Alright not a lot of reviews on the last chapter, well any actually but that's okay. I'm just glad I keep getting your likes and favorites because writing this story really makes me happy because Harry Potter is amazing!
I also know I keep forgetting to add the disclaimer for the series. It's not mine. It never will be. If I could somehow talk to the amazing JK Rowling I would cry because she is amazing and I would be terrified that she would hate me for messing up her work. But who knows she might like it? Maybe not. Oh well.
Here is Chapter Five hope you like this chapter!
The Dementor:
The darkness surrounded her as she walked timidly down the road. She feared the outcome. Her firey red hair hung in her eyes, her knuckles white as the moon, her palms showed the only color. Red. Red from the blood dripping down her palms the closer she got to the creepy cabin.
It was unusually quiet that night, not an owl, cricket, or even the wind to disturb this silence.
Finally making it to the door, she slowly opened it to show the corpse of Harry Potter. A cry escaped her lips as she stared at his form, beaten and bruised. Blood everywhere, his messy hair drenched, those lifeless green eyes staring back at her.
"H-Harry…" she whispered unable to believe that he was really dead.
A maniacal laughter filled her ears. Her head shot up, only to stare at Sirius Black cackling with Joy. Voldemort beside him smiling sinisterly. "N-No!" she cried out searching for her wand as she backed into the wall. Tears falling freely.
Voldemort walked forward, his red eyes glowing as he stood directly in front of her.
"You thought you could protect him?" his voice hissed at her. Elizabeth grasped her wand only for it to be knocked out of her hand across the room.
"You thought you were strong? You're weak. Pathetic. Spinelessss." She cringed. It was as if each word he spoke was a slap to her face.
"Look what you did." He snarled closing the distance between them, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look at her dead mutilated twin brother. More tears cascaded down her face as she sobbed. She never wanted this to happen. She never wanted Harry to die.
"Why didn't you save me Lizzy?" Harry spoke, cold dead eyes locked on her. Each word he spoke, blood cascaded down his mouth. "Why didn't you even try?!" he yelled the last part.
Elizabeth sobbed unable to speak to terrified and upset to utter a word. Voldemort made a nose of disgust letting go of the sobbing red head fall to her knees, her back hunched over. Sirius Black's smile never wavered.
"Avada Kedavra." A bolt of green light slammed into her chest. Elizabeth felt the life drain from her body almost instantly, she felt her body fall to its side, the last thing she ever saw was Harry's corpse on the opposite side of the room. Her arm stretched out to hold his hand one last time.
I woke with a bolt, tears streaming down my face and a concerned looking Tom (the Inn keeper of the Leaky Cauldron) and Harry from the opposite side of the room.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked moving across the room to sit beside me as I shook.
Shaking my head, I made it so my hair was in my face, I didn't want him to see me that way. Let alone look over and see those dead green eyes staring back at me.
"Bad dream is all." I muttered getting out of bed before he could hold me.
Harry's face contorted in confusion. He knew something was up, he decided not to push the subject until we were alone.
Tom offered some nice tea like he normal would but this time it was out of sympathy, Tom left after I started to drink some tea, thinking it would probably help calm me down.
"What happened in your dream?" Harry asked standing right next to me. I avoided looking at him as I sat on one of the chairs.
"You wont leave me alone until I tell you, will you?" I asked sadly.
"Yeah, and if you don't that's fine." I smile at the door. "I'll just keep pestering you until you do." My smile fell. Stupid older brother trying to know everything.
"Ugh!" I hold my head as I let out a huge sigh.
"Alright fine, I had a dream where…I had a bad dream where you died and I couldn't protect you and it was just agh!" he held my shoulder softly.
"Is that why you aren't looking at me?" I nodded my head.
"I'm not dead Elizabeth, and no matter what I'm always going to be there for you." Slowly I glance up and see blazing emerald green eyes.
He took my hand and placed it over his heart I felt the soft thumps through his chest and smile. Harry was the best. I wasn't going to tell him it was Sirius Black who killed him in my dream, he didn't need to know.
I stood up and hugged him tightly I needed one. He was so warm and full of life. Sirius Black wasn't going to hurt him.
The door banged open to show Ron as he was pulling a sweatshirt over his head looking irritable.
"The sooner we get on the train, the better," he said. "At least I can get away from Percy at Hogwarts. Now's he accusing me of dripping tea on his photo of Penelope Clearwater. You know," Ron grimaced, "his girlfriend. She's hidden her face under the frame because her nose has gone all blotchy…"
I turn and face Ron opening my arms. "Ron, hug." He shrugged walking forward letting me have a hug. Harry was trying to persuade Hedwig to get in her cage. "I've got something to tell you," Harry began, but we were interrupted by Fred and George, who had looked in to congratulate Ron on infuriating Percy again.
"Why are you two hugging?" Ron blushed a bright red before pushing me away. Huh that was a longer hug than necessary but it was still nice.
"S-she asked me f-for one!" He shouted by accident. Why was he blushing and stuttering now? Fred and George glanced between Ron and I smirks growing on their faces already coming to fake conclusions.
"So brighteyes wanted a hug from Ronnie kins?" Geroge asked suspiciously.
"I wonder why he's acting so strange George,"
"Shut up!" His blush was getting worse. I coughed gaining the twins attention.
"I needed a hug, I had a bad dream last night and it really messed me up. Ron was nice enough to make me feel better." Ron smiled at his shoes while Fred and George gasped pulling me into a group hug.
"Brighteyes are you sure you're okay?" Fred whispered worriedly.
"I'm okay now, thank you though." I smile and gave each of the twins a kiss on the cheek. Pulling away I smile at the boys. "Now boys I need to change so if you don't mind," Ron blushed worse and ran out the door. "We'll wait for you outside." The twins called joining Ron in the hall.
