Chapter 13
Year 3, Part 3
The Dementors
In times of crisis it had been known that Hogwarts was a refuge for those seeking protection. Tonight however, on the 30th of June, it would be a place of secrecy for those who do not wish to be heard speaking. Up the corridors and around the secret passageways of the empty halls, classrooms and common rooms, a group of friends old and new, gathered in the Great Hall to discuss a most urgent matter.
"I am so pleased to see you all here tonight," Albus Dumbledore said, his warm smile in place and his piercing blue gaze scanning those who sat in attendance at a large round table, that had replaced the school house tables for this evening.
To his right, sat Professor Mcgonagall and to his left Professor Snape. From Professor Snape onwards sat, Lily Potter, Hestia Jones, Nymphadora Tonks, Kingsley Shackelbolt, Dedalus Diggle, Emmaline Vance, Ted and Andromeda Tonks, Rubeus Hagrid, Elphias Dodge, an empty seat and sitting on Professor McGonagall's right, Abeforth Dumbledore.
"Feels just like old times it does," Hagrid boasted loudly, much to the agreement of the others.
"There hasn't been a meeting like this since You know who fell," Abeforth grumbled, "It better be good Albus,"
"Dear brother I promise, I would not have interrupted your exceptionally busy life, if I did not feel the need," Albus told him, a few other's chuckling quietly at the way Abeforth grumbled at him.
"Perhaps, now would be a good time to tell us why we're here Albus," Lily said softly, smiling up at him, "Some of us have Birthdays to prepare for,"
"Can' believe little Harry is already 13," Hagrid said, "Blimey, where does the time go, eh?"
"Yes, it's all very touching," A low voice growled, followed by the low thudding noise of a heavy foot as Alastor Moody entered the great hall, taking his seat between Elphias and Abeforth, "Perhaps this meeting should be about how best to tame Potter and his friends,"
"I've taken the liberty of demanding that the students add an extra school club to their curriculum," Professor Mcgonagall said, "Potter, Malfoy and Granger have already taken on work loads enough to keep them busy between class, boredom should not be a factor for them this year, as for Longbottom, he is usually the one attempting to prevent Potter and his friends from causing destruction,"
"I'd imagine the school will shut within the first few days, without them to protect it, eh Albus?" Diggle said in a squeaky voice, laughing loudly.
"My son," Lily interrupted, clearly struggling to keep her composure while other people who did not know Harry well, spoke about him, "Is very focused on keeping a low profile this year,"
"Mostly because he's afraid Lily will kill him if he doesn't," Tonks said with a wide grin.
"Draco better keep a low profile," Ted boomed, "Or I'll make sure he never leaves the house again, the boys just as much trouble," He said with a fond chuckle.
"We need not worry about such things," Severus said wisely, "I've already taken it upon myself to seek out Miss Grangers help in keeping Harry focused this year, her connection to him continues to grow, and he seems, incapable, of focusing on anything else when she is present,"
"Young love, such a blessing," Albus said brightly, "Though I wonder if it is more than that,"
"Oh, they're meant for each other," Lily gushed happily, "I saw it the moment I laid eyes on the two of them at the Christmas party, but I feel this is not why we were called here tonight, Albus?"
"Indeed," He said cheerfully, though his face turned more serious when he said one name, "Sirius Black," which had everyone's attention immediately, "What news from the Ministry on his whereabouts?" He asked Kingsley.
"So far none, his ability to evade us would be impressive if it weren't annoying," Kingsley replied, "There has also been no sign of Erica, though I feel it is due to interference from Yaxley, who has taken up leadership of the remaining Death-Eaters,"
"They won't be happy that she's free," Andromeda said, "My cousin has quite a talent for annoying them,"
"It's possible that she has been captured by them," Hestia suggested, "I overheard Harry and Remus discussing the matter, and Harry is sure it was she, who was in this very castle not too long ago, it may also have been she who was able to teach Ginny Weasley how to rally the Slytherin students like she had done,"
"That Polyjuice potion trick was impressive," Elphias said, smiling at Lily as if she should be proud of her son's vigilante tactics, "But, I cannot envisage a world where Erica Black would join the ranks of the Death-Eaters, unless it was for her own means,"
"I think we can all agree, that she has done so purely to retrieve Sirius from Azkaban," Albus said wisely, "I have spoken with Gellert, and he assures me that no attempt has been made to break him free of Nurmengard,"
"And you're sure he would tell you if there had been?" Abeforth asked, his voice riddled with disgust for the mention of Grindelwald.
