A.N. - Okay, first I want to explain some things. I kept McGonagall as the one to speak with Hermione and Cassian before the Welcoming Feast because she is the Deputy Headmistress and would more than likely see to school matters that Dumbledore could not be present for and what not. Also, I put all the houses in the same classes except for Potions because I believe that as they grow older they need less supervision, since the first two years you'd hope they'd have the basics down by now. Except for Potions which is very dangerous. That one remains the only double class as in the book.

Chapter 16

Since Cassian usually had Ancient Runes after Defense Against the Dark Arts, he didn't have time to talk with Professor Lupin. He had to admit the man knew how to teach a bunch of teenagers and was a pretty good instructor. Everyone liked Lupin's class because he knew how to make the class fun as well as informative.

Potions had been a struggle for nearly everyone for a few days after that first DADA class. Cassian couldn't help but smile every time he saw his Head of House. The memory of him in Neville's gran's clothes was too fresh and funny. Snape was worse than he usually was since the word of Neville's boggart spread like wildfire throughout the school. At least Neville wasn't bullied too badly since Cassian was his Potions partner and their work was always of passing quality.

Care of Magical Creatures was still interesting but not as much as that first day. After the hippogriffs they learned about Ashwinders since one had come from the fire in the teacher's lounge. From there they learned about Runespoors. Cassian was immensely enjoying these classes since he was the only one who could hear the Ashwinder and Runespoor insulting and arguing over what was said. He had overheard Dudley mutter to Hermione, "Muggle scientists would say Runespoors were a mutation due to pollution." That of course set the three heads of the Runespoor off insulting humans. Cassian barely held in his laughter at he offended creature.

To try and cheer Harry up, Cassian tried out for the reserve team, since the quidditch season was going to start. This way, he would still fly during practices and if a player from the team was injured before a game, he might have a chance of playing. Both Harry and Draco were happy about him trying out. Cassian told both of them not to get their hopes up. He was trying out for the Reserve Team, not the first string one. Draco brushed the comment aside and Harry ignored it completely. Harry was just ecstatic that Cassian had to be present at all the matches and fly during the practices.

Marcus Flint being the captain, oversaw the practices. He didn't know why Draco's cousin decided to try out this year. He smiled as he was the younger boy fly maneuvers with the team. He made the boy try every position. The Seventh Year was pleased with his performance. He didn't know what was causing Ashwood's aggressive behavior on the filed. Whatever it was, Flint hoped it stuck around for the game against Gryffindore.

Flint blew the whistle and everyone descended and dismounted. He informed the team that Ashwood was now a member of the Reserve Team. He would play any position that became available. The team was surprised but it wasn't unusual. They'd had a few players that had been like that. Draco had crowed, "I told you you'd be in!"

Cassian just frowned. He progressively got moodier and more snarky with his fellow classmates as the end of October drew closer. He was more and more irritated with the face that on of the people responsible for Cassian being where he was, was within his reach but he could do nothing. He had to be patient. He was unaware that more often than not during meals, his eyes would go mostly gold as he looked up at the Head Table and the DADA professor. Nor that someone from the staff was watching Cassian.

Severus glanced at his Slytherins and saw that once again, Ashwood was gazing at Lupin with hostility and frustration, as if he wanted to hurt the man. Looking to his right, Severus saw that the wolf was quite aware of it though he pretended otherwise. As soon as Ashwood left the hall, Lupin would relax an watch the boy's retreating back.

Later, Severus informed Dumbledore, "Ashwood knows. He knows there's a connection between Lupin and Potter's parents."

"Do you believe the boy will act on his feelings?"

"Yes, if a means and opportunity presents itself. I can only assume that none have so far, to account for the boy's frustration."

Dumbledore was unsettled by the news. Solemnly he replied, "Continue to watch him, Severus."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

It was just not Hermione's day for dealing with Gryffindores. In Herbology she was subdued and Cassian wanted to know why. She, Terry, and Cassian were at the same station working on shelling a puffapod. Hermione wouldn't say anything but Terry did.

"She and Ron aren't getting along at the moment."

Cassian made the general gesture to elaborate. "What'd the prat do now?"

Hermione frowned at him for calling Ron a prat. She still told him about how Crookshanks had found his way into Gryffindore Tower. Ron was upset that her cat had attacked his rat, especially since said rat had been ill since returning from Egypt.

