The Prince Returns

Chapter Sixteen

The day that they were to return to Hogwarts was dark and wet. Gray clouds filled the sky, obscuring any possible light. There was a constant drizzle throughout the day, coating everything in rain. The weather created a gloomy atmosphere that was difficult for a person to shake. Early that morning, the Hogwarts-bound students loaded their trunks into a Ministry car and got into the back seat. Remus was escorting them to the train station. He, as well as a few other Order members, had been acting odd that morning.

"There are going to be a few changes at Hogwarts this year," he began slowly once the car was off. Five teenagers looked to him with curiosity. "To begin with, there will be a few new additions to the staff."

"Who?" Hermione asked.

"You'll see soon enough," Remus said with a smile. "Now, I want you all to be very careful this year. Keep your eyes open. Security at Hogwarts will increase. I'm sure that there will be guards all over the grounds and even inside the castle."

"Quidditch?" Ron asked expectantly.

"Sorry, Ron, but I am not sure if they are going to allow Quidditch or not this year. You have been in the house almost all summer. You haven't had contact with many wizards outside the Order. People are scared. You need to be prepared for that," Remus said, looking at them pointedly.

Suddenly, the five students were somewhat hesitant to be returning to Hogwarts. They wondered what how the other students would have changed over the summer.

****

Once getting on Platform 9 3/4, the change was obvious. Parents seemed reluctant to allow their children to board. Several parents were crying, as were some students, as they boarded the train. Also, a few conspicuous adults were walking around the platform, making gestures to one another from across the crowded area. "Who are they?" Harry asked Remus.

"More guards from the Ministry. You'll probably have a few of them on the train with you," Remus said with distaste. He was not entirely impressed with the Ministry. It seemed to him that all their actions were too little too late. He helped the five students load their trunks onto the train. He waved to them as the train took off. They continued to wave until Remus and then the train station itself was out of sight. They found an empty compartment and put their things away and sat down. Not longer after they arranged themselves comfortably, a Ministry guard walked by their compartment, his wand raised. He looked in on them briefly before moving on.

"What do they expect to find on the train?" Regan asked, annoyed. "Do they think we're hiding a Death Eater under our robes?"

"At least the Ministry is finally doing something," Hermione mumbled.

"What changes to you think Remus was talking about?" Ron asked.

"You don't know?" Regan asked incredulously.

"And you do?" he replied.

"Actually, I do," she said arrogantly. "I assumed that someone had told you. My father told me this morning that there will be three new Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers."

"Three?" Harry asked. "Why would they have three?"

"Hogwarts will be having extra Defense Against the Dark Arts classes this year," Regan said, as if it was obvious.

"Why?" Ron asked.

"Because they want us to be prepared," Hermione said. "Of course. The Ministry has finally given Dumbledore control, so he can have whatever classes he wants without worry about some Educational Decree. With Voldemort back in power and the Death Eaters out and about again, we should be taking more Defense classes."

"I think we should be taking classes that teach us how to use dark arts," Regan said once Hermione was finished.

"What?" Ron asked, astounded she could suggest such a thing.

"I think that we should know to use dark magic as well as how to defend ourselves from it. For example, I think that we should be able to use and administer the Unforgivables," she said simply. "Back at the Institute, we were taught about dark magic and how to use it. Therefore, we understood the theory and what it involved and we able to better defend it. No offense, but Hogwarts just tells how to defend yourself."

"And it's helped me several times," Harry said defensively.

"I sort of agree with her," Hermione said quietly, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Ron and Ginny looked at her, shocked. "Knowing how the dark magic actually works could help us in defending ourselves from it. But I love Hogwarts. I think the school is doing great."

"Why didn't you stay at the Institute, if it's such a better school?" Ron demanded, turning back to Regan.

"Believe me, I wanted to. However, that wasn't an option. My parents moved to England, so I moved to England. I think that we would have been much better off staying in New York. Hell, I think that we would have been much better off if Dad took one of Malfoy's many offers," she said angrily.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Ron pressed.

"Well, the Death Eaters haven't been attacked yet, have they? None of them have been mercilessly killed by the Order," she said.

"Just last winter our fathers captured twenty Death Eaters!" Ron reminded her.

"Yes. Twenty Death Eaters, all of whom were young, naive, and stupid, who Voldemort had practically given to the Order."

"Why didn't your dad go to that side then?" Ron said angrily, standing from his seat.

