"You did exceptionally well on the train when faced with that Dementor," Lupin noted, eyeing the young boy as he brought him over to stand in front of the boggart. "Attempting a Patronus at your age is quite the feat."

"It still failed," Sven muttered, eyeing the wardrobe as it shuddered a bit.

He was definitely a cautious one and if he truly was what Lupin suspected, he had every right to be uneasy. Why would Dumbledore let him in this school though, I wonder? He's a decent kid though, so he must have some sort of plan.

"Yes, well, it's quite a complicated spell. Even far more experienced adults can't accomplish a Patronus. So, for a first attempt, it was quite impressive."

Sven didn't look convinced and now had his gaze focused solely on the wardrobe.

"You said you taught yourself the shielding spell?"

"Yes," he muttered, drawing his eyes away from it briefly. "I read about it and…" His gaze drifted. "...thought it would help."

How bad is his bullying? Harry and the others are rather fond of him, but his own house attacks him often enough for Madam Pomfrey to speak with Dumbledore about it. Not even Snape had this much trouble. Lupin hummed, drawing his wand and immediately watching the boy tense as he reached for his own. He's so on edge. Reflexes like that… I've only seen it in those who were in the war. What sort of life has he lived until now?

"Could I try it?" Lupin asked, holding his hands up non-threateningly. "I want to see how strong it is, your shield spell."

Sven looked hesitant, but nodded, moving a bit further back before slicing his wand through the air to create a brief ripple in the air. Impressive. It's completely clear, no physical sign of it, though the strength will show how much effort he's put into learning and improving it. Lupin flicked his wand, firing a simple knockback jinx and it slammed into the shield but Sven didn't budge. So, Lupin stepped it up a notch, trying a more advanced cutting spell. Still, the shield absorbed it. Once more, he lifted his wand to test it. This might be a bit much but we'll see.

"Expulso."

A blast slammed into the shield, rattling it and making Sven grimace with a hesitant step back, but the shield held and Lupin hummed, impressed.

"Excellent!" He cheered, offering Sven a smile as the boy dropped the shield and shook out his arm from the impact of the last spell. "Your knack at defensive spells is impressive, Sven."

Sven looked even more uncertain and cautious now, making Lupin's smile falter.

"You're… not used to being complimented, are you?"

Sven frowned. "What am I doing for my detention, professor?"

Lupin sighed. This kid. "Sven, the only reason I gave you detention was to not seem unfair to anyone. However, that doesn't mean I'm going to punish you severely for defending yourself."

Sven hesitated before lowering his head sheepishly. Lupin smiled softly before clapping his hands together.

"So, let's do something more productive. Would you like to see what I've shown the third years?" He offered, moving over towards the wardrobe and resting a hand on it as it shuddered.

Sven looked a little worried but nodded.

"What do you know of boggarts?"

Sven looked a little more worried now, eyeing the wardrobe uneasily. "It's… a non-being that shapeshifts into people's fears."

"And the spell used to banish it?"

It took Sven a second before answering. "Riddikulus."

"Impressive. You're certainly reading ahead."

Sven awkwardly looked away, sheepish once more. "I… read a lot in the library. The… Dark Arts books have useful spells for when…" He winced and wrung his hands, giving Lupin an easy understanding of what he meant.

"Ah, yes. Well, do you think you could attempt it? For fun, of course. It might prove useful later."

He expected the boy to argue or complain, but the boy simply sighed, resigned to doing what his professor had asked. He's used to going along with things. I wonder how this will turn out.

"Ready?" He asked; wand aimed at the latch on the door to the wardrobe and Sven shifted stances, his wand raised. "Now, when it comes out, all you have to do is use the spell while thinking of a way to make your fear amusing."

