It was that time of year again. Dudley's birthday. Dudley was chomping happily on a jam doughnut (his diet had been discreetly forgotten during the last school year) surrounded by the latest playstation and accessories. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were sitting on the sofa, admiring their son's manliness, when the telephone rang.
"Could I speak to Mr Potter please," said a voice at the other end. Uncle Vernon froze. He was clearly about to say no, but then the fact that Harry had a mass murderer for a godfather suddenly came floating back.
"Okay," he whispered acidly down the phone, "But if I catch ANY of your...or...his...type...around my family...I'll...I'll..." he petered out, and handed the phone sullenly to the silently watching Harry. Harry, heart beating fast at the first phone call he'd ever been allowed to take, took the phone in a shaking hand.
"Hello?" he asked curiously, "Ron? Hermione?"
"Harry!" said the voice. Harry felt his heart skip a beat.
"Sirius?!" said Harry incredibly.
"Snuffles, yes...listen, can you get yourself to the post-box at the end of the Drive, tonight at eight?"
"Umm, yeah, I think I could manage it, but why?"
"I'll tell you then." Harry heard a click as the phone was put down at the other end.
"Who was that?" snarled Uncle Vernon, his eyes glittering maliciously.
"Oh, no one," Harry replied, smiling cheerfully. Uncle Vernon took a step towards him, "Don't you dare talk to me as if I'm a nobody, boy..."
"OK, OK it was..." Harry cast around for a suitable scapegoat, then decided not to bother- after all, Sirius could easily escape muggle police, "My Godfather."
Uncle Vernon's skin suddenly and amusingly blanched. "What does he want?" he hissed.
"Oh...you know...wondering if we could meet up tonight- he seemed in a bit of a hurry, really. I didn't have time to ask you. I suppose I'll have to turn up now."
Uncle Vernon made several strangulated noises, which Harry took for a yes, as he rushed upstairs. In his room, he fed Hedwig and finished the essay on Lunar Charms Professor Flitwick had set them at the end of last term. He glanced at the clock- an hour to go...Harry felt as if his whole head was about to explode with happiness. He glanced up at the clock again...fifty-nine minutes to go...
At ten to eight Harry came down the stairs, put on his coat and sneaked out of the front door. He didn't have long to wait at the post-box- almost as soon as he had arrived a large familiar black dog came padding out of the gloom. Harry grinned and followed it until it stopped on the edge of a deserted road. Then the dog changed into;
"Sirius!" exclaimed Harry.
"Listen," said Sirius, hugging Harry and making him warm all over with happiness, "I haven't got long. This year at Hogwarts. There's a lot happening behind the scenes. Dumbledore's brought Lupin back as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Listen Harry, whatever Voldemort is planning next, we can be sure it has something to do with you, and can also be sure that it is not going to be nice. Be on your guard."
"But what about Professor Lupin?"
"Well, he can still transform in his office, and Snape finally agreed to make the Wolfsbane for him. Harry, you must listen to me, whatever you think, Snape is to be..." but Sirius could not finish, for in the background could be heard the wail of police sirens. He transformed into a dog and ran off into the gathering darkness.
Harry gazed after his godfather for a second, then realised that it wouldn't look good for him to be standing there alone. With a heavy heart, he made his way back to the Dursley's house. He wasn't truly angry; he had expected Uncle Vernon to warn the police. He just hadn't thought they would reach Privet Drive so quickly. Bugger. He trooped up the stairs to his room and entered it just as Hedwig swooped through the window, a letter clutched tightly in her claw. He had begun to get worried- she had been away for several nights now, and the loneliness of having nothing in the close vicinity that didn't scowl when he tried to make conversation was getting him down. Harry regained his smile and hurried over to see what it said. He stroked Hedwig absent-mindedly as he read:
Dear Harry,
Mum and Dad have said we can all go to Diagon Alley for the last few days of the holiday. Do you want to come too? If you can get to the Leaky Cauldron on Saturday Hermione and I will meet you there. Have you heard anything from Snuffles yet? Dad says he wasn't really surprised about him being innocent. But then my Dad's never surprised at anything anymore after Fred and George got a contract with this unheard of joke shop last month.
Hope the muggles are treating you well - send Hedwig back with a reply soon!
Ron
Harry felt like dancing round the room. He ran down the stairs at once to tell Uncle Vernon. He raised an unimpressed eyebrow when Harry told him, and reminded Harry more of Snape than of the Uncle he had known for the past fifteen years. However, in a most un-Snape-like way, Vernon grudgingly gave Harry permission, and muttered that he would drop Harry off near the Leaky Cauldron.
On Saturday afternoon, therefore, Harry found himself chatting to Florean Fortescue, when he saw Ron and Hermione walking up towards him. He hurried over, grinning. "Harry!" they chorused, beaming back at him. "Looking forward to this year?" asked Hermione, as they all took a table and ordered a sundae each.
"Yeah," said Harry casually, "I reckon it'll be ok" Then he gave them a significant glance. They understood immediately and leaned closer to listen to his encounter with Sirius.
"You know," said Ron, "If Snape's a spy for Voldemort or something, he's bound to give us all away."
Harry shrugged, "I'll just be pleased to see professor Lupin again."
"Yeah- shall we go get our books then?" suggested Hermione.
"Good idea."
The next few days were spent enjoyably in Diagon Alley. Every day they would explore the many interesting shops. Harry entered his favourite Quidditch shop, and was dragged out 3 hours later by Ron and Hermione, who had got bored of him just staring at the all the stuff he could buy for his Firebolt.
Then, on Tuesday, came the trip to Hogwarts on the Hogwarts Express. Arthur Weasley escorted them to Kings Cross Station, amid curious glances from passers-by, who evidently had never seen a group of people carrying two owls and a vicious looking cat around London before.
Just before they pushed against the barrier to enter platform 93/4, Mr Weasley took Harry to one side, "Harry, you may be seeing a lot of me this year, but you must swear that you won't let slip to anyone about what is happening. Swear?"
"Err...yes okay."
