Chapter 05
New People, Lots of Emotions

Andrew Malexis' POV

I was told by Minister Fudge only an hour ago that I was one of the people to replace the Dementors as their presence is a serious danger to the students, especially during the upcoming Quidditch Match when their emotions will be all over the place and they'll be closer to the Gates and the Dementors guarding it than ever before.
Agreeing with the wise man on this decision, I watch as the Department of Control and Regulations of Magical Creatures leads the Dementors away, back to the boxes from where they came and while I can understand how all of them are working with an Auror that is using the Patronus spell, do the monsters still creep me out.
Having been one of the people who was against this idea in the first place, do I feel glad that Fudge finally saw why we Hit-Wizards and Aurors are better guards for the students than monsters that make the students feel even more vulnerable than when Black suddenly jumps them. Then Dumbledore walks over and asks:

"I understand that you are named the man to protect Harry?" I nod as Charlus had been a friend of my father and I had gladly offered my services to the Minister, the man apparently knowing of this as he had happily agreed on my request. Dumbledore seems to know this as well as he says: "Charlus will be very happy."
This makes me smile and then Dumbledore says: "Understand that your guard duty will mostly consist of staying inside the Great Hall as that is where Harry will be spending most of his time for the next few weeks." I nod, while wondering why classes were replaced to the Great Hall and the man says: "Walk with me, will you?"

Following the sometimes slightly strange man, I walk away from my team and the others and once I realize that we are out of ear-shot, does Dumbledore say: "I just want you to be the first to know, Andrew, that we are reading books about our future and that a meeting of my colleagues has allowed us a huge discovery."
I nod, shocked as reading books of the future is a very rare occurrence that can only happen when Time Sand is allowed by Magic to Intervene with Fate and Dumbledore says: "The discovery we made is that Sirius Black is not after Harry. We also have evidence of that, not just in the book, but in last night's events as well."

I look at the man shocked and he says: "Sirius Black was sane even inside Azkaban. He has indeed acquired some form of magic that makes the Dementors useless against him, but he is not dangerous, only to those that keep him from his goal, which is not Harry. We know this because he attacked the Fat Lady – during the Feast."
This shocks me and instantly I understand what the man is getting at as I say: "Black is after something inside the Gryffindor Common room. He just didn't want to be caught, so he waited for the Feast to begin. He made sure everyone else was safe and away from him before making his move." And Dumbledore nods.
I look at him shocked and ask: "Black's inside Hogwarts, isn't he?" And Dumbledore answers: "He is probably preparing for the first meeting between him and his godson since that terrible attack, which I must insist upon that none of your men speak about. Harry has it hard enough remembering that, we can't force it on him."
I nod at this as Fudge had shown me the memory after my request and I say: "Just make sure that Black moves slow when it comes to Potter so we can understand his intentions and I'll make sure my men are up to date and will not attack him unless he breaks this rule." Dumbledore nods and I can tell that he is very happy with it.

Sirius' POV

I don't know whether to be happy or angered at the current situation. On the one hand do you have the fact that the Dementors are officially off of Hogwarts, which I consider a blessing as I know that the students can be badly affected by those monsters and that there are only a scarce few teachers that actually know the Patronus spell.
On the other hand is there the fact that they weren't removed because my name was cleared, but because they were to be replaced by Hit Wizards that will now watch my every move, four of them stationed around the Great Hall and two of them stationed outside my new quarters, in case I again attempt to attack someone.
Hating how they still treat me as a common criminal, even with Dumbledore having shown them the proof that there is a strong chance of me being innocent – which I indeed am – I can still find relief in the fact that, as long as I move carefully, I can still hang with my best friend and get to know my 13 year old godson.

Harry has apparently been told of my arrival inside the castle and while this news had quickly spread and caused terror amongst the portraits, had Harry insisted on meeting me during lunch, that was until he was told that I too would attend the reading, along with apparently a woman named Rose that Harry was familiar with.
Wondering who this woman is, I feel a small headache come up as I try to think of someone I might have known back in the days and then Remus, who has been with me in my quarters since I entered the castle, asks: "Trying to dig into your own mind, are you?" I look at him as his tone confuses me and he says:
"I've been having strange headaches whenever I try to think of some certain things myself, like why James was always to vehemently defending you and your cause to our side." This hurts me and he says: "Just an example, Siri. I only said it because, to my mind, his defence of you seemed much harder than of me and – well, him."

This makes me sigh, if only to hold down the anger I feel every time I think of him and then Remus shocks me as he lies a hand on my shoulder and says: "I understand." I look in his amber brown eyes with my own eyes wide and he says: "I know Pettigrew went after you when you were most vulnerable. I understand."
This confuses me and I wonder what conclusion he could have come to this time as he goes on and says: "I know you didn't betray them and that, when you were denied Harry, that you went mad and wanted to rage. I know Pettigrew sought you out right there and I know that, in self-defense you killed him – and accidentally the Muggles."
This makes me sigh and I say: "He's alive." Shocking my friend like he has been shocking me for the last few hours and I say: "Pettigrew, he's still alive. That's who I'm after. That filthy little rat betrayed Lily and James and then framed me, using our own secret against me and hiding a wand behind his back as he did so."

"Wait, he BETRAYED THEM?" Remus shouts and I look shocked as I nod and he mutters: "So that's what that chapter's about. It has to be about us discovering that Pettigrew is still alive." And I feel new hope as I ask: "There's a chapter about me catching that filth?" Remus nods and says: "It's called Cat, Rat And Dog."
This makes me laugh hard and I say: "Yep, that sounds about right." But then a knock on the door startles me and Minerva McGonagall comes into the room and says: "I hope you put on some new robes, Mr. Black, the reading will be commencing soon enough and your godson is expecting your presence there."
I nod, having taken a three hour long shower as soon as I gained new quarters and Remus helping the House Elves sow me some new clothes as he quickly took my sizes before I went into the shower and the woman nods back, leaving right away, while I look at my best friend, worried about so many, many things.

Remus sees my worries and I say: "What if I disappoint him?" But Remus shakes his head and says: "The only way you can disappoint him is if you're not there for him. If you don't help him set up a proper, casual lifestyle between father and son, with rules, consequences and everything else. Nothing else will disappoint him."
This makes me lower my head and I ask: "Is he really that badly in need of that?" And Remus asks: "With how unpredictable the Wizarding World has been when it comes to his fame?" And I nod, understanding where my best friend is coming from and I smile at the man as we leave my quarters for the Great Hall.

Hermione's POV

I don't know why, but ever since we all joined at the Gryffindor table this morning, all of us ready to read a new chapter, have I been deeply worried and not just for how book-Harry will be responding to the discovery he made during the last chapter, but also – for some reason – about the friendship between him and myself.
Wondering what this book could bring us that would damage or threaten a friendship that survived even Trapdoors, Trolls, Three-Headed Dogs, Quidditch Injuries and Basilisks petrifying you, do I decide that – if the chapter is really dangerous to our friendship – that I should be the one to read the next chapter.

Then everyone is inside and the Four Hit Wizards that the Minister had decided will replace the Dementors come into the hall to station themselves in the four corners, all of them having their hands in their pockets, which indicates that each of them has their wand in their hand, ready to fire if they spot danger.
Then the man of the show comes into the room and I can clearly see that having quarters of his own has done the man a load of good as all the dirt and grime that was seen on his pictures seem to have been thoroughly washed off his skin and out of his hair and the man is even wearing very clean robes that fit his body amazingly.
Everyone looks at the man in shock as he stares at where Jeremy has yet to lower down the seven slabs of stone in the center of the room with an eyebrow raised in fascination before Professor Lupin grabs his arm softly and says: "Come on, Sirius, I'll explain later." The man nods and easily follows his friend to our table.

