Chapter 16

Ewan's summer was unbelievably awesome. He and his new girlfriend, Katie, spent many of days together. They didn't live that far away from each other. The best news came when they got their Hogwarts letters. Ewan was made a prefect. He had to explain to Lara and Jon what a prefect was but then they all celebrated.

They were leaving the restaurant when a big large black dog barked at him. Jon pulled Ewan into the car first, while watching the large dog, and then slowly got in the car himself.

The next day, Ewan and Jon went to Diagon Alley. After exchanging their money, the two headed to Madam Malkins. It was becoming quite common for Ewan to have to come here. Now he stood at a height of 6'1", almost as tall as Jon.

After getting Ewan's robes adjusted they headed towards Flourish and Blotts bookstore. Before leaving for Diagon Alley, Ewan bought a newspaper, the Daily Prophet. He scanned most of it; there wasn't anything interesting until he read:

BLACK STILL AT LARGE

Sirius Black, possibly the most infamous prisoner ever to be held in Azkaban fortress, is still eluding capture, the ministry confirmed today. "We are doing all we can to recapture Black," said Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, this morning, "and we beg the magical community to remain calm."

Fudge has been criticized by some members of the International Federation of Warlocks for informing the muggle Prime Minister of the crisis. "Well, really, I had too, don't you know," said irritable Fudge... "Black is mad. He's a danger to anyone who crosses him, magic or Muggle. I have the Prime Ministers assurance that he will not breathe a word of Black's true identity to anyone. And let's face it – who would believe him if he did?"

While Muggles have been told that Black is to carrying a gun (a kind of metal wand that Muggles use to kill each other), the magical community lives in fear of a massacre like that of twelve years ago, when Black murdered thirteen people in a single curse.

Ewan had heard that name before but he couldn't remember where. Then a light bulb lit in his head: 'Padfoot'. But what was Padfoot? Why did he remember this name and not Sirius Black?

"Ewan, come on!" yelled his Dad from the Leaky Cauldron. He decided to forget about it, at least for now.

* * *

Sooner before anyone liked, they were back on the Hogwarts express. Ewan found out that Harry ran away from the Dursley's, because he accidently blew up their Aunt Marge, whom Ewan never met, and for the rest of the summer stayed at The Leaky Cauldron. Then, Ewan had to get a briefing from Percy Weasley, the new Head Boy. After that was done, he went back to the compartment he was sharing with Katie.

About an hour into the ride the train suddenly stopped.

"What was that?" asked Katie

"I don't know I'm going to go check it out" said Ewan opening the compartment door. The train was cold he could see his breathe.

Down the hall were large creatures that he read about in Defense Against the Dark Arts, dementors. The dementor started coming towards him, quickly he got back into the compartment. Katie grabbed on to his shirt, burrowing her head. It opened the compartment door. Ewan stared at the creature… then it moved on. He let of a sigh of relief, Katie was crying, he wrapped his arms around her and held her until they were safely at the castle.

The feast was a quiet and somber affair. Even the teachers seemed edgier. Finally after the desserts were whisked away, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore stood up.

"Welcome!" he said. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious, I think it is best to get it out of the way before you become too befuddled by our beds…"

He cleared his throat and looked around the Hall, his eyes landing on Harry and then upon Ewan. "As you will all be aware after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is presently playing host to some of the dementor's of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business. They are stationed at every entrance of the grounds and while they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementor's are not to be fooled by tricks or disguises – or even Invisibility Cloaks," Ewan looked at Harry. This year they agreed that Harry take the cloak, Ewan was now regretting it. "It is not in the nature of a dementor to understand pleading or excuses. I therefore warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. I look to the prefects, and our new Head Boy and Girl, to make sure that no student runs afoul of the dementors," he said. 'This Prefect job just got way harder.' Thought Ewan.

"On a happier note," the Headmaster continued, "I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Remus Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Professor Lupin looked shabby compared to the other teachers. Ewan clapped for him though he got the felling he knew the guy somewhere.

"As to our second appointment, well, I am sorry to tell you the Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs. However, I am delighted to say that his post will be filled by none other than Rebeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his game keeping duties."

More people clapped for Hagrid that Professor Lupin, most likely because Hagrid was loved by most of the students, with exceptions for the Slytherin's.

After everything was said and done, Ewan gave a brief tour of the school and Ravenclaw tower to the new Ravenclaw first years. He even impressed them with one of the harder riddles the bronze-eagle shaper knocker gave.

Finally, Ewan found his way to his four-poster bed and into a blissful sleep.

