Lessons Given, Lessons Learned
Time Moves Forward
Garrick Septimus, Professor for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, watched with a cheerful smile as the students moved through the hallways between classes.
He had been having a very good time this last month teaching.
First, he had observed Lily's sister, Petunia, visiting each Sunday. A number of students had been curious about the new girl who looked to be of age, but only the Gryffindors really interacted with her to any significant degree.
The most surprising aspect of that situation was that, while a few Gryffindors had stepped up to assist Lily in teaching her sister magic on Sundays, one of the ones doing the best job was a complete surprise: Peter Pettigrew.
Peter had often felt like the tag-along; he was not as rich as James or Sirius, as good looking as the other three, or as smart as Remus. It didn't do much for his self-esteem. Gary had also picked up via legilemency his hidden dissatisfaction with having a rat as an animagus form.
(Gary had been surprised to learn of the Potions route the Marauders minus Remus had taken to shortcut the process. He had assumed they had either started that way or used the meditation route in its entirety.)
When the various Marauders had volunteered to help, Lily had been leery but allowed them to try. It was immediate obvious that James and Sirius, like Lily herself, had problems because they picked up things a little too easily. Trying to teach someone who was average or mediocre was actually quite difficult for them. Remus, who was far more patient, also had some difficulty, mostly because Petunia felt intimidated by the boy's obvious intelligence.
Enter Peter Pettigrew, the Fourth Marauder. Less attractive than his fellows many would say, certainly less wealthy (he had taken advantage of the offer of ways to earn pocket money, as had Remus), and – while clever in his own way – he knew he was less book smart than his friends. Peter was far more familiar with the process of learning than his fellow Gryffindors. As a result, he was much quicker to discern the troubles that Petunia ran into and therefore much quicker on showing her where she had run off the rails before she got all the way into the woods.
The older girl was actually becoming quite fond of her tutor because he never made her feel stupid or intimidated her with his "superior magic skills".
Lily and the other Marauders had been amazed. As had Gary when he figured it out.
As an indirect result, Peter was also far less bored than he would normally be and many of the pranks that the Marauders would have committed due to his instigation just never happened. Peter was often making plans on what next to teach the older girl and how to approach it so she would more quickly catch on.
Gary also smiled in amusement when he recalled when the pence had dropped regarding Lily and Severus Snape being related.
Flashback
James Potter and Sirius Black were walking along the corridor with the other Marauders following. Peter was distracted as he thought about the next Sunday and helping Petunia – she had specifically asked him after the first time he helped her which was during her second visit.
Remus was trying to calm down the two Marauders walking up front. Finally, their eyes lit on their favorite target. James called out quite loudly, "Snivellus! Contaminating Hogwarts with your very presence as usual I see." Sirius sniggered even as Remus rolled his eyes. Peter mostly didn't pay attention.
Severus turned toward the four boys and sighed. "What do you want, Pothead?"
James and Sirius both took offense. "Who do you think you are to call me that?"
Severus calmly replied, "Well, considering your normal nickname for me, I assumed we had reverted to the eleven-year old level of making fun of someone's name. Or isn't that what you are doing when you called me 'Snivellus'?"
James and Sirius were actually slightly embarrassed when it was put in that way. Remus actually had to hold in his chuckle – Severus Snape was much quicker this year. Peter even looked at the Slytherin boy with some surprise.
Ignoring the reply James asked, "What are you doing anyway? Coming up with even Darker ways to take out those you don't like?"
Severus rolled his eyes. "Oh, yes. I'm standing in the hallway waiting for my lab partner contemplating the horrible ways I can mow down the dunderheads which infest my day. I'm quite certain I shall be the new Dark Wizard Snivellus. I am Slytherin and therefore Eeevil. My angst overcomes me. Feel … my … wrath." The utter deadpan with which he delivered this showed, in his own way, exactly how sarcastic he was being.
James had becoming more irritated as Snape spoke. He was about to deliver a scathing reply when he was interrupted. "James!"
