[A/N: Happy Belated Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays! WOW, 99 favorites and 137 subscribers~! To those who just subscribed to my story or 'favorite' my story, thank you all at the bottom of my heart! I'm glad that so many of you are still following me even though things in the story are progressing slowly. I have taken direct quotes from the movie and books, so credits to JK Rowling. As usual, the foreign languages in this story are translated from Google Translate so, please let me know if something seems off. If any of you have a fanfiction request, hit me up on PM! As always, please, comment, subscribe and favorite my story and stay tuned for the next chapter~! Also a side note, I'm planning on rewriting my other fanfic, Love's Journey. Don't expect a rewritten paragraph right away though, just another project for me to do in the future~]
Chapter 13
September 1st, Wednesday
"Oh dear, its those retched Dementors again? That has been the fifth student today!" Madame Pomfrey said with a huff as she ushered Severus into the infirmary, who was guiding Diana and Blaise in. "I have told Albus to not bring those horrid creatures here, but no, he doesn't want to hear any of it." She said, shaking her head as she helped Severus out the two into their respective beds. "Here have some chocolate." The elderly witch said as she gave each of then a sizeable piece of milk chocolate from Honeydukes. "We don't need it, Madame Pomfrey. Professor Lupin gave us some back on the Hogwarts Express." Blaise pipped in as he graciously took the offered piece anyway.
"Oh really? Finally, we have a someone who is actually competent enough for the job." Madame Pomfrey said with a satisfied nod. "Still, I want you both to eat the chocolate. Once you are done, you can go attend the Welcome Feast." With a final nod of her head, Madame Pomfrey left to her office to fill out paperwork to leave the Slytherins to munch on their chocolate, not before swishing her wand around and their clothes magically changed into their school uniform. "Pensez-vous qu'ils ont ajouté quelque chose dans ce chocolat? Chaque fois que je prends une bouchée, mon corps est chaud." (Do you think they added something into this chocolate? Every time I take a bite, my body feels warm.) Blaise wondered casually as he ate the last of his share of the chocolate. Diana shrugged her shoulders, popping her last piece into her mouth as well. Probably small amounts of Pepper-up potion. She thought.
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
"Ivanov. Ivanov!" A loud whisper called to Diana just as the Great Hall quieted down to hear Dumbledore's speech. Diana was comfortably leaned back to rest against Draco's chest as she looked over at Weasley, who looked overly smug about something. "I heard you fainted, Ivanov. I mean, you actually fainted?" Finnigan who was sitting next to Weasley pretended to faint, making a dramatic sighing sound as he did so, causing some laughter from the other Gryffindors. The moment was interrupted as Diana started to laugh softly like something had been said has amused her greatly. "Oh please Weaselbee, mine couldn't possibly be worse than yours. I heard you wet yourself and cried for your mommy like a little baby."
Weasley's face turned beet red as Blaise started making crying noises, his hands moving in a rocking motion under his eyes as he said 'mommy, mommy' in a mocking baby voice. the other Slytherins snickered in delight. Apparently, that information wasn't supposed to come out. The flustered Weasley quickly whipped around in his seat and saw Neville as a person to blame. "You couldn't keep your mouth shut, could you Longbottom. You-" Neville rolled his eyes. "Please, Weasley. I have better things to do than gossip like you." Weasley was about to say something when Dumbledore's voice cut him off. "Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Now I would like to say a few words before we become too befuddled by our excellent feast."
"First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Good luck Professor."The Great Hall is filled with loud claps as Professor Lupin stood up from his seat at the head table, a small smile on his face as he bowed a little before sitting back down. "Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher for many years, has decided to retire in order to spend more time with remaining limbs. Fortunately, I am delighted to announce that his place will be taken by none other than our own Rubius Hagrid." The Great Hall was filled with clapping and occasional cheers from the Gryffindor table.
"Finally, on a more describing note. At the request of the Ministry of Magic, Hogwarts will, until further notice, play host to the Dementors of Azkaban." Soft murmurs could be heard all around. "Until such a time Sirius Black is captured, the Dementors will be stationed at every entrance to the grounds. While I have been assured that their presence will not disrupt our day-to-day activities, a word of caution: dementors are vicious creatures. They will not distinguish between the one they hunt and the one who gets in their way. Therefore I must warn each and every one of you to give them no reason to harm you. It's not in the nature of a dementor to be forgiving." Silence befell the Great Hall as the student listened intently to the headmaster.
"But you know, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times," Everyone watched as Dumbledore ran his hand over the flickering flame of the one candles that were on the candelabra that was situated next to the podium, watching the flame disappear. "when one only remembers to turn on the light." With another swipe of his hand, the flame reappeared again.
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
"Sirius," Tom said casually as he stepped into the parlor room the animagus was occupying. "We need to talk about that night." Sirius raised an eyebrow at this from his position on the couch. "What brought this up, Tom?" The animagus asked as he watched the Dark Lord poured them both a glass of brandy over some ice. "Now that I have come back, I need to start figuring out how that old bastard got the location to my house," Tom said as he carried the glasses over to the couch, passing one of them to Sirius. "Fair enough," Sirius said, enjoying the cool glass in his hand as he took a sip of his drink before speaking again. "What do you want to know?"
