Chapter 16 - Return to Hogsmead

Harry had wrote to Mrs Weasley thanking her for the invitation, but telling her that he'd decided to remain at Hogwarts for the holidays. Ron had also sent word back saying that he'd like to stay with Harry.

As November waned, the students were bogged down with work.

"I think that they should get to go back." Araya argued with the other staff, "There is no reason they shouldn't have another weekend out."

"What about the attack?" Professor Spectra demanded, "There have been others in Hogsmead."

"Those are different. The other people are displaying anaemia - blood loss." Araya returned, "Besides, all of those have occurred after dark. I think they deserve a break."

"I'm with Araya." Lupin added, "Why not let them go. The kids'll be back long before dark."

"As for an attack," Araya continued, "So long as they stay in groups, there isn't likely to be another."

"How can you be sure?" Sprout asked, "We don't want anything to happen. We still don't know what happened on Halloween."

"That one, Araya kindly solved." Dumbledore replied, "It seems a Dragonia mimic and a shout spell were responsible. A prank that backfired. There has not, nor will there be, a successful attack on Hogwarts. I believe that there is no danger in Hogsmead. Perhaps next weekend would be good. I'll ask you all too please be present in town, just in case."

The announcement of the trip elated the students. Harry was especially looking forward to seeing Sirius.

The day in Hogsmead went too fast. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were walking back to town with Snuffles when they say Araya look around and duck into a wooded area. They looked at each other then moved closer.

Araya was hugging a tall, dark-haired, handsome man. They spoke quietly for a short while. On occasion both Araya and the man looked about as if they had heard something.

The only words that could be heard were, "Xulir" and "Gutglee". The two hugged and parted moved away in separate directions.

Sirius transformed and looked at them.

"Who was that guy?" Hermione asked breathless.

"Don't know." Sirius said, "Seen him around since...well, about a month. He tries to keep to himself mostly."

"Sirius...what's Gutglee?" Harry asked

"Never heard of it." Sirius said, "But it doesn't sound good. It could explain the attacks and 'illness' going around."

"Have others been attacked like Rebeca?" Ron asked.

"A few." Sirius told them, "I want you to be really careful. Especially around her."

"Professor Luna is one of best teachers." Harry replied, "She's not dangerous. She saved us at Halloween. That guy was probably just her boyfriend. She just didn't want to be seen."

"Harry, please just promise me you'll be careful." Sirius asked, his eyes focussed on Harry.

"Alright. I'll be careful." Harry said.

"You'll let us know if anything happens though, won't you? If Voldemort is planning something from here, advanced warning might be helpful."

"I promise you I'll not let anything bad happen. I'll do everything I can." Sirius pledged, "Best get you back. It'll be dark soon...that's curfew, right?"

They met Araya coming out of Honeydukes. "Oh, hello." she said, "I thought I'd get some last minute sweets. Did you have a good day? Better hurry."

"Yeah, great." Ron said cautiously.

"I got some of my holiday shopping done." Hermione added.

Lupin waited at the carriages to ensure all the students had made it back. He smiled when he saw Harry, Ron and Hermione walking up the street, followed closely by Araya.

"Cutting it close, aren't we?" Lupin asked. The sun was kissing the horizon.

"Sorry, sir." Harry said, "We lost track of time."

Hermione, Ron and Harry climbed into a carriage.

"And your excuse?" Remus asked Araya.

"My sweet-tooth got the better of me." she replied, holding up the bag of treats. "Is everyone accounted for?"

"Four more still to come." Lupin answered.

"Why don't you go back with them?" Araya motioned to the carriage, "I'll wait for the stragglers." Lupin moved towards the carriage. Araya looked over her shoulder.

The four Gryffindor seniors, Fred and George included, came running from the other direction. "We're here. Sorry." they called.

"Now that's cutting it close." Araya teased. She looked back at the alley, there was nothing to be seen, "That's everyone?"

"Should be." Lupin replied, "See you back at the school."

Red eyes watched them pull away from the alley.