"I am," Dumbledore promised him calmly, "Therefore we must all be wary, we do not yet know her intentions, but we are aware that she has now been free in our world now, for at least 2 months, Whether she has attempted to rekindle her former power is unknown, but it would not take her much effort establish her power,"
"There has also been word that Bill Weasley and his family have returned to our shores," Severus said knowingly, "Arthur shows no signs of rallying his former strength, but with Bill's return, I can only assume he is eager to try and recapture some of his family's strength,"
"As far as we are aware, he has been ex-communicated from the Death-Eaters," Tonks said, "But, Remus thinks that no one ever stops being a Death-Eater, and Arthur is powerful magically, his family is an army, one that Yaxley or whoever is leading them now, can ignore,"
"We will keep a close eye on that matter," Albus nodded to her, "For now, our most current issue is the current whereabouts of the Black siblings, The Ministry, I regret to inform you, has demanded that the Dementor's of Azkaban, guard the grounds of the school this year," Several at the table muttered and speaking protest to this news, including Hagrid who said, "Grim ruddy things, they'll kill my crops,"
"Surely there are better ways Albus?" Hestia asked, "The children alone will suffer from their presence,"
"I have expressed my concerns to the Minister, but now it is better to play to their rules," Albus said begrudgingly, "However extreme they might be, this is how they wish to catch Black,"
"Take soul and ask questions later?" Moody grumbled, "fitting end for the traitor," He said, with a few others agreeing with him.
"While I would not agree that the Dementor's kiss is deserved by anyone," Albus told Alastor firmly, "It is a matter of importance that we keep the school safe from possible incursion, I feel that after the last two years, our students deserve a quiet year at Hogwarts,"
"Agreed," Professor Mcgonagall said, giving a stiff nod.
"Then what is it you ask of us Albus?" Emmaline Vance asked, speaking for the first time.
"That you all work together, I have asked the heads of houses to keep a closer eye on the students this year, I ask that all of you work together and bring what sources you have, to helping in the capture of Sirius Black, for I personally would very much like to speak to him before he returns to Azkaban,"
There were few times in life that anyone around the table had ever seen Dumbledore show a single ounce of anger, but it was with slight reluctance that the whole table agreed and promised to follow his request to the letter. The rest of the meeting had consisted of reports on known Death-Eaters, whispers of the possibility that Voldemort might have finally been found, and a small conversation regarding the sudden disappearance of Peter Pettigrew, to which no one had any news since he had disappeared, and most of the table didn't really care that he had done so. Once the meeting had finished, up in Albus Dumbledore's office, sat Lily, Hestia, Severus and Albus, discussing 4 students of concern.
"Harry is more determined than ever to study certain types of magic," Lily told Albus, "He tries to hide it, and he thinks I've not cracked the way he writes in code, but his wall is plastered with different types of magic that centre around chasing dark wizards,"
"Harry has always had a healthy obsession with becoming an Auror," Severus told her, "Instead of lessons, he has asked for extra classes in the subjects he is weakest,"
"And he's already said he wants to join Isabella's Defence club," Hestia giggled, "And he's completely focused on the Duelling tournament, I wouldn't be shocked if he won it,"
"Slytherin, will be winning it this year," Severus told her, a slight smirk on his lips.
"Pfft, snake," Lily said playfully.
"Lily, I understand your concern," Albus said warmly, "But Harry is a well adjusted and caring boy, and I could only assume that while it appears this situation with Sirius does not affect him, I feel that in time he will once again, feel the desire to," He glanced at Severus with a humorous smile, "Not do as he is told," to which Severus rolled his eyes.
