Chapter 10
Fuggio
When Harry awoke, he couldn't see anything. It was totally dark. He knew his eyes were open, but he couldn't make out anything at all. Just total blackness. Harry let out a low moan. Was he blind? There was no sound. Harry felt pain all over his skin. His body seemed to be on fire all over. Harry called out, but no one answered him. It was too warm for him to be in the tower, and he felt as if he was lying between soft sheets. He remembered the insects, the flash of light, and now what? Where was he? His skin was itching so badly, that he wanted to scratch himself raw, but he couldn't move his arms. He couldn't move his legs either. Harry didn't know how long he had been lying there. After what seemed like days, Harry heard some noise, someone was moving about. Harry called out again, hoarsely, as his throat was parched. To his immense relief he was answered. The familiar voice of Madame Pomfrey appeared from nearby. "Harry, can you hear me?" Harry grunted in response. "Harry you are in the hospital wing at Hogwarts, You were brought here yesterday night. You were attacked in the Astrology tower," "My eyes, I can't see," croaked Harry. "You've been blindfolded, the toxins the insects released affect your eyes, they will be very sensitive to light, and your skin. It will take a few days before you recover. Now let me just put this cream on your skin." Harry felt a cool balm being applied to his raw skin, and the itching relented. "Now you need to rest" Madame Pomfrey said sternly. Feeling too tired to do anything else, Harry lay on the bed, wishing he could see what was around him. After a while Harry heard Ron and Hermione arguing with Madame Pomfrey. She reluctantly let them in to see Harry. "What happened," they said unanimously, "Dumbledore wouldn't tell us anything" Hermione added. Harry told them about the tower, the trunk and the insects. Hermione and Ron listened in silence. "Snape wouldn't do that would he?" Hermione asked, her voice shaking, when Harry finished. "I don't know, he thought I'd made him shrink in front of the class, he was worse than cross with me. After you went, and he saw me with that letter, I thought he wanted to kill me. He was absolutely furious, even crosser than he was with the potion that made him shrink." "But he's a teacher, it's illegal!" " But what about Malfoy, he's still furious after that Quidditch match?" Ron voiced. Harry wished he could see them. He'd never realised how much he needed his sight. But before they could discuss it further, Madame Pomfrey interrupted them, and ushered Ron and Hermione out of the room, much to their and Harry's annoyance. Harry was left to his thoughts, and the lonely darkness. Over the next few days, however he had no shortage of visitors: Fred, George, Neville, Denis, Seamus and even Professor McGonagall came to talk to him at his bedside. However they all seemed rather distant, and none of them stayed very long. Professor McGonegall was unusually gentle with Harry. She also filled Harry in on the rest of the story. She explained that after seeing Professor Snape in the staff room she had realised that Harry was in danger. She rushed up to the Astrology tower, just in time to save Harry from the Hums. The Hums were a dangerous invention of Dark Wizards. When a single insect was allowed to escape it multiplies, and as a swarm it attacked the victims usually fatally. However Professor McGonegall stoutly denied that Snape had sent the note or had anything to do with the incident. She did have some good news however. In light of what Harry had suffered, she had persuaded Snape to forget the detentions Harry was owed. Apart from the visitors, the next few days were some of the worst Harry had ever lived. His body felt like hundreds of insects were crawling over him. His arms were kept by his sides to stop him itching. He was very alone in dark isolation. He wanted desperately to get back to lessons, and forget the whole episode. Even Snape's lessons were preferable to this. However, it did give Harry plenty of time to think about who had done this to him. Harry was convinced that Snape was at the bottom of it. Hadn't he seen the letter with the Dark Mark? Dumbledore was too trusting of Snape. Now Voldemort was back, what was keeping Snape from joining him again? He was after all an ex-Death eater, and head of the Slytherins. And where had he been at the beginning of the term? No one had an explanation for him. By the end of the week, Harry had convinced himself, Ron and almost Hermione, that it was Snape. When eventually it was time to remove the blindfold Harry was even more excited