Here's some more of this. I got distracted by other things and my brain is really struggling to write lately. Sorry. I'll do my best and double-check that I don't have any completed chapters of anything that haven't been posted (I just spotted a Memoirs chapter I'll be posting next). If there's anything you want me to update let me know and I'll try to get my brain working on it.


Harry and the others were worried when they saw Farlan that evening. While he'd always looked a bit frazzled and unkempt, it was only exasperated by his injuries. His skin had paled a few shades making the mark from the hippogriff's talon on his face stand out. His arm had remained unseen as it was bandaged and in a sling at dinner. They had wanted to check up with him after Hermione had mentioned how bad off he'd been, but he was so exhausted that he left dinner early after nearly falling asleep in his mashed potatoes.

They kept their ears out for what happened to Draco after that. Word had gotten around and it was surprising to find the Slytherin now being the one everyone ostracized and disliked. Other houses who had received Farlan's help and older students who knew him well were all giving glares and making snide comments about the Slytherin boy. Evidently, he had complained to his father at some point—probably after the twins turned their pranks on him—but nothing had been done from what they saw. As Farlan had said, there was nothing the elder Malfoy could do while Farlan was within the walls of Hogwarts.

This made the Slytherin somewhat bitter and Harry wondered how he was being handled in other classes Farlan was involved in. They weren't sharing the Dark Arts class with the Slytherins so they wouldn't see how he dealt with Draco there. Still, Farlan looked better day by day and was soon no longer bandaged or wearing the sling. It made Hagrid look far more relieved than he had been, undoubtedly blaming himself for the incident. Harry knew Farlan wouldn't blame anyone but himself though—and maybe Draco—for getting injured, but he still wanted to check in with Farlan and Hermione needed to talk about what she missed anyway.

It wasn't until Thursday that they would get a chance to speak with him though. They had the Dark Arts lesson with Lupin that day and had already heard that Farlan sat through all the classes whether he taught or not. Afterward would be his required office hours, so the trio agreed to speak with him then. Of course, they were excited to see how Lupin was as a professor too. It was their first lesson with him and they held high hopes. The man was a friend of Farlan's it seemed so they knew he would be decent, but how engaging the lessons would be were up in the air until they experienced one themselves.

"I wonder if the professor got his tardiness from Farlan or the other way around," Ron teased when they entered the classroom with all the others to have no professor or Farlan in sight.

"I think Farlan is just forgetful," Hermione admitted as Harry nodded.

"He's a bit air-headed, yeah."

When Lupin arrived a bit after the bell, the students had pulled out their quills, books, and parchments only for him to explain that it would be a practical lesson. Excitement grew as they were instructed to follow him with only their wands and Harry spoke up once he was closer to the man leading the class.

"Professor? Where's Farlan—I mean, Mr. Daggrow? I thought he sat in lessons too."

"Farlan will meet us there," Lupin replied with a small smile. "And call him what you wish. If he's permitted it, I have no say in how you all address him."

They were about the pass Peeves as he stuck gum in a keyhole, but were surprised when he began to make fun of Lupin.

"Loony, loony Lupin~" He sang.

Peeves usually held some respect for the professors and eyes went to Lupin to see how he'd react. He was smiling though, amused as he addressed the ghost.

"I'd take that gum out of the keyhole if I were you, Peeves. Mr. Filch won't be able to get in to his brooms."

Peeves just blew a raspberry, ignoring him and Lupin hummed, speaking up so the class could hear him as he drew his wand.

"This is a useful little spell. Please watch closely. Waddiwasi," he called, pointing his wand at Peeves.

The gum from the keyhole shot out and went up Peeves's nose, sending the ghost flying off as the students smiled, impressed. From there, they went to the staff room on the second floor and he herded the students inside. There were only two people there. One was Farlan, frowning lightly and muttering under his breath as he scribbled on a parchment. The other was a sneering Professor Snape who stopped Lupin from closing the door so he could leave, but not before making a snide comment.