"The idea of Harry and Sirius in the same room gives me nightmares," Lily said quietly, feeling Hestia's hand on her shoulder, "I don't even know what I would do if I were to face him,"
"I do not think we shall find out," Albus said wisely, "There is no reason for Sirius to come here, but should he, I promise, I will not let him anywhere near your son,"
"Hermione is also aware of the facts concerning Sirius, she was sure Harry would tell her himself, but she agrees that keeping Harry as focused on school as possible, is the right decision," Severus said, reluctantly adding, "She has quite the grip on him,"
"A connection like the kind I see with Harry and Miss Granger, is one of real rarity," Albus said, his smile kind, "though I feel the young lady has competition that she did not expect,"
"I really wish I could be there when Harry figures that one out," Hestia grinned, giggling when Lily just rolled her eyes, "Oh come on, it took him so long to figure us out, it's going to be even funnier when,"
"I think the point of this discussion is to make sure that Harry, Hermione, Draco and Neville do not draw more attention to themselves," Severus interrupted, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the sudden direction the conversation had gone in.
"Indeed, there is sufficient studies and activities to distract them this year, I have even provided a time-turner for Miss Granger,"
"Won't she a be a bit overburdened?" Lily asked in concern.
"Miss Granger pleaded her case rather well," Severus told her, "It is likely she'll drop a few once she realises, she can't contend with the work load, I already, foresee, her dropping Divination,"
"Don't tell jokes Sev, it doesn't suit you," Hestia grinned, making Albus chuckle lightly.
"I suppose then I can trust Severus with the most important task this year," Lily sighed, looking up at her best friend.
"And that would be?" He asked cautiously.
"Stopping Harry from asking a Dementor to take its hood off so he can see inside," She said seriously, while the other 3 chuckled with delight at the image.
O
"Happy birthday!"
Half asleep, Harry had stumbled down the stairs to instantly be bombarded by Lily, Hermione, Hestia and Tonks, who had all insisted on trying to hug and kiss Harry, all at the same time. He had managed to break free of their hold and shake hands with Remus, who looked as though he had another rough night, then was tackled in the stomach by a pointy eared surprise.
"Happy birthday Master Harry!" Dobby cheered, knocking the wind right out of his master.
"Thanks," Harry gasped, "Welcome home Dobby,"
"It is good to be home, Dobby was concerned when Mistress Lily said that you had been making breakfast," Dobby threated.
"Don't be, Harry made a good house elf," Tonks grinned.
"Right, sit him down," Lily ordered, with Tonks and Hermione instantly wrestling Harry down into his usual seat, and Hermione sitting down next to him, "Presents or breakfast first?" she asked him.
"Is that even a question?" Harry chuckled, to which Lily then placed a plate of food in front of him, "So how was the secret meeting I wasn't supposed to know about?"
"What secret meeting?" Hermione asked curiously.
"There were no secret meetings last night!" Lily snapped, then smiled pleasantly, "I mean, I have no idea what you're talking about, who told you about it?" She demanded.
"Tonks and Hestia talk too loudly," Harry chuckled, receiving a kick from Hestia under the table.
"Least it wasn't me this time," Remus chuckled, "So how did the meeting go?"
"We're not talking about that here!" Lily growled, "We're having a happy birthday!"
"Might want to tell yourself that," Harry joked, instantly putting out the fire in Lily's eyes, who then said, "Well, we're not, this is happy family time,"
"Agreed," Hermione said sweetly, "Mrs Potter is right, we shouldn't discuss business at the table,"
"I already love you dear, and please, it's Lily, so stop trying to make me like you," Lily told her, making Hermione blush and nod, "There's a good girl, how was the tent?"
"Really comfortable," Hermione lied, waiting until Lily had turned her back.
"I bet it was," Tonks said with a knowing look, while sitting in Remus' lap and helping him eat breakfast.
"Well that's good, any time you want to sleep in Harry's bed," Lily said, making Harry and Hermione glance at each other nervously, "I'll happily force Harry to sleep on the couch,"
"Oh, there is no need, the tent is like having my own house," Hermione giggled, peeking at Harry while she ate her breakfast.