than he had been after winning the Quidditch match against the Slytherins. When Madame Pomfrey eventually let him release the detested blindfold, Harry's eyes were immediately dazzled by the light, despite the room being shaded by large curtains, and filled with tears. Harry then rubbed them, something he had been aching to do for the past few days. Madame Pomfrey tried to get Harry to wear a pair of large dark glasses. But he adamantly refused. Nothing would make him wear the glasses in front of Malfoy and Snape. That would be the final insult. But before he could leave the hospital wing, Madame Pomfrey told him that Dumbledore wanted to see him in his office. Rolling his eyes at Ron and Hermione, who'd been looking forward to his return almost as much as he had, Harry headed for Dumbledore's office, for the second time that term. He walked slowly, allowing his sore eyes to adjust to the dim hallways. The door to Dumbledore's office was open at the bottom of the twisted stairs, which Harry started moving as soon as Harry stood on them. He knocked at the door at the top, and was immediately answered by a gruff come in. Harry entered, Dumbledore was sitting at his desk. He gave Harry a small smile as he gestured to Harry to sit on the chair opposite him. Harry sat, feeling nervous although he wasn't sure why. "So Harry, I hear you have been in the wars again." Harry nodded meekly. "Before you ask, no I don't know how this happened, or who did it. I know you will immediately suspect Professor Snape, but you must believe me, Professor Snape is as faithful to the good side as I am and I will not hear anything to the contrary. Professor Snape has risked his life, to help me and you, although you may not realise this at the moment. As for the happenings on the tower, the Hums, alas, a feared weapon of the dark lord, and deadly. I would like you to remember that the creation of Hums is a very difficult exercise, and could only be done by a strong wizard, therefore it couldn't be any student from the school. They are very dangerous. The only reason you are still with us, is thanks to Professor McGonegall, and Peeves water bomb. I don't know if you know, but the reason the hums didn't attack you quicker is the wetness of your clothes. They don't like water, you were lucky. "I have had to report this incident to the ministry, who are obviously not happy. They agree with me, that there is a dark wizard at work here, although I managed to convince them, that it is no one within the school. All of the teachers have volunteered to take the test for polyjuice potion, and I am glad to say that none of them were positive. However the ministry as I said are not happy, they've asked for, and I'm afraid you're not going to like this, a body guard." Harry looked at Dumbledore with a look of shock, "Please no, sir." But Dumbledore interrupted him. "I'm not sure you understand the position Harry. The ministry are insisting. My hands are tied, they already blame me for the what happened last year. If I don't comply they will insist on my resignation. They are looking for any excuse. If I thought it was for your best interest I wouldn't hesitate to refuse to comply with the ministry, but this is in your best interest. You will have to have a bodyguard with you at all times. There is no room for any negotiation. Just to remind you of the seriousness of the situation, the other scenario was the closing of Hogwarts." Harry kept silent, his weak eyes were starting to water due to the bright light in the room. He stared at his hands. Why couldn't things just be normal and simple for once? After a long pause, Dumbledore continued. "I know this may seem a little harsh to you, I'm sorry, I wish things could be easier, but given the situation..." Dumbledore paused, looked quickly at Harry, and then looked away towards Fawkes, who was sitting on his perch. Fawkes spread his wings, and let out one long sorrowful note, that seemed so sad, that it made Harry want to cry. There was a long silence, and Harry felt that he had to say something, anything. Harry said the first thing that came into his head, "What has Voldemort been doing apart from trying to kill me?" The change in Dumbledore's face was dramatic, he looked grim and Harry thought even a little fearful. His voice was sad and low. Harry thought he could detect a slight break in it. "Karkaroff is dead. I may not have agreed with his teaching, but he didn't deserve this. Several of the old aurors are dead. And last week, last week it was Moody. The real Alistor Moody. Put in his trunk and sent to the ministry. You see now why, I and all the