Later as everyone made their way to Transfiguration, they found a group of Gryffindores outside the class. Lavender had been crying. Hermione tried to comfort her but Lavender would have none of it. The Gryffindore believed she should have known her rabbit would die because of some nonsense the Divination professor spouted. Hermione tried to logically reason with Lavender, but only ended up being alienated further from Ron. The red head had callously and purposefully stated, "Don't mind Hermione, Lavender. She doesn't think other people's pets matter very much."

Cassian wasn't the only one who stood forward to confront Ron. Terry, Dudley, and even Neville did as well. Theo and Draco settled for glaring at the Gryffindore. Cassian wondered how the Weasley brothers could be so different from each other. Percy was ambitious, pompous, and ashamed of the fact that his family was poor. The last trait was shared by the youngest Weasley boy. Ron was also thoughtless and narrow minded. The twins, Fred and George, were annoying at times, but incredibly intelligent, though most people didn't take that into account or recognize their pranks and inventions as such. They were also the only ones of the Weasley brood that didn't seem to care about their station. They were also the only ones Cassian would want to befriend.

In Potions, Neville asked Cassian where he was going to visit first. At the Slytherin's puzzled look, Neville said, "Hogsmeade Weekend. We can visit the village this year."

"Oh, that. I'm not going."

Neville dropped the ladle in surprise and jumped when Snape strolling past stated, "Five points from Gryffindore, Longbottom." The professor vanished the small puddle of spilled potion.

Swallowing, Neville picked up the ladle. Looking at the other boy he asked, "Why not?"

Cassian frowned at their potion and added the powdered dittany root. "Just about everyone'll be going, so it'll be crowded."

Neville almost didn't hear the darkly muttered, "And it just had to be Halloween."

The Gryffindore almost forgot that Cassian had skipped the Halloween feast last year. Did he not like the holiday?

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Cassian saw his friends off as the passed Filch who was making sure no one without a permission slip was allowed out. Draco extracted a promise that he would accompany them next Hogsmeade Weekend. The blond wondered and suspected that his cousin just didn't want to pass the dementors.

Sighing, Cassian stuffed his hands in his pockets and meandered about the castle. He ran into Filch who swore Cassian was up to no good. The man still believed the worst of him even though he'd been cleared of the attack on Mrs. Norris last year. Filch tried to tell him to get to his Common Room. Cassian just sneered at him and deliberately went in the opposite direction.

Realizing where he was, Cassian made for the DADA classroom. He knew for a fact that Lupin had not been one of the teachers chaperoning the students to Hogsmeade. Seeing the door open, he barely crossed the threshold when Lupin looked up from his desk. "Cassian? What're you doing here?"

Cassian noted Lupin glance over his shoulder as if looking for Draco or his friends. "They're in Hogsmeade with everyone else."

"Ah. The man looked as if he wanted to know why Cassian wasn't there as well.

"Professor Lupin," Cassian headed him off. Cassian bit down on his emotions, reminding himself that he could not afford to loose his cool and show his cards too early. "You recall that first day when you had us fight the boggart?"

"Yes," Lupin nodded wondering where this was going.

"Why'd you interfere when it was turn?" Cassian stared straight into his professor's eyes. "I saw your expression before the boggart headed for me. You were worried. Why?"

Lupin looked at a loss for words as he gazed at him. Cassian saw many emotions filter across the man's scarred face. Finally, looking weary, Lupin suggested, "Why don't we go into my office?"

Cassian stared at him warily until Harry said, "I don';t think he means to harm us." Nodding, Cassian followed Lupin into his office, but was still ready to draw his wand, just in case. As they entered, he noticed the tank in the corner. Inside was a creature whose lower half resembled an octopus.

Seeing Cassian notice the creature and being a teacher, Lupin informed him, "That's a grindlylow, for our next class. We shouldn't have much trouble with him, not after the kappas. The trick is to break his grip. You notice the abnormally long fingers? Strong, but very brittle."

"Cup of tea? I was just thinking about making one."

"No, thank you." Cassian's tone was cold. "I would appreciate an answer to my question, professor."

"Can I first ask you what you thought when facing the boggart?"

Cassian felt irritation at the man for dodging his question, but nodded all the same. "When I thought about what I fear most, I remembered that night on the train, and the dementor."

"I see." Lupin looked thoughtful as he gazed at Cassian consideringly. "I have to say I'm impressed."

"What?"

"That suggests what you fear most is- fear. Very wise, Cassian."

Cassian frowned. "Phobophobia? I don't really think that's it. I just..." He just did not want to have to relive his darkest memories.