Spared from discussing anything more about Harry and Hermione's sleeping arrangements, the post owl arrived with a few letters and cards for Harry. Remus had taken up the paper and was reading it for only a few seconds before he muttered, "Idiot," then slapped the paper down on the middle of the table, for everyone to see the main headline.
BLACK, SPOTTED IN KNOCK-TURN ALLEY!
"Cough up," Hestia said, holding her palm out to Harry expectantly.
"I'm not giving you a Galleon for being right about Sirius Black being stupid," Harry said defensively, "Besides, how do they know it was actually him and not some nut?"
"Because it's detailed here," Remus sighed, "He was seen leaving a store in Knock-turn Alley, by Dawlish the Auror,"
"Dawlish was never the brightest spark in the world," Lily said fearfully, looking at Harry more than the paper, trying to gauge his reaction to this.
"That's the store Avery works in," Harry said, noticing the Potion bottle and skull sign.
"Yup, it's being closed down," Tonks said, "Remus told me this morning about what you said, so I passed it on to Kingsley, there were more than just potions in that shop,"
"So that must mean that Sirius is working with the Death-eaters again," Hermione said thoughtfully.
As a matter of fact, Lily had noticed that both Harry and Hermione were being exceptionally thoughtful, and so reached out and snatched the paper away from the table, instantly making them all jump.
"Harry, why don't you take Hermione for a tour around the village, by the time you come back we'll have set up the party, we're just having a few people round, Neville, Draco, the usual lot," She said casually.
"But she's already seen the village," He said confused.
"Then take her to see the forest!"
Once they were free of Lily's glare, Harry and Hermione had taken the chance to be alone with exceptional ease, realising that this was likely the only time they would be alone until later in the night. They were walking towards the Forest at the end of the North Path hand in hand, laughing about the grown-ups.
"I know, they're trying so hard to keep us from being nosey," Hermione chuckled, allowing Harry to help her through the gate, "I wonder if they think we just stop talking when they send us away,"
"Yeah, I wasn't that interested in the story, but I do wonder why he was anywhere near Diagon Alley in the first place," Harry said curiously, "I mean, that's too risky a move if you're on the run,"
"Maybe he thought he could hide in Knock-turn, the Ministry tend to avoid going there if they can," Hermione said fairly, "Though he could have been looking for help from Avery,"
"That's what I thought at first," Harry said, frowning slightly and climbing through the gate to come face to face with Hermione, who leaned up and kissed his cheek.
"What was that for?" He asked, trying to make it clear that he didn't mind the kiss.
"Because it's your birthday and you should be smiling," She whispered shyly, taking his hand and pulling him towards the forest, "Now tell me what else you thought," She said, laughing at the goofy smile on Harry's face.
"I'm still trying to piece Sirius together," Harry sighed, "Nothing makes sense with him,"
"You're talking like you know him," She said, watching him with a curious gaze.
"I feel like I do, in a strange way," He sighed, "No one has told me what he was like in school, so I had to go looking for myself,"
"And?"
"If I had to describe what he and my father were like together," Harry said carefully, "I'd say they were like me and Draco,"
"Meddlesome, nosey, reckless, no good vigilante's?" She said, smiling more at the indignant look on Harry's face.
"Well, yeah," Harry chuckled, "They spent more time in detention than they did in class, they were both top of their year, both duelling champions," he sighed, "And then they have a small list of good deeds to their name,"
"Such as?" She asked curiously, letting Harry take the lead as they ventured deeper into the forest.
"Nothing like we've done," He chuckled, "but they helped other students, stopped Slytherins bullying people, often went out of their way to help, both my dad and Sirius were rich, and they sometimes shared that wealth with those who needed it, in 7th year, there was an attack on the school, they both helped to protect the other students until help arrived,"
"And you're wondering how someone like that, can live their whole lives being good, then suddenly go bad?" Hermione asked knowingly.
"It wouldn't make sense for the Death-Eaters to suddenly recruit a man who fought so hard against them, Sirius was also marked for death," He frowned, "They wanted him gone as much as my dad and Remus,"
"How do you know this?" She asked, slightly amazed by his knowledge.