"I know you let Peter be our Secret Keeper. Did he tell anybody else of this?" Tom asked, his eyes hard as he leaned forward and rested his forearms against his thighs. Sirius shook his head. "None that I know of. You'll need to ask Stepan and Valentina. He was with them during the attack." Tom simply nod. He will need to get more information from the couple. I still can't rule out Peter. He thought. Another thought popped into his mind, causing him to frown. "When the aurors arrested you, did they state what evidence they had on you?" Sirius snorted coldly at this. "They had no evidence. All they said was that there was a witness that saw me kill of those muggles. Which was absolute rubbish because I was there in the bar during the attack. The barkeep testified against me. Bastard probably got paid off." The animagus grumbled out loud.
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
"Albus, you still haven't explained to me why Lupin must be given the Dark Arts position. You are aware of what he is, correct?" Severus drawled as he moved to stand in front of the headmaster's desk. "I am well aware of what Lupin is, Severus," Albus said with indifference as he gazed at his manicured fingernails before motioning to the folded morning edition of the Dail Prophet from yesterday morning. "Sirius Black has been cited in Diagon Alley! Aurors urge civilians to lock their doors and not engage with Black!" The bold words seemed to scream out from the front page. "You have read yesterday's morning edition, correct?" Dumbledore asked, his blue eyes gazing up at the potions master over the rim of his half-mooned glasses.
Severus nodded but had a confused look on his face. "What does this have anything to do with Lupin?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow but also have a knowing smile on his aging face. "You and I both know that Lupin and Black were friends during their days in Hogwarts." Severus' eyes widen slightly once he understood what the old man's intentions were. "You plan to lure Black here...What in God's name for? Is this to discredit the Minister of Magic?" Dumbledore chuckled softly, his blue eyes twinkled menacingly with determination. "Once the public hears that I, Albus Dumbledore, has caught the infamous mass murderer faster then Cornelius Fudge, my popularity to take up the position as Minister of Magic will increase."
Severus frowned slightly as if the thought had brought up more thoughts. "I don't think Remus will willingly agree to lure his best friend here." Dumbledore didn't look the slightest bit concerned about this. "This wouldn't be the first time I had to alter his mind. Severus."
September 2nd, Thursday
"Welcome to Divination. My name is Professor Trelawney. You may not have seen me before. I find that descending too often into the hustle and bustle of the main school clouds my Inner Eye." The middle age woman with thick glasses said wispily. Diana rolled her eyes before tapping her thumb against her ring. ".. -. -. . .-. /. -.-. / - -.- / .- ... ... .-.-.- / .. ..-. / -.- - ..- / ... .- -.. / .- -. / .. -. -. . .-. /. -.-. / - ... . -. / -.- - ..- / .- - ..- .-.. -.. / ... .- ...-. / -. - - .. -.-.. -.. / ... - .- / .-. .- - ... . - .. -.-. / -.- - ..- / .-.. - - -.- / .- .. - ... / - ... - ... /. -. - .-. - - ..- ... / -. .-.. .- ... .. ... .-.-.-" (Inner eye my ass. If you had an inner eye, then you would have noticed how pathetic you look with those enormous glasses.)
She heard the gang who were scattered around the classroom, snorted softly which went undetected by Professor Trelawney. "So you may have chosen to study Divination, the most difficult of all magical arts. I must warn you at the outset that if you do not have the sight, there is very little I will be able to teach you. Books can take you only so far in this field..." The professor said while adjusting the shawl around her slim form. "Many witches and wizards, talented though they are in the area of loud bangs and smells and sudden disappearings, are yet unable to penetrate the veiled mysteries of the future." The professor slowly got out of the winged chair she was sitting in and started walking around the front of the classroom.
"It is a Gift granted to few. You, boy," Professor Trelawney suddenly turned her attention to Neville, who was sitting in the back of the classroom. Neville pretended to look nervous. "is your grandmother well?" The gang could tell Neville was struggling not to raise an eyebrow at the woman while he kept the nervous look on his face. "I-I think so." Professor Trelawney gave a sad smile while shaking her head gently. "I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, dear." She then turned her attention back to the class, not noticing the dark look on Neville's face. Diana could see his fist was clenched tightly under the table. "-.. - -. .-. - / .-.. .. ... - . -. / - - / ... . .-. .-.-.- / ... ... . / .. ... / .- ..- ... - / .- / ..-. .-. .- ..- -.. .-.-.-" (Don't listen to her. She is just a fraud.) Pansy said.
".. / -.- -. - .- .-.-.- / .. / ... .- -.. / .- ..- ... - / - .- .-.. -.- . -.. / .- .. - ... / - -.- / -. .-. .- -. -.. - - - ... . .-. / -... . ..-. - .-. . / -... .-. . .- -.- ..-. .- ... - .-.-.- " (I know. I had just talked with my grandmother before breakfast.) "We will be covering the basic methods of Divination this year. The first term will be devoted to reading the tea leaves. Next term we shall progress to palmistry. By the way, my dear," The professor suddenly stopped and looked at one of the Patil twins, catching her off guard. "beware a red-haired man." The Patil twins looked frightened at this and shifted closer to each other. "In the summer term, we shall progress to the crystal ball - if we have finished with fire-omens, that is." Trelawney paused for a moment to cough softly.
"Unfortunately, classes will be disrupted in February by a nasty bout of flu. I myself will lose my voice. And around Easter, one of our numbers will leave us forever." Diana rolled her eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time in this class. "I wonder, dear," Trelawney said to Lavender Brown, who was nearest and shrank back in her chair, "if you could pass me the largest silver teapot?" Brown looked relieved as she stood up and carefully passed the silver teapot to the woman. "Oh, dear? Incidentally, that thing you are dreading – it will happen on Friday the sixteenth of October." Brown looked puzzled at this and was about to ask her to clarify but one of the Patil twins pulled on her hand to have her sit back down.