Harry stared out the door confused and suspicious. "Harry?" he shook his head and gave me a smile "See you in the hall,"
I shrugged and stripped of my PJ's. and changed into a nice pair of clothes, placing my PJ's in my trunk I was ready to go. The boys as promised were out in the hall waiting for me. We headed down for breakfast, where Mr. Weasley was reading the front page of the Daily Prophet with a furrowed brow and Mrs. Weasley was telling Hermione and Ginny about a love potion she'd made as a young girl. All three of them were giggly.
"What were you saying?" Ron asked Harry as we sat down.
"Later," Harry muttered as Percy stormed in.
Percy reminded everyone of the time and we had absolute chaos. Everyone was so busy heaving all our trunks down the Leaky Cauldron's narrow staircase and piling them up near the door, with Hedwig, Godric, and Hermes, Percy's screech owl, perched on top of their cages. A small wickerwork basket stood beside the heap of trunks, spitting loudly.
"It's all right, Crookshanks," Hermione cooed through the wickerwork. "I'll let you out on the train."
"You won't," Ron snapped. "What about poor Scabbers, eh?"
Ron pointed at his chest, there was a large lump indicating that Scabbers was curled up in his pocket.
Mr. Weasley, who had been outside waiting for the Ministry cars had stuck his head inside.
"They're here," he called. "Harry, Elizabeth, come on."
Mr. Weasley marched Harry and myself across the short stretch of pavement toward the first of the two-old-fashioned dark green cars, each of which was driven by a furtive looking wizard wearing a suit of emerald velvet.
"In you go in two." Mr. Weasley said while glancing up and down the crowded street.
I got in the back of the car and was soon joined by Ron and Hermione, and much to Ron and my disgust, Percy. I was squished up between Harry and Ron. It was hard to move. Ron wasn't helping either. He kept shifting till his hands were just forced to stay in his lap. There was that blush again.
The journey to King's Cross was very uneventful compared to my trip to the Knight Bus. The cars were very ordinary, not roomy or comfy at all. Though I did notice that the cars could slide through gaps that Uncle Vernon's new company car certainly couldn't have managed.
We reached King's Cross with twenty minutes to spare; the Ministry drivers found us trolley's, unloaded our trunks, touched their hats in a salute to Mr. Weasley, and drove away, somehow managing to jump to the head of an unmoving line at the traffic lights.
Mr. Weasley kept close to Harry all the way into the station.
"Right then," he said, glancing around them. "Let's do this in pairs, as there are so many of us. I'll go through first with Harry."
Mr. Weasley strolled toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten, pushing Harry's trolley and apparently very interested in the InterCity 125 that had just arrived at platform nine.
I watched as they lean casually against the barrier and fall sideways through the solid metal onto the hidden platform.
Fred latched onto my arm smiling down at me "Hey partner." I gasped shocked "Fred you're choosing me instead of George? I'm shocked."
George faked his pout holding his heart dramatically. "Who will I journey with?" I snickered behind my hand. Hermione was smiling at the whole ordeal. "Hey how come I can't have her?" Hermione asked pouting.
"Because, you can see her every night and day. I don't get her as much as you do." Fred defended himself.
"Fred be nice," Mrs. Weasley said grabbing George and strolling to the barrier. So, it seems Ginny and Percy were already gone.
The four of us quickly went through the barrier two at a time and finally saw the Hogwarts Express, the scarlet steam engine, puffing smoke over the platform packed with witches and wizards seeing their children onto the train.
Hermione and I followed Mr. Weasley as he led the way to the end of the train, past packed compartments, to a carriage that looked quite empty. We loaded the trunks onto the train, stowed Hedwig, Crookshanks, and Godric in the luggage rack, then went back to say goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
Mrs. Weasley kissed all her children, then Hermione, Harry, and I got one too! Harry was embarrassed, but I knew he was happy she gave him an extra hug. I loved that she treated Harry and I as her own kids. I loved that she always tried to take care of us.
"Do take care, won't you Harry?" she said as she straightened up, her eyes bright. Then she opened her enormous handbag and said, "I've made you all sandwiches. Here you are, Ron…no, they're not corned beef…Fred? Where's Fred? Here you are dear…"
"Harry, Elizabeth," Mr. Weasley said quietly, "come over here for a moment."
He jerked his head toward a pillar, I follow him behind it wondering what he wanted. I had a feeling but I still wasn't sure.
"There's something I've got to tell you before you leave…" Mr. Weasley's voice was tense. Oh, he's going to tell us about Sirius Black. I knew it.
"It's all right, Mr. Weasley," Harry started. "We already know."
"You know? How could you know?"
"I, er, I heard you and Mrs. Weasley talking last night. I couldn't help hearing," Harry added quickly. "Sorry…"
"I'm assuming that's how Elizabeth knows yes?" Mr. Weasley asked staring down at the two of us.
I nodded blushing slightly.
"That's not the way I'd have chosen for you two to find out," Mr. Weasley said looking anxious.
"No, honestly it's okay. This way, you haven't broken your word to Fudge and we know what's going on."
"You must be scared…"
"I'm not," Harry said sincerely. "Really," he added when Mr. Weasley gave him a look saying he didn't believe him. "I'm fine," I said looking up at him faking a smile.
"I'm not trying to be a hero, but seriously, Sirius Black can't be worse than Lord Voldemort, can he?" Well, what Harry said was true. Sirius Black wasn't as bad as Voldemort.
Mr. Weasley flinched at the sound of the name, but overlooked it.
