A Whole New Beginning (Completed)

Chapter 14

"Ready for this?" Hermione asked, smiling at Harry as they arrived at the defense classroom. He smiled back.

"We're his last class to be introduced. So far, everyone but Slythern loves the class. I know Sirius will be a good professor."

They walked into the class and sat down at their usual table. They all looked around, wondering where Sirius could be exactly. The rest of the class quickly filled in.

Finally, the door to the office opened and Sirius strode out, whistling as he did so. He walked past his desk and picked up their textbook.

"I've flipped through this book when I was offered the job. Two minutes later, I wanted to beat my head against the wall. This book is USELESS! Even if you don't believe that Voldemort has returned-which I do-you still need to learn how to defend yourselves! Learning theories means nothing. That's why I am here.

"This is fifth year Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. This is your O.W.L. year. I only have a few short months until you take your exams to get you prepared. What I want to do now is take your book, and destroy it. I don't care how you do it, just destroy it. I have your new books."

All the students looked at each other until Harry and Ron opened their books and started ripping out the pages. Sirius looked over at them and smiled, encouraging all of the students to do the same. He collected all of the torn-up book pieces and threw them into the fire.

"And that, my young pupils, would be the end of the Umbridge era."

The class cheered as Sirius returned to the front and started writing on the chalkboard. After a few moments he turned back around.

"Copy these notes down. When you're in battle, I want you to remember this."

He waited until the entire class took the notes. When they were finished, he passed out their books and opened his own copy.

"Open your books to chapter one. For your homework tonight, I want you to read the first two chapters and write twelve inches about the chapters. Not a hard assignment, but one that will surely interest all of you in defense. Today we are going to start with the basics and take all of you back though your four years here. Partner up."

Ron partnered up with Hermione, and Harry partnered up with Neville. Sirius ordered them to stand up then cleared the desks out of the way.

"Just for today, I want all of you to practice Expelliarmus. Very easy, I know. Some of you may be thinking 'why do we have to learn this spell? It's not a very effective spell'. Truth is, this spell can save your life. It may seem useless until it actually does. Plus, this spell may be required during your examination. Go ahead and practice."

He watched as every one of the students practiced the spell. He then walked around and helped the students that were struggling by showing them the stance and how to perform the spell. Ten minutes later, Sirius felt rather proud by what the students were doing.

"That's enough for now!" he called, watching as the students put down their wands. "That was excellent. Defense is not an easy subject. It takes years of hard work and practice. For those of you wanting to become an Auror, the program is three years filled with vigorous tests. Very few actually get into the program. The grades you receive on your exams are more important than ever, especially in the field of defense. They do not take anyone who receives less than an Exceeds Expectations on any one of their examinations. No matter what field you go into, your exams are important. Now, let's practice stupefy."