Chapter Three: Onward to Hogwarts
A sudden crash followed by a cat's yowl and loud exclamations roused Harry from his sleep the following morning. Rolling over, Harry reached out towards the nightstand and felt around for his glasses. Harry put them on as he sat up and gave a jaw-cracking yawn.
Although he had gotten to sleep fairly quickly last night, he had been woken up sometime after midnight by Snuffles twitching about and occasionally kicking out a paw. At first Harry thought Snuffles was just dreaming, but as he closed his eyes to try to go back to sleep, Harry heard Snuffles start to whimper.
Realizing that Snuffles was having a nightmare, Harry wriggled down the bed a bit to get closer to where Snuffles was sleeping and propped himself up on an elbow. He had to be careful about how he handled this. Harry didn't want Snuffles to wake up in a panic and accidentally bite or lash out at him, so he decided to try to gradually wake Snuffles up or at least calm him down enough so that he fell out of the nightmare and into better dreams.
Harry gently put a hand on Snuffles' side and slowly started to move it up and down, softly petting Snuffles to try to calm him down. As Harry was petting Snuffles, he began to whisper reassuring phrases.
"You're alright… You're safe… You're not alone... I'm here… It's okay... You're okay... We're okay…"
Eventually, the twitches stopped and the whimpering subsided. Keeping a hand on Snuffles' side, Harry could feel that his breathing was smooth and even. Harry laid back down and closed his eyes, slowly drifting back off to sleep.
As Harry brought his arms above his head to stretch, his movements cause Snuffles to wake up. Snuffles whined and moved over to drape himself across Harry's legs. Harry looked over to the window and saw that the sun was already climbing up past the horizon.
"Guess we're getting a bit of a late start today, Snuffles," Harry said as he ran his fingers through Snuffles' black fur. "Just as long as we're out of here before 10:30 at the latest, I think we'll manage to catch the Hogwarts Express with no problems.
After Harry heard another loud exclamation from the hallway, he recognized the voice outside his door to be Tom's.
'What in the world is going on out there?'
Patting the dog's side, Harry said, "Come on, Snuffles. Get up. I want to see what's happening in the hallway."
Snuffles grudgingly got off of Harry's legs and allowed him to get out of bed. After Harry stood up, he turned back to face Snuffles and saw that the dog had curled up in a ball in the spot that Harry had just left.
"Going back to sleep so soon?"
Snuffles snuffled in response.
"I guess cats are the only animals that're curious," Harry said under his breath. He heard Snuffles answering snort of amusement.
Shaking his head and running a hand through the bird's nest he called hair, Harry walked to the door and opened it.
A breakfast tray and its contents were scattered across the floor. As Harry took a step out of the room, he saw a small grey blur followed by an orange blur race passed him and down the stairs. Looking back down the hallway in the direction that the blurs came from, Harry saw an angry Tom muttering under his breath.
"Good morning, Tom," Harry called out as Tom was about to pass him.
Tom was so focused on stomping down the hall that he jumped a bit when Harry addressed him.
"Ah! Good morning, Mr. Potter," Tom said, stopping in front of Harry. "I hope this commotion didn't disturb you."
Waving off his concern, Harry said, "It's fine. I should've been getting up anyway. So, what happened out here?"
"Nothing to worry yourself about, Mr. Potter," Tom responded. "I originally came up to let you know that there was a family downstairs asking about you. They all have red hair, are a bit loud, and they call themselves the Weasleys. Do you know them?"
"Yes, I do!" Harry said, excited about seeing Ron and his family again. "Are they still down there right now?"
"Yes, I believe that they are," Tom responded.
"Thanks for letting me know!" Harry said as he turned to go back into his room.
Before he shut the door, Harry paused and turned back around to look at Tom.
"Do you need any help with…" Harry trailed off as he waved his hand at the mess in the hallway.
"No, no, Mr. Potter. I have it under control. But thank you for offering," Tom said, pulling out his wand and pointing it at the mess.
"Alright then… See you later."
Harry shut the door behind him as he raced across the room to get to his trunk. Opening it, Harry grabbed some clothes and went to do his morning routine in the bathroom.
Ready to face the day, Harry left the bathroom and walked over to the bed where he ran his fingers through Snuffles' fur. He continued petting the dog until Snuffles opened his eyes and looked up at Harry.
"Hey, Snuffles. If you're up for it, I have some friends downstairs that I'd like you to meet."
Groaning, Snuffles rolled over and dragged himself to the other side of the bed, turning his back towards Harry.
"Come on, old man. Up, up! And here I thought you were a spry, young pup," laughed Harry.
Snuffles snuffled and remained laying down.
"I'm sure you'll like them. My best friend Ron is down there, along with Fred and George and the rest of the Weasley family."
Snuffles' head shot up and he turned to look at Harry.
"Or, actually, it'll be the rest of the Weasleys that are still in England. Ron has two older brothers that work in different countries. One's in Egypt and the other is in… Romania? I think."
Standing up and shaking out his fur, Snuffles padded across the bed and nuzzled his hand into Harry's outstretched hand. Petting the dog, Harry said, "Come on, let's head downstairs."
...
"That thing is a bloody menace!"
"He is not! It's not Crookshanks' fault that you can't keep ahold of your rat. And besides, cats chase rats. It's what they do!"
Harry stepped off of the last stair step and walked into the main room to find his two best friends, Ron and Hermione, arguing.
Ron, he was expecting to see, but Hermione was a bit of a surprise.
Hermione was standing defensively with an orange feline in her arms. Ron was standing directly across from her with a hand over a pocket on his shirt that appeared to be quivering.
"Scabbers hasn't been feeling his best! He needs rest and relaxation! And that thing you're holding –"
"That 'thing I'm holding' happens to have a name!" Hermione vehemently interrupted. Ron opened his mouth with the intention of continuing the argument, but glanced to the side and spotted Harry making his way into the room.
"Harry!"
At Ron's exclamation, Hermione turned to look at Harry and smiled.
"Harry! How are you?" Hermione asked, still hugging the cat in her arms. That orange cat looked like it had ran face first into a brick wall. Its face was looking a little squished and flat.
"I'm fine," Harry said before he felt Snuffles bump into the back of his legs.
Harry rocked back on his heels and turned to give Snuffles a quick rub behind the ears.
"Is that your dog, Harry?" Hermione asked, tightening her hold on her cat. "What's his name?"
"Yeah, he's my dog. His name is Snuffles," Harry responded with a smile.
Snuffles gave a short bark at the sound of his name.
"Hush, Snuffles," Harry said gently as a particularly disgruntled-looking woman glared at them from her seat at the bar.
"A-are," Ron cleared his throat. "Are you sure that's a dog?"
"Of course. What else would he be?" Harry asked even though he knew where this was going. Blah, blah, Snuffles is a Grim and death is coming. Maybe he should dye Snuffles fur bright red? That might prevent, or well, delay the inevitable 'Grim' question that seemed to follow Snuffles around. But, then again, dying his fur bright red would probably prompt a whole other set of questions.
"Well, your dog –"
"Snuffles," Harry interrupted.
"– looks an awfully lot like a Grim," Ron finished.
"How would you know?" asked Hermione.
"Well, my uncle Bilius saw a Grim and died the next day. I've heard the story enough times that I know what a Grim looks like."
"Yeah, but you didn't see it," Hermione pointed out.
"Of course I didn't see it! I'm not dead, are I?"
"I don't know, Ron. You are looking a bit peaky," Harry quipped.
"Oh, shut up, Harry," Ron glared, somewhat amused.
The orange feline that Hermione was holding leapt out of her arms, landed lightly on the floor, and padded towards Snuffles. After a short staring contest between the two animals, the cat started to purr. Snuffles responded with a snuffle.
"He seems like a regular dog from what I can see," Hermione said as she watched Snuffles sit at Harry's feet. Hermione's orange cat paced back and forth in front of the dog, continually swiping at Snuffles' front legs with its tail.
