Thoughts on the new Defense of the Dark Arts teacher

[mikefeemster]

No: HPFGUIDX 98479

One of the things people have tried to predict is who will be the 
new Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA) teacher.  Looking at 
patterns in JKR's first five books, I can make some decent
guesses 
about the next DADA teacher.

	With the exception of the first book all DADA teachers were 
never mentioned in any earlier book.  Also, all of the teachers made 
an appearance before the school term began.  Quirrell in The Leaky 
Cauldron, Lockhart in Flourish and Blotts, Lupin on the Hogwart's 
Express, Crouch Jr. At the World Quidditch Cup, (Moody was also 
mentioned at this time), Umbridge at Harry's hearing.

	I see the following pattern with DADA teachers:

1) Try to kill Harry and bring Voldemort back (Quirrell, Crouch Jr.)
2) Incompetent and despised by the staff (Lockhart, Umbridge)
3) Competent and on good terms with Harry (Lupin)

So this tells me that the next DADA will be on fairly good terms 
with Harry and competent in his or her skills.  This person will 
have not been introduced before.  We will not have known this person 
before book six.
I also believe that this person will visit Harry at Privet Drive 
shortly after Harry returns from Kings Cross, (chapter one).  My 
guess that due to the attacks last year the powers that be deem it 
necessary to have a bodyguard near Harry at all times.
Since JKR has mentioned that the families of the faculty and staff 
at Hogwarts play an important part in the story, it is possible for 
one of them to come out now.  Possibilities are a family member of 
McGonagall, Sprout, or Pomfrey.  Why not now.  I also think that 
this person will be an Animagus to keep a relatively low profile on 
Privet Drive.  Harry and the Dursleys will know about him or her, 
but none of their neighbors, (except Mrs. Figg).
JKR has mentioned that chapter twenty-nine (Career Advice) had some 
clues to the future books.  I believe that this person will be 
someone who earned twelve O.W.L.S. while at Hogwarts and can mentor 
Harry in his path to become an Auror.
I do not believe that the new DADA teacher will be an Auror 
however.  His or her profession will be something that has not been 
mentioned in the previous books.  My guess is that he or she will be 
from something like the Wizard military or S.W.A.T. equivalent.
Given what has happened with the Ministry of Magic last year, this 
person could possibly be an employee at the MOM that became totally 
disgusted with the politics of Mr. Fudge and quit.  Dumbledore could 
have approached this person before, but the timing wasn't right.  
Now this person feels that the most important thing he or she could 
do is train the next generation of young wizards.
Since Harry has become very good at fighting `wizard style'
and has 
taught many of his peers in Dumbledore's Army, this new person
will 
be able to help augment what Harry has taught his fellow students.  
As Lupin taught Harry the Patronus Charm, this new teacher will 
teach Harry some very advanced techniques.
I expect this person to be very good in combat against other 
wizards.  It is possible that he or she will be in a fight early on 
in the Privet Drive area as Voldemort's followers are upset that 
Harry and company helped send some of the Death Eaters to Azkaban.
I think the readers will love this new teacher as much as they 
hunted Umbridge.  Also, since JKR hasn't explained how certain 
wizards become ghosts and others do not, it is quite possible that 
the new teacher will be killed and become a ghost.