"I knew you two were, well, made of stronger stuff than Fudge seems to think, and I'm obviously pleased that you're not scared, but…"
"Arthur!" Mrs. Weasley called. She was shepherding the rest of our group onto the train. "Arthur, what are you doing? It's about to go!" she urged.
"They're coming Molly!" Mr. Weasley said, but he turned back to us and kept talking in a lower and more hurried voice. "Listen, I want you to give me your word…"
"That I'll be a good boy and stay in the castle?" Harry said gloomily.
"Not entirely," Mr. Weasley said. He looked more serious than I had ever seen him. "Harry, Elizabeth, swear to me you won't go looking for Black."
"What!" Harry stared.
"I promise." I wasn't going to anyway.
There was a loud whistle. Guards were walking along the train, slamming all the doors shut.
"Promise me, Harry," Mr. Weasley urged, talking quickly still, "that whatever happens…"
"Why would I go looking for someone who wants to kill me?" Harry said blankly.
Mr. Weasley clenched his eyes and gave Harry one of his looks.
"Swear to me that whatever you might hear…"
"Arthur, quickly!" Mrs. Weasley cried.
Steam was billowing from the train it had started to move. I ran to the compartment door and Ron back to let us on. I smiled brightly, slightly out of breath but happy to be on the train. Leaning out the window I waved to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley until the train turned a corner.
"I need to talk to you in private," Harry muttered to Ron and Hermione. Hermione gave me a curious look as the train picked up speed.
"Go away, Ginny," Ron said annoyed.
"Oh, that's nice," Ginny huffed out as she stalked away.
Hermione, Ron, Harry, and I set off down the corridor looking for an empty compartment, but all of them were full except for the one at the very end of the train.
There was one occupant, he was sitting fast asleep next to the window. It was strange, I've never seen an adult ride the Hogwarts express except for the witch who pushed the foot cart. Usually the compartments were just for the student.
I shrugged walking in and setting on the opposite side, window seat.
The man across from me was wearing an extremely shabby set of wizard's robes that had been darned in several places. He looked sick and exhausted. Though young, with light brown hair and a few flecks of gray.
"Who d'you reckon he is?" Ron hissed next to me.
"Professor R. J. Lupin." Hermione whispered at once.
"How'd you know that?"
"It's on his case," I said pointing at the luggage rack over the man's head. It had a small, battered case held together with a large quantity of neatly knotted string. The name Professor R. J. Lupin was stamped across one corner in peeling letters.
"Wonder what he teaches?" Ron questioned frowning at Professor Lupin's profile.
"That's obvious," Hermione whispered. "There's only one vacancy, isn't there? Defense Against the Dark Arts."
I've already had two Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers. One tried to kill me and the other killed my brain cells. Both lasted only one year. There were even rumors that the job was jinxed.
"Well, I hope he's up to it," Ron spoke doubtfully. "He looks like one, good hex would finish him off, doesn't he?"
I shook my head. "Don't judge his appearance Ron! He might just have a cold and is sleeping it off," I shrugged pulling out one of my books getting ready for the long trip.
"Anyway, what were you going to tell us?" Ron asked Harry.
Harry was explaining all about Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's argument and the warning Mr. Weasley had given him. When he'd finished, Ron looked thunderstruck. Hermione who sat next to Harry shoved over her mouth, she was scared. When she lowered them to speak I could really hear the distress in her voice, even though she was hiding it as best as she could.
"Sirius Black escaped to come after you? Oh Harry…you'll have to be really, really careful. Don't go looking for trouble, Harry…"
"I don't go looking for trouble," Harry said nettled. "Trouble usually finds me."
"How thick would Harry have to be, to go looking for a nutter who wants to kill him?" Ron said shakily. I shifted my legs off Ron's lap. During Harry's story, I had shoved my legs on Ron's lap. He struggled at first but soon gave up.
Ron and Hermione were taking this worse than I had. Sure, I was upset about it, Harry was my best friend and my brother but I wasn't as scared of Black as Ron or Hermione.
"No one knows how he got out of Azkaban," Ron said uncomfortably. "No one's ever done it before. And he was a top security prisoner too."
"But they'll catch him, won't they?" Hermione said earnestly. "I mean, they've got all the Muggles looking out for him too..."
"What's that noise?" Ron said suddenly.
It was a faint; tinny sort of whistle was coming from somewhere. I look all over the compartment till we found out it was coming from Harry's trunk.
"It's coming from your trunk, Harry," Ron said, standing up and reaching into the luggage rack. A moment later he had pulled the Pocket Sneakoscope out from between Harry's robes. It was spinning very fast in the palm of Ron's hand and glowing brilliantly.
"Is that a Sneakoscope?" Hermione questioned interestedly, standing up herself for a better look.
"Yeah…mind you, it's a very cheap one," Ron said. "It went haywire just as I was tying it to Errol's leg to send it to Harry."
"Were you doing anything untrustworthy at the time?" Hermione pushed. Her arms crossed and eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"No! Well…I wasn't supposed to be using Errol. You know he's not really up to the long journeys…but how else was I supposed to get Harry's present to him?"
"Stick it back in the trunk," Harry advised as the Sneakoscope whistled piercingly. "It might wake Professor Lupin up." I muttered nervously.
Harry nodded in agreement. Ron stuffed the Sneakoscope into a particularly horrible pair of Uncle Vernon's old socks, which deadened the sound, then closed the lid of the trunk on it.
"We could get it checked in Hogsmeade," Ron said sitting back down. "They sell that sort of thing in Dervish and Banges, magical instruments and stuff. Fred and George told me."
"Do you know much about Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked keenly. "I've read it's the only entirely non-Muggle settlement in Britain..."