wizarding world are worried for your welfare. If you die, there is no hope. " "Now. Your protector," He got open and walked over to the door, opened it, and in walked to Harry's immense amazement was Sirius, standing straight and tall. He looked a lot healthier than the previous times Harry had seen him. He was wearing smart emerald robes, and his hair was neatly combed. "Sirius" Harry yelled in amazement. Sirius walked over to Harry and enveloped Harry in a huge bear hug. Harry clung on to him tightly, not wanting to let go. But by the time they eventually parted, Harry realised that it couldn't happen, "But you can't be seen in Hogwarts, they'll send you to the dementors. I won't let him." Dumbledore answered him quickly, "He will have to be in disguise of course, but you'll know it's him." "Dumbledore wasn't going to let you know who I was in case it got out, but I persuaded Dumbledore that you needed the support." Sirius continued. "You can let Ron and Hermione know, you'd find it hard not to, but please don't tell anyone else. My life depends on it." Harry felt a little better. If he had to have a guard, then Sirius was by far the best person with him. "How will you disguise yourself?" Harry asked. "I'll use polyjuice potion. I'm afraid, that I'll become a goblin. One of Dumbledore's close friends has agreed to hide in Hogwarts, in a private chamber off Dumbledore's rooms to allow me to take some of his hair, and so I won't be found out." "Sirius I don't want to you to be at any risk of capture, I'd never forgive myself, Dumbledore, are you sure that he will be safe?" Dumbledore gave Harry a small smile. "Harry, I wouldn't have agreed to it, if I thought there was an unnecessary risk, but Sirius insisted, and I can't think of anyone I would trust more. Besides there is a slight risk wherever he goes, but no one will suspect that he is at Hogwarts. Also he is a convicted murder," At this Dumbledore gave another small smile, while Sirius grinned, "And I am not one to argue with him." Sirius then took a small bottle out of his pocket, and drank out of it. Almost immediately, Sirius shrank a little, grew long ears, and took on the twisted smile of a goblin. In a grating voice Sirius told him, "Call me Fuggio. Shall we go to your friends. They will be worrying about you." Harry followed Sirius/Fuggio down the stairs, not believing his look. As he walked along the corridors towards the common room people gave him funny looks, wondering why there was a goblin in the school. Some of the younger pupils looked a little scared, whereas the older ones just looked confused. Everyone knew that goblins were only found in Gringotts. Perhaps Harry owed them money. As Harry entered the common room he received many shocked and angry looks. Even teachers only came into the common room on special occasions. Having a stranger in the common room was unheard of. Harry grinned to himself when he realised that the last stranger to enter the common room was probably Sirius, two years ago when he was trying to kill Ron's rat, Scabbers. Sirius walked to the middle of the room, and called all the students to be quiet. After a few angry whispers,( who the hell does he think he is?), Sirius began, "As some of you may know, Harry was attacked last week, and you may also realise that He Who Must Not Be Named is regaining his power. He has vowed to seek vengeance on Harry, and we, that is Dumbledore believes that You Know Who was behind last week's attack on Harry," There were a few quiet whispers and shocked sighs from the now silent Gryffindors. "Although it is unlikely that You Know Who will try again, Dumbledore has asked that I stay with Harry for his protection. Please support him in this difficult time, and if the situation changes, in any way that may put any of you in danger we will consider drastic measures to ensure your protection. Thank you for listening." After which, Sirius returned to Harry's side. Nervous voices returned the common room to its usual noisy bustle. Ron and Hermione made their way quickly over to Harry and Sirius, Ron looking with amazement at Sirius, as if he'd never seen a goblin out of Gringotts. Sirius tried to smile at them, but it looked more like a scowl and Hermione took a step back. "Follow!" whispered Sirius. They all followed him out of the common room, and into a part of the school Harry had never been in before, which involved pressing a statue of Sir Ruffin between the eyes, and then opening a door that was invisible in the middle of a wall. They found themselves in a small room in an unknown tower. Harry looked around the circular room. It was covered in