Finished another chapter, hope you enjoy it. The middle of it really
sucks, I had an awful time writing it as you all know by know I'm sure.
I'd again like to apologize for putting you all through that. I should
have made sure I knew for sure what I wanted to do before telling you all
that stuff. Sorry. For those of you who didn't catch my "Changed my mind"
author note, I'm leaving it up until next chapter. Read it if you haven't
so you can understand exactly what I'm thinking. Thank you to all who
reviewed. There are way too many different reviews for me to do review
reviews again, so there will be none this week, but the next chapter should
have them. So please review!!!!
BTW, many of you told me to end the story crappy if I don't finish it, well...that's not going to happen. I'm either going to finish it with the absolute best ending I can, or I'm not ending it at all. As of now I'm going with the former, that's the first for those of you who don't know. Anyway...ENJOY : )
Dumbledore stood in front of the great hall, every student present was enraptured with his speech. Harry and his friends in particular.
"Very serious things have happened today, and I do not intend to keep a single word of it from you all. First, I shall explain what happened with the train today, as those of you who were there don't even know the full extent of what happened."
All the students who had ridden the train swallowed hard and looked fearfully at the headmaster as he continued.
"You should all know first and foremost that Voldemort has risen again. I know some of you and your parents refuse to believe this point, but I assure you it is the truth. And he is the person responsible for the ordeal you have all been through today. Lord Voldemort sent deatheaters who have returned to his side, to attack the train. However, what he didn't know that the train had special wards on it that protected each and every one of you. You were never in immediate danger, I assure you. However, when the deatheater's approached the train had to stop, its part of the protection ward. It's easier for the deatheaters to break into the train while its in movement."
The whole room looked terrified. Some of the younger kids had tears of pure terror in their eyes.
Dumbledore continued, "The professors and I stunned all of the deatheaters who were encircling the train and from there took you all via portkey, as I'm sure you all remember. Now, many of you don't know that something else has happened today, right here in Hogsmead. There was a deatheater attack here as well."
Gasps were heard throughout the room, but Hermione shushed them loudly and turned her attention back to Dumbledore.
"I'm sure you've all been wondering who you're new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher will be. Well, I don't know myself at this point. The man I had hired, Mr. Nelson Pringle was murdered today behind Honeydukes, as were the owners of Honeydukes." Here Dumbledore paused, waiting for the reaction.
Some students began to cry, many had been on a personal relationship with the owners of Honeydukes. Harry, Hermione and Ron all looked shocked. They had seen their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher's murder, but they had no idea that there had been more than one. Dumbledore waited patiently for the students to calm down so he could continue.
"I hope this is a wake up call to all of you that the Dark Lord has risen and that you will follow my rules. I can assure the safety of all of you, but only if you follow directions. This year, all Hogsmead weekends are called off, it will not be safe to have students wondering around the streets where such a tragedy has already happened. If for some reason you feel it necessary to make a trip down there, ask a teacher and you shall be escorted there. Some of you, over the years, have found secret passages out of this school, those passages have all been sealed off, so don't even bother trying to utilize them," he said this looking pointedly at Fred and George Weasley, though that wasn't necessary. Harry noticed that they looked more serious at that moment than they had ever looked since Harry had known them. Dumbledore continued his speech as he saw this as well. "School will otherwise go on as it regularly would. Are there any questions?"
A girl from the Hufflepuff table stood and raised her hand. "Yes Miss Cohen?"
"I was wondering...are you...are you sure Lord...He-who-must-not-be-named can't-can't attack here?"
Dumbledore smiled kindly at the girl and replied, "The wards here are quite strong, Miss Cohen, I assure you. Though, it is possible for Voldemort to come here, it is extremely unlikely. Trying would take all the energy he has out of him, and he wouldn't be able to cause much harm in such a state. I wouldn't worry about an attack here, and would like to add that fear of a name only increases fear of a person."
Harry smiled slightly remembering when Dumbledore had said the exact same words to him. Hermione then stood, raising her own hand.
"Yes, Miss Granger."
"Since our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher...er...passed away, who will be teaching us?"
"An excellent question, and one that I, myself am unsure of the answer to. Until I find a suitable replacement, you will all have a free period during the time you would usually have Defense Against the Dark Arts. However, considering the times I will still be sure that your other teachers will incorporate some defense lessons into there own."
Hermione nodded and sat back down. She looked at Harry, who shrugged in return. Ron was zoning out. Other kids asked questions, but none of them were really relevant to the trio, they knew more about what was going on than some of the teachers. They sat tiredly through the sorting hats song and the sorting ceremony and then hurriedly ate there late dinner. It was nearly 9:30 when they began the meal. Afterwards the school began to exit the room and head up to the dorms. Hermione and Harry followed, but Ron took off in the direction of the hospital wing instead.
When they reached the common room, Harry turned to Hermione and said, "What a day huh?"
"Tell me about it. I can't believe all this is happening."
"No Hogsmead weekends...that's not good. And all secret passages sealed up..." Harry sadly shook his head.
Hermione looked indignant, "Is that all you're worried about Harry? Someone died today, Ginny could have too. And all you're worried about is not being able to go to Hogsmead?"
Harry looked at her sharply, "No, that's not it...it's just really nothing new to me Hermione. You've seen how my summer has been, this just goes right along with it...only this time it's taking some more away. I know what we're in for."
Hermione looked apologetic for her little outburst but didn't mention it, instead she changed the subject. "I wonder who the new professor will be."
"I don't know...I just hope he doesn't want to kill me, Remus was the only one who cared, I just hope he can be as good as Remus before I knew he was a friend of my parents, just a nice guy teacher."
"Me too, and I hope he gives us lots of homework so we'll be plenty prepared for the OWL's."
Harry rolled his eyes and smirked, "I'm going to bed, see you in the morning."
"Good night," Hermione called as Harry headed for the boys staircase.