"Now, I want you all to divide into pairs. Collect a teacup from the shelf, come to me, and I will fill it. Then sit down and drink; drink until only the dregs remain. Swirl these around the cup three times with the left hand, then turn the cup upside-down on its saucer; wait for the last of the tea to drain away, then give your cup to your partner to read. You will interpret the patterns using pages five and six of Unfogging the Future. I shall move among you, helping and instructing. Oh, and dear –" Trelawney caught Seamus by the arm as he made to stand up – "after you've broken your first cup, would you be so kind as to select one of the blue patterned ones? I'm rather attached to the pink."
Sure enough, Seamus had no sooner reached the shelf of teacups than there was a tinkle of breaking china. Professor Trelawney swept over to him holding a dustpan and brush and said, "One of the blue ones, then, dear, if you wouldn't mind … thank you …" Diana, Draco, and Hermione came back to their table with their filled teacups and slowly drank their tea until there were only drops of tea left on the bottom of the teacup with the dregs. They proceeded to swirl their cups three times and turned it upside down on the saucer. "Let's read our tea leaves," Draco said with a sarcastic curiosity as he lifted his cup right side up, causing Diana and Hermione to snort as they fished out their textbooks from their book bags.
Twenty minutes were spent in relative silence, the light tinkling of teacups landing against the saucers and soft murmurings. Trelawney slowly walked around to each table, assisting if needed. She finally reached their table, her wide eyes scanning over them. "Have the three of you seen on your Inner Eye?" Hermione cleared her throat as she turned the woman's attention to Diana's cup in her hand. "Professor, I having trouble reading Natalya's tea leaves." She said with mocking curiosity, causing her table mates to snicker silently. Trelawney didn't seem to notice this as she gently took Diana's teacup in her hand, her wide eyes looking down into the dregs. "The falcon...my dear, you have a deadly enemy." She said into a wispy voice.
"The club...an attack. Dear, dear, this is not a happy cup..." Trelawney said in the same voice, her head slightly shaking as she tutted softly. At this moment, everyone has stopped what they were doing to listen to what she was saying. "The skull...danger in your path, my dear..." Everyone was staring, transfixed at Professor Trelawney, who gave the cup a final turn, gasped, and then screamed, causing everyone to jump in their seats. There was a sound of another teacup shattering and no one bothered to mention anything to Seamus. Professor Trelawney sank into a vacant armchair, looking distraught as she placed her hand over her heart. "My dear girl, poor dear girl – no – it is kinder not to say – no – don't ask me…"
Diana couldn't help but rolled her eyes at her dramatics. "What is it, Professor?" Draco asked right away. Everyone had got to their feet and slowly, they crowded around their table, standing close to Professor Trelawney to get a good look at Diana's cup. "My dear," Professor Trelawney's huge eyes opened dramatically, "you have the Grim." Everyone in the class noticed Diana raise an eyebrow at this. Apparently, that wasn't the reaction Trelawney was looking for. "The Grim, my dear, the Grim!" She shouted as if Diana didn't understand what was being said. "The giant, spectral dog that haunts churchyards! My dear girl, it is an omen – the worst omen – of death!" You have got to be kidding me.
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
"Where in God's name are we going?" Diana grumbled as she walked with her Slytherin housemates and the Gryffindors down the dirt pathways through a forest, holding onto her growling Monster book. "We are nearly there, kids!" Hagrid's voice could be heard from the front of the class. The sunlight streamed through the clusters of tall oak trees as the class came to a circular opening. "Gather 'round kids! Gather 'round!" The half-giant boomed while waving his pan-sized hands for them to come closer. "Open your books to page five-" Weasley cut him off with a sneer before he could say anything else. "And how do you suppose we do that with our hands getting chewed off?" Weasley's cronies snickered in hilarity.
"Just stroke the spine of course," Hagrid said with a huff as if that information was widely known and started talking about what that page was about. "... . -.- / .- .- - -.-. ... / - ... .. ..." (Hey, watch this.) The gang felt this rings warm up from Neville's message and they turned their attention to him. While everyone's attention was all on Hagrid, the Gryffindor silently unbuckled the belt around his Monster book. The gang had to hold back laughter as Nevile positioned his book close to Weasley's arm while still keeping a strong grip on the book's mouth, the book's many eyes staring hungrily at the offered appendage in front of it.
The class was interrupted with Ron's frantic yelling as he flailed his arms around to dislodge the gnawing book, shreds of his robe and shirt falling to the ground. "S-Sorry Ron!" Neville could be heard over the laughter as the Gryffindor made a show of trying to rip the book off of Weasley's arm. "Get it off!" Weasley yelled frantically. Neville swiftly stroked the spine and snapped it shut once the book went limp, sporting the guilty look towards the redhead as the class continued to laugh at how Weasley looked with one of his robe sleeves and shirt sleeve completely shredded up to his elbow. Weasley was bright red as he glared daggers at Neville, silent promises of retribution later.
Hagrid cleared his throat, bringing everyone's attention back to him. "Anyhow, there is a reason why I brought y'all out here. I want you to meet my friend, Buckbeak." The half-giant said with a smile before he turned around and whistled sharply with his fingers. The entire class grew quiet in anticipation, heads turning side to side to see who his friend is when a creature with an eagle head, bird wings, grey colored horse body, talons for the first pair of hooves emerged from the trees. The girls in class gasped in awe at the sight of the creatures once it walked into the spot of sunlight peeking from the trees. "Beautiful creature ain't he? Can any of you tell me what this creature is?" Hagrid asked while his giant hands reached out to stroke the creature's body.
