"Harry! You should have seen it yesterday—Audrey was incredible! She sent Snape running with his tail between his legs!"
Ron was speaking animatedly, spittle flying, as he walked side-by-side with Harry toward the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.
Hearing Ron's boastful words, Hermione immediately corrected him. "Ron, don't exaggerate. Professor Dumbledore said it was a draw!"
Ron rolled his eyes. "Anyone with eyes could see that Snape's attacks did absolutely nothing to Audrey, while Snape had no way to deal with the blue flames Audrey summoned!"
Seeing Hermione's expression begin to sour, Harry quickly grabbed Ron, stopping his dangerous line of commentary. "It's a shame I missed Audrey showing off her power!"
Ron was immensely proud of himself. "Yeah! Last year Audrey sang in the Great Hall, and Hermione missed it; this year Audrey beat up Snape in the Great Hall, and Harry, you missed it." He suddenly let out a mischievous chuckle. "I've got great luck; I saw both with my own eyes!"
Hermione's face turned bright red with anger. Just whose fault was it that she missed the Halloween concert last year?
If it hadn't been for you, Ron Weasley, upsetting me so much that I hid in a bathroom stall crying my eyes out, would a dedicated fan like me have missed the live performance?
Hermione's legs moved rapidly as she stomped ahead.
"You've done it now, Ron," Harry said. "You've made Hermione angry again."
Ron looked bewildered. "I didn't even say anything! What is she so angry about?"
Harry shook his head and changed the subject. "Lockhart is dead, so who do you think our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor will be?"
Ron shrugged dismissively, a happy expression on his face that made even his freckles seem lively. "Whoever it is, they have to be better than Lockhart! At least no one will call you up to act out a werewolf anymore!"
Harry sighed. "I heard the Defense Against the Dark Arts position was cursed by Voldemort. Ever since Dumbledore refused his application for the job, no professor has lasted more than a year. They all end up dead or injured."
"I've heard Charlie and the others talk about that rumor too. I wonder if it's actually true?"
Chatting away, the two entered the classroom. Today was a joint class between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. The room was already packed; it seemed every young wizard was eager to find out exactly who the new professor would be.
Harry led Ron to sit beside Hermione, but Hermione picked up her copy of Gadding with Ghouls and stood up. Without a word, she left the two of them behind and walked to the very front of the classroom, plopping down into an empty seat in the front row.
"What's wrong with her now?" Ron muttered.
"Just keep your mouth shut," Harry whispered. "Shh... the professor is here!"
The door to the inner office was pushed open, and the hand gripping the handle was pale and delicate. Hermione covered her mouth to keep from crying out in surprise. Because of Lockhart, no one had wanted to sit in the front row—front-row students were often dragged up as temporary actors—so Hermione, sitting there alone, was the first to see the new professor's face.
As the door swung fully open, the students in the back finally caught sight of their new teacher.
"Audrey!"
"Audrey!"
The students were stunned. They never imagined that their new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor would be their very own school idol!
This was Audrey's first time being a teacher. Although she could easily command a stage, she felt a slight flutter of nerves. However, seeing the sea of fanatical eyes below her, she breathed a small sigh of relief.
"Hi, everyone," Audrey greeted them. "Didn't expect it to be me, did you?"
In the front row, Hermione nodded like a pecking bird. Dumbledore had been right; this truly was a surprise.
Seeing everyone nodding, Audrey smiled. "I didn't expect it either."
A wave of laughter rippled through the room.
She pressed her hands down to quiet them. "Alright. Gilderoy Lockhart has passed away, and personally, I am very grieved..."
Harry and Ron exchanged a look, thinking Audrey was being sarcastic. Little did they know, she was being entirely sincere.
"But I must say, his curriculum didn't exactly offer much help to anyone." Audrey cast a disdainful glance at the novel Hermione had spread out. "Put those entertainment books away. I don't believe they will be of any use when you're facing a Dark wizard."
She flicked her wand, and the desks began to move with the students still at them. Amidst gasps of surprise, the furniture drifted to the sides of the room, leaving a wide open space in the center.
"I believe in practical application," Audrey stated. "As you all know, I only started learning magic last year, just like you. However, I had a very harsh teacher who demanded practical combat from me. Consequently, I was often beaten black and blue."
The students didn't know who Audrey's teacher was, but someone had beaten her black and blue? Unforgivable! The young wizards were instantly filled with righteous indignation.
The victim herself continued, "But thanks to him, my combat abilities improved rapidly. You all saw my duel with Professor Snape yesterday."
The students had a sudden realization. No wonder Audrey was so strong! But then, worry clouded their faces.
Seamus Finnigan, Gryffindor's resident explosion enthusiast, spoke up. "You're not going to beat us black and blue too, are you?"
Looking at the apprehensive eyes of the young wizards, Audrey tilted her head. "Who knows?"
A wave of panic immediately swept through the class.
She suddenly understood Dumbledore a bit better. Being a mysterious riddler and frightening children was actually quite fun! Nevertheless, she added, "Don't worry, I'm not that barbaric. Now, enough small talk. Let's start with something simple today."
Audrey walked into the center of the clearing. "You all saw my duel with Professor Snape yesterday, right?"
The students nodded in unison.
"Professor Snape attempted to use an enhanced Wand-Lighting Charm to obstruct my vision. Although it didn't succeed in the end..."
The students immediately grew excited. "That was so underhanded!" "Yeah, no sportsmanship at all!" "It almost blinded me just watching!"
Audrey gestured for them to settle down.
"Actually, in a duel against a Dark wizard, the means at our disposal are quite limited. If I were to teach you to trade Killing Curses with a Dark wizard, I'm sure Dumbledore would kick me out of the school immediately."
She really did want to teach them that way, but if she did, Teacher Grindelwald would probably show up to take over the position herself. It was better for her to push these little ones than to be pushed by her own teacher. Better them than me!
"However, Professor Snape's method was a very good attempt. Using an enhanced Lumos to unexpectedly strip an enemy of their vision is extremely effective. In the brief moment the enemy is blinded, we can choose to advance or retreat, placing ourselves in a dominant position! Now, let's learn the incantation. Hermione, tell everyone."
Hermione stood up excitedly, her face flushed red. "It's Lumos Maxima!"
"Exactly right. Two points to Gryffindor."
The Gryffindors were shocked. Audrey Astley, a Slytherin, had actually given points to Gryffindor!
Now that was class. Take note, a certain greasy-haired professor!
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