"Draco," He said simply, "He's been spending every second in his dad's library and records, he even has a list of known Death-Eaters, he gave it to Ted so the Order could use it, but it wasn't anything new, the odd thing is, the list he gave Ted, was dated,"
Harry got the feeling that Hermione wasn't happy that it was Draco who had given Harry this information, something about the effort Draco had gone to, looked as though it annoyed her a little.
"When was it dated?" She asked reluctantly.
"November 1st, 1981" Harry replied.
"The day after your father died?" Hermione whispered, stopping and facing Harry, even pressing herself into him as an act of comfort.
"Sirius' name wasn't on the list," Harry whispered, losing all focus the moment Hermione was so near, "Draco said, that," He breathed in as Hermione leaned towards him, "that his dad kept a solid record of all known Death-eaters, even the ones that were spies,"
"Mhm," Hermione said, leaning in closer causing Harry to step back against a tree, "And?"
"And," He frowned, "What we were talking about?"
"Nothing important," She whispered, closing her eyes and leaning that last bit in.
"Ok," Harry whispered, his eyes closing as well.
O
As birthday parties had went, Harry's was of no real significance except that he got to spend it with the people that were closest to him. Thanks to Hermione, Harry had put Sirius Black to the back of his mind and hadn't given it much thought in the days that followed. After one long night spent with Hermione talking about Italy and discussing the idea of going to New York after 3rd year, which involved a plan on how to convince Lily and Hermione's parents to take them there, they felt as though an invisible wall had been put in place between them, the moment that they had been reunited with Neville and Draco. The two would find odd moments where they could really show how they really cared for each other, but it was almost like they had made an unspoken agreement to keep their closeness from interfering with the group.
Which is why when they had boarded the train to return to Hogwarts, they had made a point of not sitting on the same seat together. Instead, Harry had sat next to Draco while Hermione occupied his usual spot next to Neville. For the first time in a month, the subject of Sirius Black had finally re-entered Harry's life, when he asked if Draco managed to get any more information.
"None, there is no record of Sirius Black in my father's records, Mother's diaries or from the Order of the Phoenix, saying that he was ever a Death-eater," Draco had said, giving a low huff and slamming the book he was holding shut, "There were rumours of people who had worked for Voldemort in secret,"
"Is it possible that Black was one of these people?" Hermione asked him, her tone very business-like.
Harry had been relieved when Hermione and Draco were no longer being snippy towards one another. Unfortunately, the constant effort to remain polite to each other, had not gone unnoticed between him and Neville, and the pair had wondered what Hermione and Draco had fallen out over in the first place, but in the name of keeping things from turning into a fight, they decided not to ask.
"Anything is possible, but there is still no evidence," Draco replied politely, "Voldemort marked all of those who served him, it was his way of making sure they couldn't betray him,"
"Marked them how?" Neville asked.
"No idea, there is no detail on that either, my father just said that no one could escape Voldemort once he had chosen to put his mark on them,"
"That's spooky," Harry grinned, Draco smiling back, "So what, Voldemort had a secret Order within his secret order?"
"I wouldn't think so," Draco frowned, "From what I understand, in terms of a set-up, the Death-eaters aren't that different from the Order, it's just one is evil and one is good,"
"What about Erica Black?" Neville asked, "Remus said that she had followers of her own, did they have a name?"
"I think she was just continuing on from the fanatics that followed Grindelwald," Draco told him, "Any information on her, is that she should be avoided at all costs,"
"I still don't believe that Remus spent 10 years of his life being friends with Sirius Black and never once met his sister until the war," Harry frowned, "I think we should…"
"10 points!" Neville, Hermione and Draco suddenly shouted.
"What?!" Harry gasped, "Why?!"
"You were about to suggest meddling," Draco said, grinning when he raised his hands with the others to confirm the vote, "10 points mate,"
"That wasn't meddling, I was only going to suggest," Harry tried to say.
"That we should investigate Erica Black some more," Hermione finished for him, "10 points"
"We agreed research only," Neville reminded him, "openly seeking out information on Erica Black would likely lead to a confrontation with her,"
"And researching Sirius won't?" Harry argued.