Numerous hands went up but none of them could beat Hermione. "Yes, Miss. Greengrass?" Hagrid asked though Diana could tell he wasn't happy that he had to pick a Slytherin first. "Its a hippogriff," Hermione stated, her head held high as the Gryffindors glared daggers at her for getting the answer before them. Hagrid also didn't look pleased when he said the right answer. "Good, Miss Granger. Five points to Slytherin." He said with much difficulty. The next twenty minutes were spent talking about hippogriffs and Hermione earned the Slytherins fifteen more points by the time lecture was over. "Alright, who wants to get the first ride on Buckbeak?" The half-giant asked with renewed excitements with a clap of his giant hands.
Everybody immediately turned pale at this time and took a giant step back. "Aaww, don't be shy. Hippogriffs are highly misunderstood creatures." Hagrid tried to persuade the kids but, seriously, one look at those bird-like talons doesn't convince any of them. "Ivanov." Hagrid rambled off her name seemingly at random once he realized no one wanted to step up. Diana wanted to protect because it would make her seem weak, so they silently stepped up to the Care of Magical Creatures professor. The hippogriff stirred nervously, its golden eyes stared intently at her before making a slight lunge at her with its sharp beak, causing those in her class to gasp in fright. Diana would have been food if the half-giant hadn't pulled back just a little bit.
"Buckbeak!" Hagrid chasted it before looking at her. "Hippogriffs are naturally proud creatures. Try bowing to him to show respect." Diana wanted to glare at him but decided to humor him. She looked straight into the creature's golden eyes as she slowly bowed. "That's it. Slowly now." Hagrid said in an encouraging voice. Buckbeak blinked its eyes curiously, flapping its wings for a bit before returning the gesture and bowed its head. Diana released the breath she was holding in as she stood upright, hearing the sound of the class clapping behind her. "Well done!" Hagrid said, sounding pleased that his first lesson was going so well. "Now you can come pet h-"
"Please, I can do better than you, Ivanov." Weasley sneered as he stepped from the class, proceeding to storm over. "Weasley..." Hagrid's face immediately turned pale at this. "You're not so threatening, aren't you, you stupid chick-" Buckbeak immediately reared back on its hind legs, its golden eyes shooting warning glares at the redhead with a shrill cry, making the redhead's steps falter in fright. The class gasped and let out screams just as Diana realized Buckbeak had turned its attention to her since she was the closest target, its talons catching the sunlight to make menacing glints as it cut through the air towards her.
Diana felt the wind rush out of her when she was suddenly shoved out of the way from the side. She landed on the ground with a heavy 'oomph' and she quickly rolled over just in time to see those talons slashed into Draco across his chest. "Draco!" She cried out as the blonde fell to the floor on his back, his hands already clasping over his wounds, groaning in pain as his blood quickly seeped through his fingers and his crisp white dress shirt from the three deep gashes. "Draco!" Rest of the gang shouted and rushed over, minus Neville, to make sure that Draco was fine. "Away with yah, you crazy bird!" Hagrid shouted gruffly as he threw a dead vole somewhere to the side, immediately distracting the creature after he was able to calm it down.
The half-giant quickly lumbered over, the worry written all over his face. "Make way." He said as the class split ways to let him through. Draco was still groaning as he winced at the throbbing feeling as Hagrid got a good look at him. "I'll take him to the hospital wing. The class is dismissed." He said as he easily lifts Draco into his arms.
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
"Qu'est-ce que le vieil imbécile pense au monde, de laisser ce fou avoir une créature aussi dangereuse sur le terrain de l'école?" (F) (What in the world is that old fool thinking, letting that oaf have such a dangerous creature on school grounds?) Narcissa said with a brisk voice, her face lined with worry as she shook her head a little as she gently combed her fingers through Draco's hair as he slept. She had arrived with Lucius an hour ago after they got an owl from the school about the accident and they have taken up to sit next to the hospital bed. "Rassurez-vous, mon amour. Je ferai en sorte que le vieil imbécile soit tenu pour responsable." (F) (Rest assured, my Love. I'll make sure the old fool is held accountable.) Lucius said in a soft voice, his eyes showing the strong contempt he was truly feeling inside.
Diana stepped into the hospital wing alone and made her way over to the bed. "Moi izvineniya Nartsissa i Lyutsius. YA nikogda ne khotel, chtoby Drako postradal." (R) (My apologies Narcissa and Lucius. I never meant for Draco to get hurt.) She said somberly. The two adults were taken back by this as they both got up from their chair. They looked around to see where Madame Pomfrey was, who was currently in her office filling out orders before continuing. "You don't need to apologize to us, my Lady," Lucius said with a polite bow of his head. "We don't blame you for what has happened to our son. Dumbledore and that Weasley child should take full responsibility."
Narcissa nodded her head in agreement, her soft blue eyes falling back to her sleeping son. Diana simply nodded, feeling happy to know that these two don't blame her. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, she motioned to Draco. "How is he?" Narcissa smiled softly as she fussed with the blanket, tugging it slightly to make a small bump go away. "He will be fine. Madame Pomfrey has given him some salves for the wounds and says that there won't be any scarring." Diana nodded, feeling relief wash over her. "Good. Lucius?" She asked, turning her attention to the older male. "Yes, my Lady?" He asked, his body straightening up to its full height.