Sven looked over at him with furrowed brows and back at the boggart. Assuming he was just trying to think of something funny, Lupin opened the latch and watched as the wardrobe opened and the boggart took shape. A boy, identical to the one across the way, stepped out. His eyes were cold and he brought a hand up to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand, smearing blood over his face. Lupin's concerns about the boy had been confirmed as his doppelganger revealed sharp canines and snarled at Sven.

Sven himself was pale and had taken a half step back. His eyes roamed over his copy in disbelief and he grimaced as his hands started to shake. Lupin noticed his breathing getting a little more ragged and decided to step in. He moved in front of the boy and the boggart shifted into a full moon.

"Riddikulus," he sighed out, shifting it into a plate that shattered on the ground before shutting the boggart away.

With that taken care of, he looked to the boy behind him, feeling guilty for having put him in that situation when it was apparent the boy wasn't quite ready to face that fear.

"Sven, you should sit," he urged, reaching for the boy whose hand snapped out and slapped away his hand.

"D-Don't touch me."

Lupin nodded solemnly, retracting his hand but still gesturing to a nearby chair. Sven settled into it, hunched over his wand and holding a hand to his mouth.

"Are you alright? Should I get someone?" Lupin asked, unsure what Sven would need given his circumstances.

"I-I just need a minute," Sven murmured, and Lupin nodded, glancing back at the nearby selves and wondering if he had any animal blood stored somewhere.

Ah! Maybe… He went and checked in a drawer near the back of the room and smiled in triumph at the bottle of chicken's blood. He went back to Sven and held the bottle out.

"Here. It's not much, but it should help."

Sven looked up with tired eyes, but accepted the bottle, uncorking it and downing it in a second. Lupin waited patiently to ensure he was alright before grabbing a chair himself and sitting.

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I shouldn't have pressed you when you weren't ready."

Sven shook his head. "No. It's my own fault. I…"

Lupin was surprised to see a flush of embarrassment creep over Sven as he looked away awkwardly.

"I-I don't… know anything funny."

That was not the response Lupin was expecting, and not knowing what to say about that, he rubbed the back of his neck and tried to think of something else.

"Your boggart," he started, seeing the boy flinch as realization settled on him that the creature he'd stared down had revealed his secret. "Your biggest fear is yourself?"

Sven twisted his fingers in his lap for a moment. "No, it's… it's losing control."

Lupin's heart broke for this kid who, much like himself, was dealing with something out of his control and was only trying to do what he could to keep others safe from himself.

"Have you ever—"

"No!" Sven shouted, wincing and shrinking away. "No. No, I've never… I've never bit anyone. I… I take all the precautions because I don't… I don't want to be like the rest of them."

Where did Dumbledore find this kid? Lupin wondered, seeing not only the honest sincerity and strength behind his words but also the talent the boy possessed. It wasn't every day he met a kid so young who just absorbed knowledge like a sponge and was able to put it in effect. This boy had defended himself and his friends from Dementors, from other classmates, and from himself. All of this with only what he'd learned in his lessons, what he read in books, and whatever real-life experience he had living out in whatever place the Ministry had put his kind.

Lupin was curious how this kid grew up, but a glance at the windows told him it was late. He suspected that he wouldn't give him many answers either. They only just met a few days ago, after all. Lupin suspected he was lucky he got as much as he did, and that his finding out what Sven was played a part in that.

"Does anyone else know what you are?" He asked then, earning a nod from Sven.

"The professors, the headmaster, H-Harry and Luna."

Why wasn't I told? Lupin wondered, but the moment he thought about it, the answer came rather quickly. Ah. Dumbledore doesn't suspect I'm staying and he'd be right. There's no point in telling someone who only plans on teaching for a term. With how quickly the Dark Arts professors have been going, it's no surprise. I bet he hasn't told any of them since he brought Sven here. Brushing the thought off, for now, Lupin stood and caught Sven's attention.

"Well then, it's late. Would you like me to take you to your common room?"

Sven stood and shook his head. "No. No, I… I'm okay."