"Phobophobia?" Lupin asked slightly amused. "Not many thirteen year olds use that kind of vocabulary."

"I like to read," he replied blandly. Swallowing his pride, Cassian took a deep breath. "Professor, about the dementors-"
A knock on the door interrupted him and Cassian scowled. He blinked in surprise to see his Head of House enter, holding a smoking goblet. Upon seeing him however, Snape stopped, eyes narrowing.

"Ah, Severus, thanks very much. Could you put it on the desk for me?"

Severus did so, eyes going between the two. What was Ashwood doing here? He could see the evident frustration and irritation on the boy's face as he stood.

"I'll be going, Professor." He nodded at his Head of House as he passed him. "Professor." It wasn't until he was in the hall that Cassian realized he never got his answer. He growled as strode away.

As soon as the boy was out the door, Severus turned to Lupin who looked guilty and regretful. Lupin sighed as he picked up the goblet. "Pity sugar makes it useless."

"What was Ashwood doing here?"

"Hmm? I showed him my grindlylow and we talked about boggarts."

Severus' eyes narrowed further. "And why wasn't he with the others in Hogsmeade?" He knew that Narcissa had signed the boy's permission slip.

"He didn't say." Lupin made a face as he put the empty goblet down.

"I made an entire cauldronful, if you need more."

"Thank you," Lupin replied genuinely.

Severus didn't reply as he took the goblet with him to the dungeons. Had the boy seen an opportunity to strike and Severus had interrupted? He would have to be careful.

During the feast, he kept an eye on both Lupin and Ashwood. It looked like he might have to

threaten the boy with nutrient potions. At least Ashwood made it to the feast this year. Although with how little he was paying attention to what was going on and barely touching his food, he might as well skipped.

Before the students left to return to their dormitories, Severus called for Draco to stay behind

Cassian shot him an unreadable look before he parted with the blond. Severus asked his godson how Ashwood's sleep had been. Draco told him of the boy's increasing irritability and that Ashwood was awake both when Draco fell asleep and when he awakened. The blond frowned stating Cassian hadn't really slept much since their first DADA class.

Severus recalled Lupin saying he and the boy had been talking about boggarts. "What was Ashwood's boggart?"

Draco frowned. "I'm not sure. All I saw was a cloak before Professor Lupin stepped in front of him."

Severus raised his brow. Lupin intervened? Was that the reason behind the hostility the boy directed at the wolf? "And why was he not in Hogsmeade this afternoon?"

Draco became uncomfortable. He didn't know what his godfather would say if he told him. Looking into the man's eyes he said, "I don't think he wanted to pass the dementors."

Frowning in thought he said, "Thank you Mr. Malfoy. You may go now." Nodding, Draco left.

Shortly afterward a Gryffindore ran into the Great Hall calling for the headmaster. The Gryffindore explained about the slashed portrait and how the Fat Lady was missing. Dumbledore quickly followed the student back to Gryffindore Tower. Severus, McGonagall, and Lupin were on his heels shortly afterward.

Severus' blood ran cold when he heard Peeves tell Dumbledore,"Nasty temper he's got, that Sirius Black."

Severus went and collected his Slytherins and led them to the Great Hall. His students though confused, knew not to question him. Dumbledore informed them all that they'd be spending the night in the Great Hall for their safety. The teachers would search the school while the Prefects of each House stood guard. The Head Boy and Girl would be in charge in lieu of the Professors since they would be absent.

As soon as the teachers left, the Gryffindores eagerly told the other three houses what happened. Cassian's hands fisted around the purple sleeping bag as he picked it up. He looked at Harry with shining eyes. Black had been in the castle! He had come and Cassian had missed an opportunity. Once again his enemy was close, yet not close enough for him to strike.

Cassian ignored the whispered theories about how Black had gotten in and why he was there. He tuned out the pompous red head telling everyone to quiet down. He tried to find a spot to himself, but as large as the hall was, it seemed small packed with so many bodies. With everyone squished together, there was no way he'd be able to sleep. He hadn't bothered climbing into the confining bag but instead lay on top of it. It had helped to lay on his back and gaze up at the enchanted ceiling.

His mind was too busy plotting to let him sleep well. He knew that even if he could get out of the hall he more than likely would run into a teacher. No reason would be good enough for him to be out and about. No, Cassian would have to bide his time. It was a good thing that patience was something he had learned so early, it was ingrained in him.