There, while the Hit-Wizards draw their wands, does the Professor ask: "Care if we joined you guys?" And I see Ron making room on Harry's side, while a woman with long black hair and a long nose that grows just slightly over her lips at the tip and who has brownish black eyes that look like hazels sits on the other side of my best friend.
Harry had happily introduced her to us as his Aunt Rosie and the woman had been very friendly with us ever since, even if all Harry had said was that we were his closest friends at Hogwarts. Amazed at how easily the woman accepts us, I can't help but compare her to Molly Weasley and how easily the woman took Harry and myself in.
Liking Mss. Aunt Rosie very much, I smile as she seems to worry over Sirius as he sits down, Professor Lupin sitting across from him on my right and then Professor Dumbledore comes up behind me and asks: "Is there still room for a grandfather?" And Ginny quickly moves away from me as the man sits down.

Mr. Black is apparently wide-eyed at this and the Headmaster says: "I have taken it upon myself to be as close as I can to my grandson during this reading. Heavens knows that he will need all the support he can get." The man seems to understand this and sends a small smile the Headmaster's way, which slightly confuses me.
Having expected more happiness, I wonder if Azkaban had suppressed his emotions, but then the Headmaster says: "Harry needs more than one guardian, Sirius, and I am certainly too old to do it by myself. No need to worry, my dear boy." And I realize that Mr. Black actually feels threatened when it comes to Harry's care.
Harry seems shocked at this, but I can only smile as – after yesterday – I know how much Harry craves this kind of attention and how happy my best friend will be once he has his dream come true. Add to that the fact that Oliver Wood is now crushing on him and wants to give their relationship a chance and Harry has it all.

Then McGonagall clears her throat and says: "As you can probably tell have the Dementors been removed and have they been replaced by Hit-Wizards, provided to us by the Ministry. Mr. Black has also been found and has been allowed a chance with his godson, provided he moves slowly when wishing to act around Mr. Potter.
Now, as Mr. Jeremy and his friends have brought their – I believe the word is – Aunt Rosie to Hogwarts to let her read with us, I believe it would be best if we start with this post haste, to make sure we do not waste any of her precious time while here." This makes me and the woman in question smile and I say:
"I would like to read next, Professor." The woman nods, a happy smile on her face as she levitates the book over to me and I take a few minutes to page through the book, quickly reading the last chapter again to make sure I am again up to date on what we read about last night before I scrape my throat and start reading.

The Firebolt

This shocks me and Mr. Black groans as we all turn to him, the Hit wizards moving a step closer as he moans: "Now I have to think of a whole new gift." And Harry asks: "You were going to give me a Firebolt? How?" Mr. Black shrugs, now seeming to no longer care for what he was moaning about a minute ago and he says:
"I have a certain affinity with animals – especially those that can recognize the difference between animals and Animagi like Kneazles can." I look at this shocked as I could have sworn that Mr. Black just winked at me while Professor Lupin shakes his head with his hand over his eyes and I shake my head before reading on.

Harry didn't … just heard.

This makes everyone around me cringe and Harry winces the worst as he says: "Right, sorry – ehm –." He ends, obviously uncomfortable and Mr. Black says: "Sirius, please. Mr. Black will just remind me of my father's business meetings." And the man shudders, making me slightly worry about him before I read on.

Why had … by them.

"Did I even notice something was amiss?" Percy asks and Irma reads: "You did, but believed it to be because Christmas was nearing." This makes Percy hit himself on the head and then Harry says: "Don't worry about it, Percy, I after all hid my actual plans from everyone else for the last three years, didn't I?"
And the redhead mumbles: "Yeah, although why you did, I will never understand." Harry sighs at this and says: "I feared that if people knew of the friends I had in the Muggle world, that the parents of those friends would discover about this and my role in this world through any possible friends they could still have here."
This shocks the redhead and says: "Good point taken." And Harry smiles, while Jeremy rolls his eyes and says: "You get a new member through the protection of an already existing member and the new member just has to be someone with a hero complex, seriously." And while everyone laughs at this, do I read on giggling.

When they … bedside cabinet.

Now the two look mad and then one of them says: "Harry!" And the other goes on: "How could you?" And they end: "As if we would speak of that in a crowded common room." Everyone looks at this shocked and then a new wave of laughter rings through the hall, something I am very glad of before I continue reading.

He pushed … searching, until …

"This just can't be pretty." Hannah sighs and I nod in agreement as I can only imagine how painful it will be for the man to hear what Book-Harry thinks of him. This in turn makes me feel relieved that the real Harry doesn't as he will, therefore, be able to comfort the man while we hear about this and with a heavy heart do I read on.

He stopped … thought before.

This alone makes the man cringe and then he sighs and says: "Can't say I blame you." He then turns to Harry and asks: "But why does it sound as if you know so little about your parents?" And Albus says: "I will explain that later, Sirius, that is, unfortunately, the fault of me and my staff." The man nods, looking confused and I read on.

If he … him unrecognizable?

This really makes the man cringe and I see Harry send a quick, questioning glance at Jeremy, who sends him an encouraging smile in return and at his grandfather, who has the same smile on his face, before he tentatively wraps an arm around the escaped prisoner, the Hit-Wizards, relaxing in shock as they see this.
But Sirius smiles at his godson and whispers: "Thanks, but I think there will be plenty of moments where the gesture will be returned, so those looks weren't really necessary." And while I can barely hold back a snicker, does Harry shrug ever so quickly, while smiling at the man brightly and I happily read on.

But the … too close –

"No." The man says, his voice now as serious as his name and he goes on: "No, I do not." And before anyone can comment on this, does he wrap his own arm around my best friend and does he say: "But neither should you and I really hope you will try to stay away from them at all costs." To which Harry nods and says:
"I sincerely don't go looking for them, they always find me." This makes Sirius nod and he says: "With the fact that you have murder hidden deep within your subconscious mind, am I not surprised." He then turns to Professor Dumbledore and asks: "Can I be assured that Andromeda will soon be informed of my innocence?"
The Headmaster looks shocked, but Sirius makes a quick motion to Harry with his eyes and then taps his mind and heart with a finger and the Headmaster seems to understand these gestures as he says: "She will, Sirius, and I think she will be relieved to hear that you have reunited with your godson." Sirius nods and says:
"Offer her the same, will you? I understand that this place is getting pretty crowded, but Andromeda can really come in handy, seeing what the books will be about." Professor Dumbledore nods in agreement to this, while Professor Lupin smiles at his old friend in pride and I wonder what they could be on about as I read on.

Harry slammed … wide open.

This makes Ron cringe and Mss. Aunt Rosie sighs as she says: "At times like these do I wish that my presence isn't that badly needed at Privet Drive and do I wish that I could return to Hogwarts to help you as much as I help the Gang. You obviously need it bad, deary." And while Harry smiles at her does he say:
"At least now you can help me prevent this and you can be there for both the future Gang and me at the same time." The woman smiles and says: "Always looking at the things from a positive side for others, aren't you Harry?" And while I can't believe what I'm hearing, does Harry nod with a smile and do I read on.

A hatred … drew near …

This makes everyone cringe and Sirius seems to pull Harry closer as he whispers: "I definitely did not do that, Harry, but I sincerely hate the one who indeed did and I have no doubt of how close to the truth you came with that imagination of yours. It definitely sounds like how that low scurvy rat would sell them out."
And while I can almost see him sending a very quick glance Professor Lupin's way as he says this, does the Professor in question not catch this glance and I wonder what hint he could have thrown us in the last few sentences, especially because most of them were complementing Harry. Deciding to go over them later, do I read on.

Harry, you – you look terrible."

"The next morning?" Ron asks and I read on silently, cringing at the first sentence and say: "Worse. He barely slept at all that night." This makes Harry cringe and Rosaline asks: "Does your insomnia return often, Harry?" And while all of us are shocked that the boy has insomnia and didn't tell us, does he sigh and say:
"It comes in terms. It comes and goes depending on what happens during the days and it only does that because I can't take my medication here and Dreamless Sleep Potion is just too tricky to make and too dangerous as well, because I seem to get easily addicted to the Herbivore Toad Spleen that is used in the potion."