red and gold panels, and had strange circular windows. In the middle of the room was a ornate carved table surrounded by plush red chair. On the opposite side of the room was a large couch covered with oriental looking rugs and cushions. Ron and Hermione were eyeing Sirius with much suspicion. Harry grinned at them, but they just looked puzzled. Sirius quickly examined the empty room, and finished by closing the shutters of the circular windows. His wand lit up, letting out a pale green light. He used it to light red and pink candles around the room. He then turned to Harry. "It's alright, quite safe. Dumbledore choose it for us. We will have privacy here," Sirius said, and looking at Hermione and Ron said to Harry, " Well, do you want to make introductions?" "This, although it doesn't look like him, is Sirius." There was a large pause, and then much to Hermione's and Sirius's surprise, she ran across the room and flung her arms around him. "Oh I've been so worried about you, is it really you?" she said, her face buried in his chest. "Yes, I've been alright, nobody knows where I am, or even if I'm alive, it's Harry that you should be worried about. I don't know if Dumbledore has made it public, but Voldemort has vowed to kill Harry, and by doing this an age-old type of dark magic says he will then be able to defeat any wizard. I'm here to protect him." Ron who had been quiet up to now suddenly spoke, "How, how are they going to get to Harry, and how are you going to stop him, he can't get into Hogwarts can he?" "Voldemort's powers have been growing since last summer when he reemerged. He will find a way of getting in here, however if he does, it will be using a person, like under the impervius curse, or come himself, by using polyjuice potion. Either way he will not be able to have the Death Eater's with him, and it may be possible to defeat him, or at least protect Harry. Anyway, that's enough of that. No one apart from Professor McGonegall and Dumbledore knows who I am, and so you must call me Fuggio. Oh and Professor Snape. He's helping me get the polyjuice potion. You can't be seen to be too close to me either, or people may suspect something. If anything Harry you must be seen to dislike me. That would be the natural reaction." They left the strange room, Sirius keeping close to Harry.
Fuggio
When Harry awoke, he couldn't see anything. It was totally dark. He knew his eyes were open, but he couldn't make out anything at all. Just total blackness. Harry let out a low moan. Was he blind? There was no sound. Harry felt pain all over his skin. His body seemed to be on fire all over. Harry called out, but no one answered him. It was too warm for him to be in the tower, and he felt as if he was lying between soft sheets. He remembered the insects, the flash of light, and now what? Where was he? His skin was itching so badly, that he wanted to scratch himself raw, but he couldn't move his arms. He couldn't move his legs either. Harry didn't know how long he had been lying there. After what seemed like days, Harry heard some noise, someone was moving about. Harry called out again, hoarsely, as his throat was parched. To his immense relief he was answered. The familiar voice of Madame Pomfrey appeared from nearby. "Harry, can you hear me?" Harry grunted in response. "Harry you are in the hospital wing at Hogwarts, You were brought here yesterday night. You were attacked in the Astrology tower," "My eyes, I can't see," croaked Harry. "You've been blindfolded, the toxins the insects released affect your eyes, they will be very sensitive to light, and your skin. It will take a few days before you recover. Now let me just put this cream on your skin." Harry felt a cool balm being applied to his raw skin, and the itching relented. "Now you need to rest" Madame Pomfrey said sternly. Feeling too tired to do anything else, Harry lay on the bed, wishing he could see what was around him. After a while Harry heard Ron and Hermione arguing with Madame Pomfrey. She reluctantly let them in to see Harry. "What happened," they said unanimously, "Dumbledore wouldn't tell us anything" Hermione added. Harry told them about the tower, the trunk and the insects. Hermione and Ron listened in silence. "Snape wouldn't do that would he?" Hermione asked, her voice shaking, when Harry finished. "I don't know, he thought I'd made him shrink in front of the class, he was worse than cross with me. After you went, and he saw me with that letter, I thought he wanted to kill me. He was absolutely furious, even crosser than he was with the potion that made him shrink." "But he's a teacher, it's illegal!" " But