57 Chapter 57

Next few days went by quietly. As it was a weekend at the start of term, it gave the new students and staff members time to adjust. But soon enough, it was Monday and time to give my first lecture came.

And as luck would have it, my first class was 5th year combined class of Gryffindor and Slytherin.

After a quiet breakfast, I went to the designated DADA class, just at the correct time.

As I went inside, I saw that all the students were present. I waved my wand and soon my name was written on the blackboard.

" Good morning, everyone."

As everyone went quiet, I continued.

" I am sure all of you know me from the previous years. My name is Aiden Canis, your new DADA professor. Now before we begin, I would like to point out that this is a very important year for all of you as you will be taking your 'Ordinary Wizarding Level' examination or OWLs for short. As you may all know, your OWL scores will play a very important role in your future employment, so I would suggest you all to take your studies seriously this year. Now, as a former student here up until last year, I know firsthand about the DADA course situation, and lack of structure in this course. But, worry not, I assure you all that I will try to fill the gaps from previous years and prepare every single one of you for your OWLs exams, provided that you study, of course. Now, enough with the introductions, everyone takes out your DADA books and turn over to page—"

"*Hem Hem*"

I was interrupted mid-speech by none other than Umbridge.

Damm it, I was avoiding her for the last couple of days, but it looks like my luck just ran out. I want to do nothing more than to just hit her head with a blasting curse and be done with it. But I clamped all emotions with occlumancy and asked calmly.

"Can I help you with something, Madam Umbridge? As you can see, I am in the middle of my lecture and would appreciate if I can continue without any further interruptions."

"Of course, dear. But before you do so, I would like to make some announcements."

My face didn't betray any emotions and I calmly gestured her to continue.

" Good morning, children. Ministry has noticed that your previous instructions on this subject have been disturbingly uneven, as such ministry has taken steps to rectify this situation."

As she said to, she waved her wand and a stack of books came flying in. Well, I'll be dammed, she is still going through with forcing students to study that horrible DADA book I saw in canon. If I remember correctly, basically everything in that book can be summarised in one single sentence: When in trouble or attacked, act like confused and terrified sheep, hide and call Aurors.

No wonder, any Tom, Dick or Harry can attack a few of sheep and call themselves Dark Lords.

But, the ministry has the right to change any course book they see fit, so saying anything against it will be useless. Well no matter, not like it's going to have much effect, I will just focus more on teaching them practical spells and just have them take notes from what I dictate when I show them the spells.

As such, I let her continue with her charade.

By now, every student had a copy of the new book on their tables and every old DADA book they had was taken away by Umbridge.

" You all will be pleased to know that from now on, you will be studying from the well structured DADA books prescribed by the ministry. I am sure Professor Canis should be fine with this, right dear?"

She asked as she turned towards me. Well, if she's looking to get a rise out me, she's going to be most disappointed as I am no idiotic Gryffindor. In fact, one might even say that she is doing me a favour. How? You ask. Well, now when I teach the students practically, without the books, they are going to appreciate it even more. Comparing to the books, what I am going to teach them will look even more impressive.

So I answered her evenly,

Just like before, "Of course, Madam Umbridge. I am sure the ministry has nothing but the best of intentions for the students."

By now Hermione Granger being, well her, had already roughly gone through the book and asked while raising her hand, "But professor, there are no practical spells in the book."

Here Umbridge answered, " I assure you, dear, everything you need to pass your OWLs is in that book. There is no need for you to learn practical spells. This way students can learn in a controlled and safer environment."

Harry, being a Gryffindor that he is rose up to the occasion and asked, "But how are we suppose to learn to protect ourselves from what's out there."

"There is nothing out there, dear. There is no reason for children like you to learn to defend themselves."

Man, no wonder he played right into Umbridge's hand and got himself the detention in canon. Say what you will about the toad, but she is a veteran politician and someone idiotic and brash like Harry doesn't stand a chance against her in scheming. Anyone can see that she is purposely getting a rise out of Harry to give him detention. But, I am no rookie either, I am sure I can find a way to get this to turn in my favour. But for now, I kept quiet and continued watched.

" Yes, there is, we need to learn to defend ourselves from the Voldemort."

*Cue shudders from everyone*

"Detention, Mr Potter for spreading baseless rumours and lies. I want you in my off—"

" Actually, Madam Umbridge, as you are not a teacher, you don't have the authority to assign detention. But, seeing as this is my class, It stands to reason that Mr Potter here spends his detention with me. Now, if you are done with the announcements, I believe it's time for me to start my lecture."

She looked like she just swallowed a sour lemon. Well, anyone would be, as after all this trouble, I snatched away her prize form her.

"Fine, Professor Canis. But as High Inquisitor, I would like to observe your class."

"Sure, be my guest." I said so and gestured towards the corner.