"You're only saying that because that orange terror is getting along with it!" Ron exclaimed.
"If I've told you once, then I've told you a thousand times!" Hermione whipped around to face Ron. "Don't call Crookshanks names just because he's following his instincts. Like I've already said, Scabbers is a rat, Crookshanks is a cat, and that's why Crookshanks chases him."
"If your cat is following its instincts, then why isn't it fighting with the dog? Hmm?" Ron argued.
"So, you got a cat over the summer, Hermione?" Harry interjected, hoping to cut the argument short. Harry knew that once they got going, Ron and Hermione could continue to argue with each other for ages.
"Yes. Well, actually, no. Crookshanks is a half-kneazle and I just got him today. I had already purchased my supplies earlier this week and I was debating on stopping by the one of the pet stores then but I decided not to at the time. After I got here this morning, I went with Ron when he went to get some rat tonic for Scabbers, and well, I couldn't just leave Crookshanks at that place after I met him. He is just the sweetest thing –"
Ron scoffed loudly. Hermione purposefully ignored him and took a step closer to Harry.
"Would it be alright if I pet Snuffles?" Hermione asked, changing the subject.
"I don't think he'll mind. Just go slowly just in case. He hasn't really had to interact much with anyone other than me," Harry responded.
Hermione reached out her hand, but before she could lay a finger on him, Snuffles shot up and backed away. The sudden movement dislodged Crookshanks who then decided to wrap himself around Hermione's ankles instead.
Snuffles bared his teeth, growled softly, and moved closer to Harry. Hermione quickly retracted her hand and Ron stepped closer to her. They watched as Harry bent down and gently wrapped an arm around the dog. Harry began to pet Snuffles, whispering, "It's alright, Snuffles."
Snuffles calmed down somewhat and stopped growling, but he still eyed both Hermione and Ron warily. Harry stood back up and kept one hand resting on top of Snuffles' head.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know he'd react like that. Most people in Diagon Alley thought he was a Grim, so they kept their distance. No one besides me has wanted to pet him," Harry said as he gave Snuffles a few reassuring pats.
"Are you sure he's safe?" Hermione asked, reaching down to pick up Crookshanks. "I mean, it looks like he's fine with you. But would he try to attack someone else?" Hermione paused, before gently continuing to say, "He's a pretty big dog, Harry. If he went after someone, that person could get really hurt."
"I think he's fine and he'll listen to me. He's just a little overprotective of me. I mean, he was even prepared to attack the Minister of Magic when he barged into my room the other day."
"The Minister of Magic?! Harry –" Hermione started to say before Harry interrupted her.
"Fudge came to visit me after I booked a room at the Leaky Cauldron. It wasn't that big of deal," Harry said, shrugging his shoulders.
"Harry –" Ron began before he too was interrupted.
"Well, well, if it isn't Harry Potter –" Fred said as he came up behind Harry and threw an arm around his shoulders.
"– The Boy-Who-Lived," George continued as he copied his brother's actions and also threw an arm around Harry's shoulders. Fred stood to Harry's left and George stood to Harry's right.
"Looks like Little Harry-kins has decided to –"
"– Grace us lowly lords with his majestic presence –"
But before the twins could continue their back and forth banter, they abruptly stopped and hopped away from Harry. Snuffles was growing once again, only this time Snuffles was pretty loud.
"Ah… nice doggy?" Fred asked weakly, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm.
"It's fine, Snuffles," Harry said, scratching Snuffles behind the ears. Snuffles stopped growling and leaned into Harry's hand.
Turning to address the twins, Harry said, "I'm sorry. He's just not used to people being near me, I guess."
"Right… Well, anyway, mum sent us over –" George began as he pointed to where she was sitting by jerking his thumb over his shoulder.
"– To ask if you spotted Harry –" Fred continued.
"– Which you obviously have –" George interjected.
"– And also to say that we're going to be –"
"– Leaving for King's Cross soon."
"And now that we're finished being –"
"– Glorified messengers –"
"– We're off to do a bit of additional exploring," Fred finished as both he and George turned and walked off towards the bar.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione watched the twins walk away before the three of them looked over to the table where Harry could now see that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were sitting.
Ron shrugged his shoulders and nodded his head towards his parents. First Harry, and then Ron and Hermione, started walking towards the table. It looked like Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were arguing.
Snuffles was following closely behind Harry. Looking down at him, Harry noticed that Snuffles was also continuing to warily glance around room. As they came closer to the table, Hermione and Ron fell a few steps behind as they started to bicker with each other again, but, despite Ron and Hermione's heated argument going on behind him, Harry was able to hear the tail end of the conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"We should tell him. It makes no sense not to," Harry overheard Mr. Weasley saying. "I tried telling that to Fudge, but he refuses, stating that Harry's still a child. He's thirteen years old, Molly! He deserves to know that Black is after him!"
"We don't know that for certain and it would terrify him!" Mrs. Weasley quietly argued.
"I'd rather have him scared and safe then let him unknowingly put himself in danger. Black was heard saying 'he's at Hogwarts'. Who else would he be –"
"Oh Harry! How wonderful to see you, dear!" greeted Molly Weasley as she saw Harry, Hermione, and Ron approaching.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," Harry responded distantly.
'Is Sirius Black going to come after me? Did I hear that right?' Harry wondered. 'I guess that's why the Minister of Magic decided to check up on me and made me promise to stay in the area… Great. There's another mass-murdering psycho after me. This is just what I needed.'
"How are you doing, Harry?" Arthur Weasley asked as he flattened out a newspaper, the Daily Prophet, on the table in front of him. The headline still seemed to be about Sirius Black escaping Azkaban, complete with a deranged-looking picture of the man.
"I'm fine."
"I can only imagine how horrible it must've been for you to be here all by yourself. Why, if Arthur or I had known about it sooner, we would've come and offered you a place at the Burrow until it was time for you to go back to Hogwarts," Mrs. Weasley said.
"I think I've managed quite well on my own here but thank you for thinking of me. It means a lot."
After a moment of somewhat awkward silence, Ron spoke up.
"So, Harry's got a new dog. Which, for some odd reason, likes that orange terror that Hermione just got."
"Ronald!" Hermione exclaimed, offended on behalf of her half-kneazle.
"A new dog?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she peered around the table to look at the dog sitting at Harry's feet.
"That's – That's quite a large dog, Harry," Mr. Weasley said as also got a good look at Snuffles.
Snuffles was doing a rather good impression of a statue, his head facing forward with a neutral expression. Or at least he was, until Harry reached down and ruffled the fur on top of Snuffles' head. Snuffles shook his head with a snort.
"Yeah," Harry agreed. "But Snuffles is a very good dog."
Craning his head up, Snuffles gave Harry a dopey-looking grin before quickly turning back to survey his surrounds. Snuffles returned to looking straight ahead after he saw that there were no immediate threats near him or Harry.
"And are you planning to take… Snuffles, was it? To Hogwarts with you?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Well, that's the plan. I'm definitely not going to leave him somewhere by himself."
"Are you sure that it would be allowed, Harry?" questioned Mrs. Weasley. "He is quite a large dog and that might be a bit disruptive."
"Oh, well, I figured that if Snuffles couldn't stay with me in the castle, Hagrid might be willing to help me out and let Snuffles stay with him."
"Have you asked Professor Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall about bringing Snuffles with you yet?" Hermione asked.
"… I knew I was forgetting something," Harry responded sheepishly.
"Harry!" Hermione scolded.
"I'll go write a letter to Professor McGonagall now so that by the time we get to Hogwarts, Hedwig will've already delivered it."
"I'd hurry it along, dear," Molly said. "We're getting ready to leave here in about half an hour. The Ministry has lent us a car to take us to the train station."
"Okay, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said. "I'll go do that now."
Harry turned away from the table, gave a nod to Ron and Hermione, and then he and Snuffles retreated upstairs to his room.
...
