It was a class he had both been dreading, and excited for. Defense Against the Dark Arts was the subject he had informed Dumbledore that he was best at, and thus was the one he could relax in and not try so hard to fake. Sure, he couldn't start casting high level spells or rattle off strategies, but he could at least act like a normal student during lessons.
That being said, it was also the class taught by a probable sociopath who was the female representation of the man who had not only murdered his parents, but also forced Magical England into at least one war.
So, pros and cons existed.
"This class," Grace Riddle began as she strolled down the center aisle, attention shifting between Gryffindor and Slytherin alike, "will likely be your most focused while here at Hogwarts. Unlike your other subjects which take a broader view of Magic and teach you a variety of Spells and techniques this one is focused on protecting yourself, identifying threats, and combat."
Excited whispers from both Gryffindor and Slytherin equally, emanated from both sides and were ignored by the professor.
"It will test your mental resolve, your strength of will, your cunning, and your intellect. I expect each and every one of you to take this class seriously, as mishaps or inappropriate behavior will have far dire consequences than they would in Charms or History." This earned a few giggles from the students. "Now then, we will begin with a simple spell, the Knock Back Jinx. It is easily performed and even at low strength can produce a noticeable effect. I want you each to begin practicing it, as shown on page twelve of your textbooks."
With that she turned to make her way back to the front of the room.
Nearby, Cleo Malfoy snickered and whispered to the girl seated next to her, "I doubt any of the boys could even pronounce it."
"Five points from Slytherin." Riddle declared, without so much as turning towards the blonde, whose jaw promptly dropped. "As your other instructors have likely already informed you, we do not tolerate such behavior at Hogwarts."
It was surprising enough that Harry caught himself staring as she continued her stride, books already opening around him and a certain blonde brat muttering to herself. He hadn't expected the Head of Slytherin to so easily taken points from her own House, but she had, even when it could have been ignored.
As students began to practice, however, the male Potter's mood dropped. He hadn't tried any Magic since arriving and wasn't sure how well he would do in comparison to the other students.
At least a few were having some success, with Hermione and several others even pushing light objects several inches across their desks.
Harry stared at several of the items before him. A book, his quills and ink, and a bag of school supplies. Deciding to start off with a heavier object, and a normal amount of power, the boy figured it would be a good gauge on what his own capacity would be, then he could up it little by little to the point of being a bit above average for the class.
It might be dull, it might be a bit slow for his own tastes, but at least it would keep too much attention from being focused on him so early in the year.
With that in mind he pointed his Wand and muttered "Flipendo".
****
Grace Riddle held back an audible sigh. It wasn't as if she hated teaching first years, quite the contrary really, she enjoyed seeing the new potential and getting to know them on their journey through school. The problem was that first-year classes were so dreadfully dull. At such a young age most students would struggle with even the basic spells.
Sure, there were the occasional ones who showed unusual promise. Hermione Granger, she noted, seemed to have better Magical control than most, but it would still be years until the girl came to her true potential. Years before any of them would begin thinking about creating new spells, about testing their boundaries, about specialized Magic and…
A loud bang interrupted her thoughts and served to silence the roomful of children more efficiently than a threat of weekend detention ever could.
Looking towards the source she found herself staring at a textbook, which had been launched across the room. Tracing the path back the professor found herself, once again, confronted with the current enigma of Hogwarts.
Harry Potter
His Wand was still pointed towards his desk, eyes wide with shock. "Sorry"
Before any of the students could react, she had already made her decision. "Front of the room Mr. Potter." He stood slowly but followed her as she quickly made her way to the destination.
"I didn't mean to…"
Without even pretending to hear him the professor gestured towards a large, unused, table. "Again."
He blinked in confusion, clearly expecting a punishment of some sort, she merely repeated her command.
"Again, on the table this time."
Understanding flickered into his eyes, and although there was still hesitation in his movements, he once more performed the spell. This time it was the, far heavier, table to be flipped through the air, landing with a crash several meters away.
Now awed whispers replaced the silence, and embarrassment turned the boy's face red.
"Thirty points to Slytherin, you may sit back down Mr. Potter."
Although she continued her rounds, which had the students practicing once more, and began giving advice, her focus was on one person and one person only. The amount of power he had shown was extraordinary, but it wasn't just that which drew her excitement. No, it was his control as well. If any other first-year had been that powerful they would have likely just damaged the object in question rather than moving it.
The boy was a natural, the only thing left to be seen was how far this talent went.
_______________________
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