Lupin suspected he was hiding something but didn't push him. The boy had given up enough for the evening. So, Lupin showed him out and watched the boy round the corner before sighing.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Dumbledore."

I'd done it again. Someone else knew what I was. It was mildly frustrating, even if the few people who knew seemed nice enough. I was settling in better though, since that first week. The Halloween feast was creeping up and I actually felt confident enough to attend without concern. The Slytherins had finally backed off after rumors got out that I'd broken Malfoy's arm. Said student wasn't thrilled but would stiffen and avoid me now if he saw me coming down the corridor. I still had concerns that he'd plan some sort of trap for me eventually, but for now, I was in the clear.

The other houses were leaving me be as well. Without the rumors of me attacking people like last term, they had no reason to really notice me. Those few who did now also knew that I'd befriended Fred and George, who would adamantly protect one of their own. That was the only reason I got odd looks nowadays. Curious people who'd heard of the Slytherin that was friends with Gryffindors. Well, that, and the fact that I had the top grades for our year and had a growth spurt over the last few months.

I now towered over others my age and had enough muscle on me to come off as lean but threatening. Incidentally, I'd startled more than my fair share of first years and tended to have a bit more of a grimace on my face because of growing pains. I'd heard more than one student comparing me to Snape and said professor was one of the few people who still went out of his way to try and bother me. I was good enough at potions though, that there wasn't much he could do. Now, if only Professor Lupin felt the same.

I sighed softly, earning a raised brow from the man as I lowered my wand again after attempting a Patronus. Professor Lupin had taken a liking to me and offered to help me improve my Patronus after lessons. Or, well, whenever he caught me roaming the halls. I'd gotten permission to skip Herbology this morning since the sun was particularly bright and it was one of my days off my usual blood supply. She was still uncertain about me, but I'd proven myself in her class and she must have spoken to Neville or Luna as well, now knowing that I wasn't quite like the other snakes in the Slytherin house.

So, on my way to the library, Lupin had caught me and asked if I wanted to see what he'd brought for the third years. The Grindylow was an interesting thing that wiggled its long, spindly fingers and made faces at me from the water. When I'd grown bored of it, Lupin offered to help me with anything I might need and I asked about the Patronus. Much like banishing the boggart though, the Patronus spell had a trick to it. My happiest memory…

"Still can't think of anything?" Lupin asked.

"It's… difficult," I grumbled, having thought that remembering Cain might be my most prized memories but they weren't giving me much more than a wisp of smoke like before. "There's… not much to choose from."

He offered me a small, sad smile before we both perked up. Filch was getting upset with someone outside. It was yet another thing I noticed about Lupin. His hearing was good, if not as good as mine. I suspected he was like me for a moment, but he didn't carry the same scent my kind did. There was no sign of blood anywhere, though every once in a while, I thought I did catch a scent of something. It wasn't often enough for me to take much note though. I only caught it maybe once a month. Not long after he takes a break either… Hm, perhaps I should pay more attention to it.

I watched as Lupin peeked out of the room to see who Filch was nagging, only to be mildly surprised as he brought Harry into the room.

"Hello, Harry," I greeted, earning a small surprised look.

"Hey, Sven. What, uh… What are you doing here? Don't you have class?"

"Herbology," I answered, tugging at my ear sheepishly. "It was… too sunny. Professor Sprout let me out early."

Harry tipped his head as he came over, glancing at the Grindylow before turning back to me. "Aren't vampires not supposed to be in the sun at all? Don't you burst into flames or something?"

Lupin chuckled, making Harry pale and cover his mouth, thinking he'd given away what I was. "Vampires are a bit different from the myths, Harry."

"He already knows," I added, taking a seat and rubbing at my temples.

I was still getting used to cutting back on how much blood I was drinking.

"He… does?"

"All the professors know except the Dark Arts ones, but he figured it out."

Lupin offered Harry a reassuring smile. "And I've spoken to Dumbledore. I'm expected to keep it secret, given the headmaster is keeping a secret of mine safe."

