My Father's Legacy - Fred Weasley 18+

Ellen and Neville took their seats at the High Table, claiming the last two spots at the very end. She observed the hundreds of students that were sat before her and audibly gulped. Neville gave her a playful nudge and she smiled at him, nudging him back. She appreciated his playful demeanour, and it settled her back into her confidence immediately. She hadn't managed a peek at the other professors properly, but she knew Hagrid, Flitwick and Madame Hooch's son Sterling were here as she had stumbled into them when she'd arrived days ago. She'd have an opportunity to meet the rest during and after dinner. McGonagall had stepped forward to the podium and silenced the chattering students who were welcoming their house's new first years. 

The bustle quieted as she began,
"Welcome students! To another year at Hogwarts! Before we engorge ourselves with this magnificent feast before us, I have a few words I'd like to share. This year, as I'm sure you know, I have chosen to step back from my duties as Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Transfiguration professor - this, so that I may prioritise my more pressing duties as your Headmistress."

Despite the students knowing this information as she'd announced it the year prior, a low murmur filled the hall.

"As I make this step to focus on your futures, I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome my successor, Fred Gideon Weasley, as our new Transfiguration Professor", Minerva turned her head to the right with a fond smile on her face and gestured to him to stand up. 

Fred Weasley? Ellen thought, feeling her eyes widen and search for the red head who was now standing and waving to the students, but Hagrid had fully blocked her view. "I'm sorry, Fred Weasley? What happened to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes!" she whispered to Neville, who promptly shushed her and gestured towards McGonagall who had turned back to the hall to speak again.

Priss. She thought, rolling her eyes at his goody-two-shoes-ness and straightening herself up.

"It is important to recognise that in order to move into the future, we must learn from our past. And this you know, the new History of Dark Arts curriculum has been announced. Formally as of this year, it is now a required subject for all students." A large number of students groaned and outwardly complained as they were reminded they had even more things to learn.

McGonagall raised her hands to silence them again, 
"Those who cannot learn from history, are doomed to repeat it- and who else would be better to teach these lessons, than someone who has spent every day of their life navigating these lessons. Without further ado, your new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, and your True History of Dark Arts professor; Ellen Lillian Riddle." A large uproar was heard from the students of the Great Hall, as well as some of the teachers that were sat at the other end of the table.

McGonagall turned and faced Ellen with a supportive smile on her face and she gestured to her to come forward to the podium. With an encouraging nudge from Neville who was amongst a handful of others that were clapping and cheering her on, she stood and walked to the podium. She exchanged looks with Minerva and thanked her before standing beside it, swinging her hands behind her back to clasp them.

"Good Evening, Everyone" she said, showing off a friendly smile. She scanned the students before her and turned to the High Table to acknowledge the other professors. The sight of Blaise Zabini wasn't exactly a shock to her, as she knew he'd be there - but it triggered a fear in her knowing their history. As her eyes moved along, they met Fred's, and she inwardly gasped at how much he had changed in the past few months- he looked as though he had life brought back into him, and he looked delicious. Even with the dumb look of shock he had on his face from seeing her. Catching herself, she turned quickly, clearing her throat and returning her focus.

"It is not traditional for a professor to give a speech upon introduction, but Headmistress McGonagall did request it, and I couldn't say no. For your sakes, and the fact that I'm really really hungry, I'll do my best to keep this short". Neville snorted a loud laugh behind her and she rolled her eyes as she heard Hagrid shoving him. 

She took a step forward and began to move naturally and confidently as she spoke to the Great Hall.

"I am here because I am Lord Voldemort's daughter. Not only do I know everything and more, about the Dark Arts, but I have magnitudes of experience defending against them. Despite what your flashy new History of Dark Arts books may say, not every Death Eater was evil. Hogwarts' Army were brave, good, and they fought valiantly - achieving the most desirable outcome. But this achievement would never have come to fruition without the inside help from the other side"

Ellen paused as the students began to kick up a fuss, her light steps had found her now facing the High Table again, and she caught the gaze of Blaise.

"Many of us were against you" she continued loudly, holding his piercing glare and rendering the murmurs silent.

Inhaling deeply, she turned and moved down the steps to stand in front of the podium, looking at the students.
"But a lot of us were on your side -- 
and this is something your history book has overlooked. Instead of recording the truth, the Ministry has decided to present history in favour of themselves, taking credit where it isn't due. There were great sacrifices made, loved ones lost, family names made extinct. Without the actions of these people, the Wizarding World would have crumbled under the rule of Lord Voldemort, and many of you would not be here today." 

Ellen paused her light pacing and straightened herself as she took one final look at the students who were watching and listening to her intently.

"Therefore, the curriculum I will be teaching will not require the text books you have purchased. Each of your parents have been reimbursed for the payment they made, courtesy of contributions made by myself, Headmistress McGonagall and Professor Trelawney. I expect you still to bring them to class, however, and you will see why in your first lessons." The chatter began to pick up again and Ellen made her way back up the steps to beside the podium.

"Until then, any further questions, feel free to come find me during office hours or approach me in the corridors. Enjoy the feast!"

As if on cue, the food magically appeared on the table, some students clapped as Ellen told them thank you, and the rest gossiped loudly. Ellen shuffled her seat in as she sat down, "That was alright wasn't it?" she asked Neville, who was sat there with his mouth open and a peculiar expression on his face. She furrowed her brows at him in confusion, "Oh Merlin, it was bad wasn't it-- oh shiiit I'm such a loser" she whined, cover her face with her hands, appreciating that everyone else in the Great Hall was engulfed in their own conversations and not looking at her embarrassed state. 

Neville was in awe of how she had held herself and communicated, she had rendered him speechless. He whipped his hand out to stop her as she began to raise her third glass of wine to her lips, not realising he had fully zoned out long enough for her to down two full glasses. His hand rested on the outside of her wrist and he looked at her, taking her in. "You're amazing, you know that right?" he said, looking deeply into her eyes to make sure she knew he was being genuine. 

Ellen's nervousness shifted and she smiled at him, the buzz she felt from the strong wine was kicking in and she let herself wink before taking a large gulp of her wine with his hand still holding her wrist. 

The rest of the feast was filled with chatter and joy. Ellen seat hopped between the other professors, catching up with Hagrid and Sybill the most. She'd kept her greeting to Fred as brief as possible, with a curt nod and hello - the awkwardness of their last exchange settling in almost immediately, but she didn't stay at the other end of the table long. She aimed to avoid Blaise like the muggle plague, and he was sat next to Fred. She did want to catch up with him though, to talk and offer an apology for her insensitivity on his birthday, and the opportunity to do so raised when Hagrid and Flitwick pulled her over to them and invited her to join the traditional teacher's bonfire at his hut after dinner.