35

The Dementor

Bill had been at the manor for four days and Emily was sad that he would be leaving the next day to return to his job site in Egypt. The two had spent most of Bill's time at the manor together, a detail that had not gone unnoticed by the rest of the household. In fact Draco, tired of being 'ignored', had gone to Diagon Alley without Emily to collect his school supplies with their friend and Slytherin year mate Blaise Zabini.

That was why Emily and Bill currently found themselves spending Bill's last day of vacation in Diagon Alley. Feeling bad that Draco had 'ditched' Emily because of him Bill offered to take Emily shopping for her school supplies. Diagon Alley was relatively busy as September first was drawing near and many people were out shopping for their return to Hogwarts.

Emily had spied Harry sitting at a table outside of Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. He had not noticed them as he appeared to be busy working on his summer schoolwork and eating an ice cream sundae. Emily still angry over the fight they had only days ago had allowed herself to fall behind Bill slightly so that he could block her from Harry's view as they entered Gringotts.

After a quick trip down to her vault they decided to head to Flourish and Blotts first. As they entered the shop Emily was thankful that it was much less crowded than last year and lacked a certain blonde dunce signing books filled with lies.

A disheveled looking sales assistant made his way towards them pulling on large leather gloves.

"Hogwarts?" he asked. At Emily's nod he began making his way towards a large metal cage. "Move, out of the way please," he instructed trying to reach the cage that Emily could now see was filled with The Monster Book of Monsters.

"I already have one of those," she called out to the assistant who looked extremely relieved at the statement.

"Thank Merlin," he said pulling off his gloves. "I don't know what possessed someone to pick out that terror of a book but it is worse than when we ordered a hundred copies of the Invisible Book of Invisibility!"

Emily and Bill shared a smile behind the man's back as he shook his head walking off further into the store muttering about ridiculous books and the idiocy of people who created them.

"Well I guess we are on our own," Bill said. "Let's see what you need to get… you are taking three new courses?"

"Yeah, Draco talked me into taking Care of Magical Creatures with him. We had both agreed to take Arithmancy and Ancient Runes but he found out that Blaise signed up for Divination and CoMC," Emily said as she pulled down her new Defense book from the shelf.

"So… naturally you must take CoMC because Blaise is?"

"Even though he hasn't admitted it aloud yet I am pretty sure Draco has a crush on Blaise," Emily answered moving to find the rest of her texts while grabbing books with titles that caught her interest.

Bill laughed as he reached up for a book Emily was attempting to grab that was out of her reach. "So you get to enjoy CoMC, lucky you. I never took it but Charlie did and he loved it."

"Of course he did, he works with dragons, magical creatures are his life," Emily pointed out as they made their way to pay for the books. "You know I need to meet your brother. He is the only one I haven't met but he is the one you talk about the most."

Emily quickly paid for her purchases before turning her attention back to Bill.

"Maybe I will convince him to come next summer if he has guessed who I have been writing to by then," Bill said holding the door open for Emily as they made their way from Flourish and Blotts to the apothecary.

Emily and Bill spent the next two hours finishing up their shopping before Bill insisted they go into muggle London for lunch.

"I'm starving, do you realize how long we were in the apothecary," Bill said as he looked over his menu.

"I needed a lot of ingredients that aren't in the third year set," Emily replied as she set down her menu already knowing what she wanted to order.

"How often do you brew outside of class?"

"A few days a week, I enjoy it. I often help Fred and George with their creations for fun as well."

"They are quite the pair. I was thankful that they didn't experiment in my house when they were visiting…" Bill paused and looked up as the waiter came to take their orders. Emily ordered shrimp fettuccine alfredo while Bill ordered chicken parmigiana. Once the waiter was a safe distance away the two resumed their conversation.

"Anyway, I think mum was glad that Fred and George weren't locked in a room 'blowing things up'. She is afraid they won't pass their OWLs this year and keeps trying to get them to listen to Percy who is only too happy to give them a speech on proper study habits."

"The twins are really quite brilliant. Their passion just doesn't lie within textbooks, they need to be creating and inventing it's who they are."

"And I love them for it but it is going to give my mum a heart attack when she realizes they have no intention of changing their dreams so they can work at the ministry pushing paperwork as she would like them to."