Harry relaxed but looked back at me. "So… you don't burst into flames?"

I shot him a look. "No?"

Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "Right. Sorry. It's just… new, you know? Ah, but you don't like garlic!"

"Yeah," I agreed, "but I also don't like broccoli. Vampires can eat garlic just fine."

Harry lowered the finger he'd pointed at me and frowned. "So, what is true?"

"I'm weaker in sunlight," I explained. "It's… tiring. Gives me a headache."

"And you don't sleep well at night," he remembered, making me nod.

"I'm… nocturnal, I suppose, though with classes I can't always sleep during the day as I'd like."

"And you do drink blood?"

"Animal," I said seriously. "I won't…" I pursed my lips, looking down. "I don't want to drink human blood."

"Oh… Well, that's good, isn't it?" Harry offered, making me shrug.

"It's actually very good and very hard to do," Lupin mused, making me crinkle my nose at his roundabout way of praising me. "Most vampires can't satisfy their hunger on animal blood alone. Once they get a taste of human blood, it becomes nearly impossible to stop as well. While Sven is still young, he's doing remarkably well and has far better control than some adult vampires I've seen who've attempted the same. Most fail the second they get a scent of human blood. They just can't hold themselves back. It's like…" Lupin hummed. "Like not eating for a long time and then having someone put a bunch of desserts right in front of you. You can eat it, but then you won't be able to stop at just one bite. Sven is simply leaving the food there and forcing himself to go off and eat a salad instead. Make sense?"

Harry nodded, looking surprised and a little impressed, which only added to the flush of embarrassment creeping its way up my face. Lupin though just smiled.

"Would you two like some tea?"

I shook my head, standing up. "No. I want to practice some more."

He nodded and looked at Harry, and while I worked on trying to conjure up a good enough memory for my Patronus to form better, they talked about Harry's lesson with him. Maybe… something other than Cain? I… I can't even remember his face very well now. I frowned, eyeing my wand and closing my eyes. Maybe… something more recent… Coming to Hogwarts, getting the chance to leave the coven, learning, meeting Luna, making friends. The door snapped open and I lost concentration, eyes opening and frowning as I saw what had been my most solid Patronus yet vanishing like smoke.

"Damn," I muttered, wincing when Snape spoke coldly.

"Watch your language, Rydell."

I pursed my lips but nodded as he brought a goblet over to Lupin.

"Could you leave it here on the desk for me?" Lupin asked, seeing Snape eye him, Harry, and I. "I was just showing Harry my Grindylow, and Sven came in for extra lessons since it's a bit hot outside."

Snape frowned, setting the goblet down. "Fascinating. You should drink that directly, Lupin."

"Yes, yes. I will."

"I made an entire cauldronful if you need more."

"I should probably have some again tomorrow. Thanks very much, Severus."

"Not at all," Snape replied blandly before his eyes narrowed on me. "Rydell, with me. You're looking… peckish."

I cringed a little, knowing that I did feel more than a bit off at this point, and begrudgingly followed after him.

"Bye, Sven," Harry waved, and I paused before waving in return, ducking out the door with Snape to move down into the dungeons.

"You'd best remember whose house you are in," Snape growled as we walked. "Mixing with the wrong people will look poorly on everyone."

So, you'd rather I deal with the people in my own house who tormented me all term? I'd learned it was better to just accept whatever Snape told me though, whether I'd do it or not.

"Yes, sir."

His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing more as we reached his office. Once there, I waited and tugged lightly at my tie that had started to feel a little tight. Damn. It's a good thing he dropped by. I would've had to get blood before my next class and I'm not sure who I would've gone to. I sighed lightly. It's getting a little easier but I don't think it will ever get to the point of me not needing any. It's so frustrating… Why did I end up this way?