"No, its not like we're seeking this information out," Draco said fairly, "It's there, and the Order is sharing some of it with us, you're meddling,"
"Fine," Harry sighed, folding his arms and purposely acting huffy for their benefit.
Before getting on the train, Neville and Hermione had helped devise a plan to keep the four of them out of trouble. It was a very basic one, each of them was given 500 points each, that would last them to the end of the year. If it looked as thought any of them were remotely going to act on the research or physically attempt to aid in the capture of Sirius Black, Erica Black, fight Death-Eaters or even encounter Voldemort, they would lose points. So far, only Harry and Draco had lost points, because they'd both expressed an interest in seeking out Black for answers, should the opportunity arise.
"So, what classes are we all looking forward to this year?" Draco asked casually, giving Harry a wink as he tried to keep the conversation casual.
"Personally, I'm looking forward to Ancient runes and Arithmancy, I think they'll be really challenging," Hermione said, happy to be discussing something else.
"Care of Magical Creatures' should be fun," Neville said brightly, "not too keen on those books though," He added, looking at his half-scarred hand.
"Hang on," Harry said, something occurring to him.
"Ah, 10 points," Draco smirked.
"Not about that," Harry huffed, then looked at Hermione, "I saw your time-table, how can you take Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, they're at the same time, you'd have to be in two places at once,"
"Don't be silly," She said, rolling her eyes, "how can anyone be in two places at once?"
"Yeah, but…"
There was a sudden jolt causing Harry and Draco to fly towards Hermione and Neville, Harry had received a small kiss to the cheek before the lights flickered and he pulled back, when the lights cut off instantly.
"We've stopped," Draco huffed, removing himself from Neville and peering through the dark.
"Lumos," Hermione whispered, the bright light illuminating the compartment, "Maybe the train broke down?" She suggested.
"Somehow I've never thought of this train being capable of breaking down," Harry muttered, noticing how cold the compartment had suddenly gotten.
"There's something moving outside," Neville said, his voice shaky, "I can see shapes,"
"Crookshanks!" Hermione whispered, when the cat leapt down from the wracking and attempting to paw at Draco's pocket.
"Oi, I've told you, Scabbers' is my victim," Draco hissed, nudging the cat away gently.
There was another hard jolt nearly knocking Harry and Draco off their feet again, once steadied, Harry opened the compartment door and peeked outside. He saw several students all doing the same, the air growing colder and thick with fog as he held his wand out.
"Crookshanks come back!" Hermione said urgently, the cat giving a loud hiss and running from the compartment, chasing Scabbers who had leapt out of Draco's pocket, down the corridor.
"Oh great, now he's going to eat my potions experiment!" Draco snapped, looking at Hermione.
"Oh, don't start, you don't care what happens to that fat little rodent!" She hissed.
"Come on, we'll go and get Crookshanks, you two stay here," Harry said, wanting very much to prevent a fight.
"10 points," Neville said quickly, grinning when Harry and Draco glared at him.
"We're getting the cat, not hunting Death-eaters," Draco said, "Want to come?" He offered with a smirk.
"Someone has to keep Hermione safe," Neville said quickly, which earned him a glare from Hermione.
"Come on," Harry said, "It's getting too cold,"
"Be careful," Hermione told him, ignoring the look on Draco's face.
With the corridor too dark, Harry and Draco lit their wand tips and made their way down towards the back of the train, where Crookshanks and Scabbers had ran off to. Harry did wonder what the big deal was with Draco and Scabbers, Draco kept talking about all the potions he wanted to try on the poor rat, most of them designed to make him sick, change colour and in one instance, kill the rat in question. Either way, as they made their approach towards the back of the train, they felt a swish of movement pass the window, making them both jump with fright.
"What was that?" Draco asked curiously, "It looked like,"
"A Death-eater," Harry said, gripping his wand more tightly, "but it was moving too fast,"
"Alright, let's get the shoe-brush and the victim and get back to the compartment," Draco said quickly, letting Harry lead him forward.