"Was that what she wanted for you as well?"

"Of course, Charlie too, but you can see how well her pestering worked…"

"Yes you ran off to Egypt and Charlie to Romania."

After lunch they spent most of their afternoon joking and enjoying each other's company as they browsed through various shops in muggle London. That night when Emily went to bed she felt oddly hollow with the knowledge that when she awoke Bill would already be back in Egypt. When he was around it was almost as if her magic hummed in contentment. Over the past few days she was surprised by how much comfort his presence brought her. Pushing those thoughts aside Emily closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift off to sleep.

The rest of summer passed quickly for Emily. Cedric visited often, she had been growing closer to the handsome sixteen year old. Draco was sure the Hufflepuff wanted to ask her out. Of course she had to admit she would not be opposed to such a thing but she wasn't certain Cedric wanted to date her. He was going into his sixth year why would he date her, a third year, when he could easily date any girl in the school with his looks and charm.

The night before Emily was to return to Hogwarts she found herself as usual eating dinner with the Malfoys and Severus.

"Are you both packed and ready for tomorrow?" Lucius asked as he took a sip of his wine.

"Of course we are," Draco replied. "We both packed this afternoon. Do you know who the new Defense teacher is?"

Lucius shared a look with Severus before answering, "Remus Lupin."

The name sounded familiar to Emily and she tried to place where she heard it before when it hit her, "He was one of my father's best friends? You mentioned him when you talked to me."

"We did," Severus confirmed.

"You're not happy about this," Emily stated looking at the closed off face of her mentor.

"Not particularly, no," he replied looking down as he stabbed a piece of steak a little harder than necessary.

Emily looked to Draco who shrugged his shoulders and gave her a look that told her he had no idea why Severus seemed upset over this man coming to Hogwarts. Deciding now was not the best time to press for information Emily decided to change the topic. "What is the password to get into your rooms?" she asked.

"Oculus autem serpens ad mulierem."

"So... roughly translated that means 'eye of the snake'," Emily said.

"I'm glad you tell us, because your passwords would be impossible to guess," Draco commented.

"That's the point of a password Dray," Emily teased. Draco rolled his eyes at his best friend before returning to his meal.

Emily awoke the next morning to Mipsy waking her with her usual cup of coffee. She was very grateful for her elf and knew that come tomorrow morning when she was back at Hogwarts she would be missing her greatly.

"Master says Mistress needs to be ready in half an hour." Emily nodded and started climbing out of the bed walking towards her bathroom as she sipped her coffee.

"Mipsy can you take my trunk to the Floo room for me, please?"

"Of course, Mistress." Emily heard the elf pop away as she started the shower.

Hurrying through her morning routine so she wouldn't exceed her time limit Emily walked out of her closet to find a plate with bacon and half a toasted bagel with cream cheese on it. Obviously it was later than she thought if they weren't having breakfast in the dining room. Picking up a piece of bacon she spun around as the door to her room was thrown open.

"I can't believe Tippy woke me up so late!" Draco complained as he came in also holding a plate of food.

Emily shrugged as she swallowed a piece of bacon, "Probably has something to do with us being up until one in the morning."

"True," Draco acknowledged. "But only a half hour to get ready… I had to rush my hair what is Blaise going to think?"

Emily raised an eyebrow at her best friend in amusement, "And why do you care what Blaise thinks?"

Draco shot a glare at her changing the subject, "Will Cedric be joining us on the train."

"I don't know," Emily answered. "He probably wants to sit with his friends not in a compartment with third years."

Before Draco could make a comment Mipsy popped into the room. "You's both be needed in the Floo room. Leave plates, Mipsy will clean them," the elf instructed the two teens who quickly stood up making their way out of Emily's bedroom.

When they reached the Floo room Emily was surprised to see Severus there. Last year he had left quickly after breakfast to get back to Hogwarts to prepare for the students arrival. She hadn't been expecting him at all this year as he had collected Isis last night and taken her to Hogwarts with him.

"There you two are," Narcissa said waving them over to fuss over them.

"Love they are fine," Lucius stated with obvious amusement.

"We need to get going," Severus pointed out. "We need to beat the crowd."

Nodding Lucius turned to the two teens, "Draco you are going with Sev, Emily you are going with Cissa and I will take your trunks, okay?" Neither Emily nor Draco were sure as to why Severus was going with them to the platform but moved to the adult they were directed to.

