NEW FRIENDS
One night as Orion journeyed through the forests of Ireland, she came across a creature that very few have ever seen. We join her in the Forest of Morgan, ironically but a few miles from the house where she was born.
"These woods get more ghostly every time I come here," Orion silently thought to herself as she made a path of her own through the dark trees that made up the forest. Up ahead there was a bright fiery light, and Orion, being the curious person that she was, decided to have a look. As she pushed the final branches away her eyes fell upon an ancient creature thought to be extinct in those parts of Ireland.
"Hello Dragon," she stated as she entered the clearing.
The creature wearily lifted its great head to look at its new company. He was a magnificent animal. His scales shimmered in the pale moonlight, and they looked as though they were made of gold. He had a short but powerful snout, and horns around his face. He was lying down on the soft ground with his great spiked tail curled up against his massive wings.
"I have never met a dragon before, such a wise and noble creature. Tell me, what do they call you?"
"They? If you are talking about beings such as yourself, you can stick to calling me Dragon," the beast said with much annoyance. "If you are speaking of magical creatures such as myself, I'm am named Artemas."
Now normally Artemas would not have even responded to such a question, but simply would have fried and eaten a nice hearty lunch. But normally humans, even witches and wizards, cannot talk to dragons, for they do not understand the ancient complicated tongue that is used among such creatures. So this new individual intrigued him, and he decided to try to hold an intelligent conversation with it.
"Ah we are destined to meet," the dragon tilted his head, "for you are a dragon. And the Latin word for dragon is Draco. Which is of the sky. My name is also of the sky." The dragon eyed her suspiciously and rather annoyed at her rambling. "I am Orion." Both creatures surveyed each other with a watchful eye long into the night. It is known that an Enigma can see a being's soul just by looking in their eyes, and a dragon can do the same. Once both were satisfied with their examinations, they fell asleep, side-by-side.
***
Thus began the lifelong friendship of Great Artemas the Dragon, and Orion Avery. They traveled together, for Artemas had never had many friends, since he was the last of his kind. Orion did not feel so lonely now that she had someone to talk to. They had many great adventures together, and they were glad for each other's company. Artemas was not her dragon, for no human can claim such a glorious beast as his own, but rather a wise old friend, and each had so much love and respect for one another that it is said they would give their lives to spare the other.
One night Orion decided to play her flute for Artemas. His eyes softened and drooped as he focused on the sky and the tune that was casting a spell on him. As he looked up, he noticed that the stars indeed danced when she played the instrument. A meteor shower was gracing the night sky. Artemas hardly noticed when the music stopped. Orion looked up into the trees, and both felt a presence among them.
"Probably just an squirrel," Artemas assured her.
"No, the feeling is stronger," Orion replied as she made her way toward the origin of her feelings. Through the thick branches she could barely make out the outline of a man--worn and beaten--dragging his torn body along the ground. The stranger crawled to a soft spot of grass and laid his head on his arm and slipped into a long, dreamless sleep.
In the morning he awoke to a beautiful breakfast of pastries and hotcakes, eggs, meat, and all sorts of delicious breakfast foods. As he ate, a woman emerged from the trees and floated toward him. She wore a pure white gown, with slits at each thigh, trimmed with gold and knee high boots. She looked like a weapons shop with all her armory stretched over her body, but she also looked oddly familiar.
"Am I dead, or jus dreamin'? Fo I have ne'er seen a creatchure o' such beauty," he said with much flattery and eggs stuffed in his mouth.
"You are exhausted, and clearly delirious. How is everything Sirius?"
"How do you know who I am?" replied a very startled Sirius Black.
"I thought everyone in the wizarding world knew who you were, though you are very hard to recognize with such time on your back. Where are you running to now?"
"I'm on my way to see my godson."
"Well you will most likely scare him to death for he will hardly recognize you too!" Orion said with a laugh. Sirius did not seem amused.
"And whom may I ask are you?"
"My name is Orion. That is all you need to know."
Sirius was becoming frustrated. "I thank you for the food, but I must be going, I can never stay too long in one place."
"Oh my dear boy, even with food in you stomach you are still tired. Come and rest, Harry Potter can wait a few more days to see his Godfather," Orion pleaded. Black's head snapped up to meet her sparkling eyes.
"How do you know Harry's my Godson?"