James whirled around and saw the object of his long-time affection. "Lily-Flower! You look as ravish-worthy as ever!"
Lily roller her own eyes as the boy's over the top delivery. With a sweet but fake smile Lily asked, "You aren't giving a hard time to my cousin now, are you?"
James and the other Marauders were gobsmacked. "Cousin?" he asked hesitantly.
Lily gave a bright smile. "Yes. I did an inheritance test this summer at Gringotts. It was quite a surprise, let me tell you."
Severus, now behind the four, had a small smile as he added, "Yes. My mother was quite astounded to find that Lily's father was her second cousin – apparently the Prince family didn't like having a squib as a son and sent him to the Muggle world."
James whirled back. He squeaked out, "Really?"
Severus had that same small smile as Lily moved next to him and put her arm through his. "Yes. We were overjoyed to find out we are family – having been such close friends since we were much younger. It's amazing that we were living so close together as children coming from the Wizarding world as our ancestors did. You could almost call it the hand of God."
Lily giggled. "Yes. Now I get to have a say on who dates him … just like I want him to approve those who ask me out." Lily's smile was somewhat vicious.
James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter were all speechless. Lily continued, "Well, anyway. My cousin and I have to go work on the improvements to the potions book we are working on. Have a good day!" The two quickly left.
Sirius and James looked at the two walking away and then at each other. Sirius could only say, "That is seriously … fucked …up!"
James could only whimper at the idea of getting approval from Snivellus of all people.
The four were distracted by the Defense Professor. "Not making any trouble are you? I hope you are keeping yourself clean?"
Sirius suddenly was knocked out of his surprise. "No. We're good. Just going to our next stop."
Remus volunteered, "The Library. We're going to work on our homework."
"Good, good! I'm always happy to see students working on improving themselves. Well, move along now. You need to have time to get it all done."
The four quickly fled. When they were out of sight, Gary let go and laughed.
End of Flashback
As Gary watched the students, there was suddenly a commotion from down the hall. He quickly moved to find out what was going on. The scene was quite interesting that he came upon. Wanting to keep everyone there, he called out, "STOP!"
A few students who had quickly tried to withdraw almost involuntarily stopped moving away. "Now, what is going on here?"
There was a Slytherin girl standing there, looking quite upset. Finally, one of her fellow Slytherins said, "Moseby there was pointing his wand at Felicia here." He recognized the Fifth year Slytherins – one of the Sirens. "When he wouldn't back off, she kicked him in his wedding tackle."
Gary walked over to the boy on the ground – a sixth year Ravenclaw who wasn't in his class. Likely had failed the OWL or something. He leaned over and looked at the boy. "Wow, Ms. Channing. You got him good."
Suddenly they were interrupted by a voice, "Professor Septimus." The Deputy Headmistress arrived and was apparently disagreeing with the approval which was obvious in his voice.
Quickly casting a muffliato, Gary said, "Privacy spell. What's the problem?"
McGonagall was taken aback but answered, "You can't be encouraging such behaviour – it's not right."
Gary took on a serious look. "According to witnesses, the boy had his wand in her face. She asked him to back down – he didn't. She cast no spell but protected herself. As her Defense Professor I can only approve."
Minerva was taken aback by that. "But she used physical violence! Like a Muggle!"
Gary sighed. "Yes. There are rules against using magic in the hallway – and his wand was in her face. What was she supposed to do?"
McGonagall had no answer so Gary said, "Let me handle this my way this time. Next time, your way?"
Minerva sighed and motioned him to continue. He dropped the spell.
Gary looked around. He found a Gryffindor. "Was what she" he pointed to the Slytherin girl, "reported accurate according to what you saw?"
It was obvious to the boy that he didn't want to agree (she was a Slytherin) but he finally nodded. "Yeah. He was mouthin' off because she refused his offer to go to Hogsmead."
Gary nodded. "Thank you."
He turned to the girl who was both angry and crying. "Ms. Channing. 25 points to Slytherin for properly reacting to an immediate threat to your person. While we would prefer you find a less violent way should this happen again, we cannot fault you for protecting yourself in the quickest way available."