It only took Harry a few minutes to compose a letter to Professor McGonagall, politely asking if Snuffles could stay with him or maybe with Hagrid if it wouldn't be possible for Snuffles to stay in the castle with Harry.
Harry took his letter over to Hedwig who was resting in her cage.
"Hey girl," Harry cooed softly as he woke her up. "I've got a letter for you to deliver."
Lightly hooting at him, Hedwig shook out her feathers and looked at Harry as she accepted the letter.
"It's for Professor McGonagall. She's most likely at Hogwarts right now and since I'm heading there today, you might as well go on up to the Owlery after you get there. I'll be arriving at Hogwarts later this evening so you'll get there before I do."
Harry ran a finger over her feathers before moving to open one of the window panels. Hedwig clipped the back of Harry's head with her wing as she flew past him and out into the sky.
Sitting down on the window seat, Harry called Snuffles to him. Snuffles sat down once he reached Harry's side.
"So, today I'll be going back to Hogwarts and I'd like you to come with me. But after how you reacted downstairs this morning, I thought I should tell you what to expect. I've come to realize that you understand a lot more than I think a regular dog simply would."
Snuffles snuffled and butted his head against the side of Harry's leg.
"We're going to be leaving with the Weasleys and Hermione. Apparently the Ministry lent them a car, so we'll be driving to King's Cross Station. Once we get to the train station, we have to run through a pillar to get onto Platform 9 ¾. But don't worry, it's a magic gateway so it'll be like running through slightly heavy air," Harry said before tilting his head to the side, considering something. "Although, last year, that pillar was very, very solid."
Snuffles whined in concern.
"But!" Harry exclaimed. "I'm sure that we won't run into the same problem I had with getting onto the platform last year."
Snuffles brushed his head against the palm of Harry's hand, encouraging Harry to start petting him. Harry gave into Snuffles' silent plea and scratched him behind his ears with one hand.
"Right... After we get onto the platform, we'll head into the train to find a compartment for the long journey to Hogwarts. It's usually uneventful. I'll just be talking with Ron and Hermione and sometimes a few of my other friends might stop by," Harry told Snuffles as Harry starting petting him with both hands. "Oh! Malfoy might stop by the compartment to try to start something. He's a complete git so you have my permission to growl threateningly at him. But no biting or pouncing, unfortunately. I don't want you to get in trouble before we even get to Hogwarts. Especially since I don't really have permission to bring you with me yet."
Snuffles whined again.
"Don't worry! I'm sure Professor McGonagall will let you stay with me."
Harry gave Snuffles a reassuring pat on the head before standing up. Snuffles got back up as well.
"Now, I have to make sure that I have everything packed and ready to go. Mrs. Weasley said we'd be leaving soon."
Within the next ten minutes, Harry had all of his belongings packed away in his trunk. He grabbed his trunk and Hedwig's cage before glancing around the room for one final time to make sure that he didn't leave anything behind. Harry called Snuffles to his side and then shut the door to the room.
Harry made a brief stop at the bar to hand Tom his room key before he wandered back over to the table that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were still sitting at. Ron and Hermione were seated at the table with Percy and Ginny and it looked like the twins had wandered back into the room and were walking towards the table.
When the twins made it to the table and flopped down in their seats, Mr. Weasley happened to glance up and see that Harry was coming towards the table.
"Ah! Harry! Got everything all packed up I see. All ready to go?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Yes, sir," Harry said, sitting down in an open seat between Ron and Hermione and placing his things in the space between his chair and Ron's chair. Snuffles laid down in between Harry's and Hermione's seats.
"We'll all be heading out to the car in a few minutes, dear," Mrs. Weasley said before she turned to her own children and told them to double check their belongings to make sure that they wouldn't be leaving anything behind when they left the Leaky Cauldron.
...
"Hurry along children! We don't want you to be late for the train!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed as she and her husband escorted their children and Harry and Hermione out of the car and into King's Cross Station.
The car ride to the station wasn't that bad. Harry had placed his trunk and Hedwig' cage in the boot while the Weasleys and Hermione piled into the car. Since the inside of the car had been expanded, giving it wider seats, it wasn't too cramped for all of them to be in the car.
Harry managed to snag a seat by one of the side windows since he was one of the last ones to get in the car. Snuffles was on the floor of the car at Harry's feet, resting his head on Harry's legs. Occasionally, Snuffles would perk up and look out of the window, but he generally stayed very quiet with his head on Harry's legs. Harry was a bit concerned with how Snuffles seemed to be more subdued than usual. But Harry figured that Snuffles was just nervous about having to ride in a vehicle with people that he didn't really know.
Once they arrived at King's Cross, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley ushered them all out of the car and into the station. From the car to the 9 ¾ pillar, Snuffles was sticking to Harry's side like glue. They all crossed onto Platform 9 ¾ one by one so as to not attract the attention of the Muggles.
Mrs. Weasley spared a brief moment to hug Harry goodbye and then she was saying her goodbyes to her own children. Before Harry could start walking towards the train, Mr. Weasley asked to speak to Harry privately for a moment. Since Snuffles was acting really nervous and sending wary glances at the crowd on the platform, Harry wanted to make this quick. He could already guess what this was going to be about. Sirius Black.
"Harry, the Ministry doesn't want me telling you this, but I think that you should know that –"
Harry interrupted Mr. Weasley and said, "That Sirius Black is most likely coming after me."
Snuffles gave a little jump when Harry had spoken up.
"Yes, how did –"
"I overheard you talking with Mrs. Weasley this morning," Harry said, glancing down at his anxious-looking dog. "I'm sorry and I don't mean to be rude, but I'd really like to get Snuffles on the train. The crowd is making him nervous and I'm afraid that he's going to bolt off soon. Thank you for the warning. I promise I'll try to be careful."
"Harry –"
"Goodbye, Mr. Weasley," Harry said over his shoulder. Harry felt somewhat guilty with how he had cut off Mr. Weasley like that, but Harry really didn't want a lecture about a murderer coming after him while trying to keep Snuffles calm in this large and loud crowd of people.
As he semi-jogged through the crowd to catch up with Ron and Hermione who were already making their way towards the end of the train, Snuffles was following close behind him. Harry caught up with Ron and Hermione just as they were about to step up onto the train.
Without a moment to spare, Harry, Ron, and Hermione all boarded the train through the same door and began to look for an empty compartment as the train started to leave the station. Eventually Hermione found one that was almost empty. There was only one man in it and he appeared to be asleep.
"I guess having to share with just one person is better than having to share with a bunch of firsties," Ron said as he followed Hermione into the compartment. "I wonder who he is."
"He's Professor Lupin," Hermione said, lifting her stuff up to the overhead shelf and sitting down on the seat about two spaces away from the man, giving him plenty of space. She took Crookshanks out of the basket he had travelled in and placed him on her lap.
"How do you know that?!" Ron exclaimed, turning back to look at Harry. "How does she always know everything?!"
"Hush! Don't wake him. It looks like he could use the sleep, honestly," Hermione said quietly. "And I know who he is because his name is on his trunk. See," she pointed to the worn and scuffed trunk at Lupin's feet. "R. J. Lupin. And he's obviously going to be a professor. Why else would an adult ride on the train to Hogwarts? He's most likely going to be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Ron noticed that Harry was still lingering outside of the compartment.
"Aren't you coming in, Harry?" Ron asked after Hermione had finished her explanation.
"Yeah, just give me a minute. For some reason it seems like Snuffles doesn't want to come in," Harry said, turning his back to his friends and kneeling down in front of Snuffles.
Snuffles had been following him since they all had left the car at the station, but once Harry turned to follow Hermione and Ron into the train compartment, Snuffles refused to move and just sat down. It almost looked like he wanted to leave. Snuffles kept twitching and looking side to side.
Harry quickly put his trunk and owl cage in the compartment before coming back out into the hall and to try to coax Snuffles into the compartment. But it was like Snuffles wasn't even paying attention to him.