The girl nods, while I can barely believe that Harry knows the ingredients for a Dreamless Sleep Potion and Dumbledore asks: "You didn't use it, did you Harry?" And Harry lowers his head and says: "Aunt Rosie recommended it to me, but I quickly discovered my addiction and stopped, with all the consequences this entails."
This makes all adult males look at Harry in worry and Mss. Rosie says: "I feared Harry's insomnia would get worse thanks to the excessive magic that I know is present in the wards, but he told me after his first year that he was too high up in the towers for the magic to reach him, so the potion was no longer necessary."
This seems to shock the professors, while I wonder what excessive magic is exactly and Dumbledore asks: "Harry, you can sense excessive magic?" And Harry answers: "After we covered the basics, yes. Can't anyone else?" He then asks the rest of us and I shake my head along with just about everyone else in the room.

Harry looks at this shocked and Sirius says: "I have a light affinity to excessive magic, because of my heritage, the same with Remus and a few others, but most people need to be born with that talent and it is usually turned passive, because we keep babies away from their parents for the first hour after they are born."
"Why do that?" I ask shocked and Sirius says: "A lot of magic is released when a baby is born, including the first wave of accidental magic that the child itself releases once it comes from the mother and the cord is cut. This makes it dangerous for the child's core to be around the powerful cores of their parents."
This makes me understand that such magic can damage the newborn core and Harry asks: "Is that what Hagrid meant when he said that my name has been on Hogwarts' list since birth?" Sirius nods and Dumbledore says: "Yes, but even that is a very rare event as it is, because a lot of magic within the child becomes passive after birth."

Harry tilts his head in thought and asks: "Can you sense excessive magic?" Now the man smiles and says: "Yes Harry, I can, but I didn't receive that ability until I met Nicholas, who told me it was one of my abilities that had become dormant after my own birth. Back in my days, parents didn't often check their offspring for passive gifts."
Harry nods and Dumbledore asks: "How long have you known that you could sense this kind of magic?" And Harry answers: "I first really sensed it when I went to Olivander's, but it took me learning and mastering the basics – back in first – before I realized what it was that I was sensing and how I did it.
Since then it's become a pretty common thing and it's helped me a lot around Hogwarts. Just not always, because Lady Hogwarts likes to rest a little longer than we give her time to." This shocks us all and Dumbledore says: "We will discuss that later, shall we?" Harry nods at the man and I shake my head before reading on.

Harry hadn't … three tables.

"Three tables? Mss. Granger, why weren't you just trying to study one subject at a time? I gave you the means for it." McGonagall asks me and I blush as I mutter: "I didn't want the secret to come out. I did promise you, after all." The woman sighs and says: "You actually remind me of Lily sometimes, you really do."
This makes Harry and me look at her shocked and she says: "I gave Lily the same means as I did you in her fourth and she too was afraid that the secret would be uncovered, so she used it so little, that it was breaking her up and making her unaware of what was morning and what was night. We had to put her down to help her up."

This shocks me and Harry gasps as she says: "Lily had a nervous breakdown of disordered use of the secret after Christmas and you're heading the exact same way. I don't want two of the same cases and definitely not with two students who have grown onto me as much as you and Lily have, Mss. Granger, please understand that."
I nod quickly, having no intention of letting the woman worry when she obviously trusts me with this so much and then McGonagall turns to Harry and says: "Mr. Potter, I will let you in on the secret, if you promise to help Mss. Granger order her use of it and equalize her study and her living time, do you understand?"
Harry nods, his eyes solemn and I know it's because he doesn't want what happened to his mother to happen to me. Feeling touched that Harry cares for me as much as he does for the mother he doesn't know, I hate how my secret had to uncover a dark side of his mother's past and quickly decide to lie the focus somewhere else.

"Where is … said Harry.

"Which was a statement I thought we had kicked out of you, young man. Don't tell me you grew back on it?" Mss. Rosie almost demands on my best friend and Harry turns red as he says: "Over-extended care by the Dursleys, fame I never wanted and no chance of contact with those that mentally keep me stable. I didn't have much of a choice."
The woman sighs, while the students again lower their heads in shame as they did last night after Harry gave his little rant – which I still think was justified and 2 years overdue – and she says: "I really should have thought of a secret meeting place back at Privet Drive." But Harry shrugs at her with a small smile and then Sirius stands.

The Hit-Wizards instantly tighten their hold on their wands and I wonder how long it will last before they will finally relax as they are starting to work on my nerves, but then the man bows down at the waist and says: "I thank you for your care and worry for my godson and for all you have done to help him. My gratefulness has no words."
The woman smiles, while the Hit-Wizards are again shocked silent and she says: "Harry is as much my family as he is yours." Which makes the man smile, but I see Irma's eyes widen and when she looks from the file in her hands to the woman, do I wonder about that file for the umpteenth time. Sighing at this, do I read on.

"Harry, listen … say anything.

This makes the two turn red and Jeremy asks: "You would have done that if this had happened, wouldn't you?" And Ron answers: "I probably would have gone back downstairs as I probably would have realized that Harry was faking to sleep and I would have wanted Hermione to help me get Harry out of his slump."
This makes the elder teen nod and then one of the other set of twins – as I call them – says: "The idea is good – and caring." And the other says: "But we discovered that Harry has a very special, very easy way of being comforted." This makes us all look interested and Rosie smiles at Harry, who nods before she hugs him.
She then softly pats him on his back and whispers: "I'm here, I'm here." Before parting while the other set of twins wave their hands as if showing something off. Shocked at what I just saw, Ron voices my shock as he says: "It's that simple?" And the other set of twins and the rest of their Gang nods, shocking me further.

Then Sirius sighs and says: "Not that surprising, if you count in the fact that it sounds as if those Harry was raised with were never really there for him and with how people expect the craziest things out of someone famous, I'm not surprised that all he wants is the comfort of knowing that someone is indeed there for him."
This makes the young man smile and move just an inch closer to the man, his eyes flicking the Hit-Wizards so quickly I just know he doesn't go further to aggravate them and this only angers me more as Harry shouldn't keep himself from such a wonderful guardian, just because of some idiots. Shaking my head at this, do I read on.

"You won't … after her –"

Now Harry lowers his head and Sirius says: "I understand where you're coming from, Harry, but I want you to promise me that you will never use that theory again, because that is exactly what led me to end up where I am today. Do you understand?" Harry nods with his head low and he says: "I promise, Sirius."
The man smiles and then sends a raised eyebrow look at the Hit-wizard on the right back of the Great Hall, before shrugging and wrapping an arm around Harry, pulling him closer and softly kissing the top of his head in pride, while the Hit-Wizards have grim faces and their arms tensed. Groaning at their ignorance, do I read on.

"There's nothing … could stand.

To this Harry cringes, but then Sirius strengthens his grip and says: "Harry, you can cringe and feel bad about what is being said all you want, but it won't matter. It's better if you just listen and remember the parts where you know you will change what is happening. That will make sure you don't feel bad either."
"Just a question, Mr. Black?" One of the other twins asks and then the other goes on: "Why didn't you escape before?" And the other comes back: "Because a parent like you." And they end together: "Is exactly what Harry always needed." Sirius sighs, a furious glare shifting over his face very shortly and he says:
"I've been wanting to escape since the minute I set foot in that cell, boys, don't get me wrong. But the only one with the evidence of my innocence – and no, I don't mean Harry – was Merlin knows where and I had to make sure I could instantly prove my innocence before trying any crazy escape plan in the first place."
"Wait, you didn't hide your evidence with Harry?" Ron asks shocked and Sirius says: "No, I didn't even do anything to hide it, it hid itself." This shocks and confuses me and Professor Lupin says: "Sirius confided this in me, the truth will be revealed in the Cat, Rat, Dog chapter." I nod at this, feeling relieved and read on.

