Author Note: We're back at it! Thanks as always for those who have been immensely patient with the slow updates. There's a lot going on in this update. Among many other things, I hope you enjoy my introduction into Ancient Runes, which I hope to really develop in this story in a meaningful way. Without further ado, the next installment.
Chapter Twelve: Cat and Mouse
"Hermione," said Harry, his eyes widened in surprise. Hermione closed the door behind her and walked toward them as she held her hands nervously. "I thought you'd gone to Hogsmeade with Ron?"
"Look, Harry, I tried—honestly—I did," she said looking at the floor, "I didn't make it past the gate; it didn't feel right leaving you alone in the castle."
"Hermione…"
"Harry, it's done, I'm not going," she said, looking up from the floor and meeting his gaze.
"I take it Ron went on to the village?"
"Naturally," she said scrunching her eyes in brief revulsion. "I imagine he's in Honeydukes, jaw dragging on the floor as he salivates over the candy choices."
"Tea, Hermione," asked Lupin after a short laugh.
"Please," she said. Lupin quickly fetched an empty chair and offered her a cup of tea.
"Thank you, Professor," said Hermione taking a sip almost immediately.
"You have a good friend, Harry," said Lupin as he returned to his seat on the other side of the desk. "I didn't ask earlier, but as you're not serving detention, I assume you don't have a signed form?"
"No," answered Harry quietly. "My relatives hate anything to do with magic; whether it affects them or not is irrelevant."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said Lupin, grimacing slightly as he took another sip of his tea. "You live with Lily's sister and her husband, am I right?"
Harry nodded.
"We never met," said Lupin. "Lily invited them to the wedding of course, but they never showed."
"I'm not surprised," said Harry. He turned to Hermione.
"How'd you know where I was?"
"I didn't," admitted Hermione. "I actually came looking for Professor Lupin for another reason before I set off to look for you."
"Oh," said Lupin. "What did you need?"
"It can wait," she said simply. Then her face softened. "I heard what you last said before I knocked…I'm sorry."
"It's quite alright," said Lupin with a sad but earnest smile.
"It must be terribly difficult to talk about," she said. Lupin gave a deep sigh and drained the last of his teacup and poured another.
"Remembering the good times is far from painful," said Lupin. He closed his eyes and took a long sip before letting out a long breath. "We all missed our Hogsmeade debut because James and Sirius thought it would be quite funny to charm the staff room door to shout insults at every teacher." Lupin chuckled at the memory.
"That's terrible," said Hermione, horrified.
"I dare not recount it," said Lupin with a wink to Harry. "Needless to say, Peter was our lookout while I created a distraction on the corridor a floor above to draw all the teachers away."
"But you got caught," said Hermione.
"Professor McGonagall, sadly, knew straight away," said Lupin. "You see, our pranks had grown to possess a particular flavor by our third year. After two weeks of detention, we began to rethink our pranks."
"So all of you really were quite close," said Harry.
"We were," said Lupin. "James and Sirius were practically brothers when they met on the train our first year. Both of them were filled with self-confidence to the very brim. Some would say an unhealthy amount. I found it infectious. James was undeniably Gryffindor from the onset; nothing short of Gryffindor was worthy of him, he had said. Sirius, on the other hand, came from a family with deep Slytherin roots and a well-publicized fascination with the dark arts. He loathed the pureblood mania of his family and their love of dark magic; disavowed it on several occasions—loudly, I might add. He was determined to break the tradition. I remember Sirius looking at James with his thin-lipped smirk as he planned his first prank. He was dead set on being sorted into Gryffindor if for no other reason other than to earn the scorn of his mother, Walburga."
"Then why would he join up with You-Know-Who," asked Hermione. "If Sirius hated the pureblood mantra so deeply, why did he turn?"
"I don't know," said Lupin, his eyes dimming considerably. "Even now I still try to find the defining moment where he turned or try to imagine what Voldemort could have promised Sirius to make him betray his best friend. I don't know, Hermione."