I frowned. It was the first time I wondered about my origins in a long while. I couldn't remember my parents other than an unsettling feeling in the back of my mind. I'd had nightmares when I was younger but I couldn't remember them much anymore. I couldn't remember getting bit either. Just waking up one day and feeling as though I'd been left in a desert. Throat parched and unable to be satisfied by any water or drink until I'd grown desperate enough to grab a rat and tear into its—

"Rydell."

I flinched, bringing the back of my hand up to my mouth and hating that I'd gotten absorbed in my thoughts to the point that the hunger was painfully obvious. Even Snape was eyeing me cautiously as I reached my free hand out and took the vial he was offering. I downed it quickly only to grimace and cough into my hand, my throat on fire.

"W-What—"

"I need to restock," Snape huffed, snatching the vial back and returning to his cupboards as I grabbed at my throat with a cringe. "That was some old dragon's blood. Not as potent as fresh blood, but it should suffice until I can get other blood."

A slew of curses rang through my mind and I left the dungeon feeling as though I would've been better off going to Hagrid and bartering for one of his chickens. Old blood wasn't the greatest, to begin with, but dragon blood was something I wasn't used to. It apparently had a far different taste than the usual creatures I dealt with. Because it's a magical creature? God, my throat. I ended up stepping out of the feast early because of it. I needed a break and considered stepping out into the forest but then remembered the Dementors hanging around and begrudgingly started up the stairs to get to the Room of Requirement.

I saw something black streak across the corridor then and felt my heart race. Was that… No, it couldn't be. Still, I picked up my pace and hurried after it, skidding on the floor as I rounded the corner and rushing through the hall only for something to tackle me from the side. Instinct kicked in, and I drew my wand, pressing it to the jugular of whoever had brought me down only to stare in surprise at the growling black dog on top of me.

"It's you. H-How…"

I lowered my wand and the dog continued to growl for a moment before slowly stopping, licking its lips hesitantly. I heard voices echoing up the corridor though. The feast had been let out. Why… No, I can't worry about that now. If anyone finds him—I pushed at the dog's chest, trying to get him off.

"Get off. We need to go. You can't get found here," I pressed, the dog finally stepping off and letting me get up. "I know someplace we can go. Come on."

The dog didn't budge at first and I grabbed at his fur, trying to get him moving.

"Come on. I don't know why you're here, but I can help you if you'll let me."

The dog eyed me in a way that I found rather familiar. It's like all the Weasley's when they found out I was a Slytherin. I know this dog is smart, but… but he can't be suspicious of me because of that, right? My chest ached at the thought, but I could hear people coming closer. We were running out of time.

"Please," I begged the dog, fingers gripping its fur before it finally seemed to give in and let me lead it upstairs.

It took a while to get up to the Room of Requirement and I double-checked that no one was around before doing what was needed to get the room to show itself. The dog looked even more suspicious with me walking back and forth but when the door finally appeared, he followed me in, eyeing the make-shift bedroom and study.

"Stay here," I said, moving back towards the door. "I'm going to make sure no one saw you."

I felt his eyes on my back as I hurried out of the room and bolted back downstairs. I need information. I paused and turned to the nearest portrait that was gossiping with someone, knocking on their frame to get their attention.

"What's happened?"

The woman in the photo grinned, leaning forward eagerly to share the gossip. "Rumor has it, Sirius Black is in the castle! Attacked the Fat Lady guarding the Gryffindor Tower."

A man slipped into the scene then, calling out. "They're gathering the students in the Great Hall. You best go, boy, before you get picked on again."

I nodded, thanking them, and hurried off downstairs, taking the long way in order to avoid getting caught coming from upstairs instead of downstairs where my common room was. I was easily able to slip in with the rest of the Slytherins as they were being brought into the Great Hall by Snape and grimaced when Dumbledore stood to make his announcement.

"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle. I'm afraid that, for your own safety, you will have to spend the night here. I want the prefects to stand guard over the entrances to the hall and I am leaving the Head Boy and Girl in charge. Any disturbance should be reported to me immediately. Send word with one of the ghosts."