On a second glance, if Harry didn't know any better, it looked like Snuffles was scared. Or panicking. Maybe the sound of the train was freaking him out? But if he didn't like the sound of the train, then why did he get on the train without making a fuss? Why was Snuffles only having trouble when it came time for them to go into the compartment?
"Hey Snuffles," Harry said as he knelt down on the floor in front of the dog. Placing both hands on Snuffles' head, Harry slowly started to pet him while saying, "I know you don't want to come into the compartment with us, but I promise you that it's not that bad in there. I can't just let you stay out here for the entire train ride to Hogwarts."
Snuffles just whined and turned his head to lick Harry's right hand.
"There's plenty of room in there. You won't even have to sit on the floor. You can sit on the seat next to me or sprawl out across my legs like you seem so fond of doing."
...
As Harry continued to try to talk Snuffles into going with him into the compartment, Snuffles was having a small breakdown.
'Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit! Remus is in there! Of all the people in the world, of all the compartments on this train, it had to be him in that compartment. It just had to be Remus who's going to be at Hogwarts all year! If anyone is going to recognize me in my animagus form, it would be Remus!"
Snuffles paused for a moment, looking straight at Harry but not really seeing him.
'Actually, I can pretty much guarantee that Remus will recognize me. He knows what I look like and they all think I'm coming after Harry! Well, to be perfectly honest, I guess I did go after Harry. But not to hurt him! I was just going to check on him and make sure that he stayed safe. Speaking of safe…'
Snuffles growled lightly, making Harry startle somewhat.
'I know that rat is around here somewhere. I saw him pictured in that newspaper article with the Weasleys and I think that boy, Ron, is the one who has the rat now. But I haven't actually seen that bastard yet... And he hasn't seen me either. Huh.'
Harry was gently petting Snuffles' head and saying reassuring phrases, trying to keep Snuffles calm, but Snuffles wasn't really listening.
'Well, I guess this means that I still have the element of surprise because even though they all know Harry that has a 'new dog', that slimy coward of a rat might not have put the pieces together yet and figured out it's me,' Snuffles suddenly nuzzled his head into Harry's stomach.
'I guess I'll go into the compartment with him. There's no way I'm leaving Harry alone when that rat is nearby. I'll just have to try to hide myself as best as I can. And I just hope to Merlin that Remus won't pay too much attention to Harry's, uhh, new well-behaved dog. Hopefully, he and everyone else will think I'm still out there on the run, all crazed and nowhere near Hogwarts yet.'
...
It kind of looked like Snuffles was arguing with himself. Which was odd, but not too concerning. After Snuffles growled to himself and then rubbed his head into Harry's stomach, Snuffles allowed Harry to lead him into the compartment. Harry was just happy that Snuffles was finally coming into the compartment and that no other student happened to be in the hall when he had been trying to get Snuffles to come in.
Sitting down on the seat next to Ron, but across from Hermione, Harry watched as Snuffles cautiously entered the compartment. He kept giving especially wary glances to Lupin. Snuffles apparently deem the area safe enough and hopped up on the seat next to Harry and closest to the door.
Snuffles situated himself so that he was curled up in a ball and taking up as little space as possible as he laid down with his head tucked into the space between Harry's back and the back of the seat that Harry was sitting on.
"What? What are you doing Snuffles?" Harry asked, attempting to get Snuffles to stop trying to worm his way in between Harry's back and the seat. Snuffles stopped moving, but kept his head where it was.
"Are you hiding?" Harry asked a bit incredulously.
"Maybe the sounds and movement of the train is causing him to be nervous or frightened," Hermione suggested.
Crookshanks hopped off of Hermione's lap, jumped down to the floor, and then hopped up on the same seat as Snuffles. Crookshanks settled down on top of Snuffles and started purring.
"I think crowds of people, or at least people that he doesn't know, make him anxious. He's been acting kind of nervous and wary ever since he and I left my room at the Leaky Cauldron this morning," Harry said. "I guess it would make sense, him being skittish around strangers. I'm pretty sure he was a stray. He wasn't looking too good when I first found him."
"I'm sure that's it, Harry," Hermione said gently, trying to be reassuring. "If he was mistreated by his previous owner or if he'd been on his own for a while, the way he's been acting would make sense."
"You know, looking at him now, I wouldn't've guessed he was a stray," Ron said. "He's cleaned up well."
"Thanks, mate," Harry said, before looking at the door to make sure it was shut and then at Lupin to see if he was still asleep. "And there's something I need to tell you. Both of you."
"What?"
"Did you happen to hear what your parents were talking about when we all went over to the table this morning?" Harry asked Ron.
"No. I think Hermione and I were –"
"Arguing?" Hermione interjected.
"– talking," Ron finished.
"Ron, your mum and dad were talking about Sirius Black," Harry said, briefly glancing over at Snuffles when the dog twitched.
"Well, I know he's front page news nowadays. But why is that any cause for concern," Hermione asked.
"Besides him being an escaped convict?" Ron asked amused.
"You know what I mean," Hermione said giving Ron a look before addressing Harry. "Why are you bringing this up now, Harry?"
"They were saying that Black escaped Azkaban to come after me," Harry said, laying a hand on Snuffles as the dog let out a soft whine.
"You!" Ron squeaked and then cleared his throat. "Why would he be coming after you?"
"It's obvious, isn't it," Hermione said.
"Of course it is, but please enlighten us," Ron said sarcastically.
"Guys," Harry warned.
"Well, I read that Black was a serious support of You-Know-Who. And Azkaban makes people crazy, or well, crazier. If Black escaped, it makes sense that he'd come after Harry for revenge against his master," Hermione explained.
"Apparently Black was overheard saying something like, 'he's at Hogwarts'. So that's why they think he'll be coming after me," Harry said, trying to sound unconcerned.
"Oh Harry," Hermione said sympathetically. Apparently Harry didn't sound as unworried as he would've liked.
"I'm sure you'll be fine at Hogwarts," Ron said, trying to be reassuring. "I mean Dumbledore's there and even You-Know-Who was scared of facing off against him. Black won't stand a chance at getting to you."
"Yeah, you're right. I'm sure it'll all be fine," Harry said. "I guess I'm just getting tired of mass-murdering psychos coming after me."
"I think anyone would be tired of that, mate," Ron said wryly.
"But they'll catch him eventually," Hermione said. "I mean, they also have the Muggles looking for him."
"Yeah, I saw on the–" Harry stopped talking when he heard another soft whine from Snuffles.
"Harry?" Hermione questioned, having not heard Snuffles whine.
"It's Snuffles. I think maybe you were right about the train making him nervous. He was whining a bit," Harry answered.
"I'm sure he'll be fine once he can get off of the train," Hermione said. "Once we get to Hogwarts, he'll probably love to have the opportunity to run around the grounds. He's only been in the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley since he's been with you right?"
"Yeah," Harry said.
"Then he's probably been going slightly stir-crazy at being kept indoors. Especially since he's a large dog. I think I've read somewhere that larger dogs usually like to have time to play and run around outside," Hermione said.
"And!" Ron interjected. "I bet he'll love to be able to walk down from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade with us. He'll have to stay out of the shops, but you said he waited for you just outside the door of the shops when you took him with you through Diagon Alley, right?"
"Yeah, but –" Harry was cut off by Ron.
"There's so many places I want to go to in Hogsmeade. The Three Broomsticks, Honeydukes, and Zonko's Joke Shop are going to be some of my first stops on our first trip there. I've heard so much about those places from Fred and George," Ron said, sounding excited.
"Do you know much about Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked Ron. "I've read that it's the only non-Muggle settlement in Britain –"
"Yeah, I think it is," Ron said distractedly. "But I'm pretty sure that my favorite place to go to will be Honeydukes."
"Honeydukes?" Hermione asked. "What's that?"
