Beta: AriArlene [real life friend who loves fanfiction and not through the beta'ing service]
Original Release Date: 10/11/15
Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the canon Harry Potter universe or any other universe.
Chapter Thirty Four – Too Many Surprises
"Remus?! You're going to be the substitute Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?" exclaims Amelia.
"I have volunteered to finish this year up, in addition to the entire next year as well. Sirius and I both agree that I'm the best fit, at least of he and I."
"What about Marauders Emporium?" inquiries Amelia.
"We will be fine for the time being, and then we will find some help for Sirius. This will provide the students a more seamless transition with me being here for the next few months and then in the fall for an entire year."
Turning back to Dumbledore, Amelia states, "While my approval and ministry's isn't exactly needed in this case, Fudge does have the power to object to any replacement he deems unqualified to teach. With that said, I have no qualms with whom you've appointed to the position. We appreciate your cooperation in the matter regarding Mr. Gilderoy Lockhart. Good day to you two sirs."
Arriving back in her office, Amelia returns to reading over reports when Moody limps in and growls, "Director, there's been a breakout at Azkaban. Pettigrew escaped."
"Please tell me that you aren't serious. With you retiring in two months, I don't think the public will have much of a favorable look on our department, despite our hard work."
"Completely serious. One day he was there, the next he wasn't."
Rubbing her temples, Amelia asks, "And no one detected anything unusual around that time? Certainly someone shouldn't just be able to escape from the maximum security wing that easily."
"Well, he did. Just thought you should know" states Moody before beginning to limp out of the room.
"Moody. Take another auror with you, and not Tonks, and go see what the guards know and if Pettigrew had been acting differently, all of the information you can get on this. And see what wards they have, he might have found a hole in our security" states Amelia writing up passes for Azkaban.
Grumbling inaudibly, Moody takes the passes and limps out, not eager to visit Azkaban. Not wanting to make a public statement about Pettigrew escaping, but knowing that he could be a threat to the public, Amelia begins searching for any documents relating to Pettigrew. Several hours later, Moody limps in, sitting down in a chair across from Amelia.
"None of the staff knew he wasn't there until they went to deliver his breakfast to him. The only thing there was a paper that apparently Fudge had brought in", setting the paper on Amelia's desk before continuing, "said that they've got an anti-portkey ward, a muggle repelling ward, anti-apparition ward, and that's about it."
Looking over her notes, Amelia asks, "Did they say anything about anti-animagus ward?"
"No, ma'am, nary a word."
"I'm glad we have some donated funds from some citizens. Anyways, thank you. Take tomorrow off and come back Friday rested."
Accepting the dismissal, Moody limps out quietly, recognizing the look of heavy thinking on his boss's face. Looking over the paper and noticing it was the Daily Prophet's article on the basilisk, Amelia jots some notes down, scratching out a few lines before finally entering the finished lines into the electronic system, putting security clearance of only her on it, before printing a copy to take home with her.
Sitting down at the table, Amelia begins eating quietly before Sirius enters the room, sitting down across from her. Minutes begin to tick by as silence encompasses the two before Sirius speaks up, "Something on your mind dear?"
Finishing her stew, Amelia looks up and explains the situation before saying, "And I'd like to employ the services of the Marauders Emporium to put a house-elf ward and a anti-animagus ward around Azkaban. This should have been done in the first place to prevent such a thing from happening."
Patting his wife on the shoulder as he sits down beside her, Sirius comments, "I suppose it should have. But remember that Fudge doesn't seem to want to give the department more money and expects more to be done with it."
"I also think a few cameras, both sound sensors and not based on sound should be monitoring the maximum security wing, as well as the guardroom, and the only entrance into the prison" states Amelia thinking out loud.
"I think that is possible and logical. I just hate that the little bugger got away!" states Sirius, slamming his fist onto the table.
"The good news is, if you can even say that, is that he won't be able to gain access to Hogwarts with all of the wards that are in place" says Amelia in a reassuring tone.
"Possibly…except that there are a few entrances to Hogwarts from Hogsmeade. James, Remus, and I, with that little whelp Pettigrew used the routes multiple times in our years at Hogwarts. While I think that the wards will stop him, I can't be certain for the underground routes."
Silence falls and Sirius looks at Amelia, who has an inscrutable look on her face.
"You mean to tell me that there are ways in and out of Hogwarts that aren't clearly marked, AND you've known about them for years?!"