Mr Weasley, as if reading Harry's thoughts, said, "No, Fred, George, Percy and Ginny do not know about Sirius, and you are not to tell them. It will all come out in time."
Harry nodded. "Good man" Arthur said. And they went through the barrier.
Harry got on the train and found a compartment that was empty. Hermione and Ron soon found him. They chattered excitedly as the train pulled out of the station. When conversation ran out, however, Harry stared out of the window, trying to understand why Lupin was at Hogwarts, why Mr Weasley would be at Hogwarts... what could Dumbledore see, or know, that was going to affect him. He dwelt on the events of last year- Voldemort was back, Wormtail was his servant, they could kill..."
"Harry? Harry?" said Hermione.
"Wfogh- what?"
"Nothing scary," she laughed; "The sweet trolley's here."
Harry eagerly helped himself to an abundance of sweets, and started eating a fizzing whizbee.
They approached Hogsmeade station, and alighted, hearing the familiar voice of Hagrid, marshalling the first years. Just as they were entering the Great Hall, they caught sight of a tall, slim lady with hair the colour of butterbeer. Harry saw Ron's mouth drop, and felt his do the same.
"Coooor!" said Ron, in an awed whisper.
"Wow," said Harry, his eyes feeling as though they were on sticks.
"Who's she?" asked Ron.
"I bet she's an assistant in Herbology."
"Or Astronomy...looks like the moonlight type..."
"Or Charms"
"Or Potions," said a sneering cold voice behind them. Professor Snape, the Potions master, was standing behind them. "Yes, that's right, Miss Amatorres is my Potions assistant." He smiled at them smugly, turned on his heel and stalked off, his robes flapping in the breeze.
"Lucky git," said Ron, glaring after him. Hermione prodded them in the back with a finger each. "Come on! We don't want to miss the sorting or anything do we?..."
Harry held up a hand for silence. Although they had thought they were at the back of the crowd, they were wrong. They could all hear very clearly the voices of their rivals and enemies- Draco Malfoy and his sidekicks- Crabbe and Goyle. They were whispering to each other, but if he blocked out what they were saying: "...my father told me to behave really well this year- he reckons Dumbledore knows about him supporting You-Know-Who."
There was a pause as Crabbe and Goyle got their brains into gear and worked out what he had just said. "God I can't wait." Continued Malfoy, "If the plan goes okay- Potter, Weasley and that miserable mudblood girlfriend of his'll be dead by the end of the year."
Harry froze. What plan? But he didn't have time to think about this further because Hermione had prodded him again, and was nodding frantically at the steps of the castle. He looked up. Dumbledore himself was gesturing for Harry to come to him. Harry roused himself and approached the castle steps.
"Ah, Harry, I do dislike missing the sorting, but you and I have something to discuss." Dumbledore paused, his blue eyes twinkled slightly and Harry relaxed- he obviously wasn't in trouble. "Please follow me." And Dumbledore strode through the crowd, which parted in hushed awe. Harry felt his face burning and had to run to keep up. Dumbledore reached the statue to his office and muttered something to the gargoyle, which slid apart from the wall to reveal a moving staircase. Once in his study, Dumbledore gestured for Harry to sit.
"Welcome back Harry. Now, I do have a few things to tell you. Professor Lupin..."
"...is back." Finished Harry.
"Mr Black is also accompanying him..."
"Sirius?!" Exclaimed Harry, "But what about the parents...what about his sentence for Azkaban?"
"As a dog."
"Oh." Said Harry, disappointed.
"That means you cannot speak to him as people will be suspicious. However, if you do need to speak to Sirius, please tell me first, so I can arrange a meeting, or, if he needs to speak to you, he will let you know."
"Thank you," said Harry, "But where can he live?"
"He can sleep in Professor Lupin's office."
"And Buckbeak?"
"The centaurs of the Forbidden Forest have agreed to look after Buckbeak. And now, I think I am needed in the Great Hall."
As Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table, Ron and Hermione opened their mouths to speak.
"Not now," said Harry out of the corner of his mouth.
"I don't believe it!" came a voice from behind them. George, Fred and Lee Jordan sat down on the bench beside them.
"What?" asked Hermione
"Lupin's back!" exclaimed Fred, "Look!" Their eyes followed his finger and met Professor Lupins'. He looked just as tired as ever, but somehow happier, even if his eyes were a little glazed. He looked over and smiled at them. They waved back. Suddenly Harry felt unbelievably happy. This was going to be a good, if eventful, year.
"The werewolf's back Harry!" said Lee, with an expression of mock horror, "And there's nothing to stop him..."
"Actually there is," Ron interrupted, pointing at a large black dog on the floor beside the Professor., "Pretty cool dog, huh?"
Ron, Harry and Hermione smiled at each other conspiratorially, and Harry thought he heard Hermione whispering, "Poor Snuffles, our lovable stray."
When the feast finished, they all went off to their respective dormitories. Harry, who was particularly tired, almost went to sleep without taking off his glasses.
The next morning they consulted their timetables over breakfast. To their disappointment, they found they had Potions first thing, before Defence Against the Dark Arts, with Lupin and Sirius.
They made their way down to the dungeons, where Professor Snape, Potions master and biased Head of Slytherin House, had his classroom, office and, rumour had it, his private apartment.
Standing on the teaching platform at the far end of the classroom, he glared down on them, his black eyes flashing dangerously. He spoke softly, but he was able to keep the class silent by his reputation as one of the most intimidating teachers Hogwarts had ever had.
"Today we will be concocting a Gringrich Potion, using distilled Gringrich blood." Snape gave them instructions how to proceed, and then said, "Also, I would like to introduce Miss Amatorres, my Potions assistant." Harry had to close Seamus Finnigan's mouth, it had dropped so low. Snape continued, "She will be making sure you are working competently," he paused and shot a glance at Neville Longbottom, "Although this will be extremely taxing for her, I have no doubt. I, meanwhile, will be working on a potion for Professor Lupin."
