The Past is Undefining

Chapter 2: New Student, New Professor

Author's note: Hey guys! Here's chapter 2! Hope you guys enjoy! I'll make it as long as I can. Hope you guys enjoy it. I'm still trying to figure Wattpads writing style as far as paragraphs.

Chapter 2: New Student, New Professor

Feeling the most rested he had in weeks Raine entered his office on Monday. He set his bag on his desk and sat down. He really owed several people apologies. Petalthorne for being so cold towards her, Kayden for making her worry about him, and Dennis for shrugging him off as an inconvenience. He became a teacher to help students. To help kids who needed someone to go to. And from the short time he spent with Dennis the boy definitely needed someone.
He also owed Cubs a thank you. If Cubs hadn’t interfered and forced him to take time he was sure he would have self destructed. Not that he cared to admit that out loud. Taking off his coat and hanging it he straightened his tie and time turner. He’d better get this over with so he could focus on catching up on classes and dueling club.
Going to Cubs’ office he knocked on the door.
“Come in.” Cubs called.
Raine entered and shut the door behind him. “Prof. Cubs.”
“Raine. What are you doing here?” Cubs asked. “I expected you to be gone a bit longer.”
“I’ve been going crazy at home.” Raine said. “But you were right. I needed time off. Time to think.”
“Ok and?” Cubs asked sitting back in his chair. He crossed his arms. “What did you think about?”
“That I’m better than…what I was becoming. That if she can’t see what I’m worth then she doesn’t deserve me.” Raine said feeling more than a little uncomfortable. He hated talking about this stuff.
“And this is truly what you think? Not just a face you’re putting on?” Cubs asked. He studied Raine.
“Cubs. I’m fine. I’m so much better after taking this time off. I slept, I ate, I got everything I was neglecting done. I even went out to eat for lunch on Friday.” Raine said.
Cubs nodded. “You definitely look better. Rested. I just want to be you are back to your old self. Back to the friend I had before all this happened.”
Raine smiled slightly. “I am. Now I must be going. I need show off my new tie.” He rose his head proudly.
Cubs chuckled. “There’s my sassy friend.” He visibly relaxed.
Raine crossed his arms. “Well duh. Who else is going to teach those students how to be amazing?”
Cubs rolled his eyes halfheartedly. “Ok professor Sass. I’ll see you at lunch yes?”
“No actually.” Raine said.
“Raine seriously?” Cubs began.
“Easy there tiger. It’s only because I plan to talk to a student. The one who transferred yesterday.” Raine said quickly.
“Hmm fine. But please eat alright.” Cubs said.
“Yes father.” Raine said sarcastically.
Cubs glared at him. “Get out of my office.”
Raine laughed as he walked out. Yes he was feeling a thousand times better. He was about to walk away when Cubs ran out of his office.
“I forgot we have a new professor starting today. You and I need to have a meeting with him during our common free hour after lunch.” Cubs said.
“Ok. I’ll see you then. What’s their class?” Raine asked.
“He going to be teaching Potions.” Cubs said.
“Alright then. Where is the meeting?” Raine asked.
“I was hoping we could do it in your classroom. Mine will be used by Prof. Valentina during that hour. Hers is being repared.” Cubs said.
“Again? That woman really has to learn her strength.” Raine shook his cheek. He said this though he really was fond of Valentina. She had an attitude no other professors, no other witch or wizard, had. She really was a good friend and professor.
“Yes.” Cubs chuckled.
“OK my classroom. I’ll be there after I speak with Dennis.” Raine said.
“Sounds good.” Cubs went back into his office.
Raine went to his classroom. He wrote on the board as his first class filed in. This was his class, his life’s work. This was what he lived for and nothing would make him doubt that again.