Cassian had almost tricked himself into believing he was on the roof of the Jenkins' house stargazing with Jake when he heard the footsteps of an adult. Shutting his eyes he adjusted his breathing so he appeared to be asleep. He recognized the pompous Weasley's voice asking, "Any sign of him, Professor?"

"No. All well here?" That was Dumbledore's voice. Cassian fought not to scowl as the red head talked. He reminded Cassian of a puppy eager to please his master. Dumbledore told him there was no point waking the students and sending them back to their dormitories. He also stated that he'd found a new guardian for the Gryffindore portrait hole. Professor Snape joined in the conversation as he informed the headmaster that the third floor and the dungeons were clear.

"Very well, Severus. I didn't expect Black to linger."

"Have you any theory as to how he got in Professor?"

"Many. Each as unlikely as the next."

The barely veiled anger in Snape's voice piqued Cassian's interest. Snape, it appeared, liked Black as much as he did Lupin. Cassian wanted to snort in disgust and disbelief when Dumbledore stated, "I don't believe a single person in this castle would have helped Black to enter."

Cassian knew the tone the statement had been delivered in. It was a tone that quite clearly stated the conversation was over.

"I must go inform the dementors our search is complete."

"Didn't they want to help, sir?"

'Idiot,' thought Cassian and suppressed his shiver at the thought of the dementors.

Dumbledore told the pompous Head Boy that while he was headmaster, he would not let the dementors cross the threshold of the school. The headmaster left as did Weasley. Cracking his eyes open he saw his professor's expression and wasn't surprised by it. Once Dumbledore thought his ideas and actions were right, he would not listen to anything anyone said against it.

Of course everyone could talk of nothing but Sirius Black the next day. At the library for the study group, Neville looked miserable. He confided that he was trouble remembering the passwords. He explained that even though he'd been getting better at remembering, there was no way he could keep up with Sir Cadogan.

"Sir who?" Dudley asked.

"Our new portrait into the tower. He keeps changing the passwords. No other portrait wants the job because of Black."

"Why do you think he wanted into your dormitory?" Terry wondered.

"Maybe the rumors are true."

Six heads turned to a scornful Draco. The blond set his books down. "Potter's the one who defeated the Dark Lord. Obviously the only House for the wizarding world's 'savior' is Gryffindore. Black's been Azkaban for twelve years. HE probably doesn't know Potter's not at Hogwarts."

"That we know of," Theo imputed. "Many of our kind believe Dumbledore has Potter stashed away somewhere. What safer place than Hogwarts under everyone's noses?"

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The bad weather they'd been having forced Cassian to stay indoors and he did not like that. His irritation was taken out on those around him. He especially didn't like how Draco wanted him to play in the match as Seeker in his stead. The blond pointed out that he'd have to attend the match regardless.

Cassian and Draco were arguing about that as they entered their DADA class. He scowled and sat beside Hermione. Draco took a seat to the right of them with Crabbe. Professor Snape strode in and with a flick of his wand, shuttered all the windows. Another flick brought down a projector screen. Whirling sharply to face the class he instructed, "Turn to page 394."

As they began to thumb towards the back of their books, Snape went to the back of the room and the photo projector. Ron sat straight up when Snape impatiently flicked the redhead's book to the proper page. The Gryffindore stared in horror at it. "Werewolves?"

Frowning, Hermione turned to face their professor. "We were just starting to learn about hinkypunks. We're not due to start nocturnal beasts for weeks."

"I don't believe I called on you, Miss Granger. Now, can anyone tell me the difference between an Animagus and a werewolf?"

No one but Hermione raised their hands. Cassian seeing Snape wasn't going to be calling on her and knowing Hermione would answer anyway, sighed. Raising his hand he received a slightly raised brow from the man. "Mr. Ashwood?"

"An Animagus is a wizard who willingly takes on the form of an animal. A werewolf is someone who is forced to transform upon the three days of the full moon. Further, they only answer to the call of their own kind."

"Ahwoooo!" Draco howled with a grin.

"Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. Five points to Slytherin, Ashwood."

Someone muttered, "Biased git."

"Mr. McMillan, how do you distinguish between a werewolf and a true wolf?"

The Hufflepuff squirmed under the man's gaze. "I don't know, sir. We haven't gotten that far."

"That just shows how far behind this class is. I never thought I'd meet a third year class who wouldn't even recognize a werewolf when they saw one."

"Please, sir," Hermione said and Cassian shut his eyes with a sigh. He knew what was coming as she continued. "The werewolf differs from a true wolf in several small ways. The snout of the werewolf-"

"That is the second time you have spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Ten points from Ravenclaw."