"Possibly no one's warned you, Lupin, but this class contains Neville Longbottom. I would advise you not to entrust him with anything difficult. Not unless Miss Granger is hissing instructions in his ear."

Harry frowned, knowing Snape was bad in his own class but feeling sorry for Neville when the professor chose to insult him outside of it too.

"I was hoping that Neville would assist me with the first stage of the operation," Lupin countered, making Snape's scowl deepen. "And I am sure he will perform it admirably. Now then…"

The group was led over to where Farlan was and Lupin cracked a smile, clearing his throat to get his attention but the man didn't stop his muttering. Rolling his eyes, Lupin drew his wand and flicked it toward the ink pot for Farlan's quill. The ink rose from it like a serpent and swept over Farlan's parchment, startling the man before he saw who'd done it.

"Remus, I was working on that."

"And no harm was done," Lupin replied, sweeping the ink back into the pot and leaving the document unharmed. "The wardrobe?"

Farlan blinked as though trying to understand what was being asked of him before he nodded, moving toward said wardrobe as it wobbled and banged against the wall; making some students jump.

"Nothing to worry about. There's a boggart in there," Lupin explained, making a few students worry more. "Boggarts like dark, enclosed spaces. Wardrobes, the gap beneath beds, the cupboards under sinks. I've even met one that had lodged itself in a grandfather clock. This one moved in yesterday afternoon, and Farlan had the idea of asking the headmaster if the staff would leave it to give our third years some practice."

A few accusing looks of betrayal were aimed at Farlan but he didn't notice as he was setting up a runic circle around the wardrobe.

"So, the first question we must ask ourselves is, what is a boggart?" Lupin asked as Hermione was quick to answer.

"It's a shape-shifter. It can take the shape of whatever it thinks will frighten us most."

Lupin nodded. "Couldn't have put it better myself. So the boggart sitting in the darkness within has not yet assumed a form. He does not yet know what will frighten the person on the other side of the door. Nobody knows what a boggart looks like when he is alone, but when I let him out, he will immediately become whatever each of us most fears."

"Schrödinger's Boggart," Farlan quipped, getting a few snickers from the few muggle-borns who understood the reference.

"Quite. However, this means that we have a huge advantage over the boggart before we begin. Have you spotted it, Harry?"

Harry hadn't expected to be called on but did as best he could with Hermione bouncing beside him, eager to answer herself. "Um, because there are so many of us, it won't know what shape it should be?"

"Precisely," Lupin answered. "It's always best to have company when you're dealing with a boggart. He becomes confused. Which should he become, a headless corpse or a flesh-eating slug? I once saw a boggart make that very mistake. Tried to frighten two people at once and turned himself into half a slug. Not remotely frightening."

Farlan snorted, getting up from where he'd been marking the floor with his wand and eyeing the pattern as Lupin explained the spell they would use now.

"The charm that repels a boggart is simple, yet it requires force of mind. You see, the thing that really finishes a boggart is laughter. What you need to do is force it to assume a shape that you find amusing. We will practice the charm without wands first. After me, please. Riddikulus!"

The students chimed back in response and Lupin turned his attention to Neville, the forced volunteer. When the frightened boy was asked about his greatest fear, it took him a moment before he spoke loud enough for others to hear it was Professor Snape. There were a few snickers but Lupin just hummed.

"Neville, I believe you live with your grandmother?" He asked; the question a bit unrelated and confusing the boy.

"Um, yes but I don't want the boggart to turn into her either."

"No, no. You misunderstand me. I wonder, could you tell us what sort of clothes your grandmother usually wears?" He asked instead, and Neville gave him an odd look but did so.

"Well, always the same hat. A tall one with a stuffed vulture on top. And a long dress—green, normally—and sometimes a fox-fur scarf."

"And a handbag?"

Neville nodded. "A big red one."

"Right then. Can you picture those clothes very clearly, Neville? Can you see them in your mind's eye?"

"Yes?"

"When the boggart bursts out of this wardrobe, Neville, and sees you, it will assume the form of Professor Snape," Lupin warned. "And you will raise your wand and cry 'Riddikulus' and concentrate hard on your grandmother's clothes. If all goes well, Professor Boggart Snape will be forced into that vulture-topped hat, and that green dress, with that big red handbag."

