CHAPTER FOURTEEN

With a mix of worry, disgust, and anger, Severus threw the Dailey Prophet aside. He found that he had quite lost his appetite and frowned at the cause of it. As upsetting as the news was, he couldn't help but wonder what Dumbledore would do now. The Minister of Magic would probably try (try being the operative word) to pressure the headmaster into revealing where he was keeping Harry Potter. The Minister along with half the wizarding world believed Dumbledore had the Boy-Who-Lived secreted away somewhere, training him in secret.

Severus cleaned up his partially eaten breakfast and giving the discarded newspaper a glare as he went by it. He knew how the rumors started. It had started when Potter's name hadn't been called the other year during the Sorting. Parents owled friends and acquaintances to see if Potter was attending a different magic school. The rumors only gained strength with no word of the boy and Dumbledore not appearing to be as bothered as one would think he should.

The only ones who had known of the boy's supposed death besides Dumbledore, were his four Heads of House at Hogwarts. Severus had been furious that something as inane as a car crash could undo everything everyone had done and sacrificed, that he had done and sacrificed, to ensure the boy's safety.

Dumbledore had never given up hope or belief that Potter was alive. Last year the man's belief and hope had paid off. While speaking with Cassian, Dumbledore used Legilimancy. The headmaster had shown Severus the memories he'd gleaned from the boy. In the memories, Potter was healthy and fine. In fact, the boy seemed safer than they could have made him.

The question was, with Black on the loose, would this bring Harry Potter out in the open? How much did Potter know about Black's relationship with his parents? How much did Ashwood know and would he do something on Potter's behalf since they appeared so close.

Severus sighed knowing he would have to keep an extra close eye on his student this coming year. Especially as Dumbledore ignoring valid complaints and warnings, had gone and hired that werewolf as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Draco looked up from his breakfast, gaping at his mother. "Azkaban? Someone actually escaped from Azkaban?"

Narcissa nodded, folding the paper to put aside but Cassian nearly snatched it from her. "Your father left after reading the paper. He's going to get the entire story from Fudge himself."

Cassian looked at the front page of the Dailey Prophet. He took in everything, eyes devouring every little nuance of Black's face, committing it to memory. Staring into the ink printed eyes of Sirius Black, Cassian's vision went red, hands gripping the paper so tightly it threatened to rip. He began to shake with suppressed fury. This was the man who had helped destroy not only his life but Harry's as well. And now the man had found a way out of his repentance, doing the improbable and escaping from the inescapable prison.

"What's so important about Black besides escaping Azkaban?" Draco asked. He knew his mother had been a Black before she married his father. He knew about his mother's crazy sister Bellatrix who was also in Azkaban along with her husband. His parents didn't talk about her other sister Andromeda who disgraced herself and her family by marrying a Muggle.

While Harry whispered calmly to Cassian, trying to soothe his rage, Narcissa told her son about her cousin who'd been disowned at the age of sixteen. That Sirius Black turned his back on his family and was Sorted into Gryffindore. How he befriended the likes of James Potter.

Narcissa's face took on a look as if she'd tasted something sour. "Not to mention keeping company with that pathetic Pettigrew." Her voice became haughty. "At least he got what he deserved."

At Draco's look, she explained how Pettigrew was Black's target when he killed those twelve Muggles along with Pettigrew.

"Aunt 'Cissa?" Cassian was proud how he was able to keep his voice steady. "When will Uncle Lucius return?"

"I'm not sure. He may just stay in England."

"We still get to stay though, right?" Draco wanted to know.

"If your father allows it."

Cassian nodded as he stood. "I understand, Aunt 'Cissa. I'll go pack just to be prepared."

He excused himself and went to the room he was sharing along with Draco. He had to keep scooping the cat out of his suitcase and onto the bed. It hadn't taken as much convincing and/or arguing as he had thought it would to keep the kitten. He was leaning towards naming the cat hoodie. When he sent letters asking his friends, Neville had suggested Dubhán. Hermione has also voiced her opinion with Fiachra from Irish Myth.

Draco came in without knocking and flopped on the bed beside the suitcase after picking the cat up off the bed. "You know, if you put up more of a fuss, mother would probably give in. We could stay until we were planning on going home."

"I don't mind. Besides, we still need out school books."

Draco groaned. "I swear you should have been a Ravenclaw."

"You say that like it a bad thing."

The blond just gave him a look then asked, "We still going horseback riding?"