"Not that I am upset about it but why are you coming with us?" Draco asked looking up at his godfather.

"We have decided it was best with everything going on. Lupin will also be on the train but we will all feel better if I am with you both," he answered holding out his arm for Draco to grab on to.

Once they appeared on the still deserted platform Draco and Emily were quickly ushered into an empty compartment. Lucius tucked their trunks away while Narcissa kissed them both wishing them a good year.

"Behave and don't annoy Severus too much before you get to Hogwarts," said Lucius amusement clear in his voice at the fact that his best friend was going to spend the next few hours in tight quarters with teenagers.

"I'm quite used to it. It seems every year my quarters are over run by these two more and more," Severus said nodding towards Emily and Draco.

"We can behave but we cannot guarantee Sev's sanity as I am uncertain as to its existence to begin with," Emily smirked.

"Insufferable brat," Severus said, the corners of his lips giving away his amusement.

"Yeah, but you love me anyway," Emily shot back with a big smile.

Lucius chuckled before kissing Emily's head and squeezing Draco's shoulder, "Have a fun ride you three."

Lucius followed his wife out of the compartment sliding the door closed behind him. Severus pulled out a book as he went to shut the blinds.

"You can't close them yet," Draco shouted before covering his mouth when he realized how loud he was being.

"He wants to make sure Blaise can find him," Emily smirked. Severus raised an eyebrow as he looked towards the blonde teenager who was trying not to blush. "He has a crush on him but refuses to admit it."

"Em!" Draco exclaimed glaring at his best friend. His look changed quickly though and a smug smile came over his face as he crossed his arms, "Why don't you tell him about Diggory?"

Emily rolled her eyes as she pulled out her own book and began to read, ignoring Draco's comment and Severus' questioning gaze. It wasn't long before Blaise joined them, though he had appeared a bit hesitant to sit down when he realized Severus was in the compartment with the pair. After assurances that it was okay Blaise sat next to Severus and got comfortable as he settled in to enjoy the ride to Hogwarts.

"Are you two excited to go to Hogsmead?" Blaise asked.

"I'm going to be glad to not have to send out as many owl orders this year, too bad we can't go every weekend," Emily remarked looking up from her book.

"At least we get to go. What with Black free I wasn't sure they would allow us out of the castle…" Emily and Draco shared a look before Emily turned back to her book. "Am I missing something?"

"There are always a few teacher chaperones in Hogsmead," Draco pointed out ignoring the comment but reaching out to pat Blaise's knee. "I'm sure it's safe."

Just then they turned hearing a knock on the door. "Anything off the trolley dears?"

"Uncle Sev, do you want anything?" Draco asked as he opened the door to buy treats for the teens.

"Dark chocolate bar."

Draco purchased the candy and passed it out before returning to his seat. As the train continued to speed north, the sky outside the windows darkened causing the lights in the compartments to turn on. When the train began to suddenly slow Emily looked up from her book.

"Thank Merlin, I'm hungry!" Blaise exclaimed. Draco laughed but Emily looked to Severus who was casting a tempus obviously having the same thoughts running through his mind.

"We haven't been on the train long enough to be there yet," Emily said putting her book down on the seat next to her as she marked her place. "What's going on Sev?"

"I am unaware of any authorized stop before the Hogsmead station," Severus replied quickly putting his book away and pulling out his wand. The train continued to slow down as the wind howled against the window. Severus opened the door looking out only to bark at the students who were doing the same to get back into their compartments and lock the doors.

The train jolted as it came to a full stop. The lights began to flicker before they went out completely and bathed the train in darkness. Screams could be heard at the abrupt blackout. Emily felt uneasy, she gripped her wand tightly hoping there would not be a need for it.

"Am I allowed to create a light?" Emily asked quietly.

"Yes." With Severus' reply the witch pointed her wand towards the ceiling sending small balls of light to dance around it, giving the cabin a dim glow.

Everything was silent for a few minutes before the lock clicked and the door began to slide open. A cloaked figure appeared in the doorway, Emily shivered as a chill swept through the compartment. A boney gray hand reached forward and the figure made a rattling sound that Emily guessed was somehow allowing the creature to inhale something more than air.

