Present Mixed in the Past

Chapter 58| Beginning of Sixth Year

It was difficult to keep so many people in the loop, but at the same time it wasn't necessarily that hard. The summer months passed with some sort of ease, with only the new addition of McGognall taking her proper seat. Her head raised high. That and the remaining Heirs taking over their Wizengamot seats.

Dumbledore looked furious, but he had to keep face, so he smiled. Yet, the group knew something was wrong. Even as angry as he was, he looked relaxed... Like everything was going according to his plan. It put everyone on edge.

They did their best to shove those fears to the side. Instead, they focused on getting Hogwarts more classes. Especially classes to help Muggleborns on Wizarding traditions. Thankfully, they succeeded. Even the Light families were beginning to see the truth in Magic.

Then the school year started.

Unlike the years before, the school was in a happier and safer place. Houses were still people's families, but they no longer were so isolating. The rules for congregating and spending time in another's House didn't feel as taboo as it once was.

The sorting Ceremony was filled with many cheers and applause, genuinely smiling faces as the hat sorted people on their truth. Each House made sure to reassure the little ones that they would enjoy Hogwarts.

When the lessons were brought out, given to everyone equally, there were confused whispers. So, the Council brought everyone to speed, and it seemed to have sparked a curiosity within the Muggleborns, especially the younger years.

The DADA teacher for that year was surprisingly Tonks, not Snape. She gave Harry a warm smile when he saw her. He couldn't help but give her a curious look. Her eyes said later. She stood up once everyone was in their seats. Mixed and mingling with friends.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Nymphadora Tonks, an Auror." There was excited chatter, that made her hair turn an embarrassed pink. That got more chatter, whispering about how it turned to a different color. "A quick thing about me, I am a metamorphmagus. Also, in my class we will be more focused on the practical part of Defense. Any studying will be done outside of my class or if I'm feeling too sick."

A hand shot in the air with such vigor for a second Harry and Draco thought Hermione was with them. She wasn't. It was just a curious Gryffindor.

"Yes, Miss..."

"Brown. Lavender Brown." There was a brief pause. "Why did you say if you were feeling sick? Were you cursed?"

The class looked on to the blushing woman. She laughed, leaning against her desk in an amused manner.

"I'm pregnant." Was all she said.

Another hand went up. Slower, but still clearly curious.

"Yes, Mister..."

"Nott, Professor." She gave a nod of acknowledgement. "If you're an Auror, why are you here?"

"I'm pregnant." She said again, tilting her head to show her amusement. She then sighed with a playful roll of her eyes when the students gave her an unamused look. "As per the conduct of a professional Auror, I had to tell Madam Bones that I'm pregnant. She wanted to put me on desk duty, and I hate desk duty." She huffed. "So we came up with a compromise. I teach here for a year, till my baby is born. After that, if I am deemed fit to continue on the field, my baby would be mostly taken care of by their father."

Whispers quickly spread before another Slytherin had raised itself.

"Yes, Miss..."

"Pansy Parkinson. Who's the baby's father?"

Tonks flushed a little before chuckling.

"Remus Lupin."

That quickly got shouts of surprise, loud murmurs of how could Lord Lupin cheat on Lord Black! A question on whether they had a falling out or if she was a surrogate began running around.

Rolling her eyes again, Tonks gave a sharp whistle. That brought everyone to her.

The classroom was silent for several minutes before she spoke up. Answering all the questions they had begun to shout at each other.

"One, Remus and my cousin weren't together when we hooked up. Two, no they didn't have a break, they got together after me and Remus both agreed to co-parent as we mutually felt that we weren't compatible for the next step in the relationship. Three, yes I will be giving Harry and his group special attention. I know personally what they can and can't handle, so I'll be pushing them more than the rest of you."

The students glanced at the power couple, one of whom looked eager and the other just lazed back. They then glanced to their new DADA teacher and felt a shiver of pity run down their spines. They can only imagine what type of hell she'd give to them. But at least they know it would mostly be fair. Though one person was going to be observing them both if only to keep from being surprised.