When Harry arrived in his room he found Neville, Dean and Seamus sitting around discussing there peaceful summers. They asked if he wanted to join the conversation, but he told them he was too tired. Rather, he shut the curtains around his bed and wrote a note to Sirius.
Sirius,
I know it's a bit soon to be writing, but I thought I should tell you everything I've learned so far about what happened today, in case Dumbledore didn't tell you everything. The train was delayed because deatheaters were trying to attack it. Thanks for making me go with you, I did not need to deal with that. Also, the guy who was murdered was our new defense against the darks arts teacher, something Pringle, did you know him? Dumbledore doesn't have any replacements yet, I wonder who it's going to be. Also, Dumbledore told us that the people who owned Honeydukes were also murdered. I can't believe all this is happening. You'll be happy to know that Dumbledore has cancelled all Hogsmead weekends and sealed the secret passages, like you said he would. I'm not exactly happy about this, but I understand. It's for the best, right? Anyway, I miss you already, it's only been like five hours, but, what can I say. Hogwarts just isn't the same now that I have a place I'd rather be. Please write back with anymore information you might have received, and take care of yourself.
Love, Harry
Harry then grabbed his invisibility cloak and swept up to the owlery. He quickly found Hedwig and sent her to Sirius. On his way back he heard footsteps and tucked himself behind a wall. He waited until the person passed him, afraid it may be a teacher. He sighed in relief when he saw it was Ron. Harry took the invisibility cloak off his head and Ron nearly jumped out of his shoes.
"Bloody Hell Harry! What in Merlin's name did you think you were doing?"
"Sorry Ron...I just sent a letter to Sirius, and then saw you. Thought I'd walk to the dorms with you. Are you okay?"
Ron shrugged, "Better than earlier...I just feel so responsible...for all this stuff."
"I know the feeling," Harry said dryly. "Hurry up and get under here so we can get back without getting into trouble."
Ron nodded and slipped under the cloak. Even though it was just the two of them it was hard to keep the cloak around them. Both of the boys had grown a lot over the summer break. They quietly swept to their dorm and each went to their own beds. All the other boys were fast asleep, and soon Ron and Harry were as well.
The next day the boys were up and ready for a full day of classes. They met Hermione in the common room and then went to breakfast all together. When they arrived in the Great Hall, they found Ginny, sitting and talking animatedly with several girls from her own year. Ron smiled earnestly at the sight of his sister acting perfectly normal despite her ordeal. The three went and sat a few seats down from her.
When the mail came Harry watched earnestly for Hedwig, but didn't see her. He knew it was stupid to think that Sirius would have replied already, but he had thought it possible.
"You expecting a letter?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Sort of..." Harry said, his face falling slightly, though Ron and Hermione across from him were grinning widely. "What?"
Harry nearly jumped out of his seat when a voice close behind him said, "God, Harry, I didn't expect you to miss me that much."
Harry whirled around to see Sirius dressed in wizard robes standing behind him grinning like mad.
"Sirius! What-what are you doing here? I expected a letter....not you!"
"I got your letter...but I got one from Dumbledore first...he told me pretty much the same as you...but I liked yours better," Sirius said this jokingly, and successfully managed to make Harry blush.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well...it seems that this school is currently lacking a defense against the dark arts teacher."
"Yeah," Harry said quickly, but trying not to get his hopes up.
"Well...Dumbledore thought maybe...I'd like to take the position."
Harry started smiling like crazy and bit his lip waiting for Sirius to continue.
"It all comes down to you really, Harry. Would you mind having me for a teacher?"
"Are you kidding?! That would be awesome Sirius! Take the job, take it!"
Sirius laughed at his exuberance. "Okay, you're going to have to call me Mr. Black though."
"Sirius, I think I can handle that. As long as you don't make me over the holidays."
Sirius smiled at his godson and said, "I guess I better go talk to Dumbledore then."
Harry grinned and watched Sirius walk away. "Can you believe this?" He asked the others. They both shook their heads shocked. They all knew it was going to be a very different year. Happily, the three went back to their meals and received their schedules.
"We have Defense Against the Dark Arts today!" Hermione said excitedly.
"Do you think Sirius will be ready today?" Ron asked.
"I don't know, but I think it will be fun anyway."
The others just shrugged and looked up as Dumbledore again stood at the head table.
"Attention please! As you all know I've been looking for a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Well, I have found someone willing to fill the position. I'm sure you all won't like the idea to begin with, but I trust in time you will all come to love your new professor. So, without further ado I would like to introduce Professor Sirius Black!"
Sirius stepped out and Harry, Ron and Hermione clapped like mad but soon realized no one else was clapping. The entire body was gaping at Dumbledore and Sirius, the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Sirius looked very uncomfortable, though Dumbledore seemed to expect the reaction. At the head table, all the teachers looked nervous as well, and Snape, well Snape just look ripped.
"Some of you may not know, but this summer Mr. Black had a trial. He never committed the heinous crimes he was accused of. He is a very kind, gentle man, none of you have anything to worry about. Sirius has had a rough life because of the false accusations, so both he and I would appreciate it if you would ignore all past references to the name Sirius Black, and see him only as your teacher. Now, please stop gaping at Sirius like he's a dementor and give him a round of applause for filling this position on such a short notice."
Most of the students clapped, but various students at the Slytherin table didn't raise a finger. Sirius smiled at the crowd and seemed to loosen up a bit.
"This, of course means that you will be attending Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, so you can forget my previous comment about that. I'm sure you won't be having a real lesson today, but you will report to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom anyhow. Classes will be starting soon, so I suggest you all get on your way. I wish you all luck on this, your first day of classes this term!"
Dumbledore then left the room, Sirius following close behind. Breakfast was over by that time, and there was a mad rush to get out of the great hall and to there first classes that term.
