spying, and then demanded to know how I could play for "them" them being Slytherin or something. It's like I've grown a second head or something just because I've changed houses. I'm starting to wonder if we were ever really friends and that just sucks. Suppose I'm lucky I'm so busy this term. Give me less time to mope about these things. Things with Ron aren't much better but I'm not going to dwell on that now.

Next week is Hogsmeades. Going with the fifth years from Slytherin. Promises to be...interesting. I'll let you know how it went when I come out alive.

Hope you're well, and Buckbeak,

Harry

The tawny owl flew out into the night, and Harry made it back to the dorm just minutes before curfew.

* * *

Harry sat on the edge of the desk in the Defense classroom, damp hands clutching the edge. He'd tried to eat something, but the butterflies were so strong that all he'd gotten down was a cup of strong coffee. He did nick a pastry for later because he was pretty sure that otherwise his stomach would growl in Transfiguration and he had no intention of drawing undue attention to himself.

Soon he heard footsteps in the hall, and he composed himself, trying to look utterly cool and confident, praying that the Hufflepuffs bought it.

He was prepared for a lot of things. Hero worship and fear weren't among them. There were eight new Hufflepuffs this year; an even split of four boys, and four girls. They all quietly filed into the classroom, the boys excited and chattering away, the girls more timid.

He had a thought. While he had found a nice story expounding on why you should take DADA seriously, he realized that talking about his own experiences might make even more of an impact.

"All right everyone, quiet down!"

To his amazement, it actually worked. He'd have to tell Snape that. Or maybe McGonagall. That had to be the first that ever worked, considering he'd never seen that work in his own classes.

"As I'm all sure you know by now, I'm Harry Potter.

I'm not the Boy Who Lived out of sheer luck. It was defense magic that let me live when Lord Voldemort first attacked my parents and I. It was knowing Defense against the Dark Arts that let me survive the last four years here at Hogwarts. If I did not know how to Stupefy, if I didn't know Petrificus Totalius I might not be here today. I've had all three of the Unforgivable Curses thrown at me, and I have lived. But I couldn't do it if not what I had learned in this class."

"This is a hard subject. Just ask the fifth years in Slytherin or Gryffindor! I'm sure they'd be happy to tell you about Professor Snape's idea of a skill check." His smile slipped a little. "It's hard, but you have to try. With the threat of You-Know-Who shadowing the Wizard world again, it's ultimately up to us to keep ourselves safe."

A brunette sitting near the back spoke up in a challenging tone, "So we won't end up like Cedric Diggory?"

Harry's eyes grew cold, his voice hardened. "Cedric died a Champion. He was a good and brave person. All members of Hufflepuff would do well to try and be like him. Next time raise your hand if you have something relevant to say or I will take points. I may not be a full fledged teacher, but I will be treated with respect!"

The boy, apparently now convinced that Harry wouldn't be a total pushover just nodded. No one else was brave enough to fight Harry on this issue.

"All right then. Who can tell me the first thing you should do if you're in a dangerous situation?"

A little girl, one he recognized as Angela from the sorting, raised her hand. "You should run."

Harry nodded. "Five points for Hufflepuff."

She beamed.

"Can someone tell me why?"

No one answered.

"It's better to run, then to fight because if you run, chances are much greater that you'll get to live another day. There's no way to just look at a wizard or witch and be able to know how strong they are. All the reflecting charms in the world won't help you if they knock you out before you can even cast it."

"Then why don't *you* run? " asked the brunette.

Harry picked up the sheet with the list of first years, picking out his picture. "Five points from Hufflepuff, Mr. Burns. I warned you about speaking without permission. Do it again and it'll be detention. But, it is a good question so I'll answer it. I don't run because when facing You-Know-Who I don't have anywhere to run. He picks his battles well, and always has the advantage. Believe me, if I saw You-Know-Who and had a chance to run right away, I would. But I've yet to be in that position, but I still try. I cast spells and I pray to Merlin that I hit something, and if I can find a way, I run. Running is what got me back to Hogwarts in one piece at the end of the Tournament."