Morning classes went well. Surprisingly considering everything. He kept Kayden after class and apologized to her. She took it well and was clearly happy he was ok. This shocked him. He always believed his students hated him for how strict he was.
After that he went to Prof. Petalthorne and apologized to her for his attitude the week before. She of course forgave him and….unfortunately….hugged him. He patted her back awkwardly before leaving. He needed to speak with Dennis. Let the boy know Raine would be there for him if he ever needed him.
Going to the dining hall he was confused to not see Dennis there at all. When he spoke to several students not one of them knew where Dennis was. Sure students skipped lunch here and there to study or go for walks or other things but this was odd for a new student. Many tended to sit with their house so they could make friends.
Raine searched for Dennis all lunch period but never found him. Sighing he went to his classroom. He’d have to keep the boy after his afternoon class to speak with him. For now he’d go meet this new professor.
When he got to his classroom he threw the door open and smoothly flowed in. “Prof. Raine has arrived. Let the-Adrian?” Raine stopped and froze when he saw Adrian Arias sitting across from Cubs.
“Rufus?” Arias asked.
“You two know each other?” Cubs asked.
“We met on Friday. We uh had lunch together.” Arias said.
“Yes. We did.” Raine said.
“Ah well, Prof. Arias is the new Potions professor.” Cubs said. “Now as I was saying either Raine or I will be sitting in on your first class. Take an assessment of your teaching methods. Nothing too serious. Just seeing if we can give a few pointers is all. Things are very different here than they are in the U.S.” Cubs explained as Raine sat down.
“So I’ve noticed. Thank you.” Arias said. He was avoiding eye contact with Raine at this point.
“I’ll sit in on it.” Raine said.
“Are you sure?” Cubs asked.
“When is the first class?” Raine asked.
“Tomorrow and hour before lunch.” Arias said.
“I have a free hour that hour and Cubs has a class. I will be sitting in.” Raine said.
“Alright well then that’s settled. Arias it was nice meeting you. I must be getting ready for my next class. Please excuse me.” Cubs smiled before leaving. This left Raine and Arias sitting awkwardly in the silence.
The silence went on for a minute or so before Arias spoke. “I’m sorry.”
“For?” Raine asked.
“For not telling you I was coming to Hogwarts to teach.” Arias said. “I didn’t want your first judgement of me to be that of a new professor. Once you told me you were a professor here I thought it best to keep that hidden. I don’t know why.”
“Look you don’t owe me an apology. You can tell whoever you want whatever you want.” Raine shrugged standing.
“You aren’t upset?” Arias asked.
“Why would I be upset? Because you hid your intentions for being in the U.K. from me? Eh who cares?” Raine shrugged.
“You’re being sarcastic.” Arias deadpanned.
“Me? Never.” Raine said with extra sass. “In any case I need to go. Please let yourself out..Professor Arias.” He said before leaving.
Afternoon classes passed and he ate dinner in the hall before dueling club. He stopped by his office to grab a few things. A knock came to his door and he found Arias standing there.
“Yes?” Raine asked.
“Rufus look about earlier.”
“Arias I’m fine. And if its all the same to you I would like to be referred to as Raine. Thanks.” Raine said as he sat down searching for a list he made.
“Right.” Arias said.
“Just one question. Why did you leave Ilvermorny?” Raine asked.
Arias paled slightly. “Some…things happened. So I left. For a new start.”
“What sort of things?” Raine asked.
“Bad things ok. I did some things that I’m not proud of.” Arias said.
Raine’s guard instantly went up. “What sort of bad things?”
“It…I don’t want to discuss it.” Arias said.
“Hmm well…” Raine stood as he pulled out his wand. He pointed it at Arias. “You make one wrong move that I don’t like, make one move to harm my students or any of the professors here, I will not hesitate to take you down. Is that understood?”
Arias gulped and nodded.
“Good.” Raine put his wand away. “Good night to you.” He left for dueling club.

