--Tuesday 29th September 1992--
"Atta boy, Number Two," I cheerfully shouted at Fred Weasley after he successfully shielded my spell from his prone twin brother, George.
George had already dispelled the Leg-Locker Curse I hit him with and clumsily stood back up.
"A bit slow on the execution there, Number One," I remark to a wobblily George before resuming my attack on the pair.
I didn't want to overwhelm my two opponents, but I wanted to make them feel pressured. The whole point of me holding mock duels with my fourth-years was to allow them to experience a magical battle against a superior opponent, me.
Naturally, I had them duel me in pairs. This was for time's sake and a bit of my own curiosity. My Magical Dueling skill card may be the second-highest in Hogwarts, but I didn't know how that would translate to actually use. After going through the entire class, minus the Weasley twins, I am an odd mixture of pleased and disappointed in my own ability. I can easily handle dueling two or three fourth-years simultaneously, but I would have to put forth a touch of effort if I tried to duel two of my seventh years. Which I did have plans of doing after my success today since it would help my own dueling.
I am confident my current ability would allow me to handle myself against Minerva or Snape in single combat, but a resounding victory against either is less assured. Especially if they attempt to escape. My confidence stems from the fact that I really haven't developed a dueling style with preferred spells since I'm mostly just reacting without a real plan.
Refocusing on the current situation, I can't keep the smile from showing at my plan.
"I must say, boys," I state to the twins before I'm forced to cast a Shield Charm to defend against the sudden Weasley onslaught. Several of the female spectators gasp at the twin's sudden counter-attack. Their worry from the underhanded tactic was short-lived as they break out in applause at how swiftly I deflected the Weasley spells back at them.
"Let's spice things up, hmm?" I say with a chuckle. I jab my wand in the area between the wary pair. A high-pitched screech is all the warning the ginger twins receive before an angry pack of spider monkeys descends upon them.
The observing fourth-year students burst out in a gale of laughter at the misfortune befalling the twins. The Weasley pair are franticly trying to defend themselves from having their hair pulled and limbs bit by my conjured primates. With a mental message to the pack of conjured attackers, I resume casually casting jinxes at the pair as they wildly wave their arms against the furry assault.
"Why boys, it seems you two just can't shake the monkey from your backs," I mirthfully announce as I openly laugh at their expense.
I ignore the heckling from the spectators while I focus on supporting the spider monkeys. The tiny little blighters are vigorously tugging on clothing and hair alike as they reach into the pockets of the twins. The twins quickly realize they're being robbed, but my carefully placed spells prevent them from reclaiming their possessions.
Number One lets out a howl of anger as he suddenly kicks into a Russian Cossack dance.
My smile turns nearly sinister as I watch several conjured monkeys scurry towards me with their little arms filled with stolen items! I completely disregard the multitude of prank items from Zonko's and focus my attention on a single monkey as it clumsily rushes towards me with a large folded parchment. The Marauder's Map!
To further ensure the theft, I quickly disarm and restrain the twins to the feverish applause of their observing class. I leave the twins bound on the floor for a moment as I graciously wave towards the students and take a bow.
I dramatically begin looking over the half dozen spider monkeys offering up their spoils to me. I pretend to be oblivious to the inappropriate comments being made by a pair of girls and secure the Marauder's Map in my own robes before banishing the pack of primates. With a sweep of my wand, I gather the prank items from the floor and send them to the newly freed Weasley twins.
"I must say, boys, while your cooperation was lacking in the beginning, you showed marked improvement there at the end," I begin in an encouraging tone. "Remember, class, coordinated teamwork is a devastating tool to overcome, but it does not just occur," I state as I walk before the rest of the class.
"You must practice together, and practice often if you wish to maximize your chances of success," I finish as I strike a heroic pose before the enthralled students.
As with any good performance, the bell chimes to signal the end of class. The regretful faces of many of the students as they are forced to depart their beloved Defense Professor warms my heart.
"Homework," I merrily shouted, "One foot of parchment on the Graphorn and the justification for its XXXX rating by the Ministry."
Having said my piece, I ignore the silent gingers standing awkwardly nearby and begin to arrange the seats for my next class.
"Professor," George Weasley respectfully called out.
"Yes, Number One," I casually reply as I continue to wave my wand and arrange the seats in a large circle.
The twins glanced at each other before Fred speaks up. "While we appreciate you not confiscating our items, professor..."
"We did not receive all of our belongings," George finished.
"Yes, you did," I immediately deny as I finish with the seating arrangement.
"Actually, professor," Fred began before I cut him off.
"If the two of you are referring to the Marauder's Map... Then I must point out that neither one of you are, or were, a member of the Marauders," I finish as I levitate a massive crate from the corner towards the center of the room.
I make out the excited exchange the twins give one another before they begin to speak in sync, "You knew the Marauders?!"
"I did," I causally reply before allowing the crate to drop the final few inches to the ground. The massive crate jolts as the contents violently strike the wood boards of the makeshift cage.
Startled by the unexpected movement, the twins curiously stare at the large crate. "Professor, what's inside the crate," George curiously asked?
"An acromantula," I dutifully inform.
"That's a five-X beast," Fred stated with disbelief.
"Where did you get it, professor," George hurriedly asked?
"The Forbidden Forest," I answer as I move towards my desk. "That place is practically... crawling... with them," I humorously state.
Taking note of the pale look of the twins, I hurriedly try to comfort them. "Do not worry, lads. No harm will come to this little fellow, I intend to release this one after my classes with the upper years. Besides, there are thousands more in the forest, and with what I'm feeding this one, he's probable not eaten this well in years."
"Thousands..." They whisper in sync.
"Undoubtedly," I confirm with a nod of my head. "Now, boys, you really must be off. Don't want to be late for your next class," I sternly reprimand as I wave my arm and send the Weasley pair floating out the classroom door.
I let out a boisterous laugh once I'm alone. The look on the twin's faces was utterly priceless. As is my newest treasure. Looking over the Marauder's Map, I can't wait to begin using this.
