TWO


That night was sleepless, since I've seen the twins my body was refusing to sleep without them. So that night was restless of tossing and turning. The following morning was pure chaos, between everyone shuffling around sleepily and getting their trunks packed at the last minute. Grabbing my overnight bag that I had packed the night before with my uniform packed inside, I changed to blue skinny jeans, one of the sweaters Molly had knitted me and slipped on my shoes. I had wrangled my hair in a messy bun as Nox took up his usual position around my neck. Last night the twins had gifted me with my belated birthday present. It was an Egyptian cat charm marvelously detailed and cast in bronze. They wanted to send it via owl but something that valuable especially in Eroll's talons would have definitely been lost. I loved the old bird but he definitely would have lost it. The boys were forgiven and with a kiss on the cheek each things were back to normal.

The Ministry had drivers escort us back to Kings Cross. It was amazing how unaware the Muggles were. We made it to Kings Cross with twenty minutes to spare. I noticed as the twins were helping me load my trunk that Mr. Weasley pulled Harry aside to talk to him. He looked solemn an unusual look on his face when Mr. Weasley was normally so jovial. Before I could wander over to the pair the whistle roared on the train. I clambered onto the train and took up my usual spot with Fred and George in an empty compartment. Before long the train was moving, the boys were already concocting new plans; I had my Defense Against the Dark Arts assigned book out and began reading the pages. Catching up with the boys, the lessons I've been helping with for Potions have exponentially helped with their experimenting and product creations. There were less explosions and more creating things. I glanced out the window and noticed we were slowing down.

"Why are we stopping?" I asked quietly.

I set the book on the seat beside me, Nox's ears were perked up like satellites he was tense. And that was never a good sign.

"We can't be there yet," Fred murmured looking out the window with me.

George peeked his head into the hall. Suddenly the train jolted and I fell into Fred's lap who had collapsed against the seat, George had braced himself against the doorframe. I murmured an apology as the train compartment was suddenly plunged into darkness. Fred helped me up and I sat against the seat near the window and noticed how frosty and cold the room had became.

"Why is it so cold?" I asked quietly.

Neither of the boys responded, but George murmured a quick lighting spell. In the room came alit dimly with the tip of his wand. Through the dim light I could see our breath come out in short cold bursts. It was almost as the warmth from the very air was sucked out. A shiver went through me, and both the boys had lost their normal mischievous looks and were totally prepared. George returned to his seat across from his twin but the light illuminated what haunted the doorframe. Nox hissed angrily at the cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. My throat contracted and my stomach rolled, a glistening, grayish hand protruded from the cloak, it was almost slimy looking and decayed, scabbed over thing. Like something you'd see in a horror movie. Beneath the hood, whatever it was drew a long slow breath, rattling, as though it was to suck something more than air in its surroundings.

An intense cold surrounded me; the cold drenched me, like being dunked in an icy bath or falling through a lake. Although my eyes were open, I couldn't see. I was vaguely aware of the creature getting closer and closer to me, I faintly heard the twins roar in indignation but the creature paid no mind to either of them and continued its sensory assault on me. The closer it came to me the colder it got, I hear shouting and pleading, I was faintly able to see a woman standing in a doorway she stood rigid,

"No please…"

Just as I was going to see who was in the door way I was dragged into darkness by a flash of bright green light, that's when the screaming began.

"Harper!"

My eyes felt like lead weight as I dragged them open. I was faintly aware that I was shivering and shaking, I felt a cold sweat on my brow. I had fallen to fall, I was vaguely aware that the compartment was moving and shaking and the lights were on again. The twins hauled me up off the floor and I clung to Fred like a five year old and the tears wouldn't stop. Fred just held me tight pressing his lips into my hair and George rubbed my back. The compartment door slid open; I didn't bother to see who it was.

"Is she ok?" I heard a hoarse voice ask.

I peeked up from Fred's arm and saw a wizard, in shabby looking robes, he was young but his brown hair was flecked with grey his face wary.

"No that thing got pretty close to her," George hissed.

Nox who had now occupied my lap again and was on high alert stared at the man, studying him. The man, he grimaced, then reached into a pocket and pulled out a piece of chocolate.

"Make sure she eats that, it'll help."

Fred nodded taking the chocolate. The man nodded, studying us all for a moment, then returned to the hall closing the compartment door behind him.

"W-what was that thing?" I asked.

Fred gestured for me to take the chocolate, I bit into it and felt warmth spread to the tips of my fingers and toes, however I still couldn't stop shaking. The tears had stopped at least, and even with Fred holding me and the chocolate warming me up, I felt none of the warmth.

"A dementor, they guard the wizard's prison Azkaban."

I swallowed, mentally wishing not to see another one anytime soon.

The remainder of the trip was spent in silence, we changed into our robes and soon we stopped at the Hogsmeade station at long last. I silently cursed whoever decided it was ok for girls to wear skirts as part of the uniform as I wrapped myself in my cloak to keep warm. It was freezing on the tiny platform and the rain was coming down in icy sheets.

"Firs' years this way!" called a familiar voice.

