Pura (James Potter)

-3-

A sudden wave of Déja Vu came over Pura as she raced through the halls that she had became very familiar with over the past week. In fact, she could recall being in this exact situation precisely one week ago on her first day at school, and due to her chosen attire, poor punctuality and hair colour- not to mention her stuck up, prejudiced Defence Teacher- she had almost been suspended.

Of course she has been assured by Professor McGonagall that all of the reasons Professor Sturdy had given as prompt for suspension had been completely out of line, apparently jeans, as long as they were black, were permitted and hair colour couldn't be cared less about. And though tardiness could certainly be punishable, a temporary expulsion was way out of order. Pura was grateful that McGonagall had managed to somewhat bargain with Sturdy, settling on two weeks detention with Filch.

So as she once again stumbled through the DADA classroom, only ten minutes late this time as she was rather quick at getting dressed, she found herself with all eyes upon her and a completely different classroom set up.

All the tables had been shoved to the side and the chairs stacked up, everyone was lined up on either side of the classroom facing someone on the opposite end of the room.

Sturdy looked at her with a glare, seeming almost disappointed that she had shown up, though Pura couldn't blame him, the feeling was mutual after all.

"Lupin, next time join us on time or do not join us at all, twenty points from Gryffindor, you've been paired with Mr Nott," he gestured towards a lanky looking Slytherin with an unnerving grin on his face.

Pura rolled her eyes and made her way over to the empty space next to a Gryffindor girl who she shared a dorm with, Emmaline Vance. Opposite her was Nott, he winked at her as they locked eyes and started twisting his wand around in his hand, someone seems full of themselves, she thought.

"As I was explaining before I was so rudely interrupted," he glared pointedly at Pura, to which she exaggerated an apologetic sigh, "Today we are practicing the Knockback Jinx, self explanatory, knocks back your opponent. The incantation is 'Flipendo' and the wand movement is a tick and flick motion, if I can have a volunteer to demonstrate the effects of the jinx... Lupin! Since you are of the impression that you are so above my teaching and feel staring out the window is better suited to you, why don't you partake in the first practical of the year!"

Pura shared an exasperated glance with Regulus who was stood across the classroom a few pupils down from Nott, he returned with a hesitant thumbs up as she trudged her way to the centre of the classroom.

"So am I supposed to just let you hit me or am I granted the privilege of a chance at defense, sir?"

"Had you been listening during the explanation Miss Lupin you would know that this is an example of the effects of the Knockback Jinx and as unlikely a chance there is that you could perform a shield charm that would work, I would like to demonstrate to the rest of the class what shall happen when one is hit with the spell"

"What?! So you're just going to jinx a first year in front of a class as if that is setting an example-"

"FLIPENDO!"

As soon as the words left the Professors mouth, a bright blue and yellow ray of light came speeding from the tip of his wand, effectively striking Pura in the stomach at such a force that she went spiralling through the air and landed in a heap at the door to the classroom.

"Now, as you can see, when performed correctly, the Knockback Jinx can't do any proper damage to your opponent so long as the one on the receiving end lands properly, Miss Lupin, stop being so dramatic and get off. Of. The. Floor"