Knowing that he had said the wrong thing, Sirius offers quickly, "How about this? I'll get Moony to do some monitoring and make some wards that cover specifically those routes. That should prevent anyone from entering, and from allowing any student to leave without being documented, even if they have knowledge of said route."
"How many students might know of these…routes?" inquiries Amelia in a hard tone.
"Not more than a hand full or so" answers Sirius.
"I want some hard numbers, Sirius."
"Well…Harry and Neville have a copy of the map so I'd consider them at least being somewhat aware of these routes. There was an original map at one point in time, but Filch took it, so no clue if anyone knows from that angle. Close friends of Harry and Neville might know, just depending on what they were trying to do. I will take a stab and say that the twins will know about the map" answers Sirius somewhat sheepishly.
"So we're looking at least four students, if not more, are possibly aware of exits off of Hogwarts grounds to Hogsmeade. Do you know that this could be disastrous if they are harmed and it is revealed that we know about these routes? You're going to show me where these routes go, and we're doing it tonight."
A few hours later, Remus finishes his video call, having jotted down brief notes on the passages and what to do. Opening his trunk and getting to the compartment of spare products, pulling out half a dozen of each camera, some ward anchors, not the most eager to go placing warding and surveillance equipment up at the demand of Amelia. Acknowledging that despite not wanting to do so, it made logical sense, especially considering that Pettigrew had escaped and was aware of said entrances/exits of Hogwarts.
Finally having placed the cameras everywhere but under the Whomping Willow, Remus fires a few quick spells off, finally hitting the knot on the trunk in the dark, allowing him to go under and finish his work. Placing a few extra charms, Remus crawls out after freezing the tree once more. Dusting himself off, Remus makes his way back to his room to sleep, especially with his first class beginning the following day.
The following day at breakfast, the general conversational topic was who was to replace Kingsley as his final day had been the previous day.
"So Harry, who do you think will be the new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts?" inquiries Hermione.
"I suspect Dumbledore" states Harry.
"Then you have guessed wrong, Pronglet" states a familiar voice behind Harry.
Turning around, Harry exclaims, "Remus, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, just tending to a few things Sirius and Amelia requested I do, alongside teaching now" answers Remus.
"You're the new DADA teacher? Awesome!" exclaims Fred, high fiving George beside him.
"You are correct. But remember boys, I know where you all are after curfew" warns Remus in a somewhat serious voice, smiling.
"But also remember if you know where we are, we know where you are" grins George.
"That is true. But remember Harry, even with your trump card, I can still find you. Don't think of just what your father would do, but also consider what your mum would want you to do. Now, how about you seven join me for tea this coming Saturday around three in the afternoon? Assuming you all don't have any previous plans of course, as you Fred and George, to go to Hogsmeade."
Quickly coming to an agreement, the quintet comprised of Ginny, Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Neville accept the invitation before Remus smiles and takes his leave to the staff table to partake of food. Excited at finally having a competent teacher for a Defense Against the Dark Arts class that year and the invitation for tea consumes the septet's chatter before classes begin.
Making it through Transfiguration and Charms, the second years make it to DADA, sitting down as they wait quietly for class to begin. Bell ringing signaling the start of the class, seconds tick by as still no professor appears. Noticing the lack of an appearance by one of his adoptive fathers, Harry peaks at his Omni Play, noticing the dot labeled 'Remus Lupin' standing at the back of the room, despite his eyes telling him that nothing was there at all.
Smiling, Harry jumps out of his seat and yells, "Stupify" at the estimated spot that Remus is at. In slow motion the assumed wall drops, revealing Remus as he shields himself with a shield spell, sending three stinging hexes back at Harry, who manages to only defend himself from the first two.
"And that class, is why you should be mindful of your surroundings. Had I been a Death Eater, I could have easily injured, disabled, or even have killed many of you. But fear not, it is my job to teach you how to protect yourselves from these potential threats. To begin, I am Remus Lupin, co-owner of Marauders Emporium, and more importantly, your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for the rest of this year and next year as well. In accordance with ministry standards, I will be giving everyone an exam to see roughly where the class is, so I can figure out where to begin regarding putting everyone back on track with their education. This will not be for a grade, so don't worry if you don't do well."
Passing out the parchment, Remus quietly levitates equipment to a section of his desk, two WorkFlow monitors adorning his desk, a small rectangular device with a panel tilting towards it's point of origin, a hopper to feed parchment into. One by one the students turn their answers in, which gets fed into the rectangular device. Feeding the last piece of parchment in, Remus looks up at a raised hand and answers, "Yes, Miss Granger?"
