Thoughts on the new Defense of the Dark Arts teacher

[finwitch]

No: HPFGUIDX 98574

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "mikefeemster" 
<mikefeemster at y...> wrote:
> 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.

Finwitch:

Yes, well, you'd think Dumbledore would make certain of that! Lupin 
was a werewolf, though... I wonder, will the next DADA teacher be
 
1) a vampire with a soul, trying to make a redemption
2) otherwise odd? Although it is true that none of the previous DADA 
teachers have been so much as mentioned before the said book - I 
think that (now that Harry's had his OWLs and we only have two books 
left) this DADA teacher could be someone who's been mentioned before.

On second thought, how about Albus Dumbledore's brother, Aberforth 
Dumbledore? Considering how Albus didn't manage to find anyone for 
the post in OotP, he *might* be asking a family member to help him 
out with this...? Albus told Hagrid that Aberforth was accused of 
practicing improper charms on a goat (which does not mean he was 
guilty) but that he held his head up and went about his business as 
usual. Then Albus adds that he's not certain whether his brother 
knows how to read so it might not have been bravery... Moody shows 
his picture, and comments how only time he met Aberforth was when the 
picture was taken. That's all we know of him!

Well, if the next DADA teacher is mentioned, it'd be Aberforth (and I 
do think that Harry will be appointed as assistant teacher who ever 
the new teacher will be - to do the paper work and possibly educate 
first years!)

Mike again:

> 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).

Finwitch:
How about a family member of Albus Dumbledore? I know, Aberforth has 
been mentioned, but - oh well, maybe someone who's descendant or a 
sibling of Albus Dumbledore (somehow I doubt his mother is still 
alive, but who knows...) or even his wife!

Mike:
> 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.

Finwitch:
Some clues? Such as that Harry will have Charms, Transfiguration, 
DADA and Potions for his NEWTs (because he needs them for his Auror 
career), and a fifth subject... what would that be? Care of Magical 
Creatures(for Hagrid) or Herbology(well, Gillyweed and Devils Snare 
and then that new plant Neville had)? We do know, however, that IF 
Harry survives, he'll be an Auror. There's also McGonagall's promise 
that she'll help him to become one. This *might* be a hint that the 
next DADA teacher is McGonagall's relative/husband, but...

Mike:
>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.

Finwitch:

I think it has been! Harry spoke to Nick after Sirius' death - and 
Nick said he *chose* to stay behind due to having been afraid 
to 'move on' with some regret - and ONLY a wizard/witch can do it.

Finwitch