The next day Raine sat in on Arias’ class. He thought Arias was very relaxed with his students but other than that he supposed Arias was an ok professor. After that he held his morning classes. They went ok though he had to give two students detention for transfiguring their goblets into rats and letting them loose on the class. Honestly why students thought Transfiguration was a useless subject was beyond him. How did any of them expect ot pass if they didn’t take it seriously?
On his way to lunch he turned down a hall and found Dennis surrounded by a group of Slytherins. They seemed to be laughing. Well all of them except Dennis. He looked uncomfortable. Nervous even. Were they causing trouble for him? As he got closer he could hear them talking to Dennis. No, not talking. Taunting.
He froze when one of them slammed Dennis’ books out of his arms. His fists clenched. He had zero tolerance for bullies. This is something ALL of the students knew. He took two steps forwardwhen he heard another Slytherin speak.
“Go on. Take your wand out. Duel us.” He smirked at Dennis. Dennis however didn’t budge. Not even to pick up his own books. He just stared forward. What was the boy doing? The Slytherin took his wand out and pointed it at Dennis. “Come on Ravenclaw. Your head of house is the best Dueler around. Shouldn’t you have your shit together?”
“I won’t duel you without a professor present.” Dennis said. “Unlike you, I actually know how to duel. You may need one there to pick you up after I knock you on your ass.”
The Slytherin growled. He then noticed Raine. “Perfect. Professor Raine. Would you mind overseeing a duel? I would love to duel Dennis here.”
Raine glanced at Dennis. “Do you accept?”
Dennis looked at him all seriousness in his eyes as he nodded.
“Very well then. Let’s go.” Raine took them to the dueling club room. He wouldn’t say it outloud but he wondered if Dennis could back up the talk he just did. This was certainly going to be interesting.
Dennis went in and up onto the platform. The Slytherin went on it across from him.
“Present your wands.” Raine said. They did so. “Bow.” They did so. “Stand and begin.”
They stood straight. The Slytherin began to go on the offense instantly. Dennis blocked everything flawlessly. This impressed Raine. A good defense is needed when in a duel. Moments passed though and Dennis stayed in defense. He needed to find an opening. Find a time to get on the offense.
Soon that moment came. There was just enough of a break between spells the Slytherin was throwing for Dennis to get ahead. He began to throw them back. Pushing the Slytherin back. Dennis pushed and pushed. What concerned Raine is Dennis’ control, he had none. He was getting out of control and wouldn’t stop even as the Slytherin clearly couldn’t fight back. Someone would get hurt if this didn’t stop.
“Enough!” Raine got up on the platform. He disarmed Dennis quickly and ended the duel.
Dennis panted as he looked up at Raine.
“That’s enough.” Raine said looking down at him. “You lost control. You need to learn how to keep it.”
Behind him the Slytherin held his wand and rose it. “Septum-“
“Expeliarmus!” Raine disarmed the Slytherin. He glared at him. “You dare use that spell here! You dare use it on an unarmed opponent let alone another student!? Do you have any idea how dangerous that spell is!?”
“What is going onhere?” Arias came in with Pine.
“Damian?” Pine looked at the Slytherin.
“Damian just tried to use Septum Sempra on Dennis.” Raine growled.
“What!?” Pine growled at Damian.
“Dennis are you ok?” Arias went to him.
“You with me now!” Pine yelled at Damian. “The rest of you Slytherins, get to class now! Raine I’ll leave Dennis with you.” The other slytherins left as Pine took Damian and left.
“Dennis.” Arias said.
“I’m fine Dad.” Dennis muttered.
Raine’s eyes widened ‘Dad?’
“Alright.” Arias sighed.
“I’m going to class.” Dennis said. He gave Arias a cold look before leaving.
Arias watched him leave before looking to Raine. “Raine, thank you. I’m not sure why Dennis was dueling but I’ll have a talk with him later about it.”
“He was dueling because those slytherins were taunting him and he wouldn’t back down. What I didn’t know was the lack of control Dennis had. Whoever taught him to duel did not properly mentor him.” Raine said.
“That was me.” Arias glared.
“Then you are a fool. You did not teach him proper control.” Raine said simply.
“I taught him just fine.” Arias growled. “And you are stepping over the line.”
“No I am well within the line. Dennis has zero control and as his mentor if not his father it was your job to make sure he knew how to properly duel.” Raine said.
“It isn’t my instructing that is his problem. He can’t even perform a proper Patronas yet.” Arias said. “Look I do not want him dueling anymore. And that comes from both his mentor AND his father.” Arias then stormed out. Raine stood there unsure what to think. Dennis was a 5th yar who couldn’t perform a patronas? Shaking his head he went to his office.
As he walked into his office Dennis sat there in a chair.
“Dennis?” Raine asked as he came in and closed the door. “What are you doing here?”
“I needed to speak to you sir.” Dennis fidgeted in his seat.
Raine watched him as he sat in his desk chair. “Are you alright?”
“I…I wondered if you could mentor me. In dueling I mean.” Dennis said nervously. “I want to have control. I need to. I am so embarrassed. Especially since you were watching.”
“Why because I was watching?” Raine asked.
“Because you’re you. You’re legendary in dueling.” Dennis said.
Raine sat silent as he thought. The boy wanted to learn but his father forbid him from dueling. Should he tutor the boy or listen to the father. Thing was every student HAD to learn to duel. There was no choice in it. Dennis needed to know how to duel.
“Dennis let’s make a deal.” Raine finally said.
Dennis looked at him confused. “Deal sir?”
“I will mentor you in dueling, and teach you to perform your patronas charm.” Raine said.
“Really?” Dennis asked excitedly.
Raine held up a hand, “If you begin to come to my office everyday after dinner to talk.” Raine said.
“Talk? Talk about what?” Dennis asked.
“Anything you’d like. Talk about your day, or lessons, or even stuff at home.” Raine said.
“Why?” Dennis asked.
“Dennis I’m going to be real with you. I believe you are going down the wrong path and if you don’t stop now you’ll end up somewhere you don’t want to be.” He’d seen it once. He knew the signs of it. “When I became a professor I vowed my students would not fail while I’m around.”
“Yet you’re known as the toughest professor at hogwarts since professor Snape.” Dennis said.
Raine blinked. Prof. Snape. He remembered him. Boy he was a hard professor to please. He knew that all too well. “Hmm well then I am doing my job.”
Dennis shrugged. “Fine. I’ll come everyday after dinner. It’s not as if I have anything better to do.”
“Right now you do. You’re late to class.” Raine wrote a note and handed it to him. “See you after dinner.”
Dennis took it and left.
Raine began to prepare tests for his class.