When they reached the sliding door that had slammed shut, but would take them to the luggage carriage, Harry had to use magic to unfreeze the handle so they could open the door. When it slid open, they were shown the sight of all the different trunks, owls, pets and belongings of the other students. A maze of boxes and trunks and large objects lay before them, making Harry sigh. He was only going after Crookshanks because he knew Hermione would worry about him, then again, Harry figured that he was better off in that relationship, after all it was Harry in the forest the other day and not the cat.
"Harry," Draco said, his voice strange now that it was shaking with fear.
"What?" Harry asked without looking, his eyes searching for Crookshanks.
"Look," Draco whispered.
Harry turned to see what Draco was looking at, and instantly felt his entire body fill with unknown fear. At the end of the mist filled corridor, a cloaked figure floated above the ground, it had long fingers that looked burned and its hood had only one hole over the mouth. When it started to float towards them, Harry felt the chill in the air get stronger, he felt a heavy sense of despair wash over him.
"Dementor," Draco whispered, "That's a,"
"Really?" Harry asked amazed, feeling a sudden jolt of enthusiasm pushing past the misery, instantly looking at it and asking, "Hey, any chance you could take your hood…"
"Move!" Draco shouted at him, just as the Dementor opened its mouth and swooped towards them.
Draco grabbed Harry by the back of his robes and pulled him into the luggage carriage, they both collided with a trunk and fell over. When they hit the ground, Scabbers had ran from underneath a shelf and down the corridor towards the Dementor, which completely ignored the rat and came at Harry and Draco. Crookshanks could be heard hissing in the corner of the room, cowering in fear behind some coats. Harry and Draco leapt to their feet and pointed their wands at the dark creature, with no spell coming to mind, all they could do was stand there as it approached. With the Dementor inches away, Harry felt something sucking at his face, feeling as though all his happiness was starting to leave him, visions of Voldemort, Ginny and Sirius Black filled his head, he let out a yell and found himself falling backwards again. Suddenly, the whole room filled with a bright light, and with dazed eyes Harry thought he saw a dog running into the room, the Dementor pulled away and the light cleared. Harry felt a hand pulling him up and when his vison cleared, he saw Hermione, Neville and a woman he had never seen before, watching him and Draco curiously.
The woman looked no older than 30, she had fair skin and light brown hair that tied in a need plait down her back, she wore a grey blouse with cardigan and a long brown skirt that wove all the way down to her ankles, and a pair of brown heeled boots that looked sturdy. Her wand was raised only for a moment, then with a kindly smile on her heart-shaped lips, introduced herself.
"Isabella Riff, at your service," She said, Harry's ears prickling with the alluring sound of her Scottish tones.
"She's the new defence against the dark arts teacher," Hermione giggled.
"While your bravery is to be commended lads," Professor Riff said with a hearty chuckle, "You best be getting back to your compartment," She added, looking at Hermione, "I need to have a word with the driver, I'll check on your compartment before we arrive,"
Without another word, Professor Riff turned her back on them and headed towards the other side of the train, and Harry for all his claims of being a gentleman, couldn't help but notice the cute wiggle that the professor had when she walked.
"Are you alright?" Hermione asked, appearing right in front of Harry, "Did they hurt you?"
Back in their compartment, Draco was fondly eating a bar of chocolate, that Neville suggested would be good for curing what he called "The dementor blues" a phrase and trick he had picked up from his Uncle, who once worked with the dangerous creatures.
"It didn't hurt," Harry told Hermione, trying to his best to explain what happened, "but whatever it did, felt worse than pain, when it came at me, I could see Voldemort, Ginny, all the things we'd done,"
"Uncle Ed once told me, that a Dementor forces the person to live out their worst memories," Neville told them, giving Draco a little pat on the knee, "we've seen our fair share of horrors, we'd be like a feast to them,"
"No wonder they guard Azkaban," Draco sighed, sitting up properly now that he was feeling better.
"What happened after we left?" Harry asked Hermione and Neville.
"Well, Trevor got loose," Neville blushed.
"Actually, everything got a bit mad when you two left, the Dementors were affecting everyone," Hermione said warily, "so we'd gone out to find Trevor and ended up bumping into Professor Riff,"
"Why was she on the train?" Draco frowned, "I've never seen a Professor here,"
"I did wonder that, but she said it was nostalgia making her do it," Hermione replied bluntly, "Anyway, she was getting all the students back in their compartment and that's when I told her about you and Draco,"
"Worried, were you?" Harry asked playfully, "Concerned, did you weep over me?"