"He has principles and dignity, something which you have no idea about," she replied, standing up to face him. In her new Manolos, Regan reached his height and the two were eye-to-eye.

"You should have been in Slytherin," Ron muttered, sitting back down. She, however, remained standing. She took her things from the luggage rack.

"You know, Weasley, you're probably right. Apparently, I picked the wrong house," she said and stormed out of the compartment.

"What does she mean, 'picked the wrong house?'" Ginny asked. Ron and Harry shrugged. Hermione, however, looked frustrated.

"It's all in the new edition of Hogwarts: A History. The book I gave you for Christmas," she said, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Didn't you read them?"

"Not exactly," Harry muttered, looking guilty. Ron didn't even have the courage to face Hermione. Instead, he looked to the floor.

"All new students who enter Hogwarts in their fifth year or higher are allowed to pick their own house. Of course, the Sorting Hat assists them and gives them its own opinion. It seems that the school believes that students of a certain age are mature enough to pick their own house," Hermione said.

"Why did she pick Gryffindor then?" Ron mumbled.

"Probably because the only people she knew at the school were the four of us," Hermione said.

"She didn't know what a complete moron you are at the time," Ginny offered. Harry laughed; Ron and Hermione did not.

"Honestly Ron, you need to try to get along with her. It's going to be a long year if you can't get along," Hermione warned.

"She started it with all that rubbish about the dark arts," Ron said, almost whining. Hermione rolled her eyes and was about to give her own opinion about the teaching of the dark arts when their compartment door opened. A very uncomfortable-looking Seamus Finnigan stood in the doorway.

"Hello Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny," he said, nodding to each one of them. Then he focused on Ron. "Listen, mate, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry about what happened and if there's anything I can do....it's terrible what happened. Sorry again." With that, he was gone.

"He didn't have to do all that," Ron mumbled, but he was grinning. He appreciated Seamus's effort. His mood quickly lifted and he forgot about Regan.

Regan did not return to their compartment for the rest of the train ride. However, several other classmates did stop by their compartment to offer their condolences to Ron and Ginny. Luna Lovegood actually gave Ron a peck on the cheek, to make him feel better. She hurriedly left the compartment after receiving a death glare from Hermione. By the time they arrived at Hogwarts, nearly every student at Hogwarts, except those in Slytherin, had stopped by the compartment to offer their sympathies. The four had not been disturbed by the Slytherins at all. Ron noticed Draco Malfoy walk by their compartment a couple of times, but he did not acknowledge them at all. Ron couldn't decided which Malfoy he preferred. At least he knew where he stood with the old Malfoy.

****

By the time the students had arrived at Hogwarts, the weather had not changed from the dismal state it had been in that morning. The ceiling of the great hall was filled with dark clouds and little light. Candles were floating everywhere to provide some light. The four made their way to the Gryffindor table. The sense of paranoia and fear that had seemed to hover Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express was not gone, but weaker. Students still appeared uneasy, but Hogwarts gave off an aura of safety that had affected many students. A few minutes after they had taken their seats, Regan joined them, sitting across from Harry and beside Hermione, as far away from Ron as the table would allow.

"Truce you two. Now," Hermione demanded after a few uncomfortable moments during which Ron and Regan refused to look at each other. "It's going to be a long year if you two can't get along." Even though she had said the same thing to Ron, she thought that it was a very good point. Besides, Regan had not heard it before.

"Fine. Truce," Regan said reluctantly, sticking her hand out to Ron. He, just as unwillingly, took her hand.

"Truce," he mumbled. Hermione seemed satisfied. It would have to do for now. The first years made their entrance.

After the Sorting, Dumbledore took the stand. "Welcome back to Hogwarts," he began. "Recent events have brought about a few changes here. As you may have already noticed, the Ministry has placed guards all over the grounds and inside the castle. They accompanied you here on the train. I have been assured that they will not interfere with classes. Students will not be allowed to leave the school grounds except on Hogsmeade weekends. During Hogsmeade weekends, students will have to travel in small groups. No one is allowed to venture off on their own. Also, the curfew has been extended. All students must be back in their common rooms each evening by eight o'clock. There will be no exceptions. There will still be Quidditch games. However, practice is limited to once a week and a teacher or staff member must be present."

At this, several students made noises of protest. Harry turned to Ron. "Once a week!" he exclaimed, shocked. "How are we going to be able to practice properly if we can only get together once a week!"

"Where are those teachers?" Hermione interrupted, nodding to the staff table. At the staff table, there were three empty chairs.