"Yeah, I think it is," Ron said in an offhand sort of way. "but that's not why I want to go. I just want to get inside Honeydukes!"
"What's that?" Hermione asked.
"It's this sweetshop," Ron said, his face contorted into pure bliss as a dreamy look came to his face, "where they've got everything…Pepper Imps- they make you smoke at the mouth- and great fat Chocoballs full of strawberry mousse and clotted cream, and really excellent sugar quills, which you can suck in class and just look like you're thinking what to write next."
"But Hogsmeade's a very interesting place, isn't it?" Hermione pressed on eagerly. "In Sites of Historical Sorcery, it says the inn was the headquarters for the 1612 goblin rebellion, and the Shrieking Shack's supposed to be the most severely haunted building in Britain…"
"and massive sherbet balls that make you levitate a few inches off the ground while you're sucking them," Ron said. He wasn't even paying attention to a word Hermione said.
"Won't it be nice to get out of school for a bit and explore Hogsmeade?"
I frown going back to my book instead of speaking.
"'Spect it will," Harry said heavily. "You'll have to tell us about it when you've found out."
"What d'you mean?" Ron asked, concern and confused mixed with his voice. No longer thinking of Honeydukes.
"We can't go, the Dursley's didn't sign our permission form, and Fudge wouldn't either."
Ron looked horrified.
"You're not allowed to come? But…no way…McGonagall or someone will give you permission…"
Harry gave a hollow laugh. Professor McGonagall was head of Gryffindor house and was very strict.
"Maybe Lizzy could get Snape to…never mind. That was a dumb idea." I grunted my answer of agreement.
"We could ask Fred and George, they know every secret passage out of the castle…"
"Ron!" Hermione said sharply. "I don't think Harry or Lizzy should be sneaking out of the school with Black on the loose…"
"Yeah, I expect that's what McGonagall will say when I ask for permission," Harry said bitterly.
"But if we're with them," Ron said spiritedly to Hermione. "Black wouldn't dare…"
"Oh, Ron, don't talk rubbish," Hermione snapped. "Black's already murdered a whole bunch of people in the middle of a crowded street, do you really think he's going to worry about attacking Harry just because we're there?"
Hermione started to fumble with the straps of Crookshanks's basket as she spoke.
"Don't let that thing out!" Ron yelled but it was too late. Croockshanks leapt lightly from the basket, stretched, yawned, and sprang onto Ron's knees; the lump in Ron's pocket trembled and he tried to shove Crookshanks away.
I shot forward grabbing Crookshanks and pulling him to my chest. "Be nice!" I snapped scratching Crookshanks behind the ear affectionately.
"How can you protect that monster!" He snarled out looking more offended than before. I glare at the red head.
"He isn't a monster. Crookshanks is a cat. Cats are prone to attack rodents. And unfortunately for you Scabbers is a rodent." Ron grumbled to the ground hatefully.
"Don't talk about Scabbers that way!" Ron snapped.
"It's not that I don't like Scabbers, Ron! It's just that…"
Professor Lupin stirred from his sleep. I quickly shut up, watching to see what would happen. Luckily, he simply turned his head the other way, mouth slightly open, and slept on.
As the Hogwarts Express moved steadily north and the weather outside became wilder and darker. The clouds overhead thickened. People were chasing backwards and forwards past the door to their compartments. Crookshanks was settled in an empty seat, his squashed face turned towards Ron, his yellow eyes on Ron's top pocket.
It was one o'clock and the plump witch with the food cart arrived at the compartment door.
"D'you think we should wake him up?" Ron asked awkwardly, nodding toward Professor Lupin. "He looks like he could do with some food."
Hermione approached Professor Lupin cautiously.
"Er…Professor?" she said. "Excuse me…Professor?"
He didn't move, just continued to sleep on.
"Don't worry, dear," the witch said as she handed a large stack of cauldron cakes. "If he's hungry when he wakes, I'll be up front with the driver."
"I suppose he is asleep?" Ron said quietly, the witch slid the compartment door closed. "I mean, he hasn't died, has he?"
"No, no, he's breathing." I whispered looking him over as Harry was passing out cauldron cakes.
Around midafternoon, Hermione was playing with Crookshanks, Ron was dozing off, Harry was reading Quidditch through the Ages, I was reading second years Potions book my legs had landed on Ron's lap again, I don't know it was just nice to stretch my legs out without disturbing Professor Lupin. Outside it was starting to rain, blurring the rolling hills outside the window. The door opened to show Draco Malfoy and his friends Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle.
At first I thought it was Fred and George coming to check up like they usually do on the ride to Hogwarts, or maybe it was Ginny who wanted to talk. But when I looked up it was Draco.
"Well, look who it is," Draco spoke in his usual lazy drawl. "Potty and the Weasel."
Crabbe and Goyle chuckled trollishly at that.
"I heard your father finally got his hands on some gold this summer, Weasley." I saw Ron clench his fist. "Did your mother die of shock?"
I looked up to see he had a glare directed at Ron. His eyes traveled up my legs till finally his eyes met mine. He was jealous.
Ron shot up he knocked Crookshanks basket to the floor. My legs flew off his bumping into Professor Lupin's. He gave s small snort from the disturbance but continued to sleep.
Harry stood as well. He was ready to hold Ron back if he had to.
"Who's that?" Draco asked taking a step back when he spotted the Professor.
"New teacher," Harry explained. "What were you saying, Malfoy?" I groaned standing up as well but not to stope Harry or Ron. But to get out of this compartment.
I caught Draco's narrowed eyes. "Excuse me but can I speak with you." I snapped grabbing his ear and yanking him outside the compartment. Crabbe and Goyle's eyes widen as I yank away their leader.