Cassian stared at him confused. Draco had arranged for them to go after breakfast. That had been Draco's birthday present to him. He thought Cassian would want to since he found Cassian sketching their Grecian hosts' horses. As well as the fact Cassian admitted to never haven ridden a horse.

"Of course, why?"

"If we don't go soon, mother'll take you shopping now that father isn't here."

Cassian rolled his eyes. He'd had a growth spurt since the holidays started. Narcissa had seen to make sure he ate and didn't just pick at his meals. The woman had already given a lot of money to the various islands by purchasing new wardrobes for both Cassian and Draco, who'd also grown.

"I believe I have enough clothes, thank you." In fact, he had more clothes than he'd ever had before.

"Try telling that to mother. She wants to be sure you're respectable for the party."

"What party?" Cassian frowned. The Malfoys had thrown one for Draco before they departed to Greece.

Draco sat up eyeing him. "To celebrate your birthday, even if you don't want one. Mother must have her parties."

Cassian tried not to groan. When a wizard heir turned thirteen they were acknowledged and given a portion of their inheritance. This custom went further back before even the Founders. In the old days you were considered old enough to make your living. As a show of adulthood and being acknowledged as an heir, the heir was given a family ring. Draco already received his and wore it proudly. Cassian had no desire to wear his.

"That means a haircut, doesn't it?" Cassian frowned as he fingered a lock of his hair. He cut his own hair, not wanting or trusting anyone near him with sharp pointy objects. He didn't think he was half bad at it and actually like how his hair was at the moment. He thought the way he was styling his hair was called a feather cut or some such thing. All he knew was that he and Harry both liked it.

"Probably."

Cassian's lips twitched into a sly smile. "Fine. I"ll cut mine when Uncle Lucius cuts his like yours."

Draco stared then snickered. "That's not likely to happen. I think father's more vain about his hair than mother is hers. And mother spends a lot of time on hers."

"I should be safe then, shouldn't I?"

Draco shook his head still grinning with the image of a short haired Lucius. He helped his cousin finish packing then they went horseback riding. By the time they got back Narcissa had heard from Lucius. The Malfoy patriarch wanted his family to stay in Greece as planned until a week before term. Draco and Narcissa looked relieved while Cassian was frustrated and annoyed.

The boys had already completed all their homework early into the holidays. There was more than enough fascinating information for their History of Magic homework. Their Astronomy homework was easily and quickly done as well. The Greeks were the first to name the constellations after all. As interesting as he and Harry found Greece Cassian was sure he'd go stir crazy if the holidays didn't end soon. The quicker they were over, the sooner he'd be in England. That was where he wanted to be.

Finally it was time for them to thank their hosts and say their goodbyes. They briefly returned to Wiltshire then Narcissa took the boys to Diagon Alley for their school things. After getting his money, Cassian told the Malfoys he'd beet them at the bookshop. Before either Malfoy could answer, he was down the street heading for The Leaky Cauldron. He quickly darted through the bar and out onto the streets of Muggle London. Knowing where to go, he began to jog.

In Greece, Cassian was able to find many herbs he couldn't in Diagon Alley. While there he had also replaced his wand. It was almost identical to his old one. Both had been walnut wood with griffin feather as their cores.

Cassian quickly located the store and went inside. Blinking, he couldn't believe it had been a whole year since he'd last been in here. Bert looked up at the chiming of the bell and gaped before smiling at him. "You've good timing, I'll give ya that."

Cassian gave him a questioning look as he made his way to the counter. The man held up one finger and reached beneath the counter. When he reappeared he was holding a small wrapped package. "Jake brought this by the other day. I've been a bit busy so's haven't gotten 'round to mailing it quite yet. Happy birthday."

Taking the package, Cassian looked at it in confusion. Why would he get him a gift? They hadn't even really known each other that long.

"Go on, it won't bite."

Looking up, Cassian nodded and unwrapped the parcel. It was a thin blue book with owls on it. The book was entitled, The Insomniacs Dictionary. There was a note tucked inside the book as well. It was short and written in Jake's messy writing. He'd wrote: For those nights you can't sleep.

"Tell him thank you for me?"

Bert nodded and pulled another object out from behind the counter. "This is from me. I won't take no for an answer."

Cassian took it and when he opened it, his eyes widened. Fingers reverently touched it and he smiled genuinely at the man. Voice hoarse, he said, "Thank you."