Gryffindor fifth years had transfiguration first, which went pretty much the way they had expected it to. Professor McGonagall hadn't changed a bit. She was just as stern as ever, if not more so. She gave them lots of homework and sent them along to there next class, Care of Magical Creatures.
Harry was excited for this one. He figured the class would be pretty much the same as it had been the previous two years, but he was excited nonetheless. The class was in fact much better than it had been the previously, they studied creatures similar to gnomes called flomes. These caught fire when they were threatened, so they were much harder to get rid of then normal garden gnomes. The ones Hagrid had, however, were old friends of his, so they were willing to cooperate and not burn anybody. A good thing too, because Care of Magical Creatures was once again held with the Slytherin's. Hagrid let them all go without any homework at all and they went to lunch.
When they arrived in the great hall and had piled there plates with food, Harry looked up at the teachers table and saw Sirius talking animatedly with Professor McGonagall. Harry smiled to himself, remembering what she had once heard her say about Sirius and now seeing them talking like old friends. Sirius noticed Harry looking at him and waved down, smiling broadly. Harry waved back and turned back to his own lunch. For a while they sat discussing the upcoming OWL's thanks to Hermione, but Ron eventually got the conversation to more important matters, quidditch. This brought Fred and George over, as well as Alicia Spinnett.
"Wood's long gone, we need a keeper and a captain," Alicia stated vigorously.
"We haven't had a team since two years ago and we only need to fill one position? That's crazy," George replied. Alicia and Fred nodded.
"I think we should wait until we have the whole team together before we make any decisions. I say we have a team meeting tonight at 8:00 in the common room. I'll tell the other girls," Alicia replied leaving the table.
"Think she wants captain?" Fred asked.
George and Harry both nodded. "Definitely."
Fred gave George a secretive look, and said, "Maybe, but maybe not."
George nodded and looked pointedly at Harry, who looked completely clueless as to why. Fred and George shrugged and walked away.
Hermione looked up at the teachers table and saw that many were leaving, "I think lunch is over guys, we should get to Defense Against the Dark Arts."
The others nodded and got up from the table and walked out of the great hall up to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Sirius and a few other students were already there when they arrived. It looked as though they were going to be sharing the time space with the Hufflepuff's this year. Harry wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
Sirius beamed at the three of them when they entered the classroom and watched them all sit down. Harry laughed at how nervous Sirius looked, he knew he'd do great. Sirius was so much of a kid himself, he'd have no problem relating to his students. Soon the rest of the class filed in and sat down and Sirius took his place in the front of the room.
"Hi, I'm Professor Black, I'll be your teacher this year, and who knows, maybe next year as well. Since I was asked to take this job at such short notice, I'm highly unprepared for classes. So for today, I'm just going to let you all just ask questions. I'm sure all but a few of you are a bit curious about me, maybe even a little scared, and I want to make sure that by the end of the day everyone believes and understands that I have never killed anyone, nor do I intend to anytime soon. So...are there any questions?"
Absolute silence for a while then Seamus Finnigan raised his hands. "If you didn't kill those muggles...who did?"
Sirius sighed, "That is a long story Mr. Finnigan, but if you wish I will tell you. Back during Voldemort's first reign of terror I had four awesome friends, or so I thought. They were James and Lily Potter, better known to you as Harry's parents, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Voldemort, as you all know was after the Potters. What many of you don't know is that the Potter's knew this." Sirius paused and glanced at Harry to make sure it was alright to tell them this. Harry nodded and gave him a small smile.
Sirius continued, "So the Potter's went into hiding, and had to get a secret keeper. Do you all know what a secret keeper is."
Everyone nodded, but no one said a word, they were enraptured by the speech.
"Well, I was the most logical choice for the secret keeper, as I was the closest friend they had, but I figured Voldemort would know I'd be the secret keeper, so I told James and Lily that Peter should do it. They trusted my decision. Little did any of us know that little Peter had for a long time been working for Voldemort, within a day he had told Voldemort exactly where the Potter's, his friends, were hiding. The rest is history."
The kids all sat staring open mouthed at the tale Sirius had told, but Seamus again raised his hand, "But what about the muggles?"
"I'm getting there. After I found out what Peter had done, I was in a mad fury. I went directly after Peter, and found him in a crowded street. My goal then was to kill Peter, but I never got the chance. Peter Pettigrew fooled a lot of people, and killed thirteen muggles that day. You see, as I was about to send a spell at Peter, he cut his finger off, sent an explosion through the street and transformed into his animagus form, a rat."
Again, the students stared wide-eyed at him. "Wow," a few students murmured.
"So, Peter framed you? That's why you were sent to Azkaban?"
Sirius nodded grimly. "Most of you don't know this, but the ministry doesn't have a very good criminal justice system. Though, I must admit Peter did a good job making it look like I was the murderer. There were many reports from muggles that I was in fact the murderer of all those people. Pete was always quite the manipulator."
"What was Azkaban like?"
"Azkaban's the worst place you can imagine. It's worse than the stories you here. You really can't know the extent of it unless you go there, and I suggest none of you do. It haunts you."
Sirius again looked at Harry and saw that he was looking a little upset.
"Does anyone have any happier questions?"
Not a single person raised their hands. Hermione noticed the grim look on Harry's face as well and decided to ask a question she pretty much already knew the answer to. "What was Hogwarts like when you were a kid?"
Sirius grinned at Hermione thankfully and replied, "The years I had at Hogwarts were the best years of my life. I had some of the same teachers that you all have, namely Professor McGonagall, and let me tell you, she hasn't changed a bit. I thought she'd have lightened up in her old age, but no, she's the same teacher who gave me at least two detentions a week."
The class all laughed at this, including Harry.
"I don't know if you know this, but Professor Snape and I were in the same year at Hogwarts. I was a Gryffindor, and he was and still is a Slytherin. The four of us, we used to play pranks on Snape all the time, made him dance, sing, changed his hair color. We were the Weasley twins times ten, if you can imagine that. Those were the days," Sirius added sadly.