The students chuckled at the image the idea put into their minds as the boggart rattled once more.

"If Neville is successful, the boggart is likely to shift his attention to each of us in turn. I would like all of you to take a moment now to think of the thing that scares you most, and imagine how you might force it to look comical," Lupin instructed, having the group get into a line to make things easier.

Understanding that their own fears would appear and they needed to think of something funny sobered those who had been laughing, though Hermione lifted her hand in question.

"Yes, Miss Granger?"

"What was Farlan doing?"

Farlan looked over, not expecting to be questioned but stepped aside so they could see his glowing runes on the floor. "I merely put up a barrier. It's rare but sometimes boggarts switch hiding places when overwhelmed. Fleeing before they can be banished. This will prevent it."

She nodded, obviously having more questions but biting her tongue so they could start with the boggart, and—true to his word—once Lupin opened the wardrobe a Boggart Snape stepped out to face Neville.

"R-Riddikulus!"

There was a sharp crack and the boggart stumbled back wearing his grandmother's outfit as the class laughed and the next student was called forward. This continued as each student stepped up to reveal their fears and banish them away with something ridiculous. It was eventually Harry's turn but before he could raise his wand Lupin moved in front of it with a shout. It changed into a silvery white orb that he turned into a cockroach before letting Neville finish it off.

"Excellent!" Lupin applauded the group of pleased students. "Excellent, Neville. Well done, everyone… Let me see… five points to Gryffindor for every person to tackle the boggart—ten for Neville because he did it twice and five each to Hermione and Harry."

"But I didn't do anything," Harry argued, disappointed and confused.

"You and Hermione answered my questions correctly at the start of the class, Harry," Lupin reminded him. "Very well, everyone, an excellent lesson. Homework: kindly read the chapter on boggarts and summarize it for me to be handed in on Monday. That will be all."

The students all left except Harry and Hermione—Ron choosing to head out without them—though Harry wasn't thinking about their previous concerns for Farlan. No, he was thinking about why Lupin had stopped him from having a go at the boggart. He felt insulted, wondering why Lupin did that and what his reasoning might be. Before he could ask though, Hermione was already speaking.

"Farlan, how did you do the rune circle for the boggart? There's no runic word for a boggart and they're not considered Beasts or Beings."

Farlan smiled, eyes sparking in excitement to explain and earning an amused look from Lupin as the man ensured the boggart was secured.

"It's considered a non-being and a spiritous apparition much like dementors and poltergeists."

"Your Grim too, right?"

Farlan hummed in thought. "Hm, no, I don't believe so. I think Grims are just spirits like the ghosts."

Hermione frowned in confusion and Harry spoke up, curious himself now.

"But aren't poltergeists ghosts?"

"Not necessarily. They're spirits like ghosts but ghosts were once living beings. Poltergeists typically form from the chaos and strong emotions in an area. Say they haunted a home. Abandon the home and they would disappear. Peeves is a poltergeist and unlike Nearly Headless Nick, he can manipulate objects and even be hit by spells. Grims are closer to ghosts because they cannot interact with objects and are made from once-living beings."

"So, someone buried a dog and it became a Grim?"

Farlan tipped his head. "Could be. I believe churches once buried live dogs or other animals so they would become Grims and protect the grounds from thieves and the Devil. Others believed that the most recent person buried would become a Grim until the next person came along. In regards to the runic spell though, I had to try a few things with Peeves."

"Peeves let you test things out?" Lupin questioned, surprised as Farlan nodded, looking a bit sheepish.

"The, uh, Weasley twins are a couple of pranksters and get on with him well. They helped me convince him so long as I… ignore Peeves messing with others for a while and… look into what I can do against the ghosts."

Harry snorted. "Peeves wants to prank the ghosts?"

"Among others," Farlan answered as Lupin folded his arms over his chest and leaned against a desk.

"Never took you for a prankster, Farlan."

Hermione looked between them as Farlan flushed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Do you know each other?"