"Hey! You can't…" I snap my gaze to them "Watch me."
They paled. Draco's pale face was now flushed. His eyes trained on me, he was biting his bottom lip. "Boy's go back to the compartment. We need to talk." Crabbe and Goyle were hesitant but soon enough they did leave. I remove my hand Draco's ear, crossing my arms in the process.
"What the bloody hell was that about?!" I snapped he laughed nervously.
"I uh, don't know what you're talking about." He scratched behind his neck while looking away. In as quick of a movement I could, I let my hand fly out and smack him behind the head.
"OW!" I huffed glaring up at him. Whoa he got tall.
I shake off what I was thinking and go back to the reason I was mad.
"Can't you be nice to them for just a week. Why do you have to keep being a rude jerk." He gave me one of those smiles and wrapped an arm around my waist.
"I missed you," I blushed a deep red, his voice was becoming very alluring. "I missed you too, but Draco you can't just go attacking my friends like that." I snapped pulling away. He let out a dramatic sigh hunching over and resting his chin on the top of my head.
Standing behind me he wrapped his arms around my waist. "If they wouldn't start it I would be nice to them." I let out a groan leaning into his chest. He rocked us back and forth "What are you doing?" I asked trying to pull away.
"Draco?" He chuckled and before I knew it his lips were on my neck.
"Ah!" I could feel his smirk against my skin. "You smell really good," I didn't know what to do. I was just red in the face and stiff unable to move.
I could hear the murmurs from the other students. "What are you looking at?" The boy behind me snapped glaring at some students. They quickly scampered off.
"Draco you're holding that Gryffindor again?" That voice. Oh, god was that who I think it was? I glance to the side to see Pansy. She was head over heels in love with Draco. She has been ever since first year. She always gave me mean looks for two reasons. I was a Gryffindor and I was close to Draco.
"Course I am," Draco said smiling down at me happily. "Hi Pansy," I called out trying to leave Draco's grasp. The lanterns overhead flickered to life along the corridors. The storm must have gotten worse out, either that or it was dark already.
I look up at Draco with a regretful sigh. I liked being in his arms but the look Pansy was giving me was making me uncomfortable. "I should get back to my brother." He frowned.
"Do you have to?"
I nodded, he placed a small kiss on my forehead before releasing me. When we separated, I could see that he didn't want to. The look in his eyes showed that. The look he gave me made my heart flutter. Where were these feelings coming from?
I sound like one of those love-sick girls who write to Fred and George. I frown hiding behind my hair. I won't be like that. I refuse. To be hopelessly in love with a boy with a boy who I know is out of my league.
Pansy made a noise of disgust.
"I'll see you at school." I whispered turning on my heel walking back to my compartment.
"Honestly Draco, I don't understand why you would even think about spending time with that Gryffindor." Her nasally voice echoed down the hall. I bite my bottom lip but kept walking. I needed to get back to Ron, Hermione, and Harry.
"We must be nearly there," Ron said just as I slid open the compartment door. Ron was leaning forward past Professor Lupin.
"You okay?" Harry asked standing up.
"I'm okay, I tried but he just won't listen!" I complained.
"Well it is Malfoy, what do you expect?" Ron spoke up sitting back in his seat. Harry laughed while Hermione sighed.
"At least she's trying to help us out with him. Even though Malfoy is a…" Hermione paused trying to choose her words carefully. She coughed choosing to forget it. "He's Malfoy. Lizzy does help keep him off our backs."
I let out a laugh smiling at Hermione, she's the best.
The train started to slow down.
"Great," Ron spoke getting up and walking carefully past Professor Lupin to try and see outside. "I'm starving. I want to get to the feast…"
"We can't be there yet," Hermione said checking her watch.
"So, why're we stopping?" I asked confused.
The train was getting slower and slower. As the noise of the pistons fell away, the wind and rain sounded louder than ever against the windows.
Harry who was closest to the door, got up to look in the corridor. Leaning over I could see that heads were sticking curiously out of their compartments curious as well to what's going on.
Ron had gotten up to check "What's going on?" Ron asked. The only problem with that was that he stepped on Hermione.
"Ouch! Ron that was my foot!"
I grabbed Harry's hand to help him back to his seat.
"D'you think we've broken down?"
"Dunno…"
There was a squeaking sound from Ron wiping a patch clean on the window and peering out.
"There's something moving out there," Ron said. "I think people are coming aboard…" What? That doesn't make sense? The Hogwarts express never stops unless it's at the platform nine and three quarters or at Hogwarts.
The compartment door suddenly opened and someone fell painfully over Harry's legs.
"Sorry! D'you know what's going on? Ouch! Sorry…"
"Hello, Neville," Harry said pulling Neville up by his cloak. I smile brightly. It was hard to see yes, but everyone knows that Neville was extremely clumsy.
"Harry? Is that you? What's happening?"
"No idea! Sit down…"
A loud hiss and a yelp of pain.
"Did you sit on Crookshanks?"
"Maybe?" he moaned in pain. I shifted so he had more room for us to sit.
"I'm going to go as the driver what's going on," Hermione said. I felt her pass me and heard the door slide open again. Then a thud and two loud squeals of pain.
"Who's that?"
"Who's that?
"Ginny?"
"Hermione?"
"What are you doing?"
"I was looking for Ron…"
"Come in and sit down…"
"Not here!" Harry said hurriedly. "I'm here!"
"Ouch!" Neville yelled.
"Quiet!" a hoarse voice suddenly called.
It was Professor Lupin. He was finally awake. No one spoke, we just waited for his next instruction.
There was a soft, crackling nose, and a shivering light filled compartment. Professor Lupin appeared to be holding a handful of flames. It illuminated his tired, gray face, but he eyes looked alert and wary.