"But, times almost up, is anyone still afraid of me?"
Everyone shook their heads and some actually said no.
Sirius beamed at the group and said, "Good, class dismissed."
Sirius went back and sat at his desk. Harry gathered his books along with his friends and then told them to go on without him, that he'd be out in a few minutes. They left him and he approached Sirius's desk.
"So, how'd I do?"
"Awesome Sirius, I think you'll do a great job teaching."
"It's actually pretty fun standing up there, having all of them looking at me, respecting me."
Harry grinned at him, seeing how happy it made Sirius to be there.
"Was it okay to tell what I did? Did I say too much?"
"No, it was fine. They needed to know, now there won't be any false pretenses about you."
"False pretenses, huh? Is this Harry in school mode? All intellectual?"
"Shut up," Harry said smiling slightly embarrassed.
"Ten house points for telling a professor to shut up."
Harry was speechless.
"Only joking. But you better move along to your next class or you're going to be late."
Harry nodded.
"Is it okay if I tell the story some more?"
Harry again nodded and then waved as he walked to the door of the classroom, Sirius waved back and then put his feet on the desk and looked around at the classroom that was now his. Sirius definitely liked being Professor Black.
The rest of both Harry and Sirius's days had gone by very quickly. Harry had sat through a period of Divination where his death was predicted a record 7 times, but still it seemed to go by fast. Soon, they were again in the great hall, this time for dinner. Everyone was talking animatedly and Harry heard a few excited voices talking about Professor Black. A few girls were even talking about how good looking he was. Harry couldn't help but laugh at this, but then wondered if Hermione or Ginny felt the same way. They had all gotten to know Sirius on a much more personal basis.
When dinner was almost over, Sirius approached Harry and the others. "Harry, I want to talk to you for a while after dinner, okay? Meet me in the entrance way."
"Okay, Sirius."
"Uh-"
"Professor Black," Harry muttered.
"That's better," Sirius joked and slapped Harry lightly on the back before heading out of the room. Harry finished eating quickly and then went to join Sirius.
"Walk with me, Harry, and remember where we're going." Sirius said, as he began to climb the stairs and then head in a direction Harry had never been before.
"How was your day Harry?"
"Good, the best part was Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Sirius grinned and threw his arm over Harry's shoulders.
"How about everything else?"
"Professor Trelawney predicted my death seven times today, that's a record for her. Her previous record was five in one day. My other classes went well, though McGonagall gave us tons of homework. It's the first day!"
"Mr. Potter, it is necessary to get started on such things as soon as possible!" Harry swiveled around and saw Professor McGonagall walking close behind them, an indignant look upon her face.
"Sorry Professor, I'm sure it was very necessary."
"Yes, very necessary it was," she said sternly and then turned to Sirius, "And what Mr. Black are you doing with Mr. Potter down here?"
"I'm showing him where my quarters are so he can come and get me if he needs me."
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"Very wise, yes," Sirius said firmly. McGonagall obviously didn't agree, but let is slide and went through a door on the right.
"Hasn't changed a bit," Sirius mumbled and Harry grinned at him. "This way," Sirius said pointing towards a door on the left, a few down from McGonagall's. When they reached the door Sirius pushed it open and allowed Harry to enter first. Harry was immediately greeted with a friendly bark.
"J!" he yelled happily and knelt down to rub the dogs head. J was the nickname the dog had been given over the month since Harry had gotten him. James was just not a dog name.
"I thought you'd miss him."
"Yeah, he was a good pillow."
"Come sit down," Sirius said pointing into a small living room. The whole place was like a little apartment, complete with a small kitchen. Harry made himself comfortable on a couch and J jumped up and sat beside him, so that Harry could scratch his ears in just the right place. Sirius sat across from him and his face turned serious.
"Harry, I don't think this year is going to go very well. I just have a bad feeling. Danger is going to be lurking in every corner. I want you to be really careful. If you ever get scared, or something just doesn't feel right, come straight here and tell me. I don't care what time it is. And if I'm a sleep, and you really need me, don't hesitate to use ice water, I'll survive it."
Harry laughed lightly but saw how serious Sirius was (God I hate having to use the word serious in respect to Sirius). Harry changed his laugh to a nod.
"Good," Sirius said.
"So how was the rest of your day, Sirius?"
"It was fun, I like being the teacher now, it's almost as fun as annoying the teachers, but not quite. I'm afraid my days doing that are over, however."
Harry smiled. "Did you teach any of the Slytherin's today?"
Sirius rolled his eyes and nodded. "They didn't believe me! Dumb gits, a lot of them know a lot about Pettigrew, and they don't think that Voldemort would trust a 'git like that'."
Harry shook his head with a small smile.
"That Malfoy kid's awful though. From what I've seen, he's your Snape."
Harry nodded. "Yes, I've been blessed with him and the real thing. Why though, did he say anything about me?"
Sirius hesitated, then nodded.
"What did he say?"
"He just asked how, 'That pansy Potter managed to survive the killing curse.'"
Harry looked annoyed but shrugged it off. He had hoped that Malfoy only did that kind of thing to his face, not when he wasn't even around.
"I immediately corrected him on the pansy thing and told him what happened. The truth really shut him up. I don't think his parents ever loved him at all. Consider yourself lucky Harry. Even though you don't remember, you were very loved."
"I know," Harry said quietly.
"So, has there been any talk of quidditch yet?" Sirius said changing the subject to raise Harry's mood.
It worked, Harry immediately perked up and said, "Yeah, we're supposed to have a team meeting tonight at...oh my God what time is it?"
"8:15."
"Great, I'm late! There going to kill me, I have to go!"
Sirius stood up and led Harry to the door. "Have fun Harry, I'll see you in the morning."
"Night Sirius," Harry said, hugging him.
"Night Harry."