"We went to Hogwarts at the same time," Lupin hummed. "Different houses. I was in Gryffindor and he was in Ravenclaw. I bumped into him tucked away at the edge of the forest one day and continued to do so."

Harry's eyes lit up in recognition as he looked at Farlan. "He's the one you said you made friends with. He knew my dad."

Lupin nodded solemnly. "James was a good friend of mine, yes. A bit of a pain at times but loyal and strong. I wouldn't be who I am without him. Though, it's good to see you finally coming out of your shell, Farlan. I never would have expected you'd be here teaching."

"I-I'm just an apprentice," Farlan countered poorly as he shook his head.

"No, these kids trust you. I've already seen that. It's good. I'm glad."

"What was he like in school?" Hermione asked, looking eager as she smiled at Farlan, who gave Lupin a pleading look as the man smiled and ignored him.

"About the same as now, though far shyer. Always had his nose in a book and kept to himself. Had a knack for handling creatures though, but was often late to class and his grades could've been better."

"I-I was dealing with some things," Farlan grumbled and Harry knew what that was but Hermione raised a brow.

"I don't think I've heard of a Ravenclaw with poor grades."

Farlan wrinkled his nose. "It's a stereotype that isn't always true. Not all Gryffindors are brave, are they?"

The two agreed on that as Farlan cleared his throat and gestured to the runes on the floor, getting Hermione to rush over so he could explain. Harry was a little curious as well, but he turned his attention to the amused Professor Lupin who was watching over them. Feeling Harry staring, Lupin offered him a small smile.

"Was there something you needed, Harry?"

Harry hesitated, not wanting to sound rude even though he had been offended by what happened with the boggart. "Um, with the boggart… why didn't you let me fight it?"

Lupin looked surprised. "I would have thought that was obvious, Harry."

Harry certainly didn't. "Why?"

"Well, I assumed that if the boggart faced you, it would assume the shape of Lord Voldemort."

Harry stared, surprised at his reasoning and that he'd said the Dark Lord's name. Harry had only heard Dumbledore do such a thing.

"Clearly, I was wrong," Lupin offered, seeing that Harry's fear had not been that. "But I didn't think it a good idea for Lord Voldemort to materialize in the staffroom. I imagined that people would panic."

"I didn't think of Voldemort. I… I remembered the dementors."

"I see. Well, well," he said with a smile. "I'm impressed. That suggests that what you fear most of all is fear. Very wise, Harry. So you were thinking that I didn't believe you were capable of fighting the boggart?"

Harry nodded, a bit flushed in embarrassment at having not realized what Lupin would have thought. "Well, yeah… Sorry, professor."

"We both assumed something that was wrong and admitted it. No reason to be sorry," he hummed as Harry hesitated for a second before speaking up.

"Could you show me how to fight dementors?"

Lupin looked mildly surprised. "You want to learn how to cast a patronus?"

Harry nodded, determined. "I don't want to be afraid of them, especially if there's a way to defeat them."

"I suppose I could. We'll have to schedule something after lessons, though…" Lupin turned to where Hermione was getting a parchment from Farlan for further research. "Farlan?"

"Hm?" He hummed, looking over curiously.

"Harry wishes to learn how to cast a patronus. I will come up with a time for him but should I be indisposed—"

Farlan nodded. "Just let me know when. I can be on standby if you wish. I'll… probably be around anyway." He frowned slightly. "Madam Pomfrey has me being monitored and escorted again."

"You were the one who stepped in front of an insulted hippogriff."

"To protect an idiot student who tried to get me fired instead of thanking me," Farlan complained as Hermione glanced at his arm.

"You… are okay though, right?"

Farlan hummed, reaching over and rolling up his sleeve to show her the scars on his forearm. "All healed with minimal lasting damage. I still need to work on my finger dexterity while the muscles finish healing but I'll be back to normal by the end of this week." He tapped the slight mark on his face. "Same with this."

"Should've let Malfoy get hit," Harry muttered but Lupin shook his head.

