Defence Against the Dark Arts (1st-3rd years)

[Professor Julius Foxcroft]

It was funny how autumn was everyone's least favorite season and yet it was Julius' favourite. Julius disliked and complained about everything so it was strange that he should like something that as a rule most people found saddening – but autumn reminded him of so many fond memories with Beth that he couldn’t remember it without feeling slightly more cheerful than usual. She'd loved the change of colour of the leaves, the sight of animals running around preparing for the hibernation that was to come in the winter, and never had anything inspired her to paint as much as the autumn season.

Today thinking of Beth somehow did not leave him with that usual hollow bottomless feeling in his heart, for he'd done something that made him feel proud of himself, and he knew Beth would have been proud of him had she been here too. He'd challenged himself, he'd made the first step in the right direction, maybe two years later than he should have, but better later than never. Julius knew somewhere in the back of his mind that he still had a long way to go, but he was in no hurry, for at least now he was at peace with his conscience. A ray of sunlight entered through the curtains and fell onto his face, and with a casual flick of his wand the curtain drew back and flooded the room with sunlight and warmth. Julius wondered where too sit so he could look friendly and welcoming. In the end he decided not to sit at all but lay his textbooks down on the desk and idly drummed his finger on the title of the topmost one, deep in thought.

Julius wondered what the youngest students of Hogwarts would think of him and what they would discuss today. He was not here to force his opinions on them, but rather to encourage them that now was a time to think of who they were and what they wanted and not be influenced by anything around them, not the media, not their parents, not the books they read, not anything. It was sad that they had so much to face at such a young age, so much darkness and the impending fear of a war that was looming closer and closer by the minute. That was why there was no time for nonsense or hiding anything from them, they needed to know the whole truth and face it.

[kaddy]

Danielle had had a horrible day. First off she missed breakfast and had gotten attacked by her cat. For over half the day she'd had a horrible headache. The as she went to Potions she remembered her essay,so she had to run all the way to dormitories and come back down. Witch made her late.

Finally her headache went away and her spirits rose. "Yes," she thought "I've got DADA {as her brother called it}." Soon she was there, walking in she saw that she was the only one there. "Hello Professor." she said sitting down.

[Flo Murvac H4]

"Achoo!! Achooo!!" This was Flo, sneezing, only because her bother Tim, had put sneezing powder on her, when she was eating breakfast. "Little Rat!!" She screamed at him. As he ran off, Flo stood up, and walked to the girls bathroom, to wash her face. But now, she was still sneezing for some reason, as she walked to Defence Against the Dark Arts class. She looked at the Professor as he was using one of the text books as a drum. "Professor! You could have been a drummer in a band!!" She said, happly. She walked up to a desk, and sat down. She sneezed again, and rolled her eyes. She had to get back at her brother..

[comix]

Mitch was sort of looking forward to Defence Against the Dark Arts but not so that he would be able to stand up to the ''Dark lord'' if he ever met him but so that he could learn some cool and powerful spells and charms.

Mitch walked to the class once there he looked inside to see only two other students, he went in and nodded his head , his way of saying hi ,then went to the back and took the seat in the far corner where he got the equipment that he needed out then sat down and waited for the rest of the class

[leon]

With a grin at his cat Zaphani, who was trying to rip down his bed drapes, Leon quickly styled his hair with skilled, practised movements. He wasn't going to be the one to thell the cat that, no matter how hard he ripped and how loud he yowled, the Drapes wouldn't come off as they were magically protected. Grinning again, Leon pulled on some black socks and his shoes, threw a cushion at Zaphani who hissed indignantly, then left the Dorm.

Grabbing from the Great Hall a piece of hot buttered toast, Leon looked at his timetable, seeing that Defence Against the Dark Arts was next. Defence Against the Dark Arts he knew he would love, and he hurried to the lesson, brown bag swinging at his side.
In front of the door, Leon checked the teacher's name. Professor Foxcroft it was, and Leon thought he sounded ok. Opening the door, he entered the room. The first thought that hit Leon, was that he'd gone blind. Once he got used to the bright light coming from the window, his second thought was that only three people had arrived. Nodding and saying hello to the teacher, Leon walked over to Flo Murvac, smiling.

"Can i sit here Flo?" He said.

