Disclaimer same as always.
Writers Notes: Thanks to RhodaBush, Avery and Lizard21 for wonderful feedback.
In no time at all, Defense Against the Dark Arts had become most student's favorite class. Their next few lessons had been very interesting. As for Care for Magical Creatures after their first lesson, the class became very dull and boring. Hargid obviously was trying to play it safe after the events of their first lesson.
Ron and Hermione had been arguing none stop, the Weasley was always complaining about Hermione's cat chasing his rat around everywhere. Very soon the first Hogsmeade Village trip arrived and students all gathered around the outside of the clock tower, handing their permission forms to Mr. Filch.
"Now! Remember these trips to Hogsmeade are a privilege. If you misbehave or disgrace our school in anyway, your privilege will be taken away," McGonagall explained to the group of students as Harry approach her. "No permission form signed, no visiting the village. That's the rule, Potter."
"Everyone with signed permission forms come with me, those without stay put," Mr. Filch said.
"But Professor, I thought that you can sign it," Harry said.
"Only a parent or a guardian can sign, I'm sorry Potter," McGonagall said sadly as Harry turned to Severus and Hermione.
"Have fun you guys," Harry said sadly as he made his way inside the school, as Hermione and Severus followed the group to Hogsmeade. It was about half an hour walk to the village. Some students watched in amazement and wondered as they entered the village.
"Everyone be back here at five!" Mr. Filch said as me made his way over to Hog's Head Inn Pub.
"Where would you like to go?" Severus asked.
"Can we check out the book store?" Hermione asked.
"You're going to a bloody book store?" Ron hissed with disgust, "There's Zonko's joke shop, Honeydukes and you want to go look at stupid books!"
"You're such an immature boy Ron... Sweets! And pranks!" Hermione huffed and ran off to the store, as Severus followed her inside.
"Hermione, don't listen or pay any attention to him," Severus said. "Most boys his age are immature, and sadly most are the same as adults."
"You're not like them," Hermione said.
"As I said, most boys are immature, and unfortunately it can take a while until they grow up and some never do," Severus said, reminding himself of the twins (Fred and George) , Potter's father and Black. "Anyway, lets just look around the shop, and maybe look at some other shops as well. There's a pet shop around here, maybe you can find something for that ball of fur of yours."
"Maybe," Hermione smiled, as the two searched the book store. Severus found a few books that sparked his interest: a book about potions and defense against the dark arts. Severus as well found a book that may come in handy to protect Harry and Hermione, as he grew to care for her safety as well. It was a book about how to defend yourself against magical beasts. Severus didn't trust Lupin not to screw up and plus they should know how to protect themselves against werewolves, vampires and other magical beasts, it's all about safety. Severus did purchase the book and gave it to Hermione as a gift.
"Thanks, Severus, I pay you back." Hermione smiled and threw her arms around Severus. Severus felt uncomfortable as no one other then Molly hugged him, it was hard getting used to the idea of people actually wanting to hug him. "This book seems so interesting, like Hargid's class is interesting. But not all creatures are friendly and we should known how to face them if we ever face one."
"Correct. Do not worry about paying me back. They had a two or one deal," Severus said.
"Okay Severus if you're sure," Hermione said. "Hey, lets check out the pet store, I want to see if I can find any toys or treats for Crookshanks."
"Sure," Severus said as the two left the shop and made their way over to a little pet shop. Very few people were inside, including Mr. Filch who was probably getting something for Mrs. Norris. Hermione picked out a few things as Mr. Filch approached her.
"Mrs. Norris really likes these bite size snacks," Mr. Filch said pointing at a bag of cat treats. "Maybe your cat would like them, too?"
"Thanks..." Hermione said shyly and nervously, completely bewildered and a little creeped out with Filch acting helpful. Hermione went up and purchased the treats and toys for Crookshanks and soon the two took a stroll around Hogsmeade until it was time to head back to Hogwarts. "Severus, this was a fun day, thanks," Hermione said with a smile as they parted ways once they arrived back at Hogwarts. The two made their separate ways and headed back to their common rooms.
Severus found Harry inside the Slytherin common area, Harry gave a cheerful smile and asked Severus about Hogsmeade. "It was alright, we looked at a book shop... That reminds me, here," Severus said handing Harry's the second copy of the book he bought for Hermione. "I got this for you."
"Thanks..." Harry said not really sounding greatful, as Draco walked by with Crabbe and Goyle.
"Severus, I saw you and that filthy mudblood together at Hogsmeade. What, are you two dating?" Draco teased as his bodyguards laughed. Before Severus had time to react, their Head of House Professor Horace Slughorn, along with Flint and a few other Slytherin Prefects arrived with a look of great concern and terror on their faces.
"Everyone, listen up, and I mean everyone! We all will be heading into the Great Hall tonight. Its seems Sirius Black might have been spotted somewhere inside the castle. The fat lady portrait reported seeing him trying to break inside Gryffindor tower! This is not a drill! This is deeply serious!" Horace ran around checking everyone in the dormitory before taking the Slytherin's to the Great Hall.
Severus' mind rushed wondering how Black got inside and if he was after Harry, why did he try to break into Gryffindor tower?