"Malfoy knows." … want revenge.""

"Mr. Malfoy, I hope this is an event that has yet to transpire." Professor Snape grimaces and Malfoy cringes as he says: "The 1st Thursday potions class we had this year, sir." Making the grimace turn into a glare as the man asks: "So you deliberately told someone else they should face someone considered life-threatening?"
The blonde lowers his head and Professor Snape says: "Not something I would call ambitious or Cunning, Mr. Malfoy. And we will most certainly discuss this later, when the reading has been put to another break, I can assure you." My fellow Third year nods, while Ron silently glowers happily over this and I read on.

"You're going … could find.

"You know, that is the one part of that event that I just never understood." Mss. Rosie suddenly says and then she turns to Sirius and asks: "How did you manage to break the laws of Explosive Curses so far you dropped the Minimum amount of pieces from fourteen to one? I never understood that." I look shocked and look at him myself.
Sirius smiles at the woman, but not a crazed smile that says: "Wouldn't you like to know." Instead, the smile seems very grateful and genuine and he asks: "You actually consider me powerful enough to be capable of bending the laws of Spells like that?" And instantly do I realize what the man is implying – along with the rest of us.
"You didn't." The woman gasps and Ron asks: "Then what happened to the other pieces?" And we all look at the man, but he smiles, holds up his hands and asks: "Do you really want me to explain now and then read about it in the book as well? Makes the whole book kind of pointless, don't you agree?" I nod and read on.

Black's a … inner circle –"

"Do you have any evidence to confirm that, Potter?" One of the Hit-wizards snaps and I can tell he's in Malfoy's pocket, just by his tone. Apparently does Sirius hear the same as he asks: "Is that a question or an attack on a minor?" The Hit-Wizard glares at the man and Harry asks something that shocks and confuses me:
"Headmaster, do you still have that diary?" The man smiles and says: "Yes Harry, I do. Lucius was foolish enough to send it back to me after you freed his House- Elf with it. He wrote he didn't want a memory to that failure of a creature. I kept it safe, ever since." Harry nods and Dumbledore says: "I will show you gentlemen later."

The Hit-Wizard seems disgruntled that Harry actually does have evidence, while the other three look almost gleeful and I ask: "Did Fudge just pick some random Hit-Wizards, because these guys don't look like they work together." But then Sirius leans over the table to me and whispers: "Hit-Wizards work alone."
I look at him and he says: "I was one. I worked full-time while James worked for the Wizengamot and for a few other companies as an honor to his dad and his Family Name. Having worked there for three years makes you know the works. James was sometimes allowed to work beside me, but it was a very, very rare occurrence."
This makes Harry nod and I shake my head as I can understand that powerful wizards can be placed in solitary jobs to get more work done, but it's also obvious that these men weren't meant to work together – at least not the man that rudely asked that question and the other three. Deciding not to think further on it, do I read on.

"Say You-Know-Who … Harry shortly.

This makes everyone cringe and I suddenly see Jeffrey look contemplative. Wondering what he could be on about as he has been acting kind of off – not that I can really tell as I don't really know him – do send him a short glance, but when he catches it, does he shake his head, telling me he doesn't want to talk about it.
This makes me wonder and I try to keep his attention. Gaining it again, do I motion for Harry, but the boy motions for Mss. Rosie and I nod, understanding that the boy is more comfortable explaining his problem with a woman he has known for years than with me. Hoping he will later trust me enough to help him, do I read on.

There was … castle, Ron –"

"Isn't supposed to leave the castle? He wants to visit a friend of his! You can't deny him that!" Black says shocked and I say: "I – I just want to help him stay safe." The man sighs and says: "There is keeping someone safe and there is keeping someone prisoner. You're doing the second thing, no matter how noble your cause."
This makes not only me cringe, but the teachers as well and when the man sees this does he shout: "Oh come on! How stupid do you think I am! Don't you think I know that you will have hundreds of eyes out if he moves out of the castle! I'm not stupid enough to attack him when he's wide in the open! I have brains, you know!"
The teachers lower their heads and he says: "You're restricting this kid more than a prisoner in Azkaban. I had more freedom than he currently does! Have you seriously forgotten how to keep a child safe?" The teachers shrink in on themselves and I personally feel quite stupid as well and so quickly read on.

"Yeah, let's … front doors.

This shocks the Hit-Wizards and Sirius and Harry laughs as he says: "Yeah, him being there is because you attacked the Fat Lady. Thanks a lot for that." The man lowers his head with a cheeky grin on his face, while the Other Twins laugh at Harry's comment and I shake my head before coughing to get their attention and reading on.

They made … iced cake.

"That sounds so amazing!" A second year named Lindsey McFadden says and I smile as Harry always has an amazing eye for detail, even if that has been used more for figuring out what You-Know-Who was doing than things like this. Then Sirius wraps a slow arm around his godson and says: "Artistic, just like his father."
And McGonagall gasps as she asks: "You actually remember that?" And Sirius laughs as he asks: "Of course I do. Who could ever forget how incredibly James used his artistic talents for Transfigurations. Or did you perhaps forget that it was my idea for James to –." But then the man stops and grabs his temple with a grunt of pain.
"Thinking about James and Lily, were you?" Professor Lupin asks and I wonder what they could be on about as Sirius nods and the Professor says: "I've been having the same headaches every time I did that, too. It made me know something just isn't right." He then looks at the file that lies in front of Irma and says:
"And I'm almost certain it has something to do with whatever is in that file as I saw Irma tighten her hold on that thing every time your name was mentioned last night." The two men look at it curiously and Irma sighs as she says: "I told you before, I can't let you read the file yet. Harry entrusted it with me until the end of the book."

The two men nod and Sirius asks: "Is there any hint you can give us about that file that could explain the headaches we get when we think of James and Lily?" The girl shakes her head and says: "All I can say is that Harry read the file, that I heard him whisper your name while reading and that he broke down in tears afterwards.
That and that he said that the file should have been found before you escaped as it would have changed this entire year for the better. He also muttered something about this knowledge stopping a second prophesy from existing, but he didn't seem as hurt or broken over that, so we let it go on his insistence before we left."
Another nod from the two men, but I can tell that that thing about the second prophesy worries them very much and looking around, do I see that Dumbledore seems just as worried, if his stance of having his arms on the table and his face in his hands is anything to go by. Wondering what they could be on about, do I read on.

Ron knocked … in there?"

"Why did you do that? Maybe it really would have been better?" Seamus asks, but while he spoke, did I read on and I growl in anger as I say: "No, it wouldn't have mattered. It's just Malfoy again." This shocks and confuses the blonde and Seamus asks: "Why would he visit Hagrid?" But I shake my head and read on.

There was … Harry's neck.

"Wait, you said it had to do with Malfoy, but this sounds as if Hagrid knows that Harry was in Hogsmeade." Seamus interrupts me, but Professor Lupin shakes his head and says: "He doesn't. Hagrid is very loyal, he would have gone straight to Dumbledore if he had known, because he too wants Harry safe."
The Irish nods and I say: "It really has to do with Malfoy. It's just not directly enough his work, but he did start all of the things that caused for Hagrid to cry like that." This doesn't seem to be understood by any of my peers and I know that they will feel as angry as I currently do for the blonde brat and therefore do I quickly read on.

Harry being … the cabin.

This makes the man cringe and he says: "I guess I didn't know my own strength that day." And I look at Harry, knowing Hagrid often causes him to have a limp arm if he shakes it and that Harry took a few trips to the Hospital Wing for a pain-relief potion after a visit where Hagrid hugged him. Shaking my head to focus, do I read on.

Hagrid allowed … read aloud:

Here I take a deep breath as I had already read the entire letter a few seconds ago, while Seamus and Professor Lupin were talking and while I try to hold in my anger, if only to make sure I don't stand up and walk over to punch that bastard in the face, do I take comfort out of everyone's need to hear about the letter and read on.