"Farlan wouldn't. Poor student or not, the creature was at risk. Farlan is the type to try and keep them safe over all else. Not that he wouldn't try and protect a student, but I'm sure you weren't thinking about Mr. Malfoy at all, were you?"

Farlan rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly but Harry was confused.

"I don't understand. The hippogriff wouldn't have been hurt though."

"It would have been killed," Farlan informed him with a frown as Harry's eyes widened in shock.

"W-What?"

"You saw that Malfoy went to his father to complain about me. Now, if the hippogriff had injured him, his father would have been out for blood. Creatures do not get the same respect as wizards and with his connections to the Ministry, Buckbeak wouldn't have stood a chance," Farlan explained with a sad look before shaking his head. "But that did not happen and I am fine. Now, we best be getting to the Great Hall for dinner. Hermione, if you need any more help, I'll be either in my workshed or the Dark Arts office. I'll see you both next lesson."

Harry and Hermione nodded as Lupin cracked a smile too.

"And I'll let you know what days we can start teaching you, Harry."

Harry smiled and the two left to go catch up with Ron, happy they'd gotten what they needed, and checked up on Farlan; who was quickly becoming a school favorite. Defense Against the Dark Arts had only become fun when Farlan was in charge but with Lupin added to the mix, things had only gotten better. The only one not pleased was Draco but he couldn't say anything after what happened with Buckbeak.

Care of Magical Creatures class had taken a small step back because Hagrid was worried about safety a bit more, but Farlan reassured him he was fine. Without Draco in the class, things continued to be fine as well, even when they were introduced to more volatile creatures that did hurt a few students. It was no fault of their own really though, and the mild abrasions or burns were easily healed with potions Farlan had on hand. He pleaded for them to say nothing to Madam Pomfrey since she was against anyone caring for injuries on their own after Lockhart, and they kept their word. Even the remaining Slytherins behaved, which Harry found impressive.

There were some downsides though, as Harry soon found out. October was upon them and Quidditch season came with the desperation of Oliver Wood hoping to get a Quidditch Cup before he graduated. This meant freezing, wet conditions, and long hours. Harry didn't mind too much, but then the first Hogsmeade weekend was announced, reminding him that he still hadn't gotten permission. He planned to ask McGonagall when he could but then Ron and Hermione had a fight. The two were frustrated with each other because of Scabbers's declining health which Ron felt was caused by Hermione's new cat—who went after the rat any chance he could get.

Thankfully they got along long enough to encourage him to ask McGonagall but the professor refused to let him go to Hogsmeade and Halloween came far too soon. When Halloween morning came, he begrudgingly went to see off the others before trekking back to Gryffindor Tower. There he was assaulted with questions from Colin Creevy and chose to just wander the castle instead. As if his day couldn't get worse, he nearly ran headfirst into Filch who began accusing him of causing trouble.

"Harry, I was wondering if you'd gotten lost," came a familiar voice that made Filch scowl.

Farlan had apparently come across them and was doing Harry a favor by getting him out of trouble. Harry felt a hint of relief and knew that at the very least, Farlan wouldn't ask questions and would keep him company.

"Sorry, sir. I got caught on the moving staircase," Harry lied as Farlan came over to stop beside him, giving Filch a look.

"Apologies, Filch. I asked him to come to my office. Hope he wasn't causing any trouble."

Filch looked ready to argue with him when there was a meow and Farlan looked down with a smile. Mrs. Norris was rubbing up against his leg and he crouched to scratch her behind the ear.

"And how's Mrs. Norris today? Keeping up with the patrols? I thought I saw a mouse over by the Great Hall entrance. I'm sure you can catch it quick."

Harry resisted the urge to laugh seeing Farlan coo over the least-liked animal in Hogwarts but his kindness toward her did the trick. Filch huffed and started to storm off.

"Come, Mrs. Norris. There will be no mice in this castle."

The two left and Farlan offered Harry a half smile.

"I find connecting to the pets of people often makes them feel better about you. If you need a tip for later." He handed Harry a small pouch, confusing him. "Catnip."