"I could blow your mind with how much I know about you and everything else in this world."
***
Sirius stayed for three weeks with Orion and Artemas. He too thought that the dragon was a fascinating creature, although he could not understand a word that came out of his mouth. The three of them were like a family, and acted as such with much respect and even love for each other. One night as Orion lay sleeping against Artemas's mighty chest, Black sat across from her, watching her dream. His eyes were wide open and worried. The time had passed swiftly and he was beginning to fear for his safety. The voices were gradually becoming louder, and the air seemed cooler than it had when he had first met these two wonderful beings. So the time came when Sirius decided that it was most definitely the time to continue with his journey. When they awoke he pleaded with Orion to come with him, and as she was protesting, an owl flew onto her arm, and dropped an envelope in her open hands.
My dearest Orion,
It's been so long since I have seen you, I wish to invite you back to Hogwarts as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, for once again we seek a new professor at this position. I understand if you have other plans in mind (I know you have always been busy with great adventures) but I thought I would offer this opportunity to share your stories with younger children with an appetite for such things. It would also give you a chance to meet Harry Potter, whom I believe has the potential to become a great wizard with your guidance. If you decide to join us, please send word via owl, as I will be awaiting your response. I hope to see you soon.
With much love,
Uncle Albus
"Uncle Albus?" asked a baffled Black, reading over her shoulder.
"He is my Godfather."
"Well, this is absolutely perfect! Now you can come with me and we will have a grand adventure at Hogwarts," chimed Sirius, knowing full well of Orion's thirst for 'adventures'.
"Well, I have always dreamed of going back to teach." And so the matter was settled, and Orion, Sirius, and Artemas set off for Hogwarts that very evening.
A few miles into their voyage, Sirius had a revelation.
"Why can't we just ride Artemas back to the castle? That would be much faster and safer than what we're doing here." Orion pondered the idea for a moment, and then replied, "Artemas is not mine. If you want a ride, you must ask him yourself."
"I would, but we don't understand each other," Sirius said with a nervous tone.
"You cannot understand him but I assure you he understands every word that comes out of your mouth." So Sirius walked up to Artemas, who was watching the entire scene with much amusement, and asked if he would be so kind as to keep them safe from the dangers of the forest by giving them a ride to Hogwarts.
"I think he just might wet himself," Artemas told Orion with a hearty laugh that Sirius did hear. For a man who is always so brave, it looked as though Sirius began to shake, but perhaps it was just the cold night's air.
"Yes, but you must applaud his efforts. And he has a good point old friend. It would be safer for all of us to be above the trees rather than among them," retorted Orion.
So Artemas reluctantly set himself down to allow his two weary companions climb aboard his surprisingly soft scaled back. Then in one swift motion, they were high above the forest, with only the stars to guide them. After Sirius calmed down from the initial shock of the lift off, he spoke to Orion.
"I'm glad you're coming with me. I could use a friend at Hogwarts."
"Are you planning on letting the teachers know you're there?" asked Orion, ignoring his comment.
"Perhaps a few." The conversation was over after that, for Orion had already laid her head on his shoulder and was drifting off to sleep.
When they awoke, Artemas had already landed at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Although it was a beautiful day, the woods managed to frown upon the sunlight and remained in complete darkness.
"It's about time you two woke up," Artemas said to Orion with a snort, "I've been here for half an hour and yet you sleep as if we're still in the air."
"Oh come off it Artemas. It's been a long night."
"You think you've had a long night, let's put wings on your back and see how the night goes for you," the dragon smiled.
Orion stretched and groaned as her bones and muscles began to awaken. Artemas knelt down to let the passengers off. Orion nudged Sirius, and both exited the dragon, and said their good-byes.
"I will surely miss you my dear friend," Orion said as she kissed the end of the dragon's snout.
"This isn't good-bye forever old girl," replied Artemas, "I will stay in this forest for a few weeks to keep an eye on you," he laughed, "then if you ever need me, just play that beautiful music of yours on that flute, and I will be at your side as soon as I see the stars dance." Orion gave one last effort at a hug around the dragon's enormous chest, and then waved good-bye as she and Sirius left the forest, now as a big black dog.
"Take care of her Sirius, don't ever lose her," Artemas spoke with his mind. Sirius seemed to understand this time, for he turned around and nodded in respect.
