The First DADA

Zephyr stifled a yawn as he, Harry, and Ron made their way into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. The room smelled faintly of garlic likely a misguided attempt to ward off vampires, though Zephyr doubted Quirrell had ever met one.

"Ugh, what's that smell?" Ron muttered, covering his nose.

"Probably Quirrell's attempt at personal security," Zephyr quipped.

They took their seats as the nervous professor shuffled into the room, his turban sitting awkwardly atop his head. Zephyr's eyes flickered toward it briefly. Yep, there's a father Dark Lord under there.

Professor Quirrell cleared his throat. "G-Good morning, c-class. T-Today, we'll b-be d-discussing creatures that can be f-found in d-dark corners of the w-world."

Zephyr leaned over to Harry. "Is it just me, or does it sound like he's the one hiding in dark corners?"

Before Harry could respond, Quirrell clapped his hands, startling himself. "Now, w-who can tell me the p-primary defense against a Ghoul?"

Hermione's hand shot up, naturally. Quirrell pointed at her.

"A Ghoul isn't particularly dangerous, Professor," she said primly. "They tend to inhabit attics and storage areas, causing minor disturbances but rarely attacking wizards. The best way to remove one is to either lure it out with food or use a simple Ghoul Banishing Charm."

"E-Excellent!" Quirrell stammered. "T-Ten points to G-Gryffindor."

Zephyr raised an eyebrow. Well, at least he's capable of giving out points without having a nervous breakdown.

As the lecture dragged on, something gnawed at the back of Zephyr's mind. Quirrell was stalling. Not in the typical bumbling professor way, but as if he was deliberately keeping the class in a loop of pointless theory. He wanted them to be distracted.

Quirrell's hands fidgeted constantly, adjusting his turban in an oddly specific way like he was checking something. Or rather, like something was checking him. Did Voldemort know he was here? Could he sense him through Quirrell?

A sharp chill settled in Zephyr's gut at the thought. What if he was already being watched?

Zephyr tested the air, letting his own magic stretch out just slightly an instinctive probe, the same way one might test the temperature of a room.

Something responded.

It was faint, but unmistakable. A prickle of magic, like an unseen eye shifting in his direction.

Zephyr's pulse quickened. That wasn't normal. That wasn't Quirrell's magic it was something else entirely.

He schooled his face into a relaxed expression, but inwardly, his thoughts raced. If Voldemort could sense him, then he needed to make sure there was nothing to suspect.

"Professor?" Zephyr's voice cut through the monotony, causing Quirrell to flinch slightly. "You mentioned dark creatures. Will we actually be learning how to defend against them, or just reading about them?"

Quirrell swallowed hard. "A-Ah, w-well, w-we will b-be d-doing p-practical lessons... l-later in the year."

Zephyr smiled, but there was something sharp behind it. "So, just theory for now?"

Quirrell nodded rapidly. "Y-Yes. V-Very important to e-establish a f-foundation b-before—"

"Before what?" Zephyr pressed, leaning forward slightly. "Before we actually use the spells that make this class worth taking?"

A few students, including Ron and Dean, snickered. Hermione, however, shot him a warning glance.

Quirrell fidgeted. "D-Dark creatures are v-very dangerous, Mr. Rid. I-I assure you, the lessons w-will be h-helpful."

Zephyr leaned back, nodding. "I'm sure they will be, Professor."

For a brief moment, Quirrell's eyes flicked toward him—uncertain, calculating. Then, he just looked away quickly.

That was too deliberate.

Zephyr knew what that look meant. It wasn't fear it was assessment. Quirrell was trying to determine something about him, something important.

Voldemort doesn't know who I am yet… but he's looking, but why ? What make him stand out, it should have been Harry who he should pay attention to.

The rest of the class continued at the same snail's pace. Quirrell attempted to go over the Densaugeo jinx, but after nearly tripping over his own words five times in a row, everyone had given up on actually learning anything today.

By the time the lesson ended, the students practically ran out the door, eager to escape the boredom. As Zephyr slung his bag over his shoulder, he caught Quirrell rubbing his temple, fingers pressing into his turban. Something was wrong.

Outside the classroom, Ron stretched dramatically. "That was the most useless hour of my life."

"Not the most useless," Zephyr mused. "But definitely top five."

Hermione sighed. "You two don't take this seriously enough. Even if Quirrell is… ineffective, the subject itself is vital."

Harry, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "There's something… off about him."

Zephyr nodded. "Agreed. And not just the fact that he teaches like he's afraid of his own shadow."

Ron groaned. "Can't we focus on something else? Like lunch?"

"Actually," Hermione interrupted, glancing at her schedule, "we have Charms next."

Zephyr sighed. "Guess we'll have to postpone your feast, Ron."

Ron let out a dramatic groan. "First, a useless class, and now more learning? This is the worst day ever."

Zephyr smirked. "Welcome to Hogwarts."

As they made their way to their next class, Zephyr couldn't shake the feeling that Quirrell's behavior was more than just nerves.

Quirrell's already watching me. How long before Voldemort does too?

**Hi all,

I want to take the time to explain that I will slowly build the friendships, the classes, and the experiences at Hogwarts. This isn't just about rushing through events—it's about showing how Zephyr fits (or doesn't fit) into the world around him.

This chapter is a great example of that. While Harry, Ron, and Hermione are experiencing school in a way similar to the original story, Zephyr's journey is different. His abilities, his instincts, and his interactions with magic itself aren't quite the same as everyone else's. There's something off, and that's something I want to reveal naturally over time.

I also want to keep the humor alive, especially in the classroom settings. Hogwarts is magical, but it's also chaotic and fun, and I don't want to lose that sense of energy.

I always appreciate stones and comment from all of you, it helps me to understand where do I need to change or adjust to make the story better.

Let me know what you think so far and more stones pleasesss! 🚀**