Silence fell heavy over the classroom as all three took a sip of their tea. Lupin, however, did not allow the silence to linger.
"Peter was not so unlike your classmate, Neville, at least in mannerisms. Timid, quiet, shy—would rarely speak in class—a real loner, when we first met. But he idolized James and Sirius. I don't know if it was pity that motivated the two of them to look after Peter, but that's what they did. Eventually we all grew quite close. I myself was quite a loner when I arrived at Hogwarts. I had few friends, but James, Sirius, and Peter were all I needed."
"What about mum?"
"Lily was bright," said Lupin with a full smile. "Best in our year, academically, and of course, being Muggleborn, she was constantly in struggle with those that favored the imaginary exclusive rights of purebloods. Many who belittled and bullied Lily went on to be Death Eaters and supporters of Voldemort. She was an accomplished potion brewer, but her real talent was in Charms. She outscored everyone in her O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, except for the Transfiguration practical, where James narrowly outperformed her. Although, if I'm honest, I think Sirius could have outscored us all in Defense Against the Dark Arts but he simply couldn't be bothered."
"Sirius was an Auror, though, wasn't he," asked Hermione.
"As I said," Lupin continued, "Sirius could have easily outscored us but his head was always in the clouds."
"What is an Auror," asked Harry.
"They are combat wizards, or witches, trained to investigate, fight, and capture those that practice the Dark Arts," said Lupin. "It takes a great deal of discipline to become one; it takes even greater skill to reach an old age. They typically have a solid understanding of Transfiguration, Charms, and Potions. However, most crucially, they possess outstanding knowledge of the Dark Arts and how to fight them. It's more than head knowledge, fighting the Dark Arts; it's about maintaining a cool head under the threat of death, the ability to make split-second decisions under severe stress, and no shortage of nerve."
"It doesn't make any sense," said Harry. "To spend your life attaining the skills to fight dark magic—to break away from a family that supports the very thing you hate—only to turn so completely…"
"I know," said Lupin.
"I met him, you know," said Harry slowly. Lupin, his cup held to his lips for another drink, held steady.
"That's what Dumbledore told me," he said, his eyes focused intently upon Harry.
"I still don't understand it, Professor," said Harry, "he had his wand drawn on me—should have killed me without any hesitation, based on what I know and have read about Peter's death—but he didn't. He told me to watch my back. And he looked…sad…that I didn't know who he was."
"Harry," said Lupin, his voice somber and serious, "I want you to remember that Sirius has spent the last twelve years in Azkaban. You have experienced the power of a single Dementor and can appreciate the effects they can have on a wizard. Sirius was under their influence for twelve years and far more than a single Dementor. Most go mad in Azkaban, Harry; it's very likely that Sirius has too. It's possible—and I think likely—that he hesitated only because his mind is so jumbled and twisted that at least part of him remembered his best friend. Remembered the days before his heart turned cold. He is a killer, Harry, and though I doubt highly you will run across him again, I cannot stress to you enough how dangerous he is."
"I…I know that," said Harry. "It's just…the way he said it…I feel like there's something I'm missing. Why does it feel so personal?" Hermione reached over and placed a hand over his wrist.
"It is," said Lupin, his voice deflating. "He betrayed your parents and robbed both you and them of a family. There's nothing more personal than—"
A knock at the door interrupted Lupin.
"Come in," he said. The door opened and Snape walked in, both hands clasped tightly over a smoke goblet.
"Ah, Severus, excellent," said Lupin, greeting the potion's master with a sincere smile. "If you'd set it upon the desk…" Snape strolled across the classroom, his robes billowing at his feet. He set the plain silver goblet upon the desk.
"You'll want to drink that straight away, Lupin," said Snape, his eyes glued to the goblet.
"Yes, yes, I shall," said Lupin. "I was just entertaining Harry and Hermione—thought they would appreciate a first glimpse of the Grindylow."
"Fascinating," said Snape, though his eyes did not leave the goblet. "I've prepared an entire cauldron, should you need more…"
"I would appreciate another dose before super time, thank you," he said.
