Chapter 6

The Dementors

There is a variety of emotions that come after you realize you have done something incredibly stupid. First, there is shock followed closely by denial. Harry had been trapped with those emotions for what felt like an eternity. If Midnight was actually Black then why did the dog try to protect him from Uncle Vernon? Why did the dog seem to care and sympathize when everyone claims this man wants him dead?

Once the initial shock had passed, Harry was consumed with guilt. He had known that something wasn't right with Midnight. The proof had been there from the beginning. Midnight had definitely acted more human than canine. Why hadn't he simply opened his eyes to see the truth? How could he have been so stupid? He had told Sirius Black everything!

Anger added to the guilt. Anger at himself, Black and even Professor Dumbledore for keeping this from him. Remembering his conversation with Professor Lupin, Harry figured the man had known the truth about Midnight which instantly destroyed the trust and respect Harry had for the young teacher. Why did everyone always have to know more about his life than he did? Why couldn't anyone ever trust him with the truth? Was that too much to ask?

Apparently it was.

The anger and guilt ended up serving as a battery for Harry. Professor Dumbledore hadn't lied to Fudge when he had mentioned training. To say that everyone was shocked to find Harry's wand in his trunk was an understatement. Why would Black willingly give up a wand when he had none of his own? There was just so much of the entire abduction that didn't make sense.

Once Harry had been released from the hospital wing he was thrown into a mixture of lessons consisting of both muggle and magical defenses. Professor Lupin taught Harry how to physically defend himself while Professors Dumbledore, Flitwick, McGonagall and even Snape tutored him on different aspects of the magical side. Professor Flitwick, of course, instructed charms, Professor McGonagall instructed simple transfigurations that could be beneficial in a life or death situation (creating weapons and such), Professor Snape instructed on plants and herbs that could be helpful to heal basic injuries, and Professor Dumbledore took all of the aspects and brought them together.

Harry progressed quickly, determined not to make the same mistake again. He would never blindly trust anyone or anything because of his selfish desires again. He would never allow his emotions to get the better of him again. He would never be a victim again.

For two weeks Harry did nothing but train and study. The teachers and Weasleys had wanted to celebrate his birthday which had taken place while he had been recovering but Harry refused. He didn't want anything distracting him. He couldn't afford any distractions anymore.

This obsession hadn't gone unnoticed by the professors. Harry was currently staying in Professor Lupin's guest quarters but rarely spent any time there. Lupin had to search for Harry at meal times in order to ensure the boy would eat and had to nearly order him to sleep. Harry had eventually revealed to Professor Lupin that the physical abuse had only started after the phone call and the remaining details of his home life. It had been what everyone wanted to hear and it had gotten them off his back.

Harry hadn't told anyone about Midnight and Sirius Black being one in the same and other than Professor Lupin, no one let on that they knew the little tidbit. Although it probably wasn't the smartest move, Harry decided not to reveal his knowledge to Lupin. If the man wanted Harry to trust him, he would have to return the favor.

No one knew what had actually forced the boy to grow up overnight and Harry was planning on keeping it that way. Harry didn't need everyone to confirm what was already true: he was a bloody idiot.

Early one morning in mid-August, Harry awoke before everyone else, like he always did. Part of his muggle training with Professor Lupin required running every morning and evening. At first it had been difficult with his weakened state but Harry soon reached the point that he was running two kilometers twice a day without working up a sweat. It was a relaxing exercise that Harry usually did alone and gave him time to think about whatever was running through his head.

Spending the remainder of the holidays at Hogwarts seemed to be both a blessing and a curse for Harry. On the plus side, Harry didn't have to put up with the whispers and stares from his classmates or being called a freak by his relatives. He also received a lot of one on one attention which helped in understanding the theory behind his studies. On the negative side, Harry was in a sense alone and being watched every moment of the day. It always seemed that his instructors were watching and waiting for something to happen during his training sessions. Professor Snape even tried to start up a battle of insults by reminding Harry how arrogant and foolhardy he was.

Harry didn't react though. He had given up trying to convince people to see him for who he really was. If they wanted to believe some lie then let them. Professor Snape had made up his mind the moment Harry had entered the Main Hall two years ago and nothing was going to change it. Just like everyone else in the wizarding world.

As quietly as possible, Harry left Professor Lupin's quarters for his run. Although no one said anything, he knew Professor Lupin wasn't feeling well. He seemed to be paler and weaker these past few days so Harry felt it was best to allow the man to sleep in especially considering everything Lupin had done for him, being his temporary guardian and all.

The cool morning air was refreshing and immediately extinguished any lingering drowsiness. The sun was just starting to rise over the lake, a sight that Harry never got tired of seeing. After stretching, Harry started to run his usual path Professor Lupin had marked out. Reaching the lake, Harry ran down the shoreline towards the front gates. If he kept up at this rate Harry figured he could read chapter in charms before breakfast.

Then it happened.

All of a sudden the temperature drastically dropped. His own breath seemed to be caught in his chest. He felt like he was drowning in cold as he fell to his knees. He couldn't move; he couldn't think. His eyes rolled back in his head as a terrified scream filled his ears. It was a woman's scream that seemed to make his heart cry in pain. He needed to help her.

Someone help!

"Harry! Harry, wake up!"

Someone was holding him to their chest but Harry didn't have the energy to even bother moving to find out who it was. It was almost like something had drained all of the warmth out of his body. It took Harry a moment to realize he was shaking. He felt nauseous and knew that movement was certainly out of the question now.