[darkmoon287]

Elisabeth hurried down the hallway, her black book bag slung over her shoulder. She was quite excited for Defense Against the Dark Arts; it was one of her favorite classes. She entered the room and quickly sat down in a desk near the middle of the room. Not too eager, not too careless. She took out her books and her wand, and waited for the rest of the class to arrive.

[joanrabbit]

Katrina looked into her trunk. What should I wear, she wondered as she rummaged through many pairs of jeans and shirts. She lifted out a pair of dark blue jeans and a fiery red shirt which suited her well and fitted herself into them. She looked good, not amazing but she wasn't expected to look marvelous.

She trotted downstairs and gathered her things and set off to Defence against the Dark Arts. She walked into the class room to see that many people had already arrived. She nodded at the presence of Professor Foxcroft and sat down.
There were only a couple of things Katrina was good at and Defence against the Dark Arts was not really on either her bad or good list. She was incredibly talented when it came to practical but when it came to buckling down to writing, she somehow flopped to the near bottom.

She got out her book and looked around, she noticed Leon and smiled. She waved slightly and looked back at her book. Wonder what Defence against the Dark Arts is going to be like this year, she pondered.

[evilchikaxx]

With a grin, Kiani studied herself in the mirror. She was wearing a soft white jumper that covered her arms and neck. This made her dark hair stand out well, and on her legs she wore some dark brown cords. Pleased, she gave her kitten a scratch under the chin, then walked out of the dorm with her green bag.

After a rushed breakfast of toast and jam, Kiani rose from the Slytherin table and left for Defence Against the Dark Arts. When she entered the room, a bright light hit her. She sat down near the back, scowlingat the fact that she was the only Slytherin over first year. Getting out her ink, black wand and books, she waited for class to start with the new Professor.

[ariana]

Ariane dressed perfectly as always. Her hair puleld back silver clips, a knee-length skirt and a beig blouse. Her black robe didn’t have any wrinkles on it and her black shoes were shiny and in best shape. Ariane took pride of her appearance and she made sure that all her features were always displayed the best way possible. She was a Dianne after all! Her family always came out of everything with their head held high and looking as if nothing in the world could trouble them. Ariane would do everything in her power to hold up their family honour.

Picking up her things Ariane made her way towards the Defence Against Dark Arts classroom. Foolish really. Did the professors really think they would learn everything necessary from homes? Ariane’s father most certainly would be starting to teach her in the Dark Arts. He had already stated so. Ariane coulnd’t wait for these classes to begin. She would have to work hard and start practicing if she wanted to be as worthy servant to the Dark Lord as her parents were. Ariane had made a promise ot herself to be in the inner circle of Death Eaters. And she would earn her place there.

But for now she would go to DADA class and humour the professors. What else was there to be done anyway? Making her way calmly and without any disturbance between older students in the hallway Ariane entered the DADA classroom and let her eyes coldly look over the the poeple alreayd there. No one of any importance seemed to be here. Even though Mitch Collins received a brief nod. He was a Slytherin after all, even though Ariane had never spoken to him. „Good day, professor,“ Ariane greeted the man sitting in fornt of the class calmly as she made her way to one of the middle seats. Placing her things on the table corner Ariane shifted them lightly so everything would be properly set up and then crossed her legs and waited for class to begin.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn walked briskly through the corridors to reach the classroom. She wasn't late like usually, but she wasn't early either. She dodged the first years as she walked. "Sorry, excuse me." She said passing through the students. Maryn knew she wasn't late yet, but she still had a ways to go before she reached the classroom. She then turned a corner and bumped into someone. "Oh, sorry. I'm really sorry." She said as she looked at the person. Maryn then stopped to check her watch. "Oh, I have to go. I'm sorry again." She called as she continued to walk on. Maryn was being very difficult that say. She was running into people and things. She laughed at how silly she knew she looked. Maryn wished she wouldn't run into a Slytherin because that would just end up bad. She never got along with Slytherins like some students did. Maryn wouldn't let them walk all over her and the sooner they realized that the better.

Maryn finally turned into the classroom. She first walked up to the professor. "Hello professor." Sh said. Maryn then turned to find a seat. She spotted several of her friends. Maryn smiled at Leon and Flo and then at Katrina. She then saw Ariane. Maryn didn't like the girl too much so she walked right past her to reach her friend Elisabeth. Maryn hadn't talked to her in a while and decided to sit by her. "Hey, girl. I haven't seen you in a while." Maryn said. She looked at the professor and it seemed class hadn't begun so she looked at Elisabeth waiting for a response.