"Very well," said Snape. "I wonder, Lupin, if you would have time to have a few words…in private?"
"Certainly," he said, giving Harry and Hermione a quick look. "I daresay you both would rather enjoy your free afternoon anyway." Harry and Hermione realized they were being dismissed, so they quickly thanked Lupin for the tea, gave Snape a silent nod and left the classroom.
"I couldn't help but overhear you reliving your glory days, Lupin," said Severus.
"I suppose you could call it that," said Lupin, taking a sip from the goblet. His face crinkled in disgust. "I see you haven't lost your habit of listening at closed doors."
"Perhaps a silencing charm would not go amiss," said Severus, his lips curling into a smirk. "You know it really isn't safe confining yourself into a closed room with two helpless teenagers considering your…affliction."
"I've nothing to hide, Severus, but I'll take your caution under advisement," said Lupin, raising his eyebrows slightly as he took yet another sip from the smoking goblet. "Pity sugar makes this marvelous concoction useless. None-the-less, I appreciate you brewing it, Severus."
"I'm watching you, Lupin," said Snape, no longer patient with the verbal joust.
"That is very evident, Severus," said Lupin with a small smile. "But you waste your time. I've no interest in helping Sirius in any way, shape, or form."
"I don't believe it."
"Well then let us both be grateful it is not you I am accountable to."
"Careful, Lupin," said Snape as he turned on his heels, his back facing Lupin, "Or you might find I've accidentally slipped something into your morning pumpkin juice."
"Noted," he said, smirking at the potion master's back. "I hope you'll consider my palate when you choose the poison."
"Unlikely," replied Snape as he closed the door behind him. Lupin stared at the door, his eyebrows raised as he considered the potion master.
"I'm loathed to admit it, but Sirius was right; you are a greasy haired git."
() () ()
"I just feel it's unfair that you're missing out on Hogsmeade on my account," said Harry as they walked down the corridor from Lupin's classroom.
"I'll see it soon enough, Harry," she said. "You're more important than an old inn."
"What about Hogwarts, a History?"
"Don't push it," she said, smiling this time. They descended the marble staircase and found the Great Hall nearly empty. Each house table was occupied by a small spat of first and second year students. However, nearly every teacher was seated at the staff table with the exceptions of Trelawney, Lupin, and Snape.
"Hermione, what do you reckon Snape is making for Professor Lupin," asked Harry, finding a large empty section of the Gryffindor house table.
"I don't know," said Hermione, sitting across from him. "I didn't get a good look at it to even being guessing."
"You don't think—"
"No, Harry," interrupted Hermione, "I know what you're thinking, but Professor Snape wouldn't try to poison Professor Lupin, especially with students present. I know you don't like him, but it was very clear that Professor Lupin expected whatever it is that Professor Snape brought him."
"I suppose you're right. Still, have you noticed how much Snape doesn't appear to like Professor Lupin?"
"Yes, he does appear to be quite a bit more vindictive towards him than he was with either Quirrell or Lockhart."
"And he really wants the defense job, doesn't he?"
"But to kill someone for it?"
"It is Snape we're talking about."
"Harry, he's a professor," said Hermione, pouring herself a glass of pumpkin juice. "He's not particularly enjoyable to learn from but that doesn't make him a murderer."
"Fine, fine," said Harry, letting it drop. He grabbed a ham sandwich from the platter while Hermione helped herself to a muffin.
"Have you thought anymore about Divination," asked Hermione.
"I have," said Harry. "I'll go when you do."
"I was thinking of going straight to professor McGonagall after the feast," said Hermione. "Avoid the old bat if possible."
"Sounds good."
"And have you decided what class you'll replace it with?"
"What's the difference between Ancient Runes and Arithmancy?"
"Arithmancy is sort of like Divination," began Hermione. "An Arithmancer tries to predict future events by studying the magical properties within numerology. It's very methodical and objective, though, unlike tea leaves and palmistry."
"So you study numbers?"