Figuring now was a good time as any, Harry launched into the lesson on a basic blocking "Now, in case you can't run, the first thing to do is...."

* * *

Harry collapsed into his chair in Transfiguration. He could tell that Burns was going to be a pain in his arse. He'd already had to give the kid detention, but assigned it for when he was in the dungeons doing work with Draco. He planned to pick one of the nastier assignments on the list to try and break the first year of his disobedience streak. If that didn't work, he'd have Snape start taking larger amounts of points away. He had told Harry that if any of the "brats" failed to obey that he'd gladly do so since no one disrespected Slytherins. Harry considered that a last resort because it would mean that he had no control over the kids at all.

On the bright side of things, he channeled his frustrations into concentrating on the Transfiguration assignment, resulting in his music box turning into the perfect nightingale.

One DADA class down, three more to go, for this week anyway.

* * *

Su, who was waiting to use the classroom for the third years, flashed Harry a sympathetic smile as he staggered out of the first DADA class with the Gryffindor first years. Someone (Harry fully suspected Seamus and Dean) must have been doing some propaganda against him because it wasn't until he had given all the Gryffindor boys detention and had taken twenty points from the girls and assigned a three foot essay on a DADA master of their choice that he was able to get control.

Fleeing to the common room, Harry suspected he now knew why Gryffindors were Snape's favorite target.

* * *

Tuesday passed by quickly enough. Most of the Gryffindors he had taught yesterday refused to look at him in the halls. Rumor had it that McGonagall had reamed out the students when she'd found out what they'd done--and then had given them each an extra detention on top of it. He had a feeling they'd all be well-behaved next week.

Buoyed by this thought, Harry went to his first Advanced DADA lesson.

Reaching the classroom, he'd expected to see Cho and Su there, but they were nowhere to be found.

"It's just us, Mr. Potter."

Harry turned and saw Snape standing in the doorway.

"What about the others?"

Snape swept into the room, sitting on the desk. "They are teaching because Dumbledore asked them to. If you are so curious you may ask them what other deals they made with their respective professors."

Harry nodded.

"Quite frankly, this training wouldn't benefit them. They are smart, and undoubtedly they are good in the subject, but they've never fought as evidenced by Cho having just as little success as her sixth year counterparts--even more disappointing considering her year. By the time she thought to use what she was taught, she'd be dead. Or worse."

Harry didn't know what to say, so he said nothing.

"Now. We'll start off with defensive spells, like the reflecting spell to prevent you from getting hit at all. We'll then move onto curses even more effective then even the full body bind. Time permitting, we'll cover counter curses."

"Why not cover them sooner?"

Snaped sighed, as if Harry was missing the perfectly obvious, "Because, Mr. Potter, with the kind of enemies you have, if you get struck you won't have time to perform a counter. Therefore, it's better for you not get hit, or to hit first. I trust that makes sense."

Harry blinked. He actually didn't expect an explanation, but was rather pleased to get one. He supposed being in Snape's house had its privileges. "Yes, sir."

"Now. Move to that end of the room" Harry did, as Snape moved towards the door.

"The spell word is Recurvo. When properly cast this will block almost all curses, save the strongest of the Dark, including the three Unforgivable curses. The problem with this spell, is that it requires your concentration to keep the magic working. If you lose your focus, or, as you saw in our duel, you lose your wand, the spell ends, leaving you vulnerable. "

"Wouldn't I want to learn a spell to counter them, especially as Voldemort is so fond of casting them."

"In due time, Mr. Potter, if you can get to the point where you can cast Recurvo almost instinctively then you might have a chance to successfully learn Impenetrâbilis. If you can't, then the curse would hit before you got Impenetrâbilis up."