I saw the gigantic outline of Hagrid at the other end of the platform, beckoning the terrified looking new students for their traditional journey across the lake. He waved at us but we followed the rest of the school along the platform and out to a rough track where at least a hundred stagecoaches awaited us. As I climbed into a coach with Fred and George I faintly realized that the coach smelled like mold and straw, probably due to wherever they kept them. I felt better with the chocolate in my stomach but I felt weak and queasy. As the coaches moved towards the school I saw two more towering dementors guarding on either side of the wrought iron gates that led to the castle. I flinched and closed my eyes and leaned back into the seats, I felt the cold creeping up into my limbs again.

Finally we arrived at the castle and as the carriage came to a halt we all climbed out.

"You fainted, Potter? Is Longbottom telling the truth? You actually fainted?"

Malfoy looked positively gleeful at the though.

"Malfoy please," I pleaded quietly.

He glanced over at me and concern flickered across his eyes before Ron stepped up to Malfoy.

"Shove off, Malfoy,"

"Did you faint as well, Weasley?" Malfoy taunted. "Did the scary old dementor frighten you too?"

"Is there a problem?" a mild voice called out.

It was the man who had given me chocolate; he had come out of the next carriage. Malfoy gave him a once over, his stare insolent.

"Oh, no – er – Professor," Malfoy responded smirking at Crabbe and Goyle then led them up the steps towards the castle.

Hermione had prodded Ron to hurry up and we joined the crowd swarming up the steps towards the front doors and into the grand entrance hall. It was lit with flaming torches, and housed a magnificent marble staircase that led to the upper floors. The door to the Great Hall opened on the right.

"Potter, Granger, Evans I want to see you!"

Harry, Hermione, and I turned around surprised. Professor McGonagall, she was our transfiguration teacher and the Head of Gryffindor House, was calling us out over the crowd. She was a stern looking witch and wore her hair in a tight bun, and her sharp eyes were framed with square spectacles. We made our way through the crowd.

"No need to look so worried – I want a word in my office." She glanced over at our group. "Move along there, Weasleys."

Ron stared as Professor McGonagall ushered Harry and Hermione, I gave the twins an apologetic smile and they gave me a reassuring one as I walked quickly to keep up. Once we were in her office, it was a small room with a large welcoming fire. I had been here a few times over my years at Hogwarts. She motioned us to all sit down in the three red cushioned chairs as she settled behind her desk.

"Professor Lupin sent an owl ahead to say that you were taken ill on the train,"

She looked at both Harry and I. I flinched at the memory and before Harry and I could reply there was a soft knock on the door Madam Pomfrey, came bustling in.

"I'm fine," Harry said. "I don't need anything…"

"Oh, it's you is it?" Madam Pomfrey replied, looking at him closely. "I suppose you've been doing something dangerous again?"

Normally I would have snorted; true enough a majority of the time Harry was in the hospital wing was due to his theatrics.

"It was a dementor, Poppy." Professor McGonagall said.

They exchanged a dark look, and Madam Pomfrey clucked disapprovingly. Neither of the witches approved of the dementor.

"Setting dementors around a school," She muttered. "He won't be the last who collapses.

She felt his forehead and mine.

"They're both clammy," She then began taking our pulse.

"What do they need?" Professor McGonagall asked crisply. "Bed rest? Should they stay in the hospital wing tonight?"

"I'm fine!" Harry said jumping up.

"Well he should have some chocolate at least," Madame Pomfrey said peering into Harry's eyes.

"I've already had some," Harry retorted. "Professor Lupin gave me some."

"Did he now?" Madam Pomfrey said approvingly. "So we've finally got a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies?"

Professor McGonagall peered at Harry.

"Are you sure you feel all right, Potter?"

"Yes," Harry responded.

"Very well. Kindly wait outside with Miss Granger while I speak with Miss Evans."

Hermione looked confused but followed Harry out into the hall. When the door closed both women looked at me cautiously.

"It got close, didn't it?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

I swallowed hard trying to block the memory.

"I don't remember much," I admitted.

"You're shaking Miss Evans."

I stared at my hands.

"I can't get warm; the chocolate helped some but…still cold."

"I'll see if I can get Severus to brew a Warming Draught for her," Madam Pomfrey said and swirled out of the room.

It was quiet for a few moments; the crackling of the fire was all that was heard.

"I saw mum," I said quietly.

I saw Professor McGonagall look up at me.

"It was like looking at an old movie…she was in the doorway, she was pleading with someone…then…green light." I said quietly.

I knew then that I had seen the last moments of my mother's life. I didn't dare look up at Professor McGonagall; I knew I'd see pity. She was very close with my mother and the only reason I knew what she looked like. Over the years she had been gathering and giving me photo albums of my mum. It was the only way I knew what she looked like.

"The Warming Draught Poppy will bring you will help, but the shock you're feeling will likely take time to disappear. It's not often sees something…that you've seen." Professor McGonagall said.

I nodded.

"Go send in Miss Granger I need to have a quick word with Miss Granger about her course schedule, then we'll go down to the feast together."

I headed into the corridor and ignored the curious looks from Harry as I informed Hermione that she was beckoned by McGonagall. Madam Pomfrey wasn't in the hall, having likely gone into the Hospital Wing.