"It's a sweetshop," Ron said, almost drooling at the thought of it. "They've got everything there! Chocolate Frogs, Pepper Imps, Ice Mice, Sugar Quills… Any type of candy you can name, they have it! I can't wait to buy some –"
"But Hogsmeade is a very interesting place, right?" Hermione cut in. "In Sights of Historic Society it says that an inn there was the headquarters for the 1612 goblin rebellion. And the Shrieking Shack is supposed to be the most haunted building in all of Britain –"
"– and there are sherbet balls that make you levitate a few inches of the ground when you suck on them," Ron said, clearly not listening to a thing Hermione was saying.
Seeing that Ron wasn't paying attention, Hermione turned to Harry and said, "It'll be so nice to get out of the school for a bit and explore Hogsmeade this year, don't you think?"
"Probably," Harry sighed. "And I guess you'll have to tell me all about it."
"What do you mean?" Ron asked, tuning back into what Hermione and Harry were saying. "You'll be there with us."
"No I won't," Harry said, sounding disappointed. "The Dursleys wouldn't sign my permission form so I won't be allowed to go."
"Not allowed to go?!" Ron sounded positively scandalized. "But surely – I mean – McGonagall has to let you come! It's Hogsmeade!"
"I don't think she will," Harry said miserably, thinking of how strict Professor McGonagall usually was. "I mean, I figure I'll already be pushing it with asking her to let me keep Snuffles at Hogwarts with me."
"Then sneak out and join us! I'm sure Fred and George would help you. Desperate times call for desperate measures and all that, yeah?" Ron suggested.
"Ron! I don't think I'd be safe for Harry to be sneaking out of the castle with Black on the loose," Hermione scolded.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Ron said grudgingly.
After a few quiet minutes, Ron suddenly spoke up again.
"Is he even breathing?" Ron asked, pointing at Lupin.
"What?" Harry asked, slightly bewildered at the random change of subject.
"He hasn't moved at all since we've been here. I just want to make sure that I'm not, or that we're not, sharing a room with a – well, with a –"
"Corpse," Harry said dryly.
"Yes, that!" Ron squeaked.
"Honestly, Ronald! He's just sleeping," Hermione said, sounding slightly exasperated.
"Well, how was I supposed to know?" Ron asked rhetorically. "He's been creepily still this entire time."
"He's been staying still because he's been sleeping," Hermione said. "Watch his chest and you'll see it rise and fall with every breath he takes."
Ron watched Lupin for a few seconds before muttering, "Whatever", and turning to look out of the window while Harry and Hermione shared an amused glance.
Hermione soon pulled out a book and Harry turned to Ron to draw him into a conversation.
...
A few hours had passed before the relative peace of the compartment was broken.
The three of them had exchanged stories about what they had done over the summer. While Hermione and her parents went to France, Ron and his family went to Egypt for a month and visited with his older brother Bill ("Yeah, we were actually planning on coming to Diagon Alley a day earlier and staying the night, but mom and dad decided we would stay with Bill for one more day before coming back to England. And let me tell you that rushing around to get our school supplies at the last minute was an absolute nightmare."). Harry briefly summed up his time spent at the Dursleys before telling Ron and Hermione more about what he and Snuffles had gotten up to during their time at the Leaky Cauldron.
After they swapped summer stories, Ron and Harry started quietly discussing professional Quidditch teams. Once or twice, Ron's shirt pocket would quiver, so Harry assumed that Scabbers was still alive and with Ron. Hermione, not really interested in the boys' Quidditch discussion, grabbed one of her books to read while occasionally glancing over to check on Snuffles and Crookshanks who were sleeping on the seat next to Harry.
Hermione just about dropped her book and the boys jumped a bit as the door of the compartment was slammed open by Draco Malfoy with Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle lurking threateningly behind him. All three of the awake occupants of the compartment glared at the three Slytherins; firstly because the door slamming open startled them, and secondly because it was Malfoy and after two years at Hogwarts, glaring at Malfoy was almost a reflexive reaction.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here," Malfoy said disdainfully. "If it isn't Weasel and Potty –"
Malfoy had looked like he was going continue, but noticed the adult in the compartment. When Malfoy had slammed the door open, Lupin drew in a deep breath, and for a moment, it looked as if he was going to wake up. But, rather than waking, Lupin just shifted a bit and stayed sleeping.
"I'd leave if I were you, Malfoy," Harry said with a hard voice. "Wouldn't want to wake the new Defense Professor, would we?"
Malfoy continued to hover uncertainly at the door for a second or two before turning up his nose.
"Whatever," Malfoy said. "Can't hide behind a professor's robes forever."
"Run along, now," Ron mocked.
Malfoy glared at Harry, Ron, and Hermione before shifting his gaze to the sleeping professor. Sneering, Malfoy turned on his heel and left the compartment, Crabbe and Goyle trailing after him looking confused.
"That was great!" Ron laughed aloud. "I guess sitting in the compartment with him has its uses." Ron flapped his hand in Lupin's direction.
"Ron!" Hermione hissed quietly. "Quiet down! You're going to wake him."
Ron crossed his arms with a huff, looking out of the dark window at the pouring rain.
"But that was pretty great," Hermione conceded with a smile. Ron glanced at Hermione and, upon seeing her smile, smirked in response.
Harry chuckled a bit under his breath and lightly ran his fingers through Snuffles' fur.
"We must be nearly there," Ron said turning away from the window and addressing Harry and Hermione. "I'm starving."
"You're always hungry, Ron," Hermione said as the train started to slow down.
Ron hopped up and stood in front of Lupin.
"Should we wake him now?" Ron asked. "Let's hurry and get to the feast –"
"We can't be there yet," Hermione said as she checked her watch. "We still have a little less than an hour until we should arrive at the station."
"Then why are we stopping," Ron asked, pointing at the window to the completely black sky. The train had slowed even more and was coming to a stop. With the train almost stopped, the wind howling outside sounded even louder.
Harry got up to look out of the compartment window and into the hall to see if he could figure out what was happening. Other than a few other students who were also poking their heads out of their own compartments, there was nothing in the hall to indicate what was going on.
With a sudden jolt, the train stopped completely. Then, without warning, all of the lights went out and they were sent into total darkness.
"What's going on?" Ron asked from somewhere behind Harry.
"Ouch!" Hermione gasped. "That was my foot, Ron!"
"Sorry," Ron said as Harry felt his way back to his seat and Snuffles.
Apparently Snuffles and Crookshanks had woken up in all the commotion. Harry wasn't too sure where Crookshanks had ran off to, but Snuffles was still on the seat.
"Do you think we've broken down?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know," Ron said, moving back to the window to take a look outside.
"There's something moving out there," Ron said after a moment or two. "I think some people are coming aboard."
Sitting down next to Snuffles, Harry ran a hand down the dog's back and could feel Snuffles trembling.
Suddenly the door to the compartment opened and someone fell over Harry's legs as the door closed.
"Sorry! – Do you know what's going on? – ouch! – Sorry –"
"Hey, Neville," Harry said, feeling around and pulling Neville up off of the floor by the back of his cloak.
"Harry?" Neville asked. "Is that you? Do you know what's going on?"
"Haven't a clue," Harry said. "Sit down – No! Not there, my dog's sitting there."
"Dog?" Neville asked.
"Yeah, I have a dog now. I can tell you about how I got him later, if you'd like."
"I'll go ask the driver what's going on," Hermione declared, but as soon as Harry heard Hermione open the door, it sounded like another person fell into their compartment with a thud.
"Ouch!"
"Who's that?"
"Who's there?"
"Ginny?"
"Hermione?"
"What are you doing here?"
"Well, I was looking for Ron –"
"Come here and sit down –"
"Not here!" Harry quickly exclaimed as he felt someone start to sit in his lap. "I'm here!"
"Ow! That was my –" Neville started to say but was suddenly interrupted.
"Quiet!" said a hoarse voice.
The command and the shock of hearing Lupin's voice caused everyone else in the compartment to fall silent. It appeared that Professor Lupin had woken up at last.