Harry couldn't help but grin as he took it, giving the smiling Farlan a chuckle. "You're impossible, Farlan."

He shrugged and they started up the corridor, Farlan speaking up as they went.

"If you have some time, Lupin and I can teach you a bit about casting a patronus right now. He's checking the Grindylow we had brought in for our next lesson but that shouldn't take more than a moment."

"Could I?" Harry asked, knowing he didn't have much else to do and felt he'd rather be doing that than wandering around aimlessly. "It's… It's Hogsmeade weekend and my aunt and uncle didn't sign my permission form."

Farlan frowned, giving him a small, empathetic glance. "That's a shame. Did you talk to McGonagall?"

Harry nodded. "She wouldn't help. Said the form requires a guardian's signature, though it's probably because of the whole Sirius Black thing."

Farlan hummed, scratching the back of his head. "I could try asking Dumbledore if you want. I don't know if he'll give permission but I can offer to escort you too, if you're determined."

Harry looked at him hopefully. "Really? You'd really do that?"

"I don't see why you should miss out because of their negligence. I'm assuming it was because of your inflated aunt?"

Harry nodded, explaining a bit more than he'd told him back at the Leaky Cauldron. "They said they'd sign it if I kept quiet while she was visiting for the week. That was the last day and… she insulted my parents. I just got angry and then she was…"

Farlan hummed. "I will ask Dumbledore then. McGonagall might refuse because of Sirius Black but if I offer to escort you, then the headmaster shouldn't have too big of an issue with it. I should have something to sell by the next trip out anyway. I've been working on proper hippogriff equipment. Reins, tethers, saddlebags, and such."

"Why wouldn't they have those already?"

"They do, but they tend to be rather uncomfortable and more basic. Hippogriffs are sensitive to magic like a number of magical creatures, and if they aren't treated properly, to begin with, any magic in close proximity could set them off even if it's just an expandable saddlebag. Runic magic is different. It's more… ancient? Archaic?" He frowned trying to think of the right wording. "It's something that isn't as potent and easily noticed by magical creatures. Or creatures in general, really. Runes contain magic within them but are not magic themselves. Creatures tend to ignore runes unless they're activated in a threatening manner."

"I understand expanding saddlebags, but what would you put on the reins?"

Farlan shrugged. "Strengthening runes mostly, especially for the tethers. People who ride hippogriffs are often rough with them. While it's far better to treat a creature kindly and tame them using a more rewarding system, wizards have such a bias against creatures that they usually use force to break their spirit instead. This leads to only half-tamed or shut-down creatures that are harder to handle and can react poorly out of nowhere. Tethers and reins often break or are torn when used. I simply reinforce them to make that harder using runes."

"But… you really like creatures. Isn't that just… Doesn't that mean you're helping people mistreat them?"

Farlan's eyes softened. "If I could save every creature in the world, I would but I can't. This is the most I can do and while it's not the best solution, by reinforcing the reins and tethers, the creatures are less likely to break them within sight of a wizard. There's still a chance they will break free when not in those restraints but when they are, it's usually because they're around people. If they break free, then…"

Harry realized what he meant immediately. "Oh. They break free and they'll attack someone because they're around people."

Farlan nodded. "Yes. This prevents them from being killed because of that, and the tethers and reins I make are ones that are far more comfortable for the creature than other items on the market. Many are crudely made with poor shaping or rough material that may scrape or cut into them. Mine are softer and created with the creature's shape in mind. I wouldn't use a thestral halter on a hippogriff, for example. Their heads are shaped differently and it would be a poor fit. I do species-specific items and have shops who will contact me for commissions if someone has a creature who is shaped differently than usual or if they want something more unique." He sighed then. "Though my more unique saddlebags have people asking me to create handbags for wizards now."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Harry asked as they reached the Dark Arts office.

"I do not have enough time in the day to just sit around making purses for people," Farlan grumbled. "I have enough on my plate with my runic and creature studies. I have more things to test and Dumbledore is already complaining about me falling behind."

"You never did say what you're doing for him. Is it that secretive?" Harry asked curiously and Farlan's expression hardened for a moment.