"Bye J," Harry said quickly rubbing the dogs head before rushing out the door.
Sirius shut the door after watching Harry run down the corridor.
"Harry's in for a big surprise," he said to the dog, who barked in response
How was that? Once I got through to a certain point, it just started to flow again, I hope I can keep it up! Wish me luck and review!
BTW, many of you told me to end the story crappy if I don't finish it, well...that's not going to happen. I'm either going to finish it with the absolute best ending I can, or I'm not ending it at all. As of now I'm going with the former, that's the first for those of you who don't know. Anyway...ENJOY : )
Dumbledore stood in front of the great hall, every student present was enraptured with his speech. Harry and his friends in particular.
"Very serious things have happened today, and I do not intend to keep a single word of it from you all. First, I shall explain what happened with the train today, as those of you who were there don't even know the full extent of what happened."
All the students who had ridden the train swallowed hard and looked fearfully at the headmaster as he continued.
"You should all know first and foremost that Voldemort has risen again. I know some of you and your parents refuse to believe this point, but I assure you it is the truth. And he is the person responsible for the ordeal you have all been through today. Lord Voldemort sent deatheaters who have returned to his side, to attack the train. However, what he didn't know that the train had special wards on it that protected each and every one of you. You were never in immediate danger, I assure you. However, when the deatheater's approached the train had to stop, its part of the protection ward. It's easier for the deatheaters to break into the train while its in movement."
The whole room looked terrified. Some of the younger kids had tears of pure terror in their eyes.
Dumbledore continued, "The professors and I stunned all of the deatheaters who were encircling the train and from there took you all via portkey, as I'm sure you all remember. Now, many of you don't know that something else has happened today, right here in Hogsmead. There was a deatheater attack here as well."
Gasps were heard throughout the room, but Hermione shushed them loudly and turned her attention back to Dumbledore.
"I'm sure you've all been wondering who you're new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher will be. Well, I don't know myself at this point. The man I had hired, Mr. Nelson Pringle was murdered today behind Honeydukes, as were the owners of Honeydukes." Here Dumbledore paused, waiting for the reaction.
Some students began to cry, many had been on a personal relationship with the owners of Honeydukes. Harry, Hermione and Ron all looked shocked. They had seen their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher's murder, but they had no idea that there had been more than one. Dumbledore waited patiently for the students to calm down so he could continue.
"I hope this is a wake up call to all of you that the Dark Lord has risen and that you will follow my rules. I can assure the safety of all of you, but only if you follow directions. This year, all Hogsmead weekends are called off, it will not be safe to have students wondering around the streets where such a tragedy has already happened. If for some reason you feel it necessary to make a trip down there, ask a teacher and you shall be escorted there. Some of you, over the years, have found secret passages out of this school, those passages have all been sealed off, so don't even bother trying to utilize them," he said this looking pointedly at Fred and George Weasley, though that wasn't necessary. Harry noticed that they looked more serious at that moment than they had ever looked since Harry had known them. Dumbledore continued his speech as he saw this as well. "School will otherwise go on as it regularly would. Are there any questions?"
A girl from the Hufflepuff table stood and raised her hand. "Yes Miss Cohen?"
"I was wondering...are you...are you sure Lord...He-who-must-not-be-named can't-can't attack here?"
Dumbledore smiled kindly at the girl and replied, "The wards here are quite strong, Miss Cohen, I assure you. Though, it is possible for Voldemort to come here, it is extremely unlikely. Trying would take all the energy he has out of him, and he wouldn't be able to cause much harm in such a state. I wouldn't worry about an attack here, and would like to add that fear of a name only increases fear of a person."
Harry smiled slightly remembering when Dumbledore had said the exact same words to him. Hermione then stood, raising her own hand.
"Yes, Miss Granger."
"Since our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher...er...passed away, who will be teaching us?"
"An excellent question, and one that I, myself am unsure of the answer to. Until I find a suitable replacement, you will all have a free period during the time you would usually have Defense Against the Dark Arts. However, considering the times I will still be sure that your other teachers will incorporate some defense lessons into there own."
Hermione nodded and sat back down. She looked at Harry, who shrugged in return. Ron was zoning out. Other kids asked questions, but none of them were really relevant to the trio, they knew more about what was going on than some of the teachers. They sat tiredly through the sorting hats song and the sorting ceremony and then hurriedly ate there late dinner. It was nearly 9:30 when they began the meal. Afterwards the school began to exit the room and head up to the dorms. Hermione and Harry followed, but Ron took off in the direction of the hospital wing instead.
When they reached the common room, Harry turned to Hermione and said, "What a day huh?"
"Tell me about it. I can't believe all this is happening."
"No Hogsmead weekends...that's not good. And all secret passages sealed up..." Harry sadly shook his head.
Hermione looked indignant, "Is that all you're worried about Harry? Someone died today, Ginny could have too. And all you're worried about is not being able to go to Hogsmead?"
Harry looked at her sharply, "No, that's not it...it's just really nothing new to me Hermione. You've seen how my summer has been, this just goes right along with it...only this time it's taking some more away. I know what we're in for."
Hermione looked apologetic for her little outburst but didn't mention it, instead she changed the subject. "I wonder who the new professor will be."
"I don't know...I just hope he doesn't want to kill me, Remus was the only one who cared, I just hope he can be as good as Remus before I knew he was a friend of my parents, just a nice guy teacher."
"Me too, and I hope he gives us lots of homework so we'll be plenty prepared for the OWL's."
Harry rolled his eyes and smirked, "I'm going to bed, see you in the morning."
"Good night," Hermione called as Harry headed for the boys staircase.
When Harry arrived in his room he found Neville, Dean and Seamus sitting around discussing there peaceful summers. They asked if he wanted to join the conversation, but he told them he was too tired. Rather, he shut the curtains around his bed and wrote a note to Sirius.