Taking out his wand, Cassian shrank the case and pocketed it along with the book. Waving, he made his way back towards The Leaky Cauldron. He slipped inside and back into Diagon Alley. He quickly found Draco in Flourish and Blotts. The blond was watching the assistant with amusement as the man wrangled two Monster Book of Monsters from a cage.

"Where's Aunt 'Cissa?"

"Refilling our Potions ingredients."

"Ah."

Cassian curiously took the snapping book from the assistant. He and Draco quickly belted the books shut. Draco shook his head. "Whoever assigned us these things is mad."

Harry nodded his head in agreement. This had to be the strangest thing he'd ever seen. A biting book.

"What other books do you lads need?"

The handed over their book lists. They both needed The Standard Book of Spells Grade Three and Intermediate Transfiguration. Draco needed Unfogging the Future for his divination class. Cassian on the other hand, needed Ancient Runes Made Easy and Numerology and Grammatica.

The boys headed for Quality Quidditch Supplies so Draco could gaze longingly at the new broom on display. Cassian stood with his back to the window, facing the crowd, eyes darting from person to person. Draco was trying to talk him into joining the Slytherin Quidditch Team, or at the very least to try out for the Reserve Team.

"It'll be great. You should try for Keeper."

"You already have a Keeper," he pointed out.

"Miles isn't really that good."

"I'm not into sitting on a broomstick in all kinds of weather for positioning and bragging rights."

Draco made a face. "There's something seriously wrong with you."

Cassian knew Draco meant it in jest and was glad to see something to take his mind off it. He wasn't sure if he had been about to respond or retaliate against the blond when he spotted a rat by the rubbish bin. Cassian strode over and was about to stomp down to crush the rat's skull when he noticed Dudley pointing at him and an out of breath Ron.

"Don't! Scabbers!" The redhead shouted.

Cassian lowered his foot and scowled as the two approached. Ron scooped up the rat and put it in a pocket. Voice full of disgust, Cassian eyed Ron. "That vermin belongs to you?"

"He's not vermin. His name's Scabbers."

Cassian had heard from Draco the Weasley's were poor and he'd seen the evidence himself. He had nothing against poor people, but to have a pet rat. That was just...He shivered. Cassian did not like rats.

"Really? Even Muggles consider rats to be vermin and pests. I'm sure Dursley and Granger can fill you in on that."

Ron was getting red while Draco smirked and Dudley looking uncertain. Dudley put a hand on Ron's shoulder and guided him away murmuring something about Hermione. Glaring, Ron followed after his friend. Cassian scowled back.

Narcissa came not long after and had to repeatedly tell Draco, "No." The blond wanted his parents to buy him a Firebolt. Draco pouted while his mother said they just got him and his team Nimbus 2001's. It didn't matter that it was last year's model.

When they returned to Malfoy Manor, Cassian all but secluded himself in his rooms. He familiarized himself with his new books sans The Monster Book of Monsters. It was amusing to watch the cat's reaction to the book. The cat would warily stare and circle the bound book. When the book made a noise and tried to move, the cat would jump, bat at the book quickly a few times, then run away to a safe distance. Cassian had to laugh when the cycle repeated.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The platform was crowded, more so than it had been last year. Hermione surmised it was because of the rumors abound about Sirius Black. She and Dudley were on the lookout for their friends.

"Look, there's Ron!" Hermione pointed to where the redhead family was. Dudley and Hermione stifled their laughter seeing Ron's older brother Percy. The Seventh Year was strutting, chest out as he strode over to his girlfriend and Hermione's housemate. The two Muggle-borns had already heard the news of Percy making Head Boy. Ron had been bummed.

Seeing the basket in Hermione's arms, Ron frowned. Dudley shook his head. "Let's get on the train. Maybe Neville's already aboard."

As they traversed the train corridor's Dudley wondered aloud, "I wonder why each year it seems like its harder to find a seat?"

"Here's one, oh wait." Hermione stopped and the other two ran into her. The compartment she'd opened had Marcus Flint, captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team. They quickly retreated.

"Well, this is the last compartment unless you want to try the font of the train?" Dudley asked as he opened the door.

The three stared. They'd never seen an adult on the train before. Hermione quickly figured out that he was probably their new DADA professor. Ron told them about Egypt and how the twins tried to lock Percy in a pyramid but were caught. Hermione then told them about her time and France and learning about their school called Beauxbatons. Of course, she had to do all the tourist stuff and visit all the Muggle and wizarding sites. Dudley just muttered about his mother hadn't felt up to traveling so he'd stay home during the holidays.

