Lessons

"You OK, Hermione?" asked Ron on the way to their first lesson of their fifth year at Hogwarts.

"Fine," said Hermione quietly.

Ron shot a questioning look at Harry who just shrugged and they continued walking in silence.

Hermione had gone relatively unnoticed on the train journey to Hogwarts, whilst Ron and Harry had amused themselves with tales from their school holiday. She didn't stay with them in the common room when they got there, and instead made her excuses and went to bed. They didn't even see her at breakfast the next day, and only managed to catch up with her when they saw her heading for Defence Against the Dark Arts.

Ron whistled through the awkward silence and eventually, after what seemed like forever, they arrived at DADA.

"Great," said Ron sarcastically as he observed the room, "How come we always get lumbered with Slytherin in Defence Against the Dark Arts? Is it part of the training? Survive the class with Slytherin and we'll give you a higher grade!"

"Don't be so nasty," scolded Hermione.

Ron looked to her once again.

"Hermione, are you sure you're OK?" asked Ron. This time not as patiently.

"I'm fine, there's just no need to be horrible about them."

Ron stared at her, his jaw practically hitting the desk.

"Just leave her," mouthed Harry quietly to Ron, "she's in a bad mood."

Ron tapped his quill loudly on the desk. Harry could see Hermione's mouth twitch as she struggled not to tell him off.

"So," said Harry, trying desperately to change the subject, "What do you think the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher will be like?"

"Another idiot," replied Ron.

"Well they haven't had a great track record so far..." agreed Harry.

"I swear Dumbledore does it on purpose. When we leave he'll say, 'Ha ha, had you all going there!' "

"I've heard it's a female Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher this year," said Harry.

"She'll probably be a right dragon-which I suppose is fitting for the Dark Arts," replied Ron.

"And old," Harry joined in, "And she'll look like my aunt!"

"Or Dudley!" giggled Ron. "She's probably a big fat troll."

"She's here," said Hermione standing up.

Hermione walked to the front of the class and Harry and Ron stared at her.

Then Ron started laughing. "Good joke Hermione, but you had better sit down before she sees you."

"Yeah, sit down Granger," shouted Draco, "We don't want the poor woman's first vision of this class to be of you! She'll run away screaming."

"This years Defence Against the Dark Eyes teacher has been unable to make it due to unforeseen circumstances. Professor Dumbledore has asked me to fill in until a replacement can be found. I've put some notes together to last a few lessons and then hopefully someone will be here to take over. "

Draco led the Slytherins in a chorus of laughter.

"Look, shut up Malfoy!" said Ron.

"What's she going to do? Send me out?" he smirked.

Ron looked at Hermione hopefully.

"Ron, I'm not going to put up with anyone disrupting this class, please leave."

"What?" yelled Ron jumping to his feet.

Harry also stood up in complete shock. What was wrong with her? This was Hermione! "Hermione, he didn't do anything, he was defending you."

Dumbfounded, and not taking his eyes off Hermione, Ron left the room.

"If you're staying," said Hermione, staring sharply at Harry, "I suggest you sit."

Harry sat down. If he wasn't so shocked he would have followed Ron straight out of the room.

"I think this is going to be my favourite class," said Draco with a smile.