"Stay where you are." He said in the same hoarse voice, and he slowly got to his feet with his handful of fire held out in front of him.
The door slid open slowly before Professor Lupin could reach it.
Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the shivering flames, there was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling. Its face was completely hidden beneath its hood. My eyes widen in fear. What was that thing?! There was a hand protruding from the cloak and it was glistening, grayish, slimy-looking, scabbed, it looked like something dead that had decayed in the water…
The hand was only visible for a split second. I clutched onto Harry's hand quickly. He squeezed my hand just as tightly.
The thing beneath the hood, whatever it was, drew a long, slow, rattling breath, as though it was trying to suck something more than air from its surroundings.
An intense cold swept over us all. I felt my heart speed up at an incredible rate. I felt as if my throat constricted and I couldn't breathe at all.
I shiver feeling the cold shift through my skin inside my chest, through my heart.
Harry shot in front of me blocking my view from the creature. I watched terrified as Harry froze up, a look of fear crossed his features. Not even a minute later I watched Harry fall backward. He fainted! His body slid to the floor unmoving. "Harry!" I cry out dropping to his side terrified. What was going on!
"Harry! Harry! Oh god!" I shook his shoulders trying as best as I could to wake him. Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Ginny watched horrified.
I shook Harry's shoulders trying to wake him up, though there was a bright light go on in the background. I don't know what happened next all I know was that the creature was gone and Hermione and Ron rushed to my side to try and wake Harry.
Ron pulled me aside and looked me over. "Are you alright?" I couldn't think straight. My brother was passed out on the cushion protecting me from that creature and I just sat there and let it happen.
"Elizabeth!" I jumped looking up at Ron's sapphire blue eyes. He was worried. He never calls me by my full name. He's always called me Lizzy. The lanterns flickered on as the floor started to shake. The train was moving.
"I-I'm okay…" I muttered looking over at Harry's unmoving figure.
"Harry! Harry! Are you all right?" Hermione was slapping his face to get some kind of reaction from him. Any kind of reaction!
Ron's arms wrapped around my form holding me to him. I couldn't stop shaking. My mind kept showing me the dead decaying corpse that was from my dream last night.
"W-What?" I shot forward to Harry's side clutching his hand. "Harry!"
"Lizzy?" He whispered confused.
He looked like he was going to puke. I helped pull him back to his seat and grab his glasses off the floor.
"Are you okay?" Ron asked worriedly.
"Yeah," Harry looked quickly toward the door. "What happened? Where's that, that thing? Who screamed?"
"No one screamed…well Lizzy called your name, but I wouldn't call that a scream." Ron explained nervously still. Of course, he'd be nervous. Harry is his best friend and he just bloody passed out!
I watched Harry look around the compartment. Ginny and Neville were both pale from fright.
"But I heard screaming and it wasn't Lizzy…"
A loud snap made us all jump. I clutched onto Harry in fear. It was Professor Lupin breaking an enormous Slab of chocolate into pieces.
"Here," he said to Harry, handing him a particularly large piece. "Eat it. It'll help."
Harry took the chocolate but didn't eat it.
"What was that thing?" Harry asked Professor Lupin.
"A Dementor," He said, passing chocolate out to everyone in the room. "One of the Dementors of Azkaban."
We all watched him. Professor Lupin crimpled up the empty chocolate wrapper and put it in his pocket.
"Eat." He repeated. "It'll help. I need to speak to the driver, excuse me…"
He strolled past the lot of us and disappeared out into the corridor.
"Are you sure you're okay, Harry?" Hermione asked, watching Harry anxiously.
"I don't get it…what happened?" Harry asked, wiping more sweat off his face.
"Well, that thing, the Dementor, stood there and looked around, I mean I think it did, I couldn't see it's face, and you, you…"
"Elizabeth was having a sort of fit or something and you got in the way then you started having the same fit and went sort of rigid and fell out of your seat and started twitching…"
I blushed looking down at my lap as Harry stared down at me. "And Professor Lupin stepped over you two, and walked toward the Dementor, pulled out his wand," Hermione said. "and he said, 'None of us is hiding Sirius Black under our cloaks. Go.' But the Dementor didn't move, so Lupin muttered something, and a silvery thing shot out of his wand at it, and it turned around and sort of glided away."
"It was horrible," Neville said in a higher voice than usual. "Did you feel how cold it got when it came in?"
"I felt weird," Ron said shifting his shoulders uncomfortably. "Like I'd never be cheerful again…"
Ginny who was huddled in her corner, gave a small sob; Hermione went over and put a comforting arm around her.
"But didn't any of you, fall off your seats?" Harry asked awkwardly.
"No," Ron said looking anxiously at Harry again. "Ginny was shaking like mad, though…"
I didn't speak. I felt someone place a hand on my knee. It was Ron. "Are you sure you're okay?" I nodded looking at my hands. Harry held my hand. "I'm okay," he whispered while resting his head on my shoulder.
I didn't speak, I didn't move. I couldn't.
"Professor Lupin had come back. He paused as he entered, looked around, and said with a small smile. "I haven't poisoned that chocolate, you know…" Harry's head shot up and he took a bite.
"We'll be at Hogwarts in ten minutes," Professor Lupin said. "Are you all right, Harry?"
There was a look of surprise across his face, confusion in his eyes before it dawned on him.
"Fine," he muttered embarrassed.
No one talked the remainder of the journey. Everyone stuck in their own thoughts. Harry's head resting on my shoulder, his eyes closed, his hand interlaced with mine.