[rowen]

He made his way to the DADA class room close to when the lesson should start. He had been far to early to far to many classes lately and that was not exactly a habit he wanted to get into. Stepping into the class he saw that there was only one other Hufflepuff here, a third year he didn't really know, and didn't exactly care to. He moved to one of the seats close to the back and let his books fall heavily down to the floor before he sunk down into a chair. At least this subject would be interesting one. He was sick of unjust professors like Snape, and pushover ones like Sprout.

[Aaron Byers H4]

Aaron held his book tight in his hands while walking down a long corridor where he thought DADA classroom was. Why was Hogwarts so big? He had already been last seven times and almost got in trouble for being late to Potions. Aaron didn't like Professor Snape, infact Aaron hated him. Aaron hadn't really found his ‘favorite’ subject that he could look forward to everyday, but at least Potions course was crossed off his list. Defense against the Dark Arts sounded like an interesting subject from what he heard. Lenora had told Aaron all about the class and how you would fight against vampires, boggarts, and other dark creatures. Aaron didn't know much of the wizarding world because Lenora and his mother wanted him to find about this new world for him self. Well Aaron was in for a big shock.

Rounding another corner Aaron was lead into another corridor and at the end was the DADA classroom. Relieved that he had found the room Aaron walked inside and saw other students had already arrived. Some were his age, others seemed a little old. Heading over toward a table in the back Aaron set his books down on the table and smiled at a fellow Hufflepuff first. “Hey Rowen!” Aaron greeted with a smile probably knowing that the Hufflepuff wouldn’t acknowledge him.

[slytherinicequeen]

Shadow Croft was having an normal day. She woke up, drank her drink and finished off her homework or played her guitar. She couldn't remember which.

As she walked out of the common room she remembered she had DADA. She groaned and headed off quickly towards the classroom. Her kitten, Insanity was at her heels all the way.

Shadow walked in without looking at anyone. She noticed Mitch and noidded at him as she sat down in the oppisite corner at the back of the room. Shadow whispered something to her kitten. The kitten meowed before walking under the desk and out of view from the teacher. She got out the stuff she needed and waited impatiently.

[coolasice]

Katie-May jumped out of her four-poster, a huge smile on her face. Her first class today! It was DADA, and May couldn’t wait. Her brother had warned her she should try to attend all the classes she could, and she planned to do so. After a rushed shower, she threw herself into come baggy combats and a pale yellow strap-top, spent ten minutes deciding whether to have her hair down or up, and then left with it in a messy but stylish bun. Her eyes she quickly shadowed with some pale blue make-up, and her ears were decorated with some tiny silver studs which sparkled in the sun. Her robes were thrown over it all, the blue Ravenclaw symbol brightly matching her eyes. By her side hung a small black string-bag, containing her special wooden quill, some black ink, her books on DADA and her rose wood wand.

She walked the corridors slowly, looking out of each large window she passed it. From one she sighted the lake- vast and murky, with ripples spoiling the calm effect. Out of another she saw just plain grass, seeming endless until it met the forest border. The dark trees seemed menacing and malicious, and May quickly left the window.

She arrived at the room soon after, having only stopped to wave at one of the ghosts which floated gaily past, sending a little shiver through her bones. The room was about half-full, and seemed sunny and welcoming. Warm rays of light shone through open curtains, giving the room a merry look.

Catching sight of her brother, May waved and grinned, but didn’t sit with him as she hadn’t met his friends yet. Instead, she said a happy hello to the Professor and walked over to another first year at the back (Aaron Byers). She smiled warmly at him, then asked in a polite tone, “May I sit here please?” She didn’t know the boy, but he looked friendly enough and she sat down quickly before waiting for an answer. She neatly set out her quill and ink, with her books and wand next to them. From Leon she had heard amazing things about DADA- marvellous spells which she couldn't wait to learn and master. She turned to the front where the Professor stood, and patiently waited for the lesson to begin.