"Not exclusively," said Hermione patiently. "An Arithmancer applies the discipline of numerology to current events while taking into consideration the magical properties of the numbers that are found to correlate with said event. While Divination attempts to discern future events through abstract mediums and rarely considers current events into interpretations, the discipline of Arithmancy never excludes current events. Additionally, an Arithmancer will always offer more than one interpretation because Arithmancy takes into account that the future is always being shaped by events happening in the present. It's also common practice to look back to past events when establishing potentially influencing numerological patterns."
"That sounds a bit intimidating," admitted Harry.
"It can be," said Hermione, "but it is fascinating and I would help you catch up if you wanted to take it."
"Alright," nodded Harry, "and what about Ancient Runes?"
"Personally, I think you'll prefer it over Arithmancy," said Hermione. "Ancient Runes is very heavy on reading, so be prepared for an immense workload. Essentially, you would be studying runic scripture, which early practitioners of magic—namely, the Druids of early Britain—used to record their spell work long before language existed as we know it today. Yuri Blishen suggests we know so little of runic magic that sixty to seventy percent of their known magic still eludes us today. Professor Babbling thinks it could be higher."
"You said before there was an application to Defense Against the Dark Arts," said Harry.
"There is," said Hermione, smiling broadly now. "While third year study is really heavy in learning to translate and recognize known runes correctly, the magical application of runic magic is that the symbol acts as a catalyst for the spell. Early practitioners didn't use wands for magic. Runes can be triggered or activated without any incantation once they are properly performed. This makes runic magic ideal for protective wards, traps, and have on occasion been known to be imbedded into unsuspecting objects."
"It does sound more appealing than Arithmancy," acknowledged Harry. "Do you think I'd be able to catch up? We're a month in…"
"Of course you can," said Hermione. "You'll have to work a bit harder, but the sooner we get out of Divination, the less you'll have to catch up on."
"Alright, I'll do it," said Harry. "I'll take Runes."
"Really?" she asked.
"Yeah," said Harry, feeling relief at the prospect of never climbing the north tower again. Hermione beamed at him. Harry could tell she was genuinely happy.
"In fact," said Harry, "why don't we go find McGonagall now before the feast tonight?"
"What do we tell Ron?"
"If he wants to leave Divination, nothing is stopping him from doing so," said Harry.
"True, but you don't think he'll be a bit miffed if we drop without telling him before hand?"
"We can tell him tonight at the feast," said Harry. "He won't have to find out by going to class without us."
"Alright."
They finished their lunch quickly and walked up to the staff table. McGonagall was deep in conversation with Dumbledore over the latest article in Transfiguration Weekly.
"I don't understand this sudden fascination with multi-step Transfiguration," said McGonagall.
"It is less efficient, but to a more novice wizard or witch, the process is not entirely irrelevant," said Dumbledore as he stroked his beard. "Those who struggle with Transfiguration may find the task far more accomplishable. I fear however, the author is mistaken to suggest such a process on living creatures. I cannot imagine the undue hardship a creature would endure when a single limb is transfigured into an inanimate object."
The professors were so engrossed in their discussion they did not notice Harry and Hermione standing in front of them, waiting patiently for the conversation to end.
"But what purpose does multi-step Transfiguration really accomplish," asked McGonagall. "There is a reason we teach gradual Transfiguration; we start small, with very simple objects, progressing into larger, more complex transformations. It's more than making something look like something else. You're changing the very nature and structure of the object or being. Adding several steps will increase the likelihood of mistakes, which could be costly; Animagus transformations in particular."
Dumbledore nodded. "Few will ever attempt to acquire such a skill, however, your argument is valid. I fear the author in his attempt to simplify the skills necessary for complex Transfigurations—essentially utilizing the switching principle—has inadvertently set practitioners on a path of stunted growth and false proficiency."
"Excuse me, Professors, but might we have a word with you, Professor McGonagall," asked Harry. He looked sideways at Hermione who, he could tell, did not want to interrupt.
"Harry, Miss. Granger," said Dumbledore with an apologetic nod, "so sorry, it appears we did not take notice of your approach."