"Control yourself," She said, leaning forward as if to kiss him, but pulled back when she realised that Neville and Draco were still in the compartment, "but yes, I said you'd gone looking for Crookshanks and the rat,"
"Scabbers," Draco interrupted.
"And," She said, giving Draco a harsh look, "She insisted on coming to find you both when neither of you came back, that's when we saw the Dementor heading for the luggage carriage,"
"That explains the Patronus," Harry nodded.
"Yes, she was quite quick to act," Neville said brightly, "I've never seen wand movement like that before, it's if she'd fought Dementors before,"
"Well, yeah," Draco said with a roll of his eyes, "Wouldn't be a very good teacher if she couldn't fight Dementors,"
"Agreed," Hermione said, Harry marvelling at the sudden alliance between Draco and Hermione, "I mean, she seems quite capable," She added, giving Harry a shy look.
The rest of the train journey had been less eventful once things had calmed down and the train started moving again. The carriage ride to the school was brisk and wet thanks to the heavy rains that were pouring, and the Great Hall was a welcome sight once they were away from the horrible weather. The sorting ceremony yielded no great excitement, with most of the students simply wanting to eat and get warm. Conversation had broken out among the Gryffindors about the Dementors boarding the train, with Seamus and Dean demanding to know what it was like being attacked by them. Much to Hermione and Neville's annoyance, Harry and Draco had made it out like they were in a battle for their souls, fighting 50 Dementors at once, almost failing to beat them back when Professor Riff arrived to help them.
"I mean, sure she's a pretty face and all," Draco was saying casually, "But Harry and I did all the work," He grinned.
"That's," Harry was about to say, before Hermione leaned over and whispered, "You keep this going and the only thing you'll be kissing tonight, is a pillow," Which made Harry change tactic and say, "Nah, we're only kidding, if Professor Riff hadn't turned up, we'd be dead,"
"Harry!" Draco gasped, "You've changed," He chuckled.
"Good evening all!" Dumbledore cheered, taking his usual place at the head of the hall and waiting for all eyes to be on him, "Welcome to another year of Hogwarts, firstly, apologies for what happened on the train, it was not our intention to reveal the presence of the Dementors at that time, but more on that later,"
"Ever find it strange how someone can be so casual about dark creatures?" Lavender asked the others.
"Ever find it strange that your eyes glow, when the light hits them," Dean said, instantly making Lavender giggle and blush.
It looked like Harry and Hermione weren't the only ones who had grown closer over the summer, but Harry was a bit jealous that Dean could be so open about it.
"Three announcements this year, first, I would like to introduce Professor Isabella Riff, who will be taking over Defence Against The Dark Arts this year," There was a tremendous applause for the professor, that was mostly led by the boys in the room, except for Harry, who when Hermione glared at him, suddenly forced himself to forget how to clap, "And taking over care of magical creatures' this year, will be our very own, Hagrid!" Who received a friendly applause from the room, Harry had never spoken to Hagrid properly, but did wonder what the giant would be like to be taught by?
"He's a bit scary looking," Neville whispered, "But he's friendly, he helped Trevor when he was ill," He was explaining to the others.
"And lastly, it comes as no shock that Hogwarts will this year play host to the Dementors of Azkaban, while I'm told that they will not interrupt our day to day activities, I must ask you, not to do anything that would give them any reason to harm you, it is not in the nature of a Dementor to be forgiving, but remember, Happiness can be found in even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light,"
Later in the night when Harry was sure that Draco and Neville had fallen asleep, he had snuck from his bed and headed down into the common room. When Hermione was already there waiting for him, he smiled and felt all the happiness in the world, and as the night moved on until both were too tired to stay awake any longer, Harry knew that no Dementor in the world could extinguish the light that Hermione brought into his life. Yet strangely, when he had gone back to his bed and sleep took him, his dreams weren't of the girl he had just said goodnight to, they were of Dementors, and the light from the Professor, who had saved him from them.