However it seemed that Miss Amatorres was a female version of Snape. Although she was beautiful she drove the class like slaves, and snapped at them if they asked her a question. Harry and Ron were disappointed.
"No wonder Snape likes her so much- she's so evil!"
BANG! There was a WHOOMPH and everyone turned to stare at Snape, as he added the last touches to the potion he had been making- now a smoky midnight blue liquid. He looked at them, "What are you looking at? I have just completed my potion. I informed you that Potions was an exciting, beautiful and dangerous branch of magic, did I not?" he hissed, and with that he swept out of the room, goblet in hand.
The next lesson was Defence Against the Dark Arts. As they all filed in Lupin went into his office and returned, followed closely by a big black dog. He then announced to the class, "This is Padfoot. He is my...pet...(here Padfoot growled)...dog, he is not a grim, but those of you who provoke him may find yourselves surprised and severely punished." Harry glanced at Draco Malfoy, who was clearly not listening, and who was whispering with his friends, Crabbe and Goyle. They had been severely miffed to find out that the Slytherins would join them for DADA this year.
Lupin seemed to have noticed this too, but he only smiled mischievously and continued the lesson. They seemed to have finished work on dark creatures and were learning counter curses. The only problem with this was that Malfoy and many of the other Slytherins knew the actual curses. Dean Thomas ended up with a carrot for a tongue, and Seamus Finnigan lost his big toe temporarily. Padfoot began to prowl the classroom. He stopped just next to Malfoy. Draco looked down, "Oh it's you is it? A pet dog. How scary."
Padfoot bared his teeth and sloped towards Malfoy. However he didn't get a chance to do what the Gryffindors had all been wanting to do for years and never had the opportunity to, because the bell rang. Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed behind to talk to Lupin, but they didn't get a chance. As he opened the door they heard a voice behind them greeting him. They swung round to face an extremely pretty woman they had occasionally seen in Hogsmeade. Harry and Ron took in her amazing figure in awed silence then looked back to Lupin.
"Hi," began the woman, "My name's Arianwen. I'm...a friend of Professor Lupin's. Would you mind if I stole him off you for a few minutes? I have to talk to him about something."
Harry and Ron ran off, with Hermione behind.
"Do you think that was who I think it was?"
"Perhaps...it was bad enough with Snape, but Lupin as well...next Snuffles will have found someone."
They were on their way to the Great Hall for lunch, but then Padfoot appeared at the end of the deserted corridor.
"Talk of the devil..." muttered Ron.
It went up to Harry and nudged his hand with its wet nose. Harry got the message.
"Excuse me," he said to Ron and Hermione with mock courtesy, and followed the dog, through the corridors of Hogwarts and up to a small room at the top of East Tower
'Harry!' said Sirius.
"How are you! You were really cool in that lesson just now! Is Arianwen who I think she is? What do you want to tell me?" said Harry.
"Enough questions Harry! There's no time. Lupin and I are keeping watch over Malfoy's gang. Dumbledore's keeping an eye on you. You've got to be careful Harry."
"Why me? God, why does everyone always think I'm about to do something stupid?!" exclaimed Harry.
"Because you usually do maybe?" suggested Sirius shrewdly.
"It's not my fault!" Harry shouted defensively.
"Shh!" said Sirius, "We'd better go for dinner in a minute, but Harry, strange things are happening already. I can't tell you anymore than this. Dumbledore will inform you of the goings on when he feels you are ready. Oh, and yes, Arianwen is who you think she is. Trust me- they're not exactly subtle. Come on."
He grinned and changed back to Snuffles, then led the way out of the room. When they had
descended the stairs, Harry took one route down to the Great Hall, and Sirius took another. It was important the no one saw them together.
"Potter. How interesting. I thought I'd catch you here."
Harry spun around. Snape, the Potions master, was smiling a cold smile.
"I'm sorry, sir, I wasn't doing any-"
"My office, if you please. now"
Harry followed Snape, his black robes flowing behind him as he strode towards his dungeon. Harry felt awful. If only Ron or Hermione were here. Or somebody.
"Ah, Professor Snape!" said a familiar voice
Dumbledore! Harry's heart leapt.
"I just wanted a word about one of your house - Mr Malfoy." He turned to Harry, "I don't think Professor Snape would mind if you went down to dinner, Harry." His blue eyes twinkled.
"Thank you sir." Harry fled down the corridor, past Snape, who looked as though Christmas had been cancelled.
In the hall, Harry met up with Ron and Hermione.
Guess what?" said Harry
What?" said Ron.
"Snape and Lupin have both got girlfriends"
"You don't know that for certain" said Hermione suspiciously, "What did Snape have to say to you?"
"Oh...hang on...how did you know?"
"We saw him look over at our table, then he got up and prowled out of the room smiling. His usual evil self."
"Yep, well nothing's changed there. I don't know what he was going to say. Dumbledore walked into us on the way to his office and wanted to talk to Snape about Malfoy."
"Malfoy? My dad says they've raided his house loads of times, but they found the
underground vault - apparently he's got a whole room full of stuff dedicated to You-Know -Who."
"But what can Malfoy have to do with all this - I mean surely it's his dad who will be fined, not him?"
"I don't know, but Dumbledore certainly doesn't trust him"
"Maybe Dumbledore was giving you a hint, maybe he wants you to help, maybe you can get Malfoy expelled!"
"Don't be so stupid, Ron!" said Hermione, "Dumbledore wouldn't do a thing like that."
"Yeah, but if Dumbledore said to Snape IN FRONT OF HARRY something about
Malfoy, then isn't it obvious Dumbledore's trying to tell Harry something?"
"I don't know." said Hermione shaking her head. "Lets get back to the dormitory."
As they were walking along the corridor to Gryffindor house, they heard a distinctive CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK behind them. Harry glanced round.
"Don't look now, but Mad-Eye Moody's come out of Dumbledore's office."
"What?" said Hermione and Ron
"Keep moving," whispered Harry furiously, "Just keep on moving..."
"Potter, is it?" came the familiar gnarled voice of Moody.
"Um, yes."