Dear Mr. … regrettable incident.

Now most of the Third years hit themselves on the head and Seamus groans: "Not this again." To which Isaac sarcastically asks: "Let me guess, Malfoy got in a little skirmish with a Hippogriff and went to his daddy, who took it all the way to the Ministry?" And my Irish year mate says: "Sure looks like it."
The Silver-white haired boy shakes his head and says: "Thirteen years old and he doesn't even know when to turn to his father and when to turn to his Head of House. For Merlin's sake, even we knew when to turn to Aunt Rosie and when to deal with a problem ourselves and we were eight when that first happened."
The Slytherin turns red at this and then Rosaline says: "Let's not make it any worse. That letter so far hasn't said anything to make Hagrid cry like he does." And my lips turn thin as I had really hoped not to have to think about the rest of the letter. Hating how my curiosity made me decide to read this awful chapter, do I read on.

"Well, that's … in fellowship …

"WHAT A LOAD OF HOGWASH!" The other twins shout in anger and one of them goes on: "That blonde brat is the only one who got hurt!" And the other shouts: "How can they make a statement like that and not realize this?" And Harry growls: "The same way Malfoy Senior got the School Governors to suspend grandpa last year."
"The Dursley method?" Jeremy asks and Harry spats: "The Dursley method." The whole Gang rolls their eyes at this and Malfoy asks: "What are you talking about?" To which Harry looks around and then asks: "Hannah, did your aunt really want to suspend Dumbledore last year?" And the girl whitens before lowering her head.

Everyone looks at her and she says: "No, but Aunt told me that Malfoy had threatened her. He had said that he had the means to make the Monster attack me next. And because Hermione had been the last victim and was in my year, was my aunt too scared to go against him and fight like she would have usually done."
Harry nods at her while the Hit-Wizard that asked Harry about his evidence earlier now looks red with either embarrassment or anger and I shake my head, before shooting a glance at the other Hit-Wizards, who now have their wands held a slight bit looser, which proves that Harry has earned their trust. Smiling at this fact, do I read on.

There followed … At Christmas!"

This makes my friends and me share a glance and Ron whispers: "As long as he doesn't do the same with Norbert or Aragog." And while my best friend turns white at the second name, does he shrug and I nod in agreement, while Neville asks: "Who's Aragog?" But Harry only answers: "Boggart." Before I read on.

Harry, Ron … positively cute.

This seems to calm my friend down somewhat and he nods as he says: "Yeah, if you know how to treat them and what to do and not to do around them." And while I know that this is a jab at Malfoy, something the blonde seems to know as well if his glare is anything to go by, do I make sure neither of them starts fighting as I read on.

"You'll have … case, Buckbeak –"

This makes many people look at Malfoy angrily and he spats: "You have no proof!" But Harry clears his throat and when Malfoy looks at him, does he ask: "Who's the one who always says wait till my father hears this or that? Because that, to anyone with a brain, sounds like a threat, Malfoy." The blonde glares and Harry says:
"And you wouldn't be stupid enough to constantly make those threats, if you didn't know for sure that your father had a little too much influence in certain positions. So I think, especially seeing how Fudge and your father got Hagrid and grandpa to leave last year, that our CoMC teacher has plenty of proof, don't you?"

The blonde seems to be steaming by now and Harry sighs as he says: "I'm only trying to help, Malfoy, because what my Gang said is right. You need to stop relying on your father, because it only has two consequences. As an adult, no one will take you seriously without him there and you will later even rely on him for your own things."
This has both the blonde's interest and my own and Harry says: "I'm just saying that if you don't start learning when to let your father fight for you and when to fight your own battles and make your own decisions, instead of what your father thinks, that he might come to decide who you should marry and when your first kid will be born."
The blonde is now white and Harry says: "And even if he doesn't, it will be what everyone will believe, because you constantly quote to his words and never your own. I have heard you speak of your father's opinions so many times –." And to my shock does a worried expression come across my best friend's face as he says:

"That I wonder if you even have your own." The two look at each other, Harry still worried and Malfoy white with shock and then Dumbledore scrapes his throat and says: "It seems these books bring more than just the opportunity to save many, many lives." Everyone nods and Dumbledore looks at Harry proudly.
Harry sends him a small, short smile, before looking back at Malfoy, doing so until the blonde looks away himself and just by looking at the thoughtful look on the boy's face and the lack of his usual sneer, do I know that Harry really made sure that the boy will think about what he said, something that makes me smile as I read on.

Hagrid drew … and scared.

This makes Hagrid smile at Harry gratefully, while Sirius and Dumbledore smile at Harry in pride and Harry says: "No way was I going to make Hagrid feel even worse than he already did. He loves his pets, even if he sometimes forgets that what he can handle with difficulty will surely get someone like us killed."
The giant man whitens and Harry says: "I don't mean to berate you, Hagrid, but in your love for your pets, do you forget to take security measures that can make sure we are as protected by them as you are by your skin and your amazing size. You have that to your advantage, but we rely on you to feel just as safe around your pets."
The man nods and says: "I'll make sure I have plenty of safe pens and security fences around my – ah –." And Harry asks: "More interesting creatures?" And the CoMC teacher laughs at the teasing tone of my friend's voice before Dumbledore says: "We will break for lunch in three chapters and then meet again an hour later."
Everyone nods and already I can tell that some people are making plans, while Sirius just looks from the Hit-Wizards to Harry and then back as one of them tries to catch his glance. When this happens, does the Hit-Wizard sign something that makes the man smile and nod and while I wonder what they could have said, do I read on.

"Listen, Hagrid." … muttered, shrugging.

This makes the twins look shocked and then they ask: "Why do you pay attention to that, but not to us when we play a good prank?" And Harry sighs as he says: "Probably because he was your Prime Pranking Target before you left for school. He doesn't want to draw your attention and get that role placed on him again."
The twins cringe as they seem to realize that Harry is right and Ron whispers: "How did you know?" And Harry whispers: "Later, bring your brothers together during lunch." The youngest male Weasley nods, while I wonder what else Harry could have seen that makes him look that downtrodden and I quickly read on.

At last … the table.

This makes me cringe and hate my own curiosity again and Harry says: "We probably would have enjoyed it if you threw a few Bow Truckles or perhaps a Unicorn or Shadow Stallion in between all those Flobberworms. Those are Third year material and can easily be put in the same fence as the Hippogriffs were."
Our big friend seems too intrigued by this idea to be down about my future lie and I send him a quick grateful look as Dumbledore pats him on the shoulder and says: "You really have it in you to fulfill your little plan with your Gang." This makes me smile as I can already see Harry teaching people my age and happily read on.

"Er – how … much lettuce."

"Is that possible?" Sirius asks and Jeffrey nods as he says: "I once had to take the pet guinea pig home from school for a week to care for it – a class project they do in fourth grade – and had this study time where I would go hang out with the Gang. My dad didn't like the project, so he fed the guinea pig every time I was out."
The boy shakes his head and says: "I had to take it to the vet and my dad had to pay the bill, because the school refused to accept his excuses. Good thing too, because they were damn pitiful." He then shudders and says: "Afterwards, I stayed with Aunt Rosie for a fortnight. I just didn't want to go and see him anymore."
This worries me as the others look down, obviously remembering that day and Rosaline says: "That poor thing barely made it. Your dad should have never added so much sugar to those chunks." Jeffrey nods and while I don't know who to feel more sorry for – Jeffrey or the guinea pig – do I focus back on the book and the reading.

