a study of character

fight back!

He hadn't forgotten.

At the beginning of the lesson I tried to find a seat in the back. But as I was fairly late, all seats in the back were already taken.

"I guess you are going to have to sit at the front, miss Amabilia." He said it in a joking manner, and I must have been pretty flushed. I sat down in front of him and he started the lesson.

"Well, my friends, as some of you may know, or maybe not," he looked at me when saying that " I am your new defence against the dark arts teacher, professor Lupin. I am hope that I will be able to measure up, but some of you have already told me that the bar seems to be quite low. Just so you know I am always open to criticism about my teaching, so no holding back there. None the less, I would like to start with something you should have learned last year to get an idea of where everyone stands. Can someone tell me, what you use the curse salvio hexia for?"

His eyes were scanning the class room. I actually think I knew what he was talking about, but I didn't want to raise my hand. I just can't seem to care for the subject at all. I actually have quite a disliking for everything including fighting.

I still think that it was just because I was the only face, and name, he knew, that he called on me.

"miss amabilia, do you know the answer to my question?" he asked again, in an encouraging manner.

"I might be wrong, but I think it might be a deflection hex? If so, I guess it would be used to, well, deflect hexes." I said, not really sounding too sure of myself.

"Correct! Five points for your house!" I liked the way he smiled at me. He looked kind of proud. "Now, if anyone doesn't remember, tell me, but I would like for someone to demonstrate. Please, all of you, go to each side of the room."

We all did, and a blue long mattress appeared, which was used for duelling practice.

"Miss Amabilia, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you again, and who would like to duel with her?"

I guess it's what I deserve for yesterday. Even though, he doesn't know, I am, for one, very bad at duelling and second, there are quite some people who would love to get back at me for stuff, or just humiliate me in general.

And as I suspected, another Slytherin put his hand up. It was Anthony Anguis, or Tony is what if heard him being called. It didn't really surprise me, as he didn't like me. Not one bit. He let me know that my blood was dirty because of my muggle mother, that I was a disgraced for Slytherin because I wasn't "ambitious" enough and most importantly, he couldn't stand loosing arguments against me.

"Yes, mister?"

"Anthony Angius." He said already glaring at me. I have to admit, I felt nervosity creeping up my back. But I wouldn't stand down now. No way would I show him that I was scared.

I may not be a perfect Slytherin, but I can really be too proud for my own good.

"Well, then may I ask you two to go to opposite ends and wait for instructions, though I think you know the rules." Lupin explained. I don't think he noticed the way Anthony looked at me, but maybe he should have.

When I was exactly opposite to Tony, Lupin began explaining, " The goal is to disarm your opponent, nothing more. Now good luck to you, you may begin."

Anthony didn't even wait for Lupin to finish to draw his wand and attack. But it wasn't the expelliarmus spell I had been bracing myself for. Instead I heard him shout "alarte ascendare!" and it was not by a lot that I could cast a protego spell, to protect me from being thrown far in the air.

Anthony really meant it. And I couldn't do anything except try to defend myself from all the spells he began to cast at me.

"Fight back!"

That was the moment I turned to Lupin, trying to see if it was his voice I heard. I shouldn't have.

I heard Tony shout "Avifors!", but it was too late. I couldn't bring up protection fast enough, and before I knew it the world around me seemed to get bigger. I felt my arms painfully change into what appeared to be wings, and I felt feathers growing out of my skin. I must have been so scared that I took flight through the classroom and finally stayed on a lamp hanging from the ceiling.

I couldn't yell, it only came out in chirps. He actually made me a little bird.

"Mister Anguis! See me before dinner! Everyone out, quick. And close the door after you!" Professor Lupin commanded with a serious, angry voice. He made them all leave as quick as possible, and closed the door after them.

He was scared that I would fly out the door, I think. And rightfully so, as I was kind of horrified.

"Okay, now on to you."

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Oh wow, third chapter. Or should I say bird chapter! *badumm tss*

No but really, thanks if you are still reading this.

And let's hope monsieur lupin is good at catching birds^^