"Are you ok?" Harry asked.

I shook my head; I didn't really want to share what I saw. A few minutes later Hermione had emerged looking extremely happy and she was followed closely by Professor McGonagall, we then made our way back down the marble staircase to the Great Hall. Inside was sea of black pointed hats, the houses sat along the house tables the student's faces were illuminated by the thousands of candles floating above us. Professor Flitwick was carrying an ancient brown hat and a four-legged stool out of the hall. He had apparently done the sorting of the new students. I tried to ignore the stares at we walked down along the aisle, some were whispering and pointing at Harry. Had news of Harry's fainting seriously traveled that quickly? Harry and Hermione took their seats on either side of Ron and I had taken up my usual seat between the twins who had saved my usual seat.

The twins gave me a reassuring smile which I returned. Professor Dumbledore was very old, and had a great presence of energy. He was powerful, but sometimes I wondered if he had his own agenda. His own rules, I often compared to how he viewed things as perhaps a chess board. He had several feet of long silver hair and beard, half-moon spectacles, and an extremely crooked nose. He seemed to invoke a sense of calm, and although physically I relaxed, I still felt myself anxious.

"Welcome!" said Dumbledore, the candlelight shimmered on his beard. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and one of them very serious, I think best to get it out of way before you become befuddled by our excellent feast…"

"Well that didn't help my anxiety…" I thought humorlessly.

Dumbledore cleared his throat before he continued. "As you will all be aware after the search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business."

He paused, and I caught the impression that he was not happy with the idea.

"They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds, and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school grounds without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises – or even invisibility cloaks."

I peeked over at Harry and Ron who I noticed exchanged glances.

"It is not in the nature of a dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefect, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no students run afoul of the dementors."

I could see Percy puff out his chest and stared around impressively. I fought to hold in a snort, Fred and George seemed to catch on and they grinned slightly. Nobody moved or made a sound. It was so quiet you could likely hear one of the school ghosts go by and they were near silent.

"On a happier note," he continued. "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

There was some scatter and unenthusiastic applause. Only those who had been in the compartment with him had clapped hard. Professor Lupin looked particularly shabby next to the other professors in their robes. I hoped the money he made here would help him, I knew how cruel other students could be.

"As our second appointment, well I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teach job along with his gamekeeping duties."

It was quiet for some minutes before there was a roar of applause, the loudest being from the Gryffindor table. I could see Hagrid was ruby-faced and staring at his hands, but you could see the grin behind his crazy black beard.

"Should have known," Fred said.

"Who else would have sent us a biting book?" George added.

I grinned.

"Well I think that's everything of importance. Let the feast begin!"

The golden plates and goblets before us filled suddenly with food and drink. It was delicious as per usual and the hall echoed with talk, laughter, and clatter of silverware. I thought to Hagrid's appointment to Care of Magical Creatures. It was a marvelous idea, he was great with creatures of all kinds, and it would be amazing to see how his first class would be. Soon we were all fed, and sleepy from full bellies. Dumbledore dismissed us from the hall to go to our dormitories to sleep. I slipped away from the main crowd to a lesser known hallway that would take me to my own room.

"Miss Evans,"

Slightly turning, I saw Professor Snape his black robes billowing even in the hall.

"My office if you please,"

He stalked away without waiting for an answer. But I was expecting that he wasn't expecting one, it was just how he was. I followed him down the hall and into the dungeon where his office was. His office was definitely warmer than the hallway. He sat in his armchair and I took the other across from him. From his drawer he pulled a vial of a orange looking potion I could faintly see shimmer swimming in it's depths.

"Poppy mentioned you needed a Warming Draught? I would think you would be capable to make your own."

I grimaced slightly, apparently hadn't gone into detail as to why I needed the draught.

"I had a run in with the Dementors as well," I murmured.

"I gathered, your hands are shaking…"

I peered down at my hands and they were indeed shaking. I covered them with the sleeves of my robes.

"It is a Warming Draught with a Sleep Agent, it will help you sleep with no dreams."

I nodded.

"Thank you…" I murmured.

I took the vial, and even in my hands it was warm.

"Sir?" I asked looking up tentatively.

He looked at me with a raised brow.

"Do…do you see the same thing, each time you encounter a dementor? Or is it different each encounter?"

I saw his expression soften slightly, his posture relaxed.

"Evans, I don't make a habit of looking for those creatures. Nor are they my area of expertise…"he began.

I felt myself feel embarrassed for even asking the question.

"…however, in my experience it's the worst memory you have…"he continued.

He must have seen my puzzled look.

"What did it show you?" He asked carefully.

"My mum," I said quietly.

I saw his face go blank and his eyes held pity. I swallowed the lump in my throat, and tightened my hand slightly on the vial.

"Thank you for the potion sir…"

I left the office without waiting for an answer. The halls were empty as I made my way up to my room. My head was swimming with questions, and none of them had answers. As I entered my room I was happy when I saw Nox purring happily on Fred's lap as George was reading one of the books from my bookshelf. Smiling at the sight I closed the door and was happy for the normalcy of the night.