"How are you? Recovered from last year?"
"Um, yes."
Moody smiled, making his already horrific face even more grotesque, "Want to get back to your common room, lad?"
"Um, yes." Then they all ran for it.
As they approached the Fat Lady, they started to laugh amidst their panting. "What happened there?!" giggled Hermione.
"Got...scared..." panted Harry.
"Need...to breathe..." Said Ron.
"Password?"
"Dragon Breath" replied Harry absent-mindedly to the Fat Lady, who swung forward to admit them. A blast of noise issued forth from the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Crikey," said Ron, peering inside, "What are they all so excited about I wonder?"
Through the crowd they could see Fred and George Weasley cavorting around,
waving magic wands. Harry's gaze fixed on Neville Longbottom, who was flying around the room.
"Hi Harry! shouted Fred, above the din, "We've fed Neville a Weasley Wing Biscuit!"
"Yeh, he'll be up there for another five minutes at least!" yelled George.
"What is the meaning of this?" A hush fell on the crowd as Professor McGonagall stormed into the common room
"Everyone back to bed, now," said Professor Mc Gonagall, softly.
"I've never seen her this mad before." whispered Ron.
"Potter - a word, please." said Mc Gonagall.
Harry was led along several corridors and soon he came to a part of the castle he had never even seen. He didn't dare say anything. Professor McGonagall stopped outside a locked door, fumbled in her robe for the key, and gestured to Harry,
"In."
When he entered, he realised at once that he was in Professor McGonagall's office. There were photos covering the walls of famous wizards, and they all waved familiarly at her as she entered. She did not wave back.
"Harry," she began, "This will be the last time for quite a while that you are approached by a teacher, as students are getting suspicious. Do not be worried..."
"What? What is it?"
She smiled slightly, "I said not to be worried. You will not be seeing Sirius for a few days. Dumbledore thinks it is important to tell you this, in case you are ...err ...indiscreet in trying to find him again."
"Why won't I see him? Where's he going?" Harry couldn't hide the anxiety in his voice.
"That I am not permitted to tell you Potter," McGonagall said, her thin smile vanishing instantly, "He is running an errand for the headmaster."
And with that, his brief visit to Professor McGonagall's office was ended. Harry found his way back to the common room, where he was accosted by most of his house.
"What did she want?"
"What have you done now?"
Harry managed to escape upstairs to where Ron and Hermione were waiting for him.
"Well?" said Ron.
"It's about Snuffles. He's gone on some mission for Dumblebdore. Something's definitely not right. The teachers are all on edge, they're secretive and Snape's monitoring Malfoy. Lupin and Moody are back so something has happened."
"Or is going to happen." muttered Ron
"What do you mean?" said Harry
"I caught my mum and dad talking before you came over. From what I could gather they're worried about how secure Hogwarts is."
"But nothing could ever happen to anyone so long as they are inside the school grounds." said Hermione.
"Something happened to Harry last year..." interrupted Ron.
"I just don't understand it." said Harry. "Dumbledore doesn't want me to go looking for anything and normally he's quite lenient. The teachers obviously know something we don't, and then there's Malfoy, going around with a smirk on his face as if his dad's just told him something really important."
And suddenly Harry remembered their first day back at school, and what he had overheard Malfoy saying. He had completely forgotten about it until now, but hearing the words now made him shiver. Should they go and tell a teacher?
"No," he said aloud to himself, and Ron and Hermione looked at him, "No, we'll work this one out by ourselves. It concerns us, and us alone. We're not getting anyone else involved. Not like last time. Not like Cedric."
The days zoomed past and soon it came to the week before the Christmas Holidays. Harry, Ron and Hermione were certain they were the only ones in their year staying at school until they heard Snape talking to Malfoy in potions.
"Your beetle ears are well crushed. Well done Malfoy."
"Thank you, sir."
"Your father has written to me requesting you stay at school for the Christmas Holidays."
"Yes Sir. He said he couldn't let you deal with all the Gryffindors on your own."
"Tell him I'm very grateful." said Snape, who appeared to be doing some quick thinking.
"Sir." but Snape did not have time to hear this last remark, because Neville had accidentally set fire to Harry's cauldron.
"Idiot boy!" shouted Snape, "Why can you never be trusted to do anything on your own? Go to Madam Pomfrey this minute!" Neville, who didn't need telling, had already ran. Snape rounded on Harry, "And you, Potter, can have detention tonight. Come to my office this evening." The bell rung and Harry packed as quickly as possible.
After dinner, he went alone to the dungeons. Ron was going to the owlery to send a letter to Mrs Weasley, and Hermione was finishing her homework. He reached the door to Snape's office, but stopped outside it, hearing voices. He recognised that of Dumbledore's.
"Ah, Severus, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Albus. I have just received a letter from Lucius Malfoy. He wants Draco to stay at school during the holidays."
"Ah?"
"I was thinking about Potter's safety. We all know what happened here during the summer holidays - you don't think it would be best if I refused him."
There was silence. Then Dumbledore spoke.
"I think we should give the impression to both Harry and Lucius Malfoy that everything is perfectly normal. In normal circumstances Draco would be allowed to stay, so let him. However, this does mean you keeping an extra close eye on him"
Harry heard footsteps behind him - it was the new Potions assistant. He had to knock on the door.
"Come" said Snape. Harry walked in. There was no Albus Dumbledore. Harry glanced round the room for any other door to the office, but there were none. Yet, as Hermione constantly reminded them, it was impossible to disapparate in Hogwarts. Where had Dumbledore gone?
"Are you going to stand in the doorway all evening Potter?" Said Snape irritably as always. Harry shuffled into the room.
"Professor Snape?" Came a familiar voice from the doorway behind him. Miss
Amatorres had entered briskly, "Can I talk?"
Harry, amazed, looked on as Snape visibly blushed and ushered her away. He paused on the threshold, then turned round and snarled, "Your detention will be preparing for my classes next lesson. I need the Potions classroom cleaned and cleared of all desks by tomorrow morning. Without magic. Go."