[chochang4]

This was Natalie's second class of the semester. She was a bit nervous about meeting new people but she knew she would do well in this class. It was all about defending yourself and she knew this would be a challenge for her. Natalie always enjoyed a challenge. She remembered that her brothers and sisters back home just loved to challenge her, even though Natalie always won. They would always say it was just beginner's luck for they challenged me in various Fields. Quidditch, Mathematic equations, and other things. Natalie always thought of her classes as a challenge. At first, Natalie did not understand charms and it's purpose, but now she was one of the best students in the class. Natalie hoped Defense Against The Dark Arts worked out the same way. Natalie chose her seat wisely. It was the seat directly in front of the teacher. She got to work emediately.

[Padme Rendel S2]

Honey brown eyes lavished with make-up gazed sullenly at the mirror. Honestly, did she have to go to class today? She wasn't up for it; her mood grumpy and tired. The thought of winning Slytherin some house points was exciting, but whether she would be able to answer a question right at all was to be seen. She wanted Slytherin to win the House Cup very much; wouldn't that be pleasing? Her first year too, and just to know she contributed to it in the end. DADA wasn't the worst of classes, but it certainly wasn't the best either. The only ones Padme did well at was Charms and Potions, as well as Ancient Runes. DADA wasn't anywhere in the list.

With a sigh Padme stood up from the stool in front of the mirror and looked around her empty dorm. Everyone had left already and she hadn't even noticed a thing. All the beds were neater then hers and the dressers beside the beds held little clusters of things, while Padme's was totally clear of any objects. She sat down on her bed in order to pull on her high-heeled shoes and gazed at herself in the full length mirror one last time. Her hair wasn't in the bun today, but down to her shoulders, pinned back to the side by small brown clips that merged with her hair. She only had eye make-up on and her green Slytherin robe hid a green plaid skirt as well as a green tank-top. Everything she wore these days were green, and that was sometimes sad. It depends on where she wore it too.

Her black heels gleamed in the light as she clicked her way to the DADA classroom. When she entered, she looked around with disdain at the class. The only people worth mention were Ariane and Mitch, Mitch she didn't even know. She walked over to where Ariane sat but instead of sitting next to her sat one seat over. Right now she had no desire to talk to anyone, for that matter, not even a fellow Slytherin first year. With a blank face, Padme took out her books, quill and ink, looking at the Professor expectantly.

[kristian]

Mikayla rushed down the hall she was going to be late again. "Oh great!" She thought aloud. "Why must I never be able to wake up in the morning." Mikayla was always waking up late because she could never go to bed.And last night it took her until 3:00 in the morning to fall asleep. Sure she would go to bed but she never could actually fall asleep she would just lay there thinking to herself about things.

Mikayla was now getting closer to her class. At this point she was heavily breathing. Actually more like gasping for air. She new that she was really late this time. When she reached the class she felt a since of relief because now she could just sit in her desk and not have to run anymore! When she got in the class she was a bit nervous she didn't know anyone except her dear friend Maryn so she chose to sit beside her. When she finally got situated in her seat she got straight to work.

[Professor Julius Foxcroft]

"I doubt that very much, Murvac," said Julius, wondering if the Hufflepuff had learnt anything about him from her previous Muggle Studies classes with him. He hadn't thought he'd ever given the impression of being a Professor you joked with, but he was pleasantly surprised to find that out, and he pondered on it as he awaited the arrival of the rest of the class.

Julius looked at the faces before him, thinking to himself that everything he said might stay with these youngsters forever, and hoping that it was meaningful enough so that it would. "Every student in this class, and in this school, is here because they possess talent and skill, despite what anybody might have told you or if you do not have confidence in your skill. It is your job to make the best of this gift you have, for Hogwarts has a lot to give, and those who seek knowledge in these walls will find the answers to every imaginable question that enters their mind. There is only so much that I can teach you within this classroom, and while some of you will find what they learn in their classes enough to contend with, I must impress on you the importance of depending on yourself even now when you are just starting to learn the fundamentals of magic, and to never underestimate your abilities or be satisfied with less when there can be so much more, because you must have pride in yourself and your achievements, and these achievements will only be attained if you work hard enough. I'm not going to encourage you to experiment just yet, but borrow books from the library, ask older friends for help, and always be on the lookout for learning opportunities." Julius paused for his breath and pointed his wand at the blackboard behind him, and a blast of light that lasted for instant appeared from the end of his wand and then his name appeared in gold cursive writing on the board.