"Also," Dumbledore said loudly. The students were immediately silent again. "There will be changes in your schedule, which you will notice tomorrow morning when you receive them. As you have noticed, our staff table is not complete, however, we only appear to be missing one teacher. This year there will be three Defense Against the Dark Art teachers."

A murmur of surprise rang throughout the Hall. Regan looked at Ron with smug satisfaction. He scowled at her. Hermione gave them both a dirty look and they turned back to Dumbledore.

"Two of the teachers will teach the classes as usual. However, you will all have several more classes in Defense Against the Dark Arts that one teacher could simply not handle you all. The third teacher will be teaching a select group of sixth and seventh years who have displayed great skill in the Dark Arts. He will be able to teach these students in small classes of only seven or eight students. He will be teaching very advanced spells and techniques. If, after a trial period, those students selected do not feel they can handle the class, please speak to one of the professors and we will remove you form that class. Now, the teachers. They need no introduction," Dumbledore said, a twinkle in his eye. He sat down as three men entered the Great Hall and headed for the staff table. The entire school erupted into cheers once the three new professors were identified: Alastor Moody, Remus Lupin, and Richard Prince. Even a few of the Slytherins clapped.

"I can't believe they didn't say anything!" Harry exclaimed, grinning wildly and clapping along with everyone else.

"I don't think we could find a better set of teachers," Hermione agreed.

"Didn't know that, did you?" Ron asked Regan, smiling at her. She rolled her eyes as food suddenly appeared before them on the table. The applause stopped as everyone dug into their dinner.

****

That night, Richard arranged things in his chambers at Hogwarts. He was nervous about teaching. He had been headmaster at the Institute for so long that he almost forgot how to teach. Also, the Institute and Hogwarts had very different teaching methods. American students and British students were very different. He was somewhat comforted that he would be teaching the advanced classes and would have fewer students. However, he knew that word of his son's alliance with the Dark Lord had gotten around. He wondered how the students would treat him. For the first time in a long time, he was nervous and unsure of himself.

He was also worried about the Order. He, Remus, and Moody had done a lot of work for the Order. However, they would be at Hogwarts for the next year and able to do little for the Order. He tried to assure himself that his presence would be here at Hogwarts, that he was helping by training the students properly. Finally, he reminded himself that at least he would be able to see his daughter. That thought lifted his spirits and calmed his nerves, at least until class the next day.

****

Upon seeing the new schedules the next morning at breakfast, Harry realized that Dumbledore had been very serious when he told them that they would have more Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. Harry himself had DADA at least once a day. He had it three times a week with Moody, three times a week with Remus, and two times a week with Richard. Harry was surprised that the teachers were giving him the weekend off. However, he was glad to see that he was rid of Divination. Apparently, the teachers had decided that DADA was more important than Divination.

"How many times do you have it, Harry?" Ron asked, pulling Harry out of his thoughts. Regan and Hermione also looked at Harry, their schedules in hand.

"Eight times a week. Twice with Richard," he said. Ron gulped.

"I only have it four times a week," he muttered. "Not with Richard at all. They think I'm a moron."

"They don't think you're a moron, Ron," Hermione assured him, rubbing his arm. "They just want to focus on the students who are more inclined in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Personally, I have Defense three times a week, twice with Richard."

"Me too," Regan said. "I just don't have room for all the classes Harry does. I'm taking every class I can. I can't believe it's our last year."

"Oh, that reminds me," Hermione said, collecting her things. "Harry and I have to go."

"Why?" Harry demanded, looking longingly at his half-eaten breakfast.

"Do you ever listen? Yesterday, Professor McGonagall informed us of a Head Boy and Girl meeting in Dumbledore's office before classes. Dumbledore just left the breakfast table. We need to go to his office. Now!" she exclaimed, leaving the table. Harry slowly followed her.

"Am I really that bad at Defense?" Ron asked Regan once the other two had left.

"Do you really want my opinion?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. Ron imagined that she wouldn't be as nice as Hermione. He shook his head.

"Do the four of us have any classes together?" he asked instead.

"Yeah. I have all my classes with Hermione again. We have some of the basic stuff with you guys, like Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, and Herbology. Actually, I think that's about it. We have Astronomy at a different time because it conflicts with out Ancient Runes class. Hermione and I have a few Defense classes with you boys," she said, looking over the schedule.

"I wonder what else Dumbledore is going to do to help us prepare. He certainly wasn't subtle about increase in Defense classes," Ron said.