The cold went to Emily's very heart and her vision began to blur. She heard a woman begging for mercy for her child. The voice faded replaced by screams mixed with a high cold laugh. She was blinded by a green light before her vision turned into a white fog and she could hear a deep silky voice call her name.

"Emily, focus on my voice. I need you to open your eyes for me," the voice said. Opening her eyes as she was instructed, the witch found herself looking into the worried face of Severus and being held by Draco. Her eyes flicked to Blaise, who was sitting in the corner, his gaze traveling from her to the once again closed door and back.

"Emily," Severus said drawing her attention back to him. "I need you to eat this chocolate." Taking Emily into his arms as she still felt a bit dazed Severus swapped places with Draco so he could help her, worried at her continued silence.

Emily was no fool she knew what she had heard, more specifically who she had heard and it seemed slightly more terrifying than the dreams she had, had of the event. She was drawn from her dwelling as her hand holding the piece of chocolate was directed towards her mouth. Taking a bite warmth began to flow through her causing the ice and depression to seemingly seep out from her.

"Was that a…" Blaise trailed off staring at the door.

Severus nodded as he handed Emily another piece of chocolate, "A Dementor."

Emily had read about Dementors and the thought of that creature returning sent a shiver down her spine. They were vile creatures that guarded Azkaban prison, draining the prisoners of their joy and leaving them with only their worst memories.

"What were they doing on the train!" Draco exclaimed his worry for Emily clear in his expression.

"Most likely searching for Black but I will be giving Albus Dumbledore an earful about allowing those things on a train filled with children," Severus spoke, his voice cold. Emily would not want to be the Headmaster when Severus got his hands on him. "Just relax we should be to the station in five minutes. Emily I'm going to apparate up to the gates so I can get to the school quickly, do you want to come with me?"

"I'll be fine with Draco," Emily said softly. Severus took a moment to look over her before nodding his head. He motioned for Draco to take his original place back. When the train once again came to a complete stop Severus disappeared from the compartment with a soft pop.

Emily took Draco's offered arm as they stepped onto the platform and made their way to the carriages. The ride up to the school was silent. Draco helped Emily out of the carriage when they reached the school, refusing to allow her to relinquish her arm from his as they made their way over to the Slytherin table to take their seats for the feast. On their way they passed Theo who mimed fainting as he taunted Harry about something, Emily could only shake her head at the boys' unending rivalry.

Once seated Emily took a moment to scan the Great Hall, Severus was in his usual place scowling down the table to where a person Emily recognized from her dreams was sitting. Emily knew that he must be Remus Lupin their new Defense professor. He appeared tired but happy as he looked upon the students settling into the Great Hall.

Her eyes then locked with a certain Hufflepuff's who smiled and gave a small wave which she returned. The hall fell quiet as the first years were escorted to the front to be sorted into their Houses. It was when the first years were seated that Emily noticed her brother and Granger slipping into the Great Hall following McGonagall, quickly making their way to the Gryffindor table.

Dinner was promptly served and Draco kept glancing at Emily to make sure she was eating. She rolled her eyes at his protective behavior but was truly glad she had him by her side.

As usual at the end of the feast Dumbledore rose to give his yearly do's and don'ts speech but this year's ending was a very new kind of warning. After he had introduced Lupin as the new Defense professor and Hagrid as the new Care of Magical Creatures professor he touched on the topic of Dementors.

"As many of you know Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban and as an extra precaution for your safety the Ministry has seen fit to station the Dementors of Azkaban around the grounds at every entrance. I caution you all to be diligent and not to leave the castle without permission. The Dementor is not a forgiving creature and cannot distinguish between those they are hunting and the ones who fall into their path. I look to our prefects and Head Boy and Girl to make sure our students are following the rules as to avoid anyone coming into contact with the Dementors. Now off to bed."

Emily watched as Severus whispered something to Dumbledore before sweeping from the hall with his cloak billowing behind him. She guaranteed Dumbledore was about to have an unpleasant conversation with the angered Potions Master.

When Emily and Draco made it to their dorms Emily bypassed setting up her room for the night and followed Draco to his. Slipping into one of Draco's shirts and a pair of his silk boxers Emily crawled into bed quickly falling asleep tucked into her best friend's side.