"…It's what got my mentor killed," he said softly, opening the office door to let them in as Harry winced.

He hadn't meant to touch on a sore subject but he couldn't apologize while Farlan spoke to a confused Lupin. Harry fidgeted in place for a moment, only for the door to open again and Snape walking in with a smoking goblet. He stopped when he saw Harry but Lupin spotted him and hummed.

"Ah, Severus. Thanks very much. Could you leave it here on the desk for me?"

Snape stepped forward to do so but kept his eyes on Harry suspiciously until Farlan spoke.

"We brought him to show him the Grindylow."

"Fascinating," the man muttered. "You should drink that directly, Lupin."

"Yes, yes. I will," Lupin sighed.

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

"I should probably take some again tomorrow. Thanks very much, Severus."

"Not at all," Snape replied before sweeping out of the room as Farlan muttered.

"He doesn't care for you much, does he?"

Lupin winced. "Well, I'm not sure if you'd remember but our little group wasn't exactly on good terms with him and the other Slytherins."

Farlan hummed, tipping his head a bit in thought as he tapped his temple repeatedly with his wand which—Harry noticed—had a slight silver glow on the tip.

"Um, should you really be—"

"Ah," Farlan interrupted. "I remembered. You guys hung him up from a tree once."

"What?" Harry blurted out as Lupin sighed.

"Our group of friends could go a bit… too far sometimes, even if it was all meant as a joke. Severus was a frequent target because of how he acted as a Slytherin and those he stayed with."

Farlan nodded. "I don't remember much but he wasn't the kindest person. Those he stayed with more so. They went after me a few times, I believe." He shrugged though. "I was often by myself, so it wasn't surprising."

"What is the potion for?" Harry asked then, eyeing the smoking brew Lupin sipped at.

"I've been feeling a bit off-color. This potion is the only thing that helps. I am very lucky to be working alongside Professor Snape; there aren't many wizards who are up to making it."

Harry glanced at Farlan who waved a hand in front of his face.

"I might be alright at other potions but this one is very complex. One of the things Snape excelled at—even as a student—was potions."

"Some people reckon he'd do anything to get the Dark Arts job," Harry informed them and Farlan hummed.

"Suppose so, though I think Dumbledore has it out for me. Only reason I got out of it this term was because he owed me for the basilisk."

"A basilisk?" Lupin questioned and Farlan wrinkled his nose.

"It's a long story and Harry, I was hoping to help you with the patronus but Lupin said the boggart has moved. I'd have to go find it… or another one."

Harry nodded, not entirely thrilled but understanding as Lupin offered some comfort.

"I'm sure we'll come across one soon. The castle is usually full of them."

"I'll keep an eye out," Farlan informed him. "I can offer some books as well if you'd like. I'm not sure how much they'll help though. The theory is rather simple but the casting is difficult."

"That's okay then. I've got my hands full with studying runes so I think I can wait until you find one."

"Then, I will offer my assistance should you need help with runes. You know where to find me."

Harry nodded and bid his farewell, returning to the Gryffindor Tower to wait for the return of his friends. As promised, they came back laden with sweets to give him and were thrilled when he said Farlan would speak with Dumbledore about letting him go to Hogsmeade next weekend. He was a bit worried about Lupin, what with Snape giving him a potion and side-eyeing him at the Halloween feast, but had a good enough time that there probably wasn't anything that could ruin his mood. Or, well, anything except the disaster that occurred while they were all at the feast.

A group of students was jam-packed outside the Gryffindor Tower after the feast, blocking the road until Percy edged his way through and immediately requested for Dumbledore. It didn't take long for the headmaster to show up along with McGonagall, Farlan, Lupin, and Snape. With their arrival, Harry and the others were able to get a peek at what happened and were stunned by the torn canvas of the Fat Lady's portrait that guarded the tower. Dumbledore took one look before turning to his staff, eyes serious.

"We need to find her. Professor McGonagall, please go to Mr. Filch at once and tell him to search every painting in the castle for the Fat Lady."