The class period was extremely boring. Cassian had already read the chapter as had Hermione but they still had to take notes. Well, Cassian pretended to. He was actually sketching. They were given their homework which was two rolls of parchment on how to recognize and kill werewolves. Cassian barely held in his chuckle at that. He'd be able to finish this assignment without trouble.

In Ancient Runes they were given a small quiz on which runes may or may not be merkstave (which literally means 'dark stick' and implies a 'dark' meaning). Cassian and Blaise discussed their test on the way to the dungeons. Dropping off his books, Cassian grabbed his sketchbook and supplies, then headed up to the library. Going to a secluded corner he pulled out his book and the colored inks he'd received last year as a Christmas present. He used them sparingly. However, he felt like using them today. He had a few drawings he wanted to put a finishing touch on. He attached a not to one and went to the owlery. He gave the one of the owl's the drawing with the note as well as a treat.

Returning to the Common Room, he skipped dinner in favor of reading One Thousand Magical Herb and Fungi. Of course that led to a chewing out by Marcus Flint and the whole team accompanied him down to breakfast to make sure he ate. The Slytherin team hadn't told anyone that Cassian would be substituting Draco for the game. Flint wanted that to be an ace up their sleeve. He did have to give Madam Hooch the new team registry so the Gryffindores couldn't claim foul. Draco entered the locker room with them and he waited until the team exited on their brooms before he too exited and went to sit with is surprised Housemates.

"If you're here, who's playing Seeker?" Theo asked seeing him.

Their question was answered soon enough by Lee Jordan who was announcing the substitution. The Gryffindore grumbled that the substitution was valid since it was permitted to exchange players before the actual game started.

Ron sitting with the Gryffindores scowled. "Should have expected something sneaky like that from Slytherin!"

Neville bit his lip. He didn't know whether or not to cheer for his own House or for his friend. He had gotten a lot of good natured ribbing from his housemates last night at dinner. He'd been surprised when an owl landed in front of him with a carefully rolled fine parchment. Unrolling it, he'd gaped as did his friends sitting nearest him. It was a beautiful drawing of the hippogriff from their first Care of Magical Creatures class. The tawny colored feathers blended nicely into the golden then brown of the creature. Next to the hippogriff was Neville himself. The drawing was moving and showed Neville bowing and petting it. The note with the drawing said – I never did thank you for your Christmas gift. Consider this a thank you.-

Dudley and Hermione were also wondering who they should cheer for. Hermione reasoned she could cheer for Gryffindore to win but for Cassian to catch the snitch. She watched as both Seekers took their positions then raised a bit higher to watch the game.

Cassian's eyes darted about and he scowled when a bolt of lightning flashed. He really wished he hadn't let Draco and Harry talk him into this. At least he had Harry for an extra set of eyes, for all the good it would do in this weather. He was already soaked to the skin.

"What is the allure to this stupidity?" He half shouted at Harry.

Harry who was sitting behind Cassian on Draco's borrowed broom, just grinned. Cassian shook his head and returned his attention to look for the snitch.

"Incoming!"

Cassian looked up and rolled the broom quickly to the right to avoid a bludger. Dropping down a bit, he flew towards the middle of the pitch. He was annoyed when the Gryffindore Seeker followed suit. Narrowing his eyes, Cassian flew through the Gryffindore Chasers and pulled up to see he'd been shadowed. A smirk formed on his lips. So, rather than look for the snitch, the other Seeker was just going to follow him. This could actually be fun.

Making sure that the Gryffindore Seeker was observing him, he dove and grinned seeing the other do the same. He continued to dive then abruptly pulled up sharply when Harry called, "Cass, it's above us!"

Spotting it, Cassian sped upwards, nearly colliding with the Gryffindore Seeker. Harry though it rather comical how the other had to do an awkward about face. By now, the Gryffindore had seen the snitch as well. The two Seekers raced upwards and Cassian flinched and to cover his eyes when the lightning flashed. In that moment, as he was trying to regain his vision, the Gryffindore Seeker passed him.

Growling, Cassian leaned further on the broom trying to get more speed. It looked like the Gryffindore would get the snitch. He smirked at Cassian before it became a grimace of pain as a tiny burst of lightning struck the Gryffindore. He rapidly fell before regaining control of himself and his broom.