"What is that device there doing with our answers?"
Chuckling at the inquisitiveness as Hermione, Remus smiles and answers, "This is a prototype device, codenamed 'Consolidator'. It takes in parchment and checks them for the correct answer, cutting down my grading time, which feeds into my ability to more quickly understanding what topics need more coverage, and others that we can move more quickly over, thus providing a hopefully better education to all. But don't worry, I'll still be looking over your essay questions for other possibly correct answers, unlike Mr. Potter's answer of 'Professor Lupin enjoys his steak rare instead of well done.' I'm not certain how that answers the question of 'How does one identify a werewolf without using the full moon?', but it certainly merits some amusement, but doesn't answer the question."
Raising her hand once again and getting a nod, Hermione asks, "Do you get detailed information regarding who gets what questions right and wrong?"
Tapping a few things, Remus turns and faces one of the WorkFlow devices towards the class and answers, "I do, but here I've disabled the view of what each student answered. Instead it gives me a bell curve of how the class did overall regarding each question. Interestingly enough, despite the multitude of comments made in regards to former Professor Lockhart's teachings, you all barely know anything about how to defend yourselves practically against the many magical creatures of the world. On Thursday please don't read any more of the Lockhart books, bring quill and parchment, alongside your attention as we will begin then. One last thing, as Sunday is Valentine's Day, please watch what you receive as a gift, as it may or may not be laced with a love potion, which I'd like to remind you is against the rules. Have a good day" right before the bell rings, signaling the end of morning classes and the time for lunch.
Stacking his plate full of food, Ron tunes out the others while chomping down noisily on food.
"I wonder what he will teach us on Thursday" wonders Hermione aloud.
"I'll take a guess at something with magical creatures" answers Neville.
"What did he do today? I don't have DADA until tomorrow" asks Ginny.
"Just gave us an exam to see roughly where we are in our class, so he can teach us what we need to know or something" replies Harry.
"Do we get scored on how well we do?" inquiries Ginny, anxiety entering her voice.
"He said it wasn't" answers Ron around mouthfuls.
Multiple sets of eyes fall on Ron, who, finally realizing the silence was caused by his response, states, "I pay attention in class…most of the time."
Coming up behind Harry, the twins ask, "So Harry, we need to speak to you in private."
Standing up and gathering his bag, Harry follows Fred and George out to the Entrance Hall and down a few hallways before stopping.
"You still have access to the cameras, right?" asks Fred.
Pulling out his Omni Play, Harry taps through a few things before answering, "I do, but it looks like there are a few more…in some inconvenient places. Such as exits out of Hogwarts."
"What?!" exclaim Fred and George together, grabbing the device and looking at the screens, going through the pages of the images.
"…we need your help setting up some pranks, we just don't want to risk getting caught near them" states George, finally handing Harry his Omni Play back.
"Unless we do it in the middle of the night, and that's risky as Remus might have the motion sensors active during the night, the best time is when he is in class and there are loads of students out in the halls" replies Harry.
"That's why we want you to be our lookout and make certain that he doesn't catch us."
"How about I just 'forget' my Omni Play, you 'find' it, and use it for a bit" suggests Harry, offering the device towards Fred and George.
Hearing the bell, the three part ways, heading to their respective classes for the afternoon session, each pondering what to do next.
At the ministry, Amelia sighs as she knocks on Fudge's door, not wanting to reveal that a prisoner from the maximum security wing at Azkaban had escaped, but knowing that the public should be informed.
"Come in" comes Fudge's voice.
Conjuring herself a seat, Amelia states, "Minister, I believe it is time for you to know that a prisoner has escaped from Azkaban, more importantly the maximum security wing."
Silence falls across the room as Fudge's jaw drops to his desk. "H-how did this happen? When did this happen? Who was it? I want some answers, Amelia!"
Taking a deep breath, Amelia begins, "It happened roughly two days ago, during the night. Finding out, we began investigating and discovered how he escaped, which was by using his animagus form. We then discovered that there was not a ward in place, despite my decade old request for one to be erected, which we suspect quite heavily let Pettigrew escape from his cell and eventually disappear from the island. Since then we have installed cameras monitoring the maximum security wing, the guard room, and the lone entrance and exit from the prison. We have also added Anit-Animagus ward and a House Elf barrier, preventing house elves from entering and using their magic to make inmates disappear."