The cackling voice of Peeves interrupted them though. "You'll be lucky!"

"What do you mean, Peeves?" Dumbledore asked calmly, and Peeves knew better than to try and joke around with him.

"Ashamed, Your Headship, sir. Doesn't want to be seen. She's a horrible mess. Saw her running through the landscape up on the fourth floor, sir, dodging between the trees. Crying something dreadful, poor thing."

"Did she say who did it?"

Peeves's grin returned, sending a chill down Harry's spine. "Oh, yes, Professorhead. He got very angry when she wouldn't let him in, you see. Nasty temper he's got, that Sirius Black."

The students started murmuring in concern and Harry fought to ignore the looks aimed his way from students and staff alike. Dumbledore was quick to take control though, ordering the Gryffindors to be taken down to the Great Hall by Lupin while Farlan would gather the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, Snape the Slytherins, and McGonagall the rest of the staff. Once everyone was gathered, Dumbledore spoke to them all now that word had undoubtedly spread about the attack.

"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle. I'm afraid that, for your own safety, you will have to spend the night here. I want the prefects to stand guard over the entrances to the hall and I am leaving the Head Boy and Girl in charge. Any disturbance should be reported to me immediately. Send word with one of the ghosts."

Once he was gone, the students grabbed the sleeping bags he conjured and began trying to guess how Sirius Black got into the castle. Harry was confused though. If what Farlan said was true about him being framed, why would Sirius Black come to Hogwarts? If he was after Harry, it would make sense but only if he was as everyone else believed. Harry didn't want to believe that because why would he go to the tower tonight? It was Halloween night and the one night that no one would be in there. Ron thought he might have his time all mixed up but anyone could have seen the preparations being made to decorate the halls and the giant pumpkins that had been outside were hard to miss. Harry wanted to ask Farlan about this whole mess but he was off with the rest of the staff searching for Sirius Black and the Fat Lady.

The staff took turns peeking in on the students from time to time though, until three in the morning when Dumbledore returned and Harry had a chance to listen in. He wanted to know anything they found and if they caught Sirius, though he remembered what Farlan had said about the man being clever. A part of him really hoped Sirius had gotten away but another part questioned why he'd been there in the first place.

There wasn't much for the headmaster to report though. They found the Fat Lady on the second floor, completely distraught. Sirius Black had vanished without a trace, and Snape was suspicious of someone on the inside helping Sirius enter the castle. Who? Farlan? But why would he? What is here that Sirius needs? Farlan wouldn't help him if he was after me, right? But who else is there? Professor Lupin? They used to be friends, right? But even he…

Harry had too many questions and slept fitfully that night. He hadn't gotten the courage to talk to Farlan the following day and all the castle talked about was Sirius Black getting in. The worst part was the fact that the staff and Percy were constantly keeping an eye on him. McGonagall even took him aside to worry about his Quidditch practices. Then, word came in that the Slytherin team wouldn't be playing but the Hufflepuffs instead.

Oliver scrambled to try and change how they would be playing, saying that the Slytherins had some excuse they made up because they didn't want to fly in the poor weather they'd been having. They'd been training to play them the whole time though, so Oliver started stopping Harry between classes to try and give him tips for dealing with the Hufflepuffs. This, of course, made him late to Defense Against the Dark Arts but when he rushed in, it wasn't Lupin teaching.

"Farlan?" He panted, confused as Farlan offered an uneasy smile.

"You're a bit late, Harry, but considering my own tardiness most days and this being your first, I will let it go."

"Where's Professor Lupin?" Harry asked.

"Ill. He gets this way every so often so don't worry. We're to start talking about Hinkypunks today, so if you could join the others and turn to that page in your book I will get started. Professor Lupin had assured me we will have one in class by Monday as an example so we will go over what there is to know about them first and cover spell work then."

Harry took a seat begrudgingly but settled in for the lesson, relieved that at least he wouldn't get punished with Farlan teaching. Still, he definitely needed to talk to him when he could. Maybe after the match sometime. I need to focus on that right now anyway, not Sirius Black.