Sirius,
I know it's a bit soon to be writing, but I thought I should tell you everything I've learned so far about what happened today, in case Dumbledore didn't tell you everything. The train was delayed because deatheaters were trying to attack it. Thanks for making me go with you, I did not need to deal with that. Also, the guy who was murdered was our new defense against the darks arts teacher, something Pringle, did you know him? Dumbledore doesn't have any replacements yet, I wonder who it's going to be. Also, Dumbledore told us that the people who owned Honeydukes were also murdered. I can't believe all this is happening. You'll be happy to know that Dumbledore has cancelled all Hogsmead weekends and sealed the secret passages, like you said he would. I'm not exactly happy about this, but I understand. It's for the best, right? Anyway, I miss you already, it's only been like five hours, but, what can I say. Hogwarts just isn't the same now that I have a place I'd rather be. Please write back with anymore information you might have received, and take care of yourself.
Love, Harry
Harry then grabbed his invisibility cloak and swept up to the owlery. He quickly found Hedwig and sent her to Sirius. On his way back he heard footsteps and tucked himself behind a wall. He waited until the person passed him, afraid it may be a teacher. He sighed in relief when he saw it was Ron. Harry took the invisibility cloak off his head and Ron nearly jumped out of his shoes.
"Bloody Hell Harry! What in Merlin's name did you think you were doing?"
"Sorry Ron...I just sent a letter to Sirius, and then saw you. Thought I'd walk to the dorms with you. Are you okay?"
Ron shrugged, "Better than earlier...I just feel so responsible...for all this stuff."
"I know the feeling," Harry said dryly. "Hurry up and get under here so we can get back without getting into trouble."
Ron nodded and slipped under the cloak. Even though it was just the two of them it was hard to keep the cloak around them. Both of the boys had grown a lot over the summer break. They quietly swept to their dorm and each went to their own beds. All the other boys were fast asleep, and soon Ron and Harry were as well.
The next day the boys were up and ready for a full day of classes. They met Hermione in the common room and then went to breakfast all together. When they arrived in the Great Hall, they found Ginny, sitting and talking animatedly with several girls from her own year. Ron smiled earnestly at the sight of his sister acting perfectly normal despite her ordeal. The three went and sat a few seats down from her.
When the mail came Harry watched earnestly for Hedwig, but didn't see her. He knew it was stupid to think that Sirius would have replied already, but he had thought it possible.
"You expecting a letter?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Sort of..." Harry said, his face falling slightly, though Ron and Hermione across from him were grinning widely. "What?"
Harry nearly jumped out of his seat when a voice close behind him said, "God, Harry, I didn't expect you to miss me that much."
Harry whirled around to see Sirius dressed in wizard robes standing behind him grinning like mad.
"Sirius! What-what are you doing here? I expected a letter....not you!"
"I got your letter...but I got one from Dumbledore first...he told me pretty much the same as you...but I liked yours better," Sirius said this jokingly, and successfully managed to make Harry blush.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well...it seems that this school is currently lacking a defense against the dark arts teacher."
"Yeah," Harry said quickly, but trying not to get his hopes up.
"Well...Dumbledore thought maybe...I'd like to take the position."
Harry started smiling like crazy and bit his lip waiting for Sirius to continue.
"It all comes down to you really, Harry. Would you mind having me for a teacher?"
"Are you kidding?! That would be awesome Sirius! Take the job, take it!"
Sirius laughed at his exuberance. "Okay, you're going to have to call me Mr. Black though."
"Sirius, I think I can handle that. As long as you don't make me over the holidays."
Sirius smiled at his godson and said, "I guess I better go talk to Dumbledore then."
Harry grinned and watched Sirius walk away. "Can you believe this?" He asked the others. They both shook their heads shocked. They all knew it was going to be a very different year. Happily, the three went back to their meals and received their schedules.
"We have Defense Against the Dark Arts today!" Hermione said excitedly.
"Do you think Sirius will be ready today?" Ron asked.
"I don't know, but I think it will be fun anyway."
The others just shrugged and looked up as Dumbledore again stood at the head table.
"Attention please! As you all know I've been looking for a new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Well, I have found someone willing to fill the position. I'm sure you all won't like the idea to begin with, but I trust in time you will all come to love your new professor. So, without further ado I would like to introduce Professor Sirius Black!"
Sirius stepped out and Harry, Ron and Hermione clapped like mad but soon realized no one else was clapping. The entire body was gaping at Dumbledore and Sirius, the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Sirius looked very uncomfortable, though Dumbledore seemed to expect the reaction. At the head table, all the teachers looked nervous as well, and Snape, well Snape just look ripped.
"Some of you may not know, but this summer Mr. Black had a trial. He never committed the heinous crimes he was accused of. He is a very kind, gentle man, none of you have anything to worry about. Sirius has had a rough life because of the false accusations, so both he and I would appreciate it if you would ignore all past references to the name Sirius Black, and see him only as your teacher. Now, please stop gaping at Sirius like he's a dementor and give him a round of applause for filling this position on such a short notice."
Most of the students clapped, but various students at the Slytherin table didn't raise a finger. Sirius smiled at the crowd and seemed to loosen up a bit.
"This, of course means that you will be attending Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, so you can forget my previous comment about that. I'm sure you won't be having a real lesson today, but you will report to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom anyhow. Classes will be starting soon, so I suggest you all get on your way. I wish you all luck on this, your first day of classes this term!"
Dumbledore then left the room, Sirius following close behind. Breakfast was over by that time, and there was a mad rush to get out of the great hall and to there first classes that term.
Gryffindor fifth years had transfiguration first, which went pretty much the way they had expected it to. Professor McGonagall hadn't changed a bit. She was just as stern as ever, if not more so. She gave them lots of homework and sent them along to there next class, Care of Magical Creatures.