"What? And where did you get the money on such short notice?!"
"A donor provided the funding for this emergency installation. We now have constant surveillance over the happenings at Azkaban, even from here. I do believe that the public should be informed that Pettigrew has escaped, but the way he escaped has been sealed for any future attempts. The specifics on what exactly has been done should be kept between you and I personally thinking, but the public should be informed and very soon as well, or they will get the wrong idea that we are trying to cover this up" answers Amelia.
"Very well, I-I'll find a Daily Prophet reporter and make a statement. But you'll be there too" states Fudge blustering around his office.
Already guessing at the reporter, Rita Skeeter, Amelia acknowledges Fudge's statement, and follows him out of his office as they make their way to the Daily Prophet.
Much later that evening in the common room, George walks wordlessly up to Harry, Omni Play in hand. Taking the device, Harry murmurs a thanks, both resuming their previous activities.
/*the next morning*/
Unrolling his copy of the Daily Prophet, Remus pauses as he reads the headline, 'Pettigrew Escapes Azkaban', with multiple other and minor stories also talking about security at Azkaban. Beginning to read the disparaging articles, Remus eats his morning meal quietly, having gotten up and exercised with the septet from Gryffindor with Professor McGonagall.
"Anything good in the news today, Remus?" inquiries Professor McGonagall, the only other professor currently at the staff table.
Wordlessly Remus flips to the front page, hearing the expected gasp of air from Professor McGonagall.
"Remus, I'm sorry to hear that Pettigrew escaped. Especially with what he did to James and Lily."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it. He won't be making it into Hogwarts, at least without being caught. All the more reason to teach practical defensive skills in class" replies Remus, finishing his porridge.
"Practical defensive skills? Remus, surely you won't be doing such a dangerous thing with the students, will you?"
Chuckling, Remus answers, "As long as I have access to Harry or Neville, it'll be fine. They have been raised with dueling, and with guardians as aurors, so I wouldn't be so worried if I were you. Might see if Dumbledore will approve of me taking over the Dueling Club that Lockhart tried to teach, and give some more demonstrations. Filius would be a welcome addition as I hear he was a dueling champion many years ago."
"I daresay that many, even us professors, would do well with a refresher or two" remarks Professor McGonagall.
"Why not have some of the more sure students challenge some of the professors? I think it might be a learning experience for both" suggests Remus.
"Hmm" remarks Professor McGonagall before standing up and leaving the staff table as more staff and students begin to enter the Great Hall.
/*Meanwhile at the Marauders Emporium*/
"What do you mean you've purchased the Shrieking Shack?!" exclaims Sirius in surprise.
"Just that dear. After hearing that one of the entrances to the Hogwarts grounds is accessible through a hatch in the building, I decided to purchase it, and ward it as to further restrict access" answers Amelia from the Omni Play where a 3D version of her head is.
Groaning, Sirius looks around to make certain that no one could hear him, despite already knowing that the store was still devoid of customers at such an early time, before answering, "It was originally for Remus to transform into his werewolf form, before the Wolfsbane potion was created. I doubt anyone outside of Moony, Prongs, myself, and…Pettigrew knew about it. You might want to see if he has stopped there, or still is there. I trust the protections that Remus installed, so I doubt that Pettigrew would have made it into Hogwarts successfully."
"I'll send a team right over to check. Then we need to put some wards up this weekend" states Amelia ending the call.
Sighing as he puts the device away, Sirius looks at his checklist and mutters to himself, "Still need someone to help run the store, in addition to double checking the progress of our Hogsmeade Academy for classes, and that's not even including putting together some more stock. Oh Moony, why did you have to volunteer to teach at Hogwarts? Was it to see Harry and Susan more often? Or was there an ulterior motive?"
A little while later, Amelia looks over reports before Alice Longbottom, John Dawlish, and Kingsley enter her office.
"Director, while we didn't find Pettigrew, we did find fresh ash from a fire, no more than a day or two old. A few scraps of a few dead animals, but that was it" states Kingsley.
"I noticed a hatch leading underground had been opened and not closed. I inspected it but only found a tunnel that had some wards and stopped me. Could it have been Pettigrew?" reports Alice.
Shaking her head, Amelia answers, "No, that was specifically warded that way. Pettigrew wouldn't have made past the wards. Good job team."