"Oh no." … in Azkaban –"

The man shudders again, while three of the four Hit-Wizards look at him in pity and the last huffs and says: "Then maybe you shouldn't drink so much, you fat tub of lard." Only to have my, Ron, Harry, his colleagues, Professor Lupin's wands and all the glares of the Gang aimed at him, shocking the Hit-Wizard senseless.
Then Dumbledore says: "I will not have my staff insulted inside my school by outsiders, are we clear Auror Johnson?" And the man grumbles: "I'm a Hit-Wizard." But then the other Hit-Wizards shout: "No, you're not!" Shocking me and making the man blush as the woman in the left back corner glares and says:
"You're an assistant to Sam and me and you're in your Senior Year, between Auror and Hit-Wizard, which means –." And Sirius ends: "Which means you can't leave your bosses post unless you're off work. You have to follow them wherever their missions lead them. I remember that, I loved going around with Moody."

This makes the female Hit-Wizard that had spoken earlier shudder and says: "You'd be the only one in that, Black." While Dumbledore chuckles and says: "Ah yes, I remember the many times Alastor came to my office, because you had solved the clue of his missions and had covered his back so well, he had to forego all his instructions.
Made him proud to be your mentor and drove him wild at the same time because you always took the initiative when the danger signs were at their highest rate and you never once cared for it. Alastor even said you reveled in it." The man shrugs and says: "What can I say? I was young, just out of school – and totally irresponsible."

Everyone laughs at this and Sirius grabs Harry around the neck and gives him a knuckle-romp as he says: "Seriously kid, I love being named your godfather and all, but I sincerely have no idea what your dad was thinking when he did so." To which Professor Lupin laughs and says: "Rest assured, Sirius, none of us did really."
The supposed convict glares at the DADA teacher mockingly and Professor Lupin shakes his head with his head down and his arms crossed and says: "But then again, James was nothing if not stubborn. Once he had an idea in his head, he would make it happen, no matter what. A noble trait, even if it caused a lot of trouble."

Then suddenly I notice something strange and try to look closer, while faking to keep my head in the book. Sirius, while glaring mockingly at Lupin at the start, now glares at him angrily, his mouth half open – as if to defend Harry's dad of something he believes an insult – but then shakes his head and groans softly.
This groan catches Lupin's attention and he looks up and asks: "Are you alright, Sirius?" And the man, his eyes closed says: "Yeah, yeah, I am. It's just – I – I felt my inner Veela come out again." This shocks and confuses most of us – me because I have no idea what a Veela is – and Lupin asks: "Why – why would that be?"
Sirius shakes his head and says: "I don't know. I haven't felt my Veela come up since Sixth year. Or no, I – I did, I – I just can't remember how it felt after my sixth. Something – something happened. Something happened to my Veela, but – but someone made me forget about it." This worries us all and Dumbledore says:

"I'll run a mental scan on your mind after this chapter, is that alright Sirius?" Sirius nods, but while he does, does one of the Hit-Wizards run to the other and I hear him whisper: "Do you think that – whoever made Black forget about how his Veela felt – is responsible for committing Black's crimes as well, Sarah?"
This shocks me and everyone in the Hall looks at Sirius, who still has one hand on his temple and his eyes closed and the man grunts: "Seeing all that slippery little rat did, I – I wouldn't even be surprised if he caused this as well. I – I just can't see a time where he would have the opportunity to." This worries me and I read on.

He fell … Norbert go …"

"Who's Norbert?" A curious First year asks, but Harry looks at Dumbledore and says: "Norbert is a matter that has been taken care of, Mr. Gregory. That is all you will need to know." The first year sulks, but nods and I sigh in relief as Auror Johnson would surely cause a scene if he heard of Norbert and I quickly read on.

His eyes … of cards.

This makes me cringe and hate Harry for deciding to bring the books here and – just like I expected – does Johnson aim an accusatory finger at our teacher and shout: "OOOH-HOOO!" But then Sarah shouts: "Johnson, what part of it having been taken care of do you not understand?" But the man glowers and says:
"No, it wasn't! We were never told about any dragon. We should have been told about it! Hagrid –." But then a wave of angry magic washes over me, scaring me as Dumbledore stands up and says: "The matter has been dealt with and will – if you so wish – be discussed further after the chapter is finished, Auror Johnson."
The Auror seems shocked that the man is this vehement and obviously as scared as I felt when he had felt the powerful magic wash over him so suddenly and when he sees the disappointed looks on his colleagues' faces, does the man sulk and move back to stand in his corner, making Dumbledore sit down and allowing me to read on.

"Yeh can't … who's not."

This makes just about everyone look down, while others look at Hagrid with worry and slight pity as the man seems to really agree with his book-self, shivering and being offered some hot chocolate by Professor Flitwick. The giant man thanks the tiny teacher and drinks it all down in a single gulp before sighing in relief.
This, in itself, makes Ron, Harry and me share a look and I know that we probably feel now like we would have felt then, had this indeed come to pass. Knowing that – even if Malfoy senior will leave the case to the school – we will help our big friend, do we all nod in silent agreement with each other before I read on.

Hagrid went … something relevant.

"That doesn't exactly sound." One of the twins starts of the other goes on: "Like a fun way." And they chorus: "To start the holidays?" But then Harry asks: "Would you have done different, had you been in our shoes?" And the twins look at each other, before they look back and chorus: "No, we would have done the same."
This makes Harry smile and he says: "And that is exactly the thought you need to think about if you plan something that concerns someone else. If you plan to do it, while you know you won't like it if done to you, then it's best if you don't do it to that person either as 3 of the 4 times, it's probably so that he won't like it either."
The two share a look and Professor Lupin says: "A good prank is a planned prank. One where you study your target, what he likes and dislikes and then adjust your prank to his likings in such a way, you can laugh about it and he won't hate you for it." The twins nod and I wonder how the man knows about pranks, before I read on.

"Here's something … near it …"

"Those don't exactly work well, do they?" A girl from Hufflepuff asks and I shake my head as I say: "There have to be cases where the Marauding beast was freed of the charges." But then Sirius shakes his head and says: "That hasn't happened since the Committee started going downward and that happened 147 years ago.
You need to look into actual Family Grimoires to get the evidence you need and for that you need permission from the Leading Head of the Family. You can always look into the Potter Family Grimoire, but that hasn't been seen since James died." I feel shocked and intrigued by the man's knowledge and Harry asks:
"So the Grimoire is like the Yearbook dad hid?" But Sirius shakes his head and says: "The yearbook was a Potter test to see if the Heir of said Yearbook owner was as worthy as his father or mother of the Title Potter. The Grimoire represents the entire family, all the way back to when the Potters first came into existence.
It holds information on all spells the Potters created, all the Laws they helped set up or disband, all the – as we used to call it – flings they had before they married, all the things they did to help their children grow up. Everything every Potter did over the course of history is in that book. And no one knows where it is."

Harry and I share a shocked and astounded look and Ron says: "I know Bill got to see our Family Grimoire before he decided to be Curse Breaker. I can always ask him if he has any information we can use." Sirius shrugs and says: "It's a possibility, but the Weasleys were always more the spell and Item kind of Wizards.
The Potters are more of people and animals, which is why I recommended them. But it's definitely worth a shot." This makes my red-haired friend smile, while he had been nodding in agreement when Sirius explained why he recommended Harry's family over his own and I feel the need to get that Grimoire as I read on.

Meanwhile, in … at him.

This makes everyone laugh and Harry asks: "Why throw a pillow at me? Your bed is right next to mine, you know?" And Ron asks: "Mate, you do realize who you're talking to, right?" Before both boys burst out laughing. I then suddenly see Sirius get a very happy gleam in his eyes and wonder about that as I read on.

Harry reached … lying underneath.

This shocks and confuses my best friend, but Sirius – together with the happy gleam in his eyes – now has a large grin on his face and Professor Lupin groans: "Sirius, you didn't." And finally do I understand why I felt so bad about this chapter. Gasping and squeaking softly, I draw everyone's attention and read on.

"What's that?" … the tail.