Oh, no. Do they know about the room? Will he be safe there? The tables were moved aside and sleeping bags provided to everyone, but I was on edge. I dragged my bag over to a back corner and settled down on top of it, thinking. He should be safe. Not even the twins know about the room's abilities. The only one who might know about it would be Dumbledore… I hope he's safe. The other houses had gathered around to talk about what had happened as lights out was announced in the next few minutes. The Slytherins, of course, kept to themselves on the other end of the hall as I tried to figure out what had happened.

Sirius Black broke into the Gryffindor common room while everyone was at the feast. What for? No one was in there. It's password protected. Someone would've had to tell him, and how would he have been able to get past the Dementors? Maybe through a secret passage? The adults only know about so many of them. The twins know the castle better than most but there could easily be more that no one knows about. The Room of Requirement proves that much. I rubbed my eyes tiredly, knowing that it was going to be a long night given that I wasn't about to sleep.

The candles went out, leaving the ghosts and the enchanted stars above being the only lights. The Bloody Baron drifted over then, humming as he peered down at me.

"You didn't notice anything?"

I shook my head. "No, sir."

"You left the feast early."

I nodded, touching my throat. "I was having trouble with something."

He eyed me for a moment before grunting, accepting that. "You haven't been in the common room in some time."

"They wouldn't let me sleep there. You know that," I muttered.

"They're more cautious of you now. I'm sure they won't try anymore."

"Cautious when I'm awake," I grumbled. "They're always plotting, Baron. You know that."

"Cunning is the main trait of a Slytherin," he agreed, glancing at me. "Will you sleep now?"

I shook my head. "Can't. I have trouble sleeping at night and…" There are too many people here. They're all excited and anxious. That dragon's blood wasn't enough. "I just can't."

"Hm. Summon me if you need anything," he offered, drifting off to check with a prefect.

Time passed slowly, making me wish I had my school books or some of the homework I would've usually been doing. A Slytherin prefect had already scolded me for not sleeping but shuffled off to deal with others who were chattering not long after. When the enchanted moon in the sky showed the time at around three in the morning, Dumbledore swooped back into the room to talk with the Head boy, one of the older Weasley's. With the other students quieter, I was able to listen in as they spoke.

"Any sign of him, Professor?"

"No. All well here?"

"Everything is under control, sir."

"Good. There's no point moving them all now. I've found a temporary guardian for the Gryffindor portrait hole. You'll be able to move them back in tomorrow."

"And the Fat Lady, sir?"

"Hiding in a map of Argyllshire on the second floor. Apparently, she refused to let Black in without the password, so he attacked. She's still very distressed, but once she's calmed down, I'll have Mr. Filch restore her."

So he wasn't able to get in, but he still managed to get into the castle and vanish just as quickly. The door opened again and Snape stepped in, reporting that there was no sign of Sirius Black anywhere. Then, something interesting.

"You remember the conversation we had, Headmaster, just before—ah—the start of term?" Snape said, keeping it vague since the Head boy was still there.

"I do, Severus," Dumbledore replied, though his tone sent a shiver down my spine.

A warning.

"It seems—almost impossible—that Black could have entered the school without inside help. I did express my concerns when you made that deal with that boy and appointed—"

"I do not believe a single person inside this castle would have helped Black enter it," Dumbledore said sharply. "I must go down to the Dementors. I said I would inform them when our search was complete."

Was Snape… was he talking about me? And "appointed" meant… Professor Lupin as well? What connection could either of us have with Sirius Black?

"Didn't they want to help, sir?" The Head Boy asked, regarding the Dementors.

I'm surprised they communicate at all.

"Oh, yes. But I'm afraid no Dementor will cross the threshold of this castle while I am Headmaster," Dumbledore replied, heading for the doors only to pause and turn to look directly at me.