Cassian made a grab for the snitch, but it darted out if his reach. It flew higher as did Cassian. He frowned when ice began to form on the broom handle. The air became harder to breathe and he chalked it up to the thinning atmosphere. He dodged an umbrella and lost sight of the snitch. Seeing movement to his right, he gasped seeing a dementor.

Positioning the broom downwards, he dove but veered to the left seeing another dementor. He tried to get away from them with Harry telling him where they were, but one came up from beneath them. Cassian felt as if his lungs were full of ice and his vision went black as his mind was forced to recall his darkest moment.

Harry tried to grab Cassian as he went limp and let go of the broom. Cassian plummeted with Harry clinging on and desperately trying to slow the descent. It would have been so much easier if Cassian were conscious and helping him. Harry was able to slow them a bit, but not enough to keep Cassian from breaking bones upon impact. Switching tactics, Harry put a shield around them and imagined it as a cushion of air.

He felt Cassian's body jerk as a spell wrapped around him, slowing Cassian's fall. Harry rotated them so he was on the bottom and Cassian top when they collided with the ground. For once, Harry was glad of his condition as he crawled out form under Cassian. Looking up, he dreaded the thought of the dementors. He gasped seeing a livid Dumbledore wave his wand at the dementors and like Lupin on the train, drove them away.

The headmaster conjured a stretcher and set Cassian on it. Harry worriedly stayed beside Cassian fearing the worst. He could see Cassian's chest moving so knew he was breathing and alive but that was it. He trudged beside the stretcher, eyes on Cassian. He knew what his brother was forced to experience due to the dementors. Harry himself could still hear his mother's screams as she begged Voldemort and heard the man's voice for the first time.

Harry was only slightly aware of their friends hurrying after them. In the hospital wing Madam Pomfrey was already busy with a few other students from the Slytherin and Gryffindore quidditch teams. When Dumbledore brought Cassian in she bustled over immediately. They spelled him dry and took off his quidditch gear before placing him on a bed.

Dumbledore left no doubt to speak with the dementors. Snape came and gave Pomfrey instructions to force feed Ashwood if necessary, the nutrient potions and a vial of Sleeping Draught. The mediwitch didn't say anything, just sighed and agreed. She could already tell he was going to give his student a serious talking to. She whole heartedly would back Severus up on this one. The boy really needed to take better care of himself.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

When Cassian awoke he immediately began to thrash to disentangle himself from the bedsheets and only calmed hearing Harry's voice. "Cass, Cass! It's okay, calm down. We're in the hospital wing. We're fine."

Getting his breathing under control, Cassian blinked seeing he and Harry were not alone. Draco and their study group were there as well. He was confused. Why were they all there? Hermione spoke up, voice shaking. "We though you died."

"Professor Dumbledore was able to cast a spell to slow you down before you hit the ground," Terry stated.

The others took turns explaining what they saw and what had happened. Dudley was oddly silent and was giving Cassian a strange look. Draco wrapped up the conversation by scowling, arms crossed. "Gryffindore won by ten points. They caught the snitch jut before you fell."

"And your broom?" Cassian wanted to know. He could tell something else was bothering the blond.

"The Whomping Willow destroyed it. Maybe mother'll get me a Firebolt now."

Cassian couldn't help the snort of laughter at that typical Slytherin thought. Madam Pomfrey came over and his short lived humor quickly died. The woman made him drink the dreaded potions and eat a chunk of chocolate. He gazed at the Sleeping Draught with narrowed eyes.

"I have strict orders to see you take that." Madam Pomfrey sternly told him. Sighing, Cassian downed the contents and lay back on the bed. Just before he closed his eyes he saw Dudley looking like he wanted to say something but then change his mind.

Cassian was not at all pleased that he'd be forced to stay in the hospital wing all weekend. He also disliked that he was forced to take nutrient and sleeping potions as well. When it was meal times Madam Pomfrey watched him like a hawk and made sure he ate if not all of it at least most of it. He was distinctly reminded of last year when he was confined to the hospital wing for a weekend.

Then Flint also came by in a foul mood because they would have won if Cassian hadn't fallen off Draco's broom. Basically, Flint told Cassian to fix his 'problem' with the dementors. The Slytherin captain left Cassian simmering in anger. The visit also firmed Cassian's resolve to speak with Professor Lupin. He and Dumbledore were the only ones he knew that could drive the dementors away. Cassian didn't want to ask Dumbledore for anything, besides, Lupin still owed him an answer.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

POLL RESULTS

Luna - 22

Daphne - 21

Hermione - 5

None - 5

Other - 0