Ronnie Weasley and the Shadow of Legacy [Harry Potter Fanfic]

Ch. 8 First Day of Classes (Part 2)

The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom buzzed with eager energy as first-year students from all four Houses settled in. The atmosphere was captivating: an iron chandelier hanging overhead cast light onto the dragon skeleton suspended from the ceiling. The large windows spilled sunlight across the rows of desks, and a magical projector hummed quietly at the front. Ronnie, Hermione, Harry, and Neville found seats together, chatting about this subject's mysterious and challenging reputation.

Professor Quirrell entered the room, offering a nervous smile and a stuttering greeting. His pale face and twitching eyes unsettled many students, but his purple turban and piercing blue eyes held everyone's attention. Ronnie leaned toward Harry, muttering about the curse her eldest brother, Bill Weasley, suspected plagued the Defense Against the Dark Arts position.

As Professor Quirrell introduced the subject, he delved into its crucial role in the magical world. "In... in this class, you will learn the... theories of defense," he said, stammering with nearly every word. His lesson focused heavily on theory rather than practical spells, which disappointed the students, who'd been hoping for more hands-on experience with jinxes and counter-curses. Despite this, Ronnie eagerly skimmed through her textbook, her face lighting up at the illustrations of dark creatures they would study, like Gytrashes, Hags, and Imps. She showed Harry some of the drawings and spell descriptions, which made Harry's eyes widen with excitement.

Meanwhile, visibly tense, Neville leaned closer to Hermione, whispering his fears about the subject. He confessed his deep-seated anxiety due to his parents' tragic history with the Cruciatus Curse. He dreamed of someday finding a way to counter against such dark magic, hoping it might bring them peace.

As Quirrell continued his lecture, he glanced frequently at Harry, who began to feel a strange, prickling sensation on his forehead. Rubbing his scar, he winced slightly, and Ronnie noticed, giving him a look of concern. Harry smiled weakly, whispering that he was okay, but he couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling.

Quirrell began calling on students to answer questions, with Slytherins like Draco, Daphne, Blaise, and Theodore eagerly participating and responding correctly. Ronnie and Hermione raised their hands, adding points for Gryffindor, while Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff students joined in, contributing to their Houses' totals. Each answer built excitement in the room, yet Quirrell's gaze returned to Harry, a peculiar intensity in his eyes.

When the hour ended, the students packed up, buzzing about dark creatures and spells, and filed out of the classroom. The Gryffindor group gathered in the corridor, comparing notes and discussing the unusual nature of their new professor.

"Strange one, Professor Quirrell," Harry muttered, rubbing his scar absentmindedly.

Ronnie nodded thoughtfully. "Very. And he couldn't stop looking at you, Harry. I wonder what that's about..."

The group moved on to their next class, but Ronnie couldn't shake the uneasy feeling lingering from Quirrell's unsettling attention toward her friend.

Ronnie, Harry, Hermione, and Neville entered Classroom 1B for Transfiguration, where they quickly noticed the neat rows of desks and the high windows that allowed streams of light to pour in. The room was arranged with purpose: cages, bookshelves, and lit candlesticks lined the walls, and Professor McGonagall's desk sat front and center, commanding attention. Glancing around, the friends soon realized they'd been assigned seats.

Ronnie sighed as she took her place next to Draco Malfoy, who smirked, clearly thrilled by the seating arrangement. Hermione found herself beside Anthony Goldstein from Ravenclaw, while Harry sat with Daphne Greengrass and Neville with Hufflepuff's Hannah Abbott.