"I heard that he's going to start a Dueling Club again. Make it mandatory, or something. Maybe bring back Dumbledore's Army. That could be fun. A club where everyone gets together and practices the Defense stuff. I just hope that this new curriculum doesn't interfere with our N.E.W.T.s. They're supposed to be nearly three times as difficult as the O.W.L.s and I don't want to do poorly on them," Regan said, finishing her breakfast. Ron felt sick. He hadn't given the N.E.W.T.s any thought. He remembered his fifth year, when the teachers had given them mountains of homework on a daily basis and the courseware had been extremely difficult. Ron wondered what they would throw at them for the final year. He had a feeling it wouldn't be easy.

****

Harry and Hermione arrived at the secret entrance of Dumbledore's office. No one was in sight. "How are we going to get in?" Harry asked. "We don't know the password."

"Did you listen to McGonagall at all last night?" Hermione demanded, rolling her eyes. "Fainting Fancies."

Harry smiled. Dumbledore was using the name of one of the products from the twins' joke shop. The door revealed itself and Harry and Hermione entered. The headmaster's room was empty. They sat in two chairs across from his desk and waited. The previous headmasters looked down on them from their pictures, laughing and pointing, talking in whispers to one another. After a few moments, Dumbledore entered and sat down at his desk. "Congratulations," he said, smiling to the two. "Several students were considered for Head Boy and Head Girl, but you two were obvious choices. You have shown intelligence, bravery, and leadership your six years here and that is why you have been selected as Head Boy and Girl. All the teachers and I believe that you two are the best for the job."

Harry and Hermione beamed.

"Now," he continued, "this year is not exactly like any other year we've had here at Hogwarts, as I am sure you have noticed. You will be in charge of the student body. The student body is going to need leaders this year and I hope you two are up to the task. Also, there will be a Dueling Club. The students will not be forced to attend, but the professors have been told to encourage attendance. As Head Boy and Girl, you will be in charge of the Dueling Club. Of course, there will be professors supervising. Also, during your fifth year it was rumored that a special club for Defense Against the Dark Arts was created. I believe it to be a splendid idea! Of course, Dumbledore's Army would hardly be a suitable title. How about Defense Association? That will work fine. Again, you two will be in charge. It will be up to you to arrange meetings, which will be held in the Great Hall. It will be up to you to help the students. I think that Defense is very important a! t a time like this. Also, I heard that you are both excellent at teaching students when it comes to Defense," he finished, looking pointedly at Harry with a twinkle in his eyes. Harry blushed and grinned sheepishly. Hermione only held her head higher and continued to look pleased with herself. "Can you handle this?"

"Of course, Headmaster. Harry and I are honored by your confidence in us," Hermione said. Dumbledore did not look at her. His eyes remained on Harry.

"All right then. Off to class."

****

Ron was almost happy as he went into the Potions dungeons, his first class of the year. It was his last year of the class, then he would never have to see Snape again or touch a cauldron. Also, he would be partnered with Hermione. Not only was she his girlfriend, she was the smartest witch their age. His mood lifted with Regan's attitude. He had finished breakfast and walked to class with her and they were almost friendly. He was beginning to think that it would be a great year as he and Regan joined Harry and Hermione at a table. Ron didn't even mind as the Slytherins joined them in the classroom. A few Slytherins snickered at them and made comments, as usual, but Malfoy was still ignoring them. Ron was almost smiling.

"Welcome back," Snape said sourly upon entering the room. "This is your last year at Hogwarts and I will not be seeing some of you after this term." He looked at Harry. "I doubt that some of you should be taking Seventh Year Potions." He deliberately looked at Ron. "However, we will make our way through the year. Your N.E.W.T.s are coming up and, because you are taking the class, will be tested on Potions. Several difficult potions may appear on your tests and we will attempt all of them. Professor Dumbledore has made it abundantly clear this year that there will be a focus on Defense Against the Dark Arts. However, this is Potions and I expect my work to be treated with the same respect you give Defense work. I will not except any excuses this year. Understand?"

The students nodded. Ron's happy feelings were starting to abate. The sour look had not left Snape's face.

"Also, after this year you will be leaving Hogwarts permanently. You will be getting jobs in the outside world. You will have to work with different people. Therefore, I will be deciding who you will be working with. I have already paired you up," he said, holding up a sheet of paper. Ron's happy feelings were almost entirely gone. He looked around the room at all the Slytherins. "You will find that most teachers pair students up themselves during seventh year instead of allowing students to pick their own partners. Of course, by now, after six years, you should all be friends," Snape said, as if friendship was a disease the students were carrying that he was terrified of catching. Ron's happy feelings were gone, but there was still a glimmer of hope. He thought that he would be okay as long as he was paired with a Gryffindor.

