Chapter 584 - Professor Prince

After Care of Magical Creatures and a brief interlude between their next class, the marauders made their way to the DADA classroom. The desks were all presently neatly lined up as they all took their seats. James blinked at finding a saved spot between the four of them. Seeing James glance of confusion Sirius grins and says, "It's for Rowan, she always sits with us."

James slowly nods his head, before asking the next logical question. "And why does Rowan sit with us, when she is in Slytherin?"

Sirius slaps his head on his forehead and grins, "You haven't noticed, have you, mate?"

James blinks owlishly at Lupin, who curiously asks, "Haven't you noticed the second badge pinned on Rowan and Severus' chests, James?"

James frowns for a moment, before clearly recalling studying the second badge pinned to Severus Snape-. He still was not used to Snape being a Prince. Still, he had paid no further mind to the badge at that moment. But now something was lurking at the back of his head in remembrance. What exactly?

Seeing James unable to recall, Pettigrew saves James despite all things. "Rowan and Severus passed the Comprehensive Student Apprenticeship Exams and are attending apprentices at Hogwarts."

James clearly blinks in surprise as Lupin further adds, "Professor Dumbledore is their apprenticeship master. But because of some of the higher-level classes, they are taking, they're in DADA with us to better accommodate their class schedule."

"But there has not been a single student apprenticeship in roughly over two hundred years?" James slowly said.

"Mm, and the fact that they're the youngest apprentices in over five hundred years," Pettigrew mumbled, before cursing himself in private for his weakness in trying to be helpful.

James is saved from asking anything further when Rowan and Severus step through the doorway. However, strangely enough, Rowan goes to sit by Lily, and Severus takes Rowan's seat between the Marauders. Though Lily does peek at Severus and bites her lips, before swiftly turning away to chat with Rowan and the girls.

Sirius unable to help himself and asks, "Er, are you and Lily fighting, Severus?"

Lupin sighs in frustration clearly lamenting their friendship. Pettigrew, on the other hand, just stares at Sirius as though he is the biggest idiot he had ever seen. Who was stupid enough to state the obvious?

Severus doesn't react and rather coolly takes his things out of his school bag as he replies, "No, we're not fighting, Sirius. But I am currently in the process of resolving something between us. We'll be fine, but I still need some time to process the event, before everything will be alright between us. Do not worry, I'll be sitting with Lily like usual soon enough. We're childhood friends, after all."

Sirius wisely keeps his mouth shut this time despite not being convinced. If the glares of Lupin and Pettigrew had not warned him, the cold gaze of Severus had. Sirius motions that he is zipping his mouth shut and throwing away the key.

James gravely studies Severus but does not detect any anger or anything of the sort in his voice. In their fifth year, Severus had called Lily a Mudblood! But it did not appear that was the case here as neither of them seemed to be fighting simply avoiding each other. And since they were childhood friends, it was likely some sort of disagreement between the two of them.

Still, James had the feeling that was not the case, but it was not his place to further pry. Luckily, he is saved from further thoughts when the class grows quiet as the new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts sweeps into the room. Professor Prince is a rather tall, and slender woman. Her raven hair with only a few traces of silver is swept like outstretched Raven wings to the side. A tad of a long nose, but straight she looked rather cold and foreboding with dark pool-like eyes.

Professor Prince and the twins resemble each other enough to declare their close familial relationship. Wearing elegant dark blue robes with silver embroidery, Georgine Prince says, "Good afternoon, I am Professor Prince." She paused waiting for a response.

"Good afternoon, Professor Prince," the fifth year's all said as Georgine nods her head in satisfaction.

"I am a firm believer in both practical and theoretical work," Georgine explained. "I shall now outline that which we will be in-depth studying. Ghouls, pixies, and all manner of magical snakes. As for spells, it will be a variety of practical spells not excluding Hexes nor Curses. We shall also be reviewing previous years' curriculums as your O.W.L.'s will be at the end of this school year."

Seeing the classroom look intrigued, Georgine said, "I thought that we shall start this year on the right foot. Typically, this spell is not taught until the fifth year and if ever typically not until your seven-year, but I believe it does no one harm, and it is always best to be prepared. And I wish to open you all to the infinite realm of magical possibilities. Please put your things away and we shall begin."

The Gryffindor's eagerly put their things away as James remains rather alert. Rising to their feet they line up at the side of the classroom as the desks are pushed towards the back of the classroom. Severus remains standing next to the marauders, while Rowan remains next to Lily, Mary MacDonald, and Willa Sands.

"Now, who can tell me what a Patronus Charm is?" Georgine asked her 5th year Gryffindor classroom.

Instantly Lupin and Lily's hand go up as Georgine points to Lupin. "Please Mr. Lupin, go ahead."

"The Patronus Charm is a charm when conjured is a manifestation of our positive emotions. It is commonly employed against Dark Creatures such as Dementors. However, only those with pure hearts can create them dark wizards are not able to produce them whatsoever.

Instead like the historical account of Illyius and the dark wizard Raczidian, when Illyius's mouse Patronus defeated Raczidian's dark army. Raczidian attempted the same feat only for magical maggots to spring forth from his hand and engulf him, before devouring him all," Lupin solemnly answered.

"Correct, Lupin," Georgine nodded her head at him. "Ten points to Gryffindor!"

Lupin blinks in surprise as do the rest of the Gryffindor's. They knew that Georgine like the rest of the Prince's were all Slytherins. They would not think she would be very fair with them. But then again, Rowan and Severus were rather fair themselves. They should not have assumed otherwise.