Raine sat in his office a few days later. He sipped his coffee as he read his book. He’d been around others all day and needed some time to just sit and read. It was Thursday and he had just one more day until the weekend. It was after classes and before dinner.
A knock came to his door before Dennis came in quickly and shut the door behind him. He was panting as if he’d ran a marathon. His skin was pale and his hands shaky.
“Dennis?” Raine looked at him. “What’s going on?”
“N-nothing I just…I just needed to come a bit early is all.” Dennis said.
“Nothing my ass. You look terrible.” Raine said.
Dennis sat down as he held his books close to his chest. There was that sadness he’d seen the week before. Something was wrong and Raine was going to find out what it was.
“Is Damian giving you a hard time again?” Raine asked.
“What? No. No.” Dennis said.
“Anyone else?” Raine asked.
Dennis shook his head as he stared down. His breathing slowed slightly. Well that was good but Raine still needed to know.
“Dennis look at me.” Raine said.
Dennis shook his head rapidly.
“Dennis. Now.” Raine demanded.
Dennis slowly looked at him. That sadness was replaced with fear. Ok this has gone on far enough. Those eyes held pure terror.
“Dennis talk to me. What happened?” Raine asked.
Dennis gulped. “W-we studied bogarts i-in defense against dark arts.” Dennis stuttered.
“Ok. So you saw your biggest fear. What was it? Failing school?” Raine asked.
Dennis shook his head. “No.”
“Then?” Raine asked.
“D-death eaters.” Dennis said. It felt like all time in the office stopped.
“What?” Raine asked.
“Death eaters.” Dennis said.
How could a boy this young have that large of a fear of death eaters? Sure everyone feared the idea of death eaters. But only those who have come face to face with them before have a real fear of them. So the next question was…
“Dennis when did you encounter Death Eaters?” Raine asked.
Dennis stayed silent.
“Dennis.” Raine said.
Dennis shook his head. “I have to go.” He quickly ran out before Raine could stop him.
“Dennis!” Raine called out but Dennis was gone.
Death eaters. When had this 15 year old boy come across death eaters in his short life? And how did he survive? What happened? Why were they after him? So many questions that needed to be answered. He needed to see Cubs.

Entering Cubs’ office without knocking he shut the door behind him. Raine looked to his fellow professor.
“Raine? Since when do you just enter?” Cubs asked.
“We need to talk.” Raine said.
“Alright. Sit.” Cubs said.
Raine shook his head. “Can’t. I need to stand. What do you know of Adrian and Dennis Arias?”
“The father and son pair we just got?” Cubs asked. “What do you want to know?”
“Everything.” Raine said.
“Not much to tell.” Cubs sighed. “Adrian left Ilvermorny and came here with Dennis, Dennison, and Meg, Megalynn, his two children. Dennis is a 5th year, and Meg is a 2nd year.”
“Megalynn? Dennis has a little sister?” Raine asked.
“Yes. She’s in the Slytherin house.” Cubs said.
Huh two siblings, one a Ravenclaw the other a Slytherin. Sounded far too familiar. “Anything else? What about their mother?”
“They don’t have one. Adrian lost his husband this past summer. Dennis and Megalynn are adopted.” Cubs said.
“Adopted? So that’s why Dennis looks nothing like Arias.” Raine said absently.
Cubs nodded. “After that they moved here. But that’s all I know. Why?” Cubs asked.
“Dennis just came to my office terrified. They practiced bogarts in his DADA class today. His took the form of a death eater.” Raine said.
“Shit.” Cubs said.
“Before I could get anything out of him he ran out.” Raine said.
“I understand your concern.” Cubs said. “But what can you do? No one knows much about their coming here. Arias made sure of that.”
Raine sighed. “I’ll just have to gain Dennis’ trust and hope he tells me. I don’t do this kind of thing though. I’m not good at this sappy lovey dovey stuff.”
“You don’t need to. Just act normal. Be there for him. Just listen when he talks. Let him come to you.” Cubs said.
“Hmm. Alright.” Raine nodded. “I can do that. Think I can talk to Meg?”
“I doubt it. She may be even less likely to open up than Dennis.” Cubs said. “But you can try.”
Raine nodded. “I’ll stick to Dennis for now.”
Cubs nodded.
“Thank you.” Raine said before leaving. He was determined to help Dennis.

Author’s note: OK guys! There’s chapter 2! I’d love to continue but it’s 1am my time. But I don’t start work till late tomorrow so I should be able to post chapter three. You’ll get to meet Megalynn! Well Goodnight all! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!