What felt like an eternity the train finally stopped at Hogsmeade station, there was a great scramble to get outside. Owls hooted, cats meowed, and Neville's pet toad croaked loudly from under his hat. It was freezing on the tiny platform; rain was diving down in icy sheets.
"Firs' years this way!" called a familiar voice. I turned around and saw the gigantic outline of Hagrid at the other end of the platform, beckoning the terrified looking new students forward for their traditional journey across the lake.
I remember my first time going over the lake. I still feel amazed and feel my breath leave me when I stare at the castle. It was simply beautiful.
"All right, you four?" Hagrid yelled over the crowds of heads. I smile brightly forcing my fear down to be remembered later. I wave at the Hogwarts Grounds Keeper. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to speak with him only because of the mass amounts of people.
I sighed walking with Harry, Ron, and Hermione along the platform and out onto the rough mud track. There were at least a hundred stagecoaches waiting for the remaining students. They were pulled by magic, because when we climbed inside the door shut and the coach set off all by itself, bumping and swaying in procession.
During the ride to the school Harry had held my hand. I could tell he was still very weak. I sighed I wish I was smarter, I wish I was stronger, I wish he didn't feel this way! I felt completely pathetic.
I knew Ron and Hermione were frightened that Harry might collapse again. He wasn't that weak, but I know that he wasn't one hundred percent himself. Harry let out a sigh, turning his head to look out and watch the carriage march through the magnificent wrought iron gates, flanked with stone columns topped with winged boars.
I felt Harry stiffen beside me staring up at something. Turning to look I myself felt my blood turn ice cold. Two more hooded Dementors were standing guard. Harry leaned back into the lumpy seat and closed his eyes until we passed the gates. I couldn't take my eyes off them. The idea of them being here made my stomach turn. I think I'm going to be sick.
The carriage picked up speed on the long, sloping drive up to the castle; Hermione was leaning out of the tiny window, watching the many turrets and towers draw nearer. At last, the carriage swayed to a halt. Hermione and Ron got out first.
"Ready to get to the feast?" I asked my voice croaked a bit.
"Yeah…lets just get in the castle." He muttered stepping down, I heard Draco's delighted voice echo around us.
"You fainted, Potter? Is Longbottom telling the truth? You actually fainted?"
I hopped down (With the help of Harry) staring up at Draco hatefully.
Draco elbowed past Hermione to block our way up the stone steps to the castle, his face gleeful and his pale eyes glinting maliciously.
"Shove off, Malfoy," Ron said his jaw was clenched.
"Did you faint as well, Weasley?" Draco asked loudly. "Did the scary old Dementor frighten you too, Weasley?" I twitched nervously.
Dementors.
"Can you stop?" I asked looking at Draco. He frowned looking me over "Don't tell me you're scared of them."
"Is there a problem?" Professor Lupin had just gotten out of the next carriage and saw what was going on.
Draco gave Professor Lupin an insolent stare, he took in the patches on his robes and the dilapidated suitcase. The sarcasm in his voice was mild but you could still tell it was there. "Oh, no er Professor," He smirked at Crabbe and Goyle "I'll talk to you later Lizzy." He spoke before walking Crabbe and Goyle up the steps into the castle.
Hermione pushed Ron in the back to make him hurry, the four of us joined the crowd of people up the steps, trough the giant oak front doors, and into the cavernous Entrance Hall which were lit with flaming torches and housed with a magnificent marble staircase that led to the upper floors.
The door into the Great Hall stood open at the right. We barely made it through the door when Professor McGonagall called out to our small group of four. "Potter! Granger! I want to see you both!" I look up confused. It was always confusing when someone called out 'Potter' I didn't know if they meant Harry or myself.
"Mr. Potter, Ms. Potter you and Mr. Weasley take your seats in the Grate Hall." Ron and I stared confused. Did they do something?
"There's no need to look so worried, I just want a word in my office," she told us "Move along there, Weasley." I sighed grabbing Ron's arm before turning to Harry and Hermione. "See you inside Harry, Hermione," Ron shrugged knowing he'd find out later.
The two of us walked through the many halls. So far, the Great Hall was filling up fast with the many students. We quickly found and saved two seats for Harry and Hermione. The students were all talking about what happened on the Hogwarts express. I could only imagine what they were thinking.
"I wonder what that was all about?" Ron muttered as we took our seats.
"I'm not sure, they'll explain when they get back." I say with a shrug. Glancing over at Ron I saw him looking me over. I cock my head confused. "You okay?" I asked curious.
"What are you talking about? You were the one who almost had a meltdown." I huffed crossing my arms. "I might have, but no one really asked if you were okay after…well…you know." I explained. I didn't want to say its name.
"I'm alright, thanks though." He gave one of the cutest smiles I've ever seen.
"I'm glad, one of us has to be the strong one when it comes to Harry." I spoke softly making sure no one heard. Ron leaned in waiting for me to finish. "It sure as hell isn't me, you saw what happened."
He laughed wrapping an arm around my shoulder pulling me closer "Hey if anything you're braver than I am. You're bloody smart, brave, and stronger than I am." I couldn't agree to that. And I think he saw that I was going to protest because he gave me a cheeky smile as he spoke again. "We'll work together to protect Harry. Deal?"
I smile brightly wrapping my arms around Ron's frame and placing a large kiss on his cheek "Deal!"
We pull apart just as the sorting ceremony started. I watched as all the nervous first years sat on the stool, the sorting hat placed upon their heads, and watching as each one of them ran to the designated table. This year it was Professor Flitwick placing the hat on the new students heads.
Harry and Hermione didn't come to the table till after the sorting was after. Harry sat next to Ron while Hermione sat next to me.
"What was all that about?" Ron muttered to Harry. But Harry didn't answer. Professor Dumbledore stood walking to the front where all the first years were just moments ago.