Snuffles had wormed his way behind Harry's back and was shaking in terror, softly whimpering and whining. Harry, really worried about Snuffles, twisted back his right shoulder so that he could put a protective arm around Snuffles. But all Snuffles did in response was continue to shake as he burrowed his head under Harry's jacket.
'If I were wearing my school robes now, Snuffles would be able to hide himself better from whatever it is that he feels the need to hide himself from,' Harry distantly thought.
The compartment was suddenly illuminated with a soft crackle as Lupin created a small flame in the palm of his hand.
"All of you stay where you are," Lupin said in the same hoarse voice as he slowly stood up with his handheld flame in front of him.
Lupin took a step towards the door, but the door slowly slid open before Lupin had a chance to get any closer to it.
Lupin's flame illuminated the cloaked figure standing in the doorway. It was very tall with a face that was completely hidden by the hood of the cloak it wore. Whatever it was had dark-greyish hands that looked scarred, slimy, and decayed.
The thing drew in a slow, long, and rattling breath as if it were trying to suck something in. As it was doing this, the temperature in the compartment seemed to drop. As the intense cold sensation swept through Harry, he felt as if his heart was about to beat out of his chest.
It was as if the cold was a hand that was reaching inside of him, closing around his heart.
He couldn't breathe.
Harry felt like he was drowning.
He felt like he was being dragged down under cold, murky water.
It was so cold.
So dark.
Someone was screaming.
Screaming for help.
Pleading.
Terrified.
Harry wanted to help whoever it was, but he couldn't move.
He needed help himself.
He couldn't think.
He couldn't –
"Harry! Harry! Are you alright?!"
Someone slapped him.
Someone had just slapped Harry in the face.
"Wh – what happened," Harry asked weakly as he opened his eyes. The lanterns in the compartment were lit again and the floor was shaking. The Hogwarts Express was moving once more.
It seemed that Harry had slid out of his seat and onto the floor. A very warm, lumpy floor.
Snuffles.
When Harry had slid to the ground, so had Snuffles. Since Harry had had his arm firmly around Snuffles, Harry had dragged Snuffles down with him and then collapsed over the top of the dog, shielding him from sight.
Ron and Hermione were kneeling next to him and Harry could see Neville and Professor Lupin standing over Ron and Hermione's shoulders, looking down at him.
Harry felt like he was going to throw up.
Harry started to sit up, only to feel a cold sweat break out across his face. Ron and Hermione helped him sit up on the floor and lean back against the bottom of the seat. Snuffles was laying down, seemingly passed out, between Harry and the seat that he was leaning against, so Harry was sitting awkwardly, with his shoulders against the seat and his hips pushed outward. Snuffles was still mostly out of sight behind Harry.
"Are you alright?" Ron asked anxiously.
"Yeah, I think so," Harry said uncertainly, looking towards where he had last seen the creature.
"What was that – that thing?! I heard someone screaming. Is everyone else alright?" Harry asked, slightly frantic.
"No one screamed, mate," Ron responded, sounding concerned. Behind Ron, Ginny was huddled down on one of the seats, looking pale and shaky.
"But I swear I heard screaming –"
A loud snap had them all startled and slightly jumping out of their seats. Professor Lupin was breaking off pieces of a gigantic chocolate bar.
"Here," Professor Lupin said, handing a piece of chocolate to Harry. "Eat this. You'll feel better."
Harry took the piece of chocolate but didn't eat it. Instead he asked, "What was that thing?"
"A Dementor," Lupin said as he handed out the other pieces of chocolate to Ginny, Neville, Ron, and Hermione. "One of the guards of Azkaban. It was searching the train for Sirius Black."
Harry, as well as all of the others in the compartment, stared at Lupin as he put the now empty chocolate wrapper in his pocket.
"Eat," Lupin said. "It will help. I need to go speak to the driver. If you'll excuse me."
Professor Lupin walked passed Harry, out of the compartment, and disappeared off into the hall.
"Are you sure you're okay, Harry," Hermione asked, concerned.
"What happened?" Harry asked as put a hand on Snuffles' side. Snuffles was still breathing and appeared to be unconscious since the dog was staying completely still. "I don't understand…"
"It looked like you were having a fit of some kind," said Ron, still looking a bit spooked. "You had fallen to the ground, taking Snuffles with you as you went. Your dog was completely limp. He looked more like a lump of fur rather than a living thing. And then once you were on the ground, you started twitching around –"
Harry turned to look at Snuffles to make sure that he was alright. By gently petting Snuffles' head and then shaking the dog's side a bit, Harry got Snuffles to barely open his eyes for a few seconds before closing them again. It seemed like Harry and Snuffles shared the same bad reaction to the Dementors.
"And then Professor Lupin stepped over you and towards the Dementor, pulling out his wand," Hermione said. "Professor Lupin pointed his wand at the Dementor and said, 'None of us are hiding Sirius Black under our cloaks. Go.' But that Dementor didn't leave. So Professor Lupin muttered something and this silvery thing came out of his wand at the Dementor, and the Dementor turned around and glided away."
"I was horrible," Neville said, sounding frightened. "It felt like…"
"Like you'd never be happy again," Ron finished after Neville trailed off. Ginny gave a soft sob which had Hermione bustling over to her to wrap a comforting arm around Ginny.
"But no one else… No one else fell off of their seats?" question Harry as he lightly trailed his fingers over Snuffles' side as the dog continued to lay almost unnaturally still. The only sign that Snuffles was alive was the barely noticeable movement of his chest moving with every breath the dog took.
"No," Ron said. "But Ginny started shaking like mad."
Harry didn't understand why no one else was effected the way he had been. He felt weak and shaky, like he was getting over a bout of sickness or something. Why was it always him that these kinds of things happened to?
Before anything else could be said, the compartment door slid open once again and Professor Lupin leaned into the room.
"We'll be arriving at Hogsmeade in about ten to fifteen minutes," Lupin said, glancing around at everyone in the compartment. His eyes fell on Harry, who was still sitting on the floor with the piece of chocolate uneaten in his hand.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Lupin asked.
"Fine," Harry answered, somewhat embarrassed. He wasn't really surprised that Lupin apparently knew who he was. Harry figured that Lupin either recognized the 'famous' scar on his forehead or, more likely, Lupin heard one of his friends calling Harry by his name.
"You know, that chocolate isn't poisoned. I promise," Lupin said, indicating that Harry and the rest of his friends should eat the chocolate.
At Professor Lupin's prompting, Harry took a bite of the chocolate. Almost immediately after he swallowed the chocolate, a feeling of warmth spread through him, from the tip of his nose to the bottom of his toes.
Harry opened his mouth again, to ask if Professor Lupin would check on Snuffles since he seemed to know how to help Harry with the after effects of whatever the Dementor did to him, but was interrupted by Lupin saying that he was going to go check on some of the other students in the other compartments.
After Lupin left, the compartment stayed mostly silent with no one really wanting to talk. Harry had got himself up off of the ground. And with Ron's assistance since he was still feeling shaky, they got Snuffles up onto the seat beside Harry.
Harry spend the remaining time until they got to the station trying to get Snuffles to respond to him. Snuffles was trembling and remained quiet with his eyes closed even as Harry gently moved Snuffles' head to his lap and ran his fingers through Snuffles' fur. Harry leaned down next to Snuffles' face to softly murmur reassurances.
Periodically, Harry would ask Snuffles to opens his eyes and Snuffles would respond by blearily opening his eyes for a few seconds and then closing them again.
As the train pulled into the station and stopped, Harry coaxed Snuffles to sit up on the seat while Harry gestured for the others to walk out of the compartment ahead of him. Bending his knees so that he was eye-level with Snuffles sitting on the seat, Harry scratched Snuffles behind his ears.
"Hey Snuffles," Harry began softly. "Do you feel up to walking with me out of the train and to the carriages? If not, I might be able to carry you. You're probably bigger than I could comfortably pick up, but I think I could manage."
