Secrets To Keep

First Class

Harry was sitting in his classroom, getting everything set up when students--first years--started trickling in. He'd been making the desks and chairs into things more comfortable, like bean bags, blankets, and pillows.

Harry looked up. "Just have a seat anywhere. I'll have everything ready in a minute." He told them. As he finished more, they became more confused. Finally, they were all here.

"Okay," He said finally. "As you probably know, I'm your professor this year, and most professors don't do this, but I am. Take a seat wherever, just make yourself comfortable."

So, they did. Finally, a Gryffindor raised his hand. "Sir? Why are we in beanbags?"

Harry smiled. "What's your name? Does it start with a C?"

"Yes, Sir. Im Cepheus Torres."

"Well, Mr. Torres, I'd like to get to know you all. We are spending the next several years together. Besides, I figured people would have questions for me, since I'm famous." He rolled his eyes. "Any questions so far?"

A girl, who Harry recognized as another Hufflepuff, raised her hand. "Sir, what will we be learning?"

"Well, we'll be learning a variety of things. This year, I'm focusing on the easier defensive spells."

Harry smiled at the nervous girl. "Anything else?"

"Um," A young Gryffindor asked, "Is it true what people say about you? I don't know much yet, I was supposed to come last year, but I couldn't."

Harry nodded. "Most of it is. But there's a lot of rubbish rumors that go around. But I'll tell you what is true. I defeated Voldemort, but it's not because I had super powers, I had a lot of help."

"Now, tell me your names." Harry asked.

They each told him their names and house.

"Lucas O'Malley, Gryffindor."
"Cepheus Torres, Hufflepuff, Sir."
"Violet Campell, Hufflepuff."

And so on.

Harry looked at his watch. "Okay, now we've gotten to know each other, next lesson, we're learning some spells. But all I want you to do between now and then, is write me at least half a parchment of history about you and your family. It could be traditions, about a relative, talk about a sibling, anything. Class dismissed."

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Lessons that day went relatively the same, just small changes, according to level. Finally came dinner time.

Harry sunk into his chair happily. "Wow."

Minerva chuckled. "Good day?"

"Yeah, great. I really got to know them. But god, am I tired."

"Yes, that might happen.  Next Hogsmeade weekend is in two weeks."

Harry nodded. "Thanks. Do I notify the Gryffindors then? Wasn't there a note on the bulletin board?"

She nodded. "They're on your desk."

Harry thanked her.