***
As they made their way up the great hill, Orion spoke to her uncle. "I am here Albus, and I have brought a surprise visitor, are you busy?" she asked.
"No dear Orion. It's good to hear your voice. I am in my office, come, see me," replied her Godfather.
Sirius gave her a funny look as she stared off into space.
"I can talk to people and animals with my mind," he looked amazed, "I can also tell a person's purity just by looking into their eyes." He lifted his head to look in her eyes. "Your heart is as pure as my Godfather's." He pushed up against her--a dog's attempt at a hug. Orion placed a hand gently on Sirius, and the grassy surroundings immediately turned into Dumbledore's office. Fawkes gave a loud call as two unexpected visitors suddenly appeared, but Albus was pleased to see them. He rose from his chair and embraced Orion as if he hadn't seen her in fifty years.
"But I haven't seen you in fifty years!" he said, with a slight chuckle, "and Sirius old boy, I am surprised but very glad to see you." Black had taken his human form after making sure the office was empty except for them, and he half smirked at Dumbledore's smile.
"It's also good to see you Albus. I normally would not come here without notifying you first, but once again I'm being hunted. I was found at my former home and I thought that this was the only safe place for me." He shuffled his feet and looked down at the floor. "I know that I'm not particularly welcome here, but--"
"Nonsense, Sirius. You are always welcome here. I'm only saddened you didn't come sooner. I'm sure Harry will be very happy to see you." Albus smiled and Black's contracted muscles relaxed.
"Where will I stay without being seen? I've come so unexpectedly." He sighed. "Perhaps this was a mistake."
"No. Surely, Uncle Albus, there is a room?" Orion pleaded.
"Of course! You have forgotten which hotel you've checked into. Ah yes, there is a room--" just then the door to Dumbledore's office sprang open, and there stood Professor Severus Snape, with his wand aimed right at Sirius. Murder was reflected in his eyes. He was just as she remembered him--tall, greasy black shoulder-length hair, and full of hatred for the world. Orion sprang into action, leaping in front of Sirius and tearing Snape's wand from his hand. Both had a look of pure madness on their faces.
"Severus please, I do believe you remember my Goddaughter, Orion Avery," stated Albus calmly.
"It's been a long time Professor Snape," remarked Orion, still shaking with anger. The Professor, on the other hand, slowly regained sanity, and with a look of immense contempt replied, "Indeed it has Miss Avery. It seems you have made a new friend since we last met."
"I have, and you will not touch him or so help me--"
"Enough. Severus, don't tease her. And Orion, there will be no abuse of your powers on these grounds while I am here," snapped Dumbledore, "Is everyone in agreement?" Snape and Orion nodded their heads in reluctant unison. "Now, to your rooms. Orion, Sirius, come with me. Severus, please return to your office, I will meet up with you there." As she swept passed Severus, he smiled a most devilish smile. Orion's eyes burned into his and she longed to set him on fire.
Albus led the two newcomers to their rooms. Orion's was on the sixth floor, and was decorated in blue and gold--the color of Ravenclaw, her old house. Sirius, because he was so unexpected--and had to be kept in hiding--was led to a secret room down the hall from Orion's. All that was in there were a shabby old hospital bed and a bench by the window.
"At least there's a window," said Orion hopefully after Dumbledore left them to get settled. Sirius had a look of great disappointment on his face. "Tell you what, let's brighten the place up a bit, shall we?" She took her hand and placed it over Black's eyes, and when she removed it, his eyes rested upon a beautiful four-post bed, deep red carpet, walls lined with books, end tables, and two handsome armchairs that rested in front of a well placed fire.
"Well, how does that suit you?"
"Very well, thank you." Sirius went to embrace her, but Orion stepped away. The man stepped back and they lapsed into a most uncomfortable moment of silence. Fortunately, it only lasted a few moments as the dinner bell rang. Orion turned to leave, but Sirius was not following.
"Aren't you coming to dinner?"
"I don't know if Dumbledore wants all the teachers to know I'm here," he replied.
"Oh come on, Snape already knows, and he's the only one you were worried about. I'm sure Albus wants the adults to know, if not the entire student body." Black's eyes grew wide. Orion laughed. "Which we have a month before term starts to decide if they should know. Aren't you starving?" Sirius nodded and with a nervous smile followed Orion to the Great Hall.