Harry resentfully watched him leave, started for the door, then stopped. He turned round, and slowly peered round the room...
"Could I speak to Mr Potter please," said a voice at the other end. Uncle Vernon froze. He was clearly about to say no, but then the fact that Harry had a mass murderer for a godfather suddenly came floating back.
"Okay," he whispered acidly down the phone, "But if I catch ANY of your...or...his...type...around my family...I'll...I'll..." he petered out, and handed the phone sullenly to the silently watching Harry. Harry, heart beating fast at the first phone call he'd ever been allowed to take, took the phone in a shaking hand.
"Hello?" he asked curiously, "Ron? Hermione?"
"Harry!" said the voice. Harry felt his heart skip a beat.
"Sirius?!" said Harry incredibly.
"Snuffles, yes...listen, can you get yourself to the post-box at the end of the Drive, tonight at eight?"
"Umm, yeah, I think I could manage it, but why?"
"I'll tell you then." Harry heard a click as the phone was put down at the other end.
"Who was that?" snarled Uncle Vernon, his eyes glittering maliciously.
"Oh, no one," Harry replied, smiling cheerfully. Uncle Vernon took a step towards him, "Don't you dare talk to me as if I'm a nobody, boy..."
"OK, OK it was..." Harry cast around for a suitable scapegoat, then decided not to bother- after all, Sirius could easily escape muggle police, "My Godfather."
Uncle Vernon's skin suddenly and amusingly blanched. "What does he want?" he hissed.
"Oh...you know...wondering if we could meet up tonight- he seemed in a bit of a hurry, really. I didn't have time to ask you. I suppose I'll have to turn up now."
Uncle Vernon made several strangulated noises, which Harry took for a yes, as he rushed upstairs. In his room, he fed Hedwig and finished the essay on Lunar Charms Professor Flitwick had set them at the end of last term. He glanced at the clock- an hour to go...Harry felt as if his whole head was about to explode with happiness. He glanced up at the clock again...fifty-nine minutes to go...
At ten to eight Harry came down the stairs, put on his coat and sneaked out of the front door. He didn't have long to wait at the post-box- almost as soon as he had arrived a large familiar black dog came padding out of the gloom. Harry grinned and followed it until it stopped on the edge of a deserted road. Then the dog changed into;
"Sirius!" exclaimed Harry.
"Listen," said Sirius, hugging Harry and making him warm all over with happiness, "I haven't got long. This year at Hogwarts. There's a lot happening behind the scenes. Dumbledore's brought Lupin back as the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Listen Harry, whatever Voldemort is planning next, we can be sure it has something to do with you, and can also be sure that it is not going to be nice. Be on your guard."
"But what about Professor Lupin?"
"Well, he can still transform in his office, and Snape finally agreed to make the Wolfsbane for him. Harry, you must listen to me, whatever you think, Snape is to be..." but Sirius could not finish, for in the background could be heard the wail of police sirens. He transformed into a dog and ran off into the gathering darkness.
Harry gazed after his godfather for a second, then realised that it wouldn't look good for him to be standing there alone. With a heavy heart, he made his way back to the Dursley's house. He wasn't truly angry; he had expected Uncle Vernon to warn the police. He just hadn't thought they would reach Privet Drive so quickly. Bugger. He trooped up the stairs to his room and entered it just as Hedwig swooped through the window, a letter clutched tightly in her claw. He had begun to get worried- she had been away for several nights now, and the loneliness of having nothing in the close vicinity that didn't scowl when he tried to make conversation was getting him down. Harry regained his smile and hurried over to see what it said. He stroked Hedwig absent-mindedly as he read:
Dear Harry,
Mum and Dad have said we can all go to Diagon Alley for the last few days of the holiday. Do you want to come too? If you can get to the Leaky Cauldron on Saturday Hermione and I will meet you there. Have you heard anything from Snuffles yet? Dad says he wasn't really surprised about him being innocent. But then my Dad's never surprised at anything anymore after Fred and George got a contract with this unheard of joke shop last month.
Hope the muggles are treating you well - send Hedwig back with a reply soon!
Ron
Harry felt like dancing round the room. He ran down the stairs at once to tell Uncle Vernon. He raised an unimpressed eyebrow when Harry told him, and reminded Harry more of Snape than of the Uncle he had known for the past fifteen years. However, in a most un-Snape-like way, Vernon grudgingly gave Harry permission, and muttered that he would drop Harry off near the Leaky Cauldron.
On Saturday afternoon, therefore, Harry found himself chatting to Florean Fortescue, when he saw Ron and Hermione walking up towards him. He hurried over, grinning. "Harry!" they chorused, beaming back at him. "Looking forward to this year?" asked Hermione, as they all took a table and ordered a sundae each.
"Yeah," said Harry casually, "I reckon it'll be ok" Then he gave them a significant glance. They understood immediately and leaned closer to listen to his encounter with Sirius.
"You know," said Ron, "If Snape's a spy for Voldemort or something, he's bound to give us all away."
Harry shrugged, "I'll just be pleased to see professor Lupin again."
"Yeah- shall we go get our books then?" suggested Hermione.
"Good idea."
The next few days were spent enjoyably in Diagon Alley. Every day they would explore the many interesting shops. Harry entered his favourite Quidditch shop, and was dragged out 3 hours later by Ron and Hermione, who had got bored of him just staring at the all the stuff he could buy for his Firebolt.
Then, on Tuesday, came the trip to Hogwarts on the Hogwarts Express. Arthur Weasley escorted them to Kings Cross Station, amid curious glances from passers-by, who evidently had never seen a group of people carrying two owls and a vicious looking cat around London before.
Just before they pushed against the barrier to enter platform 93/4, Mr Weasley took Harry to one side, "Harry, you may be seeing a lot of me this year, but you must swear that you won't let slip to anyone about what is happening. Swear?"
"Err...yes okay."
Mr Weasley, as if reading Harry's thoughts, said, "No, Fred, George, Percy and Ginny do not know about Sirius, and you are not to tell them. It will all come out in time."