"Do you know if the Board of Govenors will be sacking the Professor of Care of Magical Creatures?" The older man raised an eyebrow at this. "I wouldn't know, my Lady. I presume they will be sending owls to confirm the meeting as we speak. Is there something you would like me to do regarding this matter?" Diana's eyebrows furrowed a little and nods. "Yes, make sure Rubius Hagrid doesn't get sacked." She said, causing the two adults to look curiously at each other.
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
Tom hissed loudly as he slammed the side of his fist down on his desk, his red eyes blazing with rage. "That fucking old bastard! I knew something was going on that night!" Severus sighed as he looked at Tom through the little mirror he was given for Christmas, using as a two-way communication system."This explains everything that Greyback has said. Who knew Dumbledore would go this far to separate two people who are mated for life." Tom shook his a little, sighing heavily as he heard a knock at the door. "Come in." He ordered. The door immediately opened and Greyback stepped in, who instantly got suspicious when two sets of eyes stared at him. "What...?" Tom and Severus looked at each other briefly before turning back to look at him. "Don't mind us. What did you want?"
September 3rd, Friday
Draco winced a little as he slowly sat down next to Diana at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall at breakfast. "How are you feeling? Shouldn't you be staying longer in the hospital wing?" She asked as the rest of the gang sat down around them. The blonde scowled at the mention of the hospital wing. "I'm not staying one more night at the dreadful room. I have about had it with that infuriating woman." He said, shooting a glare at the head table just as Madame Pomfrey sat down next to Professor Flitwick. The gang snickered a little as breakfast was served.
September 9th, Thursday
The cherry wood wardrobe with mirror-clad doors rattled as if something alive was trapped inside, causing the class to take another nervous step back. "Intriguing, isn't it?" Lupin said as he casually strolled in the back of the classroom, the wardrobe rattled once more. "Anyone like to venture a guess as to what is inside?" Lupin asked as he scanned over the class. "That's a boggart, that is," Dean said. "Very good, Mr. Thomas," Lupin said with a soft smile on his face as he slowly made his way to the front of the classroom. "Now, can anybody tell me what a boggart looks like?" Hermione's hand immediately shot up in the air. Lupin silently motioned for her to answer.
"No one knows. Boggarts are shapeshifters. They take the shape of whatever a particular person fears the most. That's what makes it so-" Lupin nodded his head as he cut her off. "So terrifying, yes." He then moved to stand in front of the rattling wardrobe. "Luckily, a very simple charm exist to repel a boggart. Let's practice it now. Oh, without wands, please." He simply stated, watching students stuff their wands back into their robe pockets. "After me. Riddikulus!" He pronounced slowly. "Riddikulus!" The recited back. "Very good. A little louder. Be very clear. Riddikulus!" The class repeated once again. "Very good. Well, so much for the easy part. You see, the incantation alone is not enough." The wardrobe rattled more violently this time.
"What really finishes a boggart, is laughter. You need to force it to assume a shape you find truly amusing. Let me explain." The man said and turned his attention to Weasley with a kind smile on his scarred face. "Ah, Ronald. Will you join me up here, please?" The redhead looked nervous as he strolled up to the front of the classroom to face Lupin. The man took a tiny pause to look at the redhead closely before speaking. "Ronald, what frightens you most of all?" Diana saw Weasel's face turn bright red as he mumbles something in a soft voice. "What was that?" Lupin asked. "Spiders," Weasley said, raising his voice just a little and the class started laughing, Lupin's laughter could be heard above the class.
"Yes, frightens all," Lupin said with an amused look on his face. "And I believe you live with your family. Your mother is Molly, correct?" He asked and Weasley's face turned a little pale as he quickly glanced at the rattling wardrobe. "I don't want the boggart to turn into her either." The class laughed again as Lupin shook his head. "No, it won't," Lupin said while shaking his head. "I want you to picture her clothes. Only her clothes, very clearly in your mind." The man quickly strolled over to him before the idiot could even object. "Now when I open up that wardrobe, here is what I want you to do." Lupin leaned in to whisper something to the redhead before pulling back. "Think you can do that?"
Weasley looked like he could faint as he gulped loudly before nodding." Good." Lupin turned his attention to the rattling wardrobe while pulling his wand out from inside his robes, Weasel struggling to do the same. "Wand at the ready. 1...2...3." With a tiny flick of the professor's wand, the lock to the wardrobe door, opened with an audible click and the door slowly opened with a creak. Soft mumbling could be heard as the class waited in anticipation, watching as large spindly legs seemed to appear from the dark depths of the wardrobe, Ron's turned ghostly white and pathetic whimpers escaped his lips as a giant black widow slowly walked towards him, not noticing that Lupin had moved to stand behind him.
"Think Ronald, think," Lupin said in a soft voice as the black widow made menacing snaps with its pincers, its red eyes staring dead straight at him. With a burst of courage, the redhead said in a small squeaky voice with his wand pointed at the incoming beast. "Riddikulus!" Suddenly, the black window fell on its belly, having been dressed in tattered looking clothes that Diana almost recognized that last time she saw Mrs. Weasley and its spindly feet adorned with brown loafers, the class erupted in loud laughter. "Wonderful, Ronald, wonderful! Incredible! To the back, Ronald. Everyone, form a line!"