Snape began reading off the list. Ron listened closely for his name, noticing in horror how several pairs were inter-house. Prince and Malfoy. Finnigan and Crabbe. Thomas and Goyle. Granger and Parkinson. When Harry was paired with Parvati Patil, Ron was hopeful. At least they were both Gryffindors. Then Snape uttered the final paring. "Weasley and Zabini," he said slowly, enunciating so that Ron could understand him. Ron's happy feelings were replaced by bad feelings.

Forty minutes later, Ron looked around the room. Regan and Malfoy had already finished their potion and turned it in. They were talking quietly at their desk. Hermione and Pansy were almost done, though only because Pansy sat at her desk away from Hermione, filing her nails while Hermione did the potion on her own. Harry and Parvati were putting their potion in a flask, though it wasn't the same shade of gray that Regan's had been or Hermione's was turning out to be. Ron sighed and turned back to Blaise. He doubted that they would ever be finished. Blaise was surprisingly cooperative, but silent. The two boys had decided that they would each make their own potions in their own cauldrons with their own ingredients. It would have been perfect, had it been Regan and Hermione, who were both skilled enough at Potions that they could make their own. Ron, and apparently Blaise, however, were not skilled at Potions. They were terrible. By the end of the hour, neither ! boy had managed to complete their Potion.

Once the bell rang, Ron slowly brought up his flask. All the other potions had been a gray color. His was pink. Snape scowled, but accepted his potion. Ron went back to his seat. "Prince," Snape said once everyone was back to their seats. "I need you to stay after class. The rest of you may leave."

Ron looked back at Regan as he made his way out of the classroom. She was at Snape's desk, looking nervous. For the first time in a year, Ron felt very sorry for Regan.

****

The four met up again at lunch in the Great Hall. Regan and Hermione had had Arithmancy, Ron and Harry Astronomy. "What did Snape want?" Ron asked Regan between bites of food. Both Regan and Hermione looked disgusted.

"I'm having special lessons with him," she said, shrugging. "He thinks Dumbledore's new Defense classes are ridiculous. While he agrees that students should be prepared for any wars, he thinks that they should be capable of using magic in other ways. He thinks that Potions could be very useful."

"He told you all this?" Harry asked.

"Yes, and I agree with him. I also suspect that several other teachers will be teaching defense mechanisms in their classes. Maybe Hagrid could finally teach us something useful," Regan said. "Anyway, Snape said that the potions he would like to teach his students in preparation for war are very difficult. And because Dumbledore is letting in virtually any student into Seventh Year Potions," Regan looked at Ron, "Snape cannot teach those potions. He does not think that most of his students are capable of doing such potions."

"So he's going to teach you outside of class how to make those potions," Harry finished for her, remembering his Occlumency lessons his fifth year. Hermione almost looked hurt.

"You're the only one?" Hermione asked. Regan shrugged.

"I guess so. He didn't tell me much about the classes. We're meeting in the dungeons every Wednesday night," she said.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with Quidditch," Harry warned.

"What kind of potions is Snape talking about?" Ron asked. The potion they had made that morning cured earaches. He doubted that that potion could be used to defeat Voldemort.

"I don't know. I guess something like Veritaserum, which-"

"I know what Veritaserum is!" Ron interrupted Regan, insulted.

"What do we have next?" Hermione asked, trying to prevent a fight.

"Ancient Runes," Regan said.

"Defense Against the Dark Arts with Lupin," Harry said, smiling.

"Divination," Ron said glumly.

"I'm surprised they're letting Remus teach," Regan said quietly so that no one would overhear them.

"Why?" Ron demanded, again insulted. "Remus is a great teacher."

"I'm sure he is," Regan replied, rolling her eyes. "But he is still a werewolf and the parents still know that. Parents are going to protest to a werewolf teaching their children."

"But he has all that under control. In third year, Snape provided him a potion," Harry said defensively.

"I think that parents have other things to worry about. I've heard a lot of the students talking about how their parents were terrified of sending them to Hogwarts. A lot of students have said that their parents are prepared to pull them out of school the moment something happens with Voldemort," Hermione said. "I think that most parents will be glad that their children are at a safe place like Hogwarts with Ministry guards everywhere."

