Chapter 340 - Professor Lye (1/2)
come at spotting the saved seat especially for right in between the marauders. Severus, the traitor eagerly pushed past her and went to sit by Lily, who had saved him a seat next to her. With an ill-concealed sigh, Rowan went and sat down next to James and Sirius.
Lupin gives her a pity filled glance, but unlike the previous years there was a brightness to him as the dark eyeshadows under his eyes were almost fully gone. There were simply two more doses left and soon he'd be rid of his curse.
Pettigrew on the other hand looked tanner this summer. Not only was he fit, but he'd taken to working at a local muggle farm and with a local gardener to build muscle. And best of all, he had his own pocket money which to spend during the year.
”Congratulations on becoming an Apprentice,” Lupin kindly said with a smile as Pettigrew grunts in agreement.
Sirius snorts and says, ”It was all over yesterday's Daily Prophet. Apparently the two of you are the youngest apprentices in over three hundred years. Naturally, they all said it was because of the Slytherin and Merlin blood running in the two of you.”
”Mm, they must have neglected to mention our muggle father then,” Rowan flatly retorted as she pulled out her textbook, Defense Against the Dark Arts by Galatea Merrythought.
James grins at Rowan and says, ”Either way, I'm grateful I'm not in your shoes.” James dramatically shivers as he adds, ”Just imagine being under Professor Dumbledore's gaze all the time. I'd puke.” Before Rowan can think of a reply, footsteps are heard along with the clatter of a cane.
Professor Lye's grizzled gray head can be seen as he limps over to his desk, before sitting down. ”Whew, I'm always out of breath after climbing the stairs,” Professor Lye joked causing a soft burst of titters in the classroom.
”Good it looks like you're all here,” Professor Lye said in approval as his deep eyes slowly took them in one by one. ”Now put all your books away. We'll start off with more practical lessons today.” A rush of movement can be heard as they do as they are told.
”I've read the report Professor Pollen left behind and all of you seem to be quite far ahead on the study of creatures and spells, but not as far on dealing with curses,” Professor Lye said. ”Given that I'm a retired Auror, I'd like to teach you more about what you truly would be up against should any of you choose to pursue the Auror career. And for the rest of you ought to be aware of the hidden dangers that exist in the wizarding world.”
Seeing the rapt attention of his class, Professor Lye rises to his feet. ”I should only be teaching you the counter course, but I believe everyone should be prepared. Now then, who can tell me, which curses are most heavily punished by wizarding law?”
James's hand instantly goes into the air as Professor Lye says, ”Yes, Mr. Potter.”
”The Imperius Curse, sir,” James firmly replied.
”Correct,” Professor Lye said as he limped back to his desk and removed a jar with a snake in it.
Rowan instantly feels sick as she can hear the snake hiss, ”Please let me out. I don't like it in here.”
Professor Lye releases the grass snake that hurriedly tries to rush away as he says, ”Imperio!” The snake leaps onto the table and begins to swing back and forth as if dancing. Then it begins to do somersaults to the awe of the class. The class is filled with laughter at its funny antics.
Rowan's nails dig into her palm so tight that her hand goes red. The only one who notices surprisingly is Pettigrew. Pettigrew much more warily turns to watch the Professor, when the snake is ordered to choke itself. Against all odds, its tail wraps itself around its own throat and begins to squeeze. Pettigrew glances away unable to bear the dark sight.
”Stop!” Lily cried out as Professor Lye moves his wand and the snake limply lays gasping on the ground.