"Let me introduce myself. My name is Professor Foxcroft, and I have been teaching at Hogwarts for the past two years, though this is my first year of teaching Defence. I am sure I will learn all of your names very soon, and please remember that I am here to help you any time you need it, inside and outside of the classroom. My rules are pretty much the same as in all the other classes you have attended, and do keep in mind that I expect nothing less from any of you but their very best." Julius gave them a smile before going on. "Remember you can always win your house points by participating as much as possible. Even if you make mistakes, everyone is sure to learn from them, so don't be afraid to do so." Julius raised his copy of the textbook into the air. "I trust you have all bought this. If not, I will be asking you to do a lot of reading from it, so please make some arrangement so that you have access to it." Julius wondered if there was anything else he needed to tell them before getting down to business. No, he was done.

"Today we shall discuss briefly the History of Dark Magic and at the end of the class you shall all attempt to learn a useful jinx which I am sure you find very amusing to try on your fellow students at Hogwarts. But let us start with the history. Can anyone tell me anything about the First War?" Julius expected quite a number of hands to be raised, for the eyes that were looking at him did not seem shy.

((Some people mentioned having got to work. I haven’t given you any yet!))

[kristian]

Mikayla observed the words of the professor. She was very interested in learning from him. Any class where you can practice your magic and work hands on was a class for Mikayla. Although she wasn't excellent at even some of the very basic spells she always tried her hardest to learn from her instructor who in this case was professor Foxcroft.

Mikayla agreed 100% with what he said about everyone is good at their own particular skill. Mikayla new about him stressing on us to also to be dependent on ourselves. Mikayla was always dependent on herself. She never had her parents with her, and when they fired her nannies or care-takers who was there to take care of Mikayla.. herself and no one else. She new he might not have necessarily meant it like that but thats how it hit her. Even though she under stood the meaning of what he said. She realized how he really couldn't stress enough for us to be able to also depend on ourselves. Mikayla smiled. And then watched attentively as the professor taught.

[ariana]

Ariane looked coldly at the man in front of the classroom. Foxcroft. He didn’t really seem that overly authorical, yet looks could be deciving. And Ariane would NOT shame the Dianne name by shoing herself in a bad light to a professor. Surely, Kris and other respect-worthy Slytherins had helped in making Ariane understand that not all the professors at Hogwarts oculd be given any respect. Why, even that fool Dumbleodre was no good. Her mother and father always said that so Ariane believed it with all her heart. However why not show the professor that they were not complete imbecils. A calm glance at the some of the other occupants of the room made Ariane rephraze that thought. Perhaps the professor should be shown that not everyone in the room was an idiot.

Raising her hand Ariane made sure to have her thin gold-bracelet slide down her wrist gracefully as she delighted into the gorgeousness of her own youth and life. Jewels could be the best friends.
„Excuse me professor, but perhaps you should specify your question. Though muggles are no part of our lives and never should be – their foolish actions have still influenced our world in the past. The Battle of Hastings where the Normans invaded Britannia in 1066 is a clear example of it. Or perhaps the biggest war muggles have waged on us during the witch persecution in the 14th century? Surely the actions of the later Elizabeth I and her half-sister Mary influenced he wizarding world greatly. And the attack of the Spanish Armada in 1588 I believe it was? Or do you mean the 1622 rebellion of those goblins in Hogsmeade? Not to forget the World Wars that pulled careless witches and wizards into action as well,“ Ariane looked calmly at the professor while her eye-brows rose calmly. Just a bit politeness while looking young and tender and most people were won over, while Ariane wouldn’t grovel, „I am truly sorry for speaking out of turn, but I felt the need to ask more precisely what you wish to know, before I could fully concentrate of wording the most correct reply as there have been many wars and battles throughout the history that have made an impact on the magical world one way or an other.“

Bowing ehr head slightly to show that she had finished Ariane only now averted her eyes tiwrling a long strand of golden-blond hair lazily around her index finger. Really, idiotic question. A lot of wars could be called first. Though Ariane had no hesitation that most of the people in the class were uneducated enough to never be able to converse in a polite company. Really, mudbloods were so clearly below the level of good behaviour that they most certainly should not be allowed to Hogwarts.