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Chapter Thirteen

A Very Close Call

"Just act nature, Snuffles," York said as she walked Sirius down the busy street in Diagon Alley. Several small children would walk by saying 'doggie, doggie' or 'look at the puppy!' and Sirius did his best to act playful and nice.

York had her wand tucked up her sleeve and could, at any instant, teleport Sirius to safety where no dementor would be able to hurt him.

They entered Flourish & Blotts books shop, and York acted casually, looking around for the books she'd be needing when the term began again. Sirius grew more nervous and looked around sharply.

York pulled out the one of the teal envelopes that Mrs. Weasley had given her, and handed them to the clerk. "I'll be needing all of these listed," she said, staring around.

"Well, Mrs. Yorkshire, I'm sure we'll have everything here... lets see, A Teacher's Guide to Dark Arts 1 - 7, These won't be coming cheep madam." The clerk said, running into the back room and pulling out the books.

"These will be paid for by Professor Dumbledore, head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," York said patting Sirius lightly on the head, "If you haven't been informed though-."

"Oh, I have been madam," the clerk said, interrupting her, "But, you see, I heard that there would be a man showing up for the Defense Against Dark Art's Books."

"I am here to pick them up for him," York said reaching for the books, "You see, he is quiet busy this time of year barely will have time to get the castle before class resumes."

"Yes, Yes, I understand," the clerk said nodding his head, "Here you go."

York smiled lightly at him and picked up, while still clutching onto Sirius' leash, she nearly lost her balance when someone balanced the books into her hands.

"Thank you," York said still struggling slightly. A girl with long, bushy hair helped balanced the books for her.

"It's no problem," she said with a smile, "I'm Hermione Granger. What's your name?"

"Yorkshire," she answered sitting down on the floor, "I've heard about you from Ginny Weasley, I'm Harry Potter's governess."

Hermione smiled at her, and helped her leave the shop, "Can you make things appear in your hand?" she asked suddenly catching York off guard.

"Why yes, I can. Who told you that?" she asked, handing half the books to her so she could hold them.

"Ron," Hermione said, laughing slightly, "He sounded scared of you."

"We've... had our differences, so to speak," York said with a sigh, "I really mean no harm. Do you know about Snuffles?"

Sirius barked which showed York that she did, Hermione nodded and they headed over to an open table at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. York now began to look nervous. Her eyes moving quickly through the whole town square looking for people that might be from the Ministry.

"Hermione," York said, looking more nervous then ever, "You have to swear that you never saw me here."

She looked confused at first, "I will. Why, what's the matter?" she asked, watching York's eyes.

"Just one of those feelings you get after being dead," York said, shivering slightly.

"You're dead?!" Hermione asked. She'd read about those who had died then been give a chance at life to do something that was right.

"Yes. I've been dead for awhile now, but I'm still here because I was granted a strong wish," York said, her eyes darted more frequently around in their sockets. Like she was expecting someone to come running up with a wand in their hand.

"Why are you still here?" Hermione asked York, who was still almost shaking in nervousness.

"I have to finish something," she said calmly, "But right now, Hermione, I must leave you here. All right?"

Hermione nodded and stood up. There were some screams coming from behind her, and there stood a small hoard of Ministry members all appearing to look for someone.

The colour drained from York's face. Sirius was sitting underneath the table shivering. York knelt down and patting his head, "It'll be ok, we'll just get going," she assured him.

"Excuse me, madams," one of the Ministry members heading towards them said. She smiled politely and looked up at him. He looked almost like a police officer with dark blue robes and a badge on his chest, "Have you seen anything strange around here? Our detectors show that a wanted criminal is in this area. We've been asking around."

"There hasn't been anything strange around here," York lied, patting her nervous dog on the head, "I do hope you find whomever you're looking for."

"If you see anything please keep me informed," he said, scurrying away. York let out a breath of relief.

"That was too close!" Hermione said, looking at York with concern, "You'd better get going."

"Thank you, Hermione, but please remember; Do not tell anyone!" she warned, standing up to leave. Several Ministry members watched her strangely as she left the table walking her dog away from the crowd.

"Nothing to fear, Snuffles," York said as she hurried up her pace, "We'll have to go see Remus."

"Madam," another member of the Ministry said running up towards her, York froze and turned to smile, she was close to the exit of Diagon Alley and couldn't wait until she got there, "If you wouldn't mind madam we need to test your dog."

"Why on earth would have to do that?" York asked, trying to sound hurt.

"Standard procedure, Miss," he said pulling his wand out. Sirius darted behind York who had her own wand ready to attack.

"You will not touch my dog, he has a fear of wands since he was a pup, raised him myself since he was two years old. I'm afraid, sir, that I will not allow you to do this," she said sternly, making her point perfectly clear.

"If you don't let me test your dog then I'm afraid we will have to take you in," he said reaching for the shoulder of her robes. York bent down picked up Sirius and jumped back.

"Sir! I am not going to allow this, this dog comes from my home, the RJ cloud to be precise," she said smugly, "And as you already know, I'm here on a mission. If my mission is interrupted then I'll just have to...." York stopped, The guard lost all the colour in his face.

"Forgive me, madam, I will do you no harm," he bowed and ran away as fast as he could in the opposite direction.