Harry was excited for this one. He figured the class would be pretty much the same as it had been the previous two years, but he was excited nonetheless. The class was in fact much better than it had been the previously, they studied creatures similar to gnomes called flomes. These caught fire when they were threatened, so they were much harder to get rid of then normal garden gnomes. The ones Hagrid had, however, were old friends of his, so they were willing to cooperate and not burn anybody. A good thing too, because Care of Magical Creatures was once again held with the Slytherin's. Hagrid let them all go without any homework at all and they went to lunch.
When they arrived in the great hall and had piled there plates with food, Harry looked up at the teachers table and saw Sirius talking animatedly with Professor McGonagall. Harry smiled to himself, remembering what she had once heard her say about Sirius and now seeing them talking like old friends. Sirius noticed Harry looking at him and waved down, smiling broadly. Harry waved back and turned back to his own lunch. For a while they sat discussing the upcoming OWL's thanks to Hermione, but Ron eventually got the conversation to more important matters, quidditch. This brought Fred and George over, as well as Alicia Spinnett.
"Wood's long gone, we need a keeper and a captain," Alicia stated vigorously.
"We haven't had a team since two years ago and we only need to fill one position? That's crazy," George replied. Alicia and Fred nodded.
"I think we should wait until we have the whole team together before we make any decisions. I say we have a team meeting tonight at 8:00 in the common room. I'll tell the other girls," Alicia replied leaving the table.
"Think she wants captain?" Fred asked.
George and Harry both nodded. "Definitely."
Fred gave George a secretive look, and said, "Maybe, but maybe not."
George nodded and looked pointedly at Harry, who looked completely clueless as to why. Fred and George shrugged and walked away.
Hermione looked up at the teachers table and saw that many were leaving, "I think lunch is over guys, we should get to Defense Against the Dark Arts."
The others nodded and got up from the table and walked out of the great hall up to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Sirius and a few other students were already there when they arrived. It looked as though they were going to be sharing the time space with the Hufflepuff's this year. Harry wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
Sirius beamed at the three of them when they entered the classroom and watched them all sit down. Harry laughed at how nervous Sirius looked, he knew he'd do great. Sirius was so much of a kid himself, he'd have no problem relating to his students. Soon the rest of the class filed in and sat down and Sirius took his place in the front of the room.
"Hi, I'm Professor Black, I'll be your teacher this year, and who knows, maybe next year as well. Since I was asked to take this job at such short notice, I'm highly unprepared for classes. So for today, I'm just going to let you all just ask questions. I'm sure all but a few of you are a bit curious about me, maybe even a little scared, and I want to make sure that by the end of the day everyone believes and understands that I have never killed anyone, nor do I intend to anytime soon. So...are there any questions?"
Absolute silence for a while then Seamus Finnigan raised his hands. "If you didn't kill those muggles...who did?"
Sirius sighed, "That is a long story Mr. Finnigan, but if you wish I will tell you. Back during Voldemort's first reign of terror I had four awesome friends, or so I thought. They were James and Lily Potter, better known to you as Harry's parents, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Voldemort, as you all know was after the Potters. What many of you don't know is that the Potter's knew this." Sirius paused and glanced at Harry to make sure it was alright to tell them this. Harry nodded and gave him a small smile.
Sirius continued, "So the Potter's went into hiding, and had to get a secret keeper. Do you all know what a secret keeper is."
Everyone nodded, but no one said a word, they were enraptured by the speech.
"Well, I was the most logical choice for the secret keeper, as I was the closest friend they had, but I figured Voldemort would know I'd be the secret keeper, so I told James and Lily that Peter should do it. They trusted my decision. Little did any of us know that little Peter had for a long time been working for Voldemort, within a day he had told Voldemort exactly where the Potter's, his friends, were hiding. The rest is history."
The kids all sat staring open mouthed at the tale Sirius had told, but Seamus again raised his hand, "But what about the muggles?"
"I'm getting there. After I found out what Peter had done, I was in a mad fury. I went directly after Peter, and found him in a crowded street. My goal then was to kill Peter, but I never got the chance. Peter Pettigrew fooled a lot of people, and killed thirteen muggles that day. You see, as I was about to send a spell at Peter, he cut his finger off, sent an explosion through the street and transformed into his animagus form, a rat."
Again, the students stared wide-eyed at him. "Wow," a few students murmured.
"So, Peter framed you? That's why you were sent to Azkaban?"
Sirius nodded grimly. "Most of you don't know this, but the ministry doesn't have a very good criminal justice system. Though, I must admit Peter did a good job making it look like I was the murderer. There were many reports from muggles that I was in fact the murderer of all those people. Pete was always quite the manipulator."
"What was Azkaban like?"
"Azkaban's the worst place you can imagine. It's worse than the stories you here. You really can't know the extent of it unless you go there, and I suggest none of you do. It haunts you."
Sirius again looked at Harry and saw that he was looking a little upset.
"Does anyone have any happier questions?"
Not a single person raised their hands. Hermione noticed the grim look on Harry's face as well and decided to ask a question she pretty much already knew the answer to. "What was Hogwarts like when you were a kid?"
Sirius grinned at Hermione thankfully and replied, "The years I had at Hogwarts were the best years of my life. I had some of the same teachers that you all have, namely Professor McGonagall, and let me tell you, she hasn't changed a bit. I thought she'd have lightened up in her old age, but no, she's the same teacher who gave me at least two detentions a week."
The class all laughed at this, including Harry.
"I don't know if you know this, but Professor Snape and I were in the same year at Hogwarts. I was a Gryffindor, and he was and still is a Slytherin. The four of us, we used to play pranks on Snape all the time, made him dance, sing, changed his hair color. We were the Weasley twins times ten, if you can imagine that. Those were the days," Sirius added sadly.
"But, times almost up, is anyone still afraid of me?"
Everyone shook their heads and some actually said no.
Sirius beamed at the group and said, "Good, class dismissed."