Harry nodded. "Good man" Arthur said. And they went through the barrier.
Harry got on the train and found a compartment that was empty. Hermione and Ron soon found him. They chattered excitedly as the train pulled out of the station. When conversation ran out, however, Harry stared out of the window, trying to understand why Lupin was at Hogwarts, why Mr Weasley would be at Hogwarts... what could Dumbledore see, or know, that was going to affect him. He dwelt on the events of last year- Voldemort was back, Wormtail was his servant, they could kill..."
"Harry? Harry?" said Hermione.
"Wfogh- what?"
"Nothing scary," she laughed; "The sweet trolley's here."
Harry eagerly helped himself to an abundance of sweets, and started eating a fizzing whizbee.
They approached Hogsmeade station, and alighted, hearing the familiar voice of Hagrid, marshalling the first years. Just as they were entering the Great Hall, they caught sight of a tall, slim lady with hair the colour of butterbeer. Harry saw Ron's mouth drop, and felt his do the same.
"Coooor!" said Ron, in an awed whisper.
"Wow," said Harry, his eyes feeling as though they were on sticks.
"Who's she?" asked Ron.
"I bet she's an assistant in Herbology."
"Or Astronomy...looks like the moonlight type..."
"Or Charms"
"Or Potions," said a sneering cold voice behind them. Professor Snape, the Potions master, was standing behind them. "Yes, that's right, Miss Amatorres is my Potions assistant." He smiled at them smugly, turned on his heel and stalked off, his robes flapping in the breeze.
"Lucky git," said Ron, glaring after him. Hermione prodded them in the back with a finger each. "Come on! We don't want to miss the sorting or anything do we?..."
Harry held up a hand for silence. Although they had thought they were at the back of the crowd, they were wrong. They could all hear very clearly the voices of their rivals and enemies- Draco Malfoy and his sidekicks- Crabbe and Goyle. They were whispering to each other, but if he blocked out what they were saying: "...my father told me to behave really well this year- he reckons Dumbledore knows about him supporting You-Know-Who."
There was a pause as Crabbe and Goyle got their brains into gear and worked out what he had just said. "God I can't wait." Continued Malfoy, "If the plan goes okay- Potter, Weasley and that miserable mudblood girlfriend of his'll be dead by the end of the year."
Harry froze. What plan? But he didn't have time to think about this further because Hermione had prodded him again, and was nodding frantically at the steps of the castle. He looked up. Dumbledore himself was gesturing for Harry to come to him. Harry roused himself and approached the castle steps.
"Ah, Harry, I do dislike missing the sorting, but you and I have something to discuss." Dumbledore paused, his blue eyes twinkled slightly and Harry relaxed- he obviously wasn't in trouble. "Please follow me." And Dumbledore strode through the crowd, which parted in hushed awe. Harry felt his face burning and had to run to keep up. Dumbledore reached the statue to his office and muttered something to the gargoyle, which slid apart from the wall to reveal a moving staircase. Once in his study, Dumbledore gestured for Harry to sit.
"Welcome back Harry. Now, I do have a few things to tell you. Professor Lupin..."
"...is back." Finished Harry.
"Mr Black is also accompanying him..."
"Sirius?!" Exclaimed Harry, "But what about the parents...what about his sentence for Azkaban?"
"As a dog."
"Oh." Said Harry, disappointed.
"That means you cannot speak to him as people will be suspicious. However, if you do need to speak to Sirius, please tell me first, so I can arrange a meeting, or, if he needs to speak to you, he will let you know."
"Thank you," said Harry, "But where can he live?"
"He can sleep in Professor Lupin's office."
"And Buckbeak?"
"The centaurs of the Forbidden Forest have agreed to look after Buckbeak. And now, I think I am needed in the Great Hall."
As Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table, Ron and Hermione opened their mouths to speak.
"Not now," said Harry out of the corner of his mouth.
"I don't believe it!" came a voice from behind them. George, Fred and Lee Jordan sat down on the bench beside them.
"What?" asked Hermione
"Lupin's back!" exclaimed Fred, "Look!" Their eyes followed his finger and met Professor Lupins'. He looked just as tired as ever, but somehow happier, even if his eyes were a little glazed. He looked over and smiled at them. They waved back. Suddenly Harry felt unbelievably happy. This was going to be a good, if eventful, year.
"The werewolf's back Harry!" said Lee, with an expression of mock horror, "And there's nothing to stop him..."
"Actually there is," Ron interrupted, pointing at a large black dog on the floor beside the Professor., "Pretty cool dog, huh?"
Ron, Harry and Hermione smiled at each other conspiratorially, and Harry thought he heard Hermione whispering, "Poor Snuffles, our lovable stray."
When the feast finished, they all went off to their respective dormitories. Harry, who was particularly tired, almost went to sleep without taking off his glasses.
The next morning they consulted their timetables over breakfast. To their disappointment, they found they had Potions first thing, before Defence Against the Dark Arts, with Lupin and Sirius.
They made their way down to the dungeons, where Professor Snape, Potions master and biased Head of Slytherin House, had his classroom, office and, rumour had it, his private apartment.
Standing on the teaching platform at the far end of the classroom, he glared down on them, his black eyes flashing dangerously. He spoke softly, but he was able to keep the class silent by his reputation as one of the most intimidating teachers Hogwarts had ever had.
"Today we will be concocting a Gringrich Potion, using distilled Gringrich blood." Snape gave them instructions how to proceed, and then said, "Also, I would like to introduce Miss Amatorres, my Potions assistant." Harry had to close Seamus Finnigan's mouth, it had dropped so low. Snape continued, "She will be making sure you are working competently," he paused and shot a glance at Neville Longbottom, "Although this will be extremely taxing for her, I have no doubt. I, meanwhile, will be working on a potion for Professor Lupin."
However it seemed that Miss Amatorres was a female version of Snape. Although she was beautiful she drove the class like slaves, and snapped at them if they asked her a question. Harry and Ron were disappointed.