"We have Care of Magical Creatures this afternoon together," Ron said happily, looking at his schedule. Regan and Harry ignored him.

"I guess you're right," Regan admitted.

"Dumbledore knows what he is doing," Hermione assured.

****

Later, the four made their way out to Hagrid's hut for Care of Magical Creatures. They were barely out of the castle when an older man joined them. "Charlie!" Ron exclaimed, hugging his older brother. Ron hadn't seen Charlie in quite some time. He had been busy in Romania, trying to convince the dragons to join their side. "What are you doing here?"

"Surprise," he said smiling. "Who is this?" He nodded to Regan.

"Regan Prince. Richard's daughter," Ron offered.

"Oh. Well, hello," he said, offering his hand. She looked at it. It was covered in soot. Reluctantly, she shook his hand, quickly pulling away. "We've got them," he whispered.

"Got who?" Harry asked.

"The dragons. They just agreed to join our side," he said, grinning broadly.

"That's great," Hermione said smiling.

"Well, I'll see you all later," he said and went ahead of them, disappearing into the Forbidden Forest. "That can't be good."

"Why not?" Ron demanded, still excited from seeing his brother.

"Charlie works with dragons. He's going into the Forbidden Forest. We have Care of Magical Creatures next. You figure it out," Hermione said, looking uneasy.

"We have dragons," Regan muttered. "I wonder what Voldemort's got already." Harry was beginning to feel sick.

The four gathered in front of Hagrid's hut with the rest of their class and the Slytherins. "Two classes with that lot a day," Ron muttered as they waited for Hagrid. He hoped Hagrid didn't pair them up for anything. In Divination, he had been paired with Ernie Macmillan, who was actually worse at the class than he was, something which Ron had previously thought impossible.

"Welcome back!" Hagrid said excitedly, joining the class. Hermione noticed with anxiety that there were several burn marks along his arms. "I have a 'ery spec'al class fer yej all today. Now, ever'one get together an' we'll go into the Forest."

"The Forest," Malfoy said, sounding panicked. "Why are we going to the Forest?"

Hermione hated to agree with Malfoy, but she didn't want to go into the forest either, especially if Hagrid had hidden what she suspected he had hidden in there.

"It's safe. I promise yeh," Hagrid said, but Malfoy did not appear to believe him. The group made their way into the forest. A few Ministry guards followed them. Still, several students looked worried and kept looking about themselves. Regan kept remembering last year's incident with the unicorns. Anything could be in the Forbidden Forest. After walking a ways, they came upon a clearing. Everyone gasped in shock. Standing in the middle of the clearing, tied to several nearby trees and being calmed by Charlie Weasley, was a dragon. It was nearly as tall as Hagrid, obviously young. "This is a Hebridean Black," Hagrid said with pride. The class, however, was not impressed. Everyone took a step back, staying as far from the animal as possible. Even the guards appeared frightened.

The dragon was rough-scaled, with purple eyes and ridges along its back. There was an arrow-shaped spike on the tip of its tale. It did not appear dangerous, but it was still a dragon.

"This is my helper, Charlie Weasley," Hagrid said, gesturing to Charlie. Charlie nodded and stepped forward.

"Thank you, Hagrid," he said. "I have worked with dragons for several years. They are fascinating creatures. I assure you, this dragon, whom I call Cooper, is harmless. He isn't very old, but I've trained him since the day he was born. Now, does anyone have any questions?"

The class looked around. No one wanted to ask any questions. Finally, Malfoy decided that the silence was too much. "How legal is this?" he demanded. The Slytherins snickered.

"Well....er..." Hagrid began, looking guiltily at Charlie. Charlie looked at Cooper for the answer. As if in response, Cooper sneezed. A jet of fire issued from his nostrils, incinerating the ground in front of him. The students looked at the ashes and took another step back.

"Now class, don't be afraid. Cooper is harmless," Charlie said. The students stayed where they were. "All right. Everyone take out their notebooks. Sketch Cooper and label the body parts."

"Can't we do that back at school? Away from that?" Pansy Parkinson demanded.

"No. Jus' draw," Hagrid said. He sighed and walked around the group of students as they hesitantly took out their notebooks and began drawing. Throughout the rest of the hour, Cooper simply stood there. Occasionally, he would sneeze, cough, or breathe heavily and there would be more fire. The guards kept at a safe distance, but they also kept an eye on Hagrid and his beast. Everyone was ready for the class to be over.