Hermione gave him a sympathetic look before changing the subject. She mentioned that she had been excited about Hogsmeade. She was looking forward to visiting the village. Dudley half smiled as she rattled off facts she'd learned about it. Ron imputed that he just wanted to visit the sweet shop, Honeydukes.

Later they got a visit from Ron's least favorite person. Draco opened their compartment door looking irritated and as if he was looking for someone. His eyes lit up and he smirked when he saw who's compartment he opened.

"Well, look who it is. The Weasel." He smirked seeing Ron's ears turn red. "I heard your father finally got his hands on some gold this summer. Did your mother die of shock?"

Ron angrily rose but was unsteady so knocked the basket Hermione's cat had been in to the floor. When the man by the window made a sound, the blond's eyes immediately went to him.

"Who's that?"

"New teacher," Dudley replied. He still couldn't believe that Draco Malfoy had studied with Hermione and Neville while he'd been petrified. He glanced behind Draco seeing the ever present Crabbe and Goyle.

"Where's Cassian?" He wondered.

Draco scowled then left with Crabbe and Goyle following. As Ron ranted about how he wasn't going to take anything from Malfoy this year, the door opened again and two boys quickly entered. Cassian hurriedly closed the door and ducked down so he couldn't be seen through the glass. Neville did the same, although he wore a half smile like he was trying not to laugh.

"What're you doing here?" Ron glared at the Slytherin who stole his friends.

"Hiding," Neville replied grinning. Cassian scowled at him but there wasn't any malice behind it. Cassian's eyes looked at Crookshanks.

"What is that supposed to be?"

"This is Crookshanks." Hermione beamed petting the monstrosity.

"Uh huh. So, is that man our new DADA professor?"

"Has to be," Dudley replied. "There isn't any other positions open, is there?"

"We can always hope History Of Magic becomes available."

Hermione gave him a disapproving look while Dudley and Neville gave a small laugh. Ron glared and excused himself saying he was going to go check on his sister. Hermione asked Neville and Cassian how their holiday went. Cassian told them about Greece and how he rode a horse for the first time. He had quite enjoyed himself and the scenery. "I think I might like to live there sometime."

Neville flushed with self-consciousness as he told them about how his gran actually took him to Rome. As the Gryffindore talked, Cassian leaned back in the seat. The sound of the wheels of the train and the rain outside, coupled with Neville's narrative, made Cassian drowsy.

Glancing over at the sleeping Slytherin, Dudley wanted to know, "So, why were you two hiding?"

Neville glanced quickly to his dozing friend then gave a sheepish smile. "I was looking for Trevor, he got loose somehow and I was by the bathrooms. Pansy Parkinson had Cassian trapped in a corner. She was trying to find Draco. When Cassian saw me he must have known I was looking for Trevor. He told me Trevor wasn't by the bathrooms. He made a break for it and dragged me along."

"Hey," Dudley frowned after a few minutes. "Why are we slowing down?"

Hermione also looked puzzled. "We can't be there yet."

the train jerked to a stop and Cassian was annoyed at being awoken like that. The lights went out and it began to get cold, their breath misting in the frigid air. Cassian stood and was going to go for the door but it opened before he could. He had a minute to process what stood in the doorway before he felt his body jerk and his mind forced into the darker parts of his mind.

Hermione watched transfixed as all three boys went deathly pale then Cassian fell to the ground twitching, breathing labored. The thing in the door hovered over the Slytherin. She jumped with fright when the man who by the monograms on his suitcase was professor Lupin, came awake. He muttered something and a silvery-white light shot out of his wand and forced the creature out of the compartment door.

"What was that?" Hermione managed to ask as Lupin bent over Cassian, checking to be sure he was alright. He must have been because she heard the man sigh in relief before backing off. He shook Cassian's shoulder a bit worried when he didn't respond immediately.

"Cassian, Cassian, are you alright?" Hermione worriedly asked ready to slap him awake if needed.

"Don't touch me!" Cassian reflexively lashed out at the person touching him, which happened to be the professor. Cassian blinked as he came to himself, realizing the lights were back on and the train was once again moving. He looked over to see both Neville and Dudley were pale but neither seemed to have been affected as he had. Hermione was watching him with concern as was the professor, but he also had worry on his face. The man's eyes held more emotions that Cassian couldn't figure out. Nor did he want to and glared at the man.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine," he muttered to Hermione taking a seat, head against the window. Frowning Hermione turned away from him to the professor. Once again she asked, "What was that thing?"