"Welcome!" Professor Dumbledore spoke while beaming at each student. The candlelight shimmering on his beard. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it best to get it out of the way before you become befuddled by out excellent feast…"
Dumbledore cleared his throat and continued. "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the Dementors of Azkaban, who are here on the Ministry of Magic business."
He paused, I remember Mr. Weasley saying that Dumbledore wasn't happy about the Dementor's being here.
"They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds," Dumbledore continued. "and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises, or even Invisibility Cloaks," he added blandly. I glance at Harry who glanced at Ron who glanced at Harry. "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 prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the Dementors," he said.
Percy, who was sitting a few seats down from Ron and I, puffed out his chest again and stared around impressively. Ron and I rolled our eyes annoyed at how smug he looked. Dumbledore paused again, looking very seriously around the hall. No one move or made a sound.
"On a happier note," he continued, "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year."
"First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
There were some scattered, unenthusiastic applause. Yet I myself was one of the few who clapped happily along with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Ginny. Looking up at him Professor Lupin looked somewhat shabby next to all the other teacher in their best robes.
"Look at Snape!" Ron hissed out to Harry, not that quietly.
Quickly glancing up at the teachers I saw my favorite Professor at Hogwarts. Professor Snape. He was the potions master and always had eyes for Defense Against the Dark Arts. But looking up at him I was shocked. The look Professor Snape gave to Professor Lupin was beyond anger. It was loathing. It was like he wanted Professor Lupin dead.
I've never seen him give that look to anyone, well I saw him give it to Harry once.
"As to our second new appointment," Dumbledore continued as the lukewarm applause for Professor Lupin died away. "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 teaching job in addition to his game keeping duties."
I smile brightly. I clapped as enthusiastically as I could. Hagrid was my Professor! The look on Hagrid's face was amazing, he was ruby red in the face as he stared at his hands with a wide grin hidden in the tangle of his black beard.
I was so excited for class now.
"We should've known!" Ron roared, pounding the table. "Who else would have assigned us a biting book?"
I let out a whistle. I couldn't stop smiling now. I was so happy for Hagrid. He was wiping his eyes on the tablecloth. He was crying with joy over having this job! Hagrid deserved it. He knew better than anyone that the creatures were amazing and that they needed love and affection like any other animal. Hagrid wasn't a fully qualified wizard technically, in his third year at Hogwarts he was expelled due to a crime he didn't commit, it was Voldemort.
Last year his name was clear and I'm just so happy good things are happening for him. Hagrid cared about everyone at the school, helped students with whatever he could, and cared about them.
"Well, I think that's everything of importance," Dumbledore said. "Let the feast begin!"
The golden plates and goblets before us filled suddenly with food and drink. I grabbed anything and everything I thought looked good. Looking over Harry had the same kind of appetite as Ron. I was surprised they didn't choke on their food.
The food here at Hogwarts was always delicious, the hall echoed with talk, laughter, and the clatter of knives and forks. I just wanted to finish eating so I could go congratulate Hagrid.
Finally, when the last morsels of pumpkin tart had melted from the golden platters, Dumbledore gave the word that it was time for us to go to bed, and this was our chance.
Rushing to the teachers table as fast as we could we made it to Hagrid.
"Congratulations, Hagrid!" Hermione squealed as soon as we reached the table.
"All down ter you four," Hagrid said wiping his shinning face on his napkin as he looked up at us. I was just so proud. "Can' believe it…great man, Dumbledore…came straight down to me hut after Professor Kettleburn said he'd had enough…It's what I always wanted…"
Overcome with emotion, he buried his face in his napkin, Professor McGonagall shooed us away but I was just happy Hagrid's dream finally came true.
The four of us joined the rest of the Gryffindors streaming up the marble staircase and, very tired now, along the more corridors, up more and more stairs, to the hidden entrance to Gryffindor Tower, where a large portrait of a fat lady in a pink dress asked us. "Password?"
"Coming through, coming through!" Percy called from behind the crowd. "The new passwords Fortuna Major!"
"Oh no," Neville spoke sadly. He always had trouble remembering the passwords.
"I'll write it on some parchment for you Neville, that way you don't get locked out again." He gave a grateful smile. I've run into him a few times and saw he was outside so confused and had to give it to him well over ten times.
"Thanks Lizzy, you're the best." I nodded giggling at the cute clumsy boy.
"No problem I'll give it to you at breakfast tomorrow," Neville and I divided toward the separate staircases. One for the boys, one of the girls. Hermione and I walked side by side till we finally made it to our room. The five four poster beds in the circular dormitory let me know at last that we were home. I was finally home at last.
I let out a sigh of relief plopping down on my bed feeling my body sink into the comfy mattress. "Hey Hermione, what did Professor McGonagall need with you and Harry?"
She laughed. "Oh she needed him to make sure he was okay, he refused to sleep in the hospital wing. And Professor McGonagall needed me for my school activities."
I giggled I was excited for school to start already. "How many classes are you taking?" I asked a smile on my lips. Knowing her she probably signed up for a few extra.
"Well the regular one and a few more." I shrugged figured she would.
"Me and Neville are doing Runes and Harry got me to do Divination, I was against it at first but the idea of predicting the future is kind of interesting." Hermione gave a roll of the eye.
"I think it's rubbish. But I'm taking it too." I giggled smiling at my best friend. "We can be miserable together than!" we laughed before changing into our Pj's. As soon as I got under the covers and my head hit the pillow I was out like a light.
Today was just a very long day.
Thanks for reading! Now I have started school and I am sooo excited to be a vampire. (Phlebotomist) I hope you all liked this chapter, I'll try to update same time next week!