FLASHBACK

"Hey, pup!" said Uncle Sirius.

"Uncle Sirius! Guess what?" said an over excited three-year old Ewan

"What!?" asked Sirius

"I did magic!" Ewan said bouncing up and down.

"You did!?" Sirius said astonished. Then he noticed James, who had pink hair. He burst out laughing.

"It's not funny, Black." said James, his lips pressed together.

"Oh it's very funny, mate." replied Sirius.

END OF FLASHBACK

Ewan woke up with a jolt. 'Sirius Black, my uncle?'

* * *

Classes started off with a bang, each teacher giving a short speech on the O.W.L.s.

'I'm going to be forced to study… damn.' He thought while in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Lupin was talking about curses and counter-curses, except Ewan wasn't paying attention. Five years in Hogwarts and he never had a competent Defense Professor, though Professor Lupin was doing great so far.

Once the bell rang he gathered his books.

"Mr. Tyler…" called Professor Lupin from his desk.

"Yes, sir?" ask Ewan, pulling his bag over his shoulder.

"Can you pay attention to class next time?" asked the Professor.

"Oh, yes, sorry sir."

"Don't let it happen again."

"Yes, sir."

* * *

With quidditch, studying (or at least trying to study), and classes, Ewan didn't have much free time till Halloween. Thankfully it was a Hogsmeade weekend. Ewan gave Ron and Hermione a tour of Hogsmeade. Then he headed off the find Katie, Fred, and George. Harry, unfortunately, wasn't given permission from the Dursleys for go to Hogsmeade, so he was forced to stay at the castle.

Later that night was the Halloween feast. Afterwards, they all separated to their own common rooms. Only to be back 10 minutes later, most like Ewan, were confused. The students were told that Sirius Black attacked the Gryffindor tower while everyone was at the feast.

"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle" Headmaster Dumbledore told everyone. "It is for your own safety".

Ewan and Cedric Diggory, a sixth year, were given the job of watching the main entrance to the Great Hall.

'Sirius Black went after Harry… Why would someone in my past go after my brother?' Ewan had thought about this all night. He was relieved to go to sleep, but he couldn't fall asleep. At three in the morning, Headmaster Dumbledore came to the Great Hall and spoke with Percy Weasley, then to Professor Snape. Finally as he was finally falling asleep, Dumbledore looked down where Ewan was sleeping. "Don't worry Mr. Potter." He whispered then smiled.

Ewan's jaw dropped. 'How did he know!?'

* * *

For the next week the gossip about the school was all about Sirius Black. Till finally, it was time for the Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff match. Slytherin was to play however they got an excuse that their seeker was hurt and moved them down a slot.

The weather was stormy. Rain was pounding along the stands and the wind howled with a fury. It was as if day turned into night as the sky darkened. Lightening rippled through the air. There was a short time out called by the Gryffindor's. A few minutes later everyone was playing again.

"NO, EWAN!" someone yelled. Dementors were suddenly everywhere, hundreds of them. "NO, EWAN!" Ewan shook his head to clear his mind and watched as Harry fell nearly fifty feet to the ground.

Dumbledore saved him before he hit the ground. Ewan ran to the field, knocking into dozens of others. The voices were muted over the sound of rain and wind. Ewan ran to Harry's side followed by Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the Gryffindor team.

Hours passed, Ewan was alone in the Hospital Wing with an unconscious Harry. Madam Pomfrey first told him to leave; thankfully Professor Dumbledore explained the truth to her. She had tears in her eyes at the news but quickly went to her office to leave the brother's alone.

Harry's eyes soon opened.

"Harry!" said Ewan quietly, not trusting his voice. "Hey, how are you feeling?"

"What happened?"

"You fell…" said Ewan. "Like fifty-feet! Everyone thought you were dead."

"What about the match?"

"You almost died and you're worried about a game!"

"Who won?"

Ewan was quiet for a moment. "Hufflepuff won."

Harry was quiet. Ewan felt bad. "Harry, you're a great seeker, you couldn't have done anything.

"Did someone get my Nimbus?"

"Er – when you fell, it blow into the Whomping Willow. Professor Flitwick got it for you…" Ewan grabbed the parcel under the bed; it was Harry's Nimbus in pieces. "I'm sorry; I'll get you a new one for Christmas if it makes you feel better."

* * *

Ravenclaw beat Hufflepuff in their next match. Ewan was smirking the entire time. This was Ewan's own little version of revenge, though Hufflepuff did win fair and square against Gryffindor, Ewan still wanted pay back.