"It's quite alright, Professor," said Hermione, "I was actually enjoying the discussion."
"Yes, I imagine you were," acknowledged the headmaster. "Minerva, we can continue discussing this later," he added, pointing to the article. "I have a few ideas of my own that I hope you might entertain. It is an intriguing proposition despite the very apparent flaws. However, I fear I may need to draft a cautionary essay on the subject. This author will lead many to undue hardship."
"Very well," said McGonagall. Dumbledore excused himself from the table and vacated his chair. However, a few steps away, he turned abruptly, his loose ivory and violet robes twirling almost dress-like about him as he strolled back along the staff table and spoke to Hermione.
"Miss. Granger, I hope you forgive me, I had intended to speak with you earlier yesterday when I was called away by Ministry matters, but I have spoken to the school governors regarding the mutual request you and Harry had of me at the beginning of term."
"What did they say," she asked as her face turned pale at the news.
"After a great deal of discussion and reminding several members of the board of the actual purpose of the Statute of Secrecy, we came to agreement that parents of Muggleborn students should be allowed to attend school-sponsored sporting events." Hermione latched onto Harry and nearly knocked him off his feet.
"Harry, you were right," she said happily. "Mum and dad will be so happy to finally see the castle." She released her death grip around Harry and beamed at Dumbledore. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. You have no idea what this means to me."
"I think I have some idea," said Dumbledore as his brilliant blue eyes twinkled. "I should note that I may have also indicated it was a request from our top third-year student who possesses an excellent memory." Harry and Hermione laughed.
"I have arranged matters so that your parents will be able to watch the first game of the Quidditch season, which I believe is between Gryffindor and Slytherin house," continued Dumbledore.
"How will they get here, Professor," asked Harry.
"Ah, well that was a bit trickier than convincing the board if I am to be honest," said Dumbledore. "While it was agreed they could attend, they are not allowed by Ministry regulations to enter the platform at King's Cross, nor are they permitted access to a wizarding establishment or home by Apparition, Portkey, or the Floo Network."
"Which means even though they are allowed, they can't…" said Hermione slowly, her eyes falling to the floor.
"Miss. Granger, you need not worry," said Dumbledore with a smile. "They may not be allowed transport by those methods into a wizarding establishment or home, but nothing prevents them from Portkeying to a non-wizarding establishment, for example," he added, his eyes twinkling once more, "outside Hogsmeade village limits." Hermione recovered almost instantly as she once more broke out into a toothy grin.
"Thank you very much, Professor," said Hermione again. "One last question, if I may? Two actually…"
"Proceed."
"Who will be collecting them, and I don't suppose it's possible they could stay a night in the castle?" Again, Dumbledore smiled.
"I shall be collecting them, if it is agreeable to you and them," said Dumbledore. "And I am sure we can arrange lodging for the night. I shall draft a letter to them and I am sure you will do likewise. However, on that account, a cautionary point, if I may?" Hermione nodded.
"There are several who will not take lightly to this perceived slight against magical tradition," said Dumbledore, his tone noticeably darker. "I and the staff will be diligent to discourage any outward transgressions, but be prepared none-the-less. You carry yourself well, Miss. Granger; do not let anyone stifle your spirit."
"Thank you, sir," said Hermione.
"Very well, I'll leave you to Professor McGonagall." And without further word, Dumbledore waltz from the Great Hall.
"I'm quite surprised to see you here in the castle, Miss. Granger," said McGonagall as she peered over her spectacles. "Was Hogsmeade not to your liking?"
"Oh, no, Professor," said Hermione quickly, "it's just, well, since Harry couldn't go, I…it didn't feel right to leave him alone."
"Twenty points to Gryffindor, Miss. Granger," said McGonagall proudly. "Now, what is it you two need to see me about?"
"We wish to drop Divination," said Hermione as her cheeks flushed with light pink.
"I wondered when you would come to your senses," said McGonagall. "I was not expecting the same from you, however, Mr. Potter. Though I suspect you tire of hearing the many horrific events that is supposedly befalling you in the near future?"