At Hogwarts in the split Gryffindor/Ravenclaw Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Remus looks over the class and announces, "Somewhat interestingly the Ravenclaws scored better on the spell portion, but that matters not. Theories and explanations form just part of the practical aspect of dueling or wizarding combat. Touch on some basic maneuvers that Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom knew when facing the basilisk a few weeks ago were to not be in the same spot as they were when the enemy cast a spell. Obviously this wouldn't have worked specifically in that way, as a basilisk is unable to cast spells, but the principle of always moving is somewhat important. Putting something in the way of an incoming spell is another way to go about it, such as conjuring something or transfiguring material to create a shield. At this point in your education you shouldn't worry about transfiguring or conjuring anything just yet. On Friday we will begin covering some basics of practical combat briefly, with a majority of our time learning about the different habitats and creatures that live there, and what threat they pose to you."
Days later on Saturday, the quintet make their way to the DADA room as much of the rest of the student body make their way to Hogsmeade for a five hour stint outside of the castle, handful of aurors patrolling with Amelia doing duty as well.
"I'm glad you five decided to come visit me. I figured some time to enjoy some tea, heart shaped pastries and sandwiches, and of course have light hearted conversation" states Remus placing a plate of various heart shaped pastries and sandwiches on a table.
Ron immediately grabs three sandwiches and sits back in his chair, smiling ear to ear.
"So those of you who are interested in Quidditch, are you all excited to see next week's game in the new stands?" asks Remus, munching on a jelly filled pastry.
"How much different are they compared to the old stands?" inquiries Ginny.
Sipping some tea, Remus answers, "There are more seats at the goal level, alongside sitting options and standing options on ground level, and for when it is cold out, they have heating charms to make the games more bearable for the spectators, a few cameras for allowing family to watch you play, things like that.
"That sounds amazing!" exclaims Ginny.
"It will make watching Slytherin getting beaten all the more enjoyable, which is why I wanted to get the stands with heating charms" remarks Harry, sipping at some Pumpkin juice.
"Professor-" begins Hermione before Remus interrupts with, "Just call me Remus in these informal situations, please."
"Remus, sir, what can you tell me about Hogsmeade?" inquiries Hermione.
"It is an all wizarding society that has thrived without the worry of non-magical folk stumbling across it, alongside the few trips allowed by third years and above here at Hogwarts.
"Really? What kind of stores are there?" asks Hermione.
"A bookstore, school supplies, the likes" answers Remus.
Conversation continues for another hour and half before leaving to get ready for dinner.
/*the next day*/
Knowing that the twins had done who knows what for Valentines Day, Harry cautiously enters the Great Hall, wary of any possible prank. Inspecting each morsel of food, Fred slaps him on the back asking, "Worried about something Harry?"
"Just being cautious you know."
"I wouldn't worry about it too much, but enjoy some of the show" cackles George, as he and Fred leave the Great Hall.
Having a growing sense of dread in his stomach, Harry quickly finishes his meal, looking around quietly before the sound of something exploding occurs, and cherry blossoms rain down from above, followed by the shrieking sound of fireworks going off, creating dozens of heart shapes in the air, before finally going quietly.
Breaking the silence, Dumbledore stands up and claps as thousands more cherry blossom leaves descend from the enchanted sky, calling out, "Well done, well done. What a festive February fourteenth we have this year."
Making their way out of the Great Hall and towards the common room, the group hear a shriek, looking back as an unknown girl staggers forward, hair neon pink. Passing some suits of armor, the group is surprised to hear a line of lyrics with guitars state, "…I don't believe in love…", continuing on with the rest of the song.
"Looks like they've been listening to some interesting music I must say" remarks Harry, intrigued.
Entering the common room, the group is confronted by the twins who ask, "Did you like our spur of the moment hijinxes? I just wish we had more time to do something more…elaborate. More fitting of our names."
"Most interesting. And have you been listening through my collection of music again?" inquiries Harry.
"Of course. You have a much more vast collection of music than we do" answers George.
"I'm glad my musical tastes could assist in such a way" remarks Harry, everyone breaking away and doing their own thing, whether it be studying, designing plans for pranks, and everything in between.
Author note: Thank you all for continuing to read this. I hope to have second year done by the two year anniversary of the publishing of this fanfic. Just keep watching out for any curve balls I might throw at you all. :D And if anyone has any suggestions for names of devices with hard to remember names, feel free to drop me a line, and if I like it [obviously profanity or innuendoes shouldn't be submitted], I'll make an update and give you credit. :)
All rights belong to Queensryche for their "I Don't Believe in Love" song.