Now everyone has their mouths wide open and Professor Dumbledore asks: "Sirius, might I ask how you managed that?" And the man answers: "Well, the match hasn't been yet, so Harry hasn't lost his broom yet and this hasn't happened yet either, but I do have a small hunch. I can't be sure though, so I won't tell yet."
Our teacher nods and then Johnson spats: "You don't know yet? Who are you trying to kid? You obviously stole it!" But Sirius shakes his head and says: "Stolen brooms don't have a registration number on them. No, about the money I know how I did that, I'm just not sure about the rest of it." And as he hums, do I read on.

"Who sent … Cloak anonymously …"

"He did WHAT!" Snape roars and Dumbledore intervenes, standing up at full height and saying: "It belonged to Charlus' family and Charlus and James both agreed I could hold onto it would anything happen to them before Harry was ready. I was not intending to keep Harry's heritage from him when he was so close to it."
The sour Potions Master grumbles about this and whispers: "Probably caused ten-thousands of problems for my snakes and whatnot –." But Dumbledore sends a short, sorrowful glance at Harry before he says: "I also equipped it with a tracking charm before giving it so I would be informed of when Harry uses it.
He has had it since Christmas in his first and has only used it for seven nights since. Three during that same Christmas, once during that spring, once at the end of his first, once when Hagrid and I were removed from Hogwarts and once a fortnight after that. He hasn't used it since and all those uses were school-intended."

This makes Harry turn red of embarrassment as Dumbledore goes on: "James indeed often used it for pranks and to sneak food out of the kitchens, not to mention to help his friend once a month, but Harry has shown much more responsibility than James and it's time you accept that, Severus, because I now have reason to stop you."
Our Potions Teacher looks shocked and confused and Dumbledore says: "I have always kept my distance when it came to you and Harry to keep your calculative mind off of finding out the truth and that allowed you free reign to see someone in Harry, who he could never – in his whole life – be, because of one simple reason."
Dumbledore then pierces Snape with a look stronger than the anger he, earlier, showed Johnson and the man squirms before stiffening of shock as Dumbledore says: "James is part of Harry's past in such a way, Harry doesn't remember James. He cannot be someone, he doesn't remember. Even you know that much, Severus."
The man looks shocked, his stern posture completely destroyed and he lowers his head, obviously trying to think about this. Hoping the man won't try to think of a way out of that logic, do I share a happy glance with Harry, knowing how important it is for Harry that Dumbledore stood up for him and read on.

"That was … this is!"

This makes Ron hold back a snort and Malfoy glares, before Jeffrey says: "Oh please, like you and your friends wouldn't have the same conversation if the broom had been yours." The blonde turns red and turns his head away, while I can barely believe the bravery of the 15 year old and smile at him before reading on.

"I can't … been – Lupin!"

Now the man himself looks at me and the book in shock, before he laughs and says: "Ron, I appreciate the thought, but that is highly impossible. I would –." But I had read ahead and giggle, interrupting my teacher as I say: "Harry really knows you, Professor." Intriguing the man and making Harry smile before I quickly read on.

"What?" said … Snape, remember?"

I personally can't help but frown myself, before I suddenly see Harry send a worried look at the man and silently study him as Lupin catches the glance and when he does, does Harry move his eyes up to the ceiling before looking at the man questioningly. Lupin nods and Harry nods back before looking back at me.
Wondering what they could be on about, do I try to piece together everything we know about Lupin, but then Harry interrupts me and asks: "Hermione, are you reading ahead again?" And when I look at him, does he send me a look that says The book will reveal. And I nod, while amazed that he figured it out before me and read on.

Harry frowned … the Firebolt.

"Eeh Hermione, I would appreciate if you didn't do that. I'm allergic to cat hair. Whenever a cat is molting and leaves hairs behind do those hairs affect my allergies." The Irish lad tells me and I wince as I finally understand why Seamus doesn't hang around me anymore when I have Crookshanks close to me.
Hanging my head, do I say: "I'm sorry, Seamus. I'll keep Crookshanks in my own dorm when you're around, okay?" But the boy shakes his head and says: "Just come to me whenever you don't have him near and keep him away from my bed, that's all." I smile at the Irish lad and nod in agreement with him before reading on.

"Oh, Harry! … Can I?"

"Ron, that was amazingly insensitive! Harry hasn't even flown it himself and you're already asking?" I ask shocked, trying to hide my own fears of what will surely happen as I now fully understand why I was dreading the chapter so much. The redhead hangs his head and says: "You're right. I'm sorry, Harry."
But my best friend shrugs and says: "Hey, the only one who loves Quidditch more than I do is you. I understand." And I roll my eyes as I think: "Too forgiving for his own good." While Oliver, who sits a little further away is drooling his lap full since he heard me describe the broom and I think: "And he takes the prize." Before reading on.

"I don't … said Ron.

"I think I know why Mss. Granger doesn't want Mr. Potter to ride that broom – or anyone for that matter." McGonagall says and I lower my head, not wanting her to be the one to find out as I'm sure she'll be part of the ruined chapter as well and she says: "She probably suspects it comes from Mr. Black and believes it cursed."
This makes the man cross his arms with a broad smile and he says: "Well, you got the first part right, but seeing what you heard last chapter, can I not blame you for thinking the second." This makes me smile, while Ron and Harry look at each other and chorus: "We're idiots." But I shake my head at this and decide to come clean.

"Harry, Ron, I've been worrying about this chapter ever since we started this morning and I know why now. I – I fear something more terrible than the whole issue between me and Ron and Scabbers and Crookshanks is going to happen and I have no doubt in my mind that that broom will play a part in that event."
The two look shocked and Harry says: "Hermione, why would that worry you? You have perfectly good reason to think that broom to be cursed, so why worry?" And Ron says: "Yeah, book-me just gave you the perfect opportunity to explain this." But I wince as I had already read ahead yet again and read out loud.

But before … Ron's chest.

"Oh. Yeah, that could ruin your chances." Ron winces himself and I already feel the tears gathering behind my eyes as I can only imagine how my fearful book-self will decide to just take action without explanation, something I find both a good and bad idea at the same time and while hating myself for the missed chance, do I read on.

"GET – HIM – … his palm.

This makes my friends and me share a shocked look and then I lower my head and say: "It must have known what I was planning to do, even if I couldn't explain my actions beforehand. They're not exactly trustworthy." But then I see Sirius shake his head and says: "None of you humans are the cause for that thing going off."
And he shares a glance with Lupin who sighs and says: "Give off hints like that, Sirius, and the end of the book will be totally useless." And while he says that, do Ron, Harry and I share a confused look, even if I do see a small sign of understanding shine in Ron's eyes that makes me wonder what he knows before I read on.

Crookshanks was … him alone!"

"Sorry Ron, but I don't think Crookshanks will stop hunting for Scabbers anytime soon. And no, that's not Hermione's fault." Lupin adds before pointing his thumb at Sirius and says: "It's this fool's work." Making the man glare at his one time friend, while my friends and I wonder why Sirius would do that and I read on.

But Harry … her cat.

This makes me let go off the book with one hand and I hit myself on the head with it as I think: "I had a whole morning to tell him my worries and because of my anger over my cat being attacked for attacking my friend, do I keep my mouth shut." And I shake my head before deciding to get the chapter over with and read on.

At lunchtime … sit down!"

This makes Harry smile at his grandfather and then the man makes my friend's day as he says: "Harry, you and Sirius are hereby invited to my private rooms the night before Christmas, so we can celebrate Christmas morning together." Harry hugs the man strongly and Sirius gives him a thumbs up as the man smiles and I read on.

"Crackers!" … at once.

This makes the Potions teacher do the same as his book-self, but then I decide to make him see sense and say: "Neville, I really think you turning your worst fear into something funny by dressing it up funny was a very, very good strategy, don't you think Ron?" And my best friend nods, while Snape looks shocked.
Then he asks: "So you think it funny that I was dressed in a woman's clothes?" And I decide to take revenge for what he said to me in the book and say: "No, I think it wrong that a student has a teacher for his worst fear." Shocking the man silent and making him sit back down as he had stood up before I glare at him and read on.