"It does get a little old," admitted Harry.
"Very well, I shall process your request when I return to my office this afternoon," said McGonagall. "Now, is there anything else I may assist either of you with?"
"Yes, Professor, there is," said Hermione. "Harry would like to take Ancient Runes in place of Divination." Professor McGonagall surveyed Harry for what seemed a very long time.
"Is this true, Potter?"
"Yes, Professor," said Harry. "Hermione thinks I'll enjoy the class since it has some application with Defense Against the Dark Arts and I really do want to do better."
"I'm very pleased to hear this, Mr. Potter," said McGonagall. "You are aware you'll be a month behind? You'll have a great deal of work to catch up on."
"I know, Professor," said Harry. "Hermione said she'd help me catch up."
"I'm curious, but why the sudden change this year, Potter?"
"Well, I suppose the last two years have made me really think about what I'm doing here," he said, not really thinking about the words he was saying. "And Professor Lupin has been telling me about my parents and I can't help but think they would expect more from me." McGonagall again considered the young boy before her. James and Lily would certainly expect more from him academically, but the way he had said it made her pause.
"I can tell you likewise, Potter, that both your parents would be immensely proud of your decision," said McGonagall, "but do not think for one moment they would have been disappointed in who you are today." Harry felt his spirit lift at McGonagall's words.
"Very well, if you are sure you can handle it, Potter, I will speak with Professor Babbling after our meeting is concluded here. I'm sure she will be delighted to have you join the class. Now, if this is all, I would like to finish my lunch."
"Of course, Professor," said Hermione, "thank you."
() () ()
"What do you mean you're dropping Divination," moaned Ron as he slumped down onto the couch in Gryffindor Tower. "You both are leaving me to fend for myself?"
"You can leave with us," said Hermione as she curled into a nearby chair with her Ancient Runes textbook. "You could take Ancient Runes as well with Harry," she suggested as an afterthought.
"You mean the class where you look at dusty old tomes and parchment with nothing but scribbled shapes? Not bloody likely."
"Well you could always take the free period," said Harry.
"Hey, that's not a bad idea," said Ron, thoughtfully. He reached into his robe pocket and withdrew Scabbers and set him upon his lap. "Come to think of it, why didn't you do that, Harry?"
"I thought about it," admitted Harry, "but after talking with Professor Lupin about my parents, I think I owe it to them to apply myself a bit more. Hermione reckons I'll find Ancient Runes interesting and with everything that has happened over the last two years, and now Sirius Black…I need to do more than I have been."
"Mental," said Ron, shaking his head. Harry shrugged and leaned over the back of Hermione's chair, looking over her shoulder at the textbook.
"You know, Harry, if you wanted, we can sit at the table and I can show you some of the runes I've learned, rather than look over my shoulder," said Hermione, looking up at him.
"I suppose it wouldn't—"
"GET OFF," yelled Ron. Harry and Hermione turned as Ron leapt from the couch, both hands gripped firmly over a frantic Scabbers. Ron had several scratches on one of his hands. Crookshanks stood on the back of the couch, hind legs ready to propel him towards Ron. "You stupid animal, leave Scabbers alone!" However, Crookshanks leapt into the air once more. Ron ducked and rolled and shoved Scabbers back into his robe pocket. Crookshanks landed on the floor with little effort and hissed at Ron. Hermione rushed to her feline pet and grabbed him around the middle as Ron drew his wand and pointed it at the cat.
"Keep that animal away from Scabbers," said Ron furiously. "He's ill as it is and doesn't need the fear of being eaten hanging over him."
"Crookshanks doesn't know any better," said Hermione. "All cats chase rats, Ron!"
"That cat has it in for Scabbers!"
"Crookshanks has it in for all rats, Ron!"
"Scabbers was here first," shouted Ron. He shot another glare at Crookshanks marched up to the dormitory stairs leaving Harry and Hermione alone in the common room. Hermione scratched Crookshanks behind the ear.
"It's alright, Crooks," said Hermione. "He doesn't understand you're a cat."