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
"Moy gospodin" (R) (My Lord.) A woman said as she bowed to Tom once he arrived at Koldovstoretz. "Spasibo, Misha" (R) (Thank you, Misha.) Tom said with a small smile as she stood up straight with a slight smile. "Kak rabotayet moy syn? Planiruyetsya li yego obucheniye?" (R) (How is my son doing? Is his training going as planned?) The woman had a proud smile on her face as she motioned to Tom to walk with her, their footsteps echoing a little in the empty corridor. It was night time and most of the students were in their dorms. "Da. Vash syn razvivayet svoi sily namnogo bystreye, chem my ozhidali. Bol'shinstvo studentov, kotoryye prokhodyat odno i to zhe obucheniye, kak vash syn, poluchayut po men'shey mere paru mesyatsev, chtoby poluchit' takoye zhe kolichestvo energii." (R) (Yes. Your son is developing his powers much quicker then we anticipated. Most students who go through the same training as your son takes at least a couple more months to gain the same amount of power.)
Tom smirked as he strolled alongside Misha. Of course, his son would be great, he had his blood coursing through his veins. "Gde on seychas?" (R) (Where is he now?) They turned around a corner and a sound of distant rumbling could be heard. "I chto eto za shum?" (R) (And what is that noise?) Tom asked as he noticed they were walking towards the direction of the sounds. "Tvoy syn treniruyetsya pryamo seychas s odnim sosedom po domu. To, chto vy slyshite, - eto trenirovka." (R) (Your son is training right now with a fellow housemate. What you're hearing is that training.) Tom couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at this. "My zdes'." (R) (Here we are.) Misha mentioned as they came to stop in front of a pair of iron doors with iron chains adorning it, the noise from before made the floor tremble.
"S tem, kak bystro vash syn razvivayet svoi sposobnosti, on budet gotov k Rozhdestvu." (R) (With how fast your son is developing his powers, he will be ready by Christmas.) A deafening muffled roar from behind the iron doors made it rattle in its hinges like a wild beast was trapped inside, the chains swinging a little. "Khochesh' posmotret', moy Gospod'?" (R) (Would you like to watch, my Lord?) Misha's question brought Tom out from his curiosity as he looked over at her. He silently looked back at the door before shaking his head, a soft smile on his lips. "Net. My vernemsya v vash ofis, chtoby prodolzhit' nash razgovor? YA schitayu, chto u vas yest' yeshche chto skazat'." (R) (No. Shall we go back to your office to continue our conversation? I believe you have more things to tell me.)
September 13th, Monday
Pansy subconsciously fingered the white gold rhythm heart key necklace encased with diamonds dangling from around her neck. Neville had given this to her for her birthday the day before school started and she treasured this close to heart. She let her hand drop back down to her side as she kept walking down the corridor, the sunlight reflecting off the tiny diamonds to dance onto the stone walls. "Well, well, well. Not smart for you to wandering alone in the corridor by yourself, Parkinson." Weasley said behind her. Parkinson sighed, rolling her eyes before turning around to face the redhead and his two goons. Pansy raised an eyebrow as she folded her arms across her chest.
"What do you want, Weasel? As you can see, I was busy before you came along with your horrendous looking face." Weasley's face immediately turned tomato red as he whipped out his wand from his robes, his blotchy face full of rage. "You're pretty cocky for someone who has a wand pointing at her." He hissed angrily as he made steps towards her, trying to make himself look menacing. Pansy was about to say something when another voice spoke up from behind her. "Pans, are these guys bothering you?" Pansy looked over her shoulder to see Neville walking towards her, his eyes blazing with hidden anger. She had to hide her shock from appearing on her face before answering. "No, I was just about to leave."
Weasley and his goons stared stupidly at Neville like they couldn't believe what was happening before Weasley's face turned to rage. "I should have known you would betray your house, Longbottom! " The redhead sneered with venom as the Gryffindor stopped in front of him. Neville rolled his eyes and sighed like he had heard the same damn thing every single time before cocking his arm back and let his fist fly at his face. Weasley crumpled to the floor, passed out, as his croons frantically ran to his side and tried to get him to wake up. Rather than say anything, Neville grabbed Pansy's hand and pulled her along with him down the corridor like she had intended to do.
Once they were pretty far away, they slowed down to a casual walk. "You shouldn't have done that, Neville," Pansy said with a frown as she looked over at the brown haired male. "Now everyone will know that you are on our side, especially Dumbledore." They had no stopped in the middle of the corridor, not a single student in sight. Pansy was even more confused when she noticed the smirk on Neville's face. "Relax Pans. I don't care if Dumbledore knows who I have associated with. Besides, I planning on doing a resort." Neville said with a smug look on his face as he leaned against the wall behind him. Pansy's eyes widened a little. "A resorting? Are you sure this will work?" Neville then smirked evilly. "Dumbledore doesn't have a choice. It's part of school rules if the student request for a resort."
September 14th, Tuesday
"Come in," Dumbledore said and Neville stepped into the office. "Professor, you wanted to speak to me?" He asked, not even bothering to pretend to make his voice quivering with nervousness. Dumbledore smiled his usual grandfatherly smile and motioned for him to close to the desk. "Come sit, my dear boy." Neville nods and made his way over to sit on the vacant seat in front of the desk. "Neville, I have gotten word that you want to have a resort. Is this true?" That same annoying smile on that aging face as he talked, leaning back in his chair while steepling his fingers over his chest. Neville forced a guilty look on his face. "I'm sorry Professor, but its true. I can't be in Gryffindor anymore."
Gone was the grandfatherly smile on Dumbledore's face, replaced with a deep frown. "Do not play coy with me, Mr. Longbottom. I know that you want to be moved to Slytherin." Neville's face turned cold as he folded his arms against his chest, his brown eyes boring into the old man. Dumbledore stared back at Nevile from across the desk. "My apologies, my boy, I can not do as you requested. Gryffindor is your house and will remain so until your graduate from Hogwarts." He said with a hard tone that usually symbolized that the conversation was final. Neville glared at Dumbledore before standing up and moved to stand right in front of it. He leaned forward so he was eye level with the old man, his brown eyes swirling with contempt.