"No wonder Snape likes her so much- she's so evil!"
BANG! There was a WHOOMPH and everyone turned to stare at Snape, as he added the last touches to the potion he had been making- now a smoky midnight blue liquid. He looked at them, "What are you looking at? I have just completed my potion. I informed you that Potions was an exciting, beautiful and dangerous branch of magic, did I not?" he hissed, and with that he swept out of the room, goblet in hand.
The next lesson was Defence Against the Dark Arts. As they all filed in Lupin went into his office and returned, followed closely by a big black dog. He then announced to the class, "This is Padfoot. He is my...pet...(here Padfoot growled)...dog, he is not a grim, but those of you who provoke him may find yourselves surprised and severely punished." Harry glanced at Draco Malfoy, who was clearly not listening, and who was whispering with his friends, Crabbe and Goyle. They had been severely miffed to find out that the Slytherins would join them for DADA this year.
Lupin seemed to have noticed this too, but he only smiled mischievously and continued the lesson. They seemed to have finished work on dark creatures and were learning counter curses. The only problem with this was that Malfoy and many of the other Slytherins knew the actual curses. Dean Thomas ended up with a carrot for a tongue, and Seamus Finnigan lost his big toe temporarily. Padfoot began to prowl the classroom. He stopped just next to Malfoy. Draco looked down, "Oh it's you is it? A pet dog. How scary."
Padfoot bared his teeth and sloped towards Malfoy. However he didn't get a chance to do what the Gryffindors had all been wanting to do for years and never had the opportunity to, because the bell rang. Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed behind to talk to Lupin, but they didn't get a chance. As he opened the door they heard a voice behind them greeting him. They swung round to face an extremely pretty woman they had occasionally seen in Hogsmeade. Harry and Ron took in her amazing figure in awed silence then looked back to Lupin.
"Hi," began the woman, "My name's Arianwen. I'm...a friend of Professor Lupin's. Would you mind if I stole him off you for a few minutes? I have to talk to him about something."
Harry and Ron ran off, with Hermione behind.
"Do you think that was who I think it was?"
"Perhaps...it was bad enough with Snape, but Lupin as well...next Snuffles will have found someone."
They were on their way to the Great Hall for lunch, but then Padfoot appeared at the end of the deserted corridor.
"Talk of the devil..." muttered Ron.
It went up to Harry and nudged his hand with its wet nose. Harry got the message.
"Excuse me," he said to Ron and Hermione with mock courtesy, and followed the dog, through the corridors of Hogwarts and up to a small room at the top of East Tower
'Harry!' said Sirius.
"How are you! You were really cool in that lesson just now! Is Arianwen who I think she is? What do you want to tell me?" said Harry.
"Enough questions Harry! There's no time. Lupin and I are keeping watch over Malfoy's gang. Dumbledore's keeping an eye on you. You've got to be careful Harry."
"Why me? God, why does everyone always think I'm about to do something stupid?!" exclaimed Harry.
"Because you usually do maybe?" suggested Sirius shrewdly.
"It's not my fault!" Harry shouted defensively.
"Shh!" said Sirius, "We'd better go for dinner in a minute, but Harry, strange things are happening already. I can't tell you anymore than this. Dumbledore will inform you of the goings on when he feels you are ready. Oh, and yes, Arianwen is who you think she is. Trust me- they're not exactly subtle. Come on."
He grinned and changed back to Snuffles, then led the way out of the room. When they had
descended the stairs, Harry took one route down to the Great Hall, and Sirius took another. It was important the no one saw them together.
"Potter. How interesting. I thought I'd catch you here."
Harry spun around. Snape, the Potions master, was smiling a cold smile.
"I'm sorry, sir, I wasn't doing any-"
"My office, if you please. now"
Harry followed Snape, his black robes flowing behind him as he strode towards his dungeon. Harry felt awful. If only Ron or Hermione were here. Or somebody.
"Ah, Professor Snape!" said a familiar voice
Dumbledore! Harry's heart leapt.
"I just wanted a word about one of your house - Mr Malfoy." He turned to Harry, "I don't think Professor Snape would mind if you went down to dinner, Harry." His blue eyes twinkled.
"Thank you sir." Harry fled down the corridor, past Snape, who looked as though Christmas had been cancelled.
In the hall, Harry met up with Ron and Hermione.
Guess what?" said Harry
What?" said Ron.
"Snape and Lupin have both got girlfriends"
"You don't know that for certain" said Hermione suspiciously, "What did Snape have to say to you?"
"Oh...hang on...how did you know?"
"We saw him look over at our table, then he got up and prowled out of the room smiling. His usual evil self."
"Yep, well nothing's changed there. I don't know what he was going to say. Dumbledore walked into us on the way to his office and wanted to talk to Snape about Malfoy."
"Malfoy? My dad says they've raided his house loads of times, but they found the
underground vault - apparently he's got a whole room full of stuff dedicated to You-Know -Who."
"But what can Malfoy have to do with all this - I mean surely it's his dad who will be fined, not him?"
"I don't know, but Dumbledore certainly doesn't trust him"
"Maybe Dumbledore was giving you a hint, maybe he wants you to help, maybe you can get Malfoy expelled!"
"Don't be so stupid, Ron!" said Hermione, "Dumbledore wouldn't do a thing like that."
"Yeah, but if Dumbledore said to Snape IN FRONT OF HARRY something about
Malfoy, then isn't it obvious Dumbledore's trying to tell Harry something?"
"I don't know." said Hermione shaking her head. "Lets get back to the dormitory."
As they were walking along the corridor to Gryffindor house, they heard a distinctive CLUNK CLUNK CLUNK behind them. Harry glanced round.
"Don't look now, but Mad-Eye Moody's come out of Dumbledore's office."
"What?" said Hermione and Ron
"Keep moving," whispered Harry furiously, "Just keep on moving..."
"Potter, is it?" came the familiar gnarled voice of Moody.
"Um, yes."
"How are you? Recovered from last year?"
"Um, yes."
Moody smiled, making his already horrific face even more grotesque, "Want to get back to your common room, lad?"