"Dementor, one of the guards of Azkaban."

The teens jumped at the sharp sound of Lupin breaking a bar of chocolate and handing pieces to each of them. He excused himself to talk with the driver leaving Neville to explain to his two Muggle-born friends what a dementor was and its purpose. Cassian tuned him out still shaken from his exposure to the dementor, his mind drifting back. He could still feel the icy coldness, hands numb from the extreme temperature. He could still feel the half-frozen tears on his face as he raised his wand to point it at the person laying at his feet. There was a rush of green light and...

Cassian jerked awake as the professor returned. The man tried to make a joke telling them he hadn't poisoned the chocolate. Scowling, Cassian resignedly shoved the despicable sugary treat into his mouth.

The rest of the ride was quiet and uneventful. Cassian didn't look at the rest of them, choosing to stare out the window. When they got to the station, the four teens got a carriage together. Cassian kept himself pressed to the back of the coach as it passed the gates of the castle and its new guards.

"Ashwood! Granger! I want to see you both!"

Surprised, Hermione and Cassian went to where McGonagall was calling for them. She led them to her office where she first addressed Cassian.

"Professor Lupin sent an owl to say you took ill on the train, Ashwood."

Cassian blinked at her before he could say anything, Madam Pomfrey bustled in. He stiffened but she ignored it as she inspected him.

"It was a dementor, Poppy."

As the nurse fussed, Cassian frowned. It didn't help that Harry had been deathly pale and silent since the incident on the train. When the medi-witch suggested that Cassian was delicate, he just about lost his cool. As it was, he still bristled and glared coldly at the woman.

"I am not delicate," he stated frostily.

Cassian kept his eyes on Harry, a bit worried about him. When the nurse tried to give Cassian chocolate, he eyed it with disgust and swiftly stated, "Professor Lupin already gave me chocolate."

"Did he now?" Madam Pomfrey looked pleased, even more so when Hermione piped up saying, "He gave some to all of us."

Cassian sighed with relief when the woman didn't try and press the sweet on him. McGonagall who'd been watching him asked, "Are you sure you feel alright, Mr. Ashwood?"

Voice crisp, he eyed the Gryffindore Head of House. "Yes'm."

"Very well. You may join the feast or wait outside for a moment while I speak with Ms. Granger."

"Yes'm."

Cassian went to the corridor and headed straight for the Great Hall. He quickly made his way to the Slytherin Table. Draco had saved him a seat and looked at him with concern in his silver-gray eyes. Cassian was quickly becoming irritated with that look. So no one else would hear, Draco leaned over and quietly whispered, "Is it true? What Longbottom said? You fainted?"

Looking over to the Gryffindore table, Cassian glared at Neville. Neville shrank a bit and Ron who was sitting next to him, glared back at Cassian. Hermione and McGonagall entered just as Professor Flitwick finished the Sorting. While McGonagall took her seat at the Head Table, Hermione took a seat between Terry and Lisa, Flitwick's choir stood and gathered. They sang Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Dumbledore stood when they were finished and gave his speech. Cassian frowned as he listened to it. Professor R. was introduced as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. Cassian glanced at the man with such hostility that Draco was taken aback. He'd never seen his cousin stare that way at anyone. Not even when it was directed at him or his father, had Cassian been so hostile.

Hagrid was then introduced as the new Care of Magical Creatures professor. Draco scowled and dryly stated, "He would assign us a biting book."

"Hmm." Cassian studied the teachers and the headmaster in particular. Something was off. He turned to Draco when everyone was busy eating. "What did Uncle Lucius find out?"

The blond lowered his voice. "He didn't tell me anything, but I heard mother and father talking. Fudge told father that Black was talking in his sleep before he escaped. He kept repeating, 'He's at Hogwarts'. Father and Fudge believe Dumbledore's got Harry Potter stashed away somewhere. Black probably thinks he's here at school with us. That's why the dementors are at Hogwarts this year."

Cassian's eyes went to Harry. Harry paled knowing Cassian was glad the higher ups thought it very likely that Black would come seeking Harry. Cassian wanted Black to come. He wanted to make Black suffer before he killed him.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

A.N.- Sorry, I cut this chapter in half. It originally included his classes the next day, but my mom keeps taking my computer from me! I swear, I should never have shown her how to use Facebook. And here I thought she spent too much time on Pogo.

POLL RESULTS

Daphne - 19

Luna - 16

Hermione - 5

None - 5