"You will do as I request, Dumbledore." He said in a slow soft voice. "Because I know someone who knows the school handbook from the back of his hand and you and I both know that the request is perfectly within the realms of something a headmaster should allow."
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"Before we are too engrossed in our lovely dinner, there is something important that needs to be done." Dumbledore's voice carried through the silent Great Hall. Curious faces looked at each other with silent shoulder shrugs. "From the moment you all have arrived at Hogwarts, you all have been sorted into houses that suit you best. Unfortunately, one of us has felt that their house is unsuitable for them and is requesting for a resort." The room was filled with low mumbles as they frantically talked to each other. Who could it be? This has never happened before. Many have been told that the house they have been sorted at will remain so for the rest of their years in Hogwarts. Well, it did explain why McGonagall had a stool with the Sorting Hat on top of it next to her.
Dumbledore silently raised his arms up, instantly causing the conversations to stop. "Can Neville Longbottom please come forward." Students' eyes widened in surprise with their mouth hanging open as Neville got up from the Gryffindor table and slowly made his way to the front of the Great Hall. What in Merlin's name is going on? Neville didn't look disturbed when he heard outraged shouts coming from his formal housemates."Traitor!" One of them shouted as he finally stepped up to the stool. He immediately sat down on the stool and let the Sorting Hat plop on his head. The room waited with bated breath as they waited for the Sorting Hat to shout what new house Neville will get into. "SLYTHERIN!"
Dumbledore's face didn' show any emotions but Diana could see the anger in his blue eyes. The Great Hall was deadly silent before it erupted with loud claps from the Slytherin house as Neville got off the stool. Neville flashed a smile once McGonagall took off the Sorting Hat and the red color on his robes was replaced with green. The Gryffindor emblem on his chest was now the Slytherin crest. Neville quickly strolled over to his new table, ignoring the murderous looks from his former house. "Congrats, mate," Draco said with a grin while clapping him on the shoulder. "Welcome to your new home." Diana said with a smirk as everyone sat down to let dinner begin.
September 15th, Wednesday
"Ah, Dumbledore. It's so good to see you again." Augusta said calmly as she slowly lumbered into the parlor room with a house elf assisting her. "Its been too long, Augusta," Dumbledore said with a grandfatherly smile as he stood up per etiquette called for. Once Augusta had seated in an armchair across from Dumbledore with a small table in between them, the old man sat down as well. "What brings you here, Albus? I'm sure you must be busy now the school year has started back up again." Augusta asked while the house elf cracked away to fetch some tea for its mistress and her guest. Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Oh, well I must say the work is just as rewarding. However, I have something more troubling on my mind. That's why I came here."
"Oh?" Augusta said with a raised eyebrow as the house elf popped into the parlor room with tea. With a snap of its fingers, the teacup appeared on the small table and disappeared after Augusta mumbled a 'thank you'. "Now tell me that is on your mind, Albus. Is my grandson alright? I hope he isn't causing any trouble?" Dumbledore had long since given up asking the woman how she knew he had come about her grandson. "Neville is alright, but I'm afraid that your grandson's behavior is most disturbing." Augusta didn't even say anything as she reached out to take ahold of her teacup and brought it up to her lips, the steam from the hot liquid swirling around her face.
Taking this as a sign to continue, he did just that. "I'm not sure if you are aware of who your grandson is familiarizing himself with but they are a bad influence on him. He has been associating himself with Slytherins and many of them are children of Death Eaters. Not only that, your grandson has even requested a resort and is now a Slytherin-" Augusta suddenly placed her teacup a little too hard against the matching saucer, causing Dumbledore to immediately stop talking. "As much as I appreciate you coming here, Albus, however, I don't particularly appreciate you trying to control what my grandson does during school. If you are thinking I am going to reprimand my grandson, you better think again."
Dumbledore was taken aback at this for a second before steeling himself and frowned. "Augusta-" The woman shot him a glare before cutting him off once again. "My grandson is the head of the Longbottom family. I will support him on whatever he chooses wholeheartedly, now if you be so kind. Leave. Now." Dumbledore pierced his lips in disapproval as he stood up, looming over her. "Very well then. Good day, Augusta." He said in a curt voice before leaving the Longbottom home via Floo network.
September 19th, Sunday
"Where are you taking me?" Hermione asked with a laugh as she guided down the corridor blindly with Pansy's hands covering her eyes. "You're going to see very soon," Daphne said in a singsong voice in front of her, holding one of her hands while Diana held the other. The girls were reduced to laughter as Hermione stumbled a little in her steps, her movements sluggish like she was drunk. They finally arrived at an abandoned classroom that they had decided to use for this occasion. Diana made sure Hermione's eyes were still covered before opening the door to see that the decorations were already in place and that the birthday cake the Greengrass house elves made was already there with the 13 candles already lit. The boys silently walked around to get into position.
Diana and Daphne guided her into her room and let go of her hands. "Don't open your eyes yet." Pansy chimed out as she removed her hands from the brunette's eyes. Hermione pouted but did as she was told. "Hurry up, guys. You know I don't like surprises." The gang laughed softly and they each grabbed a confetti popper and got ready to pull the string. "Alright, you can open your eyes!" Diana said with excitement and the second Hermione opened her eyes, everyone yanked the string attached to their confetti popper at the same time, shooting gold strings into the air. Hermione let out a surprised shout when she was suddenly bombarded with loud bangs.
