Disclaimer: Still don't own Harry Potter.

Chapter 26: The Beginning of Third Year

On September 1st, Harry went with the Weasley family to King's Cross Station to catch the Hogwarts' Express. Mr. Weasley reminded Harry not to go after Black, and Mrs. Weasley gave Harry a motherly hug. Once everyone was settled on the train, Hermione launched into an excited monologue about all the new classes she would be taking.

"How will you take all those classes?" Ron asked.

"I have my ways," said Hermione.

"But many of them are at the same times!" said Ron.

"I know but it will work out," said Hermione, with a touch of impatience in her tone.

"The only way anyone can be in two places at once is if they have a time-turner," Harry said, joining the conversation.

Hermione looked worried.

"What is it Hermione?" Ron asked.

"Professor McGonagall told me not to tell," said Hermione in a small voice.

"Wait, so you do have a time-turner?" Harry asked.

"I will," said Hermione. "Professor McGonagall will give it to me tonight."

"That's just crazy," said Ron.

"Hermione, there are all sorts of rules when you are dealing with time," said Harry.

"I'm sure Professor McGonagall will tell me all about any restrictions," snapped Hermione.

"Sorry," Harry mumbled. The train jerking to a stop and lights flickering out broke the uncomfortable silence.

"What's happening?" Ron asked.

The compartment door opened and a dementor slid into the compartment. The temperature instantly dropped as the creature paused, seeming to stare at the friends. Harry knew there was a spell the chase it away but it was very advanced. Far away he heard what sounded like a scream but all he could focus on were the coldness around him and awful memories threatening to swallow him.

"Harry!" a familiar voice called.

Harry's eyes snapped open causing him to startle at Hermione appearing so close.

"Are you alright Harry?" she asked worriedly.

"I'm fine," Harry said. He looked up to see a man standing there, who looked back at him. "Who are you?" Harry asked.

"Professor Remus Lupin. I will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year."

"Oh," Harry said. He slowly stood to shake the professor's offered hand.

"I was a friend of your parents," continued Professor Lupin. "I knew you when you were a baby. Anyway, eat some chocolate. It'll make you feel better."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione ate the chocolate, immediately feeling warmth spread through their bodies.

At Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall stopped Harry and Hermione on their way into the Great Hall.

"Mr. Potter, the headmaster would like to see you, he is in his office" she said. "Miss Granger, please follow me."

Harry made his way to Albus' office, wondering why in the world he wanted to see him already.

"Ah, Harry! Please come in!" Albus said cheerfully.

Harry sat down. Albus gave him a searching look for a moment before saying, "Are you alright Harry? I heard what happened on the train."

"I don't know the spell that you mentioned about how to get rid of dementors," Harry said.

"It's a very complicated spell. Very few people can do it. Now, seeing as this was your first time being around a real dementor, what was your reaction?"

"I heard a scream," Harry said. "Everything was so cold, and I felt like I was drowning in water."

Albus frowned slightly. "Oh dear. This isn't good," he murmured.

"What isn't good?" Harry asked.

Albus smiled at him. "How was your time with the Weasleys?" he asked.

"Albus, just get to the point!" Harry said. "What isn't good?"

Albus sighed. "You do not like getting off the subject, do you? Well, it seems you have a reaction to dementors worse than others, likely because you have horrors in your past."

Harry was silent for a moment, trying to grasp the meaning of Albus' statement. "May I go to Hogsmeade this year?" he asked. "You never signed the form."

Albus shook his head. "No Harry. I'm truly sorry, but I won't be signing it this year. You see, with Sirius Black on the loose, I don't want you wandering around Hogsmeade."

"But Albus, I won't go looking for Black!" Harry exclaimed. "Please! Let me go!"

"I'm sorry Harry, but no," Albus said sadly. "My decision is final. When they've caught Black, then I will sign it."

"Fine," Harry said through gritted teeth. "Have a good night." He jumped up from his chair and bolted from the room, slamming the door in the process. He hurried to Gryffindor Tower, and went straight to bed, skipping the Welcome Feast.

As he lay in bed, he thought, 'How could Albus do this to me?'

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