what about Malfoy, he's still furious after that Quidditch match?" Ron voiced. Harry wished he could see them. He'd never realised how much he needed his sight. But before they could discuss it further, Madame Pomfrey interrupted them, and ushered Ron and Hermione out of the room, much to their and Harry's annoyance. Harry was left to his thoughts, and the lonely darkness. Over the next few days, however he had no shortage of visitors: Fred, George, Neville, Denis, Seamus and even Professor McGonagall came to talk to him at his bedside. However they all seemed rather distant, and none of them stayed very long. Professor McGonegall was unusually gentle with Harry. She also filled Harry in on the rest of the story. She explained that after seeing Professor Snape in the staff room she had realised that Harry was in danger. She rushed up to the Astrology tower, just in time to save Harry from the Hums. The Hums were a dangerous invention of Dark Wizards. When a single insect was allowed to escape it multiplies, and as a swarm it attacked the victims usually fatally. However Professor McGonegall stoutly denied that Snape had sent the note or had anything to do with the incident. She did have some good news however. In light of what Harry had suffered, she had persuaded Snape to forget the detentions Harry was owed. Apart from the visitors, the next few days were some of the worst Harry had ever lived. His body felt like hundreds of insects were crawling over him. His arms were kept by his sides to stop him itching. He was very alone in dark isolation. He wanted desperately to get back to lessons, and forget the whole episode. Even Snape's lessons were preferable to this. However, it did give Harry plenty of time to think about who had done this to him. Harry was convinced that Snape was at the bottom of it. Hadn't he seen the letter with the Dark Mark? Dumbledore was too trusting of Snape. Now Voldemort was back, what was keeping Snape from joining him again? He was after all an ex-Death eater, and head of the Slytherins. And where had he been at the beginning of the term? No one had an explanation for him. By the end of the week, Harry had convinced himself, Ron and almost Hermione, that it was Snape. When eventually it was time to remove the blindfold Harry was even more excited than he had been after winning the Quidditch match against the Slytherins. When Madame Pomfrey eventually let him release the detested blindfold, Harry's eyes were immediately dazzled by the light, despite the room being shaded by large curtains, and filled with tears. Harry then rubbed them, something he had been aching to do for the past few days. Madame Pomfrey tried to get Harry to wear a pair of large dark glasses. But he adamantly refused. Nothing would make him wear the glasses in front of Malfoy and Snape. That would be the final insult. But before he could leave the hospital wing, Madame Pomfrey told him that Dumbledore wanted to see him in his office. Rolling his eyes at Ron and Hermione, who'd been looking forward to his return almost as much as he had, Harry headed for Dumbledore's office, for the second time that term. He walked slowly, allowing his sore eyes to adjust to the dim hallways. The door to Dumbledore's office was open at the bottom of the twisted stairs, which Harry started moving as soon as Harry stood on them. He knocked at the door at the top, and was immediately answered by a gruff come in. Harry entered, Dumbledore was sitting at his desk. He gave Harry a small smile as he gestured to Harry to sit on the chair opposite him. Harry sat, feeling nervous although he wasn't sure why. "So Harry, I hear you have been in the wars again." Harry nodded meekly. "Before you ask, no I don't know how this happened, or who did it. I know you will immediately suspect Professor Snape, but you must believe me, Professor Snape is as faithful to the good side as I am and I will not hear anything to the contrary. Professor Snape has risked his life, to help me and you, although you may not realise this at the moment. As for the happenings on the tower, the Hums, alas, a feared weapon of the dark lord, and deadly. I would like you to remember that the creation of Hums is a very difficult exercise, and could only be done by a strong wizard, therefore it couldn't be any student from the school. They are very dangerous. The only reason you are still with us, is thanks to Professor McGonegall, and Peeves water bomb. I don't know if you know, but the reason the hums didn't attack you quicker is the wetness of your clothes. They don't like water, you were lucky. "I have had to report