Gideon Cross, the stand-in Defence Against the Dark Arts professor for the winter term of 1891, appears young and handsome, captivating students with his easy charm and relatable academic discussions on the dark arts. Despite his cool facade, those discerning enough may sense an ominous undertone to his entrancing lectures and exclusively after-dark classes, especially when he discreetly invites any students who ask too many questions for private 'talks' after class.