Gary looked down at the incredulous 6th year Ravenclaw who was still on the ground. "Mr. Moseby. Be thankful you aren't in my class – my punishment against those who ignore what I teach is much harsher. As it is: 25 points from Ravenclaw. And a detention from 1:00 to 6:00 this Saturday helping Rubeus Hagrid, the Groundskeeper, with whatever mucking out of whatever animal habitat that he most needs help cleaning."
The boy was getting his voice back. "But that's a Hogsmeade weekend!" His voice still showed the strain of getting kicked.
"Do I look like this concerns me one bit? If you wish to appeal, take it up with the Deputy Headmistress. If she doesn't reverse it, she just might increase the punishment."
Moseby took a hopeful look at Minerva – and found absolutely no compassion in her face for the boy. He finally got the hint and shut up.
"Now – get up and walk it off. Or go to the infirmary if you think you've been damaged. But get off the floor and move before I become more annoyed."
The boy quickly stood and rushed away. "Bell – 5 points to Gryffindor for being honest and helping a girl that you are obviously prejudiced against just because she's Slytherin. Next time – don't hesitate. It would have been 10 points if you hadn't considered lying to me." Bell sighed and nodded. "Now everyone move along." He turned the girl next to Felecia Channing and handed her a quick note. "Please help her to the ladies' room and help her clean up. This will tell your next teacher that your lateness is excused."
The two girls started turning but Felicia Channing stopped and said, "Thank you, Professor."
Gary gave her a gentle smile and said, "You're quite welcome. I'm just happy to see my students take my lessons seriously."
She nodded with a tremulous smile and the two girls withdrew.
Gary thought for a long moment before deciding on something. He had four students to find.
Later that afternoon, Gary was walking down the hall and encountered the students in question. "Did you boys hear?"
The Marauders were confused. "Hear what, Professor?" Remus asked.
"About the 6th year Ravenclaw boy who threatened the fifth year girl from Slytherin when she refused to go to Hogsmeade? Your fellow Gryffindor, Bell, saw it first hand."
James and Sirius looked at each other and then Sirius said, "We hadn't heard."
"Oh – too bad. I was just going to mention that while I am opposed to bullying, a lesson on not being a horse's arse is not bullying – when it's deserved."
The four were taken aback for a moment. This new Professor had put quite a crimp on their pranking this year and they needed to be certain. "Oh?" James asked.
"Yes. I am certain that Ms. Felicia Channing would be quite cheered up if Mr. Moseby learned a harmless lesson where everyone could see it take place. I'm just saying."
Peter finally nodded. "We'll keep that in mind."
Gary smiled. It was a small smirk that cheered the Marauders up quite a bit. "Do that. Have fun, boys." He walked away.
Remus looked with wide eyes at his fellow Marauders. "Did Professor Septimus do what I think he just did?"
Sirius had a gleam in his eyes. "Why don't we go find Bell and get a first hand report. Then we can, perhaps, do a good deed for our fellow student – even if she's a Slytherin."
James also had a smile. "She's quite attractive even if she wears Green and Silver."
Peter nodded. "She is that."
James nodded. "Let's go – we have a fourth year to interrogate."
It was Friday lunch and Felicia Channing was sitting with her fellow Fifth year Slytherins. She was still a little upset about the incident from two days before – especially because she kept getting dark looks from the boy who had upset her.
If it continued on, she would make a complaint to the Professor who seemed the most sympathetic. Suddenly, she noticed that the post owl that had come with the rest of the mail. It was sitting in front of her expectantly.
She was concerned for just a moment as she recognized this was a school owl. Finally, she took the letter and thanked it. It hooted and quickly took off.
"What is it?" her friend asked. The other Fifth years were also curious.
"I don't know." She opened the parchment. In very flowing script it said,
"Ms Felicia Channing,
"With respect for your person, we heard about the unfortunate incident from two days prior.
"We wanted to assure you that such behaviour, in our consideration, is unacceptable.