"Um, yes." Then they all ran for it.
As they approached the Fat Lady, they started to laugh amidst their panting. "What happened there?!" giggled Hermione.
"Got...scared..." panted Harry.
"Need...to breathe..." Said Ron.
"Password?"
"Dragon Breath" replied Harry absent-mindedly to the Fat Lady, who swung forward to admit them. A blast of noise issued forth from the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Crikey," said Ron, peering inside, "What are they all so excited about I wonder?"
Through the crowd they could see Fred and George Weasley cavorting around,
waving magic wands. Harry's gaze fixed on Neville Longbottom, who was flying around the room.
"Hi Harry! shouted Fred, above the din, "We've fed Neville a Weasley Wing Biscuit!"
"Yeh, he'll be up there for another five minutes at least!" yelled George.
"What is the meaning of this?" A hush fell on the crowd as Professor McGonagall stormed into the common room
"Everyone back to bed, now," said Professor Mc Gonagall, softly.
"I've never seen her this mad before." whispered Ron.
"Potter - a word, please." said Mc Gonagall.
Harry was led along several corridors and soon he came to a part of the castle he had never even seen. He didn't dare say anything. Professor McGonagall stopped outside a locked door, fumbled in her robe for the key, and gestured to Harry,
"In."
When he entered, he realised at once that he was in Professor McGonagall's office. There were photos covering the walls of famous wizards, and they all waved familiarly at her as she entered. She did not wave back.
"Harry," she began, "This will be the last time for quite a while that you are approached by a teacher, as students are getting suspicious. Do not be worried..."
"What? What is it?"
She smiled slightly, "I said not to be worried. You will not be seeing Sirius for a few days. Dumbledore thinks it is important to tell you this, in case you are ...err ...indiscreet in trying to find him again."
"Why won't I see him? Where's he going?" Harry couldn't hide the anxiety in his voice.
"That I am not permitted to tell you Potter," McGonagall said, her thin smile vanishing instantly, "He is running an errand for the headmaster."
And with that, his brief visit to Professor McGonagall's office was ended. Harry found his way back to the common room, where he was accosted by most of his house.
"What did she want?"
"What have you done now?"
Harry managed to escape upstairs to where Ron and Hermione were waiting for him.
"Well?" said Ron.
"It's about Snuffles. He's gone on some mission for Dumblebdore. Something's definitely not right. The teachers are all on edge, they're secretive and Snape's monitoring Malfoy. Lupin and Moody are back so something has happened."
"Or is going to happen." muttered Ron
"What do you mean?" said Harry
"I caught my mum and dad talking before you came over. From what I could gather they're worried about how secure Hogwarts is."
"But nothing could ever happen to anyone so long as they are inside the school grounds." said Hermione.
"Something happened to Harry last year..." interrupted Ron.
"I just don't understand it." said Harry. "Dumbledore doesn't want me to go looking for anything and normally he's quite lenient. The teachers obviously know something we don't, and then there's Malfoy, going around with a smirk on his face as if his dad's just told him something really important."
And suddenly Harry remembered their first day back at school, and what he had overheard Malfoy saying. He had completely forgotten about it until now, but hearing the words now made him shiver. Should they go and tell a teacher?
"No," he said aloud to himself, and Ron and Hermione looked at him, "No, we'll work this one out by ourselves. It concerns us, and us alone. We're not getting anyone else involved. Not like last time. Not like Cedric."
The days zoomed past and soon it came to the week before the Christmas Holidays. Harry, Ron and Hermione were certain they were the only ones in their year staying at school until they heard Snape talking to Malfoy in potions.
"Your beetle ears are well crushed. Well done Malfoy."
"Thank you, sir."
"Your father has written to me requesting you stay at school for the Christmas Holidays."
"Yes Sir. He said he couldn't let you deal with all the Gryffindors on your own."
"Tell him I'm very grateful." said Snape, who appeared to be doing some quick thinking.
"Sir." but Snape did not have time to hear this last remark, because Neville had accidentally set fire to Harry's cauldron.
"Idiot boy!" shouted Snape, "Why can you never be trusted to do anything on your own? Go to Madam Pomfrey this minute!" Neville, who didn't need telling, had already ran. Snape rounded on Harry, "And you, Potter, can have detention tonight. Come to my office this evening." The bell rung and Harry packed as quickly as possible.
After dinner, he went alone to the dungeons. Ron was going to the owlery to send a letter to Mrs Weasley, and Hermione was finishing her homework. He reached the door to Snape's office, but stopped outside it, hearing voices. He recognised that of Dumbledore's.
"Ah, Severus, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, Albus. I have just received a letter from Lucius Malfoy. He wants Draco to stay at school during the holidays."
"Ah?"
"I was thinking about Potter's safety. We all know what happened here during the summer holidays - you don't think it would be best if I refused him."
There was silence. Then Dumbledore spoke.
"I think we should give the impression to both Harry and Lucius Malfoy that everything is perfectly normal. In normal circumstances Draco would be allowed to stay, so let him. However, this does mean you keeping an extra close eye on him"
Harry heard footsteps behind him - it was the new Potions assistant. He had to knock on the door.
"Come" said Snape. Harry walked in. There was no Albus Dumbledore. Harry glanced round the room for any other door to the office, but there were none. Yet, as Hermione constantly reminded them, it was impossible to disapparate in Hogwarts. Where had Dumbledore gone?
"Are you going to stand in the doorway all evening Potter?" Said Snape irritably as always. Harry shuffled into the room.
"Professor Snape?" Came a familiar voice from the doorway behind him. Miss
Amatorres had entered briskly, "Can I talk?"
Harry, amazed, looked on as Snape visibly blushed and ushered her away. He paused on the threshold, then turned round and snarled, "Your detention will be preparing for my classes next lesson. I need the Potions classroom cleaned and cleared of all desks by tomorrow morning. Without magic. Go."
Harry resentfully watched him leave, started for the door, then stopped. He turned round, and slowly peered round the room...