this incident to the ministry, who are obviously not happy. They agree with me, that there is a dark wizard at work here, although I managed to convince them, that it is no one within the school. All of the teachers have volunteered to take the test for polyjuice potion, and I am glad to say that none of them were positive. However the ministry as I said are not happy, they've asked for, and I'm afraid you're not going to like this, a body guard." Harry looked at Dumbledore with a look of shock, "Please no, sir." But Dumbledore interrupted him. "I'm not sure you understand the position Harry. The ministry are insisting. My hands are tied, they already blame me for the what happened last year. If I don't comply they will insist on my resignation. They are looking for any excuse. If I thought it was for your best interest I wouldn't hesitate to refuse to comply with the ministry, but this is in your best interest. You will have to have a bodyguard with you at all times. There is no room for any negotiation. Just to remind you of the seriousness of the situation, the other scenario was the closing of Hogwarts." Harry kept silent, his weak eyes were starting to water due to the bright light in the room. He stared at his hands. Why couldn't things just be normal and simple for once? After a long pause, Dumbledore continued. "I know this may seem a little harsh to you, I'm sorry, I wish things could be easier, but given the situation..." Dumbledore paused, looked quickly at Harry, and then looked away towards Fawkes, who was sitting on his perch. Fawkes spread his wings, and let out one long sorrowful note, that seemed so sad, that it made Harry want to cry. There was a long silence, and Harry felt that he had to say something, anything. Harry said the first thing that came into his head, "What has Voldemort been doing apart from trying to kill me?" The change in Dumbledore's face was dramatic, he looked grim and Harry thought even a little fearful. His voice was sad and low. Harry thought he could detect a slight break in it. "Karkaroff is dead. I may not have agreed with his teaching, but he didn't deserve this. Several of the old aurors are dead. And last week, last week it was Moody. The real Alistor Moody. Put in his trunk and sent to the ministry. You see now why, I and all the wizarding world are worried for your welfare. If you die, there is no hope. " "Now. Your protector," He got open and walked over to the door, opened it, and in walked to Harry's immense amazement was Sirius, standing straight and tall. He looked a lot healthier than the previous times Harry had seen him. He was wearing smart emerald robes, and his hair was neatly combed. "Sirius" Harry yelled in amazement. Sirius walked over to Harry and enveloped Harry in a huge bear hug. Harry clung on to him tightly, not wanting to let go. But by the time they eventually parted, Harry realised that it couldn't happen, "But you can't be seen in Hogwarts, they'll send you to the dementors. I won't let him." Dumbledore answered him quickly, "He will have to be in disguise of course, but you'll know it's him." "Dumbledore wasn't going to let you know who I was in case it got out, but I persuaded Dumbledore that you needed the support." Sirius continued. "You can let Ron and Hermione know, you'd find it hard not to, but please don't tell anyone else. My life depends on it." Harry felt a little better. If he had to have a guard, then Sirius was by far the best person with him. "How will you disguise yourself?" Harry asked. "I'll use polyjuice potion. I'm afraid, that I'll become a goblin. One of Dumbledore's close friends has agreed to hide in Hogwarts, in a private chamber off Dumbledore's rooms to allow me to take some of his hair, and so I won't be found out." "Sirius I don't want to you to be at any risk of capture, I'd never forgive myself, Dumbledore, are you sure that he will be safe?" Dumbledore gave Harry a small smile. "Harry, I wouldn't have agreed to it, if I thought there was an unnecessary risk, but Sirius insisted, and I can't think of anyone I would trust more. Besides there is a slight risk wherever he goes, but no one will suspect that he is at Hogwarts. Also he is a convicted murder," At this Dumbledore gave another small smile, while Sirius grinned, "And I am not one to argue with him." Sirius then took a small bottle out of his pocket, and drank out of it. Almost immediately, Sirius shrank a little, grew long ears, and took on the twisted smile of a goblin. In a grating voice Sirius told him, "Call me Fuggio. Shall we go to your friends. They will be worrying about you." Harry followed Sirius/Fuggio