Everyone cheered as Hermione started laughing with a bright grin on her face. Hugs were spread around before Hermione went over to the cake and made a quick wish before blowing out the candles. "Thank you, everyone. You guys shouldn't have." Hermione said, her voice wavering a little despite the genuine smile. Pansy snorts as she lounged her arm around the brunette's shoulder. "Oh, just wait until you open your presents." The party moved to just that. Hermione received many things that would help her with her studies but the most important gift was from Christopher. He gave her a pair of diamond-encrusted barrettes with floral designs. The gang didn't question her when they saw her cheeks get tinted with pink as she read the note included with the present.
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
The door to the room swung shut as the gang left the room close to dinner time. Diana made a final look over her shoulder at the door as the rest of the gang discussed something unimportant. This was a good location. No one would think twice of looking into this room at any time let alone during suspicious times. She made her suggestions to the gang in French and they all agreed. "Nous devrons mettre en place de fortes barrières de protection autour de la porte, en particulier lors de nos petites réunions." (F) (We'll need to put up strong protection barriers around the door especially during our little meetings.) Diana smirked and nods. "C'est décidé alors. Ce sera maintenant notre nouveau lieu de rencontre." (F) (It's decided then. This will now be our new meeting place. )
October 7th, Thursday
Diana stepped into their meeting place, having just taken a shower after the first day of Quidditch practice. The gang was already there, sitting comfortably on the couch in front of the lit fireplace that the house elves gladly added to the room after cleaning everything out. As if on que, the fireplace burst in green flames and two figures stepped out from within the flames. None were worried about Dumbledore finding out about what is going on since Severus has erected the strongest protective and notice-me-not charms around the room and door. "My lord." Everyone, besides Diana, got down on one knee and bowed with respect as Diana ran over to hug her father tightly.
"All of you, rise." The Dark Lord said as he kissed his daughter on the top of her head. Diana pulled away from her father and joined with the rest of her friends in greeting Sirius. "Where are we?" The animagus said curiously, unable to recognize what classroom they were currently in. "We're using an unused classroom. Don't worry, we have taken precautions against Dumbledore." Diana mentioned and the two adults nodded in acceptance. "Now, sit down all of you. The quicker we get through this meeting, the quicker you can get back to your dorms." The gang nodded and moved to sit back down on the couch as the two grown men conjured up two armchairs and sat down on it.
"Sirius and I have decided on a plan to get Dumbledore's head spinning a little. We have decided to execute the plan on Halloween night." The gang raised an eyebrow. "Why on Halloween night? Well, besides the fact that it the night Lily died." Blaise asked curiously. "The reason is just that," Tom said offhandedly before proceeding to explain their plan. "Sirius is planning on sneaking into the school on Halloween night just after the feast. He is going to attempt to sneak into the Gryffindor common room even though there is a really high possibility that the Fat Lady won't let him in without a password.
October 31st, Sunday
"Girls, get up quickly." The Slytherin prefect girl said quickly as she peeked her head into the dorm before disappearing, leaving the door to their dorm open. The girls had just got into bed so they weren't too far into unconsciousness. "He actually did it," Daphne whispered with a Diana as the girls filed out into the common room to join the rest of the Slytherin house and stood next to Draco, Blaise, Theo, Goyle, and Crabbe. "Is everyone here?" The prefect boy asked and when he didn't get a negative answer, he and the prefect girl lead the house down to the Great Hall. Diana heard other students gossiped with each other as they slowly leaked into the Great Hall, spreading the news that Sirius Black had snuck into the school and attacked the Fat Lady.
Diana happened to look off to a darkened corridor and catches a glimpse of a black dog emerging from the shadows, making eyes contact with its yellow eyes before it disappeared back in the shadows. She smirked to herself. Suddenly the sea of students parted ways to let a couple of house elves from the kitchen struggling to carry two enormous paintings. The gang couldn't see what the painting was since they were facing the back of the painting but they could hear a boisterous female voice stricken with tears. Students could see that one of the paintings had three long slashes across it. Once the painting had completely left, the students continued filing into the Great Hall. "Students, grab a sleeping bag off to your right! Lights out in thirty minutes!" The head boy shouted from the side.
*~*~*~*:*~*~*~*
"Albus, the second floor has been cleared. I fear Sirius Black has eluded our grasps." Severus drawled softly as he strolled to stand next to Dumbledore. It has been an hour since light has been extinguished and most of the students have fallen asleep, well, except for Diana and her gang. The ceiling of the Great Hall was now covered with stars and clouds for a dreamy look rather than the usual design. "Very well," Dumbledore said as he clasped his hands behind his back while strolling slowly up and down the rows of sleeping students. "Albus, why do you think Black decides to break into Hogwarts?" Severus asked in a low voice again while walking alongside Dumbledore.
"Not now, Severus," Dumbledore said softly as he knelt down to move an arm of sleeping student back on their chest. "But Severus-" Severus proceeded to say with annoyance. "All will be explained, Severus," Dumbledore said in a hard voice that left no room for argument. Severus had a sour look on his face as he finally conceded as a prefect boy jogged over to the headmaster to mention that the search of the castle has been finished with no sight of Sirius. "Then what shall we do with the students?" Dumbledore looked at the sleeping students and hummed softly. "For in dreams, we enter a world that is entirely our own. Let them swim in the deepest ocean or glide over the highest cloud."