The sound of voices brought Harry back to reality. "We can't do anything for him here, Lupin! He needs medical attention!"

"I know, Severus," Lupin said frantically then repositioned his arms to make Harry more comfortable. Holding the teenager tightly, Lupin stood up then hurried back to the castle with Snape leading the way. Every thing else happening around them was a blur. Lupin could feel Harry's labored breathing and could only pray that they weren't too late.

Entering the hospital wing, Lupin carefully put Harry down on the nearest bed and conjured a mug of hot chocolate while Snape was searching for Madam Pomfrey. Propping the boy up, Lupin slowly poured a little of the steamy liquid down Harry's throat. "Come on, Harry," Lupin muttered. "Please be okay. Please still be here."

Harry let out a groan. He could vaguely feel warmth slowly spreading throughout his body, almost forcing the cold away. Something warm was being poured down his throat. With extreme effort, Harry opened his eyes and looked up to see Professor Lupin come into focus. The man looked so distraught, why?

More hot liquid was poured down Harry's throat but this time Harry was aware and started to gag which startled Lupin out of his thoughts. Lupin quickly put the hot chocolate down and gently helped the boy lay down comfortably. Without a word, Lupin quickly covered Harry up then let out a sigh of relief. "Do you know who I am, Harry?" Lupin asked softly almost fearfully.

Harry nodded weakly. His eyelids were becoming too heavy forcing Harry to slowly drift off to sleep. He could only hope that the woman he had heard was now safe.

"WHAT IN MERLIN'S NAME WAS HE DOING OUT THERE ALONE!?!" roared Mrs. Weasley. "HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SAFE HERE!"

It wasn't the most pleasant way to wake up. He still felt exhausted but knew better than to ignore Mrs. Weasley. Opening his eyes as he felt around for his glasses, Harry slowly sat up and forced his head to wake up. He quickly found them on the bedside table and put them on only to see a group of people congregating by the door. It seemed that all of the teachers and Mr. Weasley were desperately trying to calm Mrs. Weasley down for some reason. Why was she so upset?

"Harry always runs in the morning, Molly," Dumbledore said calmly but the normal pleasant tone wasn't there. "It is a part of the training I discussed with you. The Minister's arrival was unannounced. If we had known he was bringing Dementors we would have never allowed Harry out of the castle. I assure you Harry is safe here."

Harry instantly paled. That had been the Dementors? How could Sirius Black handle twelve years of that? How could anyone? The mere thought of experiencing that long term sent chills down Harry's spine. For a brief moment he felt sorry for the prisoners in Azkaban. Nothing in the muggle world was anywhere nearly that cruel.

"Harry's fine, Molly," Mr. Weasley said gently. "Remember Harry doesn't react well to loud voices. Please try to calm down."

Mrs. Weasley let out a tired sigh. "I'm just so worried about him," she said in a wavering voice. "That poor boy has been through more this summer than anyone should ever have to endure."

It was then that Harry was noticed. "Mr. Potter," Madam Pomfrey said in relief as she hurried over to his bedside. "Lie back down now." Harry did as he was told and allowed Madam Pomfrey to check him over. A cool hand rested on his forehead. Harry looked up to see Mrs. Weasley smiling down at him but it looked like she had been crying.

Slowly, Harry glanced at the crowd around his bed then let out a groan as he closed his eyes. "I'm grounded, aren't I?" he asked in a scratchy voice.

Several chuckles filled the air. "You did nothing wrong, Harry," Dumbledore said pleasantly. "However, considering your reaction to the Dementors I must insist that we alter your training locations. I apologize for what happened this morning. Cornelius seems to believe that it is necessary to protect Hogwarts and the students from Sirius Black by allowing several Dementors to stand guard."

"We don't agree with it, Harry, but the Minister was extremely persistent," Lupin added. "He insists that it's for your safety especially since Black has already taken you once. Do you remember what I told you about the Dementors?"

Harry slowly nodded then looked away from the unnerving eyes that seemed to be waiting for something from him. He hated these looks that seemed to come more frequent than not. "How is something supposed to help me when it leaves me helpless?" Harry asked more to himself than anyone in the room.

Professor Dumbledore sat down on the foot of the bed and looked at Harry compassionately. "I can understand your frustration, Harry," he said. "I'm afraid I must apologize for adding to it. Students in their third year and above are allowed to go to Hogsmeade Village on certain weekends throughout the school year as long as they have a permission slip signed by a guardian. Due to your circumstances, I must insist that you not participate."

Harry slowly turned his head and looked directly at Professor Dumbledore for a moment before looking away again. Once again he had to be different from everyone else because he was the-boy-who-lived. Why couldn't he just be normal for once? "Is it because there's a mass murderer trying to kill me or because I don't actually have a guardian anymore?" Harry asked; his voice breaking.

No one answered for what felt like a while. Harry could feel his eyes burning with tears but fought to keep them from showing like he had for so many years. Why did he have to always miss out on everything? He understood Professor Dumbledore was just trying to protect him but it still seemed so unfair.

"As much as I hate to admit it, Harry, Hogsmeade just isn't safe enough for you," Dumbledore said gently. "It has already been searched but there are plenty of hiding places that could be overlooked. The Dementors will be patrolling along with several Aurors to ensure the remainder of the student body is safe but as of yet, Sirius Black has only focused on you. He will most likely try to take you again now that you're healthy."

The matter was closed and everyone knew it. Harry had to admit that he was glad that Professor Dumbledore was finally being honest and had every intention on following the request…for now.