Sirius went back and sat at his desk. Harry gathered his books along with his friends and then told them to go on without him, that he'd be out in a few minutes. They left him and he approached Sirius's desk.
"So, how'd I do?"
"Awesome Sirius, I think you'll do a great job teaching."
"It's actually pretty fun standing up there, having all of them looking at me, respecting me."
Harry grinned at him, seeing how happy it made Sirius to be there.
"Was it okay to tell what I did? Did I say too much?"
"No, it was fine. They needed to know, now there won't be any false pretenses about you."
"False pretenses, huh? Is this Harry in school mode? All intellectual?"
"Shut up," Harry said smiling slightly embarrassed.
"Ten house points for telling a professor to shut up."
Harry was speechless.
"Only joking. But you better move along to your next class or you're going to be late."
Harry nodded.
"Is it okay if I tell the story some more?"
Harry again nodded and then waved as he walked to the door of the classroom, Sirius waved back and then put his feet on the desk and looked around at the classroom that was now his. Sirius definitely liked being Professor Black.
The rest of both Harry and Sirius's days had gone by very quickly. Harry had sat through a period of Divination where his death was predicted a record 7 times, but still it seemed to go by fast. Soon, they were again in the great hall, this time for dinner. Everyone was talking animatedly and Harry heard a few excited voices talking about Professor Black. A few girls were even talking about how good looking he was. Harry couldn't help but laugh at this, but then wondered if Hermione or Ginny felt the same way. They had all gotten to know Sirius on a much more personal basis.
When dinner was almost over, Sirius approached Harry and the others. "Harry, I want to talk to you for a while after dinner, okay? Meet me in the entrance way."
"Okay, Sirius."
"Uh-"
"Professor Black," Harry muttered.
"That's better," Sirius joked and slapped Harry lightly on the back before heading out of the room. Harry finished eating quickly and then went to join Sirius.
"Walk with me, Harry, and remember where we're going." Sirius said, as he began to climb the stairs and then head in a direction Harry had never been before.
"How was your day Harry?"
"Good, the best part was Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Sirius grinned and threw his arm over Harry's shoulders.
"How about everything else?"
"Professor Trelawney predicted my death seven times today, that's a record for her. Her previous record was five in one day. My other classes went well, though McGonagall gave us tons of homework. It's the first day!"
"Mr. Potter, it is necessary to get started on such things as soon as possible!" Harry swiveled around and saw Professor McGonagall walking close behind them, an indignant look upon her face.
"Sorry Professor, I'm sure it was very necessary."
"Yes, very necessary it was," she said sternly and then turned to Sirius, "And what Mr. Black are you doing with Mr. Potter down here?"
"I'm showing him where my quarters are so he can come and get me if he needs me."
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"Very wise, yes," Sirius said firmly. McGonagall obviously didn't agree, but let is slide and went through a door on the right.
"Hasn't changed a bit," Sirius mumbled and Harry grinned at him. "This way," Sirius said pointing towards a door on the left, a few down from McGonagall's. When they reached the door Sirius pushed it open and allowed Harry to enter first. Harry was immediately greeted with a friendly bark.
"J!" he yelled happily and knelt down to rub the dogs head. J was the nickname the dog had been given over the month since Harry had gotten him. James was just not a dog name.
"I thought you'd miss him."
"Yeah, he was a good pillow."
"Come sit down," Sirius said pointing into a small living room. The whole place was like a little apartment, complete with a small kitchen. Harry made himself comfortable on a couch and J jumped up and sat beside him, so that Harry could scratch his ears in just the right place. Sirius sat across from him and his face turned serious.
"Harry, I don't think this year is going to go very well. I just have a bad feeling. Danger is going to be lurking in every corner. I want you to be really careful. If you ever get scared, or something just doesn't feel right, come straight here and tell me. I don't care what time it is. And if I'm a sleep, and you really need me, don't hesitate to use ice water, I'll survive it."
Harry laughed lightly but saw how serious Sirius was (God I hate having to use the word serious in respect to Sirius). Harry changed his laugh to a nod.
"Good," Sirius said.
"So how was the rest of your day, Sirius?"
"It was fun, I like being the teacher now, it's almost as fun as annoying the teachers, but not quite. I'm afraid my days doing that are over, however."
Harry smiled. "Did you teach any of the Slytherin's today?"
Sirius rolled his eyes and nodded. "They didn't believe me! Dumb gits, a lot of them know a lot about Pettigrew, and they don't think that Voldemort would trust a 'git like that'."
Harry shook his head with a small smile.
"That Malfoy kid's awful though. From what I've seen, he's your Snape."
Harry nodded. "Yes, I've been blessed with him and the real thing. Why though, did he say anything about me?"
Sirius hesitated, then nodded.
"What did he say?"
"He just asked how, 'That pansy Potter managed to survive the killing curse.'"
Harry looked annoyed but shrugged it off. He had hoped that Malfoy only did that kind of thing to his face, not when he wasn't even around.
"I immediately corrected him on the pansy thing and told him what happened. The truth really shut him up. I don't think his parents ever loved him at all. Consider yourself lucky Harry. Even though you don't remember, you were very loved."
"I know," Harry said quietly.
"So, has there been any talk of quidditch yet?" Sirius said changing the subject to raise Harry's mood.
It worked, Harry immediately perked up and said, "Yeah, we're supposed to have a team meeting tonight at...oh my God what time is it?"
"8:15."
"Great, I'm late! There going to kill me, I have to go!"
Sirius stood up and led Harry to the door. "Have fun Harry, I'll see you in the morning."
"Night Sirius," Harry said, hugging him.
"Night Harry."
"Bye J," Harry said quickly rubbing the dogs head before rushing out the door.
Sirius shut the door after watching Harry run down the corridor.
"Harry's in for a big surprise," he said to the dog, who barked in response
How was that? Once I got through to a certain point, it just started to flow again, I hope I can keep it up! Wish me luck and review!