I stiffened, but offered a small nod of greeting, earning a small smile and nod in return before he stepped out with Snape giving me a glare and swooping out after him. Classes returned to normal the following morning, but I hadn't found time yet to check up on the dog I'd left in the Room of Requirement. The more I thought about it though, the more uneasy I felt. What were the chances that the dog I'd found would've been able to sneak into Hogwarts? Much less the same night that Sirius Black was spotted?

I wanted to check up on the dog during lunch but was forced to spend it doing the homework I'd not been able to do the previous night in the library. It was there that I had a thought, one that persisted through my History of Magic lesson and very nearly got me caught in a Slytherin ambush left for me right after dinner. I'd only just made it to the seventh floor, holding my ribs that were undoubtedly bruised from the impact I'd been dealt by the sudden attack in the hall. I sagged against the wall for a moment, letting out a breath with a wince and tapping a nearby portrait.

"T-Thank the woman in the valley landscape portrait downstairs for me."

"Will you be alright?" The man asked. "Shall I summon the ghosts?"

"No, they're gone." Some with added feathers instead of hair, but let's not mention that. "Thank you though."

He nodded and hurried off as I moved to the corridor I needed. I paced back and forth three times and when the door appeared, I headed over and stepped inside. Someone rushed towards me from the right and I quickly reacted, bringing up my wand only for it to get snatched out of my hand. A hand grabbed my arm, but I twisted and slammed a fist into their stomach. He grunted and I was thrown across the room by a knockback spell, hitting the ground hard before he rushed at me again. I threw myself up towards him, grabbing him by the leg and pulling him off balance and onto the floor with me. I swung another fist, but he dodged and I winced as my knuckles hit the ground and a knee slammed into my already bruised ribs. I choked at the sharp pain that rolled up my side, getting pinned to the ground finally with my wand at my own throat.

"Stop fighting," he snapped, and I peered my eyes open through the pain.

His dark, scraggly hair hung over his face which looked tired and fierce at the same time. He was pale and a little thin, but had a haunted look in his dark eyes that reminded me far too much of my own.

"Who have you told?" He demanded.

"N-No one," I rasped out, ribs aching in protest and the tip of my wand in my neck starting to hurt.

"Don't lie to me, kid. I have no qualms in wiping your memories."

"T-Then, why haven't you?" I challenged, staring back at him. "You didn't have to stay. You could've left."

"Even you know there are Dementors—"

"You could've left back at the coven!" I countered, letting him know that I knew he was the dog that had followed me around.

He went quiet, expression tense. "When did you find out?"

I closed my eyes, trying to relax the tense muscles that were causing more pain in my ribs. "At lunch. The dog showing up the same night Sirius Black was spotted in the castle. You're an Animagus, right, Sirius?"

His lip lifted in a snarl, reminiscent of the large black dog I'd come to know, and he tightened his grip on me threateningly. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't jinx you or wipe your memories."

"Wiping my memories won't help if you stay in here. I've known about this room since last term," I explained, wincing when he shifted and my ribs throbbed in protest.

"Don't get smart with me."

"I-I want to help!" I finally blurted out and that snarl returned.

"Why should I trust you? You're a Slytherin," he spat, making me angry as well.

"Why does that matter! I'm not like the rest of them! You know me!"

"I don't know anything about you," he countered, finally moving off me but quickly using my wand to tie me up and deposit me in a chair. "I know Slytherins. I've been to Hogwarts before, dealt with them. I'm not going to trust that you're different based on your word alone."

"So, what? You erase my memories and hope I don't find you again?" I countered, my temper flaring slightly as the pain in my side rippled through me.

"No. You're staying put," he countered, wand pointed at me. "If you're telling the truth, no one will notice you're missing."

They won't, I knew, unable to argue against him as I sagged in the chair and he settled down himself, waiting and watching until he eventually drifted off to sleep, leaving me wide awake and wondering what I was going to do now.