"Tuck in!" … oversize dragonfly.

This makes just about everyone that I know that doesn't take Divinations or takes it seriously hold back a snort, while Parvati and Lavender – who have been just unbearable since that first lesson – glare at Harry and he says: "Hey, I didn't write these and neither did future me. They just appeared, remember?"
"But they are in your POV." Lavender spats and Harry sighs as he says: "Look, I've heard you make plenty of hurtful comments about Quidditch and Defence Against the Dark Arts, so don't judge me over what you do yourself, alright?" The girls stop glaring at this and nod in agreement, making me smile as I read on.

"Sybill, this … to die!"

This makes me smirk as I had been studying Divinations on and off, just to make sure I could get a good grade and say: "That's wrong, Professor. It's not thirteen, it's thirty. Thirteen is a bad number for spell-casting. Thirty is a dark omen for number of people sitting at a table." Everyone looks at me shocked and I say:
"Hey, I thought you knew me? I do want a good grade, you know." And everyone nods at that, understanding, while Trelawney still looks at me, obviously shocked that I proved her wrong at something. Hoping she will leave Harry alone now that I got back at her, do I turn myself away from her and read on.

"We'll risk … serving themselves.

This seems to shock Harry and he whispers: "Not on Christmas." But Lupin smiles at him and says: "It wouldn't be the first time it happened on Christmas, Harry, don't worry about it." But Harry retorts: "I don't worry about it, I hate it that you have to miss such a brilliant holiday." And Lupin smiles at him as I read on.

"Most unfortunate … very long.

This makes me stop short, not out of anger, but out of fear and Irma seems to read my mind as she says: "Don't worry, it's more of a monetary matter. Not life-threatening." She then turns to Snape and says: "Although trust in fellow colleagues does fit that description." And only then do I see that she is reading off of a note in her hand.
The man glares at the girl, but then Dumbledore releases another wave of angered magic and spats: "Severus, if you can't keep other people's secrets to yourself, I might just have to order a restriction warrant between you and Remus to keep you from invading the privacy of a man that hasn't hurt you in over a dozen years."
The sour man glowers at this and asks: "And how do you know what I revealed, Headmaster?" But Dumbledore releases a stronger wave of energy this time and apparently uses his focus on this one as Snape is suddenly tied to his chair, his arms glued to the armrests and everything. The Potions teacher looks shocked and Dumbledore says:
"It doesn't take a genius to figure out what secret you could have revealed when it concerns Remus, Severus, so don't test my intelligence on this matter." And with that does he release the Potions teacher, who rubs his right arm with his left hand, looking at the Headmaster in pure shock, while I smile and read on.

He seems … for him –"

"Did you offer doing that in your office, Professor?" Harry suddenly asks and when the teacher nods, does Harry answer: "Then it must be because of the route he had to take to get there. I'm sure of it." This confuses me, but the teacher seems to get it and says: "Oh, how could I forget. I'm so sorry, Remus dear."
The man smiles and says: "It's okay, Trelawney. I do agree that the route plays a part in it, but during the war was I almost kidnapped by a Death Eater disguised as a Crystal Ball gazer. The ball was made of – well, you know – and I've had a phobia against them ever since." The Divinations teacher nods and I read on, feeling confused.

"Imagine that." … Professor McGonagall.

Now I lower my head and ask: "Professor Dumbledore, could you please read on? I feel too ashamed of my oncoming actions." The man seems to understand my problem and nods, taking the book from me as I lower myself onto the table and Professor Lupin wraps an arm around me, pulling me into his side as Dumbledore reads.

"Probably trying … Professor McGonagall.

I moan at this and Professor McGonagall seems to understand my problem as she says: "You did the right thing, Mss. Granger, although I would have preferred it if you had told me that you had yet explained your reasons to your friends." This makes me nod and Ron and Harry share a worried look as Dumbledore reads on.

Though Professor … was upside-down.

This makes me hit my head on the wooden table, only for Sirius to laugh and he says: "Oh, this so reminds me of that first Christmas we had together. Remember that one, Remus, where James had surprised us all by asking his mum to send us something she had made herself and not add a note to the present?"
Professor Lupin sighs and says: "Yes, I remember, Sirius. I also remember you thinking it was something your parents had send us all to punish you for getting into Gryffindor. Didn't you have those bracelets checked by Poppy, Filius, Minerva and Albus before James finally came clean about the surprise?"
Sirius smiles and says: "Yeah, I did. But I bare no blame there, my mum's a right hag." And Lupin sighs as I smile softly, glad I'm not the only one fearing where a nameless gift could come from. Then Sirius says: "Besides, James needed 3 weeks for you to accept that gift, remember?" And Lupin turns red as Dumbledore reads on

"May I?" … it down –"

This makes me cringe as my friends look shocked and Sirius looks curious and asks: "Just a minute. Minerva, why didn't you question them on this case? Why didn't you try and get their side of the story as well?" The woman looks shocked and he says: "I remember that you always did that if you caught us, so why not now?"
The woman lowers her head and says: "Seeing who I thought it came from –." But the man is glaring now and says: "You could have asked them to lie the broom down and explained their side, couldn't you? There would be no harm in that, would there be?" And the woman lies her head down, realizing his point to be a good one.
I, in the mean time, share a shocked glance with Harry as McGonagall had never before asked us for our side of the story when she caught us and I whisper: "Tell him?" But Harry shakes his head and whispers: "Break." Making me nod, while I feel Lupin squishing my side, obviously telling me he will join in. I nod and listen on.

"Strip it … on Hermione.

This makes me cringe and hide my face in Lupin's side, the man holding me tightly as he says: "You did the right thing, Hermione, you just need more trust in your friends and the fact that they will listen to you. Just because they're boys, doesn't mean they won't understand your worries." I nod and the two shout: "HEY!"
Making Sirius laugh and he says: "I don't really think it's these two she has to worry about. More like that bloke over there." And when I look at where he's aiming at, do I see a devastated Oliver Wood looking from me to Professor McGonagall and back. Worried over how he will react, do I quickly focus on Dumbledore's voice.

"What did … Sirius Black!"

This makes me sigh and I say: "This just can't end well." And Harry asks: "Why do you say that?" And I answer: "Because that dread I felt in my stomach since I knew we were going to start reading again, is still there." This worries my best friend and he lowers his head as he says: "If I'm going to act like a jerk, then – I'm sorry."
I smile at my best friend and Ron says: "Me too, Hermione, and I'll probably be even worse seeing how we're also going head to head about Scabbers and Crookshanks." This makes me wince, but nod as I know the boy is both highly defending about his pet and confused as to what that could have to do with Black.
Looking at the man himself, does he smile at me and say: "If there is one thing every friendship should be based on, it's trust. Remy and I held a lot of secrets from Jamie back in the days and he always got them out of us and it always made us closer. Never think you can't trust your friends, Hermione, it will only break you up."

This makes me smile at the man and Dumbledore says: "It truly is a shame you read the last chapter, Remus, this chapter has your name all over it." This confuses me and I wonder what the man means, but then realize what he actually did as everyone is now looking at him. Dumbledore drove the attention away from our problems.
Smiling at the Headmaster – and grandfather of my best friend – does Lupin ask: "Know anyone else that can read it? Sirius, perhaps?" But Dumbledore shakes his head and says: "I think Harry is a good second choice. He too plays a large role in the reason behind the title." And the grandfather hands his grandson the book.
But then Harry turns his confused eye to the man and asks: "Weren't you going to do a mind scan on Sirius?" The man seems shocked, but then Sirius says: "We can use a good chapter. Just read, Harry, I can wait." Harry looks at the man in worry for a few minutes, but then seems to be reassured by Sirius' gaze and turns to the book.