Snuffles turned his head to briefly nuzzle into Harry hand before jumping down off of the seat to stand and lean into Harry's legs.
"Let's go," Harry said, brushing his hand over Snuffles' head and walking out of the compartment.
On the way down the hall and out of the train, Snuffles was barely a half-step behind him and continually brushed up against Harry's legs, occasionally trembling, as if he was afraid or seeking comfort.
After completely ignoring Malfoy's attempts to mock him for 'fainting' on the train, Harry stepped into a carriage with Snuffles quickly following in after him. Once Ron and Hermione joined him, the carriage started moving, taking the four of them past the Dementors lurking at the front gates and onward to Hogwarts.
...
As Ron, Harry, and Hermione made their way towards the Great Hall for the sorting and the feast, they were stopped by Professor McGonagall.
"Ah! Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter, if I could speak to you both for a moment," Professor McGonagall asked, even though it was less of a question and more of a demand.
"Alright," Harry said as both he and Hermione stopped in front of the professor. He figured that this was about Snuffles, but he had no idea why Hermione would be asked to talk to Professor McGonagall too.
"Head along into the feast, Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said to Ron. "I'm sure Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger will be joining you shortly."
"I'll see you later, then," Ron said uncertainly as he hovered near Harry and Hermione for a moment longer before heading to the Great Hall.
"Ms. Granger, if you could wait for me in that room," Professor McGonagall asked, pointing towards a door just off to the right of the hall. "I'll be with you in a moment to discuss your class schedule after I talk to Mr. Potter."
Hermione nodded, gave Harry a concerned look, and walked over to the room. Harry watched her walk into the room before turning his attention back to the professor. McGonagall was looking down at Snuffles who had practically molded himself to the back of Harry's legs.
Snuffles was still periodically shaking. All Harry wanted to do was to take Snuffles up to his dorm room and reassure Snuffles in whatever way he could. He would tell Snuffles that they would be safe here at Hogwarts, that that Dementor attack on the train shouldn't have happened, and that the Dementors shouldn't be able to attack them again, not while they were within the castle's walls.
"Come along, Mr. Potter," Professor McGonagall said. "Let's get you checked out by Madam Pomfrey."
"I'm fine, Professor," Harry said.
"Let's let Madam Pomfrey be the judge of that. Professor Lupin wrote ahead to let us know what happened with that Dementor on the train. We all just want to be sure that there are no lasting negative side effects," Professor McGonagall said as she turned and started walking towards the Hospital Wing.
Rather that responding, Harry quickly fell into step a few paces behind the professor. As he was walking, Snuffles padded along beside him and stayed in constant contact with Harry's left leg. Harry saw that Snuffles was keeping his head bowed, not even bothering to look at his surroundings. So Harry bent his knees a little as kept walking to brush his hand through Snuffles' fur, from his head to his tail.
Harry was really worried when petting Snuffles continued to garner no reaction from the dog. Snuffles usually wagged his tail a little or tilted his head into Harry's hand whenever Harry was petting him. If only that Dementor hadn't come into their compartment on the train.
Not a moment later, Professor McGonagall and Harry made it to the Hospital Wing where Madam Pomfrey was waiting for them at the door.
"There you are, Mr. Potter! Come and sit down on this bed," Madam Pomfrey said, ushering Harry to sit on the bed that was closest to the door.
"Oh!" Madam Pomfrey exclaimed, noticing the large dog that shuffled under the bed to brush up along Harry's legs from behind. "You know, Mr. Potter, I don't normally allow animals in here."
"Please let him stay, Madam Pomfrey," Harry begged. "The Dementor attack has really shaken him up and I'm really worried about him. I don't want to let him be alone right now."
Madam Pomfrey glanced at Professor McGonagall who gave Pomfrey a curt nod.
"Very well," Madam Pomfrey said. "Now let's have a look at you. Professor Lupin told us that you passed out after that Dementor came too close."
"…Yes," Harry reluctantly said. "And I've already eaten some chocolate that Professor Lupin gave me. He said it would help and it seemed like it did."
"It looks like we finally have a Defense Professor who actually knows what he's talking about. I still don't understand what the Ministry was thinking, allowing Dementors to come so close to the school," Madam Pomfrey muttered, waving her wand as she performed a diagnosis spell on Harry.
Upon getting the readings from the spell, Madam Pomfrey declared that Harry would be fine and could go to the feast, but she also recommended that he eat some more chocolate, just to be on the safe side.
Madam Pomfrey went into her office for a moment before returning with a large bar of chocolate and instructing Harry to eat some of it now. Under Professor McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey's watchful eyes, Harry unwrapped the chocolate bar and broke off a piece, popping the piece in his mouth and chewing. Harry finished eating the piece of chocolate in his mouth as he got up off of the bed. Snuffles remained hiding behind Harry's legs as Harry shoved the rest of the wrapped chocolate bar in one of his pockets.
"So, about Snuffles," Harry began. "I know that it was late notice and I'm sorry about that, but I was really hoping he'll be able to stay with me. He's really well behaved. He listens to me and follows all the commands I give him. He's a bit protective of me, but he's never bitten or attacked anyone. I know that he's a large dog, but he's really friendly. So, could he please stay, Professor?"
"After I received you letter, I conferred with Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey about your dog," Professor McGonagall began, looking at the dog hiding behind Harry's legs for a moment before returning her gaze to Harry. "Madam Pomfrey confirmed that, as far as she knows, no one in Gryffindor is allergic to dogs. Professor Dumbledore believes that your dog could potentially be a good friend and protector, but he ultimately left the decision to me on whether or not you could keep your dog here."
After a few moments of silence, Harry prompted Professor McGonagall to speak again by asking, "So, could he please stay?"
Professor McGonagall looked at Snuffles once more for a few seconds before looking back up at Harry.
"I'm afraid he's too big for you to take with you to your classes, but I suppose he can remain with you in the castle," said Professor McGonagall.
Harry smiled brightly and started thank her, but Professor McGonagall raised her hand, silently asking him to let her finish speaking. "I must warn you that if I hear of any serious complaints about your dog, it's likely that he'll have to go."
"But what if Malfoy or one of the other Slytherins –" Harry started to say.
"If Mr. Malfoy or any of the other students voice a complaint against your dog, then I will investigate the matter fully before making a decision."
"But Snape might –"
"Professor Snape," corrected Professor McGonagall. "And as your Head of House, I, as well as the Headmaster, will have the final say with any issues or complaints against any Gryffindor pets."
Harry still looked unconvinced.
"Don't worry Mr. Potter. If your dog is as well behaved as you say he is, then I believe that there will be no trouble," Professor McGonagall assured.
"Thank you, Professor," Harry said, placing a gentle hand on Snuffles' head. He was still concerned that Snuffles seemed to be hiding behind him.
"Now run along Mr. Potter. There's still a feast going on, although it may be prudent to take your dog to your dormitory first as the number of students in the Great Hall might overwhelm him or your dog might be a shock to some of the students who aren't expecting a large dog to show up for dinner."
"Thanks again, Professor," Harry said as Professor McGonagall walked out of the door and back towards where they left Hermione.
Looking at Snuffles, Harry crouched down and gave him a hug. Snuffles hid his head in the space between Harry's neck and his right shoulder.
"Don't worry, Snuffles," Harry whispered. "You'll be staying with me now. I'll protect you from those Dementors as best as I can. And from anything else that means you harm."
The first sound that Snuffles made since the Dementor attack on the train was something between a snuffle and a snort as he turned to nuzzle his head further into Harry's neck.
Happy to finally be getting a positive response from Snuffles, Harry reached up one of his hands and slowly began to pet him. After a few moments, Harry leaned back away from Snuffles to look him in the eyes.
"Do you want to just go up to my dorm room?" Harry asked him. "We can get you all settled in before the rest of the boys in my year come up."
Snuffles gave a very soft 'woof' in agreement, so Harry stood up and, making sure that Snuffles was following him, walked out of the Hospital Wing and towards Gryffindor Tower.