down the stairs, not believing his look. As he walked along the corridors towards the common room people gave him funny looks, wondering why there was a goblin in the school. Some of the younger pupils looked a little scared, whereas the older ones just looked confused. Everyone knew that goblins were only found in Gringotts. Perhaps Harry owed them money. As Harry entered the common room he received many shocked and angry looks. Even teachers only came into the common room on special occasions. Having a stranger in the common room was unheard of. Harry grinned to himself when he realised that the last stranger to enter the common room was probably Sirius, two years ago when he was trying to kill Ron's rat, Scabbers. Sirius walked to the middle of the room, and called all the students to be quiet. After a few angry whispers,( who the hell does he think he is?), Sirius began, "As some of you may know, Harry was attacked last week, and you may also realise that He Who Must Not Be Named is regaining his power. He has vowed to seek vengeance on Harry, and we, that is Dumbledore believes that You Know Who was behind last week's attack on Harry," There were a few quiet whispers and shocked sighs from the now silent Gryffindors. "Although it is unlikely that You Know Who will try again, Dumbledore has asked that I stay with Harry for his protection. Please support him in this difficult time, and if the situation changes, in any way that may put any of you in danger we will consider drastic measures to ensure your protection. Thank you for listening." After which, Sirius returned to Harry's side. Nervous voices returned the common room to its usual noisy bustle. Ron and Hermione made their way quickly over to Harry and Sirius, Ron looking with amazement at Sirius, as if he'd never seen a goblin out of Gringotts. Sirius tried to smile at them, but it looked more like a scowl and Hermione took a step back. "Follow!" whispered Sirius. They all followed him out of the common room, and into a part of the school Harry had never been in before, which involved pressing a statue of Sir Ruffin between the eyes, and then opening a door that was invisible in the middle of a wall. They found themselves in a small room in an unknown tower. Harry looked around the circular room. It was covered in red and gold panels, and had strange circular windows. In the middle of the room was a ornate carved table surrounded by plush red chair. On the opposite side of the room was a large couch covered with oriental looking rugs and cushions. Ron and Hermione were eyeing Sirius with much suspicion. Harry grinned at them, but they just looked puzzled. Sirius quickly examined the empty room, and finished by closing the shutters of the circular windows. His wand lit up, letting out a pale green light. He used it to light red and pink candles around the room. He then turned to Harry. "It's alright, quite safe. Dumbledore choose it for us. We will have privacy here," Sirius said, and looking at Hermione and Ron said to Harry, " Well, do you want to make introductions?" "This, although it doesn't look like him, is Sirius." There was a large pause, and then much to Hermione's and Sirius's surprise, she ran across the room and flung her arms around him. "Oh I've been so worried about you, is it really you?" she said, her face buried in his chest. "Yes, I've been alright, nobody knows where I am, or even if I'm alive, it's Harry that you should be worried about. I don't know if Dumbledore has made it public, but Voldemort has vowed to kill Harry, and by doing this an age-old type of dark magic says he will then be able to defeat any wizard. I'm here to protect him." Ron who had been quiet up to now suddenly spoke, "How, how are they going to get to Harry, and how are you going to stop him, he can't get into Hogwarts can he?" "Voldemort's powers have been growing since last summer when he reemerged. He will find a way of getting in here, however if he does, it will be using a person, like under the impervius curse, or come himself, by using polyjuice potion. Either way he will not be able to have the Death Eater's with him, and it may be possible to defeat him, or at least protect Harry. Anyway, that's enough of that. No one apart from Professor McGonegall and Dumbledore knows who I am, and so you must call me Fuggio. Oh and Professor Snape. He's helping me get the polyjuice potion. You can't be seen to be too close to me either, or people may suspect something. If anything Harry you must be seen to dislike me. That would be the natural reaction." They left the strange room, Sirius keeping close to Harry.