Harry nodded in understanding. It also made what Snape said about Cho make more sense: if you have to think about it, you're dead.

"Now. I will cancel any obvious effects of any curses I might, but you are not allowed to see Madame Pomfrey to have bruises or other minor injuries healed. Dumbledore is the only other person who knows that we are doing this, and I intend to keep it that way. Therefore, you will either figure out a spell to heal yourself, or you may make a store of healing potion during your study session--it will be a good test of your skills."

"What will I tell Draco and the others?"

Snape expression was cold. "You're skilled at lying. Make something up."

Harry swallowed. "Yes, Sir."

"Now. No more dallying. CONTERO!"

"Recurvo!" He saw a small flicker of light, just before the curse hit just below his left elbow. It felt like he'd been punched and he could see a bruise already being to form.

Snape considered. "Not too awful for the first attempt. Again. Contero!"

* * *

Harry hobbled into the Slytherin dorms two hours later. If he didn't look like a giant bruise, he certainly felt like one. He was incredibly thankful that the common room was nearly empty at this point. Bruises ran up and down his legs, arms and torso, and his robes would hide all of them. If he were more optimistic, he would have said that Snape hadn't enjoyed attacking him like that. He didn't know if he'd ever be that optimistic when it came to Snape, but consoled himself with the knowledge that Snape had seemed duly impressed that Harry had progressed as far as he had in the short time they'd had to practice.

He was asleep within a minute of hitting his bed.

* * *

Dear Harry,

Thank you for the money. While I strictly don't need the money, having the extra cushion is nice. However, I'm sure you're working to earn every knut, so I insist that if you want to keep sending me money that you send no more then half of it. I also wish you the best of luck in teaching them anything. I also wish you luck in your advanced studies. Just be sure to exercise judgment when learning something new. If it seems a little too Dark for your taste, it probably is, and request to learn something else.

I'm glad you are going to keep playing Quidditch; it serves Malfoy right for buying his place onto the team in the first place. I'm not sure what to tell you about your old Housemates, or whatever is going on between you and Ron (if you ever care to discuss it, feel free), but not dwelling on it is probably best.

Enjoy the trip to Hogsmeade. I'll be moving around a bit in the next few weeks, so it might be best for you not to owl me for a while. I'll send you a note when all is clear again.

Snuffles.

Harry rolled up the scroll, disappointed he wouldn't be able to write more frequently, but he understood. He said a silent prayer to Merlin that today's DADA class went better then the last.

* * *

The rest of the week was turning out better then he thought. While he was unable to find a good healing spell that he was capable of performing on himself yet, he did find a potion to make with Draco next Sunday while he was keeping an eye on the kids he had in detention. Even better, there'd be no Slytherins or Ravenclaws joining them. Undoubtedly Snape said something to his housemates, (although giving so many Gryffindors detention in the span of one hour made him something of a hero in the eyes of the Slytherin first years) and the Ravenclaw students were too curious to try and misbehave.

He was able to chat with Hermione for a few minutes during History of Magic. She promised that she and Ron would try and catch up with him in the Three Broomsticks, although he wasn't sure what time they'd make it over there. Ron was still upset over him dropping divination, but was dealing better now and ready to talk to Harry again. From what Hermione had said; Ron was happier. He'd started making some friends amongst the Hufflepuffs and had even made the Hufflepuff Quidditch team as a chaser. Blaise had even said that Ron wasn't half bad for a player...for a Hufflepuff. Damning praise to be sure, but Harry didn't really expect anything better from any Slytherin.

Harry himself was still getting used to working with his new team. He'd spent enough time with the Gryffindors that he could tell almost instinctively where they were in the air. It'd take time to build that level of rapport with his new team, but he was determined to do so. Unlike Draco (whom Harry suspected of planning something devious) who still blamed Harry for his ousting, the rest of the team was glad to have him aboard, and did their part to get him up to speed.

Slytherin was definitely starting to feel like home.