As Harry started to pass by the Great Hall, he decided to make a quick stop. Bending down so that he was once again at eye level with Snuffles, Harry asked him to wait right there for a moment as he ran in to grab them something that they could eat up in his room.
Obediently, Snuffles sat down in front of the doors to the Great Hall. Harry stood back up and squeezed in between the partially opened doors to the Great Hall. Heading over to the Gryffindor table, Harry spotted Ron and walked over to him.
"Hey Harry!" Ron said around a mouthful of food. "Where's Snuffles? Can he stay here with you?"
"He's waiting just outside of the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall said he could stay," Harry happily said as he began to fill a napkin with two turkey sandwiches and a few boiled potatoes and another napkin with quite a few slices of ham. "I'm going to take some food up to our room so that Snuffles won't be so overwhelmed with all of the loud people in here. I don't think he'd be up for it after the way that Dementor affected him."
"Understandable, mate," Ron said. "I'll see ya later. And I'm glad to hear that you get to keep your dog."
Harry turned around and took one step forward before suddenly turning back around and facing Ron once again.
"Oh! Do you know the password to get into the Tower?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, it's Devil's Snare," Ron said with a bit of a grin.
"Thanks!" Harry said as he left Ron and walked back to the doors with the napkins of food in his hands.
Snuffles was still sitting where Harry had left him. Upon seeing Harry squeeze back through the doors from the Great Hall, Snuffles stood up and walked over to Harry.
Together, they walked through the corridors, up the many stairs, and made it to the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Password?" the Fat Lady asked.
"Devil's Snare," Harry said.
The portrait swung outwards, letting Snuffles and Harry into the Gryffindor Common Room.
Unlike before when they were walking through the halls of Hogwarts, Snuffles glanced around the room.
"If you want, you can explore around the room for a bit. It might be easier for you to check out everything now rather than when everyone comes up here after the feast," Harry said, ruffling the fur on Snuffles' head.
Snuffles looked up at Harry before walking away from Harry to look around the room.
Even though Harry stayed close to where Snuffles was looking around, Snuffles would still check to see where Harry was every other minute.
Once Snuffles had looked around and sniffed at a few things in the Common Room, Harry lead him up the stairs and into the third year boys' dorm room. Harry found his trunk at the end of one of the beds and patted that bed, silently telling Snuffles that he could get up on the bed.
Snuffles leapt up on the bed as Harry sat down next to him. Harry opened both napkins of food and grabbed one of the turkey sandwiches for himself while placing all of the sliced ham he had grabbed from the Great Hall on the napkin in front of Snuffles.
Snuffles slowly ate his way through some of the ham as Harry silently polished off the two turkey sandwiches and was in the process of finishing off the boiled potatoes.
Harry would've liked to tell Snuffles that he wouldn't let another Dementor attack him, but as it was, Harry couldn't even stand up to a Dementor, let alone fight one off. But Harry would try his best to reassure Snuffles during their time here. Hogwarts was his home, and Harry wanted Snuffles to feel safe here. He wanted Snuffles to perk back up into the loveable, friendly, and somewhat mischievous dog that Harry had gotten to know when they were staying at the Leaky Cauldron.
After Harry popped the last boiled potato into his mouth, he looked over at Snuffles who was laying on the bed with his head on his paws, staring at the wall. There was still quite a lot of ham left on the napkin that Harry had given Snuffles. Usually, Snuffles would eat everything he was given and then give Harry puppy-dog eyes, begging for some of Harry's food. Snuffles not finishing his meal was almost as concerning as Snuffles being so subdued.
"Are you finished eating, Snuffles?" Harry asked softly. Snuffles briefly looked at Harry out of the corner of his eyes before turning back to stare at the wall.
Taking Snuffles' reaction as a confirmation that he was done, Harry got up off of the bed and grabbed Snuffles' napkin of food as well as his own empty napkin and discarded them in the room's trash bin. Harry took a moment to grab the partially eaten chocolate bar that Madam Pomfrey had given him out of his pocket and set it down on the nightstand next to his bed before walking to the foot of his bed to get his pajamas out of his trunk. He then walked towards the bathroom to go about his nightly routine of getting ready for bed.
Snuffles hadn't moved an inch from the time it took for Harry to get off of the bed and grab his pajamas to when he returned from the bathroom. Since Snuffles was laying at the foot of the bed, Harry turned down the top of his bedsheets so that he could slip underneath them when he was ready to go to bed.
Snuffles left ear twitched in Harry's direction as Harry crawled over and across the bed, untying the ties that held his bed curtains back and making sure all the curtains around his bed were completely shut. Once the curtains were shut, Harry gently flopped down on top of Snuffles in a boneless heap.
Snuffles groaned softly as Harry squirmed around on top of him until Harry's chin was resting on the top of Snuffles' head with the rest of Harry's body covering most of Snuffles' body.
"You know, this feels pretty comfortable. I think I might just stay right here all night long," Harry teased in a sing-song voice.
This time Snuffles heaved a more theatric groan and rolled over to the side, taking Harry with him. Rather than staying on his side, Snuffles swiftly stood up, gently head-butted Harry's side so that he'd fall over on his back, and then pounced on Harry's stomach; making Harry's breath leave him in a loud whoosh.
"Merlin, Snuffles!" Harry wheezed. "You push at my stomach much harder and I'm going to throw up on you."
Snuffles snorted as he draped himself across Harry's stomach, curling his upper body so that his chin rested on Harry's chest with his nose just brushing against Harry's chin. Harry reached up a hand and started petting Snuffles' head, periodically scratching Snuffles behind his ears. After a few moments of silence, Harry spoke up.
"It's been a long day, Snuffles. I feel like we earned the right to go to bed early. What do you say? Hmm…"
Snuffles snuffled and slowly got up off of Harry, flopped down to the side, and lightly groaned.
"You're starting to sound like an old man," Harry teased as he flipped over and crawled to the head of the bed. "Groaning like that all the time."
Harry got his legs under the sheets and shimmied down until he was flat on his back with the blankets covering him all the way up to his neck. Briefly propping himself up with his elbow, Harry took off his glasses and blindly reached his hand out of his bed curtains until he made contact with his nightstand. Once he set his glasses down next to his wand on the nightstand, Harry scooted over to the very right side of his bed. He patted the place to the left of him as he called for Snuffles to rest beside him.
Harry figured that with how Snuffles had been acting since the Dementor attack, it was very likely that Snuffles, as well as himself, would have either a nightmare or a restless night. It would be better for the both of them if they had someone else within reach so that they'd know that someone was there. Also, Harry was still feeling a bit of the lingering cold from the Dementor, although he could just be imagining that.
Once Snuffles had laid down next to him, Harry placed his hand on Snuffles side and slowly ran his fingers through Snuffles' fur in a comforting motion. Not even five minutes later, Snuffles tensed when they heard the door burst open as Seamus and Dean ran through the door followed more sedately by Ron and Neville. When Harry heard Ron shush the other boys, Harry figured Ron had spotted that he'd already had his bed hangings closed and probably assumed that Harry was sleeping.
Harry continued to pet Snuffles as he listened to the other boys joke around as they got ready for bed. When all of the lights went out about half an hour later, Harry was still petting Snuffles, but he felt himself start to nod off.
About ten minutes later, both Harry and Snuffles were asleep with Snuffles curled in facing Harry and Harry's hand resting on Snuffles' side.
...
Author's Note:
So I debated back and forth with splitting this into two separate chapters (like a part 1/part 2 kinda deal), but then ultimately decided not to split it. So you all get a long chapter ~ Yay!
Also, this chapter introduces some more characters from the world of Harry Potter… And I tried to stick to canon characterization, but if I didn't quite manage it, please forgive me – I tried and the way I wrote them is the way they'll be in this story.
Any mistakes, grammar or otherwise, are my own. Let me know if you see anything that you think needs to be corrected.