"Please watch carefully as a certain fellow student learns a valuable lesson.
"Hoping that you enjoy the spectacle and are cheered up thereby,
"We are,
"Respectfully Yours,
"The Marauders"
Felicia looked at the letter in confusion. It was quickly grabbed by her friend and then passed to the other fifth years. Severus' eyes widened as he contemplated what he was reading. Soon, however, he was distracted by the happenings a table over.
Michael Moseby was eating his food, a sullen look upon his face. After taking a drink after a particularly large bite, he noticed the school owl which had a letter for him.
Curiously, he took the letter and opened it. This action – unknown to him – tripped the timer for the spell which had been cast without his knowledge just a few hours earlier.
He read:
"Mr. Michael Moseby,
"It is with concern that we learn of your lack of tact in recent days.
"As concerned fellow students, it would be remiss of us not to express our concern about such actions as you were reported as taking when a female student refused your advances – as was her right.
"Please contemplate, for the next hour while it continues, the following lesson:
"When a girl says 'No', she means 'No'. It is proper manners to just accept it and move on. Ask again after some time maybe. But simply refusing such a simple reply makes you an ass. Don't be an ass.
"Best, Your Concerned Fellow Students"
He looked at the letter and said out loud, "What is this?" However, he noted, his voice did not come out normally. In fact – it came out as a braying sound.
Suddenly he reached for his own face and confirmed by touch that he no longer had his own face – he now had the head of a Donkey!
He immediately tried to protest but the sound continued only as braying to those who could hear it.
The entire Great Hall, after a moment of shock, quickly erupted in loud laughter at the sight.
Michael Moseby quickly jumped up and rushed out of the room.
Professor Flitwick, curious, went over to where his sixth year had been sitting and picked up the letter left behind. With a raised eyebrow, he read the words it contained. Looking around, he noted the entirely-too-innocent expression the Four Marauders seemed to be sporting. After a long moment, he realized that there was no proof and so he quietly returned to the head table.
It should be noted that his face showed just the slightest hint of amusement. He sat down and went back to his lunch, casually turning to letter over to Minerva when she asked for it. Slughorn, who had also heard about the incident with his student, asked for it after. Minerva tried to keep a straight face as she allowed the corpulent man to take it from her.
His only reply was a raised brow. He looked at his student, Ms. Channing, and noted that she was suddenly far more cheerful than she had been in the last two days. Shrugging, Horace dropped the letter into the candle, letting the evidence burn away.
He was a Slytherin, after all. Some things were better left alone – any good Slytherin would tell you that.
The staff were shocked when quite a few girls from different houses suddenly stood and applauded the staff's lack of action. Filius considered the implications of that for a long moment. It seems that Moseby needed to have a close eye on him – there were far too many girls who seemed inordinately cheerful at what had occurred.
Felicia Channing walked with a purpose as she stalked the hallways, her fellow Slytherins following behind. Suddenly, she saw her intended quarries. She called out, "You!"
The group of Gryffindor students stopped and turned around at the voice. The Marauders watched as Felicia Channing, Slytherin Siren, quickly walked up to them. Lily watched, wondering what this was about.
The Gryffindors and the Slytherins watching were all shocked when the beautiful Ms. Channing walked up to each Marauder and kissed each on the cheek, in full view of everyone. With a smile, when she was done, she only said, "Thank you."
The four bowed before the girl with rakish smiles. James replied with aplomb, "You are quite welcome, Lady. Should you need our assistance in the future you need only ask."
With that, Felicia Channing, stoic Slytherin that she was, giggled a little bit and said, "I'll keep that in mind." She gave them one more smile and quickly withdrew, taking the other Slytherins with her.
Lily watched this with narrow eyes. When the girl kissed James' cheek, she felt a snarl in her gut. She absolutely refused to believe that she was feeling anything other than confusion and curiosity. She was notfeeling any jealousy. That was her story and she was sticking to it.
She decided she really needed to interrogate Sev as to exactly what this had been about.